New York Rangers Playoff History

Last Modified Oct 16, 2024 13:30 GMT
New York Rangers Playoff History
New York Rangers Source: Getty Images

The New York Rangers, established in 1926 as part of the NHL's expansion, are a historic ice hockey team based in New York City. Playing in the Eastern Conference's Atlantic Division, they've clinched the Stanley Cup four times (1928, 1933, 1940, and 1994). Initially dubbed "Tex's Rangers" by the press, they've called Madison Square Garden home since their inception. Notably, they share this arena with the New York Knicks of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and are one of the three NHL franchises to be located in the New York Metropolitian area, the others being the New Jersey Devils and New York Islanders.

A part of the NHL's Original Six, they've seen periods of both triumph and struggle, notably winning the Cup in 1994 but also enduring a postseason drought in the late '90s. Despite fluctuations in performance, they've remained a formidable force in the league, showcasing talents like Mark Messier, Wayne Gretzky, Henrik Lundqvist, Artemi Panarin, Igor Shesterkin and Mika Zibanejad over the years. Additionally, they have claimed seven Division Championships and two Conference Championships.

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New York Rangers NHL Playoff History and Appearances

The New York Rangers have a storied history in the NHL playoffs, with 62 playoff appearances and notable achievements. In their inaugural season (1926-1927), the Rangers reached the semifinals but were defeated by the Boston Bruins. However, they quickly rebounded the following year (1927-1928) to secure their first Stanley Cup victory, defeating the Montreal Maroons in the finals. This success continued in the 1928-1929 season when they reached the Stanley Cup Finals again but fell short against the Boston Bruins.

Throughout the 1930s, the Rangers remained competitive, making multiple playoff appearances but faced challenges in securing another championship title. Despite this, they managed to win their second Stanley Cup in the 1932-1933 season, defeating the Toronto Maple Leafs in the finals. In the 1993-1994 season, the Rangers enjoyed a historic Stanley Cup victory, defeating the Vancouver Canucks in a thrilling seven-game series. This triumph marked their fourth Stanley Cup win in franchise history. In recent times, the Rangers have remained competitive in the playoffs, making several appearances and advancing to the conference finals in the 2011-2012 season and the 2014-2015 season. However, they are yet to secure another Stanley Cup title, despite their continuous presence in the postseason.

A table exploring New York Rangers’ playoff history and appearances is provided below:

