BCBS For 9/1: “The New York Rangers Rink of Honor and the Rafters of Madison Square Garden” Book Now Available, Gerard Gallant’s Telling Interview with Larry Brooks, Lundqvist Selling NY Home; Lundqvist/Gilbert, Two Rangers Add Rings, Condolences For Greschner, Eichel & Why The Rangers Will Make The Playoffs

We have a bunch of different topics to discuss tonight, where yes – my new book is now on sale!

Greetings and salutations everyone and welcome to another blog here on BlueCollarBlueShirts.com. My upcoming “New York Rangers Rink of Honor and the Rafters of Madison Square Garden” book is now 100% complete and off to the printers!

For those of you who have pre-ordered signed paperback copies (and I thank you for doing so), I’m hoping to have your copies mailed out to you by 9/6. It all depends on how fast I get them, but once I do, my first stop is to the post office. Once I do ship your book out, I will send you an email confirming shipment. For those who have pre-ordered the e-Book from Amazon, that version of the book will be released automatically on 9/6.

For those of you waiting for just an unsigned paperback copy, Amazon has jumped the gun and has released the book a few days early. You can now purchase the unsigned paperback copy here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09F1D2G4V?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860

Rather than talking with Amazon and getting them to hold back the book for the 9/6 date, I’m just going to run with it. It was my goal to get the pre-order signed copies out before the unsigned paperback and Kindle versions, but sometimes dealing with Amazon can be headache. We’ve all waited this long and a few more days won’t hurt!

In any event, the day is finally here and this book is now available! What a journey. No joke, I think I can write a new book on just the publishing process alone!

For those looking to pre-order signed copies while there is still time left, click the link below:

Pre-Order “The New York Rangers Rink of Honor and the Rafters of Madison Square Garden” Book Today


The easy part, as in the writing of the book, was completed a while ago. The hard part, which was the editing, page numbering, formatting and everything else is now over too. Now comes perhaps the hardest part – packing orders and dealing with the post office!

Of note, once I fulfill the pre-order for signed copies, I’ll probably have something like fifty books left over. Once those go, it will take me time to get a second batch of books to sign. In other words, if you want a signed copy and want to put some extra bucks in my pocket/beer-fund/Christmas presents for my nieces – now is the time!

I know I have said this before, but hey, I have to be my own best hype-man right now – I don’t think you’ll find a more in-depth book on New York Rangers history than this one. I say this not only as the author of the book, but as someone who has read something like 100+ books on the Rangers. (And don’t take this remark to be disparaging of the other books that are out there. All I’m saying here is that most of those books are solely dedicated to one topic, where this book tries to cover everything, all while presenting over 100 Rangers legends.)

The paperback version comes in at 540 pages, where 102 men are profiled in all. The Kindle/e-Book version is also the same length, although with that option, you can resize the font to your own preference. (Larger fonts = larger page counts.)

I will say, the high page count is also a result of me using a bigger font than other books that are out there. I tried to make the book as easy-to-read as possible, with shorter paragraphs than you’ll find in other books. I know my demographic here, and I wanted this book to be a fast page-turner for an eye-glass and older crowd. After all, just from talking to friends and family, I know many people aren’t a fan of reading a book that’s in a size 10 font or less. This book is written in a 12 point font, and with cream paper, it’s very easy on the eyes! Both the font and the paper added to the final cost, but I feel these expenses were well worth it.

At the end of the day – I wanted this book to be as “reader-friendly” as possible. I know myself sometimes, when reading a book, where if the font is too small and the paper is too white (cheap stuff), it just makes my eyes go batty and it becomes a struggle. I just wanted this book to be as perfect as possible and simple to read. I know some people will see 540 pages and say “MINGA”, but once you get going, I think you’ll be surprised at how fast you go through it. After all – two of my proof-readers said this too!

I also want to add here, that as I got to the finish line, it felt like a major event happened every time I thought this book was done. Something as little as Derek Stepan signing with the Carolina Hurricanes would make the book come off as dated. I can tell you that as of 8/31/2021, everything talked about in the book is up-to-date, including the retirement of Henrik Lundqvist and the sad news about both Rod Gilbert and Gisella Greschner, the mother of Ron Greschner. (More on the Greschner’s to come.)

And without trying to sound morbid, and as the book talks about in-detail – I really hope the Rangers do something for Emile Francis before it’s too late. As you may or may not know, Francis turns 95 years old in the Fall – just like the Rangers themselves.

