The Top Ten Most Important People in Rangers' History: No.1

Before I get to the number one most important person(s) in Rangers’ history, let’s recap:

At number ten I chose the first pure goal scorer the Rangers ever had in Andy Bathgate. At number nine I chose one of the best general managers in franchise history with Emile Francis. Coming in eighth place was a hockey legend in the early days of the NHL, Lester Patrick. Seventh place went to the all-time leader in scoring on the Rangers’ list with Rod Gilbert. Number six went to one of the best goaltenders in Rangers’ history, Eddie Giacomin.

Fifth place went to the player that helped get the franchise out of the dark ages and where they are now, Jaromir Jagr. Fourth place went to the best goaltender in franchise history, the legend, Mike Richter. Stanley Cup MVP Brian Leetch finished in third place and finally, “The Captain” himself, Mark Messier finished in second place.

So how about number one?

Which player gets the honor of being the most important person in Rangers’ history? Actually, it’s not a player. Okay, so which coach? Sorry, wrong again. So it’s had to be a GM or an owner then, right? Sorry but once again you’ve answered wrong.

The honor of being the number one most important person in Rangers’ history goes to the FANS. That’s right, where would this franchise be without the most loyal fans in the NHL? Nowhere, exactly.

People say, “Oh you only like them because they’re a winning team now.” To me that is the most insulting thing you can tell me (other then my wrist shot isn’t good).

Just remember one thing folks, it wasn’t so long ago when the Rangers were the laughing stock of the NHL. It was a nightmare to wear a jersey or a hat of theirs out in public, but we hung in there! We filled Madison Square Garden on a nightly basis even when the team was out of playoff contention.

If that doesn’t show dedication, I don’t know what does. There are some first place teams over those years that didn’t even sell out!

So, the series has come to an end. I know there may have been some players on there that shouldn’t be honored or maybe there are players missing that you think deserve to be recognized, but how can the history of this franchise be summed up into ten articles?

Bottom line is, it can’t. This series has been a celebration of my favorite team, and one of the most esteemed franchises in the NHL. I am proud to call myself a Rangers fan, I am proud to bleed blue.