New York Rangers: 5 Best Players Without A Stanley Cup Since 1994
The New York Rangers have had some incredibly talented players call Madison Square Garden home since 1994. Unfortunately, many players go their whole career without winning a cup. Here are the 5 best Rangers since 1994 to not win a Stanley Cup.
Before you read this and disagree with me, understand how I selected these players. I’m not judging the players based on their time with the Rangers. This is based on their overall body of work. Some of them might not be “Rangers legends,” but throughout their careers, they’ve demonstrated why they are deserving of recognition.
5. Derek Stepan
Say what you want about Derek Stepan, you can’t fault his consistency. Stepan has been one of the best Rangers for going on seven years now. With 50+ points in all but two of his first six seasons, he has become a leader that the Rangers can count on.
While he may not be a superstar like some of the others on this list, Stepan continues to be an integral part of the Rangers organization. The Rangers utilize the 26-year old at even strength, on the penalty kill, and on the powerplay. His ability to excel in all situations is what puts Derek Stepan at number five on the list.
4. Rick Nash
Let’s face it. You don’t score 750 points in today’s NHL without being an elite player. Rick Nash is just that. With just under 1000 games played in his storied career, Nash is the kind of player that can single-handedly change a game with his skill and strength.
Nash has eight 30-goal seasons under his belt, and in three years he has hit the 40-goal mark. Offensive production at this rate is tough to sustain, and it has become an expectation from many that Nash will put up at least 50 points a year.
Oh, did I forget to mention that Rick Nash also kills penalties? Well, he does. He has probably become one of the better forwards in the defensive end.
3. Pavel Bure
Let me preface this by saying I know lots will get angry about this selection. I get it; Bure was never a “true Ranger,” as he only played for a portion of two seasons. With that said, I looked at a player’s full body of work when creating this list.
When considering Pavel Bure’s career, there aren’t many who would deny that he was an electrifying player. A two-time Rocket Richard trophy winner, he’s one of the best skaters to ever play the game.
Most Rangers fans know Bure as the guy who Mike Richter stuffed on a penalty shot in the 1994 playoffs. It’s easy to remember that heroic save and forget the fact that in the same season he netted 60 regular season goals, just one of five times that he eclipsed the 50 goal mark.
2. Eric Lindros
Here’s another pick that some people may disagree with. Although not remembered as a legendary Ranger, he’s one of the greats of the game. His recent hall of fame induction confirms his place among the best to ever play.
Over the course of his short career, he averaged 1.14 points per game. On the surface, his numbers are impressive. What’s even more impressive is the way he played the game.
With dazzling skill and Hulk-like size, Lindros was a force on the ice. Unfortunately, concussions ruined his career, but he will still be remembered as one of the best forwards of the past 20 years. (Also, Lindros showed eight-year-old me around the Rangers locker room back in the day—great guy!)
1. Henrik Lundqvist
Did you expect anything else? The Rangers franchise goaltender has been among the leagues best for over a decade now, and it doesn’t look like he’s slowing down anytime soon.
As a winner of the 2011-12 Vezina trophy, Lundqvist has played behind shaky defenses his whole career. Even though he hasn’t always had the support he deserves, he maintains a .920 save percentage. Better than that slouch Martin Brodeur… (please don’t attack me Devils fans)
Next: New York Rangers: Top 5 Rangers Teams in the Henrik Lundqvist Era
Let’s hope one day we all have the satisfaction of seeing Hank hold the Stanley Cup over his head.