The Rings & The Rangers

Going back to NHL hockey after this outstanding Olympics will be a difficult task to be certain but it is one we must do - after all, who can wait another four years for more pucks?

Before we look forward to the last 20 games of the regular season, let's look back at the five Rangers who suited up in Vancouver. Three of the five brought back medals, not too shabby but not great considering two were for being first loser and one was for second loser.

Ryan Callahan
USA: 6 games, no goals, 1 assist, 2 PIM, 56:02 total ice time
Cally started the Olympics getting a regular shift but was bumped from the rotation by none other than Chris Drury. To his credit, the demotion didn't knock him down and he was able to contribute when called upon - primarily on penalty kills alongside Dru. Cally made several huge shot blocks in the first win over Canada and was always good for a body check. He had a great chance to score against Switzerland but pulled his best Chris Higgins and blew it; he never really got another good opportunity. Cally's lone point came on Dru's goal against Norway - his low shot was easily stopped by Dru banged in the rebound. Hopefully Cally will come back hungry to show he does indeed have a scoring touch and isn't a mostly useless extra part like he was in Vancouver.

Chris Drury
USA: 6 games, 2 goals, no assists, no PIM, 68:07 total ice time
Drury's other goal was the United States' go-ahead marker in the first match against the Canadians. With the other American forwards battling in front, Dru swooped in unmolested to tap home the puck and put the U.S. up 3-2. It was classic Drury - coming through in the clutch when the opposition was concentrating on the more dangerous players on the ice. But even with the two tallies, Dru's best work came with Cally on the kills. As was written in this space before, when you ignore the contract and the captaincy Dru makes a great third or fourth line center. Too bad the money and the honour are both so grand that they cannot be ignored. Much like the disgrace of losing to Sidney Crosby.

Marian Gaborik
Slovakia: 7 games, 4 goals, 1 assist, 6 PIM, 119:58 total ice time
Gabby's biggest moment of the Olympics was the one that he wasn't there for - with the Slovaks trying to complete a rally and force overtime against the Canadians in the semifinals, he was in the locker room with an unspecified injury. TSN's Bob McKenzie tweeted that it could be groin related but when Slovakia played two nights later, there was Gabby looking pretty good as he scored the first Slovak goal. So we have no idea just what is up with him or what kind of shape he will be in when returns to the Rangers. We do know that he got a measure of revenge against Hank for the goaltender's errant skate a few weeks back with a goal in Slovakia's elimination of the Swedes.

Olli Jokinen
Finland: 6 games, 3 goals, 1 assist, 2 PIM, 77:17 total ice time
Olli is ending his international career and returning to New York with a bronze medal around his neck. He opened the Olympics with a easy power play goal in Finland's first game (against Belarus) before going goalless over the next four games. To break the drought Ollie shaved off his mustache - and looked even creepier if that is possible - and it worked: his fortunes changed for the best with a pair of goals on Jaro Halak as the Finns beat the Slovaks to capture the bronze. It must be said that both goals were sexy - a nice snipe through traffic and a burst through the defense before sliding it five-hole on Halak. Seeing as he scored the game-winner against Pittsburgh just before the Olympic break, we know he can score some timely goals while wearing a Blueshirt as well as the Suomi ... we just have to hope he can keep it up, something he had trouble doing in Calgary when it came down to it.

Henrik Lundqvist
Sweden: 3 games, 179:05 minutes, four goals allowed on 51 shots, .927 save %, 1.34 g.a.a., 2 shutouts
Don't let the two shutouts fool you, Hank did not play particularly well in Vancouver and the Swedes were bounced in the quarterfinals. Hank barely broke a sweat against the Germans in Sweden's 2-0 win where the two biggest saves were made by the iron behind him. He took the Belarus game off but came back to shutout the listless Finns, who were a different team than the one that beat Slovakia. They only put 20 shots on Hank and hardly tested him. In the quarterfinal the Slovaks pressed the attack far more than the Finns had and touched him for four goals. Two were with the man advantage and two came as a result of Nick Lidstrom doing his best impression of Michal Rozsival. Yes, that Nick Lidstrom. I'm just as shocked and hurt to say that as I am sure Hank was to witness it. But in the end, the Rangers will get back Hank in better physical shape than he was after '06 but with an unknown mental state. Was he overconfident or just plain satisfied in '06 after winning gold? Will this defeat make him hungrier this time around or will it defeat him? Seeing as Torts will ride him the rest of the way, we have to hope for the hunger ...

