Home / Sports / Rangers' 1928 Cup Win: A Goalie's Eye Injury and a Coach's Debut
Rangers' 1928 Cup Win: A Goalie's Eye Injury and a Coach's Debut
5 Dec
Summary
- Coach Lester Patrick played goalie after an injury in the 1928 Cup Final.
- The Rangers developed the 'drop pass' over beers, revolutionizing play.
- A 341-minute scoring drought preceded their 1928 Stanley Cup victory.
The New York Rangers' first Stanley Cup triumph in 1928 was a remarkable feat, achieved just two seasons after the franchise's inception. Key to this success was the famed "Bread Line" trio of Bill Cook, Bun Cook, and Frank Boucher, who developed the innovative "drop pass." Their initial struggles included a staggering 341-minute scoring drought, a slump they overcame to reach the playoffs.
Facing the Montreal Maroons in the Stanley Cup Final, the Rangers encountered a crisis when their goalie, Lorne Chabot, suffered an eye injury. In a unique twist, 44-year-old player-coach Lester Patrick donned the goalie pads, having not played professionally in three years. This unprecedented decision occurred after negotiations to use an opposing goalie failed.
Despite Patrick's unconventional performance and the Maroons taking Game 1, the Rangers rallied. Joe Miller, acquired late in the series, became an unlikely hero, securing two vital wins. Frank Boucher scored four goals in the series, including the Cup-clinching goal in Game 5, etching the Rangers' first championship into hockey history.