The Rangers had their chance to honor Emile Francis in February of 2018, when they retired Jean Ratelle’s #19 jersey. I’ve been told by a close source to Francis (and later confirmed by a major accredited source), that Francis is no longer able to travel. That said, even a banner ceremony for Francis over ZOOM would be suffice. (Francis currently lives in Florida.) Photo Credit: NYR

Outside of finally getting the final copy of this book in my hands and out to you guys, where I await your feedback and reviews – several members of the Rangers alumni and their families have pre-ordered the book too. In the upcoming weeks, I’ll post pictures of members of the alumni with the book. And once the wave of this book’s release dies down – it will be time to start the second book – “The Best and Worst Trades in New York Rangers History”. (Working title!) After all, thanks to you guys and your pre-orders, this book is already a success for me. All these years of not running ads, spyware and click-bait on this site have finally paid off!

(And as mentioned on previous blogs, this book was never about monetary gain. While making a few bucks off of it is nice, this was always a passion project more than anything else. That said, I can now use some of this money to book future Rangers road-trips.)

Lastly, while talking about this book (and as I said last time on this site), I know these book updates will get tedious after a while, especially if you have already bought one. However, this site continues to get new readers every day and who else is going to promote this book better than me? In addition, there is always the scroll bar!

Tonight’s blog will cover a various array of topics, as pretty much, we’re all just waiting for training camp to officially open. Of course, the Jack Eichel wild card will always be in play until something happens there, but for right now, it looks like we know the Rangers roster for this upcoming 2021-2022 season.

And yes, and as written previously – I know the Jack Eichel stuff is nauseating and exhausting. However, I have to say this again because I’m still so baffled and shocked – I can’t believe nothing has happened at all with Eichel yet. It feels like the Sabres rather pay him and continue to lose, where I assume they are just hoping for another #1 pick come the 2022 NHL Draft. I’ll have more on Eichel at the end of this blog.

As usual, before getting into the meat and potatoes of tonight’s manifesto – the PLUGS segment.

Here are my last few blogs in case you missed them:

BCBS For 8/26: Rod Gilbert Service Information; RIP Jimmy Hayes, NYR Completes Coaching Staff; Thoughts on Gallant, Jeff Gorton’s Near Tell-All Interview; Gorton Comments on His Firing, Panarin, Tony DeAngelo, Drury, Toughness and Other Topics, Brassard Joins 9th Franchise & More


 

Rangers Legend and Blueshirt Icon Rod Gilbert Passes Away at the Age of 80; Memories and Thoughts


BCBS For 8/21: Henrik Lundqvist Makes It Official; Announces Retirement, Lundqvist’s Rangers Legacy, Hall of Fame Bid, Future and Place in NYR History; NYR To Retire #30 Next Season, Lundqvist vs Giacomin, Book Update/Preorder Info, Disgusting Jersey Ads Incoming, Eichel, Video Game Covers, The Soon-To-Be Homeless Arizona Coyotes & More


 

BCBS For 8/14: “The New York Rangers Rink of Honor and the Rafters of Madison Square Garden” Book Complete; Ordering Info Included, Chris Drury Finds a Buddy To Replace Him in Hartford; Ryan Martin’s Lateral Move, Brennan Othmann Signed; Future Unknown, Fox For Captain Talk, Kreider’s Interview, Smashfest, That Jack Eichel Guy & More


Recently, it feels like we’re talking about death every day. On Wednesday August 25th, Gisella Greschner, the mother of Ron Greschner, passed away. Photo Credit: The Greschner Family

As first announced by Ron Greschner’s former teammate Tom Laidlaw and later confirmed by the Greschner family themselves; on August 25, 2021, Gisella Greschner passed away at the amazing age of 97. As of this writing, a funeral service has been planned and will take place on September 11th in Goodsoil, Saskatchewan – the birth place of Ron Greschner.

I always try to stay out of the personal lives of the players and the alumni unless something is directly shared to me or if the player makes something public on social media. (It’s also why I haven’t mentioned what ailed Rod Gilbert, as the Gilbert family nor the Rangers have made that news public knowledge yet. That’s their place to do so and not mine.)

With this particular piece of news being public, I just wanted to share my condolences with the Greschner family, as I know a family member of the Greschner’s reads this site.

