The team’s front office did not take missing the postseason for the first time in eight years lightly. At breakup day, the general manager said “I don’t think you should be playing in the NHL if it’s not about winning.” Further, Gorton said that “everyone in that room should be about winning.” The Rangers will not become the Buffalo Sabres under Gorton’s watch.
The effects of losing in the long term are cancerous to an organization. The Sabres long term losing has taken a toll on the players in the dressing room. At Buffalo’s breakup day, Ryan O’Reilly spoke about how losing has put a strain on his love for hockey.