The Rangers don't play the Capitals again this season and still, they just keep taking Ls.
The NHL announced on Thursday it has fined the Rangers $250,000 for their public statement issued on Tuesday, which was in response to Tom Wilson receiving a $5,000 fine (the max allowable under the CBA) for his involvement in Monday's dustup near the net.
"Public comments of the nature issued by the Rangers that were personal in nature and demeaning of a League executive will not be tolerated," said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. "While we don't expect our Clubs to agree with every decision rendered by the Department of Player Safety, the extent to which the Rangers expressed their disagreement was unacceptable. It is terribly unfair to question George Parros' professionalism and dedication to his role and the Department of Player Safety."
In their statement, the Rangers offered a rare public rebuke of Parros, the head of the NHL's Department of Player Safety, accusing him of "dereliction of duty" for not suspending Wilson indefinitely after Artemi Panarin sustained an undisclosed season-ending injury in Monday's skirmish, in a game the Rangers would lose 6-3.
Parros is "unfit to continue in his current role," the Rangers added.
On the ice, the Rangers issued somewhat of a metaphorical statement, dropping the gloves six times in the first five minutes of their rematch with the Capitals Wednesday night. The Rangers lost the game 4-2. As for the fights? They lost those, too.
The Rangers fired team president John Davidson and GM Jeff Gorton prior to the game Wednesday afternoon.
The Rangers have an opportunity to collect one final L, when their season ends Saturday against the Bruins.