Greetings and salutations everyone and welcome to another blog here on BlueCollarBlueShirts.com. Rest In Peace Ron Duguay – and that’s who we’ll start and end with tonight.
Plus, it’s not like tonight’s Rangers’ game in Toronto, a 5-4 heart-breaker against the Leafs, is worth writing home about anyway.
That said?
And sandwiched-in between everything Duguay will be tonight’s Rangers/Leafs GAME REVIEW.
Furthermore?
Then yes, this is the toughest blog that I’ve ever written too.
On October 22nd, 2026, at 9:12AM in the morning, and the news that we all feared, but knew was ultimately inevitable, was finally broken:
Ron Duguay had passed away following his lengthy two-plus year battle against cancer.
His girlfriend of the past four years, Sarah Palin, broke the news on Twitter/X:
It’s with a shattered heart, but also deep peace knowing Ron is with Jesus now. He fought so hard. Love never ends❤️
@RonDuguay10 https://t.co/NJ5jWk6EEs— Sarah Palin (@SarahPalinUSA) October 22, 2026
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As many of you know by now, then I was friends with Ron Duguay.
He was one of the first players, alumni or otherwise, to take an interest in this site when it first began some thirteen years ago.
While we only hung out in-person four or five times, and where one of those occasions was at a team-sponsored event from around 2012 or so; but as the years went by and we continued to talk.
If you can recall back to 2018, when then M$GN president, Jeff Fillippi, decided not to renew Duguay’s on-air talent contract, then it was this site that first broke the news.
Obviously, and as you long know by now – and it was Duguay who gave me the story – and as he would do throughout the years.
(I think Duguay as one of this site’s sources was one of the worst-kept secrets of all-time!)
A petition, which demanded M$GN to re-hire Duguay, spearheaded by this site, soon ensued, and where nearly one thousand Ranger fans backed it – and if you don’t believe me, then check it out for yourself:
https://www.change.org/p/jeff-fillippi-bring-back-ron-duguay-to-msg-networks
It was from this point on, the Fall of 2018, where I pretty much spoke with the Rangers’ legend on a game-by-game basis.
(I’d usually pick his brain and see if his opinions matched mine. If they did, then I knew that I was onto something and not a complete dumbass – and as opposed to most of the scribes on the Blueshirts’ beat today!)
Just like any other friendship or relationship; then as time went on, then our conversations may have not been as frequent, but we’d always pick up where we left off.
Simply put, then either one of us could reach out to the other without doing the “how are you?” dilly-dally stuff and get straight into what we wanted to talk about.
(There was a one-year period, during COVID, where we didn’t really converse at all; but once he got the podcasting gig, one we’ll get into soon enough, and he reached out to tell me about it.)
Granted, 99% of our conversations were centered around the Rangers. Elsewhere, then he’d always tell me how proud he was of his kids and grandchildren. Knowing that I was tattooed, while not being a fan of the ink himself, he told me about his daughter Shay, who also wasn’t afraid of getting some artwork herself.
We also discussed my real-life job – and how he’d never do it either – as he had a fear of heights!
If you follow me on Twitter/X (@NYCTHEMIC), then you know that I ran the gamut of emotions when I first woke up and read the news about Duguay’s death.
I know it’s not the time to litigate how the Rangers, his former co-workers and others treated him in his final years (and just like how the Rangers & M$GN did with Al Trautwig and Emile Francis) -and especially when they knew that he was on his deathbed too – but it’s hard not to.
As I’ve been saying on this site, even last time around when I gave you what now, was the final update on Duguay’s health information, then I mentioned how the Rangers and M$GN still continue to consider him as persona non-grata – and all over woke politics.
Rather than feed a warm hand – and instead – then the Rangers & M$GN waited until it was cold when finally addressing the matter.
Their reaction, along with others, most notably the airhead over at the New York Post, was disgusting in my opinion.
Again, I know that this is a bad time to say all of this – but anger is also part of the five-step grieving process.
Furthermore, and I’m giving you everything on Duguay here – including the good, the bad and the ugly.
I don’t want to rewrite everything that I’ve ever said about Duguay in this space, because after all – then it’s all there for you in the archives.
Plus, this particular tribute blog is quite lengthy as is.
That said, then at the end of tonight’s manifesto, and I’ll share with you my chapter about him from my first book, “The New York Rangers Rink of Honor & The Rafters of MSG.”
I also want to reiterate what I wrote all last week – it was Duguay’s battle with stage four colon cancer that made yours truly go for a colonoscopy – and as I did last weekend.
Four polyps removed later – and now I’m fine.
I guess what I want to say here, as I know that I’m all over the place, and will remain scatterbrained as I continue the grieving process, that if you’re at the age, then get checked.
If anything, then let’s not let the loss of Duguay go without a life lesson learnt.
While I kind of knew that this day was coming, and as I was hinting at last week too; then after the fact, and even now, I still can’t believe it.
Duguay had stage four colon cancer – and as everyone knows – not many with this condition make a full recovery – and especially not when the cancer also claims your gall bladder and liver.
That said?
And I just thought that if anyone was going to able to kick out of it, then it would be the charming Doogie.
Duguay loved life and kept on fighting to live to the very end.
Despite looking frail, having a low-pitched voice and in his worst condition ever – and he still continued to share his daily battles against cancer, via video, on his social media accounts.
One person reached out to me on Thursday to say, “Duguay’s story helped motivate me in my own battle against cancer.”
(I’m also happy to report that his person’s prostate cancer is now in remission.)
Known as both a “pretty boy” and as a “ladies man” ever since his playing days, but another phrase to describe #10 was “tough guy.”
He may have had the looks, the smile and everything else that made the girls wild – but at the same time – he was also a very physical player – and during an era where you had to be.
It were his daily bouts of kill-or-be-killed hockey that carried over to his days as a hockey analyst – as despite trying to get into them – and he never liked ANALytics.
He was as pure of an EYE TEST guy, a grit/sandpaper type, as there ever was.
(It’s really no wonder why I was such a huge fan of his!)
Some of his detractors, from a younger and clueless generation, would also accuse Duguay of being a “BOOMER” – as Duguay never worried about being politically correct.
