Over the past century, the New York Rangers have had some incredible players wear their iconic Blueshirt uniform. Some achieved something that is usually granted to them by another person or teammate, which is a nickname.
These three Rangers have the greatest and coolest nicknames. They were also very prominent figures in this franchise's centennial history.
Let's talk about it.
Mark "The Captain" Messier
What an incredible Ranger to start off with. Mark Messier, otherwise known as "The Captain" , did something that so many other players tried to do before him. He was the leader and one of the most crucial reasons why this organization was able to lift the curse from 1940 and win the 1993-94 Stanley Cup.
His shining moment with this franchise has to be "The Guarantee" from game six of the 1994 Eastern Conference final against the New Jersey Devils. Facing elimination in one of the best regular season performances from any Blueshirt teams, he told the media that they, "We'll win tonight". And, they did via a miraculous hat-trick in the third-period from their captain.
Rod "Mr. Ranger" Gilbert
No one, and I repeat, no one, holds a nickname quite like this one. Rod Gilbert, nicknamed "Mr. Ranger", personified what it takes to be a member of the Rangers organization and how to do it by setting the bar. On October 14, 1979, he. became the first player to have his number retired by the Rangers, further cementing his legacy.
He was a crucial part of the GAG-line, or goal-a-game line, with Vic Hadfield and Jean Ratelle. The trio became not only the best line on the Rangers, but was amongst the best in the entirety of the NHL throughout the 1960s.
Gilbert is still the only player to ever score over 1000 points in their career with the Rangers and also has the most goals scored with 406.
Henrik "King Henrik" Lundqvist
There is no denying that Henrik Lundqvist deserved every part of his nickname. Known as "The King" or "King Henrik", he is the greatest goaltender in the 100-year history of the Rangers.
Over the course of 15 seasons, he was a dominant figure on the ice and a fan favorite to millions of Rangers fans. Lundqvist earned his nickname by his eloquence and class, both on and off the ice.
The Rangers have a long-standing history of great goaltenders, and Lundqvist was certainly one of them. He passed his knowledge and wisdom to current Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin, nicknaming him "The Prince". Maybe one day, he could dethrone "The King" for one of the best nicknames in Rangers history.