The Forgotten Hockey Players of Broadway Podcast

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 21 we look back on the career of the former player, Coach and GM of the Rangers the colorful and feisty Emile "The Cat "Francis. Considered by many as the greatest coach and GM in NY Rangers history. 

* Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1982 

* Recognized for his outstanding accomplishments in building and coaching the NY Rangers, St. Louis Blues and Hartford Whalers

* Earned the Lester Patrick award in 1982 for his outstanding contributions to Hockey in the United States

* Was a star netminder in both Junior and Minor leagues earning All-Star births and MVP awards.

*Started his NHL career with the BlackHawks while also playing in parts of four seasons with the Rangers

*Was the innovator and inventor of the first Goalie gloves designed after the baseball first baseman's mitt.

*Developed leadership skills at a young age and quickly established himself as a successful coach and hockey executive with the Rangers organization starting in 1960.

* Coached Jean Ratelle and Rod Gilbert at Guelph in 1960-61

* Promoted to Assistant GM in 1962

* Promoted to Head Coach and GM in 1965

* Led the Rangers to nine straight years of playoff births from 1966-67 through 1974-75 including a trip to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1972.

* Coaching record of 388 wins, 273 losses, and 117 ties with the Rangers, Blues, and Whalers.

* Built a team that many consider the most elite and consistent Rangers team in the modern era designed around finesse and skill but lacking in physicality. Some say it was the most elite team never to win a Stanley Cup

* Built his Rangers clubs around star players Eddy Giacomin, Jean Ratelle, Rod Gilbert, Vic Hadfield, Brad Park, and Walt Tkaczuk

* Was the architect of many controversial trades and transactions both successful and unsuccessful. A few examples :

-Park and Ratelle for Esposito and Vadnais

-Eddie Giacomini on waivers and picked up by Detroit

Vic Hadfield to the Penguins

-Moose Dupont, Mike Murphy, Red Berenson to St. Louis

- Traded for John Davidson

- Traded for Pete Stemkowski, Bruce Mcgregor, Teddy Irvine, and Bobby Rousseau

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

In episode number 20 we look back on the Rangers career of number 18 Walt Tkaczuk one of the most popular and effective two-way centers in Rangers history. * Played 14 years in the NHL and all with the Rangers * Signed as a 16-year-old Free agent by the Rangers in 1963 *Has played in the fifth-most games in Rangers history * Centered the "Bull Dog line' during the late 1960's and all of the 70's with Dave Balon and Steve Vickers on the left wing and Billy Fairbairn on the Right wing * Should be remembered as the Rangers most effective and underrated offense and defensive line combinations in Rangers history * His line was physically tough. Known for "digging out " the puck in the corners, killing penalties, scoring shorthanded goals and as the second unit on the power play chipping in PP goals behind the GAG line * Tkaczuk had five consecutive 20 plus goal seasons from 1969-70 to 1973-74 * Earned All-Star recognition in 1970 *Led the team in points during the 1969-70 and 1970-71 seasons * Led the team in playoff goals (7) and tied for points in 1973 * Played in two Stanley Cup finals 1972 and 1979 * Earned the reputation as one of the elite shutdown centers of his era as well as one of the games top face-off artists.

In Episode # 19 we review the 2018-2019 NY Rangers training camp as well as a quick report on the first few games of the season.

* The Rangers are in the midst of a significant rebuild yet at the same time convinced that they can compete for the playoffs. Is this a realistic belief?

*Can new Head Coach David Quinn mold his team into the physically and mentally tough, hardworking and uptempo squad that embodies his philosophy? Does he have the right players to make it happen?

* Some of the youngsters trying to make an impact are Centers Brett Howden( Already off to a great start this young season), Lias Andersson (now at Hartford), Filip Chytil, Wingers Vinnie Lettieri, Pavel Buchnevich, Defenseman Tony DeAngelo, Neal Pionk as well as  Goaltender Alexandar Georgiev

* Can veteran and recent addition Adam McQuaid bring leadership, toughness and a Championship mentality to the Rangers Blue line this season. He has gotten off to a great start clearing the crease for veteran netminder Henrique Lundqvist.

* Will Defenseman Brendan Smith off to a terrific start this season continues to bring "Comeback Player of the Year " level performance for the entire 2018-2019 season.

* How will Kevin Shattenkirk respond to his recent surgery? How good of a player is he really? A first pair D-man or just an overhyped power play specialist?