YearRecordResult
202455-23-4currently plaing conference second round
202347-22-13Lost First Round
202252-24-6Lost Conference Finals
202127-23-6Missed Playoffs
202037-28-5Lost Qualifying Round
201932-36-14Missed Playoffs
201834-39-9Missed Playoffs
201748-28-6Lost Conference Semi-Finals
201646-27-9Lost First Round
201553-22-7Lost Conference Finals
201445-31-6Lost Stanley Cup Final
201326-18-4Lost Conference Semi-Finals
201251-24-7Lost Conference Finals
201144-33-5Lost First Round
201038-33-11Missed Playoffs
200943-30-9Lost First Round
200842-27-13Lost Conference Semi-Finals
200742-30-10Lost Conference Semi-Finals
200644-26-12Lost First Round
200427-40-7-8Missed Playoffs
200332-36-10-4Missed Playoffs
200236-38-4-4Missed Playoffs
200133-43-5-1Missed Playoffs
200029-38-12-3Missed Playoffs
199933-38-11Missed Playoffs
199825-39-18Missed Playoffs
199738-34-10Lost Conference Finals
199641-27-14Lost Conference Semi-Finals
199522-23-3Lost Conference Semi-Finals
199452-24-8Stanley Cup Winners
199334-39-11Missed Playoffs
199250-25-5Lost Conference Semi-Finals
199136-31-13Lost First Round
199036-31-13Lost Conference Semi-Finals
198937-35-8Lost First Round
198836-34-10Missed Playoffs
198734-38-8Lost First Round
198636-38-6Lost Conference Finals
198526-44-10Lost First Round
198442-29-9Lost First Round
198335-35-10Lost Conference Semi-Finals
198239-27-14Lost Conference Semi-Finals
198130-36-14Lost Conference Finals
198038-32-10Lost Conference Semi-Finals
197940-29-11Lost Stanley Cup Final
197830-37-13Lost First Round
197729-37-14Missed Playoffs
197629-42-9Missed Playoffs
197537-29-14Lost First Round
197440-24-14Lost Conference Finals
197347-23-8Lost Conference Finals
197248-17-13Lost Stanley Cup Final
197149-18-11Lost Conference Finals
197038-22-16Lost Conference Semi-Finals
196941-26-9Lost Conference Semi-Finals
196839-23-12Lost Conference Semi-Finals
196730-28-12Lost Conference Finals
196618-41-11Missed Playoffs
196520-38-12Missed Playoffs
196422-38-10Missed Playoffs
196322-36-12Missed Playoffs
196226-32-12Lost Conference Finals
196122-38-10Missed Playoffs
196017-38-15Missed Playoffs
195926-32-12Missed Playoffs
195832-25-13Lost Conference Finals
195726-30-14Lost Conference Finals
195632-28-10Lost Conference Finals
195517-35-18Missed Playoffs
195429-31-10Missed Playoffs
195317-37-16Missed Playoffs
195223-34-13Missed Playoffs
195120-29-21Missed Playoffs
195028-31-11Lost Stanley Cup Final
194918-31-11Missed Playoffs
194821-26-13Lost Conference Finals
194722-32-6Missed Playoffs
194613-28-9Missed Playoffs
194511-29-10Missed Playoffs
19446-39-5Missed Playoffs
194311-31-8Missed Playoffs
194229-17-2Lost Conference Finals
194121-19-8Lost Conference Semi-Finals
194027-11-10Stanley Cup Winners
193926-16-6Lost Conference Finals
193827-15-6Lost Conference Semi-Finals
193719-20-9Lost Stanley Cup Final
193619-17-12Missed Playoffs
193522-20-6Lost Conference Finals
193421-19-8Lost Conference Semi-Finals
193323-17-8Stanley Cup Winners
193223-17-8Lost Stanley Cup Final
193119-16-9Lost Conference Finals
193017-17-10Lost Conference Finals
192921-13-10Lost Stanley Cup Finals
192819-16-9Stanley Cup Winners
192725-13-6Lost Conference Finals

New York Rangers Conference History

The New York Rangers have transitioned through various conference alignments since their inception. Initially, from 1926-1927 to 1966-1967, conferences weren't in place. However, from 1967-1968 to 1973-1974, they competed in the Eastern Conference and were later part of Campbell Conference's Patrick Division (1974-1975 to 1992-1993) and in Eastern Conference's Atlantic Division (1993-1994 to 2012-2013). Following another realignment by the NHL, the Rangers became part of the Metropolitan Division within the Eastern Conference (2014-present).

In their early years, they experienced success, winning the Stanley Cup in 1928 and again in 1933. Throughout the 1930s, they consistently made playoff appearances, although they faced challenges in capturing another championship. Following World War II, the Rangers saw a period of inconsistency, with sporadic playoff appearances and no further Stanley Cup victories. However, in the historic 1993–94 season, led by iconic players like Mark Messier, Brian Leetch, and Mike Richter, the Rangers captured their fourth Stanley Cup, ending a 54-year championship drought. In the years that followed, the Rangers remained competitive, making multiple playoff appearances and reaching the Stanley Cup Finals in 2013–14, although they fell short of securing another championship.

A table exploring New York Rangers' Conference History along with their results is provided below:

