New York Rangers: The 5 Longest Playoff Games in Franchise History

Early on Thursday morning, the New York Rangers won the 20th-longest game in NHL history.

At 54:41 into overtime, the struggling Marian Gaborik lifted the Rangers to victory over the Washington Capitals.

That goal gave the Rangers a 2-1 win and a 2-1 edge in the Eastern Conference semifinals. It was the fifth-longest game in franchise history.

It was also the third-longest game in Washington's history, all of which they have lost. The poor Washington Capitals lost the "Easter Epic" in four overtimes to the New York Islanders, which finished on April 19, 1987 after 68:47 of extra play, the longest Game 7 in playoff history.

The Capitals also lost a longer game to the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1996, the fifth-longest in NHL history, which Petr Nedved ended with just 45 seconds remaining in the fourth overtime.

Like the Caps, the Rangers haven't had much luck in long overtime playoff games either. Fortunately, their longest losses are mostly a distant memory since they happened in the 1930s.

Aside from the magic delivered by Stephane Matteau in 1994 against the Devils, the Rangers have lost most of their overtime marathons. There was Game 7 of the 1950 Stanley Cup finals when the Red Wings' Pete Babando scored at 8:31 of the second OT.

A Game 7 in the finals had never before gone to overtime. The Rangers hadn't won a title in 10 years. And they would have to wait until 1994 to hoist another Stanley Cup.

The Rangers are trying to end their current drought this year, and they were delighted to take home a victory in Game 3 after such a lengthy battle.

Henrik Lundqvist was especially happy after losing his last seven playoff overtime games. This one actually lasted longer (54:41) than the previous seven combined (52:49).

And iron man Ryan McDonagh played a staggering (literally) 53:17 of ice time in Game 3.

The Rangers' epic victory in Game 3 wasn't the longest one the franchise has ever played, it just felt like that (especially to McDonagh).  

Let's take a look back at the five longest games in the history of the New York Rangers.

May 2, 2012, Rangers vs. Washington Capitals

In the fifth-longest game in the history of the franchise, and the 20th-longest NHL game ever, Marian Gaborik's goal on a nifty pass from Brad Richards ended the thriller with 5:19 left in the third overtime. 

March 21, 1939, Rangers vs. Boston Bruins

The 15th-longest game ever was played on March 21, 1939. The Rangers lost 2-1 to the Boston Bruins after 59:25 of extra time on Mel "Sudden Death" Hill's goal.

It was his third overtime goal of that series, which is still a record.

March 26, 1932, Rangers vs. Montreal Canadiens

The 14th-longest game in NHL history was actually won by the Rangers.

On March 26, 1932, New York beat the Montreal Canadiens 4-3 on Fred "Bun" Cook's goal (he's pictured at right, with the rest of the "Bread Line") 59:32 into overtime.

March 27, 1938, Rangers vs. New York Americans

In the 13th-longest game, on March 27, 1938, the Rangers lost 3-2 to the New York Americans on Lorne Carr's goal after 60:40 of overtime.

March 28, 1930, Rangers vs. Montreal Canadiens

The ninth-longest game of all time and the longest in Rangers' franchise history was played on March 28, 1930. In four overtimes, after 68:52 of extra hockey, the New York Rangers lost 2-1 to the Montreal Canadiens on Gus Rivers' goal.