2003–04 New York Rangers season explained

League:	NHL
Season:	2003–04
Year:	2003
Team:	New York Rangers
Conferencerank:	13th
Divisionrank:	4th
Record:	27–40–7–8
Homerecord:	13–21–3–4
Roadrecord:	14–19–4–4
Goalsfor:	206
Goalsagainst:	250
Coach:	Glen Sather (Oct-Feb) Tom Renney (Feb-Apr)
Attendance:	18,073 (99.3%)^[1]
Goalsleader:	Bobby Holík (25)
Assistsleader:	Bobby Holik (31)
Pointsleader:	Bobby Holik (56)
Pimleader:	Matthew Barnaby (120)
Plusminusleader:	Matthew Barnaby (+15)
Winsleader:	Mike Dunham (16)
Gaaleader:	Jussi Markkanen (2.56)

The 2003–04 New York Rangers season was the franchise's 78th season. The team finished with one of the worst records in the league and missed the Stanley Cup playoffs for the seventh consecutive season despite bringing in future Hall of Famer Jaromir Jagr midway through the season. The team would eventually trade away most of its major acquisitions, including their long-time defensive stalwart Brian Leetch. This would prove to be the final season for team captain Mark Messier.

Off-season

On July 1, 2003, general manager Glen Sather announced he would remain the Rangers head coach.^[2]

Regular season

Glen Sather stepped down as head coach on February 25, 2004, to focus on his managerial duties. Assistant coach Tom Renney was named interim head coach.^[3] Sather would make nine trades between then and the March 9 trading deadline, shipping out several veteran players for draft picks and prospects.

