Greetings and salutations everyone and welcome to another blog here on BlueCollarBlueShirts.com. It’s finally over.
Off puck drop tonight – and this is going to be our longest manifesto of the season – but you’ll have all summer to read it too!
Not only will I have a quick GAME REVIEW of the Rangers’ 4-0 season finale victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning for you, but also included for your one click (and with no ads either!) is my 2024-25 Final Report Card, a 2025 Stanley Cup Preview, a “Keep ‘Em or Lose ‘Em” segment in regards to this summer/off-season and everything else presently going on in Rangerstown, USA – including yes and sadly – Thursday morning’s allegations where another liberal rag, this time The Athletic, accused Artemi Panarin of sexual assault.
After all, then for a team that’s made negative headlines all-season long – then what else did you expect? A drama-free season finale?
Perish the thought!
I also know that I could have broken up all of this free content (but Paypal and Venmo donations are always accepted – and you can buy a book or ten too!) into 767867798698679868 different articles/blogs in order to artificially boost site traffic/clicks – but as you long know by now – then I don’t care about such things, hence these daily 10,000-word tomes!
Furthermore?
Then as all of my writings since December of 2024 would suggest – then I am long over this rotten and miserable Blueshirts’ bunch – so much so – that I just want to purge every last thought out of me in one singular place – then move on.
And before getting into everything, then yeah-yeah-yeah – thanks for reading and all of the rest of that stuff from the realm of happy horseshit!
But just like most of you guys and gals – then I need a break from these disappointing losers too.
This is my way of saying that if Peter Laviolette and/or Chris Drury get fired on Friday (but I think we won’t have such news until after Easter), then I’ll just post a quick blog on this site simply saying that such news is now official.
After all, you already know my opinions on both of these subjects – and opinions that will be frequently reiterated tonight for the last time this season!
Enough dilly-dallying!
Up first, just a quick summary of tonight’s final tilt of the campaign – then everything else.
Bust out a drink, perhaps a five-course meal too, and let’s roll – as I’m hitting everything and anything tonight – and then looking forward to the next four-days – where not only am I off from the real j-o-b – but done with watching this crappy hockey team too!
Free at last!
Thursday’s season finale, which also doubled-up as the last hockey game to be played at M$G this season, was easily the most boring and lethargic match of the 82-games played throughout this 2024-25 campaign.
Put it this way:
By the time that the scoreless first period had concluded – and the shots on goal total was Tampa 5, New York 2 – and where both Rangers’ SOG came from Adam Fox – as nary a forward tested Bolts’ back-up, good old Double J. himself, Jonas Johansson.
And Fox’s first SOG?
It took place when twelve-minutes of game-time had already elapsed.
In summary, then this game was a sixty-minute snoozefest – but as a result of this slumber on ice – then it actually worked out in M$GN’s favor.
For the Lightning, then they had nothing to play for.
Their first-round series, where they will be hosting their Sunshine State rival, the Florida Panthers, had been confirmed some 48-hours prior to tonight’s puck drop.
The Bolts were just happy to skate around and get this game over with – but where it should also be noted that the Blueshirts seemed to approach this match in the same manner.
In total, Tampa recorded only two hits throughout a contest that felt like a preseason game – and where both of them came off as accidental contact too.
Of course, and with their playoff fate long etched in stone, then there was no reason to risk injury.
The Rangers, and for whatever reason, seemed more than elated to oblige their former two-time (2015 and 2022) tormentors too.
Despite Tampa half-assing it (but I don’t mean this with a negative tone, as you 100% understood what they were doing) – and they still dominated both the puck and zone time all game anyway.
I just don’t know what the Blueshirts were thinking – but I’ve been asking this question for some time now.
As this completely boring game was going on, so boring that you felt like you had just eaten ten Thanksgiving Day dinners – then in turn – it also allowed M$GN to really focus on the retiring Sam Rosen.
With no action to speak of on the ice to interrupt them (except for one occasion – and funny enough – when Joe Micheletti was thanking Rosen for his friendship and mentorship); then M$GN gave us a “SAM CAM” – and where Sam & Joe, who wrapped up their 19th year together on this night, just told war stories.
For the first time in a long time – and both Sam & Joe came off as “humanized” – as they could just be themselves – that is – sans the few times where M$GN forced Rosen to read ridiculous ads on-air – including one where he was forced to beg Blueshirt backers to buy new merchandise with the season now over.
As both teams were more interested with hitting the showers and going to their respective homes afterwards – and as opposed to rather than actually playing and winning; then Sam and Joe just had fun – and where easily – this was their best effort and performance in a long time yet.
And for the now retiree who just finished 40-years with M$GN – and Rosen spent nearly an entire period thanking everyone that had helped him out along the way too – while also telling us interesting stories about each person.
I’ve been very critical about Rosen’s “senior moments” in recent years, but as noted throughout these past few seasons – it’s largely been all tongue-in-cheek – and as a way to provide comedic relief throughout the longest hockey blogs/articles on the internet today.
It finally hit me tonight – I’ll never hear “OH JOE” again – and that hurts.
But for this particular beer-bellied blogger, and if I say so myself, the only true “historian” too (and a title as first bestowed upon me by Stan “The Maven” Fischler himself – my own writing mentor, and a guy who has written the foreword to several of my books) – then I’ll never let the memory of Rosen die on this site – nor the “OH JOE” stuff either!
We all know how great Rosen and Micheletti are as human beings.
You’ll never find a better pair of people than these two.
And such remarks can never be argued otherwise.
But of course, and with that said (and there’s always a “but” – and a qualifying sentence to follow too!), then most of us would rather see Dave Maloney paired with Rosen’s successor, Kenny Albert, next season – or any other former Ranger when opposed to Micheletti for that matter.
While Micheletti is good at what he does, he’s just not a Ranger.
After tonight?
Then I think that he became an “Honorary Blueshirt” – as no one was more moved and touched about Rosen’s retirement than the “FABULOUS ONE” himself.
Seriously – I do truly like Joe – but I also think that a former Ranger should be their color analyst – and as it is in the rest of the league with their alumni in their announcing booth.
(And to give Micheletti some praise – then I wouldn’t mind him in-studio – as he does know his shit. But Micheletti to the Rangers isn’t like Butch Goring to the Islanders, nor Kenny Daneyko to the Devils – and I think that you comprehend my point.)
As the Bolts, just happy to play keep-away with the puck, while bypassing about 679867986798 chances to score during this game too – and where the Lightning’s lack of interest in winning this game was so woefully apparent – so much so – that I thought that Bolts’ bench boss, Jon Cooper, a long-time fan of Rosen himself, actually threw this game so Rosen could ride on into the sunset on a high note – then admittedly – it was a treat listening to Rosen & Micheletti one last time.
(Holy god-awful grammar Batman!)
(And one day? Rosen and Micheletti will become nostalgia, fond memories – and just as Rosen and JD are today. Bank on it.)
While I have previously expressed my disdain on how M$GN handled Rosen’s final season (it should’ve been them – and at least on four occasions against Columbus at that – and not TNT – that gave us a Rosen/JD reunion); then I thought that they did the most perfect job possible on this night when sending off Rosen out with a bang.
“The Sam Cam” was part of it – and maybe we should have got more of that this season.
The Rangers just wrapped up their worst season imaginable, arguably their worst in franchise history too – and even so – and “THE SAM CAM” caught Rosen jumping up-and-down during four separate goals scored on behalf of the home team.
He may be leaving the booth – but his fandom of this franchise will never leave him.
Thank you Sam.
We will all miss you.
And we’ll all be listening to your proposed podcast with JD – and reading your autobiography too – once you get crackin’ on these projects!
(Rosen confirmed both an upcoming podcast and a book during Thursday night’s post-game show with Giannone.)
As far as what happened on the ice during the season finale – and again – not much.
Following the first intermission, where you needed about 976786798679869786 Red Bull’s – and perhaps a few bags of cocaine too, in order to stay awake – and it only took the new BFF’s of this club, Vincent Trocheck and J.T. Miller, to hook-up on a short-handed goal.
Once again, and the Rangers’ PK remained strong – and as a result – they also finished this season with the most short-handed goals scored in the league too (18).
For Trocheck, who scored the goal, it was his sixth shorty of the season – which tied him with Alex Tuch for most SHG’s scored in the NHL this season.
But as we all know by now – and the penalty kill was never the Rangers’ biggest issue this season.
Their power-play was.
At the 15:48 mark of this here second stanza, and with the score still at 1-0 Blueshirts – and the Rangers, who previously had killed off two Tampa power-plays, finally had a man-advantage of their own.
This upcoming power-play was both notable and anticipated – as after all – Chris Kreider, still tied with Camille “The Eel” Henry for the past three-months in most PPGs scored in franchise history (116), was looking to become the sole leader.
Lateralette knew as much too, and after demoting Kreider to his PP2 unit during the past few games, and there was CK20 back on PP1 tonight.
