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.

The Good, Bad and Ugly for improving Devils

Posted on January 4, 2022 by Derek

Yesterday afternoon, the Devils took on Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals in DC. They won their third in a row thanks to overtime heroics from captain Nico Hischier. His second goal of the game gave the Devils a 4-3 OT … Continue reading →

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Mika Day At Garden! Eighth career hat trick for Zibanejad and huge first period from Shesterkin carries Rangers to statement win over Lightning

Posted on January 2, 2022 by Derek

For a while, you wondered if we’d ever see the same Mika Zibanejad from ’19-20 when he caught fire prior to the long pause. In fact, we attended his remarkable five-goal game which was Capped off by a highlight reel … Continue reading →

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Panarin in protocol, Jones in for Nemeth, Lafreniere on second line for big test in rematch versus Lightning

Posted on January 2, 2022 by Derek

Normally, I don’t post blogs leading up to a game. However, with it being a good measuring stick to see where the team is, the rematch versus the champion Lightning starts soon in a Sunday afternoon matinee at MSG. News … Continue reading →

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Canadiens pause through Jan. 6 including AHL affiliate Laval while show goes on in Minnesota for frigid Winter Classic

Posted on January 1, 2022 by Derek

In the most unsurprising news ever to start 2020 +2 a New Year, the Montreal Canadiens announced that they’re pausing activity through January 6. That also goes for the Laval Rocket of the AHL. The Canadiens and the Laval Rocket … Continue reading →

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Cooper heaps praise on Goodrow, who has a special night against former team

Posted on January 1, 2022 by Derek

If there was a memorable night for a player from last night’s 4-3 win over the Lightning, it came from Barclay Goodrow. The interchangeable Rangers’ forward who was moved up by Gerard Gallant rewarded him by scoring a pair of … Continue reading →

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A New Year’s Eve Bash! Goodrow celebrates return in style, Zibanejad beats champion Lightning in shootout, Rangers overcome sluggish start to end 2021 with a good win

Posted on January 1, 2022 by Derek

Gerard Gallant is enjoying New Year's Eve. (via @RTaub_)pic.twitter.com/nLJ3AouHpp — Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) January 1, 2022 This was an irate Gerard Gallant getting his money’s worth before a critical face-off with over two minutes left. He sure had his say … Continue reading →

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Duclair, Cats’ big third period spoils Shesterkin’s return in tough one-goal loss

Posted on December 30, 2021 by Derek

Finally, there was hockey played. For the Rangers, the early Christmas break allowed Igor Shesterkin and Artemi Panarin to return. But also meant no Ryan Lindgren and Kevin Rooney due to COVID Protocol. Both regulars were missed. However, the Rangers … Continue reading →

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Truthful commentary from frustrated players on Canada’s strict rules hurting NHL, questions persist on adjusting COVID Protocol

Posted on December 28, 2021 by Derek

With another game postponed as NHL play resumed tonight, there’s no end in sight to the COVID issues hurting the league. While other major sports such as the NFL and NBA revise their rules to make recovery quicker for asymptomatic … Continue reading →

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A Christmas Wish

Posted on December 25, 2021 by Derek

Merry Christmas 🎅 🎄 ☃️🎁❄✨⭐ everybody!!!!! We all need a little Christmas spirit in our lives. So, you better not be naughty. Not now anyway. I could go off on the NHL right now due to my thoughts on how … Continue reading →

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NHL COVID restrictive measures leads to more cancellations, Canada closing its border, early Christmas Break, no Olympics, plus a look at hockey history nicknames

Posted on December 22, 2021 by Derek

In predictable news that was expected, the NHL’s new COVID restrictive measures lead to more cancellations. With spikes in COVID due to the new Omicron variant, Canada also decided to close its border. That means no games between American teams … Continue reading →

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