And had Doogie been P.C., then he would’ve never lost his job with the M$GN either.
Can you imagine that? Tossing away a relationship because someone has different political opinions than you?
But Duguay was always true to himself – and who he liked/loved too.
After all, then it was his relationship with Sarah Palin that ultimately led to his exit from his New York Post sponsored “Up in the Blue Seats” podcast, as his two hockey-retarded co-hosts, Mollie Walker and Jake Brown, rallied against him.
And over what?
Who a person loves?
Who a person voted for?
(Very sickening? Then even following today’s news, and one of his ignorant and millennial former co-hosts, Jake Brown, said that had conflicts with Duguay because of Doogie’s beliefs. Rather than just to say “RIP,” instead, Brown had to let us know that he didn’t have the same political views as Duguay – and as if it that mattered.)
But ah, and as Duguay would agree – that’s liberalism – do as I say, not as I do!
After all, tolerance only applies when a person agrees with you, don’t you know?
I mean, perish the thought that someone doesn’t want to talk about genital mutilation surgeries with their children at a hockey game! How dare that person!
At this time, then I’d like to share a few personal and funny memories that I had with Duguay:
One time at a bar (he loved tequila – and I believe one of his friends, a NYC chef, put him onto it, as he was previously a vodka man) and the two of us were talking about Larry “Ratso” Sloman’s amazing one-of-a-kind book, “Thin Ice.”
As I was asking him how did the Rangers allow that book to ever happen/give Sloman such access (Duguay didn’t know the answer – but he sure was part of that book!), then I relayed to Ron how to this very day, Dave Maloney will sign anything in the world for any fan – but not that book (the captain of the team was made out to be a selfish crybaby by Sloman).
Duguay’s response?
“Well that explains why he was cold to me about it when it came up [between us] a few months back. Hmm, you learn something new every day!”
When I was working on my first book (Duguay’s chapter included below), then I asked him about the 1977 NHL Draft and how the Rangers may have (okay, they did) erred when they took two players, including Doogie (Lucien DeBlois was the other), before Mike Bossy.
One of his responses?
This one:
“He [Bossy] would have never had the same fun in the city that I did!”
And let’s face it – then there was no way that Bossy would’ve ever thrived in the Studio 54 era of New York City as Duguay did – who not only thrived – but flourished-and-embodied it!
I was able to get Duguay to go to a Blueshirt Underground Show (I believe they are doing their Doogie Tribute Show this Friday night on YouTube) viewing party (I think 2018 – right after M$GN let him go), where ironically, one of the co-hosts, Jim S., bumped into #10 earlier in the day and following their chance meeting, #10 confirmed the FREE appearance (other alumni charge for this stuff – and that’s okay – they have to make their money too).
Duguay not only showed up early – but he talked to everyone, took pics, shot the shit, had a good time and all of that other happy-happy joy-joy horseshit.
(It was also a learning experience when seeing how a true NHLer saw the game in real-time and what he’s noticing, criticizing and praising too.)
I think Doogie was going to a Billy Joel concert at M$G later in the night, so he had to leave sometime in the third period.
As he was leaving, two good looking blonde women walked into the bar. Duguay, and this is when he was single (no disrespect to Palin – or any of his other lady friends for that matter too!), did a double-take and full 180 head spin when looking at them.
Jim, in a comedic fashion, said something like, “a tiger never changes his stripes” or “can’t break old habits.”
Duguay just smiled and laughed and said something like “How can I?”
And before anyone tries to spin this, it was just guys being guys.
This was all completely harmless and funny. He was just being a man’s man – and he told me afterwards how nice the party and everyone was to him during a time when he was feeling down – as he never wanted to leave M$GN in the first place.
And here’s no secret – he was no fan of Jeff Fillippi either!
The tributes for Duguay, by his peers, overwhelmed the social media world following the news.
“Lost a good friend today. We played hard against each other but were always above board,” said former Islander rival/legend, Butch Goring. “Struck up a super relationship at the Canada Cup in 1981. I enjoyed many golf tournaments at the Dale Hawerchuk charity in Ontario. I will miss him and his great personality. RIP Ron.”
“Doogie and I spent so many memorable moments over the years and I’m honored to call him my friend,” said Devils’ icon, Ken Daneyko. “I am heartbroken over his passing. He truly was a kind, caring and wonderful man. Doogs, you will be truly missed.”
“I want to send my condolences to Ron Duguay and his family,” said former Ranger Theo Fleury. “I knew Ron really well. After I retired, I was part of a legends tour [with Duguay] and played some games. We were in Northern Alberta and just finished a game. We went to Boston Pizza after the game. When I was done eating, I went out for a smoke. Ron came out to join me. A pick-up truck full of kids came out and they were very intoxicated. This one kid came out and basically looked at Ron and I and said ‘holy fuck – Theo Fleury and Bon Jovi are in White Court tonight!’ Ron was a super awesome sweet guy and we will miss him.”
“Terrible news. Really good guy. RIP Ron,” said former Blueshirt, Tony DeAngelo.
Elsewhere, and many other members of the alumni, fans and charity organizations were also paying their respects to #10.
Just prior to his dying days, and Duguay, still stricken with cancer, continued to make appearances for many different charitable endeavors – and despite needing some charity himself due to his skyrocketing medical bills.
If you do a quick Google search of Duguay, then you’ll find thousands of pictures of #10 at various charity events – and where most of the time – he was wearing some sort of Rangers’ garb – as he always loved the Rangers – and even if the franchise somewhat ostracized him over the years.
This is a topic that I want to discuss next – and especially since I had many fans asking me about it on Twitter/X following the news of his passing.
Again – I know that this isn’t the time to litigate and get into this – but like Duguay – then I have to get this off my chest and be myself.
The likes of Sieve Vagistat, John Giannone and Mollie Walker are as phony as a three dollar bill.
But let me be clear before proceeding on about them:
Then I do think that these three genuinely had remorse and mourning feelings once they heard the news of Duguay’s passing.
In other words, then I don’t think they were high-fiving about the news or anything like that – as after all – they aren’t ghouls.
