The New York Rangers can boast of having some of the best goaltending ever in the Original Six era of the NHL.  Some names like Terry Sawchuk, Johnny Bower, Jacques Plante  and "Gump" Worsley leap from the hall of fame listings.  Lorne Chabot another good goaltender in his own right owns the team record for career Goals- Against Average, 1.61. 

  The offensive hall of fame names are impressive as well, Guy LaFleur, Wayne Gretzky, Pat LaFontaine and "Rod" Gilbert; the team leader for career goals, assists, and total points.  If one wants to argue that Wayne is the team scoring Ranger look at where those points were accumulated, in Edmonton.  The one player who scored the most as a Ranger is Rod Gilbert.  He never won the Stanley Cup but that does not diminish his glittering career with the New York Rangers.

  Rod Gilbert a quick skater was also tough along the boards and would battle it out in front of the net of the opponent.  He would elude the checking of the defense; with his feet and hand coordination he always kept control of the puck and put his stick away from the defense.  With his eyes he would look right thorugh you so he could see a way to beat the defense.

  He had to have surgery during his career as a hockey player twice.  The first a bone graft procedure to piece together his fifth and sixth vertabrae.  The second to repair the same area.  He was devoted to hockey on and off the ice. 

  Rod Gilbert was on a scoring called the "Goal A Game" line with Jean Ratelle and Vic Hadfield.  They finished in the top five for scoring in the NHL during the 1971-72 season and each player in that season on this scoring line scored 40 goals or more.  They are the  first scoring line to reach the 40 goal scored mark for each player.   Rod Glibert, Jean Ratelle and Vic Hadfield are the picture and meaning of team players for the sport of Hockey.  Rod Glibert was teamed with  productive players on his line and reached the Stanley Cup finals but never won the prize.  The playoffs was when he shined for the "Big Apple".  Here are some post season marks that impress any sports enthusiast whether New York, Detroit, or Chicago sports fan:

Career Post Season Stats-

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Games Played- 79

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Goals- 34

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Assists- 33

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Total Points- 67

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PIM- 43

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  This Red Wings fan puts Rod Gilbert near the top of my list for leadership and what it takes to get to the Cup finals.  He had amazing soul, grit and ability to find the open player for a pass and great feel on the shot for putting the puck past the goalie. 

  Rod Gilbert was on Team Canada for the 1972 "Summit Series" against The Soviet Union.  In the exhibition games against Team Sweden he fought with Borje Salming for the puck.

  Rod Glibert is a player who would flourish in the NHL today.  He has what it takes to be a team captain and a leader who the rest of the NHL respects.  Rod Gilbert retired from hockey in 1978 and he finished a winner and leader that still impacts the sport today.

  Rod Gilbert born July 1, 1941 in Montreal, Quebec.  Played 18 NHL seasons, 1960-1978.  Was inducted to Hockey Hall of Fame in 1982.

For pictures and stats visit www.hhof.com.

Other Resource used:

.    "Hockey Chronicles: An Insider History of National Hockey League Teams." Duhatschek, Erik, et al. Forwrd by Jack Batten. Copyright 2001 by Key Porter books.