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The 10 best trades in the history of the New York Rangers

By Steve Paulus

Canadian professional hockey player Mark Messier of the New York Rangers hoists the Stanley Cup championship award trophy over his head as teammates American Brian Noonan (#16) and Canadian Glenn Healy (#30) look on during the opening night of the 1995 NHL season, Madison Square Garden, New York, January 20, 1995. The 1994-95 Season was shortened to the 1995 Season because of a lockout in Fall 1994. The Rangers opening game was against the Buffalo Sabres and they lost 2-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios/Getty Images)
Canadian professional hockey player Mark Messier of the New York Rangers hoists the Stanley Cup championship award trophy over his head as teammates American Brian Noonan (#16) and Canadian Glenn Healy (#30) look on during the opening night of the 1995 NHL season, Madison Square Garden, New York, January 20, 1995. The 1994-95 Season was shortened to the 1995 Season because of a lockout in Fall 1994. The Rangers opening game was against the Buffalo Sabres and they lost 2-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios/Getty Images) /
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Canadian professional ice hockey player Pete Stemkowski #21 of the New York Rangers skates on the ice during a game at Madison Square Garden as opponent Guy Lapointe (left) of the Montreal Canadiens approaches at some distance, New York, 1970s. Stemkowski played for the Rangers from 1971 to 1977. (Photo by Melchior DiGiacomo/Getty Images)
Canadian professional ice hockey player Pete Stemkowski #21 of the New York Rangers skates on the ice during a game at Madison Square Garden as opponent Guy Lapointe (left) of the Montreal Canadiens approaches at some distance, New York, 1970s. Stemkowski played for the Rangers from 1971 to 1977. (Photo by Melchior DiGiacomo/Getty Images) /

# 9 Center Pete Stemkowski acquired from Detroit for Larry Brown

October 31, 1970

Pete Stemkowski had been a solid NHLer for nine years when Emile Francis acquired him from Detroit for rookie defenseman Larry Brown. Coming off a career-high 25 goal season in 1969-70,  Stemkowski was an excellent faceoff man and was seen as a an important piece of the Stanley Cup puzzle.

Larry Brown was a highly regarded rookie defenseman, but his career in Detroit was short as he was dealt back to New York the next season. He played nine years in the NHL for four teams.

Stemkowski played seven years with the Rangers, topping the 20 goal mark three times. He was a clutch playoff performer with 36 points in 55 Ranger playoff games.

Stemkowski scored two of the most famous goals in Rangers history, both in the 1971 Stanley Cup Semifinals against Chicago.

The first was an overtime goal in game one.

Facing elimination in game six, he scored at 1:29 of the third overtime to force a seventh game (which the Rangers lost).

Stemkowski is one of three Rangers to score in the third overtime of a Stanley Cup playoff game (Marian Gaborik in 2002 and Bun Cook in 1926 are the others).

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