After claiming the President’s Trophy as the NHL’s top team for the 2023-24 season yet failing to secure a Stanley Cup, the New York Rangers are not getting any younger in their pursuit of a championship.
Although they have a star-studded lineup, the Blueshirts have struggled in the playoffs, having reached the Eastern Conference Finals twice in three years and losing both times. Star defenseman Adam Fox acknowledges that expectations remain high as they prepare for their season opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
“In a big city like New York and with a historic franchise like the Rangers, the pressure is always a bit of Stanley Cup or bust,” Fox explained, as reported by The Athletic’s Peter Baugh. “Playing for a team with such history adds pressure, making the failure to achieve that goal hurt even more.”
At 26, he added, “Teams don’t get any younger. It’s often discussed about a ‘window,’ and clearly, we are within ours. While we don’t have to declare ‘this is our year,’ our group is experienced enough that not winning the Stanley Cup feels like falling short.”
The Rangers had a stellar regular season, clinching 55 victories and finishing with 114 points, just ahead of the Dallas Stars. They swept the Washington Capitals and defeated the Carolina Hurricanes in the early rounds, but fell to a strong Florida Panthers team in the Conference Finals.
The Panthers eliminated the Rangers in six games before defeating Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers in a thrilling seven-game Stanley Cup Final. Despite the disappointment, the Rangers are still considered one of the top teams in the league as they head into the 2024-25 season. With elite talent throughout their roster—including star winger Artemi Panarin and arguably the best goalie in Igor Shesterkin—they boast considerable playoff experience.
“We’ve gained a lot of experience, but we’ve never gone all the way,” said Filip Chytil, according to Baugh. “That’s our goal again this year, and we’re prepared to do whatever it takes.”
New York is returning with a largely unchanged roster that excelled in 2023-24, adding Reilly Smith to the lineup, while hoping Ryan Lindgren recovers quickly from his preseason injury.
Head coach Peter Laviolette emphasized that last year’s playoff outcomes are behind them as the team focuses on what could be a final chance for some key players heading into free agency next summer.
“The focus is on this new season,” Laviolette stated to Baugh. “It’s an opportunity to make an impact and achieve great things, beginning with Game 1 in Pittsburgh.”
The Rangers aim to secure a victory against Sidney Crosby and the Penguins on Wednesday night at PPG Paints Arena.
