The New York Rangers may not have won a Stanley Cup championship in 30 years. Still, as one of the marquee franchises in the NHL, they are continuously contenders and have compiled some of the top statistics in the salary cap era.
The Blueshirts have become one of the most successful franchises, with many award-winning performances, thanks to all the stars who have worn a Rangers sweater in the past 19 years. Let’s see where New York ranks in some of the most important team statistics.
Goals Scored – 4,286 (8th)
The Rangers have scored 4,286 goals thus far in the salary cap era, which ranks eighth among the 32 teams. The Blueshirts have struck fear into many opposing goalies thanks to elite talents like Jaromir Jagr, Rick Nash, Marian Gaborik, Mika Zibanejad, Chris Kreider, and Artemi Panarin.
Goals Against – 3,882 (4th fewest)
Hall of Famer Henrik Lundqvist played his entire career in the salary cap era (2005-2020) and gave up 2,101 goals, which accounts for 54.1% of all the goals surrendered by New York goalies in the past 18 seasons. The Rangers ranked fourth in this category, but if the latest expansion teams, Seattle Kraken (768) and Vegas Golden Knights (1,496), were removed, they would rank second behind the Boston Bruins (3,779).
Save Percentage – .913 (2nd)
Unlike the goals against statistics, the Rangers have compiled the second-highest save percentage totals (.913) since 2005, led by netminders like Cam Talbot, Igor Shesterkin, Antti Raanta, and Lundqvist, all puckstoppers with totals over .915 during their time in the Big Apple.
Regular Season Wins – 806 (4th)
In 2023-24, the Rangers set a franchise record with 55 wins and 114 points. During the salary cap era, the Blueshirts have averaged 42 wins a season, with four campaigns of 50 or more. Outside of shortened years due to work stoppages and a global pandemic, New York has won at least 40 contests 13 times. The only clubs ahead of them are the Bruins (840), Pittsburgh Penguins (828), and Washington Capitals (808).
Regular Season Losses – 524 (7th fewest)
Because the Rangers have been one of the most successful franchises this century, it only makes sense that they rank among the top 10 in fewest losses. As mentioned earlier, because the Kraken and Golden Knights don’t have lengthy histories, neither have they yet to lose 200 games. However, the teams with the fewest losses after the expansion teams are the Bruins (464), Penguins (495), Capitals (498), and Nashville Predators (520).
Playoff Games – 175 (4th)
Since 2005-06, the Rangers have only failed to qualify for the playoffs on four occasions: 2010, 2018, 2019, and 2021. Because of their annual trip to the postseason, New York has skated in 175 playoff contests, which is fourth behind multi-time champions the Penguins (103), Bruins (102), and Tampa Bay Lightning (101).
Shootout Wins – 91 (1st)
Thanks to Vezina Trophy-caliber goalies and Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy goal scorers, the Rangers have won the most shootout games, 91, since 2005. Interestingly, only two teams have won 90 games, with the Islanders the other one. Furthermore, the Penguins and Buffalo Sabres are close to joining the club with 89 wins.
Playoff Victories – 84 (4th)
When you can skate in the fourth-most playoff contests, winning the fourth-most playoff games is only fitting. Even though the Rangers have not won a Stanley Cup in the salary cap era, they always knock on the door every year to keep their opponents on their heels. The only clubs ahead of New York on the list have all won more than 100 games, which includes the Penguins (103), Bruins (102), and Lightning (101).
Penalty Kill – 82.9% (2nd)
Despite employing some of the most gifted scorers of this generation on the power play, the Rangers are not among the top-10 in that category. However, in the past 19 seasons, the Blueshirts have killed 82.9% of their infractions, the second-best total next to the Bruins, who top the league at 83.2%. Besides killing penalties, New York is a threat to score shorthanded, with 56 players finding the net while a man is down.
Presidents’ Trophy Wins – 2 (Tied – 3rd)
The Rangers won two Presidents Trophies in the early 1990s and went over two decades before winning their next one in 2015. In 2024, the franchise won its fourth title as the NHL’s best team, becoming one of five teams to double their winnings in the salary cap era. The only clubs ahead of them are the Capitals and Bruins (three apiece), while they remain tied with the Vancouver Canucks and Detroit Red Wings.
