1926–27 New York Rangers season



The 1926–27 New York Rangers season was the 1st season for the team in the National Hockey League (NHL). The team placed 1st in the new American Division and qualified for the playoffs, losing in the Semi-finals to the Boston Bruins by 3 goals to 1.

Off-season
The Rangers team was organized by Conn Smythe who used his extensive knowledge of available amateur players along with sound selection of players available from the dispersal of the Western Hockey League (WHL):


 * The brothers Bill and Bun Cook were part of the dispersed players of the WHL, having played for the Saskatoon Sheiks;
 * Frank Boucher was from the Vancouver Maroons of the WHL;
 * Leo Bourgeault was also from Saskatoon of the WHL;
 * Murray Murdoch had been a member of the 1923 Memorial Cup-winning University of Manitoba;
 * Paul Thompson was a member of the junior Calgary Canadians, Memorial Cup winners in 1926;
 * Taffy Abel had been a member of the silver-medal-winning United States team in the 1924 Olympics;
 * Stan Brown had been a member of the Allan Cup-winning Toronto Dentals team.

Smythe signed several players from the amateur Minneapolis Millers, including Taffy Abel, Billy Boyd and Ching Johnson. The 1925–26 Millers also provided other players to the NHL in the future, including Cooney Weiland and Tiny Thompson, Paul Thompson's brother.

However, before the season started, Smythe was fired by the club and Lester Patrick took over from Smythe. Patrick received the job as part of the dispersal agreement of the WHL. His brother Frank received a job at the Boston Bruins. Smythe would eventually receive a $10,000 severance, a large amount in those days.

Lester Patrick played one game for the Rangers during the season, on March 20, 1927 as the Rangers beat the New York Americans 2-1. Patrick was 43 years old and took a penalty during the game.

Boston Bruins 3 Goals, New York Rangers 1 Goal
The Rangers by their placing earned a bye in the first round and met the Boston Bruins in the Semi-finals. The Rangers were limited to one goal in the two games, losing the series by three goals to one.

Skaters
Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; PIM = Penalty minutes

Goaltending
Note: GP = Games played; W = Wins; L = Losses; T = Ties; GA = Goals against; GAA = Goals against average; SO = Shutouts

Awards and Records

 * NHL Scoring Leader: Bill Cook