So, About Those Rangers...

[@nalaeel219]

Shesterkin is a goalie demi-god. Guy played his guts out.

[@DanielCadarette]

Shesterkin needs to be traded to a hockey team that can actually score goals.

[@Reapercrewgarage]

Devils trade incoming 😂😂😂😂

[@denisvandergrift9658]

the only huge problem is his nationality...

[@DanielCadarette]

@@denisvandergrift9658 Why is that?

[@cmike5572]

@@denisvandergrift9658 I would be proud to be from Russia. WTF u talking about?. Incredible athletes and toughness.

[@howie9751]

I'm a Rangers fan, but I say give Florida credit for how they tied the Rangers up in knots. Don't blame the individual players.

[@WeirdAFforGooglingMe]

it happens every year with the rangers tho. those big names just don’t perform when it counts. regular season stars just not built for the playoffs together

[@richiec4120]

I give Florida credit !! But I don't give the coaching staff of the Rangers any credit !! They had enough time to come up with a game plan to beat the pressure Florida put on them !!

[@howie9751]

@@richiec4120 We were outcoached.

[@BxIowaIrelandSwAg]

You don't understand hockey much then lol. It's one thing if the Panthers were playing smothering defense, which they were, but even when Zib and Panarin would get space they would legit just turn it over. They absolutely deserve major individual blame.

[@howie9751]

@@BxIowaIrelandSwAg Quote from another commenter" @bryanspink8042 18 hours ago Bruins fan here. My "take" on the panthers so far as to why they're having success is their ability to adapt to their next opponent and shut them down. They have talent, depth and are well coached. This team is for real. Sorry to all Rangers fans out there but the curse of the Presidents Trophy claims another team's season.

[@thebeesknies]

Shesterkin really deserved that win. His defense didn't at all tho. People always complain about big players not performing like Marner, Pettersson etc. I'm not saying we're in that situation. But when your top payed guys can't get more than 2 points in an ECF. It's a problem

[@Nemazon5.7]

how many goddamn times do we gotta make it clear petey performs in the playoffs he just had tendonitis in his right knee since january! like imagine hating on injured players

[@thebeesknies]

@@Nemazon5.7 yes I agree! But he got so much criticism which *I THINK* was not deserved

[@thebigpicture2032]

You’re not giving enough credit to the Panthers and their ability shut down the opposing team’s top forwards. They shut down Stamkos, Kucherov and Pastrnak as well. Shesterkin got them to the ECF in one of the best displays of goaltending I’ve seen in some time and gave them a chance but they were outshot by 10-15 shots each game. I’d say defense was more the issue and New York would have won if they could have cut down on the near 40 shots per game.

[@esperago]

My question is how much of Kreider and Zibenajad not showing up was due to either a) the Panthers shutting them down, or b) them not being able to function under the Panthers relentless pressure? Or is it simply a matter of those two players lacking heart when heart was needed most? I watched the series but I'm not a Rangers fan, so it's hard to do a player analysis on them.

[@esperago]

​@@thebigpicture2032This is what I'm wondering. How much of it was due to the Panthers play and how much was due to Kreider and Zibenajad's lack of gumption?

[@danielclark241]

The Panthers looked like a team of five Barry Allen's out there. The only reason why the game wasn't a blowout (and why they didn't sweep the Rangers) was because of Igor Shesterkin.

[@bryanspink8042]

Bruins fan here. My "take" on the panthers so far as to why they're having success is their ability to adapt to their next opponent and shut them down. They have talent, depth and are well coached. This team is for real. Sorry to all Rangers fans out there but the curse of the Presidents Trophy claims another team's season.

[@Midge1k]

Stifling forecheck and transition play may be their best assets

[@seveglider8406]

Winning the President's Trophy isn't a curse. When the playoffs begin, the regular season doesn't mean anything and every team has an equal chance to win the Cup. The Ranges and the Bruins are very good teams who were outplayed by a very good Panther team. Which ever team with the West Semi Final will have as good a chance to win the Cup as the Panthers.

[@pmczapczara5332]

​@@seveglider8406the PC winners have certainly fared poorly overall in the last 10-15 years. Perhaps it's because they draw the least deserving team (as in the NYR -WASH series) and they play down a level even though winning, get padded with amazing stats of their PP, PK, GAA...etc.....and this leads to them EXPECTING success, rather than playing like they WANT IT. Washington and Carolina didn't prepare NY for FLA.....but FLA going through TB, and then Boston, certainly had them better prepared for NY and Shesterkin.

[@seveglider8406]

@@pmczapczara5332 Carolina is just as difficult an opponent as Boston. Carolina plays a very similar style like the Panthers. They press their opponents and shoot as often as possible and chase down rebounds. WAKE UP! Every team which qualifies for the playoffs wants it! They don't expect to win. Playing 1 team doesn't prepare You to play another team. Teams are suppose to prepare to play any opponent and winning the Presidents Trophy isn't a curse. Only superstitious idiots believe in curses!

