"You can't use that word": Ex-NHLer Ryan Whitney makes his feelings absolutely clear about New York Rangers' questionable banner

On the "Spittin' Chiclets" podcast, former NHL player Ryan Whitney criticized the New York Rangers' new banner that reads "2023-24 Regular Season Champions." Whitney said he would support a banner for winning the Presidents' Trophy, but thinks using the word "champions" for a regular season is wrong.

He explained that "champions" should be reserved for more significant achievements, like winning the Stanley Cup.

"I would be 100% down with a President's Trophy winners or President's Trophy champions banner," Whitney said. "But to write regular season like that. You can't put champion on regular season. You can do it President's Trophy. Boom, have it up there. Nice banner. Champions is not the word you can use here. You can't use that word."

"You can't put regular season champions, because the champions, the champions, are the Florida Panthers." Whitney added.

The Rangers' banner is something an expansion team might do but it's definitely interesting for an Original Six team. The Rangers did the same thing in 2014-15 when they won the Presidents' Trophy, and it was surprising this has continued for so long.

Fans reacted, agreeing with Ryan Whitney's criticism.

"Lmao yeah as a rangers fan. This is bad we didn’t win s*** we ain’t champions" a fan agreed.

Rangers are off to a good start amid Ryan Whitney's comments

The New York Rangers beat the Detroit Red Wings, 4-1, at Madison Square Garden on Monday. Igor Shesterkin made 31 saves, bouncing back after allowing six goals in the previous game. Coach Peter Laviolette praised his performance:

"He was really good. It was a really tough game to judge him last game. I've said this before, there's times where I think we just do things that not a lot of goaltenders can do. Not a lot of goaltenders can make the saves that needed to be made last game."

Mika Zibanejad had a goal and two assists, while Artemi Panarin added three assists. Reilly Smith, Alexis Lafreniere, and Chris Kreider also scored for the Rangers.

Dylan Larkin scored for Detroit, but the Red Wings couldn’t capitalize on their chances, especially on the power play. They went 0-for-4, making them 1-for-11 in three games.

The Rangers have won two of their last three games. Their only loss was in OT, so they are looking good this season and are expected to continue playing on the same level.

Ryan Whitney's comments are right on their own, but for Rangers, it seems the banner is working as motivation.