The Forgotten Hockey Players of Broadway Podcast

A nostalgic look back at our favorite heroes and legends who wore the red, white and blue for the rangers during the 60's,70's and 80's.

In Episode # 30 we look ahead to the Rangers upcoming 2019-2020 season.

* Will young and exciting talent like Igor Shesterkin, Kaapo Kakko and Vitali Kravtsov make the team or be sent to the AHL ?

*Will new veteran star players such as Jacob Trouba and Artemi Panarin bring a swagger and much needed skill and leadership to the lineup.

* Does talented Alexander Georgiev supplant Henrik Lundqvist as the Rangers starting goaltender ? 

* How will new President John Davidson affect the rebuild that has been several years in the making by GM Jeff Gorton.

* Can David Quinn mold this group of players into the tough, physical, gritty and skilled team that he envisions during this upcoming season?

A nostalgic look back at our favorite hockey heroes and legends who wore the red, white and blue for the Rangers during the 1960s,70's and 80's.

In episode number 29 we look back at the career of one of the toughest, and courageous team players in the history of the Rangers. Winger George McPhee. During his 7 year career in the NHL and 5 with the Rangers from 1982-1989 McPhee displayed his toughness, courage, and willingness to do whatever it took to help his team succeed during the regular season and the playoffs. He has also established himself as one of the most successful Presidents and General Managers in the game today.

* Despite being only 5'9 and 170 lbs, McPhee earned the distinction as being one of the best fighters to ever compete in the NHL and quite possibly the best pound for pound fighter in Rangers history along with heavyweights Orland Kurtenbach, Nick Fotiu and Colton Orr.

* Signed with the Rangers as an undrafted free agent in 1982 after winning the Hobey Baker award as the top NCAA hockey player while playing for Bowling Green.

* Made his NHL debut during the Rangers 1983 playoff series against the Flyers. His ferocious and stellar play in that series helped the Rangers stun and defeat the Heavily favored Flyers to advance the Rangers to the next round of the playoffs. He also became only the second player to score three goals in a single Stanley Cup playoff prior to playing a regular-season game. 

* Scored 12 goals and led the team in penalty minutes despite playing in only 49 games as a Ranger during the 1984-85 season.

* Ended his playing career with the Devils in 1989.

* After stints as an executive with the Canucks and Islanders McPhee was named GM of the Capitals prior to the 1997-98 season. His career with the Capitals ran from 1997- 2014 which included seven Division championships and one Stanley Cup final.

* He is currently the President of the Las Vegas Golden Knights and earned the GM of the Year Award during the 2017-18 season for building a Stanley Cup Final team in their first season in the league.

A nostalgic look back at our favorite hockey heroes and legends who wore the red, white and blue for the Rangers during the 1960s,70's and 80's.

In episode number 28 we look back at the career of the winningest American born NHL Hockey coach in former Rangers and current Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella.

* He is known for his fiery disposition and been known to create controversy amongst visiting teams, the media and within his own organization.

* Prior to replacing Tom Renney as a coach in February of 2009 Torts was an assistant coach for the Rangers during the 1999-2000 season. Prior to that an assistant for the Sabres and the Coyotes.

* With the Rangers Tortorella helped build a winning culture with a  physically and mentally tough hockey team that focused on defense first while also encouraging all his players to sacrifice and block shots at every opportunity.

*His first Head coaching job was with the Tampa Bay Lighting starting with the  2000-2001season and lasting till the end of the 2007-2008 campaign.

* Tortorella won the Stanley Cup in 2004 while also earning the Jack Adams Trophy as the NHL coach of the year.

* John Tortorella earned the Jack Adams award for a second time after the 2016-2017 season with the Blue Jackets.

* Tortorella currently leads all American born NHL coaches with over 600 career victories.

A nostalgic look back at our favorite hockey heroes and legends who wore the red, white and blue for the Rangers during the '60s, '70s, and '80s.