I also bring this up (AND THIS IS NOT A PLUG FOR THE BOOK, I ALREADY DID THAT ON THIS BLOG), because this passing is also “Rangers Newsworthy”.

As discussed numerous times on this site, Ron Greschner has done interviews where he’s said he’d only accept a #4 jersey retirement ceremony only in the event that his mother was alive to see it. I pretty much talked about that story in-depth last year on this site and you can read that article here: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/53120/

I say this in the book and I’ll say it again here – obviously, a jersey retirement ceremony is the least of anyone’s concerns right now. It’s the last thing on Greschner’s mind and it’s so trivial when talking about the passing of a loved one. Even worse for Greschner, within the span of the week, he lost a friend in Rod Gilbert and now his mother. These are tough times for him and I wish him and his family the best throughout all of this.

As a human being, who cares if Greschner’s #4 is ever retired by the Rangers? That’s nobody’s concern right now. However, as a Rangers fan/pseudo historian (can I call myself a historian now? It does sound egotistical when doing so), I do wonder if this news of Gisella’s passing ends any talk of that day ever happening.

It’s just a shame that the Rangers, once again, missed on another opportunity to do the right thing. Greschner’s #4 should be up in the rafters of Madison Square Garden – just like there should be a banner for Emile Francis too. Where the Rangers failed the Greschner family, I hope they do the right thing for Emile Francis and his family – while “The Cat” is still alive.

RIP Gisella Greschner.


 

The former bedroom of Rangers icon Henrik Lundqvist. Photo Credit: New York Post

On August 25th, the New York Post reported that Henrik Lundqvist has listed his New York City condo for sale. For the full story and for several pictures of the home, check out this link: https://nypost.com/2021/08/25/henrik-lundqvists-old-nyc-home-lists-for-3m/?utm_medium=SocialFlow&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_source=NYPTwitter

I’m not Henrik Lundqvist’s realtor or close confidant (go figure), but from the news that’s out there, this is the only residence that Henrik Lundqvist has in New York City. However, that stuff is only speculation and not 100% confirmed.

As talked about in the past, including during Lundqvist’s brief time with the Washington Capitals prior to his medical condition, a condition that eventually forced him into retirement; Lundqvist’s children were attending private schools in New York City. Based on recent interviews and considering the fact that Lundqvist is still in Sweden right now, it looks like Lundqvist will remain in Sweden for the time being. As of this writing, there is no news to report on what school Lundqvist’s kids will be attending. Of course, that news is only relevant for fans wondering what Lundqvist’s next role will be and nothing else.

For right now, Lundqvist’s soon-to-be former condo, which is located on the Upper West Side at 225 W. 83rd Street, is on the market with an asking price of $2.99M. Due to his #30 jersey, I’m surprised Lundqvist just didn’t ask for a clean $3.0M!

According to the New York Post, this 1,299 square foot condo is on the 20th floor of the building and comes with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The condo also features 10-foot ceilings and amazing views of the Hudson River.

As talked about previously on this site, and in my book, I could one day see Henrik Lundqvist enjoying an ambassador’s role with the Rangers, even if he won’t be as involved as Rod Gilbert used to be. Photo Credit: NYR

Lundqvist’s retirement is still fresh, so who knows what his immediate future is? While we know that he will have his night at Madison Square Garden next season, who knows what else he’ll do with his time? What we do know is that Lundqvist will have options, and if he chooses to stay out of the limelight and be with his family full-time, no one would have any problems with that. It’s usually when the kids get older and become independent that people (including retirees), get itchy for new things to do.

If Lundqvist wants to remain in hockey, he could have a job tomorrow with the Rangers or the MSG Networks. In fact, I’d love to see Lundqvist replace Steve Valiquette on the MSG Networks. After all, I rather hear from the guy who has done it all and has been through the wars, rather than hearing from the guy who carried the general’s bags around.

Without a shadow of a doubt, if Lundqvist is willing, he very easily can become the next full-time ambassador of the Rangers. Of course, that role would require Lundqvist living in New York during the hockey season.

As we all know, Rod Gilbert was a frequent face at MSG, and really, no one was better than Rod Gilbert was as an ambassador of this team. (I would put Adam Graves on equal footing here though.) Gilbert truly relished that role and loved interacting with fans. You could see it in Gilbert’s smile every time you saw him at MSG or at a Rangers-related function.

