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.

HARD HITS: Trotz has surprising Islanders in first place

A good coach can make all the difference. For years, the Islanders have been viewed by many observers as an afterthought in the metro area. Despite a rich history and tradition that includes the Stanley Cup dynasty of winning four … Continue reading

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Game #14: Lundqvist and Vesey lead the way in 3-1 Rangers’ win over Sabres

I’ll be perfectly honest. I missed most of last night’s game. We had dinner plans with Mom and had Japanese food at a nice place on the North shore of the Island. Family comes before everything including our favorite hockey … Continue reading

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Pominville pays back Sabres for honoring him in 9-2 rout of familiar rival

When Buffalo general manager Jason Botterill took over the Sabres in the summer of 2017, one of his first moves was reacquiring Jason Pominville as part of a four player trade that included two draft picks with Minnesota on June … Continue reading

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Game #13: Another shootout triumph gives Rangers two straight wins

I’m not much for superstition. Though I do have my OCD rituals. Game number 13 turned out to be a lucky one. It also had two repetitions from the other night. Like the crazy win at San Jose, the Rangers … Continue reading

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Game #12 Rangers show resolve in 4-3 shootout win over Sharks

It would’ve been real easy to cave in following a last second Tomas Hertl goal that tied it. It would’ve been even easier for Henrik Lundqvist to lose concentration in the closing moments of a back and forth overtime and … Continue reading

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Suicide Watch on All Hallows Eve for Rangers fans

It’s suicide watch on All Hallows Eve for Rangers fans. Pavel Buchnevich is a healthy scratch for the second time under coach David Quinn when the Rangers visit the Sharks later tonight. Buchnevich got the only assist on Vladislav Namestnikov’s … Continue reading

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Pick your favorite scoring line

There are plenty of exciting flavors in the NHL that can excite hockey fans when it comes to scoring lines. Much like ice cream, it depends on your preference. Continue reading

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The best New York team plays in Buffalo

There isn’t much excitement in the New York area for sports this winter. You have to look much further to find a compelling team worth following. Continue reading

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Game #10 Poor effort results in ugly 4-1 loss to Blackhawks

A lousy third period did in the Rangers in a bad loss at Chicago. Continue reading

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Game #9: Zibanejad’s big night leads Rangers to 5-2 win over Panthers

Mika Zibanejad talked about what needed to happen for the Rangers offense to improve. He spoke following Sunday’s loss to Calgary about needing the second and third effort along with more grit in their game to score goals. He backed … Continue reading

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