Final standings

Schedule and results

|- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"| 1 || October 10 || @ Minnesota Wild || 5 – 3 || 0–1–0–0 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"| 2 || October 11 || @ Columbus Blue Jackets || 5 – 0 || 0–2–0–0 || |- align="center" bgcolor="white"| 3 || October 16 || Atlanta Thrashers || 0 – 0 OT || 0–2–1–0 || |- align="center" bgcolor="white"| 4 || October 18 || Carolina Hurricanes || 2 – 2 OT || 0–2–2–0 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"| 5 || October 20 || Florida Panthers || 3 – 1 || 1–2–2–0 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"| 6 || October 25 || Detroit Red Wings || 3 – 1 || 2–2–2–0 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"| 7 || October 28 || Mighty Ducks of Anaheim || 3 – 1 || 2–3–2–0 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"| 8 || October 30 || Carolina Hurricanes || 4 – 1 || 3–3–2–0 || |-|- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"| 9 || November 1 || @ Montreal Canadiens || 5 – 1 || 4–3–2–0 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FF6F6F"| 10 || November 2 || Colorado Avalanche || 3 – 2 OT || 4–3–2–1 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"| 11 || November 4 || Dallas Stars || 3 – 0 || 5–3–2–1 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"| 12 || November 6 || @ Carolina Hurricanes || 6 – 3 || 5–4–2–1 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FF6F6F"| 13 || November 8 || Philadelphia Flyers || 2 – 1 OT || 5–4–2–2 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"| 14 || November 10 || Edmonton Oilers || 5 – 4 || 5–5–2–2 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"| 15 || November 12 || Pittsburgh Penguins || 6 – 2 || 6–5–2–2 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"| 16 || November 15 || @ New Jersey Devils || 5 – 0 || 6–6–2–2 || |- align="center" bgcolor="white"| 17 || November 16 || @ Chicago Blackhawks || 2 – 2 OT || 6–6–3–2 || |- align="center" bgcolor="white"| 18 || November 18 || @ San Jose Sharks || 2 – 2 OT || 6–6–4–2 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"| 19 || November 20 || @ Colorado Avalanche || 4 – 3 || 6–7–4–2 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"| 20 || November 23 || Ottawa Senators || 6 – 2 || 7–7–4–2 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"| 21 || November 25 || @ Tampa Bay Lightning || 2 – 0 || 8–7–4–2 || |- align="center" bgcolor="white"| 22 || November 26 || @ Florida Panthers || 3 – 3 OT || 8–7–5–2 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"| 23 || November 28 || @ Pittsburgh Penguins || 4 – 1 || 9–7–5–2 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"| 24 || November 30 || Toronto Maple Leafs || 4 – 2 || 9–8–5–2 || |-|- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"| 25 || December 2 || @ Toronto Maple Leafs || 5 – 4 || 9–9–5–2 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"| 26 || December 4 || @ New York Islanders || 4 – 2 || 10–9–5–2 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"| 27 || December 7 || Tampa Bay Lightning || 3 – 2 || 10–10–5–2 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"| 28 || December 10 || Montreal Canadiens || 2 – 1 || 10–11–5–2 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"| 29 || December 12 || @ Buffalo Sabres || 3 – 1 || 11–11–5–2 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"| 30 || December 13 || @ Toronto Maple Leafs || 3 – 1 || 11–12–5–2 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"| 31 || December 18 || New York Islanders || 4 – 3 || 12–12–5–2 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"| 32 || December 20 || @ Ottawa Senators || 3 – 1 || 12–13–5–2 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"| 33 || December 22 || Boston Bruins || 4 – 2 || 13–13–5–2 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FF6F6F"| 34 || December 26 || Toronto Maple Leafs || 6 – 5 OT || 13–13–5–3 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"| 35 || December 29 || @ Phoenix Coyotes || 3 – 2 OT || 14–13–5–3 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"| 36 || December 30 || @ Los Angeles Kings || 3 – 2 OT || 15–13–5–3 || |-|- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"| 37 || January 1 || @ St. Louis Blues || 5 – 4 || 15–14–5–3 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"| 38 || January 3 || @ Pittsburgh Penguins || 4 – 1 || 16–14–5–3 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"| 39 || January 5 || Calgary Flames || 5 – 0 || 16–15–5–3 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"| 40 || January 8 || @ Carolina Hurricanes || 3 – 2 || 16–16–5–3 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"| 41 || January 10 || @ New York Islanders || 3 – 2 || 17–16–5–3 