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For 40 years, Sam Rosen was the voice of the NY Rangers’ color commentary. He had a basketful of curated catchphrases and a never-ending palpable love of the team and the sport of hockey. Unfortunately, the Rangers didn’t send him off with a winning season, but at least the final 2 games against the Florida teams ended it on a high note.

Since the end of the season, Coach Peter Laviolette has been fired (expected) along with an associate coach, and GM Chris Drury got a contract extension. That has not gone over well with the fanbase. It is safe to say that if he doesn’t manage to turn the team around next season, he’s done. He’s got a lot to do. First thing he needs to do is give Will Cuyle a new contract and then find a coach that can get this team moving again. Finding new defensive players is key. I expect the core to largely stay the same. The tide turned against Kreider, but we now know that, along with the back spasms, he was playing with vertigo and an injured hand. That explains his dramatic drop in play and raises another flag against Laviolette; why on earth was he still being played so much, even on the 4th line? A healthy Kreider is still a major asset.

Now we’re in the thick of the playoffs. I think there is a good chance a Canadian team could win it (Toronto). And with how Florida is stuffing Tampa Bay, they are no longer going to be underestimated. There are many terrific series going on, with the Devils being the outlier. With the injuries they had in the regular season, they only held on to have 3 more wins than the Rangers. With even more injuries, they are completely outmatched by Carolina. I don’t see them winning a game. Montreal is competing against Washington, but they just can’t close a game. I also predicted a Kings win over the Oilers, but not a sweep, which looks like it is going to happen.