Rod Gilbert never won a Stanley Cup in his 18 seasons as a Ranger, but for a generation of fans who spanned the 1960s and ‘70s, he was their shining star, an offensive force who always gave the team a chance and fans some hope.
Gilbert, 80, whose death was announced by the Rangers on Sunday night, retired in 1978 and decades later still was the team’s career leader in goals (406) and points (1,021), forever the right wing on the "G-A-G Line" – for goal-a-game – with Vic Hadfield and Jean Ratelle.
"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Rod Gilbert, one of the greatest Rangers
to ever play for our organization and one of the greatest ambassadors the game of hockey has ever had," said James Dolan, executive chairman of Madison Square Garden Sports.