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FF6F6F"| 42 || January 11 || Tampa Bay Lightning || 2 – 1 OT || 17–16–5–4 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"| 43 || January 13 || New York Islanders || 4 – 1 || 18–16–5–4 || |- align="center" bgcolor="white"| 44 || January 15 || New Jersey Devils || 3 – 3 OT || 18–16–6–4 || |- align="center" bgcolor="white"| 45 || January 17 || @ Montreal Canadiens || 2 – 2 OT || 18–16–7–4 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"| 46 || January 19 || @ Boston Bruins || 5 – 2 || 18–17–7–4 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"| 47 || January 20 || Boston Bruins || 4 – 1 || 18–18–7–4 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"| 48 || January 22 || Philadelphia Flyers || 4 – 2 || 18–19–7–4 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"| 49 || January 24 || @ Ottawa Senators || 9 – 1 || 18–20–7–4 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"| 50 || January 26 || Florida Panthers || 5 – 2 || 19–20–7–4 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"| 51 || January 28 || Washington Capitals || 2 – 1 || 19–21–7–4 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"| 52 || January 30 || Buffalo Sabres || 3 – 1 || 19–22–7–4 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"| 53 || January 31 || @ Buffalo Sabres || 3 – 1 || 19–23–7–4 || |-|- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"| 54 || February 2 || Vancouver Canucks || 4 – 3 || 20–23–7–4 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"| 55 || February 4 || Minnesota Wild || 4 – 3 || 20–24–7–4 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"| 56 || February 11 || @ New Jersey Devils || 3 – 1 || 21–24–7–4 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"| 57 || February 12 || Philadelphia Flyers || 2 – 1 || 21–25–7–4 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"| 58 || February 14 || @ Philadelphia Flyers || 6 – 2 || 21–26–7–4 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"| 59 || February 16 || Ottawa Senators || 4 – 1 || 21–27–7–4 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"| 60 || February 19 || New York Islanders || 6 – 2 || 22–27–7–4 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"| 61 || February 21 || New Jersey Devils || 7 – 3 || 22–28–7–4 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"| 62 || February 23 || Montreal Canadiens || 4 – 1 || 22–29–7–4 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"| 63 || February 26 || @ New York Islanders || 6 – 3 || 23–29–7–4 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FF6F6F"| 64 || February 28 || @ Nashville Predators || 2 – 1 OT || 23–29–7–5 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"| 65 || February 29 || @ Atlanta Thrashers || 3 – 2 || 23–30–7–5 || |-|- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"| 66 || March 2 || Atlanta Thrashers || 4 – 3 || 23–31–7–5 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"| 67 || March 4 || @ Boston Bruins || 3 – 1 || 23–32–7–5 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"| 68 || March 5 || Washington Capitals || 3 – 2 || 24–32–7–5 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"| 69 || March 7 || Pittsburgh Penguins || 7 – 4 || 24–33–7–5 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"| 70 || March 9 || @ Atlanta Thrashers || 2 – 0 || 25–33–7–5 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"| 71 || March 12 || @ Tampa Bay Lightning || 5 – 2 || 25–34–7–5 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FF6F6F"| 72 || March 13 || @ Florida Panthers || 3 – 2 OT || 25–34–7–6 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"| 73 || March 15 || New Jersey Devils || 3 – 1 || 25–35–7–6 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FF6F6F"| 74 || March 18 || @ Washington Capitals || 4 – 3 OT || 25–35–7–7 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"| 75 || March 20 || @ Philadelphia Flyers || 3 – 0 || 25–36–7–7 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FF6F6F"| 76 || March 21 || @ Pittsburgh Penguins || 4 – 3 OT || 25–36–7–8 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"| 77 || March 23 || Pittsburgh Penguins || 5 – 2 || 25–37–7–8 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"| 78 || March 25 || Nashville Predators || 4 – 2 || 25–38–7–8 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"| 79 || March 27 || @ Philadelphia Flyers || 3 – 1 || 26–38–7–8 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"| 80 || March 30 || @ New Jersey Devils || 5 – 0 || 26–39–7–8 || |- align="center" bgcolor="#FFBBBB"| 81 || March 31 || Buffalo Sabres || 4 – 3 || 26–40–7–8 || |-|- align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFCC"| 82 || April 3 || @ Washington Capitals || 3 – 2 OT || 27–40–7–8 || |-|-| Legend:

