Rangers Bid Farewell to Legendary Goalie Jonathan Quick

Despite a valiant effort, the Rangers couldn't secure a win in Quick's final NHL game.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 1:54pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In Jonathan Quick's final NHL game, the Rangers put forth a strong effort but ultimately fell short against the Florida Panthers. Quick, a future Hall of Famer, announced his retirement earlier in the day, closing the book on an illustrious career that included two Stanley Cup championships. While the loss secured the Rangers' spot at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, the team saw promising performances from young players like Matthew Robertson and Gabe Perreault, providing hope for the future.

Why it matters

Quick's retirement marks the end of an era for the Rangers, who have struggled in recent years to recapture the success they enjoyed earlier in the decade. The game served as a bittersweet farewell for the legendary goaltender, who helped the Rangers end their long Stanley Cup drought but also played a key role in denying them a championship during his time with the rival Los Angeles Kings.

The details

In Quick's final NHL game, the Rangers fought hard but ultimately fell to the Florida Panthers in a close contest. The game-winning goal was scored by a Panthers rookie in the closing minutes, dashing the Rangers' hopes of sending Quick out with a victory. Despite the loss, the Rangers saw strong performances from young players like defenseman Matthew Robertson, who recorded a goal and an assist, and forward Gabe Perreault, who has emerged as a key part of the team's top line alongside Mika Zibanejad and Alexis Lafreniere.

  • Quick announced his retirement earlier in the day on April 14, 2026.
  • The Rangers' loss to the Panthers on April 14, 2026 secured their spot at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.

The players

Jonathan Quick

A future Hall of Fame goaltender who spent the majority of his career with the Los Angeles Kings, winning two Stanley Cups. He joined the Rangers in the latter stages of his career and became the winningest American goaltender in franchise history.

Matthew Robertson

A young Rangers defenseman who had a goal and an assist in the team's loss to the Panthers, continuing his solid development and emergence as a promising player for the team's future.

Gabe Perreault

A Rangers forward who has become a key part of the team's top line alongside Mika Zibanejad and Alexis Lafreniere, providing hope for the team's offensive core moving forward.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's been an honor to play for the Rangers and I'm grateful for the opportunity to finish my career here. This team and this city will always hold a special place in my heart.”

— Jonathan Quick

What’s next

The Rangers will now focus on the offseason, where they will look to address the team's needs through the draft, free agency, and potential trades. The team's young core, including players like Robertson and Perreault, will be a key part of the team's plans as they aim to rebuild and return to contention in the coming years.

The takeaway

While the Rangers' season ended on a sour note, the team's performance in Jonathan Quick's final game provided a glimpse of the potential of their young players. As the organization enters a new era, the development of these promising talents will be crucial in their efforts to reclaim their status as one of the NHL's elite teams.