Forward Line 2
- LW: Vic Hadfield, L (C) (1961-74)
- C: Jean Ratelle, L (1960-76)
- RW: Rod Gilbert, R (1960-78)
Quite honestly, there’s no chance in the world you’d ever take something special and break it up.
That’s why our second line is the GAG (goal a game) line. When you have three guys who enjoyed so much chemistry with each other for so long, you start there and build around it.
During the 1971-72 season, Jean Ratelle, Vic Hadfield and Rod Gilbert finished third, fourth and fifth in the NHL in scoring respectively. Only the Boston Bruins stood between them and the Cup that season. Hadfield’s 50 goals remained a single-season record until Graves broke it in ’94.
Gilbert on the right side could represent the best forward in Rangers history. His 406 goals are the most in team history. Second on that list is Ratelle (336). Hadfield is a measly fifth in Rangers history with 262. Gilbert also holds the team record in points (1,021).
The Rangers ultimate team second-line is one of the best in the history of hockey, literally (as they actually played together).