They just didn’t do anything for Duguay, their alleged “close friend,” when he was entering his dying days – much less during the last four-years either.
With that said, let’s carry on.
When it comes to Duguay’s former M$GN co-workers, then neither of them did anything when M$GN gave Duguay the boot.
Vagistat, and as I’ll get into below, did the flowery and fake tribute on Thursday night’s M$GN broadcast.
Prior to tonight?
Then he didn’t mention Duguay’s name once during the past eight years.
It was only after Duguay died when Vagistat pretended to be a valiant defender of #10.
And let’s face it:
Duguay’s dismissal was a career-win for Vagistat – as it allowed the worst goalie in franchise history to plug his shitty analytical company to kingdom come on every Rangers’ broadcast on M$GN.
When Duguay’s M$GN contract wasn’t renewed, then it all came down to PC/woke nonsense.
Duguay, when describing a play late into the 2017-18 season, said that the Rangers aren’t playing women’s hockey.
The lunatic liberals took this as Duguay being a pig, a male chauvinist, someone who doesn’t support the rainbow binaries and all of that other crazy crap.
Rather than trying to understand what Duguay really meant, which was that in women’s hockey, fighting is outlawed in their rule-book; instead, and another woke corporation bowed down to fake liberal outrage.
Similar to sports’ teams and corporations trying to cater to the less than one-percent of the country, the transgenders – and this fake liberal outrage, while loud, was also being pandered around by less than one percent of Ranger fans.
But their crocodile tears came at a time when everyone was super concerned about being politically correct.
All Duguay was asking for the Rangers to do was to play more physical – which is probably something that he said during every broadcast!
BUT HOW DARE HE COMPARE THE WOMEN’S RULE-BOOK TO THE MEN’S RULE-BOOK! WHAT A HEATHEN! CANCEL HIM ASAP I SAY!
Somewhat and equally as appalling was the way that Giannone handled Duguay’s death tonight.
Giannone relayed a story to us about how Duguay reached out to him when he was battling cancer.
During the past two-years?
And Giannone never mentioned Duguay’s name once!
Talk about reciprocation for a close friend!
Perhaps omitting Duguay’s plight/name was a Rangers’ and/or M$GN edict – but even so – then where were Giannone’s balls?
In Vagistat’s ass?
Just think:
Duguay, and as repeatedly mentioned in this space, had a very public GoFundMe, where his kids were asking for donations in order to cover his medical expenses.
(Players from Duguay’s generation weren’t nearly as compensated as the players of today, nor have the easy access to top health care either.)
Don’t you think that some awareness about Duguay’s fundraiser from M$GN and the Rangers would have helped him?
I mean, how many times did Duguay lend his time and abilities on behalf of the Garden of Dreams? A thousand times? Two thousand times? Five thousand times?
But don’t worry – if Vagistat ever has that transgender surgery that’s been bantered about (okay, I’m making this up – but go with it for the impact of my point) – then M$GN and the Rangers will be right there to support him.
Duguay has life-threatening cancer?
And all of his alleged friends ignored it.
Heck, they couldn’t even give a simple plug of his GoFundMe on their social media accounts.
With friends like these, then you don’t need enemies.
The resident airhead of the NYP, Mollie Walker, did her plastic act on Thursday.
Not mentioned in any of her bullshit, including in her back-stabbing obituary?
How she was one of the parties that got Duguay kicked off his own podcast (again, check the archives of this site for all of the 411).
In short, during COVID time, and the New York Post got into the podcasting game, where they signed one alumni athlete from every New York team to host these shows.
(That is, except for the irrelevant teams, such as the Islanders, Devils and Nets!)
Duguay was the Rangers’ rep.
Rather than have Larry Brooks, who knew his shit, be the full-time co-host – and instead – Duguay was saddled with a braying jackass and a hysterical hyena.
Brown, and as he admitted to on every show – knew nothing about hockey.
Walker, and as she wouldn’t admit to on every show – knew nothing about hockey.
The peak points of that podcast is whenever Duguay had a guest or Brooks on.
Duguay’s end time with the podcast coincided with the start of his relationship with Sarah Palin.
During a conversation at the end of one show, one where Duguay wasn’t around – and both Brown and Walker, and as Duguay put it, “a select few college brain washed up, woke kids, pushing their agenda,” razzed and expressed their disdain for Duguay’s gal-pal – and again over what – what she believes in?
If Palin was some Muslim politician, one who married her brother, while also praising 9/11 attackers, then she would’ve been a-okay in the Book of Brown & Walker.
Two-weeks later once the news of Duguay’s relationship with Palin was official?
Then the New York Post released him from his contract – and where that podcast has never been the same since – although Brian Boyle is good.
But Boyle, and nothing against him, was never as beloved as Duguay, nor can tell stories like #10 could either.
(Thankfully? Then just like Duguay and Boyle is an EYE TEST guy too. It’s amazing how it’s only a young-and-dumb generation that considers ANALytics as the end-all, be-all. Even Henrik Lundqvist, “THE KING OF COMMENTARY,” is an EYE TEST guy, while his coffee boy continues to spew out bullshit on an everyday basis.)
I don’t want to reveal all of my private texts with Duguay, because if I did, well, let me just end that here.
I just don’t think that it’s right to share what was intended to be private just because the person has passed away.
But I can tell you that Duguay knew the deal – and despite having another media job ripped away from him over politics/woke shit – and he never budged.
He was always true to himself (and the people he liked/loved too)- and I’ll always respect that – and I’ll never forget it either.
Duguay, and long before he ever met Sarah Palin, was born Canadian – but he died as an American patriot too.
He loved this country.
He lived in this country.
He cared about this country.
And go figure – during his final four years – and he wound up dating one of the four most famous American politicians from 2008 – and where if you consider all of the SNL coverage of Palin during that time – perhaps the most famous politician of them all too.
That said?
If you throw away his politics, his views, and really, any opinion that he ever had on hockey or something else, then he was a down-to-earth & quality human being.
After all, do you think he ever turned down a charity if the people running it had different opinions than his own?
No!
Duguay only cared about the people.
