Author Archives: Derek Felix

About Derek Felix

Derek Felix is sports blogger whose previous experience included separate stints at ESPN as a stat researcher for NHL and WNBA telecasts. The Staten Island native also interned for or hockey historian Stan Fischler and worked behind the scenes for MSG as a production assistant on New Jersey Devil telecasts. An avid New York sports fan who enjoys covering events, writing, concerts, movies and the outdoors, Derek has covered consecutive Staten Island Yankees NY Penn League championships in '05 and '06. He also scored Berkeley Carroll high school basketball games from '06-14 and provided an outlet for the Park Slope school's student athletes. Hitting Back gives them the publicity they deserve. In his free time, he also attends Ranger games and is a loyal St. John's alum with a sports management degree. The Battle Of Hudson administrator and chief editor can be followed below on Twitter and Facebook.

Gritty veteran Marc Staal chases Cup with Panthers

Posted on May 27, 2023 by Derek Felix

Back in 2005, the Rangers selected defenseman Marc Staal out of Thunder Bay, Ontario, with the 12th pick. In a late NHL Draft due to the lockout finally ending, I didn’t even know where the Rangers selected. Jury duty called. … Continue reading →

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Kravtsov heads home, Rangers’ drafting and development issue at the forefront

Posted on May 24, 2023 by Derek Felix

Earlier this week, Vitaly Kravtsov signed with Traktor for two years to return to the KHL. He’ll play back at home over the next two seasons after flaming out with the Rangers and Canucks. Originally, a first round pick selected … Continue reading →

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Rangers and Devils will participate in 2024 Stadium Series

Posted on May 23, 2023 by Derek Felix

Confirming the rumor that had been discussed, both the Rangers and Devils will participate in the 2024 NHL Stadium Series next year. It’ll be held at Met Life Stadium in February 2024. I’m told the NHL is going to host … Continue reading →

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Rangers let go of longtime trainer Jim Ramsay

Posted on May 19, 2023 by Derek Felix

In startling news that left a bad taste in many fans’ mouths, the Rangers let go of longtime trainer Jim Ramsay. The Athletic’s Arthur Staple broke the news. Hearing that #NYR has let Jim Ramsay go. Athletic trainer for the … Continue reading →

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Conference Finals are all set: Stars punch their ticket

Posted on May 16, 2023 by Derek Felix

Last night, the only Game 7 was played to conclude the second round. In what proved to be the best series, the Stars withstood the Kraken by hanging on for a 2-1 win at American Airlines Center. It wrapped up … Continue reading →

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HARD HITS: Leafs’ latest playoff failure leaves more questions for Toronto

Posted on May 14, 2023 by Derek Felix

After finally exercising the demons by beating the Lightning in the first round, the Maple Leafs couldn’t follow up their first playoff series win in 19 years with a successful second round. Instead, they were hardly competitive in the first … Continue reading →

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Canes’ overtime hero Fast reminds Rangers what they’re missing in series win over Devils

Posted on May 12, 2023 by Derek Felix

There was a moment earlier in last night’s game where Jesper Fast had a sure goal on his stick. With the Hurricanes trailing the Devils 1-0 on a Dawson Mercer goal perfectly set up by Timo Meier, they nearly tied … Continue reading →

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Fans voice their frustration over Blackhawks winning Connor Bedard lottery

Posted on May 9, 2023 by Derek Felix

On Monday night before Game Three of the Pacific Division Final was played between the Golden Knights and Oilers, ESPN aired the 2023 NHL Draft Lottery. There were no real surprises until the final three teams. In a gaffe, Kevin … Continue reading →

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Gallant, Rangers agree to part ways, organization deserves more blame for this mess

Posted on May 6, 2023 by Derek Felix

In a move that isn’t surprising, the Rangers and Gerard Gallant have decided to part ways. Following the disappointing first round defeat to the Devils, there was uncertainty surrounding Gallant’s job status. Source says #NYR and Gerard Gallant have agreed … Continue reading →

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Luke Hughes to make postseason debut tomorrow in critical Game Three for Devils

Posted on May 6, 2023 by Derek Felix

It’s happening. Following two lackluster losses in Carolina to fall behind the Hurricanes two games to none, the Devils will have a different lineup for tomorrow’s critical Game Three. With Ryan Graves struggling in Games One and Two, which saw … Continue reading →

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