On home this season the Rangers finished with a 30-11-0 record for 60 points, tying a franchise record for the most home wins.
If there's one negative thing that a critic could say about The Stanley Cup it is that the symbol of hockey supremacy thoroughly overshadows another hockey prize.
I'm talking about the Presidents' Trophy now owned by the Rangers as a result of their Monday night victory over Ottawa.
The Maven isn't here to diminish The Stanley Cup by even one iota.
Rather, my beef is that the Presidents' Trophy-winners never -- no matter what season -- receive enough credit for their accomplishments.
Think about it, the winner must plow through an 82-game marathon season replete with injuries, ups, downs and sideways still intact and on top at the end.
Attrition always is a factor to be overcome as well as trades, suspensions and whatnot.
To survive these obstacles takes a lot of skill, stamina and challenges from strong foes such as the Carolina Hurricanes who chased the Blueshirts all season.
An obvious bonus that comes with the Presidents; Trophy is home ice advantage.
In the Rangers case it is a major asset.
At home this season the Blueshirts finished with a 30-11-0 record for 60 points. That ties the franchise record for the most home wins (1970-71).
But once the puck drops at The Garden for the first playoff round, all that will be forgotten.
After all, the chase for the Stanley Cup will take center stage and, alas, the Presidents' Trophy will exit Stage Right -- if it hasn't done so already!