A compelling behind-the-scenes melodrama is taking place in Rangerville and it's all about broadcasting.
The retirement of Sam Rosen and Joe Micheletti created two major openings at MSG Networks.
Who's Should Be Kenny Albert's Sidekick On MSG Broadcasts?
Now that we all know that Kenny Albert will be Sam Rosen's replacement as Rangers play-by-play telecaster, MSG Networks must find someone to move in where Joe Micheletti moved out.
Filling Rosen's spot was easy. Kenny Albert is the best play-by-play hockey broadcaster from here to the Cocos Islands. King Kenny is coming out of the broadcasting bullpen to replace Sam.
MSG Networks merely moved Kenny from his radio gig up into Rosen's microphone and camera.
Ah but what about the spot left vacant by Joltin' Joe Micheletti?
By actual progression, the job should have been handed to Dave Maloney on a silver platter; or some kind of platter.
"Dave and Kenny work together like a hand fits a glove," says The Old Scout. "It's a perfect one-two combination like McDavid and Draisaitl work so well together for the Oilers.
But doing tv hockey is not the same as radio hockey. There's a matter of visuals, heavy use of replay and – most importantly – the sidekick's on air personality and looks.
Dave has more than stood the test of time on every single count and is especially strong on telling it like it is, whether the Rangers are doing well or are not doing well. There's no baloney with this Dave Maloney.
Of course there's competition within the MSG Network and without.
But in this case the best line of thinking once was expressed by auto tycoon Henry Ford: IF IT AIN'T BROKE, DON'T FIX IT!
Here's hoping that MSG Networks does the right thing and reunites Dave Maloney in the tv booth with Kenny Albert.
For the best reason of all; it's the right thing to do!