Rangers raise Ratelle's No. 19 to rafters

Jean Ratelle is now among the greats.

Prior to Sunday's contest versus the Detroit Red Wings, the New York Rangers honored the former forward by retiring his legendary No. 19.

Ratelle skated with the Rangers from 1960 to 1976. He posted a career-best 109 points in 1971-72, and was recognized with the Lester B. Pearson Award as the NHL's most outstanding player.

His 817 points with the Rangers ranks third in franchise history, trailing only Brian Leetch and Rod Gilbert.

Ratelle is the ninth Ranger to have his number retired, and the first since the team honored both Harry Howell and Andy Bathgate on Feb. 22, 2009.

Gilbert, on hand for Sunday's ceremony, and whose No. 7 was retired by the club in 1979, announced the team will retire Vic Hadfield's No. 11 next season. Hadfield ranks ninth all time in franchise scoring.

With the Rangers, Ratelle, Gilbert, and Hadfield formed the GAG (Goal-A-Game) line.