New York Rangers Clinch President's Trophy

Just one year after the New York Rangers lost to the Los Angeles Kings in the 2014 Stanley Cup Finals, they’ve clinched the NHL’s President’s Trophy for earning the best record in the regular season.

The Rangers 4-2 win over the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday night gave New York their third President’s Trophy in franchise history. After the victory, the postgame buzz was understated and businesslike as the achievement only guarantees the Rangers home ice advantage and nothing more in the upcoming Stanley Cup Playoffs.

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“It’s not an easy thing to do,” said coach Alain Vigneault. “You look at the teams still fighting to get into the playoffs. It’s a challenging thing. For our group, it’s one thing in the direction that we’re looking to get. I’m very proud of our group but we all know that we are going to be judged by what we do in the playoffs. So this is a first step and we’re going to get ready for the next one.”

It’s not uncommon for a President’s Trophy winner to go on to win it all. Contrary to the stigma it carries, there have been nine teams to win the Stanley Cup since the first time it was awarded in the 1985-86 season. The last team to win the Stanley Cup after holding the best regular season record was the Chicago Blackhawks during the 2012-13 season.

The Rangers are certainly a team that has a great chance to make a run for the Cup. With four solid lines that are all capable of scoring and one of the league’s best defenses, there’s no reason to discount the odds that the Rangers could find themselves in the finals for a second year in a row. Recent reports even suggest that Henrik Lundqvist will be back in the net in time for the playoffs.

With the postseason likely starting on Thursday in New York, the opponent is till unknown. Until then, the Rangers can focus on the bigger task at hand. “Season two starts in a week,” said Rangers defenseman Marc Staal. “We focus Game One, first round, and see where it takes us.”