Thirteen-seconds later?
Kreider was on the box score – but not for scoring that 117th career PPG that has eluded him during the last few months – but rather for taking a penalty himself – and as he did when he tripped Nick Paul.
For a power-play that was god-awful all-season (27th in the league) – and this was the final man-up situation for these here 2024-25 Blueshirts.
Entering the third-and-final frame of the game, and the last twenty-minutes of Rangers’ hockey this season too – and Tampa had previously averted a major crisis when J.J. Moser accidentally floored his own teammate, the Bolts’ top star, Nikita Kucherov.
Kucherov, after missing a few shifts, was able to return – but the Lightning weren’t going to chance it again.
With a back-up goalie in their net – and the Bolts were more than happy to just sit back and let the clock run out.
While they did manage ten blocked shots (mainly stick deflections); then no one was going to jump in front of a Rangers’ shot on this night – and especially not during this period either.
A Kreider rebound goal, scored 4:02 in, made it 2-0.
A pair of Zibanejad goals, scored at 12:50 and 16:24, pushed the score to 3-0 and then 4-0.
And yes – I was aware of the irony that Missing Mika scored the last two goals of the Rangers’ season – and with his own BFF of the past eight-years, CK20, assisting on the 4-0, the final goal, too.
But it was also more of the same.
After all, he only scored a pair of “A-Rod” goals against a back-up – and against a team that just wanted to get back home and start the real hockey – and real hockey that the Rangers won’t be a part of this season – and largely because of Zibanejad’s own ineffectiveness this season.
In other words?
Nothing changed – and where despite CZAR IGOR being my favorite player on the team today – and his 27-save shutout wasn’t really that impressive either.
But it did give the 40-year veteran, Sam Rosen, a 4-0 final in his last game as a full-time announcer.
This was also example of why the EYE TEST trumps all – because if you just looked at this game in a vacuum – then you’d think that the Rangers were giants in three of their last four games played.
In reality?
The Rangers beat-up an Islander squad full of AHLers and ECHLers – and right down to their third- and fourth-string goalies.
The Blueshirts then beat a Florida Panthers’ team that dressed half of their regulars.
“Lavy’s Lot” then closed out the finale by beating a team that would have preferred being anywhere else in the world, rather than to be at filthy M$G.
When it mattered this season – and the Rangers failed every time – including the last time – and as they did when they got smoked by the Hurricanes last Saturday, 7-3.
The loss to the Hurricanes was the official end of the season – but unofficially – and this team was dead for a long time now – and where no team in the league pissed away as many points as the Rangers did.
Winning three out of your last four under dubious circumstances doesn’t change a thing – and where yes – speaking of that word – CHANGE – and that’s what needed – and a whole lot of it too.
This is all stuff that we’ll address below in the report card segment.
Let’s continue to move on and progress into our usual segments – including what was another negative news day in Rangerstown, USA.
Here is our 82-game mantra, which is also known as my 33-word daily disclaimer, that I post on this site after every game played:
“WHATEVER THE RANGERS DO FROM NOW UNTIL THE TRADE DEADLINE DOESN’T MATTER. THEY CAN ONLY BE JUDGED BY WHATEVER THEY DO FOLLOWING THE DEADLINE AND BY WHAT THEY DO IN THE 2025 PLAYOFFS!”
In other words, eighty-two down, none to go, and then the real hockey, the only games that matter, begin.
But at this rate – will the Rangers even be there for the real hockey?
Magic Eight Ball is saying, “Enjoy the early summer.”
In case you missed it, then here’s where I last left off – the Rangers getting by a declawed Panthers’ squad:
NYR/FLA 4/14 Review: Rempire State Building Stands Tallest in Sunrise; Depleted Florida Cats Out-Play NYC’s FAT CATS, JQ32’s Positive Influence, Blueshirts Pull Off First Multi-Goal Comeback Win of The Season; Lessen Draft Lottery Odds As a Result, Kenny Albert Gets The Nod, Lots of Cruel Ironies, Bozo The Bench Boss Scratches Berard; Continues Torrid Love Affair with Zero Zibanejad, Excellent M$GN Broadcast & More
Following the Rangers’ win over a Florida team that was missing half of their stars on Monday night; then come Tuesday, and the Blueshirts had the day off.
On Wednesday, April 16th, then Bozo The Bench Boss did what he’s been doing all season – he held an optional, as opposed to a mandatory, practice.
As far as what came out of the meaningless skate, then Calvin de Haan continued to back-pedal, and where he even suggested that he didn’t realize that he was speaking on record when he originally criticized the organization to Mollie Walker.
At this rate who cares – as both de Haan and Laviolette won’t be back next season – or so I’m led to believe at least!
Elsewhere, and the Rangers rounded out their award season:
In a story that I have to question the timing of – and Katie J. Strang, of The Athletic, reported that Artemi Panarin was accused of sexually assaulting a team staffer last year.
You can read the full tale here: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6284856/2025/04/17/artemi-panarin-sexual-assault-settlement-ny-rangers/?utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=twhq&source=twitterhq
Among the most damaging passages from this liberal rag, and one that rarely double-sources information either (here’s a secret that I’ve been hiding – it was actually an Athletic reporter that told me about the Lafreniere/softball story from years ago – but to be fair – and Elliotte Friedman, of Sportsnet, later confirmed it), the following:
“New York Rangers forward Artemi Panarin and Madison Square Garden Sports, the company that owns the team, paid financial settlements to a Rangers employee last year after she alleged that Panarin sexually assaulted her, according to an NHL source who reviewed the settlements and three others briefed about them.
“That woman left the organization in August 2024 upon reaching the agreements, which included non-disclosure and no admission of wrongdoing clauses. One settlement agreement was reached with Panarin and another was with MSG Sports. Several people in the organization were aware of the agreements and the circumstances surrounding her departure, and some of those individuals spoke to The Athletic on the condition that their identity not be disclosed because they still work in hockey.
“The alleged assault occurred in December 2023 during a Rangers road trip, according to two Rangers sources briefed about the allegation. Panarin and the woman, who was a regular part of the team’s traveling party, were at a post-game gathering at a hotel with about a dozen other players and staff members. Panarin allegedly took her phone and said he would only give it back if she retrieved it from his hotel room, the sources said. When she went to his hotel room to retrieve her device, Panarin pinned her down on the bed. She pushed him off, retrieved her phone and left the room.
“Neither Panarin nor his agent responded to a request seeking comment. An MSG Sports spokesperson said in an emailed statement: “The matter has been resolved.” The woman — The Athletic does not typically identify alleged victims of sexual misconduct without their consent — said only: “The matter has been resolved.”
“The NHL wrote in an email: “The Club retained an outside law firm to conduct an independent investigation, which the League was fully apprised of. We consider the matter closed.”
“There is no record of the woman reporting the incident to law enforcement. She also did not immediately alert the team. But about three months after the alleged sexual assault, she informed the team as part of an investigation into a separate incident. The team learned that the woman, whose anxiety around airplane travel was well known among team members, had shared her anti-anxiety medicine with a player who had the same issue. She was placed on paid leave pending the outcome of that investigation.
“The female employee felt she was treated unfairly, according to team sources, and she then informed the team about the alleged assault.
“While the woman was still on leave, an executive for MSG Sports convened a virtual meeting that included multiple Rangers office staff members and a human resources representative. Attendees were told not to talk to people about the woman’s situation, according to multiple people on the call. The attorney “completely reamed us out,” according to one attendee, because people were openly talking about the woman’s absence.
“One person who worked for the Rangers at the time the woman was placed on leave said the suddenness of the woman’s exit made it a topic of conversation within the organization: “It’s not a secret at all anytime someone vanishes.”
“In August, MSG and Panarin reached settlement agreements with the woman, and her employment with the team ended.
“In February 2021, Panarin took a leave of absence from the team for personal reasons following claims printed in a Russian newspaper that he was involved in a physical altercation with a woman in Latvia in 2021. The Rangers denied the allegations, calling them an “intimidation tactic” used against him in response to his comments on Russian politics.”
I had two initial reactions when I first read this article disparaging Panarin.
One, poor Sam Rosen – as Katie Strang tried to make what should’ve been the brightest of days for Sam a dark one.
(I should also note here – and this Panarin story never came up once during tonight’s broadcast – and as you’d expect.)
Two, I just don’t buy it.
Far too often, and even including recently with WWE’s Vince McMahon who was later exiled from the own company that he created – and rich males are being accused of sexual assault – and where sadly – what once was “an innocent until proven guilty” world has now turned into “a guilty until proven innocent” society.
Granted, that doesn’t absolve the people who have really committed such crimes, including former M$GN employee Isiah Thomas, Harvey Weinstein and perhaps P. Diddy too (his day in court is coming); but for every person that has really committed these heinous acts – then there’s also another millionaire being extorted for a big payday.
I also do question The Athletic, and the writer in this instance, Katie Strang, too.
