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.

NHL ’21-22 Season Preview: Storylines to Follow

Posted on October 13, 2021 by Derek

A day into a new season following a good return to hockey for ESPN featuring one of the most iconic themes and the cool story behind it told by Justin Bieber, we get the introduction to the NHL On TNT … Continue reading →

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Rangers Season Preview: Playoffs or Bust for more balanced roster

Posted on October 13, 2021 by Derek

Tonight is the beginning of the next chapter of Rangers hockey. Under new leadership with proven coach Gerard Gallant behind the bench and Team President and GM Chris Drury presiding over a more balanced roster, it’s playoffs or bust for … Continue reading →

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Rangers and Kravtsov both to blame for avoidable situation

Posted on October 13, 2021 by Derek

Shortly after I posted my initial reaction to the startling news surrounding the Rangers and former ’18 first round pick Vitali Kravtsov, we learned something new about what feels like an untenable situation. Of course, the organization went into full … Continue reading →

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Rangers’ shortsighted thinking on roster could cost them the promising Kravtsov

Posted on October 12, 2021 by Derek

What a difference 24 hours makes. A day ago, I was very excited to post my half glass full expectations for an improved New York Rangers who begin play at old Patrick Division rival Washington on Tuesday night. While that … Continue reading →

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Mika Staying On Broadway! Blueshirts sign Zibanejad to eight-year extension

Posted on October 12, 2021 by Derek

Meant to be a Ranger. 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/CXpSy8NKP7 — New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 10, 2021 Mika Zibanejad is staying on Broadway. The 28-year old first line center got his wish when he and the Rangers reached agreement on an eight-year … Continue reading →

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Chytil wraps up preseason in style with a hat trick in win over Islanders, Strome leaves game with hand injury

Posted on October 10, 2021 by Derek

In what was the final warmup for the Rangers before it all begins for real on Wednesday at the Caps on TNT, Filip Chytil made a statement by posting a hat trick in a wild 5-4 overtime win over the … Continue reading →

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Subban injures Reaves, Kreider responds like a leader in heated preseason win over Devils

Posted on October 7, 2021 by Derek

When Ryan Reaves got tangled up with P.K. Subban during the first period, the meaningless exhibition between Hudson rivals became something more. With the Rangers ahead on an early Mika Zibanejad goal, Subban collided with Reaves during a scrum in … Continue reading →

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A Devilish question for fans

Posted on October 5, 2021 by Derek

The Devils defeated the Capitals 4-1 in a preseason game Monday night. Once again, former 2020 first round picks Alex Holtz and Dawson Mercer had good showings. Holtz scored another goal while Mercer had a primary assist. https://twitter.com/NJDevils/status/1445172795814694914?t=-U8o9nacMCT37hyqJPIuMA&s=19 The Holtz … Continue reading →

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Lafreniere’s hustle wins tuneup over Bruins, Lundkvist inches closer to roster cut down to 27, Lehner and Carcillo speak out

Posted on October 4, 2021 by Derek

On Saturday night, the Rangers played their fourth exhibition game of six in Boston. Despite at times being dominated by the Perfection Line of Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak, they were able to hang around and defeat the … Continue reading →

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Kravtsov injured in forgettable preseason loss to Devils

Posted on October 2, 2021 by Derek

In what can best be described as an eyesore of a game from a Rangers perspective, the play on the ice isn’t too much of a concern. The Devils easily handled an AHL roster with a few exceptions to win … Continue reading →

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