Incredible But True Rangers Stories: The Miracle Finish Of 1950

By all logic, the Rangers had no business making the playoffs in the spring of 1950. 

They had finished last the previous season when the NHL only had six teams and it didn't look like they'd make it in the following season.

The Maven remembers that it was touch and go as to whether they could secure the fourth and final playoff spot, but they did despite an under .500 regular season mark.

"We weren't given much of a chance by the so-called experts," said club publicist Stan Saplin. "The club had to play Montreal in the opening round and the Habs were loaded with stars.

"They had Maurice Richard in his prime; multi-Vezina Trophy-winner Bill Durnan in goal and big Butch Bouchard on defense; a future Hall of Famer."

But Richard was checked by Pentti Lund who actually outscored The Rocket and Durnan got hit with a nervous attack. Before you knew it New York had knocked them off in five games.

Saplin: "In the Final we played Detroit which finished with 88 points to our 67. The Circus had taken over the Garden so we played two 'home' games in Toronto and the other five  at Olympia Stadium in Detroit since the series went the full seven games."

Historians have endlessly debated how the Rangers might have won The Stanley Cup had the Garden been available for three games.

Based on what we know, the chances were good. The Moral: If the Rangers do get in this spring, anything could happen.