As mentioned last blog, I got something like 115 or so emails and social media responses about Gilbert, where in all of those correspondences from you guys, all of you had a positive story to tell about Gilbert. If Lundqvist wants to fill those shoes, he definitely could, but again, his family and his health comes first. That said, due to his stature and financial status (remember, Rod Gilbert and players of his era weren’t as greatly paid as the NHL players of today), I’m not sure if a full-time ambassador role is what Lundqvist is seeking. In fact, I’d venture to guess that fans are hoping to see this happen more than Lundqvist is himself, as Lundqvist has other things on his mind right now.

As I said when Lundqvist was first bought out of his contract, during his medical scare and after the news of his retirement – good luck to him in the future. While we all know that I was never a fan of his last contract with the Rangers, I am rooting for Lundqvist to have some role with the organization one way or the other. Heck, the Rangers can pay him $8.5M a season to be the team’s ambassador and I won’t even bat an eye!


Mika Zibanejad said “I do” on August 29th, 2021. Photo Credit: NYR

Love must be in the air in Rangerstown, USA right now, as over the weekend, one Ranger got married and another got engaged.

As shown in the picture above, Mika Zibanejad got married. As of this writing, the Rangers haven’t given Zibanejad a new contract as part of any potential dowry.

When it comes to Zibanejad’s future with the Rangers, I think Chris Drury and company are taking a “wait-and-see” approach. If last season was just a throw-away and asterisk season due to the pandemic, and if Zibanejad reverts to the player he was during the 2019-2020 season, then I think the Rangers will give him a new contract prior to the 2022 NHL trade deadline. If last year wasn’t just a case of unfortunate circumstances, perhaps Drury will look elsewhere – and yes, Jack Eichel’s name could enter the mix here.

In any event, congratulations to Mika Zibanejad and his new bride. I hope Mika adds another ring to his finger soon too – as in a Stanley Cup champion ring.

In more from the “Love Birds” department, we have this:

Barclay Goodrow took to Instagram this past Saturday to announce that he’s a newly engaged man. Photo Credit: @BGoodrow on Instagram

While Mika Zibanejad was taking the plunge over the weekend, new Ranger Barclay Goodrow went down on one knee, where the newly paid player is now engaged. Fortunately for the future Mrs. Goodrow, Barclay proposed AFTER signing his new contract with the Rangers. If she subscribes to the popular theory of a man putting down two months of salary on an engagement/wedding ring – then she must be feeling extra good right now! (And yes, this is a joke, so please don’t twist my words or try to interpret my words as anything but making a joke here!)

Congratulations to Barclay Goodrow. We should all be as lucky as him, as within the span of less than two months, he became a two-time Stanley Cup champion, signed the biggest contract of his life, and more importantly for him personally, is now engaged to the love of his life. Not too shabby!


Larry Brooks in his early 70’s, yet he keeps out-scooping and out-working the competition. Photo Credit: New York Post

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times on this site – when it comes to the best reporter of the New York Rangers beat, hands-down, it’s Larry Brooks. Whoever is number two is a distant second and still fiddling around at the starting gate.

While other reporters are on vacation or doing stuff that someone out of the 1950’s would laugh at, Larry Brooks continues to own the beat. As the competition of Brooks were sleeping, Brooks was interviewing new Rangers coach Gerard Gallant, where Brooks has now posted three separate articles containing the interview. To read all three articles, visit the New York Post website or app.

If you’ve been reading this site or following my Twitter account all summer long, and heck, just as I wrote last blog, you know this – I’m a firm believer that Gerard Gallant is the right man for the job and will bring this team back to the playoffs. In addition, I believe this will all go down in Year One of this new “Gallant Era”.

It’s funny, I was talking to my buddy Dancin’ Larry on Monday night, a Larry who is one of the biggest optimists out there in Rangerstown, USA. We both agreed that not only has Chris Drury done a good job this summer, but that the Rangers will make some noise in the playoffs too. Yes, Larry is an optimist, and while I try to adopt a glass half-full mindset too, I’m also very realistic. That said, I think the Rangers are under good hands and will not only shock the league in this upcoming season – but will also surprise pessimistic Ranger fans as well.