[@pmczapczara5332]

@@seveglider8406 don't recall mentioning superstitions, just some factual statistics that a long period of PC winners have demonstrated. If every team wanted the same......they would skate at that level every game and not have games where they seem to vanish. You see it in how they skate, how cleanly they manage the puck. Playing on your toes, playing in the opponents end, taking the hits. Some players thrive and excel, some don't measure up to regular season. Teams who spend the regular season on top may not be able duplicate the drive of a team that has a singular sense of a mission, 18 playing as one. And yes, who you play and how you got to play then DOES prepare or possibly or hinder readiness for the next level of opponent. SERIOUSLY do you think NYR playing the WORST Washington Capitals playoff performance HELPED NY to be ready for Carolina?? Do you think Boston dropping their last game to play Toronto HELPED prepare them for FLA ? The challenge of one CERTAINLY helps prepare for the next level, but if the challenge is too weak, it deceives as to what the next rounds opponent will be playing at.

[@TheRealLulZ91]

As a Devils fan, even I feel for Shesterkin, he’s just easily one of the best goalies if not the best goalie currently playing in the league, and he played his heart out this playoffs, one of the only rangers players that I enjoy watching and respect.

[@Vic01_78]

Same!

[@ToastyChance754]

As a ranger fan I don’t respect any devil. It’s a poverty franchise

[@giantsfan185]

​@@ToastyChance754that's not funny. Don't you know it's hard for us poor Devils fans to go to MSG and see all that empty space in the rafters.

[@DevilsFan1997]

@@ToastyChance754 classic rags fan. Yall are so garbage it’s hilarious 😂. How’s Kakko working out?

[@giantsfan185]

@@ToastyChance754 that's impressive 👏👏. Maybe if the Rangers team showed up as much as their fans do, those rafters at MSG wouldn't be so empty.

[@gocharules]

As a Ranger fan I can't complain the team competed and was beaten by a better team no shame in that unlike last year. Finishing as a final 4 team means you doing a lot of things right.

[@Winamp_]

Getting into the top4 in a Stanley Cup playoffs is fantastic honestly as long as you dont get run over by 4-0 in matches. 4-2 in matches is not bad. Like what more can you expect from a team beyond that other than making it into the finals or winning the cup? They are a top4 team out of 32 teams, a great achievement this season.

[@BxIowaIrelandSwAg]

Loser mentality. Anything short of raising the cup is a failure and should be looked at as such by professional athletes.

[@peterdelbove2838]

Thanks for making this video. It has been a tough last 17 hours for Rangers fans. So many fans looking at this as the "cup is half empty", rather than being half full. A little encouragement for the future is helpful right now.

[@BxIowaIrelandSwAg]

Loser mentality. Any season short of a cup is a failure.

[@matrix_killer2455]

*Breaking news* New York Rangers' captain Jacob Trouba's elbow has now been offered a max deal by the WWE for 10 years.

[@seanwick35]

Jonathan Quick was a pleasant surprise for the Rangers this year, how he was able to revive his career. Hope they keep him on another year.

[@dinosaurman59]

they already resigned him a while back

[@Rangerandjetfan]

Igor crying on troch shoulder broke my heart

[@ringer4883]

Maybe his millions will make up for it

[@mckennalynn1916]

Great vid! I am a Panther's fan, but I also am a fan of the New York Rangers! It was awesome to see how they play, and for this being Laviolette's first year and making it this far that is impressive in itself (I don't know what he's been doing prior to this). Also for real their goalie was pretty good, and at the end of the game last night it looked like he was crying on his teammates shoulder and I felt so bad. Also (1:55) if he had only been able to hit the puck that would have been a score for the Rangers and maybe would have turned the tables of the game, but he missed it. I think they're a great team like I said in the other video I just feel like they didn't give their all this last game.

[@coldcrush9]

Panthers are as fast and skilled at the Hurricanes and can hit like the Islanders

[@aidan_asparro6208]

Right on the money

[@Boris_Chang]

The Hurricanes were much improved in the offensive department this year, but the Panthers have the better defense and goaltending. Still, it might have been an interesting rematch. Unfortunately, the Canes’ lackluster defense and especially weak goaltending were their downfall this year (though they almost mounted a heroic comeback against the Rangers, but for Kreider waking up for the last twenty minutes of game six). Kudos to the cats though. They are much healthier this postseason, and I think neither Dallas nor Edmonton can beat them. Much respect to the Isles as well. They will do better next season no doubt.

[@RIPJimmyA7X]

​@@Boris_Changit sucks for Canes fans that the year their offense figures it out just happens to be the same year their goaltending falls apart

[@GodOfDairy]

I don't think it's a matter of the Ranger's core not performing, but a matter of Florida shutting down that core. I think the Rangers played well, but the Panthers just played better. They took NY's strengths and played against them.

[@BxIowaIrelandSwAg]

You didn't watch the series then. Zib and Panarin alone had like 25 turnovers while not being pressured. They legit just played awful.

[@GodOfDairy]

@@BxIowaIrelandSwAg I watched every game of the series. Every turnover was the result of constant Florida pressure which resulted in mass mistakes and quick unthought out plays. Which series were YOU watching?

[@langgp]

I admire McDavid’s determination he wants to win the Cup. The whole team was awesome they played so well. Ring on the Panther. 5 days to go and counting.

[@Irevoltnow]

Only playoff series in last 3 years where Rangers have won shots on goal was this years joke series against Caps. And they won that by whopping 104-101. Other than last year Devils series it's been quite big margin as well. Around 6 to 11 shots/game. Opponent have out shot Rangers 33-10 in 43 games. 16 times it has been 10 shots or more. And still they even manage to won almost half of those games. No team chooses to be out shot that much or be on the defensive side. I have watched many of those games and there were few pretty brutal beatdowns this year against Carolina and Florida. I would even go as far as to say that they didn't even deserve to be in the conference finals. If Carolina would have had even half Bobrovsky Rangers would have lost then and there. It's obvious that this core in playoffs are just surviving because of Shesterkin and will never win the cup. They just got outplayed by better teams constantly. I think they are the luckiest team I've ever seen. Zibanejad actually broke his stick twice and they scored both times after that. When does that happen?

