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.

Season Preview: Rangers counting on growth from kids to go a step further

Entering last year, the expectations were realistic for the Rangers. Their goal was to get back to the playoffs. Instead, they took a quantum leap led by their goalie all the way to the Conference Finals. They overachieved in ’21-22. … Continue reading

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Vesey makes team, Gauthier cut despite strong showing, Blais injury, depth could be an issue

After another ho-hum performance in their final tuneup- a well deserved 3-1 loss to the Islanders- the Rangers made roster decisions on Sunday. Among them was signing Jimmy Vesey to a one-year, $750,000 contract. He sure earned it by having … Continue reading

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As preseason finishes up, Gallant facing some tough decisions, top six not set, Chytil line impressive, questions entering season

They’ve played five of six preseason games. After falling to the Bruins 5-4 in what can best be described as an incomplete exhibition that bothered coach Gerard Gallant, there are more questions surrounding what the Rangers will decide with the … Continue reading

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Kravtsov focused on moving forward, Rangers, Gallant pleased with Hunt, Blais to get first crack on top line, Vesey off to good start

Training camp officially opened last Wednesday. The Rangers enter camp with higher expectations. Unlike last year when returning to the postseason was the goal which they more than exceeded in reaching the Conference Finals, it’s Cup or bust in Manhattan. … Continue reading

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Hejdå Nils! Lundkvist traded to Stars, Chara headlines three defensemen who announce retirement, MacKinnon gets paid, camps open

In the second post of the new season, we have some Rangers news mixed with the retirements of three defensemen. Plus one of the game’s best gets a well deserved raise from the Stanley Cup champs. The first order of … Continue reading

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Rookie Weekend for prospects, Jones and Robertson get early start before camp, Motte signs with Ottawa, Lundkvist waits for trade, Tales of Stan Fischler, Jaromir Jagr

Halfway through September, there are only a few days left of summer. As usually happens, we’ll get a last taste of temperatures in the 80’s over the next week. Then maybe Indian summer. After what felt like an eternity at … Continue reading

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Writing was on the wall last January for Nils Lundkvist, Rangers

When Nils Lundkvist finally put in a trade request this past week as reported by veteran New York Post columnist Larry Brooks, it wasn’t too surprising. The writing was on the wall way back last January for Lundkvist and the … Continue reading

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Mets ’86 hero Orosco tells great story on Old-Timer’s Day, Zibanejad ranked in top 10 centers by NHL Network

On a warm August day in Flushing, the Mets held their first Old-Timer’s Day since 1994 ironically, one ’86 hero had a great story to tell. As it turned out, he shared a unique connection to the Rangers. During the … Continue reading

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WJC Wrap: O’ Canada! Kent Johnson scores golden goal in overtime to lift Canada over Finland 3-2, Mason McTavish makes huge save and wins tournament MVP, USA disappointment

The 2022 U20 World Junior Championships finally concluded in Edmonton at Rogers Place over the past weekend. A prestigious tournament many avid hockey fans follow due to catching a glimpse of the future, they were able to finish up in … Continue reading

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WJC 2022: USA holds on to beat Sweden and win Group B, Berard nets goal, Othmann thumps Jiricek, scores as Canada beats Finland to win Group A, Latvia makes quarterfinals

Less than a week into the rescheduled U20 World Junior Championships at Rogers Place in Edmonton, things are starting to take shape. There’s only a few more preliminary games before the knockout stage. After having no problem with Austria on … Continue reading

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