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.

South River Fantasy Hockey: Welcome Back!

Posted on October 6, 2013 by Derek

When you’re not only drafting and keeping track of everyone’s pick, it can get a bit hectic. For myself, I also had to help Buffalo resident Brian Sanborn draft because he was at work. Imagine updating each pick and then … Continue reading →

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Fantasy Hockey Draft: Siberia Express

Posted on October 6, 2013 by Derek

It’s finally here. Fantasy hockey draft takes place at Matt’s in Keyport. I’m going to track my picks. The breakdown is as follows: 4 Centers 4 Wings 6 Defensemen 2 Goalies 5 Bench SIBERIA EXPRESS 1.W Alex Ovechkin 2.G Antti Niemi … Continue reading →

Posted in Battle News | 4 Comments

With Callahan back, Miller demotion disappointing

Posted on October 5, 2013 by Derek

The news of Ryan Callahan’s impending return Monday against the Kings isn’t earth shattering. Unless you were living in a cave, the Ranger captain was going to be back for the second game of the season. He’s the emotional leader … Continue reading →

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Grabner steals show in Newark

Posted on October 5, 2013 by Derek

It was supposed to be about John Tavares. Much is expected from the Islander captain in 2013-14. On a night when he was held in check, another teammate stepped up. Michael Grabner stole the show scoring twice and setting up … Continue reading →

Posted in NY Islanders | 1 Comment

Lack Of Preseason shows for Stepan, Other Observations

Posted on October 4, 2013 by Derek

All training camp, we wanted to know when Derek Stepan would sign on the dotted line. With the key piece of the Rangers in a battle with general manager Glen Sather, it took all preseason to finally get the 23-year … Continue reading →

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Nothing To Howl At: Rangers drop opener

Posted on October 4, 2013 by Derek

The Rangers dropped the season opener to the Coyotes 4-1. Not exactly the start you wanted to see under Alain Vigneault. Similar to preseason, they never led and were undisciplined. Another theme was the superb play of Marc Staal. He … Continue reading →

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NY Puck NHL Predictions

Posted on October 1, 2013 by Derek

Predicting the NHL always presents a unique challenge. Reflecting back on last year, what was I thinking? I had the Rangers beating the Canucks in a ’94 rematch. Instead, John Tortorella and Alain Vigneault swapped places. All the more reason … Continue reading →

Posted in NHL Preview | Leave a comment

Metropolitan Division Predictions

Posted on October 1, 2013 by Derek

The new season finally is here. Six teams are in action tonight including new Metropolitan Division member Washington. The Capitals are back where they belong playing against old Patrick rivals the Devils, Islanders, Rangers, Flyers and Penguins. The only difference … Continue reading →

Posted in Devils, NHL Preview, NY Islanders, NY Rangers | Leave a comment

Sabres name Vanek co-captain in potential final year

Posted on October 1, 2013 by Derek

With an eye towards retaining Thomas Vanek, the Sabres named their top finisher co-captain with Steve Ott. The 28-year old Vanek is entering his final year of a long-term contract that pays him $7.1 million this season. In eight seasons … Continue reading →

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Devils set roster: Elias on IR to start, Jagr ready to go

Posted on October 1, 2013 by Derek

Monday, the Devils finally set their 23-man roster. While it looks like Jaromir Jagr is ready for the season, star forward Patrik Elias has been placed on the injured list with an undisclosed injury. The franchise all-time scoring leader is … Continue reading →

Posted in Battle News, Devils | 2 Comments