In episode number 27 we discuss the 2019 NHL Semifinal playoffs, the search for a new Rangers Team President and finally the career of one of the strongest and most intimidating players in Rangers and NHL history, former team captain and All-Star defenseman # 5 Barry Beck.

* Selected # 2 in the 1977 NHL Draft by Colorado Rockies.

* set an NHL record for most goals scored by a rookie defenseman with 22.

* Finished second in the Rookie of the year ( Calder Trophy) voting to Mike Bossy.

* Named to the NHL All-Star Team his first 5 years in the league( 3 times with the Rangers).

* Traded to the Rangers in a mega-blockbuster deal shortly after the start of the 1979-80 season for Pat Hickey, Lucien Deblois, Mike McEwen, and Dean Turner.

* Scored 14 goals during a solid first year with the Rangers.

* Accumulated 232 penalty minutes during his second season with the Rangers.

* Major shoulder injuries limited his once dominating body checking ability and hard shot from the point on the power play. 

* His crushing injury during game 4 of the Rangers and Islanders 1984 playoff series catapulted the Isles to a come from behind victory in that elimination game and then on to the series victory in game 5. One of the most devastating injuries in Rangers team history.

*Finished his 10 season career with the Kings.

* Currently lives in Hong Kong and serves as the Head Coach of their National Team while also running a popular Hockey Academy.

 A nostalgic look back at our favorite hockey heroes and legends who wore the red, white and blue for the Rangers during the 1960s,70's and 80's.

In episode # 26 we review the exciting 2019 NHL Draft Lottery and its impact on the Rangers as well as a review of the Rangers season and finally a discussion on the departure and career of President Glen Sather.

* Rangers and Devils were the final two franchises standing for the shot at Jack Hughes and the number 1 selection during the upcoming 2019 NHL Draft.

* The Devils won the lottery with the Rangers securing the number 2 selection and the likelihood of drafting a power forward Kaapo Kakko of Finland.

*Kaapo would bring to the Rangers much needed size, elite goal-scoring skill, and toughness. 

*The Rangers finished the 2019 season with positive growth and performances from Right-wingers Pavel Buchnevich and Ryan Strome as well as young goaltender Alexander Georgiev

*Glen Sather has stepped down after 19 seasons as the GM( 10th) and later  President (12th) of the NY Rangers.

* Sather will remain with the Rangers in an advisory role to owner James Dolan

* How will Sather be remembered as the architect of the Rangers club over the past 19 seasons?

* As a hard-nosed player with the Rangers Sather played in parts of 4 seasons appearing in 188 regular season games

* He scored 18 goals and 24 assists for 42 points along with 193 penalty minutes 

* Sather started his playing career with the Bruins while also playing for the Penguins, Canadians, Blues and Noth Stars

*Glen Sather was inducted into the HOF in 1997 for his work building and leading the Edmonton Oilers to 5 Stanley Cups as a coach and GM

A nostalgic look back at our favorite hockey heroes and legends who wore the red, white and blue for the Rangers during the '60s, '70s, and '80s.

In episode number 25 we recap the Rangers moves at the 2019 NHL trade deadline. 

* Traded soon to be UFA Right Wing Matt Zuccarello to the Dallas Stars for :

Conditional 2019 second-round pick, conditional 2020 third-round pick.

* Unfortunately Zuc went on to sustain a broken arm after registering a goal and an assist in his very first game with the Stars.

*Traded soon to be UFA Center Kevin Hayes to Winnipeg for :

 2019 first-round pick, F Brendan Lemieux and a conditional 2022 fourth-round pick

* Traded Defenseman  Adam McQuaid to Columbus for :

 2019 fourth-round pick, 2019 seventh-round pick, D Julius Bergman

* Did the Rangers Grade well with their return?

* Can Jeff Gorton and Gordie Clarke parlay the additional draft picks into bonafide future stars that turn the club into legitimate Stanley Cup contenders in a few years?

* Around the league did San Jose fortify their club with the Nyquist acquisition?

