The Rangers are facing outrage over new banner raised in Madison Square Garden
The New York Rangers have lifted to the rafters in Madison Square Garden, which is angering fans.
The banner itself is an honor to the team's 2023-2024 season, which saw them win the President's Trophy as regular season MVPs in the NHL.
With "Spitting Chiclet's" picking up the story, the moment has gained notoriety online, and none of it is good.
Normally, a team raises banners for better accolades or accomplishments, such as "Division Champions", "Stanley Cup Champions" or "Conference Champions". So this is gaining traction, as a pyrrhic victory for the team, since they're without a cup.
While it's not an insignificant victory, this isn't a celebration that is uncommon in other sports. In UEFA the team who finishes first wins the trophy, after months pass during competition.
To be honest, the regular season winners reflect a multitude of talent coming together, to become the top team whether in Hockey or Soccer, and this is an accomplishment in itself. But many who think the job wasn't finished, will take the trophy lightly, and think it in itself, a joke.
Raising this banner could send some mixed signals of complacency, amongst the staff and ownership of the Rangers, and honestly, that is a relatable thought.
The last time the Rangers won a cup was in 1994 and focusing on lesser accomplishments may give the idea that the front office is okay with settling for where they are now.
And given the lack of moves during the offseason could put the team in that light. If they did dominate the league and then won the Stanley Cup, this move may not seem as suspect, but James Dolan, GM Chris Drury, and Peter Laviolette say nothing while this happens?
Seems like complacency to me.
Ultimate success is defined by winning a Stanley Cup, and by that definition, the Rangers have come close, in 2014 and failed to do so.
Until then, they are celebrating a hollow victory, and void of any self-awareness.
Haven't we already roasted the Nashville Predators enough over this same thing?
| POLL | ||
Is this a hollow victory for the New York Rangers? Would you celebrate winning the President's Trophy? | ||
| Yes to both | 72 | 61 % |
| No to both | 46 | 39 % |
| List of polls | ||
