The most famous night of Eddie Giacomin’s career happened when the Rangers icon was wearing a Red Wings uniform. If that isn’t a microcosm of the tortured 100-year history of the Original Six franchise that will be celebrated throughout this centennial season, I’m not quite sure what else would qualify.

Access the Rangers beat like never before

Get Mollie Walker’s text messages with the latest Rangers buzz and get your questions answered — exclusive to Sports+ subscribers.

Before there was Henrik Lundqvist, there was Giacomin. Before there was Mike Richter, there was Giacomin. Before there was Igor Shesterkin, there was Giacomin.

Before the historic trade for Mark Messier, there was the foundational trade for Giacomin just over a quarter of a century earlier that parted the Red Sea for the then-disrespected, punching-bag franchise that made the playoffs only once from 1959 through 1966 and had not won a round since 1950.

Before video tributes, there was Nov. 2, 1975.