The 1939–40 New York Rangers season was the franchise's
14th season. With new coach
Frank Boucher
François Xavier Boucher (October 7, 1901 – December 12, 1977) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player and executive. Boucher played the forward position for the Ottawa Senators and New York Rangers in the National Hockey League (NHL) ...
the Rangers finish in 2nd Place again with an impressive 27–11–10 record. In the semi-finals the Rangers beat the
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston. The Bruins compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference. The team has been in existence since 1924, making t ...
in 6 games to advance to the
1940 Stanley Cup Finals
The 1940 Stanley Cup Finals was a best-of-seven series between the New York Rangers and the Toronto Maple Leafs. New York would win the series 4–2 to win their third Stanley Cup. The Rangers would not win another for 54 years, a circumstance t ...
. In the finals the Rangers won their first 2 games by scores of 2–1 and 6–2 at the Garden, before finishing the series on the road because of the circus. After dropping the first 2 games in
Toronto
Toronto ( ; or ) is the capital city of the Canadian province of Ontario. With a recorded population of 2,794,356 in 2021, it is the most populous city in Canada and the fourth most populous city in North America. The city is the ancho ...
the Rangers won a critical Game five 2–1 in overtime on
Muzz Patrick
Frederick Murray "Muzz" Patrick (June 28, 1915 – July 27, 1998) was a Canadian ice hockey player, coach, and general manager. He played in the National Hockey League with the New York Rangers from 1938 to 1941, and then from 1945 to 1946. He was ...
's overtime goal. In Game 6 it would take overtime again as the Rangers won their 3rd
Stanley Cup
The Stanley Cup (french: La Coupe Stanley) is the championship trophy awarded annually to the National Hockey League (NHL) playoff champion. It is the oldest existing trophy to be awarded to a professional sports franchise in North America, an ...
on
Bryan Hextall
Bryan Aldwyn Hextall (July 31, 1913 – July 25, 1984) was a Canadian professional ice hockey forward who played for the New York Rangers in the National Hockey League (NHL). Considered one of the top wingers of the 1940s, he led the NHL in goal ...
's goal 2:33 into OT. Following the season the Rangers would celebrate buying out their lease at
Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden, colloquially known as The Garden or by its initials MSG, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in New York City. It is located in Midtown Manhattan between Seventh and Eighth avenues from 31st to 33rd Street, above Pennsylva ...
by burning the lease in the historic Stanley Cup, a move that would take on greater mystery in coming years.
Regular season
Season standings
Record vs. opponents
Schedule and results
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Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings (colloquially referred to as the Wings) are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit. The Red Wings compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the East ...
, , 1 – 1 OT , , 0–0–1
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Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs (officially the Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Club and often referred to as the Leafs) are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto. They compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Div ...
, , 1 – 1 OT , , 0–0–2
, - align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"
, 3 , , 12 , ,
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs (officially the Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Club and often referred to as the Leafs) are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto. They compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Div ...
, , 1–0 , , 0–1–2
, - align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"
, 4 , , 16 , ,
Chicago Black Hawks
(''City in a Garden''); I Will
, image_map =
, map_caption = Interactive Map of Chicago
, coordinates =
, coordinates_footnotes =
, subdivision_type = Country
, subdivision_name ...
, , 3–2 , , 0–2–2
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New York Americans
The New York Americans, colloquially known as the Amerks, were a professional ice hockey team based in New York City from 1925 to 1942. They were the third expansion team in the history of the National Hockey League (NHL) and the second to play ...
, , 3–1 , , 1–2–2
, - align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"
, 6 , , 19 , ,
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal CanadiensEven in English, the French spelling is always used instead of ''Canadians''. The French spelling of ''Montréal'' is also sometimes used in the English media. (french: link=no, Les Canadiens de Montréal), officially ...
, , 2 – 1 OT , , 1–3–2
, - align="center" bgcolor="white"
, 7 , , 23 , , @
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal CanadiensEven in English, the French spelling is always used instead of ''Canadians''. The French spelling of ''Montréal'' is also sometimes used in the English media. (french: link=no, Les Canadiens de Montréal), officially ...
, , 1 – 1 OT , , 1–3–3
, - align="center" bgcolor="white"
, 8 , , 26 , , @
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston. The Bruins compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference. The team has been in existence since 1924, making t ...
