NOT A G-A-G!

SUNDAY night was just as much about the famed G-A-G Line as a whole as it was Jean Ratelle, he and linemates Rod Gilbert and Vic Hadfield showing the kind of chemistry telling stories and jokes during a press conference as they did on the ice in the 1960s and 70s.

So it was fitting that on the evening Ratelle’s No. 19 was finally raised to the rafters that Gilbert announced Hadfield’s No. 11 next season will join Gilbert’s No.7 and seven other Ranger legends hanging from the Garden ceiling. Hadfield teared up and became so emotional he had to sit down upon hearing the news.

Before the ceremony Gilbert noted how many fans had sent him letters over the years and how many articles were written pushing for Ratelle’s number to be retired.

“There’s no question,” said Gilbert, Ratelle’s longtime friend whom Ratelle called “bro” multiple times during his on-ice speech.

“What about Vic? He should be there, too,” Ratelle interjected.

“He should be, but he’s not,” Gilbert said, less than two hours before revealing Hadfield would in fact be joining them.

Hadfield didn’t hesitate when asked what would’ve happened if Ratelle hadn’t suffered a broken ankle in 1971-72, when he notched 109 points in 63 games, his 1.73 points per game the most any Ranger has averaged in a season. “We would’ve won the Cup, plain and simple,” Hadfield said. “You can’t replace an individual like that.”

Among those on the red carpet at center ice for the festivities were Gilbert, Eddie Giacomin, Mike Richter, Mark Messier, Brian Leetch and Adam Graves, all of whom have their numbers retired; Harry Howell’s daughter, Cheryl Townson, represented Howell and Andy Bathgate.

Also on the ice: Rod Seiling; Gilles Villemure; Ted Irvine; Pete Stemkowski; Bob Plager; Steve Vickers; Bob Nevin and Brad