New York City is effortlessly the best in everything it does. From pizza, to pretzels, to theatrical shows, to sports, there's no try in the eyes of the greatest city of the world. There's only succeed. Unsurprisingly, hockey is no exception. Here's eight reasons why the New York Rangers are the best franchise in the National Hockey League.
1. We have King Lundqvist.
Ask any NYR fan, and they'll immediately assert that Carey Price doesn't hold a candle to the King, as the Rangers' dedicated fan-base frequently refers to our beloved starting goaltender. Fun fact: Henrik ("Hank") Lundqvist was actually selected in the seventh round of the 2000 NHL Draft, the 205th player picked, according to this NHL article. It's actually pretty interesting that arguably the best goalie in the league wasn't even drafted in the first round, and this really displays Hank's resilience and determination.
Image Source: Getty Images
2. The Rangers are an Original Six team.
The Original Six in the NHL is composed of the Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, and of course, your New York Rangers. This means the NYR Fanbase and Franchise is one of the oldest (and with age, of course, comes with greatness)! 1926 (the year the Rangers originated) must've been a pretty good year!
3. The Nicest Arena Around. Period.
Have you ever been to Madison Square Garden (MSG)? If you find yourself answering 'no' to this question, book yourself a tour or grab tickets for a NYR game as soon as money and time allows for it! The Garden is the beloved stage for the New York Rangers' success, and there's good reason it's one of the world's most famous arenas. From its architectural and historical significance, to having hosted innumerable concerts to playoff hockey games, to being the home of the Knicks basketball team as well, MSG is breathtaking. Keith Yandle, who was a New York Ranger for several seasons before being traded recently to the Florida Panthers, said in an article for The Players' Tribune "As I walk to the locker room, I catch a glimpse of the Madison Square Garden ice. That's the best view in America, in my opinion." 
Image Source: CNN Money
4. Rivalries with teams that you (admit it!!) just LOVE to hate.
After Wayne Simmonds' dirty punch on Captain Ryan McDonagh last season, the Flyers have become many NYR fans most despised. However, NYR has a historic rivalry with three other teams: the New Jersey Devils, the Boston Bruins, and, perhaps the most intense and illustrious, the New York Islanders, who play at the Barclay's Center in Brooklyn -- a mere stone's throw away from the Garden. Ask anyone who's been a Rangers fan for a while and they'll tell you one thing for sure: Potvin (still!) sucks.
5. The Rangers' rich history.
From winning the sought-after Stanley Cup in their first two years in existence (a feat no other NHL team can boast...read more about it here!), to having greats and Hall-of-Famers such as Wayne Gretzky, Jean Ratelle, and more don the famous red, white, and blue hockey sweater, to Mark Messier's legendary guarantee that the Rangers would emerge victorious against the Devils in the 1994 Playoffs in the 6th game when they were trailing 3-2 in the Eastern Conference Finals (read the whole story here), the Rangers have a rich and interesting history that really helps the franchise achieve its status as the greatest in the league.
6. Goal horn, well, 'goals!'
The Rangers' goal horn is catchy and easy to sing along to, whether you're watching the team play in person at the Garden, or just from your couch. The song, which is fittingly titled "Slapshot," and was written by Ray Castoldi was introduced in 1995 on the night that the Rangers' Stanley Cup Champions Banner was raised, and the 3 horns you hear at the beginning of the song are from a New York City Fire Engine, according to this article. You can listen to it here.
7. The classic hockey sweaters.
Definitely the most classic jerseys in the league, the Rangers' red, white, and blue hockey sweaters always stand out in a crowd. Incorporating the colors of the American flag with the name 'Rangers' diagonally across the center makes the jerseys timeless and classy.
Image Source: fulltiltnyr.com
8. The incredible fan-base.
There's no disputing the fact that the New York Rangers' fan-base is among the most dedicated out of any sports league in the world. Attend any game, home or away, in which the Rangers are playing, and you're sure to find a sea of red, white, and blue jerseys worn proudly by the fans in the stadium seats. Being a Rangers fan is a lifestyle. Love for the Rangers is passed down generation to generation in families, and is a tie that unites friends. This fan-base truly doesn't give up on their beloved team, no matter what. Let's Go Rangers, and let's bring the Stanley Cup back to New York in 2017!!!
