They were Eastern Conference champions and Stanley Cup finalists a year ago.
Now, the New York Rangers will go into the 2014-2015 playoffs as the Presidents’ Trophy winners as the league’s top regular season team. They accomplished the feat with a 4-2 win over the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday.
“It’s not an easy thing to do,” Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault told the club’s website.
“It’s a challenging thing; but I think for our group it’s one step in the direction we’re trying to get. I am very proud of our group, but we all know we’re going to be judged by what we do in the playoffs. So this is the first step and we’re going to get ready for the next one.”
A single point would’ve given the Rangers top spot in the Eastern Conference, but two got them the No. 1 spot in the NHL’s overall standings. In 1993-94, the Rangers earned the best record in the NHL during the regular season. That team went on to win the Stanley Cup.
Just putting it out there.
.@NYRangers (52-21-7, 111 points) have locked up the top record in the NHL, Presidents’ Trophy & home-ice throughout #StanleyCup Playoffs.
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) April 8, 2015
President's Trophy winners in playoffs:
— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) April 8, 2015
Win Stanley Cup: 8
Lose in SC Final: 3
Lose in Conf. Final: 5
Lose in 2nd Rd: 6
Lose in 1st Rd: 6