Don, Hahn & Rosenberg - Episode Summary: Hour 1: Rangers Troubling Loss

Release Date: March 19, 2025
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Episode Focus: Analysis of the New York Rangers' disappointing performance in their recent game.

1. Introduction: Setting the Stage for a Troubling Loss

The episode kicks off with Don La Greca introducing Dan Grassa as a guest host, stepping in for Alan Hahn and Peter Rosenberg, who are unavailable due to scheduling conflicts and illness. Don sets the tone by highlighting the day's significant sports events, particularly focusing on the Rangers' performance.

Don La Greca [00:00]:
"You’re on ESPN New York. What's up, Joe?"
(Don Teases Dan's Extended Appearance)

2. Detailed Breakdown of the Rangers' Defeat

Don and Dan delve deep into the Rangers' recent loss against the Calgary Flames, which Don describes as "disturbing" and "inexcusable." They dissect the game, pointing out the Rangers' lackluster performance despite having talented players like Artemi Panarin and J.T. Miller.

Don La Greca [01:21]:
"But you've got the highest paid goaltender in the league... May not be championship caliber, but it should be good enough to navigate through the bottom of the Eastern Conference."
(Analyzing Team Expectations vs. Performance)

Dan Grassa [05:34]:
"If you were playing a more formidable opponent, that game right before Christmas against the Devils... that’s what that game would have been."
(Comparing Performance Against Different Opponents)

3. Listener Calls and Community Feedback

Various listeners call in to express their frustrations and offer insights into the team's shortcomings.

• Joe from West Harrison [16:01]:
  "If I have to see another winger give the puck away on the blue line... such horrible coverage in front of the net."

• Anthony from North Salem [20:11]:
  "That was the worst game I think I've ever seen him play."
  (Referring to Chris Kreider’s Performance)

• Rob from Long Island [35:09]:
  "This was a total embarrassment... I want Drury out. I want Laviolette out. I want changes made."
  (Expressing Demands for Coaching Changes)

• Richard from Manhattan [46:03]:
  "The Rangers started this year like 9-1-2... Now they’re back at rock bottom."
  (Highlighting the Team’s Dramatic Decline)

4. Critical Analysis of Coaching and Team Dynamics

Don and Dan debate the effectiveness of the current coaching staff, particularly criticizing Peter Laviolette’s strategies and Chris Drury’s influence on team chemistry.

Don La Greca [37:33]:
"How many coaches are you going to go through? You could fire the coach, but how many coaches are you going to go through before you realize that this core just maybe isn’t good enough?"
(Questioning the Feasibility of Coaching Changes)

Dan Grassa [40:16]:
"Stop being overly sensitive and brought down by who's not here anymore. It's a business."
(Placing Responsibility on Players’ Professionalism)

5. Special Teams and Offensive Struggles

The hosts emphasize the Rangers' faltering power play and overall offensive inefficiency, citing statistics and specific game instances that highlight these issues.

Don La Greca [18:49]:
"They have an awful two for its last 32. And then not getting really many power play opportunities because it's like basketball. If you're not driving the net, you're not going to draw fouls."
(Explaining the Importance of Offensive Pressure)

Dan Grassa [26:35]:
"Just throw the puck at the net and see what happens."
(Encouraging a More Aggressive Offensive Approach)

6. Comparisons with Other Teams and Historical Context

The conversation extends to comparisons with other NHL teams and revisits historical performances to underscore the Rangers' current predicament.

Don La Greca [31:35]:
"What happened to the Rangers is a cue of how it can go the other way... Jets, right? You're a Jet fan... next year you win the Super Bowl."
(Drawing Parallels with Other Franchises' Downfalls)

Dan Grassa [33:23]:
"The team most pundits thought would be the third team in the Eastern Conference... now they're tanking to keep control of their draft pick."
(Highlighting Misjudgments in Team Predictions)

7. NBA Parallel: Knicks’ Struggles Amid Rangers’ Troubles

Transitioning briefly, the hosts touch upon the New York Knicks' challenging schedule and performance, paralleling the Rangers' struggles in their respective leagues.

Don La Greca [43:52]:
"The Knicks schedule has been brutal... they got two games against Tampa."
(Discussing Knicks' Tough Upcoming Fixtures)

Dan Grassa [44:48]:
"They’re stuck at three. They can win the rest of their games, but nothing that happens over the next 15 games is going to change hearts and minds."
(Predicting Limited Impact of Upcoming Games on Knicks’ Season)

8. NCAA Tournament Critique and Controversies

The hosts express their skepticism about North Carolina's place in the NCAA Tournament, touching upon potential biases and administrative influences.

Don La Greca [49:17]:
"They didn’t belong in there, period."
(Dismissing North Carolina's Tournament Presence)

Dan Grassa [49:45]:
"You don't think they knew that? Oh, you don't think he like... he got six figures coming to me if maybe you vote UNC."
(Implying Possible Corruption in Tournament Selections)

9. Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

As the episode winds down, Don and Dan reflect on the Rangers' future prospects, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement and accountability within the team.

Don La Greca [50:05]:
"Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast."
(Wrapping Up the Discussion on Rangers’ Performance)

Dan Grassa [50:20]:
"You can’t stop my drive."
(Segueing into Promotional Content)

Notable Quotes:

• Don La Greca [05:57]:
  "You just can't have that happen. You just can't."
  (Expressing Frustration Over Team's Inconsistency)

• Dan Grassa [22:11]:
  "But what they played last night, it's not guaranteed at all."
  (Highlighting Uncertainty in Rangers’ Playoff Chances)

• Rob from Long Island [35:09]:
  "I want Drury out. I want Laviolette out. I want changes made."
  (Calling for Immediate Coaching Overhauls)

Conclusion

In this episode, Don, Hahn & Rosenberg provide a comprehensive and critical analysis of the New York Rangers' disappointing performance. Through in-depth discussions, listener interactions, and comparative analyses, the hosts underscore the urgent need for organizational changes within the Rangers to steer the team back towards playoff contention and future success.