Player statistics

Scoring

Position abbreviations: C = Center; D = Defense; G = Goaltender; LW = Left wing; RW = Right wing
= Joined team via a transaction (e.g., trade, waivers, signing) during the season. Stats reflect time with the Rangers only.
= Left team via a transaction (e.g., trade, waivers, release) during the season. Stats reflect time with the Rangers only.

	Regular season
	Player
16		C	82	25	31	56	4	96
11		C	76	18	25	43	3	42
27		RW	66	13	29	42	−5	54
26		LW	69	13	29	42	13	62
2		D	57	13	23	36	−5	24
36		RW	69	12	20	32	15	120
88		C	39	10	22	32	7	60
93		C	65	14	17	31	−9	42
68		RW	31	15	14	29	−1	12
37		LW	72	5	21	26	−8	16
3		D	67	10	14	24	−1	47
17		LW	65	14	9	23	14	225
23		D	56	3	15	18	−5	53
22		RW	43	10	7	17	−12	14
29		D	75	3	13	16	1	86
4		D	53	3	12	15	12	37
21		C	56	2	8	10	−8	33
6		D	44	1	9	10	11	48
74		D	28	1	7	8	2	10
39		LW	59	5	2	7	−13	82
51		D	25	2	5	7	−4	14
41		RW	58	2	4	6	−10	16
44		LW	14	3	2	5	0	8
20		RW	13	1	4	5	0	4
22		D	6	2	2	4	−4	0
23		D	12	1	3	4	−9	4
47		C	13	1	2	3	0	2
28		C	5	0	3	3	0	0
5		D	40	1	1	2	−9	117
10		RW	13	1	0	1	−8	2
25		C	20	1	0	1	−5	24
15		LW	4	1	0	1	−1	0
34		G	4	0	1	1		2
18		C	7	0	1	1	−2	4
24		D	12	0	1	1	−4	12
30		G	57	0	0	0		0
22		C	3	0	0	0	−1	2
12		RW	2	0	0	0	−1	2
25		RW	4	0	0	0	0	0
38		D	8	0	0	0	−4	0
43		RW	4	0	0	0	−1	19
40		G	26	0	0	0		0
33		G	4	0	0	0		0
28		D	9	0	0	0	−2	6
24		D	7	0	0	0	−3	0
20		C	17	0	0	0	−3	5
13		LW	5	0	0	0	0	23
18		RW	1	0	0	0	0	0
53		C	1	0	0	0	−1	0
45		G	2	0	0	0		0

Goaltending

	Regular season
	Player
30		57	16	30	5	1522	159	3.03	.896	2	3148
40		26	8	12	1	611	53	2.56	.913	2	1244
33		4	1	3	0	97	12	2.96	.876	0	243
34		4	1	2	0	91	16	4.85	.824	0	198
45		2	1	1	0	71	6	3.00	.915	0	119

Awards and records

Awards

Type	Award/honor	Recipient	Ref
League (annual)	Lester Patrick Trophy	John Davidson	^[4]
League (in-season)	NHL All-Star Game selection	Jaromir Jagr	^[5]
	NHL All-Star Game selection	Mark Messier	^[5]
	NHL Offensive Player of the Week	Martin Rucinsky (November 24)	^[6]
	NHL Offensive Player of the Week	Mark Messier (January 5)	^[7]
Team	Ceil Saidel Memorial Award	Mark Messier	^[8]
	"Crumb Bum" Award	Matthew Barnaby	^[9]
	Frank Boucher Trophy	Eric Lindros
	Good Guy Award	Eric Lindros
	Lars-Erik Sjoberg Award	Dominic Moore
	Players' Player Award	Brian Leetch
	Rangers MVP	Bobby Holik
	Rookie of the Year	Jed Ortmeyer
	Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award	Jed Ortmeyer	^[10]

Milestones

Milestone	Player	Date	Ref
1,000th game played	Jaromir Jagr	January 30, 2004	^[11]
1,000th game played	Bobby Holík	February 14, 2004	^[12]

Transactions

The Rangers were involved in the following transactions from June 10, 2003, the day after the deciding game of the 2003 Stanley Cup Finals, through June 7, 2004, the day of the deciding game of the 2004 Stanley Cup Finals.^[13]

Trades

Date	Details		Ref
June 21, 2003	To San Jose Sharks 2nd-round pick in 2003	To New York Rangers Boston's 2nd-round pick in 2003 3rd-round pick in 2003	^[14]
June 22, 2003	To San Jose Sharks Previous considerations	To New York Rangers 6th-round pick in 2003
June 30, 2003	To Edmonton Oilers Rights to Brian Leetch	To New York Rangers Jussi Markkanen 4th-round pick in 2004	^[15]
June 30, 2003	To San Jose Sharks Rights to Mark Messier	To New York Rangers Future considerations	^[16]
August 12, 2003	To San Jose Sharks Nils Ekman	To New York Rangers Chad Wiseman	^[17]
January 23, 2004	To Washington Capitals Anson Carter	To New York Rangers Jaromir Jagr	^[18]
January 23, 2004	To Columbus Blue Jackets 8th-round pick in 2004	To New York Rangers Jamie Pushor	^[19]
March 2, 2004	To Montreal Canadiens Alexei Kovalev	To New York Rangers Jozef Balej 2nd-round pick in 2004	^[20]
March 3, 2004	To Edmonton Oilers Jussi Markkanen Petr Nedved	To New York Rangers Steve Valiquette Rights to Dwight Helminen 2nd-round pick in 2004	^[21]
March 3, 2004	To Toronto Maple Leafs Brian Leetch Conditional draft pick	To New York Rangers Maxim Kondratiev Rights to Jarkko Immonen 1st-round pick in 2004 2nd-round pick in 2005	^[22]
March 6, 2004	To Calgary Flames Chris Simon 7th-round pick in 2004	To New York Rangers Blair Betts Jamie McLennan Rights to Greg Moore	^[23]
March 8, 2004	To Philadelphia Flyers Vladimir Malakhov	To New York Rangers Rights to Rick Kozak 2nd-round pick in 2005	^[24]
March 8, 2004	To Colorado Avalanche Matthew Barnaby 3rd-round pick in 2004	To New York Rangers Chris McAllister Rights to David Liffiton 2nd-round pick in 2004	^[25]
March 9, 2004	To Ottawa Senators Greg de Vries	To New York Rangers Alexandre Giroux Karel Rachunek	^[26]
March 9, 2004	To Florida Panthers Paul Healey	To New York Rangers Jeff Paul	^[27]
March 9, 2004	To Vancouver Canucks Martin Rucinsky	To New York Rangers Martin Grenier Rights to R. J. Umberger	^[28]

