Rangers describe 2024 NHL Stadium Series: 'The atmosphere was electric'

The buzz surrounding the Rangers’ 6-5 comeback win over the Islanders in Sunday's thrilling finale of the 2024 NHL Stadium Series is still reverberating around the New York/New Jersey region.

It’s difficult to describe the scene at MetLife Stadium, which was packed to the brim with 79,690 passionate fans hockey, three quarters of which seemed to be rocking Blueshirts’ gear. They braved the cold – with the high-30s temperatures feeling especially bitter thanks to wind gusts of over 30 mph – and brought endless amounts of energy and enthusiasm.

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The roar of nearly 80,000 reacting to every big play and singing each team’s goal song will stick with everyone who was there.

Rather than try to paint the picture in my own words, let’s allow those who were at the center of the awe-inspiring action to describe their experiences. Below are quotes from a handful of players, along with Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette, discussing the conditions, the atmosphere and the lasting memories.

Jacob Trouba

"Just the amount of people, I think, is pretty shocking. And then for me – this maybe something a little different – but the sightlines on the ice are so much different when fans are off the boards. It’s just kind of seeing that and adjusting. The pucks are bouncing, the boards are bouncing. It's like you're playing outside, which you are, but it's those memories that you kind of have as a kid when the snow gets on the ice and there's a bunch of ruts everywhere. It's just kind of fun, and I think everyone enjoys it."

Mika Zibanejad

"I thought they did a good job with everything, but it's obviously not the same as maybe at home or at a different arena. But I didn't think it was that cold. It was a little bouncier maybe, but it gets you back to the good old times where you got to play outdoors. For some, the lake, the outdoor rink, whatever. I think it got a little bit more difficult as the game went on to kind of settle pucks and whatnot, but just keep it simple, and when you have a play, try to make it. But it was nothing to complain about.

"I think just being at MetLife here with the way it's constructed – I feel like everyone's close. It's perfect dimensions in terms of that. Hearing our fans before the game, even just playing some soccer and seeing them on the way in – this is definitely top of my list of experiences and games and memories I will take with me forever."

Vincent Trocheck

"Once you're on the ice, during the play, you're not thinking about, you're outside or you're on a football field in front of 80,000. You're playing a game like you would if you were at MSG. You kind of take it all in when you get back to the bench and you look up and you see. I mean, I just couldn't get over how there was people, it felt like, a mile in the air. A mile in the sky, there were fans out there. It was crazy to me, but when you're on the ice, it's all just a normal game."

Peter Laviolette

"It was awesome. It was crazy. I've got so much props for our guys for hanging in there. The first period didn't go the way we wanted at all, (but they) continued to fight. I thought the Islanders played really hard. They were kind of heavy handed at the beginning. I thought through the second (period) we started to combat that a little bit. We had that injury (Ryan Lindgren) that left the guy open on the fifth goal, but still didn't cave, didn’t quit. We continued to push. These games that take place are special, and we’re fortunate to be a part of them. There's been some good ones, but this one's got to be up there. It's got to be near the top of the list."

Matt Rempe

The 21-year-old rookie became the first player in league history to make his NHL debut in an outdoor game, which coincided with the six-year anniversary of his father's tragic death.

"I'm so happy. I've just had the biggest smile all day. I know my mom this morning was bawling her eyes out, but in a happy way. It was great. … I'm going to go see (my family) now, and I bet they're going to be over the moon. I know my mom probably didn't like the fighting (with Islanders veteran Matt Martin), but she's probably happy it got out of the way right away."

Artemi Panarin

"Honestly, I have to say the atmosphere was electric. It was something I couldn't compare anything else to. I had to hold back tears, just because it was that much of a spectacle. ... I'd like to thank fans for giving it that electric feeling – that wave of emotion."

Vincent Z. Mercogliano is the New York Rangers beat reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Read more of his work at lohud.com/sports/rangers/ and follow him on Twitter @vzmercogliano.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Rangers describe 2024 NHL Stadium Series: 'Atmosphere was electric'