Over nearly a century in the NHL, the New York Rangers have showcased some of the most prolific and memorable lines in hockey history, along with a range of inventive nicknames.
These lines have drawn inspiration from various sources, including the subways beneath Madison Square Garden, nationalities, food, animals, and movies. They’ve featured Hockey Hall of Famers, trios that played together for multiple seasons, and players who spent only a brief time with the Rangers. Some lines have played crucial roles in securing Stanley Cup victories, while others have come up short or struggled to reach the playoffs.
No matter the results, each of these lines holds a special place in the hearts of New York hockey fans.
Here’s a look at some of the most memorable lines in Rangers history.
It’s not uncommon for a team to include a physical player on a forward line to safeguard two offensively-focused teammates. This approach is perfectly illustrated by one of the most dominant lines in Rangers history since World War II.
Gilbert and Ratelle, both hailing from the Montreal suburbs, were signed by the Rangers as teenagers—Gilbert at just 14 and Ratelle soon after, thanks to Gilbert’s recommendation. They played junior hockey together in Guelph, where they were a dominant force against goalies. In June 1961, the Rangers selected Hadfield from the Chicago Black Hawks in the Inter-League draft. Although Hadfield lacked the finesse of Gilbert and Ratelle, he added much-needed toughness to the team and led the NHL in penalty minutes with 151 in the 1963-64 season.
Hadfield’s offensive game improved over time, and by the 1965-66 season, he was paired with Ratelle at center and Gilbert on the right wing, thanks to GM-coach Emile Francis. Despite dealing with back problems over the next two seasons, the line began to click in 1967-68. Hadfield scored 20 goals for the first time, while Ratelle (78 points) and Gilbert (77 points) finished fourth and fifth in NHL scoring.
The line, initially unnamed, was later referred to as “The GAG (Goal-A-Game) Line” due to their prolific scoring. Their performance was so impressive that they were soon dubbed “The TAG (Two-A-Game) Line,” with all three players surpassing 40 goals—a first in NHL history. They combined for 312 points, including Hadfield’s historic 50-goal season, achieved despite playing with a broken thumb, with his final goals coming on the last day of the season.
Ratelle had an outstanding 46 goals and 109 points in 63 games, contending with Phil Esposito of the Boston Bruins for the scoring title. Unfortunately, his season was cut short on March 1, 1972, when a slap shot from teammate Dale Rolfe broke his ankle. Despite his injury, Ratelle played through the pain as the Rangers made it to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 1950. They ultimately lost to the Bruins in six games, with Ratelle playing under significant duress.
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