Players acquired

Date	Player	Former team	Term	Via	Ref
				Free agency	^[29]
				Free agency	^[30]
				Free agency	^[31]
				Free agency	^[32]
				Free agency	^[33]
				Free agency	^[34]
				Free agency	^[35]
		San Jose Sharks		Free agency	^[36]
		Carolina Hurricanes		Waivers	^[37]
				Waivers
					^[38]
				Waiver draft
				Waiver draft
				Free agency	^[39]
		Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL)		Free agency	^[40]
		Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL)		Free agency	^[41]
	Jeff Heerema	St. Louis Blues		Waivers	^[42]
				Waivers	^[43]
				Waivers	^[44]
				Waivers
		University of Massachusetts Amherst (HE)		Free agency	^[45]

Players lost

Date	Player	New team	Via	Ref
			Buyout	^[46]
		Ak Bars Kazan (RSL)	Free agency (VI)	^[47]
			Free agency (III)	^[48]
			Free agency (VI)	^[49]
		Boston Bruins	Free agency (III)	^[50]
			Retirement	^[51]
		Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (RSL)	Free agency (II)	^[52]
		SC Rapperswil-Jona (NLA)	Free agency (III)	^[53]

			Waiver draft
		Atlanta Thrashers	Waiver draft
		San Diego Gulls (ECHL)	Free agency (UFA)	^[54]
			Waivers	^[55]
			Waivers	^[56]
		Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (AHL)	Free agency (III)	^[57]
		SC Bern (NLA)	Free agency (III)	^[58]
		St. Louis Blues	Waivers	^[59]

Signings

Date	Player	Term	Contract type	Ref
			Re-signing	^[60]
			Re-signing	^[61]
			Re-signing	^[62]
			Re-signing	^[63]
		2-year	Arbitration award
			Re-signing	^[64]
		1-year	Re-signing	^[65] ^[66]
			Re-signing	^[67]
			Entry-level	^[68]
			Re-signing	^[69]
			Re-signing	^[70]
			Entry-level	^[71]

Draft picks

New York's picks at the 2003 NHL Entry Draft in Nashville, Tennessee, at the Gaylord Entertainment Center.^[72]

Round		Player	Pos	College/Junior/Club team (League)
1	12	Hugh Jessiman	RW	Dartmouth College (ECAC)
2	50	Ivan Baranka	D	Spartak Dubnica Jr. (Slovakia Jr.)
3	75	Ken Roche	C	St. Sebastian's School (USHS–MA)
4	122	Corey Potter	D	Michigan State University (CCHA)
5	149	Nigel Dawes	LW	Kootenay Ice (WHL)
6	176	Ivan Dornic	C	Slovan Bratislava (Slovak Extraliga)
6	179	Philippe Furrer	D	SC Bern (NLA)
6	180	Chris Holt	G	US National Team Development Program (USA)
7	209	Dylan Reese	D	Pittsburgh Forge (NAHL)
8	243	Jan Marek	F	Oceláři Třinec (Czech Extraliga)

Draft notes^[73]

The New York Rangers' second-round pick went to the San Jose Sharks as the result of a June 21, 2003 trade that sent a 2003 second-round pick and a 2003 third-round pick to the Rangers in exchange for this pick.
The San Jose Sharks' second-round pick went to the New York Rangers as a result of a June 21, 2003 trade that sent a 2003 second round pick to the Sharks in exchange for a 2003 third-round pick and this pick.
The San Jose Sharks' third-round pick went to the New York Rangers as a result of a June 21, 2003 trade that sent a 2003 second round pick to the Sharks in exchange for a 2003 second-round pick and this pick.
The New York Rangers' third-round pick went to the Philadelphia Flyers as the result of an August 20, 2001 trade that sent Eric Lindros to the Rangers in exchange for Kim Johnsson, Pavel Brendl, Jan Hlavac and this pick.
The New York Rangers' fourth-round pick went to the Florida Panthers as the result of a March 18, 2002 trade that sent Pavel Bure and a 2002 second-round pick to the Rangers in exchange for Igor Ulanov, Filip Novak, a 2002 first round pick, a 2002 second round pick and this pick.
The Edmonton Oilers' fourth-round pick went to the New York Rangers as a result of a June 30, 2002 trade that sent Mike Richter to the Oilers in exchange for this pick.
The Calgary Flames' sixth-round pick went to the New York Rangers as a result of a January 22, 2003 trade that sent Mike Mottau to the Flames in exchange for a 2004 sixth-round pick and this pick.
The San Jose Sharks' sixth-round pick (originally New York Rangers) went to the New York Rangers as a result of a June 22, 2003 trade that sent previous considerations to the Sharks in exchange for this pick.
The Los Angeles Kings' sixth-round pick went to the New York Rangers as a result of a July 16, 2002 trade that sent Derek Armstrong to the Kings in exchange for this conditional pick.
The New York Rangers' ninth-round pick went to the Pittsburgh Penguins as the result of a June 23, 2002 trade that sent Krysztof Oliwa to the Rangers in exchange for future considerations (this pick).

