The Rangers saw their season come to an end Saturday with a 2-1 loss to the Panthers. Florida once again was the better team throughout, especially in the third period, which was the pattern this series, when New York tried to mount a comeback. A year that looks to be of destiny fell short of the desired end goal, leaving all of us to wonder what's next and how widespread the possible transition and turnover will be.
A few thoughts:
Going to keep this relatively brief, since a lot has been said in the blog comments and online by many others. Right now, there is pain and hurt and emptiness and anger and frustration. Down the road, we may or will - depending on your perspective - look back at the season and smile as many memorable moments took place. But in the immediate here and now, that is far from the case.
Florida is and was the better team. Constructed for the playoffs, they played a heavy game, thwarting the Rangers at every turn. Goaltending and special teams were to be the two equalizers, at the end of the day, only the former proved to be the case while the latter was one of several shortcomings for the Blueshirts. The Panthers' PK suffocated the Rangers, not allowing them time and/or space to either enter or maintain the zone. New York was either unable or unwilling to adjust.
Almost every mistake was magnified because it led to a high-danger chance against. Jacob Trouba was the main culprit several times, including on the first goal scored by Florida last night, as his misplay set up a prime scoring chance concerted by Sam Bennett. The play started with shocker of shocks, another soft clear, this one by Erik Gustafsson. The clincher arose with K'Andre Miller out of position and Braden Schneider beaten to the front of the net by Vladimir Tarasenko. Despite a late tally by Artemi Panarin, his first of the series, New York fell and was eliminated.
The mere fact that each mistake has to be scrutinized with Zapruder-like focus tells you all you need to know about how the games went. If Igor Shesterkin didn't stand on his head night in and night out, this series would have been over much earlier. It's because of his elite level of play, we thought New York might steal Game 6 and 7 and advance to the Stanley Cup Final. Unfortunately, as we know, that proved not to be the case.
Lots of criticism can and has been laid out for the series. The big three of Panarin, Mika Zibanjead and Chris Kreider all but invisible. Lineup construction pre-and-post-deadline that left a little or lot to be desired. The inability to adjust to what Florida did or maybe the Panthers' ability to adjust to the counters made by New York. Coach Peter Laviolette's stubbornness in wno to dress, failing to use for example Zac Jones when a puck-moving d-man was needed.
New York heads to the offseason with almost more questions than answers. GM Chris Drury has a lot to answer based on the deals made and not made in March. Running it back again is an option. But after seeing what Tampa did after 2019 and Florida after 2022 coupled with the ECF losses by the Blueshirts in 2022 and 2024, it's clear certain changes - i.e. a more physical team for the playoffs - are needed.
Thanks to all who read and commented during the season. It’s most certainly been a long year. Appreciate all the support both personally and professionally and say thank you.
New York Rangers Blogger • 
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