NEW YORK – The New York Rangers blanked the Ottawa Senators 4-0 to win the fourth Presidents’ Trophy in their history on Monday night at Madison Square Garden.
With this 55th victory in their last game of the regular schedule, the Rangers finished the year with 114 points, three points ahead of Carolina and Dallas, who have a game to play.
The Blueshirts had not finished first in the Metropolitan division since the 2014-2015 season.
Peter Laviolette’s men will try this spring to add a fifth Stanley Cup to their list of achievements.
Thanks to his tally of a goal and an assist, star winger Artemi Panarin concluded his dream season with 120 points, or 49 goals and 71 assists.
Defenseman Adam Fox, a possible candidate for the Norris Trophy, also obtained two points against the Sens to end his campaign with 73 points (17-56) in 72 games.
Alexis Lafrenière, author of his 28th goal to end an excellent season in style, and Jack Roslovic also deceived Joonas Korpisalo.
Igor Shesterkin recorded a fourth shutout, and a 15th for his entire career.
The Senators (36-41-4) saw their two-game winning streak come to an end. They will play their last game before next fall on Tuesday evening in Boston.