[@gothaminsanity]

Shes was MVP material what a performance

[@Jimmyfly215]

Igor was absolutely insane. Appreciate that as a hockey fan and I hate the rangers

[@Mrliftalee]

Florida is kind of the new Tampa Bay. They were built to beat them. They are not going away. Your turn Drury.

[@seanquinn4787]

That's an excellent comparison.

[@dkarmusic5424]

But they will go away, because they have a lot of players that will be free agents this offseason. Yes they’ll be good next year, but they’ll drop off a bit.

[@iSnags]

Igor was amazing . Reminds me of the Henrik Lundqvist days . A goalie having to stand on his head just for the team to let him down in the end

[@matts6551]

You must be reminiscing of of a dream you had, Henrik was not a good playoff goaltender. He was phenomenal in the regular season but turned into Swiss cheese in the playoffs. if he was good at anything, it was blowing big playoff leads.

[@conormcelhearn4538]

As a diehard rangers fan who went to seven playoff games, this is a tough feeling. The team had the DVD moments to make it seem like they were capable of something special. We need to give credit or credits due. Florida played a remarkable series. The team is absolutely incredible and they buy in to Maurice’s System. The Rangers are not far off the mark. They remind me of the panthers in 2022. They need to go out execute a hockey trade to add a legit right winger for their top 6, some speed/in their middle 6, and at least two new defenseman. if they can go out and execute a hockey trade and get continued growth from some of their youth, including prospects that are close like Othman I firmly believe will be back next year. Igor is incredible and can keep this team in any series. I think Trouba is the logical candidate to go either through buyout or sending assets in a trade.

[@4partharmony208]

Florida knew everything the Rangers were going to do in the O-zone before they did. Nearly every one of those diagonal passes and set plays had a Panthers stick in the way or body in the shooting lane. Call it coaching or bad luck or whatever you like, but the offensive system wasn't flexible enough when it mattered. We often sleep on great teams in the moment when bad luck strikes, but once they succeed it seems so obvious looking back - Think Jordan's Bulls in the late 80's or the late 90's Devils. Florida's been an absolute force-in-waiting for a couple years now and we're all finally seeing it in all it's glory.

[@conormcelhearn4538]

@@4partharmony208 well said. They’ve were an average 5v5 team all year and it caught up with them when a team stifled our PP and played a disciplined game. We failed to address the issue at the deadline with Roslovic and Wennberg. But, I don’t think that the Rangers didn’t try and adjust. I think we simply lacked the personal to do so and tried to will it too late. The team has a solid core and prospect pipeline. Laff is finally a star. Schneider has taken a massive step alongside miller (who’s tremendously better when he’s not covering for Trouba). We are a hockey trade and a few personal changes away from the right mix. The ending was disappointing but anyone who thinks this isn’t a good team is naive.

[@4partharmony208]

@conormcelhearn4538 Totally agree, and The Hockey Guy did a good deep dive on the roster questions going forward. It wasn't necessarily the players that failed in the series, but their systems. Maybe in Year 2 with LVL they can have a better Plan B and C in place. That said, that window is shorter than it looks with the other big fish in the East so they need to take the next step quickly - I'm an Oilers fan and I'm terrified this might be our last best shot with this core. Sincerely though, best of luck next year.

[@dkarmusic5424]

@@4partharmony208🤝

[@flubing2658]

No other words to describe this other than heartbreak. This year really felt magical, especially after that Kreider hatty to beat Carolina. Even though Florida outplayed us, it still feels unfair. This team was so good all year, and we just ran out of gas towards the end. Really having flashbacks from the 2022 playoffs. So close, and yet so far.... and of course we lose to another Florida team. All things said, this was the most entertaining and awesome season I've ever had the privilege to watch, and I'm thankful for all the great moments. Even though it didn't end how I envisioned, it was still one hell of a season and one hell of a playoffs. I can't wait to see what this team can do next year. LGR!

[@Jhaze117-y2t]

They went deep, successful season overall. They are a awesome team. They have a lot of depth, but Florida is a beast. If they add a few more pieces offensively they are set.

[@AlexandrawOfficial_Lexi]

They are NOT close. sorry my friend. FLORIDA beat them into the ground. ONly Igor, some luck and the PP made it a series. Rangers stars did not "vanish" they were MADE invisible They are built wrong as are the Hughes led Devil-girls Florida is built right, Vegas too, as is I think Edmonton and Dallas. Boston is built well, just not deep enough and Carolina is built well, but might need to switch a few parts. Ther stars still all produced Rangers stars Fox (0 goals .5pts per game), Panarin (0 goals most of round 2 and 3) and Zjad to a certain extent (especially during 5 on 5) are not playoff performers They are not tough enough and not built for the playoffs If it was not for Igor Rangers would have finished behind CArolina and then bounced by the Isles in 5 or 6. At this rate they might not win again until after 2040

[@wilnerolivier7971]

It was a failure!!

