1930–31 New York Rangers season



The 1930–31 New York Rangers season was the 5th season for the team in the National Hockey League. The Rangers finished 3rd in the American Division with a 19-16-9 record. New York qualified for the Stanley Cup playoffs, where the Rangers defeated the Montreal Maroons 8–1 in a two game, total goals series, but lost to the Chicago Black Hawks 3 goals to 0 in the Semi-finals.

Regular Season
Henry "Buddy" Maracle became the first Canadian aboriginal player in the NHL when he was recalled from the Springfield Indians and suited up for the New York Rangers for the February 12, 1931 game versus the Detroit Falcons. On February 22, 1931, Maracle recorded his first points, a goal and an assist, as the Rangers defeated the Philadelphia Quakers 6-1. Maracle played the rest of the regular season, finishing with 1 goal and 3 assists, and had no points in 4 post season matches.

New York Rangers 8 Goals, Montreal Maroons 1 Goal
Hampered by the loss of star forward Hooley Smith at the end of the regular season, the Montreal Maroons were thoroughly outplayed by the Rangers. Rangers Bill Cook and Paul Thompson each scored three goals in the two game, total goals series.

Awards and Records

 * Lady Byng Memorial Trophy: Frank Boucher
 * Bill Cook, Right Wing, NHL First Team All-Star
 * Lester Patrick, Coach, NHL First Team All-Star
 * Ching Johnson, Defence, NHL Second Team All-Star
 * Frank Boucher, Center, NHL Second Team All-Star
 * Bun Cook, Left Wing, NHL Second Team All-Star

Post-season Exhibition
The Rangers went to Vancouver to play a four game series against the Pacific Coast Hockey League champion Vancouver Lions.


 * April 8 New York 4 Vancouver 3
 * April 10 Vancouver 5 New York 4
 * April 13 New York 5 Vancouver 2
 * April 15 New York 4 Vancouver 3