NEW YORK, NY - 1972: Yvan Cournoyer #12 of the Montreal Canadiens is defended by Jim Neilson #15 of the New York Rangers as goalie Ed Giacomin #1 of the Rangers defends the net circa 1972 at the Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. (Photo by Melchior DiGiacomo/Getty Images)
The New York Rangers family lost a member with the passing of defenseman Jim Neilson
Former New York Rangers defenseman Jim Neilson died at age 79. He was a stalwart on defense for the Rangers for 12 years, playing in 811 games. His Rangers stat line was 60 goals, 238 assists and 298 points.