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.

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

Islanders announce roster: Reinhart, Nelson in, Strome out

Posted on September 30, 2013 by Derek

The Islanders announced their roster earlier today. Among the notables who made the team are rookies Brock Nelson and Griffin Reinhart. The 21-year old Nelson is a former 2010 first round pick who made his debut in the playoffs last … Continue reading →

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Rangers Set Roster: Fast, Miller make it, Kreider cut

Posted on September 30, 2013 by Derek

Yesterday, the Rangers announced their roster. There weren’t many surprises. A strong camp from rookie Jesper Fast impressed Alain Vigneault enough to keep him up. “We had some decisions to make and when I looked at what Fast did throughout … Continue reading →

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Crowned by the Kings in Vegas

Posted on September 28, 2013 by Derek

At least it’s only preseason. In their final tune up at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, the Rangers were crowned by the Kings 4-1. The same two teams played Vegas in 1991. That was a stark contrast with John Vanbiesbrouck … Continue reading →

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Tort’s Canucks take apart Vigneault’s Rangers

Posted on September 27, 2013 by Derek

Tonight sucked. If you were looking for a statement, keep searching. The Rangers were terrible in Vancouver. Score one for John Tortorella, whose new team delivered a 5-0 KO. Playing its third game in four nights, Alain Vigneault’s club started … Continue reading →

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Trading Places: Vigneault vs Tortorella

Posted on September 26, 2013 by Derek

In the classic 80’s hit movie Trading Places, Eddie Murphy and Dan Akroyd are used by The Dukes. “They used as guinea pigs,” Valentine tells Winthorpe, who is restrained by servant Coleman from strangling him. A classic scene in one … Continue reading →

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Stepan’s Back!

Posted on September 26, 2013 by Derek

The waiting is over. Derek Stepan is finally back. It took a little longer than expected. Stepan has re-signed with the Rangers, agreeing to a bridge deal worth upwards of $3 million per season. Officially, CapGeek.com lists him at $3.075 … Continue reading →

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