There were two prevailing emotions for the New York Rangers as they packed up their lockers for the summer on Tuesday: painful disappointment after losing in the Eastern Conference final to the Florida Panthers and unwavering confidence that this group will win a Stanley Cup together.
It was the second trip to the conference final in three seasons for the Rangers, with a seven-game first-round loss to New Jersey last season. Captain Jacob Trouba said the longer runs ending are more painful than an opening-round defeat.
\"It hurts more. The closer you get, the more it stings, the more there\'s that pit in your stomach,\" he said on Tuesday at the Rangers\' practice facility. \"The belief was there. It wasn\'t hope. We weren\'t going to the playoffs hoping to compete or be good. There\'s a belief that we can win. When you have that belief, it makes it hurt more.\"
Via espn.com