March 1: A devastating day in Rangers history

Jean Ratelle of the New York Rangers. (Photo by Melchior DiGiacomo/Getty Images)

What happened on March 1 in the history of the New York Rangers

It happened almost 40 years ago, but the memory of what happened on this date in 1972 brings a sick feeling to any Ranger fan who followed the team that season. Early in the second period of the Rangers 4-1 win over the California Golden Seals at Madison Square Garden, Jean Ratelle broke a bone in his foot, ending what was going to the greatest season for a New York Ranger in franchise history.

To make matter worse, he broke the bone when he was hit by a shot by his teammate, defenseman Dale Rolfe. Ratelle had skated in front of the California net…