[@MadMrMeeseeks]

@@AlexandrawOfficial_Lexi hahahaha the devils and rangers are not even in the same ballpark. This is a lot of words to say absolutely nothing.

[@user-qk3nq6cg7r]

@@AlexandrawOfficial_Lexi Fox was practically playing on one knee due to the Washington series injury though so I think he should get a pass. Panarin and Zibanejad have no excuse though, same with Trouba and Miller defensively.

[@ReecesCup855]

@@MadMrMeeseeks agreed Devils core is younger and set up for more success than the Rangers aging and invisible core people overvalue deep playoff runs as if it's guaranteed to happen the next season Rangers need to retool since the players they depend on to carry them to the cup are going to get worse every year now that they're mid-30s

[@RogerM2404]

It might be a knee-jerk reaction, but I've had it with Panarin. Great talent, but doesn't help you in the playoffs. Teams will just focus on him and bounce him into the boards. I'd try to move him and see if I can get some gritty forwards...like Tkachuk. I see the same thing with Pavelsky with the Stars. Great guy, great scorer....anyone seen him lately?

[@BxIowaIrelandSwAg]

Not even slightly knee jerk this is his third straight playoffs that he disappeared.

[@bflathead]

I’m sorry hockey season is coming to a close…it’s such an amazing game..especially playoff hockey. That Florida team just smothered The Rangers throughout this round and the Rangers had no answer.. hopefully NY will learn from this … Florida will be formidable next year as well.. If it weren’t for iGOR ..Rangers would have been swept in 4.

[@humanbeing2420]

It's hard to win the Stanley Cup.

[@pmczapczara5332]

THE HARDEST trophy in pro sports. Almost 2 MONTHS of every other night games, 16 minimum, 22-24 typical, 28 max games to win it.

[@RIPJimmyA7X]

The Rangers just need to stay the course, dont freak out and stay patient. They have a great team, sometimes you just run into a team a little more battle hardened. Its looking like the Panthers just aren't going to be denied this year, they have a scary angry focus to them. No shame in losing in 6 to that team

[@Luther-1968]

Hasek played his heart out for the Sabres too. Too bad, but it takes a lot to go all the way. Playoffs wear teams down. The toughest and most talented survive, with a little bit of luck.

[@vitalykravets5230]

The setup was built to play fast and accurate hockey, Panthers high pressure significantly lowered the scoring chances. Look at the recent game, as soon as the puck shifts, 1-2 players are already pushing for it. And vice versa, NYR defence let the opponents enter the zone relatively easy with a lot of space behind them. I suppose that NYR are not tactically fit for this kind of play. Cheers to Igor and the fans from Moscow, all the best, now I keep fingers crossed for Bob

[@sharkusvelarde]

A testament to Floridas ability to shut them down

[@mikebri5274]

As a Rangers fan since the 70s, I can agree with most of the comments here. The Rangers had no answer for the Panthers aggressive forechecking style of hockey. When a team plays that aggressive forechecking style, it typically shuts down the opponents big guns which is exactly what happened to the Rangers.

[@Ferd_Turgeson]

How is Trouba a captain? Totes felt like he was a serious class below the skill on the ice whenever I watched him.

[@Another_User_Name_]

I hate the guy, but he's a good player and a good captain, albeit dirty.

[@BxIowaIrelandSwAg]

@@Another_User_Name_ He is not good, but probably a good leader as that's not really something we can judge from the couch. If you have eyes though, he's an awful player.

[@world_thxnder2453]

The Florida panthers are everything the Carolina hurricanes are believed to be. The kings of the matchup game, they frequently get many more shots than their opponent but not from just anywhere, they play with a lethal mix of high-danger chances and high-volume of chances.

[@darthvader3742]

Florida was the better team by far in this series. Shesterkin is the only reason Florida didn't win this series in 5 or even sweep the Rangers. The top players for the Rangers weren't good enough and it cost them.

[@whlewis9164]

No shame in losing to a better team. Probably the best team. Some work to do for the Rangers to improve and stay in the hunt for next year. I think we were quite lucky to beat Carolina and in retrospect Panthers beat us soundly.

[@abnmp7865]

I’m sad the season is over, but overall I’m happy. President’s Cup, made it to the Conference Final. The top 3 not scoring hurt. Along with FL playing their game plan and the Rangers not having an answer.

[@jos1515]

Cudos to Florida for building a solid team. They shut down most of the star players on teams they faced.

[@DuoTheGodOfDeath]

Shesterkin is gonna know what it feels like to be a Lunqvist. No cup his whole career while doing everything to get it.

[@matts6551]

In his defense he’s much better than Lundqvist. Henrik was not built for the playoffs, he was a phenomenal regular season goaltender that led his team to the playoffs 12 out of 15 seasons between the pipes, but he turned into Swiss cheese when the games really started to matter.

[@HappyHalBallard]

Loved the scene with Trocheck consoling Igor. Pretty certain the Rangers, to a man, know that without some of his stops maybe they don't get past Carolina.

[@JustaComment93]

Kreider can’t score a hatty every game and Igor can’t get a shutout every game what does this team not understand?

[@thomaspereira7912]

Kreider really sucks floater

[@christopherokeefe756]

Kreider may not be able to score a hatty every game but he can bang some bodies and get traffic in front of the opposing net. He is too often missing in action.

[@BxIowaIrelandSwAg]

That's cool but do you think Kreider might be able to show a little bit of effort when he's not scoring? Dude legit coasts all game every game.