* Can Henrique Lundqvist really handle being on a club in transition or should he be traded along with Zuc and underachievers Hayes, Kreider, Zibanijad, and Vesey for assets at the trade line.

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

During episode # 18 We look back at # 30 John Davidson. JD was one of the most popular and prominent players ever to play and broadcast for the Rangers in their history and for over three decades.

*Selected with the fifth selection during the first round of the 1973 NHL draft by the St. Louis Blues

* Became the first goaltender to ever jump from major junior to-the NHL 

*Traded to-the Rangers by the Blues during the summer of 1975 for popular wingers Jerry "bugsy" Butler, Bert Wilson and Teddy Irvine

* Succeeded Hall of Fame goaltender Eddie Giacomin and quickly established himself as the team's Number 1 goalie during the 1975-76 season

* Played eight seasons with the Rangers and led the Team despite an injured knee to the Stanley Cup finals against Montreal in 1979

* Led all goaltenders during the 1979 Stanley Cup playoffs in games played, Minutes and shutouts.

* Was an Emmy award-winning broadcaster for the Rangers, NHL, and Winter Olympics  from 1983-2006

* Awarded the "Foster Hewitt Award " for contributions to broadcasting by the NHL Hall of Fame in 2009

* Named President of the St. Lois Blues in 2006

* Named President of Hockey Operations of the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2012

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

In Episode number 17 we look back at the Rangers 2018 Draft and free Agent activity.

* The most critical Rangers draft in recent memory.

* Vitali Kravtsov- W-First selection- Has another year in the KHL- compared with Kuznetsov. What about Wahlstrom?

* K'Andre Miller- D- First Round selection- Raw and new to the Defense position. Big, Strong and athletic- Too much of a reach for the first round? What about Hobson or Wilde?

*Nils Lundkvist- D- First round selection- Small but smart and mature player. A real leader but with limited upside? Another first-round reach?

* Olaf Lindblom- G- Second round selection- the First goalie taken in the draft- A monumental mistake? Not even ranked as one of the top 3 goaltenders.

* The rest of the picks are not believed to be difference makers. Are the experts right?

* The Rangers 2018 draft was set up to potentially put the team on a Stanley Cup trajectory for years to come. Did Clarke and Gorton deliver?

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

In Episode #16 we look back at one of the greatest left wingers in Rangers history and a member of the historic GAG Line (goal a game) Number 11 Vic Hadfield.

*Originally a member of the Chicago Blackouts prior to being selected by the Rangers during the 1961 inter-league draft.

* Played for the Rangers from 1961-1974.

* Came into the NHL as a physical and imposing left winger and one of the better fighters in the league.

* Led the NHL in penalty minutes with 151 during the 1963-64 season.

* Friend and former teamamate Bobby Hull convinced Hadfield to start useing a curved stick which immediately elevated his goal scoring production.

* During the 1967-68 season, Emile Francis put Hadfield on the left Wing of Center Jean Ratelle and right wing Rod Gilbert in order to protect them from being abused by the other clubs enforcers. This move paved the way for Ratelle and Gilbert to get the time and space they needed to showcase their trendous offensive skills.

* Starting in 1967-68 Hadfield Scored 20 or more goals for nine  consecutive seasons.... seven with the Rangers and 2 for the Penguins.

* Named Team Captain in 1971.

* First Ranger ever and only the sixth in league history at the time to score 50 goals in a season in 1971-72.

* Played in 2 NHL ALL-Star teams.

* Drew league wide critiscism during the 1972 Summit Series for leaving the team while representing Team Canada due to a perceived lack of playing time.

* In a contoversial end to his Rangers carer Hadfield was traded to the Penguins after the 1973-74 playoff loss to the Flyers.

* Joining his GAG teamamates Ratelle and Gilbert Hadfield will  have his number #11 retired at MSG during the upcoming 2018-2019 season.

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

In Episode number 15 Rob And I take a look back at the 1979 Rangers Exhilarating, stunning and entertaining run to the Stanley Cup finals.

* The Rangers were led by First-year Head Coach and former Flyer Skipper and two time Stanley Cup champion Fred Shero

* Phil Esposito enjoyed his best year as a Ranger

* Rookies Don Maloney and Donny Murdoch contributed significantly to Esposito's and the Teams success in the playoffs

* Goaltender John Davidson played through injury and was the difference in the playoff wins against the Flyers and Islanders

* The Rangers qualified with the fifth-best record, and played the Los Angeles Kings in the first round, winning 2–0. 