, , 2 – 2 OT , , 1–3–4
, - align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"
, 9 , , 28 , ,
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings (colloquially referred to as the Wings) are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit. The Red Wings compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the East ...
, , 4–1 , , 2–3–4
, - align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"
, 10 , , 30 , , @
Chicago Black Hawks
(''City in a Garden''); I Will
, image_map =
, map_caption = Interactive Map of Chicago
, coordinates =
, coordinates_footnotes =
, subdivision_type = Country
, subdivision_name ...
, , 7–2 , , 3–3–4
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New York Americans
The New York Americans, colloquially known as the Amerks, were a professional ice hockey team based in New York City from 1925 to 1942. They were the third expansion team in the history of the National Hockey League (NHL) and the second to play ...
, , 1 – 1 OT , , 3–3–5
, - align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"
, 12 , , 10 , ,
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston. The Bruins compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference. The team has been in existence since 1924, making t ...
, , 3–2 , , 4–3–5
, - align="center" bgcolor="white"
, 13 , , 14 , ,
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings (colloquially referred to as the Wings) are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit. The Red Wings compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the East ...
, , 2 – 2 OT , , 4–3–6
, - align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"
, 14 , , 16 , , @
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal CanadiensEven in English, the French spelling is always used instead of ''Canadians''. The French spelling of ''Montréal'' is also sometimes used in the English media. (french: link=no, Les Canadiens de Montréal), officially ...
, , 4–2 , , 5–3–6
, - align="center" bgcolor="white"
, 15 , , 17 , , @
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings (colloquially referred to as the Wings) are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit. The Red Wings compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the East ...
, , 0 – 0 OT , , 5–3–7
, - align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"
, 16 , , 19 , ,
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal CanadiensEven in English, the French spelling is always used instead of ''Canadians''. The French spelling of ''Montréal'' is also sometimes used in the English media. (french: link=no, Les Canadiens de Montréal), officially ...
, , 5–2 , , 6–3–7
, - align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"
, 17 , , 23 , ,
Chicago Black Hawks
(''City in a Garden''); I Will
, image_map =
, map_caption = Interactive Map of Chicago
, coordinates =
, coordinates_footnotes =
, subdivision_type = Country
, subdivision_name ...
, , 7–1 , , 7–3–7
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, 18 , , 25 , ,
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs (officially the Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Club and often referred to as the Leafs) are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto. They compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Div ...
, , 4–1 , , 8–3–7
, - align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"
, 19 , , 29 , ,
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston. The Bruins compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference. The team has been in existence since 1924, making t ...
, , 4–0 , , 9–3–7
, - align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"
, 20 , , 31 , ,
New York Americans
The New York Americans, colloquially known as the Amerks, were a professional ice hockey team based in New York City from 1925 to 1942. They were the third expansion team in the history of the National Hockey League (NHL) and the second to play ...
, , 5–2 , , 10–3–7
, -
, - align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"
, 21 , , 2 , , @
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston. The Bruins compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference. The team has been in existence since 1924, making t ...
, , 6–4 , , 11–3–7
, - align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"
, 22 , , 4 , , @
New York Americans
The New York Americans, colloquially known as the Amerks, were a professional ice hockey team based in New York City from 1925 to 1942. They were the third expansion team in the history of the National Hockey League (NHL) and the second to play ...
, , 6–2 , , 12–3–7
, - align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"
, 23 , , 7 , ,
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings (colloquially referred to as the Wings) are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit. The Red Wings compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the East ...
, , 3–0 , , 13–3–7
, - align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"
, 24 , , 11 , ,
Chicago Black Hawks
(''City in a Garden''); I Will
, image_map =
, map_caption = Interactive Map of Chicago
, coordinates =
, coordinates_footnotes =
, subdivision_type = Country
, subdivision_name ...
, , 5–3 , , 14–3–7
, - align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"
, 25 , , 13 , , @
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs (officially the Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Club and often referred to as the Leafs) are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto. They compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Div ...
, , 4–1 , , 15–3–7
, - align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"
, 26 , , 14 , , @
Chicago Black Hawks
(''City in a Garden''); I Will
, image_map =
, map_caption = Interactive Map of Chicago
, coordinates =
, coordinates_footnotes =
, subdivision_type = Country
, subdivision_name ...