* How about the aggressive moves by the Blue Jackets? They are going for it! Can they finally get over the hump and become Stanley Cup contenders while retaining Panarin and Bobrovsky?

A nostalgic look back at our favorite hockey heroes and legends who wore the red, white and blue for the Rangers during the '60s, '70s, and '80s.

In episode number 24 we look back on the career and recent retirement of number 61 former Blue Jacket, Ranger, and Bruin winger Rick Nash.

* First-round draft pick of the Columbus Blue Jackets and the first overall selection pick of the 2002 NHL Draft.

* Nominated for the Calder Trophy as NHL Rookie Of The Year

* scored 41 goals in his 2nd NHL season *

* 5 time All-Star with the Blue Jackets and Rangers

* NHL Foundation Player Award in 2008-2009 for his work in the community

*Internationally, Has represented Team Canada at the Winter Olympics( two Gold Medals)  and World Championships( one Gold)

*Played 15 seasons in the NHL, played in 1,060 games and scored 437 goals 368 assists for 805 points.

* Was considered a Human Highlight reel during his time with the Blue Jackets. A  power forward with great size, speed, reach, strength and determination 

* His highlight goal scored in the last 25 seconds to defeat  the Arizona Coyotes in 2008 is considered one of the greatest goals ever scored.

* Was able to "Dangle the puck" along with an incredible inside-outside power move that confused defenseman and goaltenders alike to create scoring chances.

* Traded to the NY Rangers for Artem Anisimov, Brandon Dubinsky, Tim Erixon and a 2013 First round pick

* Played 6 seasons with the Rangers, appeared in 375 games and scored 145 goals and 107 assists for 252 points.

* scored 42 goals for the Rangers during the 2014-2015 season.

* his career with the Rangers was marred by injury and he was never able to play a complete season with the club.

* Unfortunately he was unable to replicate his level of play/performance seen with the Blue Jackets with the NY Rangers especially during the Stanley Cup playoffs. 

* In 73 playoff games with the Rangers Nash was only able to notch 14 goals and 24 assists for 38 points.

* Will he make the HOF and have his number 61 retired by the Blue Jackets?

A nostalgic look back at our favorite hockey heroes and legends who wore the red, white and blue for the Rangers during the '60s, '70s, and '80s.

In episode number 23 we look back on the outstanding career of one of the Greatest "homegrown" players in Rangers history...wearing number 4 Defenseman Ron Greshner.

*Played 16 seasons with the NY Rangers 1974-1990

* Drafted 32nd overall by the Rangers in the 1974 amateur draft.

*Played in 982 carer NHL games, all with the Rangers

*Scoring 179 goals and 431 assists for 610 points( at the time of his retirement he was the Rangers all-time leader in points, goals, and assists by a defenseman later surpassed by Brian Leetch)

* Recognized as the fourth best Rangers defenseman in history behind Harry Howell, Brad Park, and Brian Leetch

* Currently ranks number 12 on the all-time list of New York Rangers

* Selected to the All-star team in 1980

* Selected to the NHL 1979 Challenge Cup team as a reserve vs. USSR

* One of the most gifted and dynamic offensive defenseman to play in the NHL during his 16 years in the league

* Scored 20 goals or more four times including 24 in 1977-78 and 27 in 1980-81

* Key contributor to the 1979 Stanley Cup finals team

* Team captain during the 1986-87 season

* Enjoyed being part of the NYC scene with other members of the club during his career and a contributor to charities in the Community including heading up the Ron Greshner Foundation to support Autism research and awareness.

* numerous injuries throughout his career possibly kept him from being the Greatest Rangers Defenseman of all-time and a HOF player

A nostalgic look back at our favorite Hockey heroes and legends who wore the red, white and blue for the Rangers during the 1960s, 70's and 80's.

