To celebrate the New York Rangers Centennial season, it is important to look back on the greatest players to rock the Blueshirts sweater. There have been a ton of legendary players, but if you were to take the top four and throw them on Mount Rushmore, what would it look like?
Let's take a look.
Henrik Lundqvist
As one of not only the greatest goaltenders in Rangers history, but NHL history, Henrik Lundqvist should be right in the middle of this Mount Rushmore of Rangers. The King was every bit of that nickname, and he amazed millions of die-hard fans without fault.
A generational talent from the unlikeliest of beginnings, Lundqvist rose to superstardom in the world's most famous arena, Madison Square Garden. With a franchise-record 459 wins, he carried on the legacy built from great goaltenders like Eddie Giacomin and Mike Richter, and then passed it along to current goaltender Igor Shesterkin.
Mark Messier
The Captain. The Guarantee. The Mess. What a fantastic player and incredible leader for the Rangers when they needed it most in the 1990s and early 2000s. Mark Messier is an unanimous decision for the Rangers' Mount Rushmore.
In 698 games over his 10-year tenure with the Rangers, Messier amassed 250 goals and added 441 assists for 691 points. His most compelling feat, though, came in the 1993-94 Stanley Cup Playoff run and the lifetime of memories that came from it.
Rod Gilbert
Mr. Ranger undoubtedly deserves to be on the Rangers' Mount Rushmore. He played his entire 18-year career with the Blueshirts and holds the franchise record for both goals, 406, and points at 1021. He is also the only Rangers player to have over 1000 points for their time in New York.
On October 14, 1979, Gilbert became the first Rangers player to have his number retired up to the rafters of Madison Square Garden. His impact on the game also earned him a spot in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Brian Leetch
Brian Leetch was such a presence during his playing career, he could be identified as the prototype of the modern-era offensive defenseman. With five 20-goal seasons and 247 goals overall from the blue line, he was an X-factor.
He sits on the Rangers' leaderboard for having the second-most points in franchise history with 981 points. Leetch's accolades include a Calder Memorial trophy in 1988-89 and two Norris Trophy awards.
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