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.
2. "Silent" Joe Micheletti discreetly kept his retirement plans a deep, dark secret while pal Rosen digested all the accolades and then spilled the beans, not to mention the news. Exit Joe, telling one interviewer that the Rangers "lacked spirit."
3. But that wasn't all. Now we find that Rangers radio ace Don LaGreca is hedge hopping to Newark as MSG Networks' new Devils play by play guy.
4. For those who love to play "I Love A Mystery," nobody has figured out how and why the very competent and likeable Bill Spaulding has waved bye-bye. Competence never was an issue with Bill who was beloved by most Devils fans. Sooner or later The Maven hopes to have an answer.
5.The question being asked around MSG Networks offices – not to mention The Rock in Newark is simply did Spaulding jump or was he pushed?
6. Whatever the case, someone will have to fill the LaGreca void and The Maven's favorite is ex-Ranger – the pride of Rochester, N.Y. – Ryan Callahan.
7. Everyone is guessing what kind of coach Mike Sullivan will be and we really won't know for sure until a good six months of season elapses.
8. Re Sully, the best case scenario would be if Sully turns out to be a reasonable facsimile of Stanley Cup champion Paul Maurice. Genius, though Maurice happens to be, he's also beloved by his players.
9. Exhibit A: "He's a straight shooter," says Al Greenberg, my man in Sunrise, "and he treats all with respect. He goes out of his way to praise his fourth-line liners and role players."
10. Sully must know that he must – make that MUST – eradicate the Rangers country club culture, which – by the way – never has been a Florida problem under the Maurice baton.
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11. Creating a winning culture is no easy task. A.J. Greer of the Cats puts it well: "Culture can be brought in but it quickly can go out the door too."
12. Never mentioned around MSG, but another issue for any player who comes to the Rangers are the infinite distractions of The Big Apple. And it can be a HUGE issue. (Manhattan is HUGE isn't it?)
13. Weird When You Think About It Department: None of the previously fired trio of coaches – David Quinn, Gerard Gallant not Peter Laviolette held a "Good-Bye" press conference. (It couldn't be part of the contract.)