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Rangers goalies revisited: Cup success but not in New York

By Brett Schultz

Goaltender John Vanbiesbrouck blocks a shot during the NHL All-Star game. Credit: Rick Stewart /Allsport
Goaltender John Vanbiesbrouck blocks a shot during the NHL All-Star game. Credit: Rick Stewart /Allsport /
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VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – JUNE 21: Kaapo Kakko speaks to the media after being selected second overall by the New York Rangers during the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena on June 21, 2019 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images)
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – JUNE 21: Kaapo Kakko speaks to the media after being selected second overall by the New York Rangers during the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena on June 21, 2019 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images) /

Before the NHL draft, when G.M.’s all across the league try to divine who will become the stars of the future, let’s take a moment to get to know New York Rangers legends of the past, starting with goalies.

Long before Igor Shesterkin came to town, prior to Henrik Lundqvist being crowned “The King,” even before the magic of Mike Richter, Madison Square Garden has rocked through the decades with cheers for those minding the net.

Given that the Rangers have only four Cup wins in nearly 100 years of existence, that means a lot of fan favorites toiling away without even a shot at a championship. Three goalies in particular achieved their greatest success away from New York.

His own worst enemy

Lorne John ‘Gump’ Worsley joined the Rangers in 1952 and won the Calder Memorial Trophy
Canadian ice hockey player Gump Worsley (born Lorne Worsley), goalkeeper for the New York Rangers, reaches for an airborne hockey puck during a game, 1950s or early 1960s. (Photo by Robert Riger/Getty Images)
Canadian ice hockey player Gump Worsley (born Lorne Worsley), goalkeeper for the New York Rangers, reaches for an airborne hockey puck during a game, 1950s or early 1960s. (Photo by Robert Riger/Getty Images) /

The following season, the reigning Rookie of the Year made the mistake of requesting a raise of $500 and was banished to the WHL. After being named league MVP, he was brought back to New York for the 1954-55 season.

He was the highlight on terrible New York squads for almost a decade, regularly having to stop a barrage of shots. Once, when asked which team gave him the most trouble, his answer was: “The New York Rangers.”

He eventually committed the sin of being linked to a potential players’ union. That got him traded to Montreal and buried in the minors for most of two seasons, though he was around to help the Canadiens win four Stanley Cups in five years.

He took home the Vezina Trophy in 1966 and 1968, and won eleven straight games in the ’68 playoffs. But his habit of speaking his mind led to another career setback. In the ’69-70 season, upset by losing playing time to Rogie Vachon, he quit the team.

The North Stars convinced him to play for them and he spent five years in Minnesota before retiring in 1974.

Gump Worsley was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1980.

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