Author Archives: Derek

Unknown's avatar

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.

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

Posted in Column | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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

Posted in Column | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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

Posted in Prospect Watch, WJC | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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

Posted in Prospect Watch, WJC | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

WJC 2022: Othmann and Cuylle connect for Canada in blowout win over Slovakia, Luke Hughes out fast for USA

It’s rare that we have hockey in August. However, Covid Omicron forced the postponement of the 2022 U20 World Junior Championships after Christmas. There were only a handful of games played in Edmonton last winter. The only one people remember … Continue reading

Posted in Prospect Watch, WJC | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Trouba named the 28th captain in Rangers history, why they selected him, WJC gets going

In a little surprise, the Rangers announced Jacob Trouba as the new captain of the team at a short press conference yesterday at Madison Square Garden. They even aired it on MSG Network and streamed it for fans. A rarity. … Continue reading

Posted in Battle News, NYRangers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A disappointment so far, Kakko must prove worth on bridge deal

It was three years ago that the Rangers moved up to the top two in the 2019 NHL Draft Lottery. At that point, before the number one pick was revealed to the Devils, fans were ecstatic at the prospect of … Continue reading

Posted in Column, NYRangers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

HARD HITS: Tkachuk blockbuster trade involving Huberdeau a rarity, the uncomfortable direction the NHL is headed

Once the first domino fell when Johnny Gaudreau left Calgary for Columbus by taking less money to uproot his family back to the States, it was pretty much a foregone conclusion that Matthew Tkachuk would not remain a Calgary Flame. … Continue reading

Posted in Hard Hits | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Devils improve defense by acquiring Marino from Pens for Ty Smith and third round pick

The Devils upgraded their defense today by adding a proven veteran in a smart deal. In a move that should improve their blue line, they acquired John Marino from the Pens in exchange for Ty Smith and a 2023 third … Continue reading

Posted in Devils | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Day One of the Free Agent Frenzy: As predicted, Trocheck signs with the Rangers, Halak the new backup, Copp heads home and Strome out West, Gaudreau turns down Devils for Blue Jackets, The best contracts of July 13th

Day One of free agency didn’t disappoint. The July 13th FA Frenzy featured almost every big name. There were so many signings that it may as well have been a carnival. Even with the late news that Evander Kane stayed … Continue reading

Posted in July 1 Frenzy, NYRangers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment