Have you ever wondered why the New York Rangers have a tough time winning the Stanley Cup? It’s because they play in the Hardest Division in the NHL. It is near impossible to get out of the Metropolitan Division, let alone, go on to win the Stanley Cup. In the last 56 years, from 1967 until 2023, 17 times, the Stanley Cup Winner has come from the Metro Division. That means 30% of the Cups are won from teams that play in the Hardest Division in the NHL.
Level of Competition
If you were to look at the NHL Standings as of today, you would find that 7 of the 8 teams in the Metropolitan Division are separated by only 10 points. No other division can boast such competition.
Elite Goaltenders
If you want to go one step further, let’s have a look at the Top Goalies in the NHL. As of today, 11 of the Top 26 goalies with the Lowest Goals Against Average, come from teams in the Metro Division. No other division can boast such competition. Period.
Level of Intensity Like No Other
No matter who the Rangers play in the Division, it’s always considered an intense Rivalry Game. The same cannot be said for other teams in other divisions.
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NYR vs NYI
The Battle of New York will always cause a stir, since both teams have 4 Rings. It took the Rangers 68 years to capture Four Stanley Cups, while the Islanders reached that milestone in only 11 years.
NYR Lifetime Regular Season Record vs NYI is 135-win 125-loss 19-tie 10-otl.
NYR vs Phila
The Blueshirts and the Broad Street Bullies have their own storied history of tough, hard-nosed hockey that dates back to the 1970’s. FYI, Nobody Backs Down in these games. Period.
NYR Lifetime Regular Season Record is 143-win 125-loss 37-tie 11-otl.
NYR vs Pitts
When these two meet, it’s always a battle. No matter if it was Super Mario, Jagr, or Sid the Kid, our little brother likes to stick it to us, especially after their 5th Mug in 2017.
NYR Lifetime Regular Season Record is 138-win 119-loss 23-tie 17-otl.
NYR vs NJ
New York vs New Jersey will always go down in history as an age-old rivalry between neighbors.
NYR Lifetime Regular Season Record is 131win 99-loss 27-tie 11-otl.
NYR vs CAPS
This rivalry ebbs and flows with the times. It’s been awesome to watch the Great 8 vs Lundqvist over the years.
NYR Lifetime Regular Season Record is 109-win 106-loss 18-tie 11-otl.
NYR vs Carolina
Only recently, has this rivalry picked up in intensity, since both teams are Cup Contenders at the same time.
NYR Lifetime Regular Season Record is 90-win 59-loss 7-tie 2-otl.
NYR vs Columbus
It is considered a new rivalry, not as intense as the other teams in this Division.
NYR Lifetime Regular Season Record is 26-win 19-loss 1-tie 3-otl.
New York Rangers Record as of January 15.2024
27-13-2= 56
1st - in the Metropolitan Division
3rd - in Eastern Conference
6th - Overall in NHL
Note: Remember I said...I would rather give up First Place in exchange for a healthy Line-up come playoffs.
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My View from the Cheap Seats
Section: TV Row: PVR Seat: The Couch
I looked at the NHL standings and was shocked to see that many teams in the Metro Division “Still in the Hunt.” The New York Rangers have over-achieved to this point of the season, so, can you image where they would be if they had played to prediction or endured a long slump. I just shudder to think.
Ranger Fans, we just entered Level 3 on the 8-Level NHL Intensity Meter. It’s time the Blueshirts “bring it” every night and treat each game like it’s Rivalry Night.
Remember, Hockey is Snipp’n and Snipe'n, Chirp’n and Chipp’n.
Quote of the Day:
“Life is Hard.”
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