He also cared about Ranger fans – and even if he met you for the first time, then he’d still spend some time with you – and I can say that from my own personal experiences.
Duguay will be severely missed.
There are not many athletes in the history of NYC sports that took to the Big Apple like he did, ala a Joe Namath or Walt “Clyde” Frazier.
His exploits from his playing days were daily tabloid news.
His play on the ice was daily hockey news.
As I attempt to wrap-up this stream-of-consciousness style of a tribute, then if there are any regrets about Duguay, at least for me personally, then it’s these two:
One, he never got to complete his autobiography. I don’t know where Ron ever got with it, but I know that he was trying to write one a few years back.
Today?
A ghost author or unofficial biography won’t do – as you needed to hear the stories from Duguay himself.
Furthermore, then I think that a lot of the juicy stuff went to the grave with him.
Two is the topic that bonded the both of us – our love and mutual respect for all things Rangers’ history.
As talked about before in this space, then both of us wanted to write a screenplay on the life of Rangers’ founder/first owner Tex Rickard.
We both loved the “Magnificent Rube” biography on Rickard – and you can find the review of that book, and everything else Rickard related too, here: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/tex/
We all know how fast time flies – and I do have a very weak twenty-page rough draft already written.
It’s my life mission to try to get this done – and even if it goes nowhere else but on this site – then it will be dedicated to Duguay.
I’ll be saying this a lot, but here’s one more time:
REST IN PEACE RON DUGUAY.
Moving forward and back to the Rangers of today, then in case you missed it, then here’s where I last left off, the Rangers pitching a near perfect game against the Anaheim Ducks:
NYR/ANA 10/19 Review: GOOD RESPONSE! Rangers Play Near Flawless Game; Now 6-0 At Home, Blueshirts Go Duck Shooting; Sully Shoots on The $11M Bust (And Why He Benched Him), Big Night For Oliver “Army Of Me” Bjorkstrand; Dorofeyev Still Can’t Score a Goal To Save His Life, Garand Near-Perfect; A Not-So-Nice Final 69-Seconds, Ron Duguay Continues To Fight For His Life; No Response From NYR/M$GN, New Signing, Fortunate Schedule & More
On Wednesday, and prior to boarding their bird to Toronto – and the Rangers reconvened for practice at their training facility in Tarrytown.
The only thing of note was that Sean Durzi, for maintenance reasons (he blocked a shot late in the game against the Ducks) was absent from the ice.
Come Thursday, and with the team now in Toronto, the Rangers held an optional AM skate that was nearly fully attended.
(One of the people not at the practice? Pavel Dorofeyev. Interesting.)
Once through with the morning cardio and Sullivan addressed the death of Duguay:
“Obviously, it’s a big loss for all of us. The Rangers organization, in particular. We know he was a very popular Ranger. I had the privilege to play with Ron as a teammate for a year in the International Hockey League. A great man and a terrific hockey player.”
Elsewhere, then as expected – and the head coach confirmed that Dylan Garand would return to net.
Later in the day, at around 6PM, and the Rangers announced the signing of Luke Glendening to a veteran’s minimum one-year deal at $850K.
It was just a few days ago when GM Chris Drury gave Glendening a PTO deal, but obviously, The Pepperoni Prince didn’t want to run the risk of having another team sign the player away from his try-out contract.
Here was Sullivan’s line-up for the twelfth game of this 2026-27 campaign:
FIRST LINE: Perreault/Mika/Lafreniere
SECOND LINE: Kartye/Miller/Dorofeyev
THIRD LINE: Cuylle/Laba/Tolvanen
FOURTH LINE: Bjorkstrand/Dowling/Raddysh
FIRST PAIR: Gavrikov/Fox
SECOND PAIR: Pettersson/Durzi
THIRD PAIR: Smits/Schneider
STARTER: Garand
BACK-UP: Martin
HEALTHY SCRATCHES: Morrow, Glendening and Rempe
LTIR: Korpisalo and Veleno
SEASON ENDING LTIR: CZAR IGOR
BOX SCORE time.
The following graphics and information come from ESPN.com:
SCORING:
PENALTIES:
TEAM STATS:
GOALIES:
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NYR
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|
Dylan Garand#33
|
|---|
|
SA
|
GA
|
SV
|
SV%
|
ESSV
|
PPSV
|
SHSV
|
SOSA
|
SOS
|
TOI
|
PIM
|
| 35 | 5 | 30 | .857 | 27 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 59:32 | 0 |
|
TOR
|
|
SA
|
GA
|
SV
|
SV%
|
ESSV
|
PPSV
|
SHSV
|
SOSA
|
SOS
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TOI
|
PIM
|
| 25 | 4 | 21 | .840 | 19 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 59:28 | 0 |
I know that this blog is already too long, so just a quick PRE GAME REVIEW thoughts:
— This game was a heart-breaker of a loss, but the Rangers did it to themselves too – there was just too many wide-open shots allowed, even on the game winner – and a GWG that was scored with less than thirty-ticks remaining in regulation.
— The Rangers should’ve at least got a point in the standings – but their poor defense, and yes, goaltending too (I hate to admit that), did them in.
— That said, and Garand kind of gave the Blueshirts a chance to win. Dingorfeyev did not.
— It’s time to flip-flop Bjorkstrand for Dorofeyev too.
— Toronto scored a PPG tonight while the Blueshirts remain allergic to scoring man-up goals.
— This was perhaps the most undisciplined and most defensively lacking game of the season. The Rangers just happened to punch in some goals against an over-the-hill goalie – and as opposed to what happened in New Jersey.
— RIP #10
Tonight’s M$GN broadcast opened up with John Giannone saying that the network wanted to express their sympathies to Ron Duguay and his family.
Sieve Vagistat, who had no problems when Duguay wasn’t renewed, then pretended that he was still good friends with him.
Vagistat then said that Duguay always had his back.
It’s just too bad that this was a one-way relationship for the worst goalie in franchise history.
Giannone brought up his own battle with cancer and how Duguay reached out to him and gave him support during it.
Vagistat then said how Duguay absolutely loved the Rangers and how they’d be late to the studio sometimes because fans would always stop Doogie in the streets.
