Exactly two weeks after Sam Rosen broadcasted his final game for the New York Rangers on MSG Networks, partner Joe Micheletti announced his retirement from the broadcast booth.

After 19 seasons teaming up with Rosen to do Rangers games, Micheletti has decided to call it a career. Before getting the chance to work with Rosen, Micheletti also provided color commentary for the Islanders telecasts from 1998 through 2006. He originally worked with the legendary Howie Rose, who remains an iconic voice for his memorable call of Stephane Matteau’s winning goal against the Devils in double overtime of Game 7 of the 1993-94 Eastern Conference Finals. Rose still calls Mets games on the radio.

Prior to joining MSG Networks, Micheletti worked for the Blues as their radio analyst for two years when he broke into the industry in 1985. After serving as a Blues assistant coach for three seasons, he returned to the booth for the Minnesota North Stars in 1991-92. He then returned to the Blues where he served as a TV analyst from 1992-98. When he joined Fox Sports Net New York in 1998, it started a journey that would last the remainder of his career in the New York area.

After winning two national championships with the University of Minnesota in 1974 and 1976, Micheletti spent three seasons in the NHL as a defenseman for both the Blues and Colorado Rockies. After retiring, he became a fixture up in the booth. He also served as a reporter for the NHL On Fox.

Now 70, he decided now is the right time to call it quits. In many aspects, it feels fitting. A lighthearted and knowledgable person, he was more critical of the Rangers this past season. Like most fans, he saw the writing on the wall with the team’s performance. He remained an entertaining listen who worked well with Rosen, who himself always kept things light. In what turned out to be the final season of their outstanding careers, their patience was tested. It sure came out during games.

Kenny Albert Waiting in The Wings

As we’ve known for some quite some time, Kenny Albert is waiting in the wings to take over on the TV side for Rosen. The radio voice of the Rangers has the same winning personality as his predecessor. Albert currently is the lead voice of the NHL On TNT, which has the Stanley Cup Finals in June.

The question is who’ll replace Micheletti upstairs with Albert. The obvious candidates are Dave Maloney, and Brian Boyle. Maloney has worked well with Albert on the radio side for two decades. Boyle did well in his first season analyzing games on MSG. He brings a lot of knowledge and experience. His heavy criticism of the Rangers and most specificially Mika Zibanejad was loud and clear on the most recent Up In The BlueSeats podcast. Boyle would be a good choice if they decide to keep Maloney on the radio with replacement Don LaGreca.