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Best of the best: The New York Rangers’ all-time team

By Scott Esposito

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 17: Brian Leetch #2 of the New York Rangers holds the Stanley Cup Trophy as his teammates Mark Messier #11 and goalie Mike Richter #35 ride along with him during the New York Rangers Stanley Cup Ticker-Tape Parade on June 17, 1994 after they defeated the Vancouver Canucks in New York, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images Studios/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 17: Brian Leetch #2 of the New York Rangers holds the Stanley Cup Trophy as his teammates Mark Messier #11 and goalie Mike Richter #35 ride along with him during the New York Rangers Stanley Cup Ticker-Tape Parade on June 17, 1994 after they defeated the Vancouver Canucks in New York, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images Studios/Getty Images) /
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Mark Messier hoists the Stanley Cup (Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios/Getty Images) /

First line

Left Wing – Bun Cook  (HOF)

Years: 1926-36

Stats: 433 games, 154 goals, 141 assists, 295 points

Adjusted stats: 282 goals and 490 assists for 772 points.

Skinny: Assisted on the first goal in franchise history, scored by his brother, Bill, with whom he played on “The Bread Line” (along with Frank Boucher).

Center – Mark Messier  (HOF)

Years: 1991-97, 2000-04

Stats: 698 games, 250 goals, 441 assists, 691 points

Skinny: Delivered on his “guarantee” and potted the winner in Game Seven of the 1994 Finals to help the Rangers win their fourth Cup in franchise history, ending a 54-year championship drought on Broadway. During that postseason, “The Messiah” had 12 goals, 18 assists, and four game-winners. In his first season in New York (1991-92), he won the Hart Trophy after posting 35 markers and 72 helpers.

Right Wing – Rod Gilbert  (HOF)

Years: 1960-78

Stats: 1,065 games, 406 goals, 615 assists, 1,021 points

Skinny: Franchise leader in points and goals, and third in games. Had 67 points (34 goals) in 79 playoff games and was the first number retired by the team (No. 7 in 1979). … Member of the team’s famous Goal-A-Game line with Vic Hadfield and Jean Ratelle. … Slowed some by back troubles most his career, he had spinal fusion surgery in 1961 and 1965.

Next up, the second line.

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