Both the website and the author are far-left lunatics – and where they spend most of their time trying to make villains out of heroes.
(Don’t believe me? Then just look at the headlines on their site for yourself.)
Heck, even their recent story about Alex Ovechkin breaking Wayne Gretzky’s goal scoring record mentioned the name of Vladimir Putin – and no less than a dozen times too.
One quick look at Strang’s social media timeline – and it’s nothing but stories full of left-wing nonsense – and where all of these accusatory articles have the word “alleged” bombarded throughout all of them – and as a way of legal protection.
Take a gander for yourself:
FYI: The pink haired woman presently slandering #NYR ‘s Panarin’s name right now is a liberal psychopath to the umpteenth degree.
Just one glance at her social media feed and it’s nothing but accusatory articles where the word “allegedly” is used throughout – and where of course… pic.twitter.com/Vi52Gdeqcq
— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) April 17, 2025
The Athletic, part of the even more left-wing nutjob mainstream media newspaper, The New York Times, is not a traditional news source that relies on advertising when trying to sell print media.
However, and like most news outlets – then they are also aware of the biggest cliche/adage in the media business – “negativity sells.”
The Athletic sustains its existence by selling paywall articles to subscribers – and just look at their site for yourself – as it’s nothing but negative headlines – and akin to a tabloid such as The National Enquirer.
The non-stop usage of the word “allegedly” in all of their hit-pieces also makes you raise your eyebrow.
When it comes to Panarin’s character, and while I can’t say that I know him personally – but I’m more inclined to believe that Chris Drury forced his shitty pizza down someone’s throat – and rather than Panarin trying to force his breadstick down some trollop’s throat.
And we also can’t forget about how Panarin was falsely accused of doing something similar some four-years ago, and ironically, during another disaster of a season (the COVID 2021 56-game campaign) – and rumors and/or allegations, that were fully debunked afterwards.
I know that nobody enjoys “victim blaming” – but don’t you think there is at least a chance that this latest “victim” just wanted a payday?
And why was she giving out prescription drugs to players too?
(And you didn’t see that angle played up much in Strang’s piece either.)
Listen.
I can’t tell you in full confidence, nor with a degree of 100% certainty either, if Panarin is innocent or not.
What I can tell you is that I wouldn’t be so quick to run him out of town – and as many residents of Rangerstown, USA are currently doing.
It’s my belief that we need more time, more details to emerge, before jumping to any conclusion.
I’ve seen so many celebrities, mega-millionaires like Panarin, get blamed for something like this, then get dragged through the mud – but come the end of it – only to then have their names clean-and-cleared.
But sadly, and the damage is now done.
After all, then anytime that you Google Panarin’s name – and this story will come up.
I do think that you have to question the source here – and especially with all of her articles being majority dominated on this topic.
In a way, then it feels like she’s the “sex police” – and where even in Strang’s own story – no sex ever occurred; as rather, Panarin ALLEGEDLY played some hanky-panky hijinx with a cell phone.
And are you telling me that Strang just put all the details together about this story today, during Game 82 of the season?
Hmmm….
When Panarin came out on the ice tonight, then you had all of the liberal media darlings expressing their horror.
Apparently, and these ALLEGED unbiased reporters had already rushed to judgement.
And what was the alternative?
Had Panarin refrained from playing tonight – then all you would have heard was that he was guilty.
(It should also be noted that he was never booed once by the fans in-attendance tonight.)
Following the game, Panarin, you know, this year’s GOOD GUY (as voted by the Blueshirts’ beat reporters), said “no comment” when asked about this story.
When I heard this, then it told me that Strang’s article did have some parts of truth included.
The biggest part of truth in my opinion?
The NDA – where of course and as a result – then Panarin would be forced to say “no comment.”
Both the NHL and the Rangers reiterated that they opened an investigation after the original complaint was filed – and where nothing came out of it.
(But sadly – and it’s easier and cheaper to pay off people – rather to fight them in court – and both in judicial courts and in the courts of public opinion.)
This could all amount to being a case of a jilted lover, a prank gone wrong – or perhaps a woman just looking for a payout.
But perhaps I also don’t want to believe that Panarin is guilty here – and just like how I didn’t believe that he was guilty four-years ago too.
I’m sticking with my stance of “let’s see how it plays out” – but I am giving “The Breadman” the benefit of the doubt too.
Should Strang and The Athletic ultimately be proven 100% correct in everything that they reported today – then I will issue a full retraction and an apology to them – and just like I hope that they would do should they be proven wrong.
I will say, I do think that this is just a bad situation for Panarin all-around.
Even if he’s innocent, then he has to explain to his wife and two kids what the hell he was doing in this position in the first place.
And if he’s guilty – and not even at 100% fault?
Then cancel culture will be coming for him.
Heck, they are already coming for him now without all of the facts.
One last thought?
Then by reporting this story, and I’m thinking of what happened with Vince McMahon in his current case against his former mistress, Janel Grant – and as a result – I’m wondering if Strang violated Jane Doe’s NDA.
(As you may know – I work in the sect of blue collar – and I am not a white collared lawyer!)
Should that be the case, then Panarin could give us his side of the story.
That said, and as I try to give you all angles here – then I doubt that M$G wants this story to continue – and especially after James Dolan was recently cleared from all charges in a similar case – and one involving a real criminal, Harvey Weinstein.
Another case of irony?
Then the fact that Panarin’s jersey was discounted by the NHL online store today:
Sadly, and the drama didn’t stop here on Thursday.
Following the left-wing attack on Panarin, then the right-wing NY Post printed an interview that they conducted with Mika Zibanejad.
Ugh.
In an interview conducted with Andrew Crane of the New York Post and Mika Zibanejad made the following (and sickening) remarks:
“I know what my contract says. Both parties agreed to it, and like I said, I think I’ve earned it. Until it’s time to adjust it, I have no plans of going [anywhere]. I’ve invested a lot of years here.
“I believe in what we have here and [we won’t know where this all goes] unless we give it a chance.”
After reading this – and I’m now wondering if Zibanejad, formerly concussion prone during the early stages of his career, is suffering from CTE today?
First off, and how many times do I have to say it on this site, the following:
MIKA IS PAID $8.5M TO BE AN ELITE FIRST LINE CENTER!
Today, and he’s either a second line right-winger or a third line center!
So yes Mental Mika – IT IS TIME TO ADJUST YOUR CONTRACT!
The best way to adjust it?
By eating some of it – and then trading the rest of it away elsewhere!
And of course – he’s had all of the “CHANCES” in the world too!
Hell, then all of his regular playoff no-shows were enough “CHANCES” prior to this 2024-25 mess even commencing!
I don’t care if his wife is a freakin’ neurosurgeon today (she’s not) – but we can’t have Trouba 2.0 going down this summer.
HE MUST GO!
We must learn from history – or we are doomed to repeat it – and the Rangers have been doomed with Mika’s contract for some time now – and as I first said over two-years ago when everyone else were quarreling over Trouba’s deal!
Heck, for all of the talk about sexual assault today – and no one has been raping the Rangers’ bank account worse than Mika!
The fact that he’s so aloof and nonchalant about this subject is maddening.
I mean, you can read everything that I’ve written about this guy from the past three-seasons and it’s even worse today.
After all, the Rangers could have got Mika to waive his NMC had they just decided to scratch him.
Take away a players’ playing time – and their tune will change.
Unless the Rangers want to celebrate their 100th season as the New York Football Giants just did – then this Mika Madness must end.
You can’t pay $8.5M to a guy who has been a ghost in nearly every playoffs – and now annually in the regular season too.
The Rangers tried to run it back this season – and they got ran out Cup contention.
It’s time to run away from Mika.
And yes – I know that I’m a broken record on this subject, so let’s switch gears, share some more info from tonight’s tilt – and then get into the Report Card and Playoff segments.
Here was Laviolette’s line-up for the eighty-second and final game of this 2024-25 season – and where yep – two goals scored against the Islanders didn’t mean a thing for Brett Berard either:
FIRST LINE: Panarin/Trocheck/Perreault
SECOND LINE: Othmann/Miller/Lafreniere
THIRD LINE: Kreider/Zibanejad/Cuylle
FOURTH LINE: Brodzinski/Carrick/Rempe
FIRST PAIR: Miller/Borgen
SECOND PAIR: Robertson/Fox
THIRD PAIR: Vaakanainen/Jones
STARTING GOALIE: CZAR IGOR
BACK UP GOALIE: Quick
LTIR: Adam Edstrom
SICK: Carson Soucy
DONE FOR THE SEASON: Arthur Kaliyev and Braden Schneider
HEALTHY SCRATCHES: Brett Berard, Calvin de Haan, Nicolas Aube-Kubel and Jusse Parssinen
BOX SCORE time.
