New York Rangers Daily Dose: Marian Gaborik and His Hat Tricks
Welcome back to the Thursday edition. We hope all New York Rangers fans are having smooth week and gearing up for some weekend fun or relaxing, whichever your preference.
Today we are going to try something different. Normally, the Daily Dose gets recent news to you from around the Rangers and NHL worlds.
However, with today being Thursday and all, we decided to use today’s edition as a Throwback Thursday” article.
So, let’s break from the norm, and change up things.
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Eyes On Isles
Our focus shifts to remembering Marian Gaborik. On July 1, 2009, he signed a five-year contract with the Rangers worth $37.5 million. He would only be in a blue sweater for three and a half seasons, before being traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2013 for present Ranger Derick Brassard, along with two other players and a draft pick.
Much criticized for his disappearing act in the Stanley Cup Playoffs and streaky regular season scoring, Gaborik did bring a freshness to the lineup. That freshness was in the form of being an elite sniper, something the Rangers had been longing for since perhaps the Jaromir Jagr era.
Let’s take a look back at some of the magic of Gaborik’s time on Broadway, namely his top hat-tricks with the Rangers.
First hat trick with the New York Rangers- January 31, 2010
In his first year with New York, Gaborik and fans saw his best season. He recorded 86 points in 76 games, tying his career-high in goals with 42 and added 44 assists, which was three more than his highest total as Minnesota Wild.
In this clip, you could see the explosiveness and offensive ability of Gaborik as he brought the Colorado Avalanche to their knees in a regular season win:
First three goals of Gaborik’s 2010-2011 season- November 14, 2010
Coming off the previous season, much was expected of the former Rangers sniper. However, it didn’t get off to the start he and the team wanted.
Early into the season, Gaborik suffered a shoulder injury which limited his effectiveness as a scorer. His goals dropped 20 goals and he missed a month.
However, he lit the lamp three times in one his first games coming back. On this night, it was the Edmonton Oilers who had a front row seat to the Ma-GIK show:
Four-goal blitz of the Maple Leafs- January 19, 2011
Perhaps, his best game was one where Toronto fans may still want to forget.
In the same 2010-2011 season, Gaborik and the Rangers welcomed the Maple Leafs to Madison Square Garden. That night, he would score five points in the game (four goals, one assist) in a 7-0 shutout win.
The best part of this look back is the great Rangers announcer Sam Rosen letting his “soul-brother” side out on the third goal:
Gabby’s Hattie in Original Six matchup- January 23, 2013
Remember when Marian Gaborik was on a line with Brad Richards and Rick Nash?
It seems so long ago, but it was a real thing. If only these players were under Alain Vigneault‘s eye, things may have been different that season. Perhaps, that different ending in the Stanley Cup Final against the Los Angeles Kings.
Unfortunately, fans will never know of what may have been. Things happen for a purpose.
In this last clip, Gaborik contributed three goals to a thrilling overtime 4-3 win over the Boston Bruins, with Gaborik scoring the overtime and game-winning goal.
What was your memorable moment of Gaborik’s time on Broadway?
Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts. We will catch you all tomorrow!
Next: New York Rangers and the Great One
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