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RIP Rod Gilbert, one of the best and classiest players in NHL history |
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The Rangers' lost a true icon today with the passing of Rod Gilbert. One of the top-10 players in team history and one of the classiest members of the organization, Gilbert was a team ambassador since retiring. A member of the GAG line with Jean Ratelle and Vic Hadfield, Gilbert's #7 was the first Blueshirts jersey raised to the rafters at MSG.
The team press release said it all:
The Montreal, Quebec native finished his NHL career with 406 goals and 615 assists for 1,021 points in 1,065 games, along with 34 goals and 33 assists in 79 playoff matches. Gilbert ranks first on the Rangers' all-time goals and points lists, while he is the only Blueshirt to tally at least 400 career goals or at least 1,000 career points. Playing with Jean Ratelle and Vic Hadfield on the 'GAG Line' (goal-a-game), Gilbert established career-highs with 43 goals and 97 points and earned First Team All-Star honors in 1971-72. Over the course of his career, he appeared in eight NHL All-Star Games and was voted a Second Team All-Star in 1967-68.
When you think of the Rangers, Gilbert and his #7 is one of the first names and jerseys that come to mind. He was a key cog on Emile Francis' team and a major reason why the numbers of Ratelle and Hadfield finally took their rightful places next to him on the ceiling of Madison Square Garden. Gilbert became part of the fabric of New York. Not seeing him on the ice when Henrik Lundqvist's #30 is raised to the rafters this season will be painful to say the least.
RIP Rod Gilbert. The vision of you steaming down the wing is one from my youth. Your legacy lives on forever.
New York Rangers Blogger • 
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