*The Rangers then took on Fred Shero's old team the heavily favored Philadelphia Flyers in the Conference semi-finals, winning the series easily 4–1. 

*The Rangers then played their cross-town rival New York Islanders the Conference Final, stunning the best team in the NHL during the regular season winning 4–2 to qualify for the Stanley Cup Final against the Montreal Canadiens

* The Rangers scored two quick goals in game 1 and defeated the Canadiens 4-1 at the forum

*The Rangers lost the Cup in five games to Montreal earning the defending champions their fourth Stanley Cup in a row.

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

In Episode # 14 we remember one of the top goaltenders in Rangers history. A player ranked number 31 amongst the top 100 Rangers of all time ...number 34 John Vanbiesbrouck.

*Selected in the 4th round of the 1981 NHL draft

* Started his first game for the Rangers as an 18-year-old rookie in December of 1981 defeating the Colorado Rockies 2-1

*Played 11 seasons for the Rangers 

* Nicknamed "Beezer."

* Led the Rangers to the Eastern Conference finals in 1985-1986 Season

* Earned the Vezina Trophy during the 1985-1986 season

* Named NHL First Team All-star during 1985-1986 Season

* Earned numerous Rangers Team awards from 1984-1989 seasons

*Most career assists by a Rangers goalie with 25

* Most penalty minutes by a Rangers goalie with 212

* Appeared in 8 international tournaments including 2 Canada Cups while with the Rangers

*Inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall Of Fame in 2007

* As a Florida Panther he was a three-time all-star and led the team to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1996.

* Also played for the Flyers, Islanders, and Devils

* Currently the GM for the USHL Muskegon Lumberjacks

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

In episode # 13 Rob and I look back at one of the grittiest and clutch left wingers to ever play for the Rangers...number 12 Don Maloney.

*Ranks Number 26th in the Top 100 Rangers of All-time.

*  second-round pick for the Rangers during the 1978 Amateur Draft.

* Played 11 seasons with the Rangers scoring 195 goals and 307 assists

*Scored a goal on his very first shift during his first game as a Ranger against the Boston Bruins.

* Had five straight 20 goal seasons and twice notched 29 goals.

*Earned All-star game honors during the 1983 and 1984 seasons winning the All-star game MVP award in 1984 game.

*Played Left wing on the "Mafia Line" with Phil Esposito and Don Murdoch during 1978-79 Stanley Cup Finals season.

* Most points by a rookie in one playoff year 20 in 1979.

*Signed with the Islanders as a free agent in 1989.

* Succeeded Bill Torrey as GM for the Islanders for the 1992-93 season.

* Served as assistant GM for the Rangers in 1997 and VP of Player-Personnel till 2007.

*As Gm of the Coyotes Earned the first ever GM of the Year honors in 2010.

*Currently a Vice President with the Calgary Flames organization.

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

In Episode # 12 My new co-host Rob Berger and I take a look back at one of the greatest Centericeman to ever play in the National Hockey League, number 77 Phil Esposito.

*One of the NHL's top 100 players of all time

* Member of the NHL Hall of Fame- 1984

*Involved in one of the most significant blockbuster trades in NHL history. Moving from Boston along with Carol Vadnais to the Rangers for Brad Park, Jean Ratelle, and Joe Zanussi.

* Was named Rangers Captain immediately following the trade and played six seasons with the Rangers.

* Helped Lead the Rangers to the Stanley Cup finals in 1979

* Scored 184 goals and 404 points as a Ranger

* First player to score his 600th goal in a Rangers uniform in 1977

* Earned the Lester Patrick Trophy in 1978 

* NHL All-Star Game 1977, 1978 and 1980. Participated in 10 games during his career

* Participated in the Canada Cup in 1976 and the World Championships in 1977

*  Head Coach of the Rangers in 1986-87 and the latter part of 1989

* GM of the Rangers from 1986- 1989

* Rangers television Analyst 

* Led Team Canada to victory over the Soviet Union squad in the 1972 Summit series

*Won Two Stanley Cups as a member of the Boston Bruins

* scored 76 goals in 1970-71

* 5-time winner of the Art Ross Trophy

* 2-time winner of the Hart Memorial Trophy

* 2-time winner of the Lester B Pearson  Trophy

* Had his uniform number 7 retired by the Bruins in 1984

* Retired as the second leading all-time goal and point scorer and third in assists

* played in 10 NHL All-star games with the Rangers and Bruins

* started his career with the Chicago Blackhawks in 1963-64

* Founded the Tampa Bay Lightning franchise in 1992