The following graphics and information come from ESPN.com:
SCORING:
PENALTIES:
TEAM STATS:
GOALIES:
|
TBL
|
|
SA
|
GA
|
SV
|
SV%
|
ESSV
|
PPSV
|
SHSV
|
SOSA
|
SOS
|
TOI
|
PIM
|
| 22 | 4 | 18 | .818 | 17 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 59:33 | 0 |
|
NYR
|
|
SA
|
GA
|
SV
|
SV%
|
ESSV
|
PPSV
|
SHSV
|
SOSA
|
SOS
|
TOI
|
PIM
|
| 27 | 0 | 27 | 1.000 | 27 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 60:00 | 0 |
As tonight’s broadcast opened, then we were greeted to 20-or-so players on the ice who were all wearing #40 jerseys.
At the time, then I thought it was a tribute to Alexandar Georgiev! (I kid, I kid!)
As John Giannone was interviewing the man of 40-years, Rosen himself, then it still gets me every time when I think how Rosen spent 19-years with Joe Micheletti – which means that he called more games with Micheletti during his HOF career than he did with his partner from his prime years, John Davidson.
The only thing to mar an otherwise perfect broadcast was the seven-foot shithead, Sieve Vagistat.
After missing the past few games (and where I was hoping that this would become permanent), and he was right back – and he wasted no time when promoting his made-up and bullshit ANALytics.
Come 7PM – and it all felt real – and especially as Jumpin’ Joe was sporting one of those custom #40 jerseys with the “Rosen” nameplate affixed to the back of it.
At points, you felt like either one of them were going to tear up, as just like us, and it hit them too – this was the end of an era.
As noted above – and the Panarin story was never mentioned.
But man, this could have given us one hell of a bit, as can you imagine Rosen explaining what sexual assault is?
I can hear it now:
“OH JOE, IT’S WHEN YOU HOLD A BROAD AGAINST HER WILL JOE! SOMETIMES 31 FREE BOTTLES OF WINE MAKES YOU MAKE TERRIBLE DECISIONS JOE! SPEAKING OF, WHAT’S YOUR TACO BELL TAKE JOE?”
Man, I’m going to miss the regular “OH JOE” bits!
There’s really nothing else to say about the game that I haven’t said yet, but I do want to mention how Rosen treated his successor, Kenny Albert, throughout the broadcast.
However, and prior to puck drop, and Albert said the following about his long-time friend and peer:
Congratulations to Sam Rosen on a Hall of Fame career. 40 years-wow! Honored to call him a colleague and friend. The soundtrack of Rangers hockey for generations of fans. One of the greatest broadcasters in the history of the sport. The memories of his calls will last a lifetime!
— Kenny Albert (@KennyAlbert) April 17, 2025
Rosen reciprocated in ten-fold.
From the start of the broadcast, in the middle of the broadcast and then during his final minute as a full-time M$GN employee – and all Rosen did was sing the praises of Albert.
Class act – and from both sides of the aisle.
As noted so many times on this site before – and there wasn’t a perfect successor out there for Rosen other than Albert.
It should also be mentioned, as this story has fell to the wayside (and I get it), that tonight marked Albert’s last game on M$GN radio too – thus ending a 19-year partnership with Dave Maloney.
I’m going to miss this pair together – and again, no offense to Micheletti – but we’d all rather the former captain on TV full-time with his now former radio partner.
This was a boring and meaningless game (outside of the Rosen stuff), so if you want the complete play-by-play, then go to my Twitter/X page here: https://x.com/NYCTheMiC
Here’s the quick-and-dirty GAME REVIEW segment for you below – just the goals scored and what I said after each period in real-time.
After that?
Report Card time!
FIRST PERIOD
Scoreless after a boring 20. 1P Thoughts:
— ZzZ ZzZ
— SOG 4-2, TBL – Fox has both SOG for #NYR
— What a way to send off Sam – with the most boring period of the season – and that covers a lot
— Tampa is beat up a bit and barely trying, yet just cruising with the puck.…— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) April 17, 2025
SECOND PERIOD
Trocheck with a shorty to open the scoring 1-0 #NYR pic.twitter.com/xqqKnApbmT
— David 🏒 (@DaveyUpper) April 18, 2025
1-0, #NYR, after 40. 2P Thoughts:
— One of the most boring games I’ve ever watched.
— Tampa is barely trying which is why they don’t have any goals, but they have dominated the puck and zone time.
— Kreider screws up his chance to get the PPG record.
— Imagine how worse…— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) April 18, 2025
THIRD PERIOD
Kreider scores!!! Record it full plus replay for @msilvers1979 I got you 👊 … #NYR pic.twitter.com/sg3cKGj4GQ
— David 🏒 (@DaveyUpper) April 18, 2025
Mika makes it 3-0 … It’s always like ” see, we can play if we want too ” #NYR pic.twitter.com/8dWCflQsea
— David 🏒 (@DaveyUpper) April 18, 2025
Mika makes it 4-0, is it just me that Kreider and Mika are making a statement ? #NYR pic.twitter.com/4RaL4nWH1A
— David 🏒 (@DaveyUpper) April 18, 2025
And that’s that.
Moving on!
Back on January 14th and I presented you with my “2024-25 New York Rangers Report Card.”
To read the whole thing, then check out: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/ms25/
Fast-forward to today, and while there was a lot of roster churning done from January until the trade deadline – but when it comes to the core – and not much really had changed.
Ditto the team’s playoff fate from that time.
Also not changing is my lack of faith in both the general manager and head coach – and where as noted ever since December – and I hope to see both Chris Drury and Peter Laviolette anywhere but in the Big Apple next season.
When I first started doing these report card blogs some twelve-years ago, then it was fun to do.
But just like anything else from this season – and this is no longer fun – which is why this will be our shortest final report card yet.
(And that says a lot coming from me!)
As everybody knows – and this was the most disappointing and worst season of our lifetimes.
Heck, even the oldest Ranger fan out there, the 93-year-old Stan Fischler, has said the same!
And boy – does that say a lot coming from him!
Furthermore?
Then I’ve pretty much said all of it, not only tonight, but regularly throughout the past few months too – and where there’s no point in meticulously dissecting every piece of minutiae any longer.
I promise to keep this as quick and as painless as possible.
(But again – and this will go 10K words anyway, as I continue the purge-and-venting process!)
Before doling out the grades, then let me give you the usual criteria that I use whenever I do these report cards:
— Grades are given out based on production, playing to their role on the team and to the contract of a player.
For example, I expect less from a fourth line and six-figure salaried player, such as a Jonny Brodzinski.
On the other hand, I expect a lot out of a first line player and/or a high-priced player like a Mika Zibanejad.
After all, we are playing in a salary-cap world, where teams are constantly giving up quality players, even players they drafted, in order to compete.
— To ignore the salary-cap hit of a player would be foolish, which is why they are considered and factored into these grades.
Keep in mind, then to me, and a player’s salary-cap hit is a stat that belongs on the back of a hockey card.
When it comes to building NHL rosters, general managers look at cap hits first. They aren’t worried about Corsi’s or whatever other nerd stat that Sieve Vagistat has pulled out of his five-hole this week.
In addition, and more times than not during this present era, then you don’t see as many pure “hockey trades” when compared to bygone eras. Instead, you see more “salary-cap dump trades” than anything else.
— Players who have played less than twenty-one games (25%) with the team, players who have been traded, players who have been injured, and players who were sent down to Hartford, are all listed in the “Incomplete” section.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly above all else – then these grades are just my opinions only.
In other words – don’t get bent out of shape over them!
This is just my way of assessing the current roster at this moment in the season.
And if any grade is truly egregious, then I’m sure that you will let me know!
Last but not least, the following:
— These grades take into account every game played this season.
— Just to compare, then I have listed my Quarter-Pole and Mid-Season report card grades with every player applicable.
— To read those reports, then check out: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/12624-2/ and https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/ms25/
— In a new wrinkle, then I am adding a KEEP ‘EM OR LOSE ‘EM remark after each player listed – as that’s what we’ve been reduced to.
At this time, here are final grades for this rotten 2024-25 season!
FORWARDS
BRETT BERARD
QUARTER-POLE REPORT CARD GRADE: INC
MID-SEASON REPORT CARD GRADE: B-
2024-25 FINAL REPORT CARD GRADE: B
KEEP ‘EM OR LOSE ‘EM: KEEP
The 22-year-old Brett Berard wound up logging 35 games for the Rangers this season, where he finished with six goals and four assists – but with a less-than-impressive minus-6 rating too.
A third of Berard’s goals were scored in one game – against the Islanders during the final week of the season – and against minor-league goalies no less.
Mainly a bottom-sixer – and I don’t think that Berard, a stud in Hartford, got as much playing time with the varsity club as he should have.
Like many others – and he was also a victim of bad coaching.
Sans his paltry six-figure salary-cap hit, then another reason for Berard’s high grade is because like anyone else who played primarily on the fourth line – and it was this bottom trio, no matter the players on it that particular game, that exhibited the most energy and effort on any given night.
I think that Berard will benefit from playing under a new coach – and with a more permanent role too – hence his “KEEP” status.
JONNY BRODZINSKI
QUARTER-POLE REPORT CARD GRADE: B-
MID-SEASON REPORT CARD GRADE: B
2024-25 FINAL REPORT CARD GRADE: A-
KEEP ‘EM OR LOSE ‘EM: KEEP
I have nothing but respect and admiration for the soon-to-be 32-year-old – and a player that can skate at any position for that matter too.
Intangible-wise, and Jonny Broadway checks every box – including the most important one – LEADERSHIP.
As the former captain of the Wolf Pack and #22 has also been a sounding board, a mentor, and a trusted friend to many of the baby Blueshirts on the present varsity roster.
Not only has he been a good “Papa Bear” for his young Blueshirts’ Brethren – and Brodzinski has excelled himself.
Put it this way:
As primarily a fourth-liner this season, while also enjoying brief stints in Lateralette’s top-six – and the long-time AHL veteran, one making $787,500 this season, scored twelve goals.
Zibanejad, at $8.5M, scored twenty goals – and where four of them were scored when the Rangers were already mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, thus playing against uninterested opponents.
Furthermore?
Then until the final game of the season and Brodzinski had 12 even-strength goals.
Missing Mika had 11 – and for over ten-times the wages paid.
During his 51 games played and Jonny Broadway was one of the few Rangers to finish with a positive in the plus/minus department – and as he did – as +6.
It took a while – but Brodzinski is now a bonafide NHLer – and where he should be retained as a fourth-line center – and team leader – next season.
SAM CARRICK
QUARTER-POLE REPORT CARD GRADE: B
MID-SEASON REPORT CARD GRADE: A
2024-25 FINAL REPORT CARD GRADE: A-
KEEP ‘EM OR LOSE ‘EM: KEEP
In his first year as a Ranger and the long-time veteran, now at 33-years-old, won the Players’ Player award – and as his teammates overwhelmingly voted him to be.
Coming into the season as a “Poor Man’s Barclay Goodrow” – and Carrick was anything but.
In fact, he exceeded such a moniker – and the former alternate captain’s final seasons in New York too.
Despite being primarily a fourth-line center – and Carrick finished with 20-points – 11th best overall.
His +5 rating ranked him 8th overall.
However, and with 140 hits, he ranked 4th overall – which is impressive – when you also consider his lack of playing time when compared to everyone else.
He also finished with a 53.9% faceoff percentage – as once again – and the dots aren’t a problem for the Rangers anymore – as both Trocheck (59.4%) and J.T. Miller (57.5%) also won more than half their draws.
For a million bucks per-season – and arguably – Carrick’s contract is the best value on the team today – which is also why I’d keep him for next season.
Then again, there’s also our next guy, who only earned $925,000 in 2024-25.
WILL CUYLLE
QUARTER-POLE REPORT CARD GRADE: A
MID-SEASON REPORT CARD GRADE: A
2024-25 FINAL REPORT CARD GRADE: A
KEEP ‘EM OR LOSE ‘EM: KEEP
Sophomore slump? What sophomore slump!
The second-year Ranger, bounced throughout Lateralette’s line-up this season, receives our highest grade among all Blueshirt skaters.
Not only was Cuylle one of the team’s best players on most nights – he also became the first Ranger to pick up 20 goals and 300+ hits in franchise history this season – as he’s living up to his reputation as the second coming of Washington’s Tom Wilson.
Cuylle, who picked up a career-high 45-points this season, also led the team in the almighty plus/minus stat, with a +12.
For Will The Thrill, who played in all 82-games, and Adam Fox, who played in 74-games, came in second, with a +9.
For all of the big name draft picks over the years – Filip Chytil, Lias Andersson, Vitali Kravtsov, Kaapo Kakko, Alexis Lafreniere, et al – and it’s Cuylle who has superseded all of them – and by far.
He’s also due for a new contract soon – and he’s going to be worth every penny.
Cuylle is also our most easiest “KEEP” too.
CHRIS KREIDER
QUARTER-POLE REPORT CARD GRADE: B-
MID-SEASON REPORT CARD GRADE: C+
2024-25 FINAL REPORT CARD GRADE: D-
KEEP ‘EM OR LOSE ‘EM: LOSE
I’m not a Kreider hater like the majority of this fan base – but yeah – it’s time to move on.
As the longest-tenured Ranger, CK20 is now the new face, like Henrik Lundqvist before him, that represents failure for this core.
I don’t really know how injured Kreider was this season (and as he proclaimed to be) – as after all – he was healthy enough to play in this year’s Four Nations tournament.
I also wouldn’t call him a “quitter” as others are (and even from people that I like and respect) – but at the same time – and he didn’t do much to dispel such a label.
As it was prior to his 52-goal breakout season under former coach Gerard Gallant (2021-22) – and there were just too many games this season where you had to check the box score to see if he even played.
Kreider did manage 22 goals this season – but only six of them were scored on the power-play – his former bread-and-butter.
He also powered through to eight assists – but where half of them were scored once the Rangers were officially eliminated from the playoffs.
Of the core and FAT CATS – and CK20 is the easiest to trade since he has a modified NMC.
It’s just time to move on.
Maybe one day, he gets his #20 raised to the rafters, and where as time elapses – he’ll be remembered more fondly.
After all, we all long for nostalgia.
However, this last season, coupled with the recent failed playoff runs, has created significant damage for him in the present – and just as it is for his BFF, the long-haired hippie/failed dee-jay, Missing Mika.
Again – it’s time to move on – and especially with so many younger – and better – wingers waiting in the wings.
Hockey is a business – and Kreider will find that out this summer.
ALEXIS LAFRENIERE
QUARTER-POLE REPORT CARD GRADE: B-
MID-SEASON REPORT CARD GRADE: C-
2024-25 FINAL REPORT CARD GRADE: D
KEEP ‘EM OR LOSE ‘EM: LOSE
Was there anyone more polarizing than Alexis Lafreniere this season?
After a career break-out season last year, followed by the best playoff performance exhibited by a Ranger forward – and Lafreniere fell off a cliff this season.
And this is extremely alarming – as he already secured his bag for the next seven seasons ($7.14M per).
Lafreniere, in between his multiple goal scoring droughts of 15 games plus, managed 45-points this season.
He also finished as a team second-worst -13 – and where this number, which matches his jersey number, does tell the story.
Lafreniere enters his sixth season next year – and much like Kakko before him – and it feels like that he’ll never live up to his draft status and/or hype on a consistent basis.
If you can find someone who can take him, then by all means, do it – and especially with guys like Berard, Cuylle, Perreault, Sykora, et al, all younger and able.
But with his new contract – then I think that he stays – but again – I’d move him if I could.
J.T. MILLER
QUARTER-POLE REPORT CARD GRADE: N/A
MID-SEASON REPORT CARD GRADE: N/A
2024-25 FINAL REPORT CARD GRADE: B+
KEEP ‘EM OR LOSE ‘EM: KEEP
Miller, like everyone else, was prone to scoring droughts – including a nine-game schneid.
However, I do see him as the next captain of this team – and with an iron-clad contract that runs until 2030 – then he’s not going anywhere.
In only 31 games played since returning from Vancouver, and Miller finished with 34 points – seventh-best overall.
His 13 goals and 21 assists also ranks him seventh-overall in both scoring categories.
You know what Miller can do – and while getting older – and for the money too – then he’s a much better option as a top-six center than Missing Mika.
Slap the “C” on his sweater, give him the ball and let’s see what he can do as the father figure to the next generation of Blueshirts – and including the next man on our list.
BRENNAN OTHMANN
QUARTER-POLE REPORT CARD GRADE: N/A
MID-SEASON REPORT CARD GRADE: N/A
2024-25 FINAL REPORT CARD GRADE: C
KEEP ‘EM OR LOSE ‘EM: KEEP
Everyone is still rooting for the Rangers’ 16th-overall pick of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft – but unless you’re fooling yourself – then nothing has happened yet.
Similar to other recent first-round busts – and Othmann doesn’t look like an NHLer.
Perhaps you can chalk up his lack of numbers to poor coaching – but every other rookie – including that many falsely label as a “goon,” Matt Rempe, has been able to put pucks into the opponent’s net.
In 22-games played, and Othmann has only 2 points – and again – look at his linemates – who all have superior numbers when in comparison.
If you’re looking for something positive to say about Othmann, then he is ranked 5th-overall in plus/minus – as he co-shares a +7 rating with Matt Rempe – and a fourth-line brute who scored 3 goals and 5 assists this season.
While Othmann, now 22-years-old, has largely been underwhelming (and especially when compared to Berard); then there’s also no chance that you move on from him.
After all, the time to do so was at last year’s deadline – and when Drury refused to include him in a package for Jake Guentzel.
Ugh.
ARTEMI PANARIN
QUARTER-POLE REPORT CARD GRADE: A-
MID-SEASON REPORT CARD GRADE: B
2024-25 FINAL REPORT CARD GRADE: B
KEEP ‘EM OR LOSE ‘EM: KEEP
Once again, and the greatest free agent signing in franchise history, and now as a two-time alleged sexual assault rapist, Artemi Panarin, led the team in goals (37), assists (52) and points (89).
But these were also numbers way down from his career-highs previously set with the Rangers – 49 goals, 74 assists and 120 points.
And as the team’s highest-paid player ($11.67M) – and anything less than his best won’t cut it.
We are also talking about a 31-point drop-off from last season – and where all of his lack of production on the power-play is one of the reasons why the Rangers didn’t make the playoffs this season.
Panarin enters next season on the final-year of his seven-year contract that was signed back in July of 2019 – and again – the best free agent contract that the Blueshirts have ever agreed to.
But if the team goes for rebuild over retool – and this may be Panarin’s last year as a Ranger – and especially if Katie Strang’s story gains more traction and credibility.
Not helping Panarin’s cause either this season was his laissez-faire approach to defense – and as his fourth-worst on the team overall -9 suggests.
That said – and he’s still the Blueshirts’ best offensive weapon – which is why he has to stay – and why any hush money was allegedly paid too.
MATT REMPE
QUARTER-POLE REPORT CARD GRADE: N/A
MID-SEASON REPORT CARD GRADE: N/A
2024-25 FINAL REPORT CARD GRADE: A-
KEEP ‘EM OR LOSE ‘EM: KEEP
How many sixth-rounders in this league of ours finished with 3 goals, 5 assists, 8 points and a fifth-best on their team +7 rating this season?
And how many sixth-rounders did this in only 42-games played, while on a fourth line averaging 8:22 minutes played per-game?
Yeah, Rempe took the team-high PIM (67) (Carrick, at second, took 58) – but again, and as said all-season – then the bulk of these penalties were the end result of “REMPUTATION” calls assessed to him by biased officials (Kelly Sutherlund) – or because #73 decided to drop the gloves when trying to avenge the good honor of his teammates.
Rempe is not a goon.
Instead, he is a FORCE.
And a force to be reckoned with at that.
Rempe should have received more playing time – and power-play time too – this season.
However, the head coach and general manager thought otherwise – and how did that go?
At $838,333 per-season, and a sponge for knowledge too (and as his relationship with mentor/land lord Jonathan Quick will tell you) – and Rempe, the unicorn, is another easy no-brainer KEEPER for next season.
I just hope that Laviolette and Drury aren’t responsible for his future come this Fall.
VINCENT TROCHECK
QUARTER-POLE REPORT CARD GRADE: B-
MID-SEASON REPORT CARD GRADE: A-
2024-25 FINAL REPORT CARD GRADE: B-
KEEP ‘EM OR LOSE ‘EM: KEEP
It was a down season for Trocheck – and just as it was for every other FAT CAT in 2024-25.
But if you can believe it, then #16, with 26-goals scored, fared better than he did last season in this department (25).
He’s also emerged as one hell of a PKer – and as all of his short-handed goals would suggest.
I think that part of Trocheck’s decline this season was because his former linemates, Panarin and Lafreneire, also had down seasons – and most certainly the latter.
That said, and does it surprise you when I tell you that Trocheck had seven game-winning goals scored this season – the team’s high?
Trocheck turns 32-years-old this summer (7/11 – buy a slurpee).
But I still think that he has good years ahead of him – and even if it’s a finite amount.
I also believe that it’s high time that this team promotes the new BFF, Trocheck and Miller, while saying toodles to hopefully the former BFF of this franchise, CK20 and you know, the next man on this list.
MIKA ZIBANEJAD
QUARTER-POLE REPORT CARD GRADE: F—
MID-SEASON REPORT CARD GRADE: F— YOU
2024-25 FINAL REPORT CARD GRADE: F— YOU TO INFINITY
KEEP ‘EM OR LOSE ‘EM: DEPORT!
Really, do I need to say anything else?
GO AWAY.
Mika’s -22 was the worst on the team – and of 1,000 players who played in the league this season, he fell at 925th-overall in this department.
There’s just been too many bad playoff runs – and way too many sloooooooooooow early seasons to keep this guy around.
He gets paid for 82-games played – not 12 – nor a dozen once the team is down-and-out of it.
HE MUST GO.
I’m done – as I have wasted more time in my life to this loser than any other person that I presently disdain on all of this planet.
DEFENSEMEN
WILL BORGEN
QUARTER-POLE REPORT CARD GRADE: N/A
MID-SEASON REPORT CARD GRADE: B
2024-25 FINAL REPORT CARD GRADE: B-
KEEP ‘EM OR LOSE ‘EM: KEEP
Acquired for Kaapo Kakko once dealt from Seattle – and less than ten-games played with the Blueshirts – and Big Billy Borgen soon received a four-year deal worth $20,500,000 from perhaps a general manager who wanted to justify his own trade.
Largely, and I think that Borgen has been good for the Rangers.
But I also don’t think that he’s filled the shoes of the man that’s he expected to replace on the cheap – former captain Jacob Trouba.
I think that the best two-words to describe #17 is “serviceable” and “reliable” – and where you’ll never see “game-changer,” as it once was for the former #8, the man known for his TROO TROO TRAIN hits, either.
Perhaps the biggest contention when talking Borgen is his salary – as similar to recent castaways, including Trouba and Ryan Lindgren – and why is Borgen earning top-pair money for third-pair production?
But with his new deal – and he isn’t going anywhere next season.
ADAM FOX
QUARTER-POLE REPORT CARD GRADE: B-
MID-SEASON REPORT CARD GRADE: B-
2024-25 FINAL REPORT CARD GRADE: C+
KEEP ‘EM OR LOSE ‘EM: KEEP
Was the team’s second-highest paid player ($9.5M, behind Panarin’s $11.67M) worth it this year?
And is Fox, formerly a Norris Trophy winner, even a top-ten d-man in this league anymore?
Injuries, and a lack of production too, would suggest a resounding NO to all of these questions – which then leads me to this:
Fox’s present seven-year deal will now have a no-movement-clause attached to it prior to the start of next season (2025-26), the fourth-year of the pact.
Just to throw it out there, but if Boston, who has said they are now rebuilding, were to offer Charlie McAvoy, another Long Island boy making $9.5M, then would the Rangers say no?
That’s where it is for Fox, who admittedly finished fourth-best in points (61) and second-overall in plus-minus (9) this season – and despite a down year like everyone else.
Fox, and as we all know, from Jericho, NY, grew up loving this team – and he’s twice forced his way to his favorite franchise.
That’s why if even a better player was on the table for his services (McAvoy) – then I still think that the Rangers would keep him anyway.
Of everyone on this roster, then I think that Fox needs this summer off the most – as I don’t believe he’s ever recovered from his two knee injuries that he sustained last year – nor his injuries incurred this season either.
And with Lindgren, his BFF gone – then the Rangers need to give him a steady-and-regular LD partner in order to suit the best benefit of both him and the team.
ZAC JONES
QUARTER-POLE REPORT CARD GRADE: B+
MID-SEASON REPORT CARD GRADE: B+
2024-25 FINAL REPORT CARD GRADE: B-
KEEP ‘EM OR LOSE ‘EM: LOSE
We all know the deal – Jones is a goner – and you can’t blame him.
The Rangers screwed with this guy so much, so much so, that Jones was publicly cursing out and disparaging both the head coach and management earlier this season.
I think that the knock on Jones is the obvious one – his diminutive size.
At 5’10” and 180 pounds – and there’s a reason why no playoff team was ringing Drury’s phone when Jones, and his agent too, were given permission to seek a trade prior to the deadline.
Can Jones be valuable as a third pair d-man?
Probably – but it won’t be here next season.
Let him move on elsewhere – and most likely – become the next Neal Pionk (who just signed a six-year/$42M deal on Thursday).
K’ANDRE MILLER
QUARTER-POLE REPORT CARD GRADE: F
MID-SEASON REPORT CARD GRADE: D-
2024-25 FINAL REPORT CARD GRADE: D
KEEP ‘EM OR LOSE ‘EM: LOSE
Similar to Lafreniere – and Miller presents nothing but headaches and questions.
On one hand, Miller eats a ton of minutes and where for the Rangers – they have no other options when looking for a first LD.
On the other, Miller, and like Lafreniere, is one of the most inconsistent players on the club.
For every good game, every good play and every highlight reel moment – and there are two bad games, two bad plays and two “WTF are you thinking” moments for #79.
And there’s also a reason why my good pals, Jim S. & Eddie G., from “The Blueshirt Undergound Show,” have made “K’ANDRE, PACK YA BAGS” infamous – or is it now famous today?
Perhaps Miller’s bad season (7-20-27, 0 rating), will help Drury – or whoever the GM is – when looking for a bridge deal – and as opposed to a five-, six- or seven-year contract extension.
