Photo Credit: AP
The 1990’s was a very memorable decade for the NY Rangers franchise, and for the legendary men on the team. With a Stanley Cup victory against the Vancouver Canucks in the 1993-94 season, they showed they were made up of key players that not only brought them the cup, but would also individually continue to thrive and own their place in the League.
In the 1995-96 season, the NY Rangers lead the Atlantic Division for most of the year, but that wasn’t all that helped them make the news. At the beginning of the season, specifically on November 6, 1995, 19 years ago, a certain legend made his “mark” in the League. Former Captain of the Rangers, Mark Messier, did what only 20 other NHL players had done before him, and that was scoring his 500th goal of his NHL career.
A simple, but swift shot changed the momentum of the night. With about 8 minutes left in the final period in a game against the Calgary Flames, the infamous player scored a slap shot goal, which became his third goal of the night, his 500th N.H.L. career goal as mentioned above, and his 21st career hat trick, which is pretty significant being that he became the 21st player in N.H.L. history to reach his meaningful 500th goal.
In a 4-2 victory against the Flames, Messier impressed and inspired, and made numerous headlines the following morning. He is as unique as his career and milestones are and that is due to his love for the game and what he brought to it every time he played.
