The 1940 Stanley Cup Final was a best-of-seven series between the New York Rangers and the Toronto Maple Leafs. New York would win the series 4âÂÂ2 to win their third Stanley Cup. The Rangers would not win another for 54 years, a circumstance termed the Curse of 1940.
New York defeated the Boston Bruins in a best-of-seven 4âÂÂ2 to advance to the Finals. The Maple Leafs had to play two best-of three series; winning 2âÂÂ0 against the Chicago Black Hawks, and 2âÂÂ0 against the Detroit Red Wings to advance to the Finals.
The Final series between the Rangers and the Maple Leafs was an exciting one that went back and forth with three overtime games. The Rangers took the first two at home and the Leafs took the next two in Toronto. The circus forced the Rangers to vacate Madison Square Garden after the first two games. The Rangers would score three game-winning goals in overtime including the Cup winner. Lynn and Murray Patrick played for the Rangers to become the third and fourth members of the Patrick family to win the Stanley Cup.
The 1940 Stanley Cup was presented to Rangers captain Art Coulter by NHL President Frank Calder following the Rangers 3âÂÂ2 overtime win over the Maple Leafs in game six.
The following Rangers players and staff had their names engraved on the Stanley Cup
1939âÂÂ40 New York Rangers