PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford says he's disappointed about the team's early exit.

Pittsburgh lost to the New York Rangers in five games in the opening round of the playoffs. Rutherford said Tuesday he liked the direction the Penguins were trending in March before season-ending injuries to defencemen Christian Ehrhoff and Kris Letang.

Rutherford praised captain Sidney Crosby for the development of his all-around game. The general manager added first-year coach Mike Johnston did a good job under trying circumstances.

The team will spend the off-season trying to upgrade the pieces around Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. The two stars have stressed they believe their best chance to win another Stanley Cup remains in Pittsburgh.