Greg Wyshynski, ESPNJun 4, 2024, 02:44 PM ET
CloseGreg Wyshynski is ESPN’s senior NHL writer.
TARRYTOWN, NY — There were two prevailing emotions for the New York Rangers as they packed up their lockers on Tuesday: painful disappointment after losing in the Eastern Conference final to the Florida Panthers and unwavering confidence that this group will win a Stanley Cup together.
It was the second trip to the conference final in three seasons, with a seven-game first-round loss to New Jersey last season. Captain Jacob Trouba said the longer runs are more painful endings than an opening-round defeat.
“It hurts more. The closer you get, the more it stings, the more there’s that pit in your stomach,” he said Tuesday at the Rangers’ practice facility. “The belief was there. It wasn’t hope. We weren’t going to the playoffs hoping to compete or be good. There’s a belief that we can win. When you have that belief, it makes it hurt more.”
Coach Peter Laviolette said there was a sense around the organization that the Rangers were going to win their first Stanley Cup since 1994.
“If I’m being honest, I think there was a belief built during the course of the season. Not just with our players, but with the organization and the fan base. We truly believed we were going to win the Stanley Cup,” Laviolette said. “And so with that comes a lot of disappointment. A lot of hurt. We didn’t accomplish what we wanted to accomplish.”
The Rangers won the Presidents’ Trophy with the NHL’s best regular-season record, swept the Washington Capitals and eliminated the Carolina Hurricanes in six games. But they couldn’t solve the Panthers, who advanced to their second straight Stanley Cup Final, facing the Edmonton Oilers.
“I think everyone is disappointed. Everyone is sad, mad, angry,” center Mika Zibanejad said. “I think that should be the case. I think you should be allowed to feel however you feel. But luckily there’s a next year, there’s a next season.”
New York’s offense sputtered against…
Source link : https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/40277522/rangers-disappointed-confident-core-win
Author : Greg Wyshynski
Publish date : 2024-06-04 20:17:34
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