While I have Miller at “LOSE ‘EM” here – I do believe that he gets brought back – and only because there aren’t that many options for a top LD on the free agency market.
The Rangers’ best bet is to hope that Miller, and like the FAT CATS, just had a bad year – and will then rebound next season.
Or at least that’s what they will hope to be the case!
BRADEN SCHNEIDER
QUARTER-POLE REPORT CARD GRADE: A-
MID-SEASON REPORT CARD GRADE: A-
2024-25 FINAL REPORT CARD GRADE: B+
KEEP ‘EM OR LOSE ‘EM: KEEP
You can argue that for the money ($2.2M), that Schneider was the Rangers’ most valuable contract at defense this season.
Like Fox, paid over four-times the amount, and B-Schneids finished with an equal +9 rating.
As more of a defensive-defenseman type, and #4 also posted career-highs in goals (6), assists (15) and points (21).
He also finished with a team-high 145 blocked shots and a third-best 146 hits.
But despite these numbers, and perhaps it’s because of the lack of violence and physicality behind these numbers – and it never felt like he lived up to the nickname that was once bestowed upon him – “Baby Troobs.”
Maybe one reason for that is because Lateralette treated Schneider as if he was a dime-store prostitute – as he had a bevy of rotating partners this season.
Similar to Fox, and it would best behoove the Blueshirts to give Schneider a regular dance partner – and rather than a new one every other game.
Regardless of everything – and Schneider is an easy KEEPER.
CARSON SOUCY
QUARTER-POLE REPORT CARD GRADE: N/A
MID-SEASON REPORT CARD GRADE: N/A
2024-25 FINAL REPORT CARD GRADE: D
KEEP ‘EM OR LOSE ‘EM: LOSE
I have no clue what the Rangers were thinking when they gave up a third-round pick for Soucy right before the deadline – and then only to tell Calvin de Haan to “GFY” afterwards too.
Soucy, with 75 games played between Vancouver and New York, finished with a third-low -11 with the Rangers – and where outside of his first game when he scored a goal – then I can’t think of one great game that he had while representing the Big Apple.
At an annual salary of $3,250,000, then Soucy has gots to go – and too bad that the Rangers can’t bring back Victor Mancini, now in Vancouver, in exchange.
URHO VAAKAINANEN
QUARTER-POLE REPORT CARD GRADE: N/A
MID-SEASON REPORT CARD GRADE: C
2024-25 FINAL REPORT CARD GRADE: B
KEEP ‘EM OR LOSE ‘EM: KEEP
The piece acquired in the Jacob Trouba salary cap dump trade – and while playing well enough – then I still don’t get why Drury extended him with the team down-and-out of the playoffs – and as he did when he gave U.V. a two-year deal worth $3,100,000 overall ($1.55M annually).
What, does Drury not trust in his own prospects, including both Zac Jones and Matthew Robertson?
I guess that I already answered my own question.
But at only $1.55M-per, and with the cap jumping up exponentially next season – then I guess that you could do worse with U.V. as a third-pairing d-man.
GOALIES
Jonathan Quick:
QUARTER-POLE REPORT CARD GRADE: A+++++++++
MID-SEASON REPORT CARD GRADE: A++++++++
2024-25 FINAL REPORT CARD GRADE: A++++++++
KEEP ‘EM OR LOSE ‘EM: KEEP
This is a no-brainer – and everything that I’ve previously said about Quick remains true here – he’s a team leader, a reliable back-up – and heck – he’s the only goalie to pick up a point this season too (one assist).
And when you look at the nine shutouts that the Rangers posted this season – and Quick’s triad were better than Igor’s sextet – including the best NO NO of the campaign – the 4-0 win in Detroit.
I don’t have anything new to add about Quick – he’s still living in that Fountain of Youth.
Too bad he can’t share it with the FAT CATS!
IGOR SHESTERKIN
QUARTER-POLE REPORT CARD GRADE: B
MID-SEASON REPORT CARD GRADE: B-
2024-25 FINAL REPORT CARD GRADE: B-
KEEP ‘EM OR LOSE ‘EM: KEEP
A GAA and save percentage that was only bolstered against teams during garbage time (Islanders and Lightning) – and Igor would have received a worse grade here – that is – had his new contract, the one that makes him the richest goalie in the league next season ($11.5M annually), had been in-effect during this campaign.
In other words?
Another season like this one for the 2022 Vezina Trophy winner – and where he hasn’t come close to winning another Vezina since – and we’re looking at a C- grade.
Granted, CZAR IGOR, and on most nights, is the team’s best player – and as he’ll nearly be paid to be next season. (Only Panarin, $11.67M, makes more).
But, and despite him being my favorite player – and I don’t like any goalie eating up the bulk of the cap.
(That said, and his cap-hit is still more friendlier than what it was at Henrik Lundqvist’s peak, which once reached up to 13.22%.)
Another concern when talking about the player that my good old pal, Stan Fischler, calls “PIGGY IGGY?”
The annual injuries that he endures – as he hasn’t played a pain/injury free season since his rookie year (2020).
CZAR IGOR can still be the best goalie in this league – and where yes – the Rangers’ defense does him no favors either – but yeah, this too – and his new contract gives me the heebie-jeebies.
THE SINCE DEARLY DEPARTED AND INCOMPLETES
Filip Chytil, who received a C+ grade at the Mid-Season Report Card (MSRC), was wisely dealt to Vancouver – but albeit – a year too late.
Chytil missed the back-end of the Canucks’ season – and guess over what – another concussion!
As said so many times over – and I no longer have any sympathy for “The Concussed Czech” – as at this point – he’s only doing it to himself.
Just retire.
Adam Edstrom, who received a B+ from me a few months ago, was also injured – and where sadly – he may have been the difference for a team flirting with a playoff spot.
Put it this way: He would have been more impactful than Brennan Othmann – and Mika Zibanejad too!
Reilly Smith (B- at the MSRC) and Jimmy Vesey (B+ at the MSRC), were two over 30-year-old veterans that wanted better elsewhere – and a previous pair of right winger du jours for the CK20 and MZ93 losers.
And in what’s become his signature move – and Drury, and like everyone else that he’s traded, moved both Smith (Vegas) and Vesey (Colorado) to the Western Conference – and as he also did with Chytil (Vancouver), Trouba (Anaheim), Goodrow (San Jose), Kakko (Seattle), Lindgren (Colorado) and others.
I always thought that acquiring Smith was a fools’ errand – but I am sad to see the two-time alumni, #26, move on.
But I also understand that’s what was best for him too.
I absolutely abhored the trade of Ryan Lindgren (C+ at the MSRC) – and even more so now.
While I hope that he wins a Cup for the franchise where Drury won his – but don’t you think that the Rangers could have used #55 down the stretch – and especially when they only missed the playoffs by six-points?
Both Calvin de Haan and Matthew Robertson, the former playing three games, the latter playing two, weren’t effective – nor did they really have a chance to showcase their wares eitehr.
The former Islander won’t be here next season – and I’m not so sure about Robertson, who took forever to make his NHL debut (but as decreed by Dumbass Drury), either.
What the Rangers were thinking when they traded for – and then inserted into their line-up – Nicolas Aube-Kubel– well that’s beyond me.
I also think that N.A.K. is now beyond his playing days with the Blueshirts too.
Both Arthur Kaliyev (14GP before injury) and Juuse Parssinen (11GP) were always reclamation projects/flier chances.
Neither should be brought back next season – and why Drury & Laviolette thought that either would make a difference this season was beyond moronic.
Kaliyev was the Kings’ version of Kakko, while Parssinen, “The Feckless Finn 2.0,” was drafted some 215 spots after the original.
Burning the first-year of Gabe Perreault’s ELC – and for only five-games played – and sorry, as I know that I promised several of you that I’d no longer use this word, but it most aptly applies here – was “retarded.”
Perreault, once called-up, was scratched for three games – and against inferior competition (Flyers and Islanders, sporting minor league line-ups) no less.
I thought that Perreault showed some signs of offensive life – but he’s also small and underdeveloped – and just like another collegiate product out of Massachussetts that was promoted too early – Zac Jones.
MANAGEMENT
CHRIS DRURY
MID-SEASON REPORT CARD GRADE: F
2024-25 FINAL REPORT CARD GRADE: F-
KEEP ‘EM OR LOSE ‘EM: LOSE
PETER LAVIOLETTE
MID-SEASON REPORT CARD GRADE: D-
2024-25 FINAL REPORT CARD GRADE: F-
KEEP ‘EM OR LOSE ‘EM: LOSE
I am now 23K words in – and I’ve said it all already – and multiple times at that – so I don’t need to say it again – but I’ll do so one last time here:
FIRE BOTH OF THESE IDIOTS.
Drury botched the 2024 trade deadline – and then followed it with a summer of nothing.
Lateralette held no one accountable – and with the season on the line (and during many instances at that) – he just held optional practices – while also deploying the same losers on his failed power-play too.
