Sam Rosen Will Live in The Rangers' Heart For A Lifetime

There are several ways of interpreting the effects of Sam Rosen's "Tribute" last night at The Garden. Here are ten:

1. As beloved as any Ranger hero – Mark Messier included – Sam deserved all the accolades and attention heaped on him. And then some.

2. One of my pals – a keen Sam fan – wanted more. To each his own; but there was a very important game to be played; plus Sam had to go back to work. (Give the guy a break!)

3. It was refreshing to see Rosen's MSG Networks ex-partners – Phil Esposito and John Davidson – on center stage with their buddy. Phil and J.D. are distinct personalities who smoothly worked with Sam. One of Sam's assets always has been his ability to bring out the best of those with whom he worked.

4. An oft forgotten aspect of Sam, The Pro's Pro, is that the man could expertly handle any sport; and often did; as any football fan would attest. (It was our luck that he loved hockey, and the Rangers, most of all.)

5. "I want to drag the Rangers into the playoffs with me," Rosen was saying. If it was up to Sam alone, he would. Nonpareil energy is a factor that propelled him to the top for so long.

6. No surprise that Sam bleeds Rangers blue. No surprise was his revelation that after practices he'd sometimes give the players a bit of dressing room motivation. As a broadcaster, Sam was nonstop motivated.

7. If it was up to The Maven, I'd bring Rosen back next season with the title, "Power Play Consultant."  

8. And if the PP was slumping, Sam could check the PP team with video and suggest, "That should have been A POWER PLAY GOAL!" 

9. The adoration of this man can be explained in one word: MENSCH.

10. I can define the NHL-wide reaction to our pal. It comes down to three little words: LOVE THAT MAN!