2005 New York Rangers

The long-awaited return to the ice in 2005-06 was a very respectable one for the New York Rangers. The Rangers wrapped up the regular NHL season with a record of 44 wins to 26 regulation-time losses and 12 overtime losses, for a total of 100 points. That point total was only one single point behind the winner of their division, the New Jersey Devils, and the 2nd place Philadelphia Flyers, but it wedged the Rangers into the middle of the Atlantic Division. Just the same, it was enough for a berth in the National Hockey League Playoffs.

Seeded #6 among the eight Eastern Conference hockey teams in the 2005-06 NHL Playoffs, the New York Rangers could hearken back to a storied history of postseason playoffs. The franchise had previously made it into the tournament 48 times, dating back to 1926. They had won possession of the Stanley Cup four times, although the most recent year for that was 1993-94. This was not be the year for that, however, as the Rangers were swept out of the playoffs in the first four games by the New Jersey Devils.

Over the years, the Rangers have entertained fans with some of the most memorable moments in New York sporting history. One of the NHL's original six franchises, the Rangers entered the league during the 1926-27 season and quickly received top billing on Broadway. The Blueshirts captured their first Stanley Cup in only their second season (1927-28) and quickly became known as the "classiest team in hockey."

Dubbed Broadway's longest running hit, the Rangers have been selling out Madison Square Garden for over 75 years. Though the Rangers went 54 years between drinks from the Stanley Cup, their early success (missing the playoffs only once in 16 years) created a rabid fan base. The Rangers are known for their die-hard fans found in the upper levels of the Garden's blue seats.

Madison Square Garden is one of the world's greatest sporting venues. The building literally shakes whenever the rival New Jersey Devils or New York Islanders are in town. Even though they no longer share the same division with the Bruins, Canadiens, and Maple Leafs the long histories the Rangers share with each team makes for memorable games.

New York is not only one of the greatest sports cities in the world, but also one of the greatest all-around cities. One could spend weeks there and still not see every cultural landmark. One would need to spend a year there to see each of their professional sports teams. In the Summer, the Yankees (Yankee Stadium) and Mets (Shea Stadium) vie for the baseball loyalty of New Yorkers. The fall and winter means the Jets and Giants will be playing football in the Meadowlands while the Knicks (Madison Square Garden) and the Nets (Continental Airlines Arena) shoot hoops.