1. MSG Networks did the right thing lifting Dave Maloney from Rangers radio analysis to ditto alongside his longtime play by play guy Kenny Albert
2. The concern – some would call it "fear" among some Nervous Nellies – had been that Maloney's acerbic commentary would rub some the wrong way.
3. But Rangers fans respect Dave who'll bring a totally different "persona" to the telecast than his predecessor Sam (40 years) Rosen.
4. The betting is even-money that Slingin' Sam will be honored with a banner-raising for the Blueshirts 100th anniversary celebration.
5. Better than even-money that defenseman Brad Park and small chance – but still a maybe that the most deserving of all – legendary Ranger Frank Boucher – will get his most deserved banner as well.
6. In an interview with NHL.com's Dan Rosen, Maloneyu fingered Peter Laviolette as part of the club's 2024-25 malaise. "It starts behind the bench."
7. Not that it matters anymore but The Maven said late last November that it was time to can Lavvy.
8. Savvy Jess Rubenstein tells me that the best Blueshirt first-line combo should have Will Cuylle working alongside Breadman Panarin and J.T. Miller.
9. "There's major incentive for Cuylle to have two big years," says Jess. "I expect them to trade Alexis Lafrenière before his 'No Move' kicks in."
A Bunch Of Blueshirt Notes, Quotes And Anecdotes
1. Everyone foresaw Sam Rosen's retirement; in fact the entire league toasted him on his assorted road trips. But that – mistakenly it turned out – to be the start, not the end of the MSG Networks' broadcasting exodus.
10. We all know the Rangers defense leaked like the Titanic but the following trio just might plug the gaps – Slava Gavrikov, Urho Vakanainen and the potential surprise youngun', Scott Morrow.
11. Another Rangers-Panthers difference is that the Champs have the perfect dressing room ambience. The following is how coach Paul Maurice describes it:
12. "Truly, if you didn't know the face, if you walked into our locker room, or walked on the airplane, or watched him, you couldn't tell who the star was."