And how about this little piece of news? As of right now, and assuming the Rangers don’t land Eichel, the Rangers are sitting pretty cap-space wise. If the Rangers can make some noise, by the time the trade deadline comes around, the Rangers should be buyers. Whatever missing ingredient that may be on this team may come for cheap come the deadline. (Save me the Buchnevich stuff, what’s done is done and it will be cheaper to get a rental or two than it would’ve been to commit to Buchnevich long-term.)

I may have said this before on this site, but it’s worth saying again – yes I’m an Islanders hater. However, I really do think that they take a step back next season. It’s so hard to have a deep run in the Stanley Cup Playoffs and not many teams qualify for three straight Conference Finals in a row. It’s my opinion that the Islanders won’t be one of those teams.

I’ll do a season preview blog as we get closer, but really – WHAT’S THE ARGUMENT FOR THE RANGERS NOT TO MAKE THE PLAYOFFS? The Capitals should be good once again, but the Rangers matched-up well with them last season, Tom Wilson incident aside. In fact, the Rangers actually won that season-series. Yes, the Penguins have always had the Rangers number, but like the Islanders, I see the Penguins taking a step back too. I feel the Penguins are delaying the inevitable, which is a rebuild, as I think we’ve seen the peak out of Sidney Crosby and company already.

While Buffalo and Boston move back to the Atlantic division, is anyone really scared about the Columbus Blue Jackets? I didn’t think so. When it comes to Carolina, who after decades of being pummeled by the Rangers and have recently fared well against the Blueshirts, I’m not worried about them either. Carolina seems too worried about trolling on social media and having petty feuds. (As is evident with their recent offer-sheet on Montreal’s Jesperi Kotkaniemi, a player who was actually scratched during the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Yes, Carolina is getting their social media brownie points right now, but none of that stuff matters once you get on the ice.)

The Flyers may have well worn a nameplate that said “The Rangers Bitch” on their backs last season. While I don’t think they will be as bad as they were last year, this is a very winnable season-series for the Rangers. And when it comes to the Devils, they are way off from contending in my opinion.

With three playoff spots in the division and two extra wild card spots available, I see the Rangers grabbing one of these five berths. And it all starts with Gerard Gallant, who I was talking about before I went off on this tangent!

Anyway, back to Gallant and Brooks!


Isn’t it amazing Suzyn, that after posting a blog on Gallant last time around, Brooks had an interview with the guy? I think this is the 5th or 6th time this summer, where I wrote something here and then something immediately related to what I wrote appeared in the NYP. And yes, it’s all a coincidence and perhaps a case of great minds thinking alike! I’m not suggesting anything else here – I’m just having a laugh at the coincidence.

I really enjoyed what Gallant told Brooks, as not only did Gallant confirm all of my suspicions – it was exactly what I wanted to hear too.

And before continuing on here, I want to stress this point – EVERY REPORTER HAD A FAIR AND EQUAL SHOT AT LANDING A GALLANT INTERVIEW. Brooks was the one who did. I know I’ve been beating the Brooks drum on this site a lot during the last few months, but really, no matter how you feel about him, I don’t get the same passion and drive from the other reporters on the NYR beat that I do whenever reading something out of Brooks. Ranger fans will be Father Fink’d the day Brooks retires. And I will admit, I do say this as a stupid blogger who would love to be paid to write about the Rangers. I get that it’s a job like anything else for these guys and gals, but when it comes to Brooks vs the competition, I feel like only Brooks goes the extra mile. That’s all.

During his interview with Larry Brooks, which you can read on the New York Post’s website, Gerard Gallant said the following:

— “It’s not about changing your style of play, it’s about giving a little comfort for those guys.”

Gallant said this regarding the Rangers recent acquisitions of Ryan Reaves, Barclay Goodrow and Jarred Tinordi. It was also mentioned how Gallant once played with the “Bruise Brothers” in Joey Kocur and Bob Probert. Gallant also said while the NHL has changed from era-to-era, one thing that hasn’t changed is that you need toughness and guys to protect your skill players. No one is going to be screwing around with Artemi Panarin this season, and in the rare chance someone does, they will pay for it – rather than waiting for the next game after being challenged by both the media and the fans alike.


— Gallant didn’t politic for Ryan Reaves, but when asked for his input by Chris Drury, he most certainly supported acquiring Reaves. On Reaves, Gallant said, “he’s not just a guy that goes out there and fights. I don’t know how many fights he had in Vegas during my time, but he goes out there and makes his team tougher.”


