Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast

Episode: Hour 2: Adam Graves & That Guy Thursday
Date: November 6, 2025
Hosts: Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg, Don LaGreca
Special Guest: Adam Graves (Rangers legend)

Episode Overview

This lively second hour centers on two main themes: an extended, heartfelt conversation with New York Rangers great Adam Graves (in celebration of the team's centennial milestone night) and a spirited “That Guy Thursday” segment focusing on sports etiquette and quirky news from around the leagues. The trio, joined by regular contributors and a few familiar voices, deliver signature banter on hockey, broadcasting traditions, and sports fandom with their usual blend of humor, nostalgia, and candor.

Key Interview: Adam Graves on Rangers’ Centennial & Team Identity

Honoring 100 Years: Rangers Centennial Night

Timestamps: 00:13 – 04:57

• Graves’ reflections on the Rangers’ 100th anniversary:

  • Adam Graves speaks with warmth and pride about the upcoming Centennial Night, which celebrates historic milestones and moments for the franchise, and the deep, almost familial bond between the Rangers and New York City.

    “For me, a love affair between the city of New York and the Rangers and Blue Shirts and Blue Shirts hockey...to be able to celebrate 100 years is pretty remarkable.” – Adam Graves (03:09)

• What fans can expect:

  • Appearances from Derek Stepan, Henrik Lundqvist ("Hank the Great, the King"), Stéphane Matteau, Mike Richter, Merrick Malik, and representatives from the Boucher, Hextall, and Cook families — all central figures in Rangers history.
  • Master of ceremonies Sam Rosen and commemorative tickets featuring players’ images.
  • Emphasis on the multigenerational nature of fandom:
    • “It's having kids sitting there with their parents and their grandparents and sometimes great grandparents celebrating generationally...everyone has ownership of those great memories.” (03:49)

• Fan engagement:

  • Fans submitting milestone photos on the website for a chance to win a Centennial jersey—a nod to combining tradition with modern fan experiences.

Rangers On-Ice Woes: Scoring Troubles & Adjustments

Timestamps: 04:57 – 11:43

• Home-ice scoring struggles:

  • The hosts prod Graves about why the team can’t score at home, despite solid analytics and “expected goals” metrics.

  • Graves notes:

    • The coaching transition (from Peter Laviolette to Mike Sullivan) brings period of adjustment.
    • Defensively, the team is strong, and offensive chances are there, but the puck isn’t going in—a combination of puck luck and the need for patience.

    “You have to continue to do the right things...I think they're bearing down. It's just a little bit of puck luck. But...if they continue to play the right way...they're going to be rewarded for it.” – Adam Graves (07:56)

  • Process focus:

    • Players should trust the process and routine, as "nothing's linear" in hockey.

• Expected Goals Statistic:

  • The crew discusses the emotional impact of underperforming expected goals on players and fans.

Coaching Changes and Team Chemistry

Timestamps: 09:33 – 11:43

• Adjusting to Mike Sullivan’s system:

  • Graves compares it to previous slow starts under new coaches, referencing Alain Vigneault’s first season and the importance of trusting the new process and forming relationships:

    “Each coach has their, their different messaging...it's like anything else in relationship, get to know someone. The more you're with them, the more you get comfortable, the more you understand what their expectations are of you.” – Adam Graves (09:49)

• Long-term optimism:

  • Graves is positive about the team's talent, reiterating the importance of patience as systems click.

Graves’ Favorite Rangers Memories & The Value of Fandom

Timestamps: 11:43 – 14:36

• Personal Ranger highlight moments:

  • Mark Messier’s first game after his trade back to New York.
  • Mike Gartner’s 600th goal.
  • The building’s energy pre-game, national anthems, and rituals.

  “The most special part of Ranger hockey is the energy in the building and the start of the game and the drop of the puck...” – Adam Graves (12:18)

  • Notable game moments recounted include Marty St. Louis’s playoff OT goal, Henrik Lundqvist’s crucial saves, and Marek Malik’s legendary shootout.

  • Emphasis on shared memories with family and fans rather than personal heroics.

  • Graves deflects focus from his own historical game-winning goals, reinforcing his team-first, humble persona.

On Artemi Panarin’s Slow Start

Timestamps: 14:15 – 15:34

• Potential pressure on Panarin:
  • The discussion weighs whether Panarin’s quieter start is due to contract or trade rumors.
  • Graves expresses faith in Panarin’s abilities:

    “He's too good a player...Once the puck starts going, it's going to go in and it's going to be...in the rear view mirror.” – Adam Graves (14:36)

Wrap-Up With Adam Graves

Timestamps: 15:34 – 16:27

• Final notes on the centennial event, anticipation for upcoming Rangers-Devils and Islanders matchups, and continued camaraderie between former rivals.

• Lighthearted banter about sharing popcorn at games and Graves’ humility.

  “You know why Adam Grave is the best?...He brings up overtime goals and he never mentioned his overtime goal that beat the Devils in game five...” – Peter Rosenberg (16:27)

Analytics, Patience, and Hockey Frustrations

Timestamps: 16:51 – 23:12

• Host reactions after the interview:
  • Discussion on expected goals and quality scoring chances, specifically referencing Mika Zibanejad and J.T. Miller.
  • Comparing this slow scoring start to Alain Vigneault’s early tenure; optimistic parallels drawn.
• Hosts’ playoff expectations:
  • General consensus that, while a Cup run isn’t guaranteed, the Rangers are a playoff team, and all three New York area clubs have a strong shot this season.

That Guy Thursday: Sports Etiquette and “Not That Guy Energy”

Timestamps: 24:00 – 38:22

Jordan Binnington’s Puck Prank on Ovechkin

• The “That Guy” moment:

  • St. Louis Blues goalie Jordan Binnington tries to sneak the puck after Ovechkin’s 900th goal, effectively hiding it in his pants.
  • Lively commentary about Binnington’s reputation for being “that guy”—a player who habitually annoys or disrupts with antics.

  “He tucks it in the back of the pants and skates away. Like, no big deal. Like, he does it almost like...he’s definitely been a shoplifter...” – Don LaGreca (25:30)

  • Binnington’s later explanation: he meant to return the puck and was “just goofing around" (27:25).

Parade Hosting Controversy: National vs. Local Broadcasters

• Controversial takes by Ariel Helwani and Chris “Mad Dog” Russo:

  • Both criticize Fox’s Joe Davis for hosting the Dodgers’ championship parade despite calling the World Series broadcast, questioning neutrality.
  • The hosts strongly disagree, arguing that local ties and fan traditions transcend supposed journalistic neutrality at celebratory parades.

  “The parade is for the Dodger fan...it's a ceremony at town hall in Los Angeles, and they wanted the Dodger voice on television to host it...” – Peter Rosenberg (32:29)

  • Comparisons drawn with Mike Breen and the Knicks, Michael Kay and the Yankees, and Doc Emrick and the Devils (who also called national finals and hosted team parades).

  • General agreement that this “outrage” is manufactured and not relevant to fans:

  “Everyone settle down. This wasn’t...an election and the person who hosted the debate is then seen hanging out with the politician right after...it's entertainment.” – Anthony (36:12)

  • Ariel and Russo are (fondly) declared “that guy” for making a big deal out of a non-issue.

Lighter Moments & Memorable Quotes

• Graves’ Humility:

  “He brings up overtime goals and he never mentioned his overtime goal that beat the Devils in game five...He’s not that guy.” – Peter Rosenberg (16:27)

• Don LaGreca on Binnington’s puck theft:

  “Like this guy has definitely been a shoplifter...very swift with his hand...” (25:30)

• Peter Rosenberg, on parade hosting:

  “If [Mike] Breen did it, would anybody dare disrespect Breen for doing it?” (30:22)

• Anthony, on sports outrage:

  “This isn’t serious hard news...the parade is for the Dodger fan...” (36:12)

Highlighted Segment Timestamps

• Adam Graves interview begins: 00:13
• Centennial Night details: 02:25 – 04:57
• Team’s analytics and scoring frustration: 05:26 – 09:33
• Coaching adjustments: 09:33 – 11:43
• Graves on favorite memories: 12:18 – 14:15
• On Panarin’s slow start: 14:15 – 15:34
• “That Guy Thursday” – Binnington and the puck: 24:53 – 28:03
• Parade hosting debate: 28:47 – 37:13

Tone & Style

The episode is classic Don, Hahn & Rosenberg: warm, passionate, irreverent, and deeply rooted in New York sports culture. Longtime fans will appreciate the mix of nostalgia (especially with Adam Graves), analytical sports talk, and playful takes on the culture and quirks of fandom and broadcasting.

In Summary:
This hour is a must-listen for Rangers loyalists and New York sports enthusiasts, blending meaningful hockey insights, cherished memories, and the comedic takes that make this show a staple for the local fan community.