2009 New York Rangers

The New York Rangers ended the 2008-09 season in 4th place in the Atlantic Division and managed to secure a playoff berth, though they were knocked out by the Capitals in the first round. Determined to turn things around for the 2009-10 season, GM Glen Sather sent the ultra-expensive Scott Gomez to Montreal to make room for the equally high-risk, high-reward Marian Gaborik. If Gaborik can stay healthy (hip surgery took him out for the majority of last season), the Rangers stand an excellent chance of winning their division at the very least. Add in new head coach John Tortorella, best known for leading the Tampa Bay Lightening to their first Stanley Cup victory (and being pretty darn outspoken), and the Rangers are poised for a return to glory. Tickets to see the ever-popular Rangers on the ice at Madison Square Garden are always in demand, so secure yours today!

Reaching the 2005-06, 2006-07, 2007-08 and the 2008-09 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. 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 make 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 (Citi Field) vie for the baseball loyalty of New Yorkers. The fall and winter means the Jets and Giants will be playing football in Giants Stadium while the Knicks (Madison Square Garden) and the Nets (Izod Center) shoot hoops.