Hockey Player New York City 1970
Hockey has always been a popular sport in the United States, especially in cities such as New York. In the 1970s, New York City was home to three professional hockey teams: the New York Rangers, the New York Islanders, and the now-defunct WHA team, the New York Golden Blades.
The New York Rangers
The New York Rangers were founded in 1926 and are one of the original six teams of the NHL. Their home arena was and still is Madison Square Garden. In the 1970s, the Rangers had some of the most iconic players in hockey history, including Rod Gilbert, Jean Ratelle, and Brad Park.
The Rangers made it to the Stanley Cup Finals in the 1971-1972 season, but lost to the Boston Bruins in six games. However, they did not make it back to the Finals until the 1993-1994 season, where they defeated the Vancouver Canucks in seven games to win their first and only Stanley Cup in over 50 years.
The New York Islanders
The New York Islanders were founded in 1972 and played their home games at Nassau Coliseum on Long Island. The Islanders were known for their physical play and defense, and had players such as Billy Smith, Denis Potvin, and Bryan Trottier.
The Islanders made it to the Stanley Cup Finals in the 1974-1975 season, but lost to the Philadelphia Flyers in six games. However, they won four consecutive Stanley Cups from 1980 to 1983, cementing their place in hockey history as one of the greatest dynasties of all time.
The New York Golden Blades
The New York Golden Blades were a short-lived WHA team that played just one season in 1973-1974. They played their home games at Madison Square Garden and had players such as Derek Sanderson, Ron Ward, and Wayne Rivers.
The Golden Blades struggled on the ice and finished in last place in the Eastern Division. They folded after their only season and merged with the New Jersey Knights to become the San Diego Mariners.
The Legacy of New York Hockey in the 1970s
The 1970s were a golden age for hockey in New York City. The Rangers, Islanders, and Golden Blades all had their own unique legacies, and each left an indelible mark on the city's rich sports history.
Today, the Rangers and Islanders continue to compete in the NHL, with the Rangers still playing at Madison Square Garden and the Islanders moving to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The legacy of New York hockey in the 1970s lives on, and will forever be remembered as a special time in the sport's history.