, , 2–1 , , 15–4–7
, - align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"
, 27 , , 18 , , @
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal CanadiensEven in English, the French spelling is always used instead of ''Canadians''. The French spelling of ''Montréal'' is also sometimes used in the English media. (french: link=no, Les Canadiens de Montréal), officially ...
, , 1–0 , , 16–4–7
, - align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"
, 28 , , 21 , ,
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston. The Bruins compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference. The team has been in existence since 1924, making t ...
, , 4–2 , , 17–4–7
, - align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"
, 29 , , 23 , , @
New York Americans
The New York Americans, colloquially known as the Amerks, were a professional ice hockey team based in New York City from 1925 to 1942. They were the third expansion team in the history of the National Hockey League (NHL) and the second to play ...
, , 5–3 , , 18–4–7
, - align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"
, 30 , , 25 , ,
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs (officially the Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Club and often referred to as the Leafs) are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto. They compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Div ...
, , 3–0 , , 19–4–7
, - align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"
, 31 , , 28 , ,
New York Americans
The New York Americans, colloquially known as the Amerks, were a professional ice hockey team based in New York City from 1925 to 1942. They were the third expansion team in the history of the National Hockey League (NHL) and the second to play ...
, , 4–2 , , 20–4–7
, -
, - align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"
, 32 , , 1 , , @
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings (colloquially referred to as the Wings) are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit. The Red Wings compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the East ...
, , 2–0 , , 20–5–7
, - align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"
, 33 , , 4 , ,
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal CanadiensEven in English, the French spelling is always used instead of ''Canadians''. The French spelling of ''Montréal'' is also sometimes used in the English media. (french: link=no, Les Canadiens de Montréal), officially ...
, , 9–0 , , 21–5–7
, - align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"
, 34 , , 6 , , @
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston. The Bruins compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference. The team has been in existence since 1924, making t ...
, , 6–2 , , 21–6–7
, - align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"
, 35 , , 8 , ,
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs (officially the Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Club and often referred to as the Leafs) are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto. They compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Div ...
, , 2–1 , , 22–6–7
, - align="center" bgcolor="white"
, 36 , , 10 , , @
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs (officially the Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Club and often referred to as the Leafs) are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto. They compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Div ...
, , 4 – 4 OT , , 22–6–8
, - align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"
, 37 , , 11 , , @
Chicago Black Hawks
(''City in a Garden''); I Will
, image_map =
, map_caption = Interactive Map of Chicago
, coordinates =
, coordinates_footnotes =
, subdivision_type = Country
, subdivision_name ...
, , 3–0 , , 22–7–8
, - align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"
, 38 , , 15 , ,
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings (colloquially referred to as the Wings) are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit. The Red Wings compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the East ...
, , 3–1 , , 23–7–8
, - align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"
, 39 , , 18 , , @
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings (colloquially referred to as the Wings) are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit. The Red Wings compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the East ...
, , 2–0 , , 23–8–8
, - align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"
, 40 , , 22 , , @
New York Americans
The New York Americans, colloquially known as the Amerks, were a professional ice hockey team based in New York City from 1925 to 1942. They were the third expansion team in the history of the National Hockey League (NHL) and the second to play ...
, , 1 – 0 OT , , 23–9–8
, - align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"
, 41 , , 24 , , @
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal CanadiensEven in English, the French spelling is always used instead of ''Canadians''. The French spelling of ''Montréal'' is also sometimes used in the English media. (french: link=no, Les Canadiens de Montréal), officially ...
, , 2–0 , , 24–9–8
, - align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"
, 42 , , 25 , ,
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal CanadiensEven in English, the French spelling is always used instead of ''Canadians''. The French spelling of ''Montréal'' is also sometimes used in the English media. (french: link=no, Les Canadiens de Montréal), officially ...
, , 6–2 , , 25–9–8
, - align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"
, 43 , , 29 , ,
Chicago Black Hawks
(''City in a Garden''); I Will
, image_map =
, map_caption = Interactive Map of Chicago
, coordinates =
, coordinates_footnotes =
, subdivision_type = Country
, subdivision_name ...
