New York Rangers: Top 20 Goal-Scorers in Franchise History

Jan 23, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the ice rink prior to the game between the New York Rangers and the St. Louis Blues at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

11. Bryan Hextall Sr.

Hextall was without a doubt one of the true iron men in Rangers history. Debuting in 1936-37, Hextall played at a time when equipment was scarce and you had to be tough as nails to simply lace up your skates and make it to the ice.

Making his full-time debut during the 1937-38 season, Hextall would not miss a game for the next seven seasons, racking up a streak of 340 games. It would take a World War to end that streak – World War II, to be exact. His streak ended in 1944 when Canadian war authorities denied him a permit to cross into the United States.

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Unfortunately for Hextall, the 1945-46 season would see more troubling news: a liver ailment limited him to just three games. Doctors weren’t sure he would be able to continue his career, but he overcame expectations to return the following season, appearing in all 60 games.

Hextall played before 82-game seasons and in an era where scoring was limited. The fact that he scored 20 goals routinely – he scored no fewer than 20 goals in every full season he played save his first and last – is a testament to the talent he displayed. Hextall was as talented as he was tough.

Next: #10 Vic Hadfield