Vagistat said that he’ll never forget Duguay, despite forgetting about him for the past eight-years on-air.
Giannone then read Sullivan’s comments made from earlier in the day.
After that and M$GN gave us an excellent video package on #10, where highlights from his playing career, time spent in broadcasting and charity work were all showcased.
Here’s the video:
MSG Networks mourns the loss of Ron Duguay, former @NYRangers star & MSG Networks analyst. We extend our condolences to Ron’s family and friends during this difficult time. https://t.co/ACpdwVE7AF
— Rangers on MSG (@RangersMSGN) October 22, 2026
Again – they did all of this after he died – rather than to honor him when he was alive – and I just can’t let that go.
I can tell you that Duguay would have appreciated all of this sentiment while he was still here with us – as he went to the grave feeling jilted about the way he was treated/ignored by both the Rangers and M$GN.
Another “again” – the Rangers/M$GN couldn’t even be bothered to bring up his condition prior to tonight, nor ever plug his GoFundMe neither.
I mean, we always hear about these Garden of Dream fundraisers that draw as little as $75K and as much as $200K.
How much money could’ve been raised for Duguay’s GoFundMe had they mentioned it?
How much money could’ve been raised had they had Duguay on-air for a one-shot plug?
After this “poignant-and-profound” five-minute tribute, then Vagistat and Giannone went straight to previewing the Leafs/Rangers game – and that was it for me – as one, I can’t stand Vagistat to begin with, and two, the whole phony baloney show gutted me.
Ugh.
Come 7PM and Dave Maloney, who once captained Duguay, and Kenny Albert too, entered our screens.
Both men expressed their condolences to the Duguay family.
“It’s with a heavy heart that I’m sitting here. I think of the pinnacle of our time together in 1979,” said Maloney. “He assumed the mantle of Rod Gilbert. Duguay took that charisma to the next step on-and-off the ice. Boy, we were young.”
Albert then repeated the team statement, the same team that ignored him for the past eight years.
M$GN then re-aired Sullivan’s comments on his former IHL teammate.
“God Bless Ron,” concluded Maloney before M$GN re-aired their excellent tribute video in honor of #10.
I like Dave Maloney a lot – I really do.
But unlike Barry Beck (another former Rangers’ captain) during Mark Pavelich’s time of need – and Maloney didn’t exactly spread awareness for his former teammate when he needed it the most.
And let me reiterate this point once more – as I want to be clear – I am not disparaging Maloney here:
This may have been a Rangers/M$GN edict – as they aren’t exactly known to be kind to their former employees. I don’t doubt Maloney’s sincerity for a moment.
I just wish we heard it when it mattered most – that’s all.
GAME REVIEW time – and this one is dedicated to Doogie.
FIRST PERIOD
As Dylan Garand and Sergei Bobrovsky settled into their nets, then Nick Paul won the opening faceoff against J.T. Miller to start the game.
And just 1:36 into the game, Easton Cowan was able to streak, dead-center, in the Rangers’ zone and beat Garand for the early 1-0 goal.
(No goal clips tonight, I’m beat, and you know where to find them anyway.)
Pettersson and Durzi could never get to the man who just turned the legal drinking age in America.
A terrible change didn’t help here either.
Assisting on the goal?
Of course, a former Ranger, a bust at that too, Jack Roslovic.
At the 2:30 mark, Bob made his first save of the game, as he became the 11th goalie this season to prevent Mika Zibanejad of scoring an even-strength goal.
He’d later be the first to surrender an even-strength goal to #93 this season.
Following some back-and-forth, and with each team both looking for shots on goal, then Bobrovsky was able to deny Schneider at the 5:05 mark.
At the time, Toronto still had one shot on goal, which also meant that they were shooting at 100%, while Garand had a 0% save percentage.
Egads.
It also meant that Garand had given up goals on his last three shots faced (last two against the Ducks on Monday).
Come the 5:39 mark and Zibanejad finally scored his first even-strength goal of the season, as Gavrikov sent a shot from the point for a tip/deflection – and more importantly than that – the 1-1 equalizer.
Obviously, a much needed goal.
At the 6:53 mark, Garand made his first save of the game on new Toronto import, formerly of Tampa, Darren Raddysh – Taylor’s brother.
A few seconds later, the Rangers’ Raddysh was denied by Bobrovsky and where immediately afterwards, former Blueshirt legend, Vinni Lettieri, blocked an Albert Smits try.
At the 8:52 mark, Kirill Marchenko almost regained the Leafs’ lead, but Garand was able to hold off the former Blue Jacket.
Come the 10:01 mark, and on a broken play following a Toronto rush; and Zack MacEwen brought the puck to the net, Brandon Duhaime reclaimed it, and then found Teddy Blueger for the tap-and-tip 2-1, them, goal.
Of course, and for each Leaf – and this was their first points scored of the season.
Some Blueshirt habits break hard.
This goal was also Toronto’s fourth shot of the game which meant that Garand now had a .500 save percentage.
Down to 7:19 remaining and MacEwen looked like he had Garand beat with a backhand, but the Blueshirt backstop was able to make the big save.
A minute later and Pavel “Don’t Call Me a Bust” Dorofeyev was denied by the opposing comrade in net, Bobrovsky.
Down to 4:19 remaining and Garand absolutely flashed the cow when he robbed Auston Matthews. This was arguably the best save #33 has made since becoming the defacto Rangers’ starter.
Two minutes later and Garand stopped Willy Nylander too. A minute after that and Garand made his fifth save of the game, this time on Roslovic.
Under a minute to go and Garand denied Raddysh once more, as the Leafs were coming on late.
2-1, them, after twenty-minutes.
Here’s what I said at the time:
2-1, Leafs, after 20. 1P Thoughts:
— That was a poo-poo change on the Leafs’ first goal.
— Garand had a few good saves in there, including that robbery on AM34.
— Mika, in game #12, gets his first 5 x 5 goal off a Gavrikov deflection.
— Paging Dr. Dorofeyev, paging Dr. Dorofeyev.
— Teddy Blueger scores, ugh.
