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We Did Everything But Win: Former New York Rangers Remember the Emile Francis Era
We Did Everything But An Oral History of the Emile Francis Era New York Rangers (1964–1976) is an entertaining account of one of the most exciting and unforgettable periods in the history of the Broadway Blueshirts as told by Francis as well as several of his players.
George Grimm chronicles each season of the Francis era when “The Cat” transformed them from perennial league doormats to a team that made it to the Stanley Cup playoffs for nine consecutive seasons, including a Finals appearance in 1972. There are also chapters detailing Emile’s playing career and his hiring as general manager as well as the aftermath of his dismissal and an analysis of his tenure behind the bench and as GM. It was during those years that the National Hockey League doubled in size and the Rangers moved into a brand-new Madison Square Garden. As the popularity of the National Hockey League skyrocketed, who could forget the Rangers’ battles on the ice with Boston’s Big Bad Bruins and Philadelphia’s Broad Street Bullies and showdowns with the Montreal Canadiens and Chicago Black Hawks? All the great moments are here including a heart-stopping, triple-overtime victory in the 1971 playoffs and Vic Hadfield’s 50th goal the following season.
We Did Everything But Win is a tribute to the Rangers of that era; Jacques Plante and Marcel Paille, Eddie Giacomin and Gilles Villemure, Harry Howell and Jim “The Chief” Neilson, “The Old Smoothies,” the “G-A-G Line,” and the “Bulldog Line.” It’s the story of colorful players with nicknames like “Boomer,” “Stemmer,” and “Sarge” and fan favorites such as Brad Park, Rod Gilbert, Jean Ratelle, Walt Tkaczuk. It’s all here—the highs and the lows, the inspiring victories, the devastating losses, and the funny moments along the way.
George Grimm chronicles each season of the Francis era when “The Cat” transformed them from perennial league doormats to a team that made it to the Stanley Cup playoffs for nine consecutive seasons, including a Finals appearance in 1972. There are also chapters detailing Emile’s playing career and his hiring as general manager as well as the aftermath of his dismissal and an analysis of his tenure behind the bench and as GM. It was during those years that the National Hockey League doubled in size and the Rangers moved into a brand-new Madison Square Garden. As the popularity of the National Hockey League skyrocketed, who could forget the Rangers’ battles on the ice with Boston’s Big Bad Bruins and Philadelphia’s Broad Street Bullies and showdowns with the Montreal Canadiens and Chicago Black Hawks? All the great moments are here including a heart-stopping, triple-overtime victory in the 1971 playoffs and Vic Hadfield’s 50th goal the following season.
We Did Everything But Win is a tribute to the Rangers of that era; Jacques Plante and Marcel Paille, Eddie Giacomin and Gilles Villemure, Harry Howell and Jim “The Chief” Neilson, “The Old Smoothies,” the “G-A-G Line,” and the “Bulldog Line.” It’s the story of colorful players with nicknames like “Boomer,” “Stemmer,” and “Sarge” and fan favorites such as Brad Park, Rod Gilbert, Jean Ratelle, Walt Tkaczuk. It’s all here—the highs and the lows, the inspiring victories, the devastating losses, and the funny moments along the way.
- GenresSportsHockeyNonfiction
384 pages, Hardcover
Published September 5, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 6, 2024
George Grimm’s classic “WE DID EVERYTHING BUT WIN” only gains importance with the passage of time. Capturing the New York Rangers during the Emile Francis era of 1964-1976, George has gifted hockey fans a precious time capsule. Beautifully written, meticulously researched, insightful interviews, and George’s own personal experiences (often with his father) will prevent this important chapter from ever being forgotten. This is a must read for any Ranger fan interested in our team’s history. I was too young to experience these years myself, but this terrific book brings those players and Emile to life.
June 23, 2020
A must read for NY Rangers fans
Being a Rangers fan since 1956 this book brought back so many memories, bad and good, of the team I have loved since I was 6 years old. I often wondered about some of the deals that were made over the 15 years this book chronicles and Grimm gives the inside scoop as to why we made so many bad deals and had a bunch of bad draft picks. Many former Rangers from that era give the inside skinny on what those teams and teammates were like. If you've ever stood up and hollered "Let's Go Rangers" this book is for you
Being a Rangers fan since 1956 this book brought back so many memories, bad and good, of the team I have loved since I was 6 years old. I often wondered about some of the deals that were made over the 15 years this book chronicles and Grimm gives the inside scoop as to why we made so many bad deals and had a bunch of bad draft picks. Many former Rangers from that era give the inside skinny on what those teams and teammates were like. If you've ever stood up and hollered "Let's Go Rangers" this book is for you
October 31, 2018
This oral history captures the end of the NY Rangers dark days, when the team brought in Emile Francis to be GM and Coach and moved to the new Madison Square Garden. The book not only focuses on the ice but also to off ice characters like PR director John Halligan, broadcaster Marv Albert and others. Entertaining and honest this was a terrific read for a kid who grew up wanting to be Eddie Giacomin....
November 27, 2018
If you are a fan of hockey and particularly the New York Rangers, this book is a must read. If you don’t remember the Emile Francis era this is a great history lesson. If you were around to witness the Rangers of the 60s and 70s this book will bring back precious memories and might bring a tear to your eyes.
December 27, 2017
The book brought back some great memories of when I was growing up on Long Island first getting into the game of hockey
March 26, 2024
Despite knowing what happened, each season spoke about I found myself feeling like I was there at the time and couldn't wait to see how each season ended. Can't recommend this enough. Fantastic read.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews