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.

Will Kakko ever be a consistent goal scorer? Issues facing the Rangers as first half wraps up

Posted on January 17, 2022 by Derek

The scouting reports were glowing. Many hockey pundits felt very strongly that then prospect Kaapo Kakko would become a good finisher at the NHL level. “Kaapo Kakko is a very good player,” said TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button following … Continue reading →

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Kreider’s late goal helps Rangers escape with one-goal win over Flyers, Chytil ties it, A look at a classic Lundqvist game from the 30 in 30

Posted on January 16, 2022 by Derek

1-1 after 1 #NYR pic.twitter.com/YwUVMfuIhy — Rangers on MSG (@RangersMSGN) January 16, 2022 It wasn’t a Picasso or Renoir. It didn’t have to be. The most important detail from Saturday night’s game is the Rangers got the win. They sure … Continue reading →

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All-Star Kreider leads the way as Shesterkin eats Sharks up for shutout in return, Braden Schneider scores in NHL debut

Posted on January 14, 2022 by Derek

Following a brutal loss to the Kings on Monday night in Hollywood, the Rangers bounced back by besting the Sharks in an entertaining 3-0 win in San Jose. The victory allowed them to split the Western part of the five-game … Continue reading →

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Unlikely defensemen step up for Blueshirts, Gallant in protocol, Panarin back, dilemma for NHL continues due to Canada

Posted on January 10, 2022 by Derek

On Saturday night, the Rangers defeated the Ducks 4-1 at The Pond. It might not be called that anymore. But that’s way better than whatever cockamamie corporate sponsor their arena is named after. To say I hate that crap would … Continue reading →

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Hockey Community remembers St. Luke’s Teddy Balkind after hockey tragedy

Posted on January 8, 2022 by Derek

On Thursday night, a horrible tragedy occurred during a high school hockey game between Brunswick School and St. Luke’s School in Greenwich, Connecticut. Tenth grader Teddy Balkind fell to the ice during the game. He was accidentally caught by another … Continue reading →

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Rangers get Knighted in forgettable loss at Vegas

Posted on January 7, 2022 by Derek

There wasn’t much that went right at the Fortress for the Rangers. After a good first period followed by Chris Kreider’s team-leading 21st goal to tie things up early in the second, they fell apart in a 5-1 blowout loss … Continue reading →

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What a difference two months make for improved Blueshirts, Lafreniere and Miller emerging after win over Oilers

Posted on January 4, 2022 by Derek

It was two months ago that they met the same opponent at Edmonton. At that time, the Rangers were winning hockey games. But relying largely on Igor Shesterkin. It wasn’t sustainable. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl exposed them in comeback … Continue reading →

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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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