— SOG, Leafs 8, NYR 7
— Still can’t Ron Duguay off of my mind – NYR should really wear #10 patches for the rest of the season moving forward.
SECOND PERIOD
In a new M$GN bit before the period began and we had “DAVE MALONEY: WORLD TOUR,” as the color analyst shared with us his trip to the CN tower in Toronto.
I was just surprised they didn’t shoot anything of him while at the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Once that fluff piece was through, then Paul beat Miller at the dot.
After some never-ending whistles-and-stoppages that were akin to the first frame, Schneider then broke up a MacEwen entry into the zone at the 2:40 mark.
A few seconds after that, the Rangers’ fourth line went on an odd-man rush and there was BIG GAME BJORKSTRAND slamming home the 2-2 goal.
This play saw Dowling crash the net and Bjorkstand then cashing in the loose change.
HELL OF A PLAY!
Come the 3:33 mark, Fox, who picked up the secondary assist on the Bjorkstrand goal, was denied. This then led to a 2 x 1 odd-man rush for Toronto – and then Garand keeping the game tied with a major denial on Marchenko. Better than that was when Gavrikov denied Morgan Reilly’s rebound attempt.
The Leafs then had another short-side chance but Matthews’ pass didn’t connect as intended (Cowan).
Come the 6:16 mark, and Garand, very active, said no to Reilly again.
Out of a TV timeout and Fox got his third assist of the game, as his shot from above the left circle was deflected by Tye Kartye for the 3-2, GOOD GUYS, goal – and the first Rangers’ lead of this Original Six clash too.
Come the eight-minute mark and the Blueshirts’ go-ahead goal was erased, as a Pettersson turnover led to a shot for Duhaime. Garand stopped the first shot, but he didn’t stop the rebound.
3-3 – and where this was Duhaime’s first goal in his last 66 games played.
The Rangers would never lead again.
Of all three Leaf goals scored at the time, then this one was definitely on Garand – which is something that we’re not used to seeing.
At the 9:35 mark, we then had some Raddysh-on-Raddysh violence, as the older brother was able to deny the younger brother from the slot, thus preventing the Rangers from taking the lead for the second time in the game.
Down to 9:40 remaining and Garand was able to hold off O.E.L.
A minute later and Ding Dorofeyev – or should I say Pavel DINGorfeyev – did it again – he hit the damn post.
$11M for the next seven years folks!
Come 7:22 left in the stanza, Bob handled a ground ball from Pettersson.
After Maloney was talking about Doogie in their games against “the idiots” in Philadelphia (this was hilarious and heart-warming), Zibanejad shot a puck wide.
The wide shot then allowed Toronto to spend a minute in the Rangers’ end, but thankfully, 3-4 Leaf attempts went wide of their intention.
Come 4:28 to go and the Rangers hit iron for the second time – as on this occasion, Miller, who says all the right things after every game, but never applies these things in-game, hit the crossbar.
Some 28-seconds later and Nylander was able to get past Smits for a breakaway – but put the backhanded puck over the net – a major break for the Blueshirts.
With just 2:04 left in the period, we had our first penalty of the game, as Lafreniere was sent to the sin bin for hooking ex-teammate, Roslovic. As a result, the second-best PK in the league went to work.
Only seven-seconds into the kill and it was actually Laba who recorded the first SOG of this Toronto PP. After that, and Garand was able to get a shoulder on a wicked wrister from Matthews.
Just as you thought that Garand was an impregnable force, especially after a save made on Gavin McKenna, then, and with 46-seconds left on the kill, 50-seconds remaining in the period – and Marchenko scored the 4-3, and momentum, power-play, bad guys, goal.
4-3, bad guys – a depressing goal allowed too.
And that’s where remained as the intermission horn blared.
4-3, bad guys, through 40-minutes.
Here’s what I said at the time:
4-3, bad guys, after 2. Thoughts:
— Due to how well Garand has played, and while Toronto has a high-powered offense and can score goals in bunches too – but this hasn’t been his best night. Half of these goals (20 saves/24 shots)should have been stopped.
— I guess you could say the same thing about Bobrobvsky (13 saves/16 shots) too.
— Big Game Bjork keeps on motoring, while Pavel Dingorfeyev can’t buy a goal.
— Rangers can’t get into a track meet with these guys.
— Maloney’s story about Duguay’s games against Philadelphia was charming.
— Find a way.
THIRD PERIOD
Matthews beat Miller at the dot to take the first faceoff. After that, both Gavrikov and Matthews were denied by the respective goalies on the ice.
At the 1:48 mark, Bob stopped Schneider with the glove.
A minute later and Bob denied Dingorfeyev.
Come the 2:59 mark and the Leafs got their second power-play as Gavrikov was banged for interfering with Reilly.
Two-minutes later and the Rangers’ PK was now 1/2.
Come the 6:30 mark, and a on a mini 2 x 1, and Miller’s shot was swallowed up by the Toronto netminder.
A minute later and Schneider stripped Nylander of the puck before the Leaf could go one-on-one with Garand.
At the 9:00 mark, Garand fought off a MacEwen slapper. Fifteen-seconds later and the Rangers got their first power-play of the game as Roslovic tripped Lafreniere – a 180 from the penalty that the Blueshirt took earlier in the contest.
To start the man-up, Mika and Dorofeyev almost hooked up early, but no dice. After that, Dingorfeyev missed the net on a wide-open shot – and unlike last game – he changed right after with 45-seconds left on the power-play.
The end result?
Another 0-fer in the man-up department, this time, 0/1.
Down to 7:30 remaining and McCabe was able to block a short-distance Fox shot.
A minute later and Cowan, all alone with Garand, just missed the net – another fortunate fate of chance for the Rangers (Garand got a small piece of the puck, but it was going high-and-wide regardless).
Come 5:40 left in regulation, Bobrovsky was able to handle a shot from Durzi. This led to all ten skaters joining the goalmouth – but this wasn’t a scrum either- and this is when I realized, and unlike every other game played this season – and we didn’t have any scrums in this match yet.
(Spoiler Alert: And not one scrum tonight.)