— Gallant, who is not a player’s coach or involved with his players as much as David Quinn was, said, “[Reaching out to players] is not what I do. Not at all. I don’t like to reach out to the players by phone. I like to meet them in person. I like that a lot better than bothering those guys in the summertime.”

Of everyone on the roster, Gallant mentioned that he’s only talked to Adam Fox – where he congratulated #23 on his Norris Trophy win. Hmmm… could Fox be the next captain? I hope so!


— Gallant also said that the Rangers don’t have to make a lot of big changes, but changes will have to be made. Of course, Gallant has a better roster than David Quinn ever had during his three seasons with the team. It was also mentioned that Gallant will be living in Westchester, near the Rangers practice facility.


— When it comes to the lines, Gallant said he hasn’t made a decision yet and he will make his decision after seeing the team during the preseason. Of note, as fans, this will be a huge preseason, as Gallant tinkers with his line-up and finds the right chemistry for the team.


— It was also brought up that Gallant will give everyone a fair chance and also said he’s a guy who gives people second and third chances. Hello Kaapo Kakko!


— On Tom Wilson, Gallant said, “it’s not going to overtake the team. We’ll address that before the first game of the year, I’m sure, but the bottom line is that when we brought these players in over the summer we wanted to make our team tougher to play against. You knew whoever was to be with the Rangers this year was going to change the complexion of the team a little bit, there was no doubt. Fortunately for me, I got the opportunity to be the coach and we’re going to change it a little bit, the way the team is going to play and respond to issues like that. I don’t think they’re going to happen anymore.”

While I 100% whole-heartedly am in agreement with this and look forward to this too – this obviously wasn’t a ringing endorsement of the previous era of New York Rangers hockey.


— On the little known Jim Midgley, the new assistant coach that I talked about last blog, Gallant said the following: “Jim is a guy I’ve known for 15 years. He’s a hard-working young guy, he’s been an assistant coach in the QMJHL for a long time and was head coach there in Halifax. I’ve known him a long time, I’ve seen him and have talked to him at coaching symposiums. Our players are going to love him.”

Maybe I’ve gotten soft as I’ve gotten older, but I’m fully onboard with this. If Gallant likes him, who am I to say otherwise? After all – it’s not like Gallant is bringing Mike Milbury to his bench!


— In a final piece of news, Gallant didn’t confirm the roles his coaches would play, saying that he wants to meet with everyone face-to-face first, and then dole out the assignments. Sounds fair and right to me!


While yes, Gallant’s introduction could’ve been better, I have full faith in him and in new Rangers Team President and General Manager Chris Drury. Photo Credit: NYR/MSGN

As I said after David Quinn was fired, a firing that I was 51/49 on, where really I do lean on the side that DQ deserved another year – I was hoping that the Rangers would go after John Tortorella.

In the effort of full disclosure here, I’m 39 years old. When I was younger, I did know who Roger Neilson and who Ron Smith were. However, when I think of the Rangers and while trying to use the “photographic” memory part of my brain – the first coach I truly remember behind the Rangers bench is Mike Keenan.

In another funny thing here, which may be alcohol related (I kid, I kid) – I retain information better when I write and read about it, rather than from what I’ve seen. Maybe that explains why I hated Henrik Lundqvist’s contract so much!

Since the days of Keenan, and as I got older, the only coaches that I thought that truly deserved to be fired were Ron Low, Bryan Trottier (wait until you read what I say about him in my new book), and Glen Sather himself! I never was a fan of the Tom Renney, John Tortorella or Alain Vigneault firings. In fact, I was against them. With DQ, and as mentioned repeatedly on this site, I don’t think he ever got a fair shake. After all, he was tasked to rebuild and never had a contending roster during his time. Plus, many Rangers, including Panarin, Zibanejad, Fox, DeAngelo and others; all flourished under him and had the best seasons of their respective careers while playing for him. That’s a fact – not an opinion.

At the end of the day, while I was crossing my fingers for John Tortorella, I have no problems with Gerard Gallant. I think he will surprise a lot of people and do a good job. I don’t know where Gallant falls in the “eye-test vs analytics” debate, but based on what he said, Gallant really preached the importance of toughness and having a complete team. That’s all I want to see and hear. Analytics can be skewed to support any argument. However, the playoffs, where analytics don’t mean anything, is where you need the intangibles and “eye-test” guys to come up big. We see this EVERY FATHER FINKIN’ YEAR.

