On Saturday, Mar. 22, longtime television voice Sam Rosen was honored by the Rangers before they took on the Canucks. For 40 years, Rosen has been calling Rangers games on MSG Network.

A Brooklyn native who was the captain of the baseball team at City College, it was his childhood dream to one day become the play-by-play voice of the Rangers. That dream was fulfilled when he took over broadcasting duties for mentor Jim Gordon in 1984. Previously, Rosen was a studio host for Rangers pregame.

In a brilliant career that’s spanned four decades, the affable Rosen has been front and center for everything involving the Rangers. That was highlighted by him getting to call the memorable Game 7 of the 1994 Stanley Cup Finals, which the Rangers won 3-2 over the Canucks to finally end a 54-year Stanley Cup drought. When it was finally over, an excited Rosen said, “The waiting is over. The New York Rangers are the Stanley Cup champions! And this one will last a lifetime!”

Back then, little did anyone know that Rosen’s call would prove prophetic. Unfortunately, despite some very good teams, the Rangers haven’t won a Cup since that memorable hot summer night on June 14, 1994. The closest the Rangers came was 20 years later when they reached the Stanley Cup Finals before losing to the Kings in five games. Despite having the lead in all three games at Staples Center, they were unable to hang on and lost each in overtime. That included the Stanley Cup clinching goal in the second overtime of Game 5.

One of the things that made 1994 so special was that Rosen got to call every single game with fan favorite John Davidson. They became affectionately known as Sam and JD due to how well they played off each other during broadcasts. It was made all the better with Al Trautwig hosting each game in studio. As the MSG slogan used to say, they were the best in the game. Between Rosen’s signature “It’s a power play goal!” and Davidson’s “Oh, Baby!” you had to be there for it. Nobody had more fun than Sam and JD during games. They made you feel like you were a part of it.

Davidson was the goalie in 1979 when the Rangers upset the Islanders and went to the Finals before falling to the Canadiens dynasty. A popular player, he made a seamless transition to the broadcast booth. Prior to him becoming the color analyst of the Rangers, Rosen was partnered with hockey legend Phil Esposito. Esposito remained with Rosen until he took over as coach and general manager of the Rangers in 1986. Davidson replaced Esposito in 1986-87, teaming with Rosen through 2005-06.

When he left to become the team president of the St. Louis Blues, Davidson was replaced by Joe Micheletti. Since 2006-07, Micheletti has been Rosen’s partner up in the booth. As hard as it is to believe, he’s lasted almost as long as Davidson. While they don’t have the same chemistry as Sam and JD, they’ve been a good team for two decades.

At 77, Rosen is the longest tenured broadcaster in the NHL. A very nice person who has a great personality, he always tries to keep things light during games. However, if the team isn’t playing well, Rosen will call them out. In what’s been a down season, he’s had to be more vocal along with Micheletti due to the team’s play. When he decided to retire at the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, Rosen wanted to spend more time with his family. As he told reporters, packing for road trips isn’t fun anymore. Rosen also enjoys golf.

Prior to being honored during the pregame that included a video tribute of Rosen’s best moments, he had a funny remark. When discussing his final season, he said, “I’m trying to drag this team into the playoffs with me. I walk around the locker room at practice giving them encouragement, ‘Come on, guys, you can do it.’ They’re not listening to me, but hopefully that’ll change in the next couple of weeks.”

His good nature drew laughter from the media who attended the press conference. During the on ice ceremony, Rosen was joined by wife Jill, Esposito, Davidson and Micheletti. They presented him with a gold microphone and a Rangers jersey with the number 40 to recognize the 40 years of dedication.

Not one who likes being the center of attention, he kept his speech to approximately 90 seconds. During that time, Rosen spoke eloquently and with great appreciation. He was sure to thank his wife and family first for allowing him to do this for so long. He thanked the Rangers and the fans for the overwhelming support he’s received over the years. Having met him, he’s one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet. Rosen has always handled himself with class off the ice. That’s what made him a fan favorite.

“I’m the little kid from Brooklyn and here I am being honored by you and by Madison Square Garden and by the New York Rangers,” Rosen told the crowd last Saturday before the Rangers came back to defeat the Canucks 5-3. “I have truly lived the dream.”

In 2008, he was inducted into National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. Rosen also called New York Cosmos games, boxing, and NFL games on Fox. When he wasn’t doing Rangers games, he could be heard on NHL Radio calling the Stanley Cup Playoffs for Westwood One. That included 12 Stanley Cup Finals between 1996 and 2008.

It’s hard to put into words what he’s meant. Rosen is the voice we grew up with watching Rangers games. He’s made them enjoyable even during disappointing seasons such as this one, which can’t end soon enough. I only can think of one reason for it to continue. If they somehow get into the playoffs, it should be for Sam. He deserves to call postseason games one final time. Even if they don’t deserve the playoffs, the legendary Rangers voice does.

Some fans have suggested that Rosen win the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award. While that’s a kind sentiment, he isn’t a Rangers player. Besides, he probably wouldn’t accept it. It’s not who he is as a person. He doesn’t like the attention. That much has been obvious during his final season. That hasn’t stopped teams from presenting Rosen with wonderful gifts and video tributes on the road. In a game the Rangers lost 3-1, he received a celebratory cake from and an autographed jersey from the Kings on Tuesday night.

It’s hard to believe that there are only 10 games remaining in the season. Unless the Rangers start winning games, there won’t be any more after April 17. The team is the most unlikable since the Dark Ages. They find ways to lose. I can’t imagine what Rosen must think calling them. You can feel the frustration from both Sam and Joe during the losses. Is this really the way they’re going to send him out?

At least there’s a couple of days off before the next game at Anaheim. The off days are now a relief for fans. That’s how embarrassing this team is. I wish Rosen could call one more period with Davidson. With the Rangers having wrapped up the season series with the Blue Jackets, that scenario remains unlikely. In my heart, I wish MSG would try to get JD to be a guest in the booth for one last time. They probably haven’t considered it.

We’ll see how things wind up. Congrats to Sam on an outstanding career. One that will last a lifetime. Thank you, Sam Rosen for making Rangers games so much fun.