Rangers seasonConferenceResult
2023-2024EasternWon first round vs. Washington Capitals, 4–0 Second round vs. Carolina Hurricanes
2022–23EasternLost first round vs. New Jersey Devils, 3–4
2021–22EasternWon first round vs. Pittsburgh Penguins, 4–3 Won second round vs. Carolina Hurricanes, 4–3 Lost conference finals vs. Tampa Bay Lightning, 2–4
2020–21Did not qualify
2019–20EasternLost qualifying round vs. Carolina Hurricanes, 0–3
2018–19EasternDid not qualify
2017–18EasternDid not qualify
2016–17EasternWon first round vs. Montreal Canadiens, 4–2 Lost second round vs. Ottawa Senators, 2–4
2015–16EasternLost first round vs. Pittsburgh Penguins, 1–4
2014–15EasternWon first round vs. Pittsburgh Penguins, 4–1 Won second round vs. Washington Capitals, 4–3 Lost conference finals vs. Tampa Bay Lightning, 3–4
2013–14EasternWon first round vs. Philadelphia Flyers, 4–3 Won second round vs. Pittsburgh Penguins, 4–3 Won conference finals vs. Montreal Canadiens, 4–2 Lost Stanley Cup Finals vs. Los Angeles Kings, 1–4
2012–13EasternWon conference quarterfinals vs. Washington Capitals, 4–3 Lost conference semifinals vs. Boston Bruins, 1–4
2011–12EasternWon conference quarterfinals vs. Ottawa Senators, 4–3 Won conference semifinals vs. Washington Capitals, 4–3 Lost conference finals vs. New Jersey Devils, 2–4
2010–11EasternLost conference quarterfinals vs. Washington Capitals, 1–4
2009–10EasternDid not qualify
2008–09EasternLost conference quarterfinals vs. Washington Capitals, 3–4
2007–08EasternWon conference quarterfinals vs. New Jersey Devils, 4–1 Lost conference semifinals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins, 1–4
2006–07EasternWon conference quarterfinals vs. Atlanta Thrashers, 4–0 Lost conference semifinals vs. Buffalo Sabres, 2–4
2005–06EasternLost conference quarterfinals vs. New Jersey Devils, 0–4
2004–05EasternSeason not played due to lockout
2003–04EasternDid not qualify
2002–03EasternDid not qualify
2001–02EasternDid not qualify
2000–01EasternDid not qualify
1999–2000EasternDid not qualify
1998–99EasternDid not qualify
1997–98EasternDid not qualify
1996–97EasternDid not qualify
1995–96EasternWon conference quarterfinals vs. Montreal Canadiens, 4–2 Lost conference semifinals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins, 1–4
1994–95EasternWon conference quarterfinals vs. Quebec Nordiques, 4–2 Lost conference semifinals vs. Philadelphia Flyers, 0–4
1993–94EasternWon conference quarterfinals vs. New York Islanders, 4–0 Won conference semifinals vs. Washington Capitals, 4–1 Won conference finals vs. New Jersey Devils, 4–3 Won Stanley Cup Finals vs. Vancouver Canucks, 4–3
1992–93WalesDid not qualify
1991–92WalesWon division semifinals vs. New Jersey Devils, 4–3 Lost division finals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins, 2–4
1990–91WalesLost division semifinals vs. Washington Capitals, 2–4
1989–90WalesWon division semifinals vs. New York Islanders, 4–1 Lost division finals vs. Washington Capitals, 1–4
1988–89WalesLost division semifinals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins, 0–4
1987–88WalesDid not qualify
1986–87WalesLost division semifinals vs. Philadelphia Flyers, 2–4
1985–86WalesWon division semifinals vs. Philadelphia Flyers, 3–2 Won division finals vs. Washington Capitals, 4–2 Lost conference finals vs. Montreal Canadiens, 1–4
1984–85WalesLost division semifinals vs. Philadelphia Flyers, 0–3
1983–84WalesLost division semifinals vs. New York Islanders, 2–3
1982–83WalesWon division semifinals vs. Philadelphia Flyers, 3–0 Lost division finals vs. New York Islanders, 2–4
