What happened on October 16 in the history of the New York Rangers
On this date in 1988, Guy Lafleur scored his first goal in almost four years in a 3-2 win over Vancouver at Madison Square Garden. It was a power play goal in the first period and it gave the Blueshirts a 1-0 lead. He also assisted on a Leetch power play tally in the first period. They were the first two points for Lafleur after four scoreless games.
Lafleur was making a comeback with the Rangers, already inducted into the Hall of Fame after he retired in November 1984. The last goal he had scored was on October 25, 1984 and his last point had come on November 1.
In his one season with the Rangers, Lafleur scored 18 goals and 45 points in 67 games, a successful return from four years of inactivity. He played two more seasons with the Quebec Nordiques before hanging up his skates for good after the 1990-91 season.
Two divisions for the NHL
On this date in 1926, the NHL announced it was dividing into two divisions with the addition of the New York Rangers, Chicago Black Hawks and the Detroit Cougars. With that expansion the league grew from seven teams to ten, with the need for two five-team divisions.
The Rangers were in the American Division along with the Black Hawks, Cougars, Boston Bruins, and the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Canadian Division was composed of the Ottawa Senators, Montreal Canadiens, Montreal Maroons, Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Americans.
How the New York Americans were placed in the the Canadian Division is anyone’s guess.
The NHL remained a two division league until 1938-39 when the Montreal Maroons folded and the league returned to a one division format composed of seven teams.
Today’s birthdays
18 NHL players have been born on October 16 with two former Rangers and one future hopeful.
Goaltender Talyn Boyko was born on this date in 2002 in Drumheller, Alberta. He is currently playing for the Tri-City Americans in the WHL. He was a fourth round selection (#112 overall) in this years NHL Entry Draft.
Darius Kasparaitis was born on this date in 1972 in Elektrenai, USSR. A first round pick of the Islanders in 1972, the defenseman was known as one of the hardest body checkers in the NHL and after 11 seasons with the Isles, Penguins and Avalanche, he made his way to the Rangers as a free agent. He played four years with the Rangers and the Lithuanian is credited with starting the center ice salute after a win, first done by the Rangers and now emulated by every NHL team. he finished his career playing two seasons in the KHL.
Wilf Paiement was born on this date in 1955 in Earlton, Ontario. The right winger was a well traveled pro, playing 14 years in the NHL for six different teams, including eight games with the Rangers in 1986. Paiement was a top scorer in the NHL, notching 356 goals in 946 games including seasons of 41, 40 and 39 goals. He is the all-time leading goal scorer (47) in Kansas CIty Scouts history.
The numbers
The Rangers have played 29 games on October 16 and they have an even won-loss record in regulation along with three ties. They are undefeated in shootouts, having won two on this date.
Games: 29
Regulation wins: 12
Regulation losses: 12
Ties: 3
Shootout wins: 2
Points percentage: .534