Each NHL season, the Presidents’ trophy is awarded to the team with the best record in the regular season. The winning club receives a flashy cup, but more importantly, they gain a home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs. A season after becoming Eastern Conference champions, the New York Rangers have clinched the Presidents’ Trophy for the third time in franchise history. The team reached this achievement with 4-2 win over their rival, the New Jersey Devils. Coach Alain Vigneault recognizes how important this feat is for their aspirations in the postseason; he is aware the the season will ultimately be judged by what the group accomplishes in the playoffs. The last time the Rangers won the Presidents’ trophy, in 1994, the club went on to win the Stanley Cup ending a 54 year drought. Twenty-one years later, they have their sights set on claiming the Stanley Cup once again. My opinion doesn’t mean much, but I have no doubt that the Rangers should be the favorite going into this year’s playoffs.
Whenever a team clinches the Presidents’ Trophy, the focus immediately shifts to the dreaded curse of said trophy. Due to superstitions, many fans doubt the team will be able to succeed in the playoffs, despite their impressive record. I think most superstitions are ridiculous, but I find this one particularly absurd. The data shows that winning the Presidents’ Trophy typically means good fortune in the playoffs. While it definitely doesn’t guarantee a championship, a majority of teams make it to the Conference Finals or further. The Stanley Cup playoffs is the most exciting time of the year for me. In any game or series, anything can happen. It’s like being on the edge of my seat at every moment for three months, and I love every second of it.
It's gonna be an exciting Stanley Cup this year
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