The Rings & The Rangers: A Journey Through Stanley Cup Glory

The New York Rangers, one of the Original Six franchises in the National Hockey League (NHL), have a storied history filled with both triumph and heartache. Their pursuit of the Stanley Cup, the most coveted prize in professional hockey, has been marked by iconic moments, legendary players, and unforgettable victories. In this exploration of "The Rings & The Rangers," we delve into the team's remarkable journey through Stanley Cup glory.

Chapter 1: The Early Years

The New York Rangers were founded in 1926, making them one of the NHL's oldest franchises. Madison Square Garden, their iconic home arena, became the backdrop for some of the earliest battles for the Stanley Cup. Led by legends like Frank Boucher and Lester Patrick, the Rangers captured their first Stanley Cup in the 1927-28 season, a mere two years after their formation.

Chapter 2: The Curse of 1940

The Rangers' early success in the 1920s and '30s was followed by a championship drought that haunted the franchise for decades. The 1939-40 season marked their last Stanley Cup win before an agonizing 54-year gap, a period often referred to as "The Curse of 1940." Rangers fans longed for another championship banner to hang in Madison Square Garden.

Chapter 3: The 1994 Breakthrough

The curse was finally lifted in the 1993-94 season when the Rangers, led by the likes of Mark Messier, Brian Leetch, and Mike Richter, defeated the Vancouver Canucks in a thrilling seven-game Stanley Cup Final. The momentous victory ended the longest championship drought in NHL history and etched the names of the heroes of '94 into Rangers lore.

Chapter 4: Iconic Players

Throughout their history, the Rangers have been home to some of the greatest players in NHL history. Legends like Messier, Leetch, Rod Gilbert, and Eddie Giacomin have worn the Rangers sweater with pride. These players not only achieved individual greatness but also played pivotal roles in the team's quest for the Stanley Cup.

Chapter 5: Enduring Fan Passion

Rangers fans, known as the "Blue Shirts," are some of the most dedicated and passionate in the NHL. Madison Square Garden, affectionately called "The Garden," becomes a cauldron of energy during Rangers games, with fans chanting and rallying behind their team. The fan base's unwavering support has helped the Rangers through their highs and lows.

Chapter 6: Recent Contention

In recent years, the Rangers have rebuilt their roster and positioned themselves as contenders once again. Emerging stars like Artemi Panarin and Adam Fox have injected new life into the franchise. While another championship has remained elusive, the future looks bright for the Blueshirts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How many Stanley Cups have the New York Rangers won?

A1: The New York Rangers have won four Stanley Cups in their history, with championships in the 1927-28, 1932-33, 1939-40, and 1993-94 seasons.

Q2: Who is the Rangers' all-time leading scorer?

A2: Rod Gilbert holds the Rangers' franchise record for most career points and goals.

Q3: What is the significance of "The Curse of 1940"?

A3: "The Curse of 1940" refers to the Rangers' inability to win the Stanley Cup for 54 years following their 1940 championship until their victory in 1994.

The New York Rangers' journey through Stanley Cup glory has been a rollercoaster of emotions for players and fans alike. From the early years of success to the enduring passion of their fan base, the Rangers have cemented their place in NHL history. While their quest for another championship continues, the team's legacy remains firmly rooted in the hearts of hockey enthusiasts and New Yorkers alike. The rings, the legends, and the unwavering fan support have all contributed to the Rangers' enduring mystique in the world of professional hockey.