References

Web site: New York Rangers 2003–04 roster and statistics . The Internet Hockey Database . August 8, 2022.
Web site: 2003–04 New York Rangers Roster and Statistics . Sports Reference LLC . Hockey-Reference.com . August 8, 2022.

Notes and References

Web site: NHL attendance. ESPN. 2007-12-02. https://web.archive.org/web/20071030175707/http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/attendance?year=2004. 30 October 2007 . live.
Web site: Sather to Retain Head Coaching Duties . New York Rangers . November 6, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040815060554/http://newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=923 . August 15, 2004 . July 1, 2003.
Web site: Sather Relinquishes Coaching Duties . New York Rangers . November 6, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040811182617/http://newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=1131 . August 11, 2004 . February 25, 2004.
Web site: Lester Patrick Trophy . records.nhl.com . August 9, 2022.
Web site: NHL All-Star Game Historical Summaries - 2004 . NHL.com . August 8, 2022.
Web site: Rucinsky Named NHL Offensive Player of the Week . New York Rangers . November 6, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040810085301/http://newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=1055 . August 10, 2004 . November 24, 2003.
Web site: Messier Named NHL Offensive Player of the Week . New York Rangers . November 6, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040811181412/http://newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=1081 . August 11, 2004 . January 5, 2004.
Web site: Post-Game Notes . New York Rangers . August 9, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040607103930/http://www.newyorkrangers.com/faceoff/gamenotes.asp?id=812&gametype=post . June 7, 2004 . March 31, 2004.
2014–15 New York Rangers Media Guide, p.349–52
Web site: Ortmeyer Honored with 2003-04 Extra Effort Award . New York Rangers . August 9, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040604223032/http://www.newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=1173 . June 4, 2004 . March 25, 2004.
Web site: Sabres vs. Rangers - Game Recap - January 30, 2004 . ESPN . August 12, 2022 . January 30, 2004 . Rangers RW Jaromir Jagr played in his 1,000th NHL game..
Web site: Rangers vs. Flyers - Game Recap - February 14, 2004 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190402114427/http://www.espn.com/nhl/recap/_/gameId/240214015 . dead . April 2, 2019 . ESPN . August 12, 2022 . February 15, 2004 . New York's Bobby Holik, who played in his 1,000th NHL game..
Web site: Hockey Transactions Search Results . Pro Sports Transactions . May 8, 2022.
Web site: NHL DRAFT TRADES . The Globe and Mail . May 26, 2022 . June 23, 2003.
Web site: Rangers Land Markkanen, Fourth Rounder from Oilers . New York Rangers . May 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040620013947/http://www.newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=920 . June 20, 2004 . June 30, 2003.
Web site: San Jose Acquires Rights to Messier . New York Rangers . May 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040620015310/http://www.newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=922 . June 20, 2004 . June 30, 2003.
Web site: Rangers Acquire Center Chad Wiseman . New York Rangers . May 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040619184609/http://www.newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=964 . June 19, 2004 . August 12, 2003.
Web site: Rangers Acquire Jaromir Jagr from Washington . New York Rangers . May 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040606222612/http://www.newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=1099 . June 6, 2004 . January 23, 2004.
Web site: Blueshirts Acquire Jamie Pushor from Columbus . New York Rangers . May 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040607230218/http://www.newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=1100 . June 7, 2004 . January 23, 2004.
Web site: Kovalev Dealt to Montreal for Jozef Balej and Draft Choice . New York Rangers . May 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040607134149/http://www.newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=1135 . June 7, 2004 . March 2, 2004.
Web site: Rangers Land Helminen, Valiquette, Pick from Oilers . New York Rangers . May 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040607134841/http://www.newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=1139 . June 7, 2004 . March 3, 2004.
Web site: Rangers Trade Leetch to Toronto for Prospects, Picks . New York Rangers . May 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040607135202/http://www.newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=1140 . June 7, 2004 . March 3, 2004.
Web site: Simon Dealt to Calgary; Land Three Players . New York Rangers . May 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040607135458/http://www.newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=1144 . June 7, 2004 . March 6, 2004.
Web site: Rangers Land Kozak, Pick from Flyers in Exchange for Malakhov . New York Rangers . May 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040607140403/http://www.newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=1147 . June 7, 2004 . March 8, 2004.
Web site: Rangers Trade Barnaby to Avs; Acquire Liffiton, McAllister . New York Rangers . May 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040607140800/http://www.newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=1149 . June 7, 2004 . March 9, 2004.
Web site: Rangers Acquire Rachunek, Giroux; de Vries Traded to Ottawa . New York Rangers . May 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040607141345/http://www.newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=1150 . June 7, 2004 . March 9, 2004.
Web site: Rangers Acquire Jeff Paul from Florida . New York Rangers . May 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040607142444/http://www.newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=1152 . June 7, 2004 . March 9, 2004.
Web site: Rangers Acquire Umberger, Grenier from Vancouver . New York Rangers . May 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040607142542/http://www.newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=1153 . June 7, 2004 . March 9, 2004.
Web site: Rangers Sign Defenseman Greg de Vries . New York Rangers . May 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040605141551/http://www.newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=928 . June 5, 2004 . July 14, 2003.
Web site: Rangers Sign Free Agent Left Wing Chris Simon . New York Rangers . May 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040619160238/http://www.newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=943 . June 19, 2004 . July 25, 2003.
Web site: Rangers Agree To Terms With Paul Healey . New York Rangers . May 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040619161659/http://www.newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=945 . June 19, 2004 . July 28, 2003.
Web site: Rangers Sign Brian Leetch . New York Rangers . May 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040620052143/http://www.newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=946 . June 20, 2004 . July 30, 2003.
Web site: Rangers Agree to Terms with John Jakopin . New York Rangers . May 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040619210345/http://www.newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=975 . June 19, 2004 . August 22, 2003.
Web site: Rangers Agree to Terms with Jan Hlavac . New York Rangers . May 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040429234138/http://www.newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=978 . April 29, 2004 . August 28, 2003.
