Can the Rangers Reclaim Their 1994 Glory in 2025?

April 19, 2025 – Madison Square Garden, NYC

It’s been 31 years since the New York Rangers last lifted the Stanley Cup — that iconic summer of 1994, when Mark Messier's guarantee turned into reality, and the Garden roared like never before.

Now, in 2025, a new generation is asking the same question their parents did decades ago:
“Can the Rangers do it again?”

A Team on the Rise

The 2024–25 Rangers are not just a playoff team — they’re a contender. Under head coach Peter Laviolette, the Blueshirts have found their identity: structured, aggressive, and hungry.

Currently sitting in the top three of the Metropolitan Division, they’re playing some of the best hockey fans have seen in years. And it's not just about stats — it’s about attitude.

“This team believes,” says Rangers legend Mike Richter. “They don’t just want to win. They expect to.”

Star Power Meets Depth

Artemi Panarin

Still the engine of the offense, Panarin leads the team in points and continues to terrorize defenses with his creativity and vision.

Adam Fox

A Norris Trophy finalist again this year, Fox remains the calm, elite presence on the blue line. His two-way play is the foundation of the Rangers’ success.

Igor Shesterkin

After a slightly inconsistent 2024, Shesterkin is back to Vezina-level form. His goaltending has been clutch in tight games and shootouts — a key ingredient for playoff runs.

Emerging Stars

Alexis Lafrenière has finally blossomed into the top-six winger fans hoped for.
Kaapo Kakko has taken a huge step forward, thriving in a more physical game.
Will Cuylle has become a fan favorite for his gritty, relentless style.

Add to that a strong third line and a reliable penalty kill, and this team is built for a deep postseason push.

What's Different This Time?

The Rangers have made the playoffs in recent years, but always seemed to fall just short. In 2022 and 2023, they ran into tougher, more disciplined teams.

But now, they’re smarter. Tougher. More balanced.
The front office made quiet but smart trades at the deadline — adding two-way center Sean Monahan and veteran defenseman Colin Miller, both of whom bring playoff experience and leadership.

It’s no longer about relying on one or two stars to carry the team. It’s about depth, execution, and grit — all trademarks of a true Cup contender.

The 1994 Shadow

Every Rangers team since ’94 has lived in the shadow of that magical run. Messier, Leetch, Graves, Richter — the icons are still revered. Their names are up in the rafters. But today’s players want their own banners.

“We respect the past,” said Adam Fox in a postgame interview. “But we’re focused on writing our own story.”

And fans agree. The buzz at Madison Square Garden isn’t just nostalgia anymore — it’s belief.

Key Challenges Ahead

Stay Healthy: Injuries to core players have derailed past playoff runs. Keeping Shesterkin, Fox, and Panarin healthy is critical.
Power Play Efficiency: At times, the man advantage has gone cold. That can't happen in May.
Beating the Best: Boston, Carolina, and Florida remain major threats in the East. The Rangers will likely need to beat at least two of them to reach the Finals.

Road to the Cup

If the Rangers can clinch a top-two seed, they’ll have home-ice advantage at least in the first two rounds. And with MSG packed and pulsating, that’s a weapon in itself.

Fans are already circling potential matchups:

Round 1: Devils or Penguins? Bring it on.
Round 2: Bruins revenge tour?
Eastern Final: Could we see a Florida rematch?

Final Take

Can the Rangers reclaim their 1994 glory in 2025?
The stars are aligned. The roster is ready. The city is waiting.

They may not have Messier’s guarantee this time — but they have something almost as powerful: belief.

So get your jerseys ready, New York. The chase for the Cup is on — and this time, it might just end where it all began: right here in the Garden.