[@SteveRossi-m2p]

Igor played his heart out Rangers need a “Mr.May/June” They faded away in third period in this series The big guys just didn’t step up The panthers are the better team but every game soo close-all we needed was a step up from the big guys

[@Another_User_Name_]

Yes they did. Kreider stepped up in the series before. Shesterkin the whole playoffs. Fox was hurt. Panarin and Zibinejad were just outmatched in this series by a better team.

[@TheMediumChannel]

As a Rangers fan I projected their cup for next season, not this. There were holes, then chytil went down, and I think against Cats and the Canes Zibanejad’s line was uo against their top lines and they kind of cancelled each other and I don’t think Barkov’s line got a goal when head to head against Zib. With Panarin he’s an electrifying player but you know his ice will shrink in the playoffs and his production will be down. Trocheck line was still their best opportunity wise and it’s up to Rangers to get more grit and size which Drury’s aware. With that Panarin won’t matches regular season, probably but can still be a point of player in the playoffs. it will be interesting to see how they respond but all teams need to do in. Today’s NHL is use Florida and Carolina as models on how to build a Stanley Cup team. Especially Fla they’re not only skill, but they’re big and tough.

[@ather4300]

This reminded me somewhat of the Islanders vs Lightning series, just seemed like the Rangers were doomed to fail but were able to fight hard.

[@microwavesgommmmmmm]

as a rangers fan it’s nice to see everyone giving the team their flowers instead of mocking them that’s what sports is about it’s all respect at the end of the day

[@RIPJimmyA7X]

As an Avs fan I'm incredibly jealous of Shesterkin, I loved Kuemper but Shesty is just a different level of unbeatable than just about anyone

[@JulianFranco-d7o]

I'm from FL & I say if Bobrovsky is getting $10 million dollars, Igor should be getting at least $15 mil if not more. That guy is probably the best goalie FL has faced all year

[@noyes-v5b]

It's a Great Day in Hockey, when the teams out of Cup contention are Vancouver, Tronanto, New York, Boston, Dallas.!

[@SupplementalSense]

I agree 100%

[@HughJorgan1]

Dallas will win tonight to push it to game 7. I know that because I’m betting on the Oilers.

[@jamescaliendo1030]

Ummmm Dallas are not a team to be counted out so soon

[@Another_User_Name_]

I think Dallas wins tonight and we see a game 7.

[@BxIowaIrelandSwAg]

It must be tough not having a dog in the fight year after year. I feel for you bro

[@bobbyganoosh929]

Great video and great takes on the rangers I agree 100% as a rangers fan the core is locked up they ain’t going anywhere as much as fans wanna cry about it Trouba is the 1 guy I’m expecting them to go all in on trying to move and they will sign a top 6 winger in offseason to bolster that top 6 and the depth they’ll make changes too but that will be a bit easier guys like Kakko and chytil and Lindgren and Trouba I think they are gonna be gone if everything goes right

[@brendankelly9037]

This panthers team really reminds me of St. Louis in 2019 with their ability to wear teams down with their physical play. Meanwhile the rangers are all too familiar with this feeling of letting their goalie down.

[@SirskiZ]

I think Trouba is a good leader off the ice, I’d like to see someone with more game discipline step up to the C role, and definitely some additions to their D core

[@MikeyBrisson]

It was Barkov and Forsling. There's your explanation. Sasha bullied MIka through the series and Forsling eliminated Panarin from most situations. Also, Panarin's effort level matches Trouba's, just bad plays everywhere from those two.

[@malcolmapplet4313]

Barkov is underrated. I think that's just the way he likes it. Forsling? Don't get me started talking about Forsling...

[@pingwin4076]

As a Panthers fan and my pov: Igor and Alexis where great whole series. Rangers got so many shorthanded goals. Rempe is a joke, guy dont know how to play hockey, got biased after one match and dissapeared. Rangers played well, just Panthers played better. Dont forget that Utah exstension can cause some chaos soon. Nice vids bro, u got a sub from me :)

[@BenDover12389]

100% agree, floridas got a philosophy in the playoffs and outcoached the rangers

[@thebigpicture2032]

How will Utah cause chaos? The team was mediocre in Phoenix and a move usually boosts a team but they’re not a contender.

[@pingwin4076]

@@thebigpicture2032 true, but i was thinking more about offseason, free agency stuff etc. Moving a team can change more than it seems so, even better planes, gyms, etc... many small things, that arent easly spotted, are going to change for them, and colectively can influence team much. Hope its understandable, english is not my native language, im trying my best :P

[@joedall4161]

Ranger's management has a lot to think about. The right wing on the top line was a black hole all season long (Wheeler, really?), and management did a poor job addressing this at the trade deadline (Roslovic, again really?). This line needs a "Tkachuk-like" player. They also have to address the Fox-Panarin Paradox, which is the Rangers cannot get to the playoffs without their skill but cannot win in the playoffs because their diminutive size and lack of physical play. They need to build a bigger, stronger, and more aggressive team. Rempe was a recognition of this, but he is not the answer. And let's give credit to where credit is due. Over the last three years in aggregate the Panthers are arguably the best team in the NHL. Three years ago they won the President's Trophy. Last year they made it to the Stanley Cup Finals and along the way beat the Boston Bruins who had just had the greatest regular season ever. This year they beat a hot and streaking Lightening team (4 to 1), a solid Bruins team (4 to 2), and the Rangers (4 to 2) who had a great regular season winning the President's cup. They will likely win the Stanley Cup in no more than six games, no matter their opponent. As a Rangers' fan I see no shame in losing to the Panthers. They are just that damn good.

