Rod Gilbert And NY Rangers Off-Season Moves - Episode # 46

The Forgotten Hockey Players of Broadway Podcast

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

*In episode number 46 Tom, Rob and Mike discuss the Great Career of former Rangers Right Winger and "Hall Of Famer" Rod Gilbert who passed away this past August. They also touch on the roster moves made this past summer by Chris Drury and how the team may preform to start the season.

*Gilbert was unquestionably the Greatest "homegrown" player to ever spend their entire career with the Rangers as well as the greatest right wing to ever play for the club.

* Gilbert holds the Rangers all time record for Goals 406 and career points 1021

* Also known as "Mr. Ranger" Gilbert played right wing on what most hockey experts believe is the longest tenured number 1 line in history. Almost 10 years a member of the GAG line with Vic Hadfield and childhood friend Jean Ratelle. Gilbert was known for his fast skating, booming slap shot ,quick release and willingness to play hard and physical on every shift despite not being one of the bigger players in the league. He also had a mental toughness and resiliency that allowed him to overcome several horrific injuries including two major back surgeries that threatened his career.

* Played 19 years for the Rangers

* Averaged almost a point per game during both the regular season and playoffs

*Inducted into the NHL Hall of Fame in 1982

*Childhood friend of Jean Ratelle that resulted in being teammates in Pee wee, Juniors, Minor leagues and finally with the Rangers

* Played in 8 All-Star games

* First Rangers player to have his No. 7 retired at MSG, the first to receive the honor

* Won the Bill Masterson Trophy in 1976 and the Lester Patrick Trophy in 1991

* Associated with the Rangers as an ambassador for the club leading many projects throughout the community including the Garden of Dreams Foundation and serving as President of the Rangers alumni association.

* Tom's fondest memory of Rod Gilbert was his game 4 winning overtime goal against the Flyers at MSG during the 1973-74 playoffs .

* The guys also discussed the upcoming 2021-22 season for the Rangers and how the FA signings and trades made during the summer will impact the club this season and beyond.

* Will Goodrow, Reaves and Blais make the Rangers a tougher team to play against ?

* Are the youngsters finally ready to take a giant leap forward and distinguish themselves as future Rangers stars leading to a playoff birth ?