, , 2–1 , , 25–10–8
, -
, - align="center" bgcolor="white"
, 44 , , 2 , , @
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs (officially the Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Club and often referred to as the Leafs) are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto. They compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Div ...
, , 1 – 1 OT , , 25–10–9
, - align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"
, 45 , , 3 , , @
Chicago Black Hawks
(''City in a Garden''); I Will
, image_map =
, map_caption = Interactive Map of Chicago
, coordinates =
, coordinates_footnotes =
, subdivision_type = Country
, subdivision_name ...
, , 2–1 , , 26–10–9
, - align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"
, 46 , , 10 , ,
New York Americans
The New York Americans, colloquially known as the Amerks, were a professional ice hockey team based in New York City from 1925 to 1942. They were the third expansion team in the history of the National Hockey League (NHL) and the second to play ...
, , 4–2 , , 27–10–9
, - align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"
, 47 , , 12 , , @
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston. The Bruins compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference. The team has been in existence since 1924, making t ...
, , 2–1 , , 27–11–9
, - align="center" bgcolor="white"
, 48 , , 14 , ,
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston. The Bruins compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference. The team has been in existence since 1924, making t ...
, , 0 – 0 OT , , 27–11–10
, -
Playoffs
Stanley Cup Finals
The final series between the Rangers and the Maple Leafs was an exciting one that went back and forth with three
overtime
Overtime is the amount of time someone works beyond normal working hours. The term is also used for the pay received for this time. Normal hours may be determined in several ways:
*by custom (what is considered healthy or reasonable by society) ...
games. The Rangers took the first two at home and the Leafs took the next two in Toronto.
The circus forced the Rangers to vacate
Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden, colloquially known as The Garden or by its initials MSG, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in New York City. It is located in Midtown Manhattan between Seventh and Eighth avenues from 31st to 33rd Street, above Pennsylva ...
after the first two games. The Rangers would score three game-winning goals in overtime, including the Cup winner. Lynn and Murray Patrick played for the Rangers, and became the third and fourth members of the Patrick family to win the Stanley Cup.
Bryan Hextall
Bryan Aldwyn Hextall (July 31, 1913 – July 25, 1984) was a Canadian professional ice hockey forward who played for the New York Rangers in the National Hockey League (NHL). Considered one of the top wingers of the 1940s, he led the NHL in goal ...
scored in overtime in the final game to give the Rangers their 3rd Stanley Cup and last until .
Key: Win Loss
Player statistics
;Skaters
;Goaltenders
†Denotes player spent time with another team before joining Rangers. Stats reflect time with Rangers only.
‡Traded mid-season. Stats reflect time with Rangers only.
Awards and records
*
Calder Memorial Trophy
The Calder Memorial Trophy is an annual award given "to the player selected as the most proficient in his first year of competition in the National Hockey League (NHL)." It is named after Frank Calder, the first president of the NHL. Serving as ...
:
Kilby MacDonald
James Allan Kilby Macdonald (September 6, 1913 – May 11, 1986) was a Canadians, Canadian professional ice hockey Winger (ice hockey), left winger who played four seasons in the National Hockey League for the New York Rangers.
Playing career
M ...
*
Vezina Trophy
The Vezina Trophy is awarded annually to the National Hockey League's (NHL) goaltender who is "adjudged to be the best at this position". At the end of each season, the thirty-two NHL general managers vote to determine the winner. It is named in ...
:
Dave Kerr
David Alexander Kerr (January 11, 1909 – May 11, 1978) was a Canadian NHL goaltender who played for the Montreal Maroons, New York Americans and New York Rangers.
Playing career
He played amateur hockey before joining the NHL, winning the Al ...
References
External links
Rangers on Hockey Database
New York Rangers seasons
New York Rangers
The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the New York City borough of Manhattan. They compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference. The team plays its home ...
New York Rangers
The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the New York City borough of Manhattan. They compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference. The team plays its home ...
New York Rangers
The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the New York City borough of Manhattan. They compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference. The team plays its home ...
New York Rangers
The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the New York City borough of Manhattan. They compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference. The team plays its home ...
1930s in Manhattan
1940s in Manhattan
Madison Square Garden
Stanley Cup championship seasons