Last night at Rockefeller Center, the Rangers unveiled their new third jerseys. This is the franchise’s 85th Year Anniversary, which has been a common theme throughout and will continue to be in 2010-11. The Original Six club which started in 1926-27 honored tradition with a classic jersey eerily similar to the one the first ever team donned. The only real difference is that instead of having Rangers across diagonally, it’s New York instead.

So, how does this year’s version compare? See for yourself:

The 1926-27 New York Rangers in the most classic jersey this franchise has ever known. It’s simple with white letters across the familiar blue. I like it. There’s no pizazz. Sometimes, less is more. Try telling the gals who wear too much makeup.

The 2010-11 version is nice. Albeit the more familiar red sticks out around the original white. The New York looks good and is the best aspect. Maybe it’s me but I actually prefer only the white. Though the good ‘ole USA colors are always patriotic and inspire American pride. Worth noting that the original team was the New York Americans. We’ll take a look at them as well. Who’s the babe all over Henrik while Avery stares intently?

Marge Marchand became the first fan to buy the new jersey, pleasing Dolan along with the corporate $tench. Couldn’t resist. Everyone knows it’s just another way for the greedy owner to make more off us. As if renovating MSG weren’t enough heartache after ridiculous increases post-lockout that even have the cheap seats going for more than 40 bucks. I’ve always been on record as saying this team should have just two jerseys. Classic home white and trademark road blue. The NHL needs to go back to it. Is this outfit respectable? No doubt. But we’re an Original 6! Honestly, why not have just made that our home jersey for this year? If they want to honor the past, that would’ve been appropriate.

Speaking of which, here’s unsung hero Brian Boyle (#22) in the classic road blue next to fan favorite and Staten Island native Nick Fotiu (#22), who has on another throwback. Not the prettiest.

Here, we see the New York Americans with plenty of stars around the big NEW YORK with Americans above in a smaller font. Lots of white again along with blue. Stars and stripes would work, eh? The Americans shared the old Garden with the Rangers before fizzling out. That said, what an awesome outfit.

There ya go. Never seen a more beautiful jersey. It really does our flag proud. Imagine if the Rangers went with this look for the Centennial Season. Let’s just keep our fingers crossed for 2025-26.

Behind the original banner at the NHL Store, the new 3rd jerseys can be found. Sadly, I still haven’t gotten out to it. We’ll have to make the trip this winter. Way overdue.

The King and Del Zotto share a happy moment in their new threads.

One of our favorite shots from yesterday shows the franchise’s greatest defenseman talking with young guns Gilroy and Del Zotto. No.2. We need ya to give them some pointers on running the powerless play.

The original franchise goalscoring record holder for a single season Vic Hadfield being introduced to the crowd at Rockefeller. In ’93-94, his record of 50 goals would be broken by Adam Graves (52). His record lasted until ’05-06 when Jaromir Jagr scored 54 and broke the club record for points with 123, leading the team back to the playoffs yet somehow didn’t win the Hart.

Excited fans packed the NHL Store to meet players and get the new heritage jerseys.

Henrik, Dubi, Stepan and Sauer look thrilled here. Haha.

Leetch and Graves on XM rocking the 3rd jerseys. No.2 to No.9 became a theme Ranger fans got used to during the team’s fourth Cup, finally breaking the long 54-year drought. Along with Messier and Richter, the mid-90’s was a great time to be a Ranger fan.

Staten Island’s own Corrine Hogan shows off the fresh jersey she won next to Nicky. Shaolin represented!

Staten Island kid Gregory Nealon shows off an auto’d stick he won giving the honorary stick salute.

A cute pic of Ron Duguay holding a lucky kid. Very cool.

Ranger great Ed Giacomin signing for fans. Oddly enough, that looks to be Anthony from our section 411donning the road Gretzky. Coolness. “Edd—ie, Edd—ie, Edd—ie,” can still be heard at The Garden whenever No.1 is shown on the big screen after being unceremoniously waived by Emile “The Cat” Francis and then showing up and beating the Rangers with his new team, the Red Wings. One of the most memorable moments in franchise history. Sad, ain’t it?

 Vic Hadfield signs away. The original No.11 looks like he can still play.

And finally, our favorite jersey again centers around the New York Americans. Wow!

One thing about the Rangers. They know how to do these kind of big events. It looks like a great time was had by all. Giving fans an opportunity to meet their favorite heroes is excellent PR. Especially when Garden Faithful were coughing up big bucks to purchase the new jerseys. Love the touch of having legends there as well as current players. It really brings a tight knit fanbase closer with the club they love. For families, it’s a chance for Moms and Dads to tell their kids about who they grew up idolizing. Those pics of some of the lucky winners are something they won’t soon forget. And yes, to quote Ranger voice Sam Rosen:

“This one will last a lifetime!“

Kudos to the Ranger organization. For more on this event and other club news, please refer to @thenyrangers on Twitter.