In episode number 22 we look back on the teams and players who were the Rangers fans most hated rivals during the '60s,70's and 80's

* During the '60s the Montreal Canadians tormented Rangers fans with rough and tough players like John Ferguson, Terry Harper, and Ted Harris. * How about the Physical Battles with the Boston Bruins during the '60s and '70s with players like John MacKenzie, Teddy Green, Bobby Orr, Wayne Cashman, Phil Esposito, Derick Sanderson, and Don Marcotte. * Can we ever forget the rath and fury directed at the most penalized and aggressive team in NHL History during the '70s and '80s..the Philadelphia Flyers with Bobby Clarke, Dave The "Hammer" Shultz, Moose Dupont, Hound Dog Kelly, and Don Saleski. Later in the '80s, it would be Behn Wilson, Glen Cochrane, Paul Holmgren, Mel Bridgeman, Dave Hoyda, Kenny Linseman, Brian Propp and Rich and Ron Sutter * The New York Islanders of the mid 70's who shocked the Rangers during the 1975 playoffs and then winning four consecutive Stanley Cups with tough, gritty and elite players like Gary Howatt, Bob Nystrom, Billy Smith, Dennis Potvin, Mike Bossy and Bryan Trottier. Later in the '80s, it would be the Sutter brothers Duane and Brent along with Pat La Fontaine, Pat Flatley, and Mick Vukota. * John Ferguson would later become GM of the Rangers * Moose Dupont drafted by the Rangers would go on and torment his former club for years while winning two Stanley Cups with the Flyers * Phil Esposito would later be traded to The Rangers and while also Coaching, announcing and leading the organization as GM * Derick Sanderson would also go on to play briefly for the rangers * Wayne Cashman would go on to be an assistant coach for the Rangers * Bryan Trottier would go on to coach the Rangers for a short stint * Pat La Fontaine would go on and play for the Rangers

* Dennis Potvin chants are still heard today at MSG

** Let us know who you believe were the Rangers fans most hated, teams and players.

A nostalgic look back at our favorite Hockey heroes and legends who wore the red, white and blue for the Rangers during the 1960s, 70's and 80's.

In this Bonus episode, we look back at Vic Hadfield night at MSG this past Sunday, December 2nd, 2018. During this historic, entertaining and sentimental ceremony the New York Rangers added the former captain and left winger for the famous GAG line to the list of former Rangers greats to have their number retired and lifted to the Garden rafters. The great number 11 has now joined fellow linemates Rod Gilbert, and Jean Ratelle in having his number retired and all three members of the Greatest scoring line in Rangers history will have their uniform numbers hanging side by side atop the rafters at MSG.

* Only the 10th Ranger to have his jersey retired joining: #1 Eddie Giacomin #2 Brian Leetch #3 Harry Howell #7 Rod Gilbert #9 Andy Bathgate and Adam Graves #11 Mark Messier and Vic Hadfield #35 Mike Richter

* Eloquent and heartfelt speeches by former GAG linemates Jean Ratelle and Rod Gilbert as well as former Coach and GM Emile Francis. * Former teammates who attended to support and honor Hadfield were Bob Nevin, Eddie Giacomin, Pete Stemkowski, Bruce McGregor, Teddy Irvine, "The Chief" Jim Nielsen, Members of the "BullDog" Line Steve Vickers, Walt Tkaczuk and Bill Fairbairn. As usual, the loudest ovation was for Hall of Famer Brad Park * Also attending was Ron Greshner and other Rangers greats Mark Messier, Adam Graves, Brian Leetch, and Mike Richter.

* I would have liked to have seen the ceremony take place during a scheduled game with an original six club such as the Boston Bruins or Chicago BlackHawks. * A briefer Ceremony should have and could have taken place at the scheduled Face-off time so most if not all of the fans would be seated while and bringing energy, enthusiasm, importance and respect to Vic Hadfield and all of the other Ranger greats in attendance on this historic evening in Rangers history. * Fellow teammate and Rangers President Glen Sather along with Current GM Jeff Gorton should also have been at ice level participating in the ceremony.

* Finally thus far it has been a Ranger's travesty not to have Hall of Famer Brad Parks number 2 retired at this time. Hopefully, Rangers Management will do the right thing and make this happen in the very near future.