Five-seconds of game-time later, but about 5:00 in real-time due to a TV timeout – and Lafreniere knotted the game at 4-all following a long distance floater from near the center of the blue line.
Talk about a seeing eye shot!
For Lafreniere, this was his eighth goal of the season, and a goal that broke up a four-game goal drought too.
This goal also marked Fox’s 14th assist of the season – and his fourth in the game.
Some twenty-seconds later and Lafreniere almost scored again, but just missed.
Down to 2:12 remaining and Garand made one of his best saves yet, as he denied Roslovic from point-blank range.
Forty-seconds later and Garand denied Matthews the chance of becoming a hero.
Unfortunately – and the heart-breaker wasn’t that far away.
As a tripping call was about to be assessed to Karyte, thus allowing Toronto to go on a 6 x 5 empty net attack – and a wide-open Troy Stecher scored his first goal of the season, top-shelf, Toronto’s 5-4, bad guys goal, with only 27.5 seconds remaining.
This was kind of inexcusable, as once again, a Leaf had a wide-open shot, and especially at this juncture in the game.
Heck, Stecher scored before Toronto could get their extra skater over the boards.
Now down to under 30-seconds, Sullivan called his timeout and where as you’d expect, Garand was no longer in net, now on the bench for the extra attacker.
There was no Rangers’ miracle on ice here.
5-4, bad guys, your final.
This was just a defensive mess and the Rangers almost got away with it.
I didn’t think that they deserved to lose, but they should have at least come out with an overtime loss at best.
Since I haven’t mentioned it yet, and since I don’t have the space to share the thousands of them that were sent to me all day Thursday – then just like many members of the alumni – and I saw a floodgate of pro Duguay testimonials and tributes written by the fans.
I know that nobody likes to talk politics in the world of hockey; but I just bring this up to say that for every one woke/liberal moron that solely was against Duguay because of his political opinions – and there were a thousand fans in support of #10.
And really, then if you were to assemble a Top Ten list of Most Beloved Rangers of All-Time – and Duguay would be on it too – and perhaps exceeding the tenth spot to boot!
As far as the post-game reaction following Thursday night’s loss, then it was the usual crap – Captain Miller knows what needs to be done (I’ve only heard that one or a hundred times), Sully wasn’t impressed and blah-blah-blah – it’s the same old story.
Up Next For The Rangers: More mourning over the loss of Duguay.
As that’s still going on, then the Blueshirts will wrap-up their first Canadian road-trip of the season on Saturday night in Ottawa.
Programming Note: I may take this game in from my local watering hole, which means if that’s the case, then there won’t be a GAME REVIEW blog until Sunday afternoon.
Following that match, the Rangers will then have the NDA Panarin return game on Monday, and where their eyes may be set ahead on the five-day break that comes after the contest.
Thanks for sticking with me tonight.
RIP Duguay.
And at this time, and as promised, my Ron Duguay chapter from my first book, one that he gave me a few pointers on too, “The New York Rangers & The Rafters of Madison Square Garden.”
At this time, an excerpt from my first book, which keep in mind, was published in 2021.
Ron Duguay, known by his teammates and fans as “Doogie,” is one of the many men on this list that truly personifies what this book is all about.
Born on July 6th, 1957, Duguay, a Sudbury, Ontario native, was drafted 13th-overall by the Rangers during the 1977 NHL Entry Draft.
While Ron Duguay went on to have a stellar career in the NHL; then in that same draft, the Islanders would select eventual Hall of Famer Mike Bossy with their 15th-overall pick.
For some Ranger fans, fans who were not thrilled with the Islanders’ dynasty of the early 1980s, then this selection of Duguay would be second-guessed over time, and of course, with only the benefit of 20/20 hindsight.
When talking about the NHL Entry Draft of 1977, then it should also be mentioned that the Rangers selected Lucien Deblois 8th-overall. Deblois, who was not too shabby himself, would play two seasons with the Rangers before going to Colorado in the trade for Barry Beck. (Deblois would later return to the Rangers in the mid-1980s, playing three seasons with the club before finishing his career with stints in Quebec, Toronto and Winnipeg.)
In other words, then the Rangers had two shots at getting Mike Bossy at the start of his career in 1977.
Admittedly, then no self-respecting Ranger fan can be happy about what Bossy did with the Islanders.
Despite Bossy championing the Islanders to four straight Stanley Cup victories, then Duguay did wind up becoming one of the biggest Blueshirt fan favorites of all time, a role which he still enjoys to this very day.
Duguay, a native of a small Canadian town, was admittedly shy at the start of his career. That shyness would soon evaporate quickly, as Duguay had no problem acclimating to the bright lights of New York City. If anyone ever lived up to the reputation of “the city that never sleeps” – then it was the former #10 of the New York Rangers.
In his first stint with the Rangers, a stint that included a Stanley Cup Final appearance in 1979, Duguay was arguably the biggest fan favorite of the lot and most recognized face of the team.
In fact, to argue for anyone else here would be arguing for the sake of arguing. Yes, Phil Esposito was a legend and John Davidson was cherished, but it was Duguay who was the talk of the town.
On the ice, in an era where helmets were optional and in most cases not considered necessary, then Duguay was known for his flowing locks of hair. While male fans appreciated Duguay for his hard work on the ice; then many female fans also appreciated Duguay for his boyish good looks.
Duguay was also getting noticed not only on Madison Square Garden ice but all over New York City too – as his routine exploits all over town were daily fodder for the gossip column of the “New York Post” entitled “Page Six.”
In stories recently told on his “Up in the Blue Seats” podcast; then in the late 1970s-early 1980s, Duguay was a prominent figure of the NYC nightlife scene – and whether it was at “Studio 54” or elsewhere.
Duguay would also enjoy casual relationships with some of the biggest female celebrities of that era, including Farrah Fawcett and Cher. In other words – then Doogie was scoring both on-and-off the ice!
Due to his newfound celebrity, Duguay also soon became friends with artist Andy Warhol.
However, Duguay’s affinity for outside NHL activities would lead to his eventual trade, as then-Rangers’ head coach, Herb Brooks, expressed his disdain whenever he saw Duguay’s name in “Page Six” – a common occurrence at the time.