[@joefatalooch8057]

When you are the best team in hockey for the regular season, expectations are high. Panthers just looked tougher and stronger. Mika and Panarin aren’t tough types and thats what they need. I would gladly pay for losing some points during the year and have a stronger team in the playoffs. But Panarins’ output it hard to replace. Defense needs help too. Too many give aways and fumbles for my liking.

[@jcrawford068]

If part of the winning formula is a grinding forecheck and smothering defense, then the Rangers are going to have to add that to their rep next year.

[@JesterRace139]

Not a Rangers fan, but generally speaking.. it's insane how many legit teams get knocked out each year.

[@Angela-zp2gy]

They need to borrow a 1980s oiler team again and put ranger jerseys on them like they did in 94

[@themig71]

Bwahahahahahahaha!!!!

[@neilfrancis8191]

Remember las year's playoff debacle? Who was it that didn't show up to play? The same culprits as this year. Break it up...

[@JEEBUSxHIMSELF]

i love the attitude in hockey how if you dont win the Stanley cup or at least go to the third round youre considered a bad team who needs to rework lol

[@justinthomas85]

Well given that is the measure for success, outside of a rebuild team like the Flyers, then yes, it is a failure.

[@Ventryl]

FLORIDA IS HIM

[@theoutsider101]

great season regardless

[@Another_User_Name_]

I disagree. A good season, yes. You win the President's trophy and get knocked out in the Eastern Conference finals in 6 where you were outplayed in every game. That cannot be considered great.

[@brouhaha3722]

Sean McDonough said it simply during the handshakes "the relentless physicality of the Panthers was too much for the NYR" the style of play the NYR play will never succeed during the playoffs, they have too many soft players, not once did i see a NYR player cross-check Tkachuk or Bennett in the back just for anything but to make a statement even if it draws a penalty....Miller & Krieder are heavy set both built like a rock and they rarely give out bone crushing hits, its as if they are too humble or nice to play that way, its a shame...plus getting Wennberg & Roslijic was a waste, they did nothing to improve the team & then theres Kakko..sheesh what a waste, how he keeps playing all the time is a mystery to me, Rempe is more of an offensive threat than kakko...trade him or send him back to finland or wherever hes from...being physical in the playoffs WINS you games, not skill..the NYR will never understand that & until they change the culture of this organization they will never win the Cup.

[@HughJorgan1]

President’s Trophy jinx.

[@Chumbucket77]

All I’m gonna say is that shisterkin will be in a back brace for the next couple months

[@russell7995]

Shesterkin is the next Carey Price... but with this team he may make it all the way in the next year or so.

[@charliebronson1274]

They have no cap space. Trouba is off the books in 2 years with a mtc $8 mill hit. He's not going anywhere. Panarin comes off in 2 years no trade clause. Zibanejad 6 years no trade. I could go on. Igor, ironically is a ufa after next season with a modified trade clause. He's the only player they could get pieces for. The first line isnt a first line. It's 20 and 93 with an insert. Drury trading Buchnevich to St. Louis for NOTHING messed this team up.

[@TheGreatCatsby-pd2tt]

The Rangers abandoned Tarasenko last season. Now Tarasenko leads the Cats to the final this year. 😅

[@jeffreylewis8019]

He wasn't abandoned. He chose $$$. And he's not that good anymore; he was invisible in the series until his goal in game 6. He just happens to be on a great team now, unlike at the start of the season.

[@aryusure1943]

@@jeffreylewis8019 Exactly! It's rather him and Kane who "abandoned" the Rangers last year. ;)

[@whlewis9164]

Saying Tarasenko lead the Panthers to the finals is pretty disrespectful to a bunch of Panthers that were far more impactful

[@FreeThinker611]

I don't know if I would say he 'led' them but Tarasenko certainly scored the goal that put the Panthers over the line into a 2nd consecutive Stanley Cup finals.

[@skill14]

As a Ranger fan, I can say the better team won. Panthers wanted it more. Rangers couldn’t get the puck out of their zone. Shesti deserves better

[@Hockey7234]

The bottom line is: the Panther top 6 was shutting down the rangers top 6. It’s not that they didn’t show up, they just got outmatched

[@butcherpete2286]

You know why these guys were a point per game in the playoffs but basically invisible during the conference finals? The Washington series. Those 4 games they were swarming the Caps and it padded their stats. Plain and simple.

[@pohateos9394]

The Rangers window isn't "opening"... their window is probably closed at this point. Mika, Panarin, Krieder are all getting older AND aren't performing when it is needed most. Sure they had decent point production but that was against the Capitals... not really amazing. They dried up against the Canes and were complete non-factors against the Cats. Who is the future of their franchise? Laf is getting there and will be a solid top 6 guy but that is about it... Kakko is a disappointment... Chytil is amazing but his health takes priority and who knows what happens there. Rempe is just a big dude who throws bad hits, he was literally bullied off the puck during board battles by dudes half his size. Miller is a liability defensively (especially with Trouba as his partner)... Schnider isn't going to be a top pair defenseman... Othmann might be good but who knows he has barely played in the NHL... that is it... If I was Igor I would already be testing free agency... this is multiple times he has put up a stone wall at net and his team just sucked ass... how do you lose a series with .957 save percentage? This might sound extreme but how about an ACTUAL rebuild... do what you can to free up space on the roster, get the young guys experience, trade for picks and REBUILD. No more 8 year NMC for dudes over 30... no more trading away picks and players for rentals... Drury has been a questionable GM but for sone reason the fanbase thinks he is a genius... yea... Mika on the books with a full NMC until he is 40 is the opposite of genius!