Web site: Rangers Agree to Terms with Martin Rucinsky . New York Rangers . May 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040619213851/http://www.newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=979 . June 19, 2004 . August 28, 2003.
Web site: Rangers Agree To Terms With Mark Messier . New York Rangers . May 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040620110909/http://www.newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=987 . June 20, 2004 . September 5, 2003.
Web site: Rangers Claim Shawn Heins and Jeff Heerema Off Waivers . New York Rangers . May 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040607223327/http://www.newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=1001 . June 7, 2004 . September 30, 2003.
Web site: Rangers Claim Three Players In NHL Waiver Draft . New York Rangers . May 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040607224230/http://www.newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=1004 . June 7, 2004 . October 3, 2003.
Web site: Rangers Sign Forward Pascal Rheaume . New York Rangers . May 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040429033435/http://www.newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=1020 . April 29, 2004 . October 22, 2003.
Web site: Rangers Agree to Terms with Phil Osaer . New York Rangers . May 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040607220633/http://www.newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=1052 . June 7, 2004 . November 23, 2003.
Web site: MacDonald Inks Contract; Recalled from Hartford (AHL) . New York Rangers . May 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040607225408/http://www.newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=1069 . June 7, 2004 . December 11, 2003.
Web site: Rangers Re-Claim Heerema Off Waivers . New York Rangers . May 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040607222821/http://www.newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=1088 . June 7, 2004 . January 10, 2004.
Web site: Rangers Claim Josh Green Off Waivers from Calgary . New York Rangers . May 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040607140113/http://www.newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=1145 . June 7, 2004 . March 6, 2004.
Web site: Rangers Claim McCarthy, Green Off Waivers . New York Rangers . May 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040607141849/http://www.newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=1151 . June 7, 2004 . March 9, 2004.
Web site: Rangers Sign UMass Defenseman Thomas Pöck . New York Rangers . May 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040409073344/http://www.newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=1167 . April 9, 2004 . March 23, 2004.
Web site: OTG – Player Profile . www.outsidethegarden.com . May 26, 2022 . 07.01.2003 Contract bought out.
, retrieved May 26, 2022
Web site: Tuesday roundup: Isles re-sign goalies Snow, DiPietro . ESPN.com . May 26, 2022 . July 22, 2003.
Web site: TRANSACTIONS . The New York Times . May 26, 2022 . August 7, 2003 . LOS ANGELES KINGS--Signed RW John Tripp to a one-year contract..
Web site: Diamos . Jason . PLUS: PRO HOCKEY; Arbitrator Rules On Rangers' Poti . The New York Times . May 26, 2022 . August 13, 2003.
Web site: Mike Richter Announces Retirement . New York Rangers . May 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040620104647/http://www.newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=983 . June 20, 2004 . September 4, 2003.
Web site: ALES PISA . TSN.ca . May 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20031019214440/http://www.tsn.ca:80/nhl/teams/player_bio.asp?player_id=2399&hubName=NYR . October 19, 2003 . 08-Sep-03: Signed with the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl of the Russian Hockey League..
, retrieved May 26, 2022
Web site: San Diego Signs Billy Tibbetts . OurSports Central . May 26, 2022 . October 17, 2003.
Web site: Keefe Claimed Off Waivers by Tampa Bay Lightning . New York Rangers . May 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040607220915/http://www.newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=1023 . June 7, 2004 . October 24, 2003.
Web site: Siklenka Claimed Off Waivers by Philadelphia . New York Rangers . May 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040607230526/http://www.newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=1042 . June 7, 2004 . November 5, 2003.
Web site: Penguins (AHL) Sign Defenseman Dave Karpa . OurSports Central . May 26, 2022 . November 19, 2003.
, retrieved May 26, 2022
Web site: Canucks vs. Blues - Game Recap - January 29, 2004 . ESPN.com . May 26, 2022 . January 29, 2003 . The Blues claimed F Pascal Rheaume off waivers from the New York Rangers.
Web site: Rangers Agree to Terms with LaCouture . New York Rangers . May 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040621223115/http://www.newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=918 . June 21, 2004 . June 30, 2003.
Web site: Rangers Agree to Terms with Petrovicky . New York Rangers . May 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040620012947/http://www.newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=919 . June 20, 2004 . June 30, 2003.
Web site: Rangers Agree to Terms with Jussi Markkanen . New York Rangers . May 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040620034713/http://www.newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=934 . June 20, 2004 . July 17, 2003.
Web site: Rangers Agree To Terms With Richard Scott . New York Rangers . May 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040620044954/http://www.newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=942 . June 20, 2004 . July 24, 2003.
Web site: Rangers Agree to Terms With Alex Kovalev . New York Rangers . May 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040429234129/http://www.newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=967 . April 29, 2004 . August 13, 2003.
Web site: Rangers Agree to Terms with Anson Carter . New York Rangers . May 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040619194229/http://www.newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=971 . June 19, 2004 . August 18, 2003.
Web site: Wheatley . Tom . Wheatley: NHL arbitration scoresheet . ESPN.com . https://web.archive.org/web/20031022184551/http://msn.espn.go.com:80/nhl/s/arbitrationscore.html . October 22, 2003 . live . July 31, 2003.
Web site: Rangers Agree to Terms with Boris Mironov . New York Rangers . May 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040620103226/http://www.newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=981 . June 20, 2004 . September 3, 2003.
Web site: Rangers Sign Forward Dominic Moore . New York Rangers . May 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040619224712/http://www.newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=988 . June 19, 2004 . September 8, 2003.
Web site: JASON LABARBERA . TSN.ca . May 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20031019113857/http://www.tsn.ca:80/nhl/teams/player_bio.asp?player_id=1791&hubName=NYR . October 19, 2003 . 12-Sep-03: Re-signed by the New York Rangers..
Web site: LAWRENCE NYCHOLAT . TSN.ca . May 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040818015019/http://tsn.ca/nhl/teams/player_bio.asp?player_id=2646&hubName=NYR . August 18, 2004 . 12-Sep-03: Re-signed by the New York Rangers..
Web site: Rangers Agree to Terms with Ryan Hollweg . New York Rangers . April 23, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040620084158/http://www.newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=1238 . June 20, 2004 . June 7, 2004.
Web site: NHL Entry Draft Year by Year Results. NHL.com. June 25, 2012.
Web site: 2003 NHL Entry Draft Pick Transactions. Pro Sports Transactions. June 25, 2012.