Author Archives: Derek

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About Derek

Derek is a creative writer who enjoys taking photographs, working on poetry, and covering hockey. A free spirit who loves the outdoors, a diverse selection of music, and writing, he's a former St. John's University alumni with a degree in Sports Management. Derek covers the Rangers for Battle of Hudson and is a contributor to The Hockey Writers. His appreciation of art and nature are his true passions.

As Training Camp heats up, Panarin up for prestigious Award

Posted on July 14, 2020 by Derek

On Day Two of the new training camp during the dog days of summer, Artemi Panarin is the story. The very successful 28-year old Russian left wing, who was on his way to 40 goals and 100 points prior to … Continue reading →

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As Rangers get ready, Gord Murphy replaces Lindy Ruff, Observations on potential roster

Posted on July 10, 2020 by Derek

The days are moving closer to the official restart of training camp. Once Monday hits, it’ll finally be here. For 24 teams that are participating in the expanded playoff format with the first part focusing on 16, they’ll have a … Continue reading →

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Ruff criticism misguided as accomplished Rangers assistant takes Devils coaching job

Posted on July 9, 2020 by Derek

Much has been made of Lindy Ruff in this area from impatient fans. The truth is the Rangers have one of the most polarizing fan bases in all of hockey. Such is the mentality of the New York sports fan. … Continue reading →

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NHL Podcast: Draft Lottery debacle, Panarin, analyzing Rangers vs Hurricanes, Lundqvist and Price comparison

Posted on June 27, 2020 by Derek

Earlier this evening, I did a hockey podcast on some hot topics over on my Hard Hits Network. It went into overtime! Among the topics covered include the NHL Draft Lottery debacle, Artemi Panarin, a classic series flashback from 1993 … Continue reading →

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Panarin quote on escrow is problematic

Posted on June 27, 2020 by Derek

As the calendar is on the verge of changing from June to July, hockey continues to inch closer to an official return. Following a bizarre first part of the perplexing NHL Draft Lottery that will somehow reward a team that … Continue reading →

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Revisiting Alex Mogilny after another snub

Posted on June 25, 2020 by Derek

Alex Mogilny was not only a great finisher, but a terrific playmaker during a 16-year NHL career that remains overlooked by some clueless writers of the Hockey Hall of Fame. One day, he’ll make it. Getty Images It was a … Continue reading →

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Happy 25th Anniversary to Devils and Hasan

Posted on June 24, 2020 by Derek

It’s June 24, 2020. It was 25 years ago today that the New Jersey Devils won their first Stanley Cup. That was on a hot summer night in 1995 at the old Brendan Byrne Arena in East Rutherford. The ’95 … Continue reading →

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Feeling a playoff tournament, Sabres chaos

Posted on June 17, 2020 by Derek

In a chaotic time that won’t change anytime soon, believe it or not, playoff hockey is inching closer. With Phase 2 finally about to hit in NYC, players will start reporting to training camp. This all seems very strange. Normally … Continue reading →

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And Justice For All

Posted on June 4, 2020 by Derek

I wasn’t sure I was going to address the elephant in the room. However, after careful consideration, I feel it’s only right to devote a concise post on the recent tragedy of George Floyd that took place last week in … Continue reading →

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A unique view on the NHL Playoff Tournament

Posted on May 28, 2020 by Derek

In a special re-recorded podcast via my YouTube channel, here is what I had to say about the NHL’s planned 24 team Playoff Tournament. Included are some thoughts on the 10 potential host cities and where the games could land. … Continue reading →

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