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.

Rangers hire Gallant as new head coach

Posted on June 14, 2021 by Derek

The New York Rangers have made it official by hiring Gerard Gallant as their new head coach. He becomes the 36th coach in franchise history. A more proven coach who’s guided both the Panthers and Golden Knights to the postseason, … Continue reading →

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The NHL Semifinals: Islanders face Lightning in rematch, Canadiens heavy underdogs versus Golden Knights, Thoughts on Avalanche and Bruins, Fox up for Norris

Posted on June 11, 2021 by Derek

Twenty-four hours apart, the final two teams of the NHL Semifinals finished off their second round series by closing out Game Six at home. With both the Islanders and Golden Knights taking care of business to prevent Game Seven in … Continue reading →

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Podcast: On Islanders/Bruins, Trotz’ Effect, Cassidy fined, Vegas and Colorado

Posted on June 8, 2021 by Derek

The second round has continued to be very good. Heading the top of the list is the Islanders and Bruins. In a wild Game Five, the Islanders held on for a 5-4 win at TD Garden to take a 3-2 … Continue reading →

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Trotz nails what defines playoff hockey, Barzal leads Islanders to Game Four win over Bruins to even compelling series

Posted on June 6, 2021 by Derek

On Saturday, the Islanders tied their second round series at two apiece against the Bruins by defeating them 4-1 before 12,000 loud fans at the old barn off the Meadowbrook Parkway. Mat Barzal scored the game-winner with over seven minutes … Continue reading →

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Sabres win Lottery, Rangers sign Nils Lundkvist, great hockey in second round, the clutch Marchand

Posted on June 5, 2021 by Derek

For those who care, they held the NHL Lottery on Thursday night. After dragging it out to the point of exhaustion thanks to all the wasted nonsense, they finally got down to who won. The winner was again the Sabres. … Continue reading →

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Podcast: Derek on Monday’s great first round games, an observation plus a cool story

Posted on May 25, 2021 by Derek

In my latest podcast over on Spotify, I review a busy first round slate from Monday night that included the Isles edging the Pens in two overtimes along with the Jets finishing off the McDavid/Draisaitl Oilers in an epic triple … Continue reading →

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Theo Fleury: A tale in courage and strength

Posted on May 25, 2021 by Derek
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Islanders put Penguins on the brink, Connor’s goal in triple overtime eliminates Oilers, goalies shine including a memorable playoff debut for Cats’ Spencer Knight

Posted on May 25, 2021 by Derek

These playoffs have been electric. It is only the first round yet there are so many cool storylines. From the magnificent playoff debut of 20-year old Spencer Knight to backstop the Cats to a 4-1 win in Game Five to … Continue reading →

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Stanley Cup Playoffs: Game Five for Islanders/Penguins, Bruins finish off Capitals, Oilers’ meltdown in The Peg, Plus Rick Middleton ranks as worst Rangers’ trade ever

Posted on May 24, 2021 by Derek

It was a week ago that there was a lot of excitement for fans of 16 NHL teams. Now, we’re down to 14 with two more teams facing elimination tonight. The Avalanche are already waiting for the Golden Knights, who … Continue reading →

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John Davidson returns to Blue Jackets, Playoff observations on Bruins/Caps, MacKinnon and latest Kadri cheap shot

Posted on May 20, 2021 by Derek

Everyone knows how good a person John Davidson is. That didn’t change after he and former Rangers’ GM Jeff Gorton were fired by Garden CEO James Dolan. As expected, Davidson kept it classy in thanking the Rangers for the opportunity … Continue reading →

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