Prior to Brooks taking the helm for the Rangers, then Duguay was also part of the “Hockey Sock Rock” recording, which also included one of Duguay’s heroes in Phil Esposito. Joining Duguay and Esposito were Pat Hickey, Dave Maloney and John Davidson. These Rangers would release a song, with profits going to charity and a song which was written by Alan Thicke. This song only increased Duguay’s growing celebrity.
On the ice, the 1978-79 season wasn’t Duguay’s best, at least not from a stats-wise perspective.
However, the 1978-79 season may have been his most fulfilling. In that season, the Rangers made it all the way to the Stanley Cup Final. It was also during this period of time when Duguay became known for his “Ooh La La” Sasson jeans commercials. Even to this very day – and Duguay is still asked about that commercial!
Just think about this question for a second:
When was the last time you saw a Ranger releasing songs and appearing in nation-wide commercials?
As is apparent, then Duguay was easily remembered for his stuff off the ice. However, what should not be forgotten is what he did on the ice too.
Duguay, a centerman, spent the first six years of his career with the Rangers, having his best season in 1981-82, when he scored 40 goals and picked up 36 assists, good for 76 points overall. As a result of his season, Doogie was then selected to the NHL All-Star Team (representing the Wales Conference).
Duguay, during his prime years with the Rangers, was a frequent fixture at charity events.
However, since Brooks thought that Duguay was burning the candle at both ends – and with frustrations rising over the cross-town NY Islanders enjoying their Stanley Cup dynasty – then the Rangers moved Duguay to Detroit in a trade made on June 13th, 1983.
To this day, this trade still bothers Duguay.
Perhaps pissed off about the trade and using such anger for motivation, Duguay, during his next two seasons with the Red Wings, picked up point totals of 80 and 89 – point totals that eclipsed Duguay’s career-highs with the Rangers.
After a three-season stint in Detroit, and a brief stop along the way in Pittsburgh too; then Duguay found himself back with the Rangers during the 1986-87 season.
However, the return would be short-lived, as Duguay, now a ten-year veteran of the league, would be sent to the minors for the first time in his career – and as it was during the 1987-88 season.
Duguay, as a result, would soon leave New York and then finish his NHL career with the LA Kings – which is where Duguay spent time as a teammate of Wayne Gretzky.
However, Duguay’s association with the Rangers would eventually continue.
Upon retirement, Duguay dabbled in coaching. Once his coaching days were over, he then lent his celebrity and fame to charitable causes on behalf of the Rangers.
Eventually, in 2007, Duguay soon found himself as the lead analyst during Ranger games on the MSG Networks. Duguay ultimately spent eleven years as the featured analyst on MSGN until new management decided not to renew his contract following the 2017-18 season. To this day, this decision has been met with wrath by many Ranger fans.
Throughout the 2000s, through his tenure with the MSG Networks and to this very day too – and Ron Duguay still works with the Rangers’ alumni and the Garden of Dreams – the official charity of the only franchise that he’s ever loved.
To this day and Duguay is often spotted at numerous charity events in NYC, where he’s raised money for sick and underprivileged children.
While not officially sponsored by the New York Rangers; in the present day, Duguay remains the host of the “Up in the Blue Seats” podcast presented by the New York Post – the same newspaper which ironically spilled barrels of ink on him during his playing days. The podcast covers all the latest Rangers news and provides many informative interviews with Rangers’ alumni.
As a player, Ron Duguay was always a fan favorite. Today, over thirty-years removed from his last game played as a Ranger – and Duguay still remains a fan favorite while also continuing to use his celebrity for the greater good of New York City.
PLUGS TIME! (Buy a book and support my Rangers’ induced therapy bills. After all, I don’t run ads on this site!)
My fourth title and tenth book is now available!
“The Top 100 Villains of New York Rangers History,” is now available for sale!
For complete information, please visit: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/rangerkillers/
My second plug of tonight’s blog – the mandatory plug for my book, “The New York Rangers Rink of Honor and the Rafters of Madison Square Garden.”
As mentioned previously, the book is now available in hardcover, in paperback and in Kindle formats. To purchase a copy of the book, visit this link:
https://www.amazon.com/Rangers-Rafters-Madison-Square-Garden-ebook/dp/B09CM5N2WD
For those still looking for signed paperback versions of the book, I have re-ordered more copies. I now have a few signed copies for sale at $25 a pop (includes shipping price) through me directly. Here is all the information on that:
Order “The New York Rangers Rink of Honor and the Rafters of Madison Square Garden” Book Today
My four-volume set of books, “One Game at a Time – A Season to Remember,” is a game-by-game recount of the Rangers 2021-22 campaign.
My second title as an author, “One Game at a Time – A Season to Remember,” is now available in eBook, paperback and hardcover formats.
To obtain signed copies, visit: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/onegamebook/
To purchase all four volumes on Amazon, visit: Amazon.com – “One Game at a Time.”
The greatest volume-set of books on Rangers’ history today!
“Tricks of the Trade – A Century-Long Journey Through Every Trade Made In New York Rangers’ History,” a four-volume set of books that meticulously covers every trade made in franchise history, is now on sale.
All four volumes of the title can be purchased on Amazon.com and are presented in three different formats – eBook, paperback and hardcover.
To purchase Volume I: Conn Smythe (1926) – Craig Patrick (1986), visit Amazon.com
To purchase Volume II: Phil Esposito (1986) – Neil Smith (2000), visit Amazon.com
To purchase Volume III: Glen Sather (2000-2015), visit Amazon.com
To purchase Volume IV: Jeff Gorton (2015) – Chris Drury (2022), visit Amazon.com
To purchase signed copies of all four volumes, visit https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/tricksofthetrade/
If you haven’t already, subscribe to this blog for the next update:
Don’t forget to order my four-volume set of books, “Tricks of the Trade!”
If you don’t order through me, all four volumes are now available on Amazon.com
For more details, check out: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/tricksofthetrade/
Thanks for reading.
LET’S GO RANGERS!
Sean McCaffrey
BULLSMC@aol.com