[@brianclavette1269]

Looks good on you, Kreider. The curse of Carey Price stikes again.

[@KevsShwaShwa]

Best line in game 6 was Kakko’s line. Only line that moved their feet into the forecheck and battle to win pucks and didn’t make blind passes into the middle. Mika, Panarin, Kreider, Laffy couldn’t be asked to skate into a forecheck. Also, a little too much praise for Laffy. Just about all his goals came on the rush, he was awful in the zone.

[@carminemg]

Johnny, first time I've disagreed with you but as this team stands today, their cup window is closed, in my opinion. The need more grit, more speed and 4/5 new defensemen.

[@anthonyconcepcion7894]

It’s always the narrative of “the stars didn’t show up” whenever a team plays the panthers, they said it with kucherov, then Pasternak, now the rangers. When are we just gonna credit this Florida team for just being that good and shutdown on defense rather then just saying the stars didn’t show up

[@jamescaliendo1030]

Well now that my Rangers are done, and theres no original 6 left. Lets get the cup back to where it belongs....Canada. They gave us this great sport

[@Another_User_Name_]

Nobody really cares about the original 6 unless you're a fan of one of those original 6 franchises. Tell a Panthers fan or a Stars fan that there's no original 6 team left and that the Cup belongs back in Canada.

[@jamescaliendo1030]

@Another_User_Name_ ohhhh I'm sorry. Didn't know you were Bettmans second coming. If you respect our sport, you'd respect and understand the importance of the original 6

[@MilTon-bz1cl]

You talk about Lafreniere. Gonna take more than a decent season to convince me he’s a 1st round pick

[@matts6551]

I think the problem with Ranger fans is they can’t move on from 94, and that actually extends to former players like Mark Messier trying to draw comparisons from this series to 94. If you can’t move on from the past how do you ever expect to welcome the future? Take the New Jersey Devils, they lost to the Rangers in 94 in the Eastern conference finals, they dusted themselves off and the next year swept the Red Wings to their first Stanley Cup victory, And then added two more in the next nine years.

[@nickcara97]

Ranger fan here. A disappointing but predictable end. Lackluster performances from the top guys has become a staple at this point for the past several postseasons. The rest of the team played as hard they could for the most part (barring some defensive penalty drawing liabilities) but in the end the more balanced and consistently deadly team is the one that usually wins. Florida’s lines are just way too cohesive and packed with near universal talent to be overcome by conventional star power alone. Ironically, the main silver lining that stuck out to me for the rags besides our colossus of a goalie was the key lower linesman stepping up and making plays even when nothing else was panning out. Not just Laffy’s sudden emergence, but also more unsung guys like Cuylle, Wennburg, Schneider, and Roslovic were all out there doing the best they could with the ice time that they had, and it showed throughout the flow of their games, even if it didn’t translate to the scoreboard. It’s important for a good team to be able to show that it has depth for whenever its needed, especially a team whose core is prone to deflating. If that can be improved upon with stronger and more supportive lines going down the roster, building the team up from the bottom rather than the top, then maybe teams like Florida can actually be beaten at their own game of attrition when it matters most.

[@LEETCH_2]

Wennberg and Roslovic were useless and awful.

[@whlewis9164]

Rangers fan that calls them the Rags. Hmmmmm

[@nickcara97]

@@whlewis9164 lol I think it’s got a nice ring to it tbh

[@lampjuice66]

Least successful original 6 team

[@dkatzism]

By a mile. They blew the chance to amass cups. This is not a dynasty league anymore.

[@LEETCH_2]

The Leafs have 1 playoff series win the past few decades and haven't won a Cup or even been to a Final since 1967. Rangers are far better than they are.

[@BxIowaIrelandSwAg]

True but the Bruins and Blackhawks are pretty close second place.

[@lampjuice66]

@@LEETCH_2 no they are not. Recency? Sure. 1994>1967. All time? Not even close. Leafs could at least win many cups while there were only 6 teams in the league, winning 13. The Rags couldn't do that. They should have way more than 4 as an original 6 team while only winning once since 1940.

[@BigJuicy42069]

Sending Trouba to the moon should be the first move

[@thekiatty6953]

I feel like they kinda went out with a whimper and not going down swinging. Thats my biggest concern

trade the following (and some will think i'm nuts): Trouba, Mika, Bread, Gus...they can get a ton in return for these guys. Give the following a bit more time and then trade if they don't produce: Chytil, Kakko (mainly cause both were stunted by injuries) Keep: Kreider (make him captain), Fox, Schneider, K'Andre, Laffy, Trocheck, Lindgren, Goodrow, Vesey, Cuylle, Brodzinski, Rempe. Sign Roslovic and Wennberg. for sure Roslovic. Bring up at some point, to get NHL looks: Othmann, Perrault, Sykora, Berard, Chmelar, Mancini, Robertson

[@crazyt4c0]

You're awesome.

