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.

Leafs fire Babcock, hire Sheldon Keefe

Posted on November 20, 2019 by Derek

In a move that wasn’t a surprise, the Maple Leafs fired coach Mike Babcock earlier this afternoon. The 56-year old veteran bench boss was brought in from Detroit in 2015 where he took over the Leafs. He got an eight-year … Continue reading →

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The disappointing part of the Rangers rebuild

Posted on November 18, 2019 by Derek

This is Lias Andersson in happier times after scoring his first NHL goal in late ’17-18. The Rangers have mismanaged him like past first round picks. AP Photo via Sporting News courtesy Getty Images On Sunday, the Rangers made two … Continue reading →

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Game #18: David Quinn’s explanations make no sense following frustrating loss at Panthers

Posted on November 16, 2019 by Derek

I’m past the point of having patience. A lot of what David Quinn says is hogwash. He did it again following a extremely frustrating 4-3 loss at the Panthers. Forget about how well Artemiy Panarin, Ryan Strome and Jesper Fast … Continue reading →

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Free Lias

Posted on November 16, 2019 by Derek

It’s as simple as this. Through two periods, Lias Andersson has played a grand total of six shifts against the Panthers. That’s 3:13 of ice time in two periods for the 2017 seventh overall pick the Rangers took as part … Continue reading →

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Saturday Night Hockey Message

Posted on November 16, 2019 by Derek

Tonight is a extremely busy Saturday Night for hockey. In fact, 30 of 31 teams are in action. That included a few afternoon games. Carolina defeated Minnesota earlier in overtime on a goal from sizzling sophomore Andrei Svechnikov. I knew … Continue reading →

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Game #17: Lightning strikes for Rangers in humiliating fashion, Chytil and Panarin bright spots along with a point on Georgiev

Posted on November 15, 2019 by Derek

Ondrej Palat celebrates his goal that made it 4-0 as the Rangers were embarrassed by the Lightning 9-3. AP Photo by Chris O’Meara via Getty Images courtesy Newsday This one was ugly. If it were the old days in elementary … Continue reading →

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The Devil Dilemma

Posted on November 14, 2019 by Derek

Andy Greene defends a Senator during a disappointing 4-2 home loss for the Devils. AP Photo by Bill Kastroun via Getty Images One of the real mysteries of the early season is the inconsistent play of the New Jersey Devils. … Continue reading →

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Interesting thoughts from Brendan Smith reveals a lot about his character

Posted on November 13, 2019 by Derek

Brendan Smith is one of the older players on the Rangers. At 30 years old, the veteran is the fourth oldest Blueshirt behind elder statesmen Henrik Lundqvist and Marc Staal, and role player Micheal Haley. Originally acquired from the Red … Continue reading →

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Game #16: Kaapo Kakko Night, rookie lifts Rangers to thrilling overtime win over Penguins

Posted on November 13, 2019 by Derek

Adam Fox and Kaapo Kakko celebrate Kakko’s overtime winner highlighting a well deserved 3-2 Rangers win over the Penguins. AP Photo by Jim McIsaac via Getty Images It took 16 games. Finally, Kaapo Kakko announced himself to the NHL. The … Continue reading →

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Don Cherry comes clean

Posted on November 12, 2019 by Derek

AP Photo Detroit Free Press via Getty Images By now, the hockey community knows that Don Cherry is no longer employed by Sportsnet. The less said about that network, the better. Ditto for lifelong partner Ron MacLean, who stood by … Continue reading →

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