1980–81 New York Rangers season



The 1980–81 New York Rangers season was the 55th season for the team in the National Hockey League (NHL). The Rangers finished 4th in the Patrick Division, defeated the Los Angeles Kings and St. Louis Blues and lost in the Semi-finals to the New York Islanders 4 games to 0.

Regular Season
Fred Shero, citing a drinking problem, chose to resign as coach. Craig Patrick, the Rangers' director of operations replaced him. Craig Patrick became the third generation of the Patrick family to coach the Rangers, after Lester Patrick, Lynn Patrick and Muzz Patrick.

Halfway through the season, veteran Phil Esposito decided to retire. He retired after 18 seasons, the last six with the Rangers. He finished his career with 717 goals, 1,590 points.

Regular Season

 * Scoring
 * Goaltending

Playoffs

 * Scoring
 * Goaltending

Note: Pos = Position; GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = plus/minus; PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed goals; GWG = Game-winning goals

MIN = Minutes played; W = Wins; L = Losses; T = Ties; GA = Goals-against; GAA = Goals-against average; SO = Shutouts

Awards and Records

 * The Rangers did not win any awards this season.