[@Saint17Bricks]

WOMP WOMP RANGERS!!!

[@tommyz9413]

94 and never more

[@youngwang97]

Didn't really pay attention to this series. But of the games I watched, I could feel Florida hunger for the win. The Rangers played fine? But in the playoffs, "fine" isn't enough

[@pmczapczara5332]

It was an epic series, like the Boston one. Worth rewatching while we have to wait for 6/8 final to start. Florida's 'want' was evident by the fact it seemed like 7 on 5 most of the time. The PC, ridiculously easy Washington series, the 'not quite ready yet' Canes.. The 30 year, team of destiny hype.....didn't prepare NY for FLA.

[@MrMaxtaurus]

NYR - 1 cup in 83 years

[@prapra15777]

die hard rangers fan here. we need more physicality. rempe should never be benched again. trade atleast one of mika panarin kreider. give kakko until the deadline if still not performing trade him. fox and trouba were playing hurt so they get a pass for now. honestly we were outcoached though. not one time did lavi change his PK strategy. the diamond formation was killing us. fla ran a 3-1 pk and it was so effective we couldnt enter the zone. , not one time did he adjust his forcheck pressure. he played way too conservative the entire carolina and florida series. honestly we shouldnt have gotten past carolina. and year in year out with this team we are too finesse too east west and not enough north south. we dont get guys in ffront of the net for deflections enough. and theres hardly ever guys there for a rebound. soft players who cant hold their position, or fight. they get pushed around too easy.. nobody fears us. thats why rempe should never be scratched. dumb coach imo

[@bryancook1235]

110? more like 1000% effort for Igor

[@apointtomake1517]

The big point producers in the regular season have to produce in the playoffs, if not, they are not great. The all-time greats produced in the playoffs.

[@kazzlik1197]

I heard Necas is in talks with Boston.

[@edustava6991]

Zibanejad is a great 2nd C

[@marcgallant5270]

NYR forward group are like a better version of the Bruins forward group. One superstar Forward(Panarin) and a plethora of 1B forwards. Solid D and a superstar Goalie. They're missing that true #1 C IMO. Could they make a Bid for Draistaitl in 2 seasons? They certainly have the assets to make it happen.

[@Amoney7382]

Just seeing how Laf has played I call it a success. They’ve got a great team! Should be a solid couple of years coming up!

[@gtd9536]

If they don't trade Kakko, I hope they move Laf to the 1st line and have Kakko in 2nd. Hopefully, Panarin can unlock Kakko's ability too.

[@aryusure1943]

@@gtd9536 I lost patience with Kakko. They tried everything with him and nothing works. At this point I'm not even sure they would get good value if they trade him.

[@dkarmusic5424]

@@gtd9536yup! Was thinking the same thing

[@fredrodnick2881]

When you have the basics down of passing ,shooting hard and you even have deking down as the rangers do with considerable speed, then why did they lose? The answer has been glaring for at least several seasons. The number one reason IMHO is that they are fast but not the fastest team. Now add to that the fact that they constantly tried and to break out of their own zone all year by passing to a man at the point. Florida knee that and constantly had four men on the puck carrier. Also they tried to deke around 4 players when it always ended up getting poke checked off the puck. Now I'm afraid that the won't be able to find players skilled enough and fast enough to win the cup and not enough of them to turn the team around for next season. It's ashamed cause I really like the bunch of players they have now. Well don't forget they had a franchise record of wins I think their coach did a very good job and think he should return next season.

[@philtaylor2387]

Drury better bring in more big nasty guys that can play. Laviolette should have played Goodrow and Cullye a lot more.

[@ojibwe_86]

The only reason why the Rangers weren’t swept is because of the high quality chances, the majority of shots hit Igor plain in the chest. I’m saying the majority, of course he made some amazing saves, but Florida needs to get more pucks to the net. Games 3,4, and 5 was some of the worst officiating in the series. Two of these games, decided the outcome. Even in game 5, Sportsnet commentator mentioned how soft the calls were on Miller. Top 6 from the Rangers didn’t show up, but as far as domination, I disagree. The series was close. You want to talk about puck possession and shots to the net, the majority of these shots didn’t even reach the net. Back when the Rangers were coached by Alain, they played the same style and the media would constantly say how puck possession and shots to the net don’t count unless there’s production from it. Fast forward more than 10 years, Florida is doing it and getting applause.

[@SupplementalSense]

This will be the pinnacle of this Rangers era. Their top guys aren't Cup material. They thrived in the regular season and in special teams. Yes, they waxed Washington, but who wouldn't? They aren't good 5 on 5 in a playoff grinder. They are the exact same team a Tampa Bay was this year. It doesn't lead to success in the playoffs and never will.

[@johnscustomsaws]

I'm a Wild fan but I have to say I really wanted to see the Rangers go to the finals... Igor was an absolute machine... and Rempe is the most skilled hockey player that has ever laced up a pair of skates... it's like watching a 7 foot angel on the ice...

[@optml523]

Bro forgot about chara lmao

[@schustererik83]

im a wild fan too, and i say eff the rangers, my second team is the panthers

[@mrp2561]

Rempe. Skilled? Ok

[@microwavesgommmmmmm]

@@mrp2561you missed the sarcasm

[@mrp2561]

@@microwavesgommmmmmm and I love sarcasm too, dang it!