from Dan Rosen of NHL.com,

The words seemed to come easily to New York Rangers coach Alain Vigneault, not practiced or prepared, just honest and believable.

"We believe we can compete for the Stanley Cup," Vigneault said Thursday during his first press conference of the season.

Vigneault's words are reasonable, just. The Rangers have made the Stanley Cup Playoffs for seven straight seasons, got to the Eastern Conference Second Round last season and have won six series in four seasons under Vigneault.

Goalie Henrik Lundqvist, 35, is healthy and, according to Vigneault, looks lighter and younger.

"In my mind, he's still in the elite top-five goalies," Vigneault said, "and he wants to prove that."

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