Longtime New York Rangers coach and general manager Emile Francis reportedly famously remarked on hockey’s unpredictable nature, remarking, “This game is slippery.” “It’s played on ice.” That notion has rung true since the NHL’s founding 107 years ago, with oddities and one-of-a-kind experiences becoming part of the Rangers’ rich history from their inaugural game on November 16, 1926.
On that momentous night, the Rangers defeated the defending Stanley Cup champion Montreal Maroons 1-0 in their debut at Madison Square Garden. The game was remarkable not just for its triumph, but also for a heated third-period brawl involving Rangers player Frank Boucher and Maroons player Bill Phillips. Boucher’s NHL career, which spanned 557 regular-season games and 55 postseason appearances, included only one fight, which resulted in a five-minute major penalty and a $15 fine.
Another memorable incident in Rangers history came on April 7, 1928, in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final. Back then, clubs only had one goalkeeper, so when Rangers goalie Lorne Chabot was hurt, coach and general manager Lester Patrick was compelled to step in. Despite his age and position as a defenseman, Patrick wore Chabot’s gear and held the Maroons to one goal in overtime before the Rangers won 2-1. His heroics helped tie the series, and the Rangers won their first Stanley Cup with replacement goaltender Joe Miller. Patrick’s incredible feat became a memorable event in the team’s history.