One more time:
WAKE UP JAMES DOLAN!
And with that, we’re now finally up to our last segment – the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs preview!
WHEW – I thought that I’d never get here either!
Over seven-months ago, back on September 15th, 2024, I gave you my 2024-25 season preview and Stanley Cup Final prediction blog.
You can find that article here: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/2425p/
As usual, what I foretold ultimately wound up as a mixed bag – as for everything that I hit – then there was also a huge swing-and-a-miss to follow – and that includes my prediction of the Rangers making the playoffs this season too!
Oops!
(But for what it’s worth, then I did say that I didn’t see them going far once there!)
For the first time in four-years, and this post-season will be stress-free for Blueshirt backers.
It’s also a sixteen-team playoff bracket that provides nothing but high-stakes drama and compelling story-lines – and I can’t wait to see it all go down.
To start on the Eastern side of the equation, then you have a “Battle of Ontario” series between the Maple Leafs and Senators.
Similar to Rangers vs Islanders – and this is territorial feud between an Original Six big brother and their younger sibling.
The Leafs, and for the first time in seemingly forever, have finally won their division.
But much like the Blueshirts – and the playoffs haven’t been very kind to them.
I’m going with history here – which means that I’m taking Ottawa to pull off the upset.
Another reason why I’m going with the Senators?
Give me Brady Tkachuk over any of the top Toronto guys in a big game – and any day of the week, twice on Sundays.
In another territorial first-round match-up and we have the “Sunshine State Showdown,” as once again, the Panthers and Bolts, who between them, have won the past five straight Eastern Conference championships, will wage war.
While I’m going with the Lightning here, and primarily because the Cats are beat-up a bit (while also having played a bunch of hockey over the past two-years too); but at the end of the day – and I can see either team moving on – and as the eventual Cup champion too.
Similar to the Stars vs Avalanche first-round series – and one amazing team, who perhaps would have beat anyone else in their conference, will be going home early.
Complain about the playoff format all that you want, and champion for a traditional 1-8 or 1-16 seeding system too – but that’s what makes this first-round the most electrifying and exciting postseason round in all of sports.
Speaking of seeding, then the top team of the East, the Capitals, have home ice over the second wild-card Canadiens.
Among all eight playoff series’ – and this is your ultimate “feel-good” series.
Unless you’re a raging liberal lunatic like Larry Brooks or Katie Strang – then everyone is on the Alex Ovechkin bandwagon these days.
In the other corner, you have a Montreal squad that’s now ahead of their rebuild – and a serious threat to the Cup too.
While perhaps the only way this first-round series could have had more positive vibes behind it was if it were Columbus as Washington’s opponent – and not Montreal; but either way, and there’s an awful a lot to like about both teams.
That said, if the Capitals choke, then they’ll have wasted another chance at adding another Stanley Cup to Ovechkin’s cabinet.
I say that they don’t – and the Canadiens, while “not happy to just be here,” will take solace in the fact that they are moving on in the right direction.
The final pairing of this Eastern Conference first-round features two teams that I personally don’t care for – the Devils and the Hurricanes.
Back in September, I had New Jersey going to the Stanley Cup Final.
Of course, the season-ending injury sustained by Jack Hughes changes all of that.
This is a round between two teams where I feel the winner of it screams “second-round exit” – and where in this case – I see Brind’Amour’s Brood suffering such a fate.
The Canes are always good enough to reach the playoffs – but they never last long once there either.
I honestly don’t know how serious they really are to boot – and especially after backing out on their “CUP OR GO HOME” mantra – and as they did when they traded for Mikko Ranatanen – then only to trade him to a “CUP OR GO HOME” Dallas team – who very much like Carolina – has had solid runs – but can’t get over the top.
Shifting over to the Western Conference – and the drama, intrigue and high-pressure stakes are at an equal fever pitch.
In the Presidents’ Trophy winner vs second-wild card match-up, the Jets, the best regular season team in the league this year, hosts the hottest team of the past two-months – the St. Louis Blues.
The Jets, who have had their core for a long time now, are led by the multiple-time Vezina Trophy winning goalie, Connor Hellebuyck.
The Blue Note, who are looking for some 2019 deja vu, are perhaps the one team that can rival the Peggers in net.
After all, it was Jordan Binnington – and not Hellebucyk – who stole the Four Nations Tournament this year.
In round-two between these two goalies – and I’m backing on Binnington to do it again.
Another interesting thing to watch out for?
The Schenn Siblings – as Captain Brayden leads his Blues against older brother Luke.
The other Western wild card, the Wild, who just surpassed the Blues at the end, will travel to Sin City for their first-round meeting.
In what will perhaps be known as “The Flower Cup,” and despite Marc-Andre Fleury no longer the starter in Minny (Filip Gustavsson is) – you have the first face ever in Vegas franchise history on one side – and the team that his agent (Allan Wash) said stabbed him in the back, on the other.
Despite MAF’s short stay (in the grand scheme of things) in Las Vegas – and I do think that one day he’ll have his number retired there – as that’s how important he was for franchise #31. (He led them to the Stanley Cup Final in 2018, their inaugural season – and don’t forget about the tragedy that the city endured at the time either.)
The Wild, at one point, the best team in the league, soon suffered a ton of injuries, including to their best player, Kirill Kaprizov, immediately thereafter.
It’s really been nothing but .500 hockey for the team from the Land of 10,000 Lakes ever since the calendar flipped.
While Minnesota has recovered, then I’m still betting on the Golden Knights – as they have the experience – and history going for them too.
Part of the “history” in this series?
The Wild rarely ever get out of the first-round during the infrequent times when they do reach the playoffs.
For the first time in the salary cap era and we have two teams meeting each other for the fourth consecutive time in the first-round – Edmonton and Los Angeles.
The Oilers have won the past three renditions of these playoff clashes – and where they are now favored to make it 4-0 here.
Two-years ago, Round II, and the Kings put up their best fight yet.
Two-years later, and I think that the silver-and-black finally best their Albertan rival – and much to the dismay for the most famous player to have worn both sweaters – Wayne Gretzky.
This is a deeper Los Angeles team when compared to years past – and arguably – a weaker Edmonton team too.
The City of Angels will also have the home-ice advantage, which should be significant come the latter games of this series – as I can’t see this series ending any earlier than Game 6.
And that’s why I’m saying that it’s back to the drawing board for McDavid and Draisaitl.
Our final remaining first-round match-up is the biggest – Colorado v. Dallas – aka “The Rantanen Cup.”
On one side, you have “Cowboy” Mikko Rantanen, now in Texas, playing against his former franchise that he never wanted to leave in the first-place – but alas – he also wanted the green in the pocket that now matches his jersey.
As the Stars loaded up with Rantanen at this year’s deadline, conversely, and the Avalanche made a plethora of depth moves, including acquiring the services of Ryan Lindgren and Brock Nelson.
And for the first time in nearly three-years – and the Avs will finally have their captain back too – Gabriel Landeskog.
This series features all-stars, playoff vets, future Hall of Famers, big-name coaches and elite players, including the top defenseman for each side – Miro Heiskanen and Cale Makar.
This series is truly a toss-up – but I just can’t bet against Nathan MacKinnon – who after winning the Hart Trophy last year, may win it again this season too.
As you can see from my prediction graphic posted above, then I like a 2025 Stanley Cup Final featuring the Avalanche and Lightning – and which should that become the case – then it will be a rematch of the 2022 Final.
Perhaps I’m too “eye-test” for my own good, and also bank on veterans to play at their best when it matters most (and especially the guys who have done it before); but I just think that both Colorado and Tampa have all boxes checked – and all of the intangibles too.
But of course, and just like it is for the other fourteen teams vying for hockey supremacy – and injuries, even a single affliction, can derail a team’s hopes at the Cup.
And then there are the referees too – and where take this to the bank – there will be at least one game, if not many of them, that’s stolen from a team during these playoffs – as even to this day – and nobody knows what “goaltender’s interference” is.
Up Next For The Rangers: Break-up day – and where as noted earlier – most likely on Monday after the holiday.
I really don’t want to recap 76786869867896867986 interviews where everyone says that they have to play better and will work hard this off-season.
So unless something major happens, such as a firing (I don’t see any trades taking place until the SCF is completed), then I’m taking a break – and a well-deserved one at that!
Up Next For Me: Some time off – but I am working on two books right now, including the biography that I’m writing on Phil Watson – and admittedly a cash grab book – an update/Volume II of “The New York Rangers Rink of Honor and the Rafters of Madison Square Garden” – as it’s a perfect companion title for the upcoming Blueshirts’ centennial.
Up Next For You: Hopefully a break from these Rangers too – and also – your favorite segment, which now finally brings us to for the last time this season, the following:
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
@NYCTHEMIC on the Tweeter machine
Thank you for another season of entertaining write-ups.
I missed this game on purpose.
The Avalanche still have a few games left. I will purchase two tickets to game 4. $125 apiece