1981–82WalesWon division semifinals vs. Philadelphia Flyers, 3–1 Lost division finals vs. New York Islanders, 2–4
1980–81CampbellWon preliminary round vs. Los Angeles Kings, 3–1 Won quarterfinals vs. St. Louis Blues, 4–2 Lost semifinals vs. New York Islanders, 0–4
1979–80CampbellWon preliminary round vs. Atlanta Flames, 3–1 Lost quarterfinals vs. Philadelphia Flyers, 1–4
1978–79CampbellWon preliminary round vs. Los Angeles Kings, 2–0 Won quarterfinals vs. Philadelphia Flyers, 4–1 Won semifinals vs. New York Islanders, 4–2 Lost Stanley Cup Finals vs. Montreal Canadiens, 1–4
1977–78CampbellLost preliminary round vs. Buffalo Sabres, 1–2
1976–77CampbellDid not qualify
1975–76CampbellDid not qualify
1974–75CampbellLost preliminary round vs. New York Islanders, 1–2
1973–74Won quarterfinals vs. Montreal Canadiens, 4–2 Lost semifinals vs. Philadelphia Flyers, 3–4
1972–73Won quarterfinals vs. Boston Bruins, 4–1 Lost semifinals vs. Chicago Black Hawks, 1–4
1971–72Won quarterfinals vs. Montreal Canadiens, 4–2 Won semifinals vs. Chicago Black Hawks, 4–0 Lost Stanley Cup Finals vs. Boston Bruins, 2–4
1970–71Won quarterfinals vs. Toronto Maple Leafs, 4–2 Lost semifinals vs. Chicago Black Hawks, 3–4
1969–70Lost quarterfinals vs. Boston Bruins, 2–4
1968–69Lost quarterfinals vs. Montreal Canadiens, 0–4
1967–68Lost quarterfinals vs. Chicago Black Hawks, 2–4
1966–67Lost semifinals vs. Montreal Canadiens, 0–4
1965–66Did not qualify
1964–65Did not qualify
1963–64Did not qualify
1962–63Did not qualify
1961–62Lost semifinals vs. Toronto Maple Leafs, 2–4
1960–61Did not qualify
1959–60Did not qualify
1958–59Did not qualify
1957–58Lost semifinals vs. Boston Bruins, 2–4
1956–57Lost semifinals vs. Montreal Canadiens, 1–4
1955–56Lost semifinals vs. Montreal Canadiens, 1–4
1954–55Did not qualify
1953–54Did not qualify
1952–53Did not qualify
1951–52Did not qualify
1950–51Did not qualify
1949–50Won semifinals vs. Montreal Canadiens, 4–1 Lost Stanley Cup Finals vs. Detroit Red Wings, 3–4
1948–49Did not qualify
1947–48Lost semifinals vs. Detroit Red Wings, 2–4
1946–47Did not qualify
1945–46Did not qualify
1944–45Did not qualify
1943–44Did not qualify
1942–43Did not qualify
1941–42Lost semifinals vs. Toronto Maple Leafs, 2–4
1940–41Lost quarterfinals vs. Detroit Red Wings, 1–2
1939–40Won semifinals vs. Boston Bruins, 4–2 Won Stanley Cup Finals vs. Toronto Maple Leafs, 4–2
1938–39Lost semifinals vs. Boston Bruins, 3–4
1937–38Lost quarterfinals vs. New York Americans, 1–2
1936–37Won quarterfinals vs. Toronto Maple Leafs, 2–0 Won semifinals vs. Montreal Maroons, 2–0 Lost Stanley Cup Finals vs. Detroit Red Wings, 2–3
1935–36Did not qualify
1934–35Won quarterfinals vs. Montreal Canadiens, 6–5 Lost semifinals vs. Montreal Maroons, 4–5
1933–34Lost quarterfinals vs. Montreal Maroons, 1–2
1932–33Won quarterfinals vs. Montreal Canadiens, 8–5 Won semifinals vs. Detroit Red Wings, 6–3 Won Stanley Cup Finals vs. Toronto Maple Leafs, 3–1
1931–32Won semifinals vs. Montreal Canadiens, 3–1 Lost Stanley Cup Finals vs. Toronto Maple Leafs, 0–3
1930–31Won quarterfinals vs. Montreal Maroons, 8–1 Lost semifinals vs. Chicago Black Hawks, 0–2
1929–30Won quarterfinals vs. Ottawa Senators, 6–3 Lost semifinals vs. Montreal Canadiens, 0–2
1928–29Won quarterfinals vs. New York Americans, 1–0 Won semifinals vs. Toronto Maple Leafs, 2–0 Lost Stanley Cup Finals vs. Boston Bruins, 0–2
1927–28Won quarterfinals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 6–4 Won semifinals vs. Boston Bruins, 5–2 Won Stanley Cup Finals vs. Montreal Maroons, 3–2
1926–27Lost semifinals vs. Boston Bruins, 1–3

