The New York Rangers are facing criticism after revealing a new banner at Madison Square Garden commemorating their 2023-24 President’s Trophy win.
The team had a record-breaking season with 55 wins and 114 points, and as is customary in the NHL, they raised a banner to celebrate finishing the regular season with the most points. However, the Rangers’ decision to label the banner “Regular Season Champions” instead of the traditional “President’s Trophy Winners” has sparked some controversy.
The Rangers new banner is a tough look. https://t.co/H2asmmmKUm pic.twitter.com/FTIKiH4kMn
— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) October 16, 2024
Former NHL player and co-host of the “Spittin’ Chiclets” podcast, Ryan Whitney, expressed his disappointment with the wording. While supportive of acknowledging the team’s success, Whitney criticized the choice to use “champions” in the context of the regular season.
“I don’t understand this banner,” Whitney remarked. “I’d be all for a ‘President’s Trophy Winners’ or ‘President’s Trophy Champions’ banner. But putting ‘Regular Season Champions’—you just can’t use ‘champion’ for the regular season.”
Whitney argued that the term “champions” is reserved for the Stanley Cup winners, not for having the best regular-season record. He went on to clarify, stating, “The real champions are the Florida Panthers.”
Although the Rangers topped the standings, their season ended in disappointment after being eliminated in the Eastern Conference Finals by the eventual Stanley Cup champion, the Florida Panthers.
Be the first to comment