If there was one thing that stuck with me during Larry’s interview with Gallant it was this – Gallant knows what’s needed to win and brought up his days with the Bruise Brothers as part of positive team chemistry.

And as I say in my new book, and SPOILER ALERT here – I hope to one day write an updated version of the book, where I’m talking about the Rangers fifth Stanley Cup in franchise history – under the watch of both Gallant and Drury. Then again, I thought John Davidson and Jeff Gorton would be those men to do so.

LGFNR!


At this point, it looks like teams will want to see Eichel on the ice before trading for him. However, who knows, as this once hot story has “jumped the shark” weeks ago. Photo Credit: Getty Images

In the latest news pertaining to Jack Eichel, a story that now feels as entertaining as “Sharknado Part VIII: Shannon Doherty’s Revenge”, TSN’s Shawn Simpson reported the following on 8/31:

I know everyone just wants the ending of this story already, as a once exciting story now feels like getting stabbed with a plastic knife over-and-over. As far as the Eichel-to-NYR rumors go, anyone’s guess is as good as mine, as no one knows what the hell is going on there.

It should be mentioned that just last month, Eichel’s former agents said that had Eichel received his surgery in July, he would’ve been ready to go for the regular season. The longer this drags out, and as we all know, this story has most definitely dragged out – Eichel’s 2021-2022 season debut just gets further delayed. After all, at this point, would it shock anyone if Eichel misses the entire season?


Have I mentioned that my book is now on sale yet? Buy it today here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09F1D2G4V?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860

A couple of podcast plugs before going home here.

Last Thursday, Shawn Stein of the “2 Guys 1 Cup” podcast returned with a solo episode, sharing his memories on Rod Gilbert. You can listen to the episode by clicking the link below:

This past Monday, Brian Attard returned with another episode of his “BlueTruth” show, where Henrik Lundqvist’s retirement and his place in New York Rangers history was discussed. If you haven’t seen one of these “BlueTruth” episodes, they are fairly entertaining and kind of feel like something ESPN would do, in the event that ESPN ever covered the Rangers. And I say that as a compliment, as I know many make faces whenever hearing the words ESPN and hockey together.

To watch the show, click the play button below:

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It took almost two years and a pandemic to do it, but this book is finally finished!

Up next: shipping, packing and mailing books. I’m also sitting on a ton of content right now, as over the last few months, members of the Rangers alumni and their families have contacted me, where they have shared some stories, exclusive photos and other cool things with me. Once I get through this whole book promoting and shipping process, I should have time for that.

In the meantime, some Rangers have already reported back to New York, where they are participating in optional skates. Before you know it, as we now are in September, the team will be playing in preseason games. I will say, it does feel like this summer has flown by, but I’m glad it did! (Of course, sitting in front of a computer all day while writing and finishing the book ate up most of my summer too!)

Stay FABULOUS my friends.

As always here, thanks for reading and…

LET’S GO RANGERS!

Sean McCaffrey

BULLSMC@aol.com

@NYCTHEMIC on Tweeter

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2 thoughts on “BCBS For 9/1: “The New York Rangers Rink of Honor and the Rafters of Madison Square Garden” Book Now Available, Gerard Gallant’s Telling Interview with Larry Brooks, Lundqvist Selling NY Home; Lundqvist/Gilbert, Two Rangers Add Rings, Condolences For Greschner, Eichel & Why The Rangers Will Make The Playoffs

  1. If the mandate is to make the playoffs this season then how does an Eichel trade make any sense? Subtracting one or possibly two of our top 9 for a player who won’t be ready to play until December and will probably need at least a couple of weeks to catch up to NHL pace – doesn’t sound like a playoff recipe to me. The only way I see this happening is if the team struggles so badly in the first half that Drury throws in the towel and shoots for’22/‘23. By then Eichel will probably be in Anaheim or LA or on a team that doesn’t have playoff aspirations this year. The Eichel to NYR ship has sailed.

  2. I have no clue if NYR still has their eyes on Eichel or not, but if they do trade for him, they could LITR him like Kucherov. Of course, then you’d be weak during that time. However, if Eichel can get back in December and play 2-3 months unaffected, maybe then you can trade for him at the deadline. Again, as I said on the blog, who knows?

    While the Eichel-to-NYR rumors seem to be out of steam, I wouldn’t rule anything out until something happens officially.

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