The New York Rangers have clinched 2 conference championships till date, with their triumphs coming in 1993–94 and 2013–14.

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New York Rangers Division History

From their early years in the 1920s and 1930s, where they saw success with Stanley Cup victories in 1928 and 1933, to periods of inconsistency in the following decades. In recent years, the Rangers have seen a resurgence in their performance, particularly in the Metropolitan Division. With strong regular seasons in 2022 and 2023, they have demonstrated their ability to compete at the highest level. While they haven't captured another Stanley Cup since 1994, their consistent presence in the playoffs and competitive spirit highlight their status as a formidable team in the NHL.

A table exploring the New York Rangers' division history along with their regular season records is provided below:

YearDivisionRegular season
2024Metropolitan55-23-4
2023Metropolitan47-22-13
2022Metropolitan52-24-6
2021East27-23-6
2020Metropolitan37-28-5
2019Metropolitan32-36-14
2018Metropolitan34-39-9
2017Metropolitan48-28-6
2016Metropolitan46-27-9
2015Metropolitan (#1)53-22-7
2014Metropolitan45-31-6
2013Atlantic26-18-4
2012Atlantic51-24-7
2011Atlantic44-33-5
2010Atlantic38-33-11
2009Atlantic43-30-9
2008Atlantic42-27-13
2007Atlantic42-30-10
2006Atlantic44-26-12
2005NHL Lockout
2004Atlantic27-40-7-8
2003Atlantic32-36-10-4
2002Atlantic36-38-4-4
2001Atlantic33-43-5-1
2000Atlantic29-38-12-3
1999Atlantic33-38-11
1998Atlantic25-39-18
1997Atlantic38-34-10
1996Atlantic41-27-14
1995Atlantic22-23-3
1994Atlantic (#1)52-24-8
1993Patrick34-39-11
1992Patrick (#1)50-25-5
1991Patrick36-31-13
1990Patrick (#1)36-31-13
1989Patrick37-35-8
1988Patrick36-34-10
1987Patrick34-38-8
1986Patrick36-38-6
1985Patrick26-44-10
1984Patrick42-29-9
1983Patrick35-35-10
1982Patrick39-27-14
1981Patrick30-36-14
1980Patrick38-32-10
1979Patrick40-29-11
1978Patrick30-37-13
1977Patrick29-37-14
1976Patrick29-42-9
1975Patrick37-29-14
1974East40-24-14
1973East47-23-8
1972East48-17-13
1971East49-18-11
1970East38-22-16
1969East41-26-9
1968East39-23-12
196730-28-12
196618-41-11
196520-38-12
196422-38-10
196322-36-12
196226-32-12
196122-38-10
196017-38-15
195926-32-12
195832-25-13
195726-30-14
195632-28-10
195517-35-18
195429-31-10
195317-37-16
195223-34-13
195120-29-21
195028-31-11
194918-31-11
194821-26-13
194722-32-6
194613-28-9
194511-29-10
19446-39-5
194311-31-8
194229-17-2
194121-19-8
194027-11-10
193926-16-6
1938American27-15-6
1937American19-20-9
1936American19-17-12
1935American22-20-6
1934American21-19-8
1933American23-17-8
1932American (#1)23-17-8
1931American19-16-9
1930American17-17-10
1929American21-13-10
1928American19-16-9
1927American (#1)25-13-6

The Rangers have secured the Division Championships on seven occasions. Their division championships were achieved in the following years: 1926–27, 1931–32, 1989–90, 1991–92, 1993–94, 2011–12, and 2014–15.

Read more About:- New York Rangers Stanley Cup Wins

FAQ's On New York Rangers Playoff History

A. The New York Rangers have won the Stanley Cup four times, in 1928, 1933, 1940, and 1994.

A. The New York Rangers last won the Stanley Cup in the 1993-1994 NHL season.

A. The New York Rangers have made a total of 62 playoff appearances in their history.

A. The New York Rangers' best playoff finish was winning the Stanley Cup, which they achieved four times.

A. The New York Rangers reached the Stanley Cup Finals in 1928, 1929, 1932, 1933, 1937, 1950, 1972, 1979, 1994, and 2014.

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