In a Cinderella season, the New York Rangers brought life back to Madison Square Garden with an improbable run to the Eastern Conference Final. New York was buoyed by a Vezina season from young goaltender Igor Shesterkin, who has quickly become a household name. With a young core and the best American hockey fanbase, the Rangers have a terrific chance over the upcoming years to win their second Stanley Cup since 1940.
- Matt Verderame
FanSided Senior Editor
What emotion defined this fandom this year?
Joy. The Rangers weren't expected to make a deep run in the Stanley Cup Playoffs last year but rocked Madison Square Garden with a comeback from 3-1 down in the opening round against the Pittsburgh Penguins before getting past the Carolina Hurricanes in another seven-game series. Although the Rangers ultimately fell to the Tampa Bay Lightning, it was a Cinderella run led by their Vezina Trophy-winning goaltender, Igor Shesterkin.
What is this fandom’s best tradition?
New York's goal song is one of the most venerable in the league. The Rangers have been using the song, entitled Slapshot, since the 1995 season and it has become one of the staples of hockey, recognizable around the sport. While many goal songs in the NHL are cliche, New York's is simplistic and perfect all at once.