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The future isn’t exactly terrible for the Rangers

New York Rangers v New Jersey Devils - Game Six

NEWARK, NJ - MAY 25: Brandon Prust #8 Mike Rupp #71 and Chris Kreider #20 of the New York Rangers look on from the bench against the New Jersey Devils in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Final during the 2012 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Prudential Center on May 25, 2012 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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We know the Rangers and their fans are bumming out hard today after seeing their team eliminated in the Eastern Conference finals by their rival Devils, but there is good reason to stay positive. It’s all about the future.

Chris Kreider made headlines coming right out of college at all of 20-years-old. Derek Stepan and Michael Del Zotto are both 21. Ryan McDonagh is 22. Artem Anisimov and Carl Hagelin are both 23. That’s a lot of future star potential getting their first big taste of the NHL playoffs and what it takes to win.

Coach John Tortorella tells reporters last night he’s really proud of them but knows there is more work to be done.

“We’re still a young club. We still have quite a bit to learn as far as the desperation, when you get to this third round. I just don’t want us to -- and you hear it so much, and I won’t accept it. You know, you won a couple of rounds. You got into the third round. That isn’t good enough. We still have to find a way to win another round and get there.”

Luckily for Tortorella and the young Rangers, losing can help spur some players and teams on to greater things. For now, these growing pains hurt but it could mold the Rangers into having an even brighter future.