Don, Hahn & Rosenberg: Hour 2 - The List
Episode Release Date: March 19, 2025

In this engaging episode of the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast, hosted by ESPN New York's Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg, the trio delves into a variety of topics ranging from iconic movie reviews to in-depth sports analysis. The episode prominently features "The List" segment, where Peter Rosenberg shares his top five Bruce Willis movies, and an extensive discussion on the current state of the New York Rangers. Below is a detailed summary capturing all key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.

The List: Peter Rosenberg’s Top Five Bruce Willis Movies

Timestamp: 01:20 – 08:32

Peter Rosenberg introduces "The List," a segment powered by Ramsey Mazda, where he shares his personal top five Bruce Willis movies. Opting to focus solely on Willis's filmography rather than his television appearances, Peter curates a list that reflects his appreciation for Willis's impact on the action genre.

1. Armageddon (05:12)

   • Peter: "I've got Armageddon at five. Blockbuster movie. I thought he was brilliant in it."
   • Discussion: Peter praises Willis's performance and the film's high-stakes narrative, despite playful jabs about the involvement of Aerosmith, whom he humorously separates into different bands based on their post-Rehab era contributions.

2. *Sin City (04:24)

   • Peter: "Sin City is very... Sin City at four."
   • Analysis: He lauds the film's unique visual style and Willis's over-the-top performance, emphasizing its standout status despite some reservations about its sequels.

3. *The Sixth Sense (06:00)

   • Peter: "I got The Sixth Sense at three. That still floors me to this day, that he was dead."
   • Insights: Peter reflects on the movie’s impactful twist ending, acknowledging its place in cinematic history and its psychological depth.

4. *Pulp Fiction (07:40)

   • Peter: "Number two, Pulp Fiction, one of my favorite movies of all time."
   • Thoughts: Although primarily a Tarantino film, Peter appreciates Willis's role and the movie’s enduring legacy, noting how it revolutionized storytelling in cinema.

5. *Die Hard (07:52)

   • Peter: "And number one, I still think it is not only the greatest action movie of all time, it is the greatest Christmas movie of all time. Die Hard is number one."
   • Conclusion: He champions Die Hard for its perfect blend of action and holiday spirit, defending its top spot against other contenders like Die Hard 2 and Die Hard with a Vengeance.

Notable Quotes:

• Peter Rosenberg: "I defend my list, but that's not... that's not a bad selection." (20:26)
• Caller: "If that's a fivesome... Any performer would take that to his grave." (08:32)

New York Rangers: A Critical Analysis

Timestamp: 11:52 – 19:58

The conversation shifts to a passionate discussion about the New York Rangers' disappointing performance against Calgary. Caller Scott from Long Island leads the critique, highlighting the team’s lack of leadership and questionable management decisions.

1. Leadership Void and Player Performance (12:05 – 14:47):

   • Scott: Expresses frustration over the Rangers' inability to retain key players like Capo Kako and Barclay Goodreau, questioning the team's direction and leadership.
   • Peter: Agrees with Scott's assessment, criticizing the team's management for releasing valuable players who were integral to past successes. He emphasizes the importance of balancing cap space while maintaining team integrity.
   • Don Hahn: Adds that the lack of a strong captain is evident, referencing historical struggles and the impact of losing players like Jacob Truba.

2. Coaching Instability and Team Building (17:55 – 19:58):

   • Peter: Critiques the frequent coaching changes, citing T.J. Laviolette's tenure and the cyclical hiring and firing of coaches in the NHL. He argues that the problem extends beyond coaching to the foundational team building and player acquisition strategies.
   • Scott: Highlights the futility of continually changing coaches without addressing underlying team issues, predicting further instability and lack of progress.

Notable Quotes:

• Scott: "Is the coach lost and the whole team is now lost. They played so bad last night. Like that was the worst I've seen the Rangers." (12:48)
• Peter Rosenberg: "If losing him is going to break you, then you were broken to begin with." (14:24)
• Peter Rosenberg: "Coaches are recycled. Like Dan says, like, like it's ridiculous." (18:40)

Additional Caller Interactions and Discussions

Timestamp: 19:58 – 29:24

Bruce Willis Movie Discussion Continues (19:58 – 22:56):

• Caller Dion from Brooklyn: Offers alternative picks for Peter’s Bruce Willis list, suggesting 12 Monkeys and Mortal Thoughts as strong contenders.
  • Peter: Defends his original list but acknowledges the merits of Dion's suggestions, emphasizing the subjective nature of such rankings.
• Analysis of Bruce Willis’s Roles: The discussion includes reflections on Willis’s versatility, highlighting his memorable cameos and central roles in various genres.

Notable Quotes:

• Caller Dion: "He had a great cameo in Oceans 12. I don't know if y'all saw that." (20:22)
• Peter Rosenberg: "It's going to be... there's gonna be debates quickly." (20:50)

Baseball Updates and Opinions (22:56 – 26:12):

• Caller Discussions: Addressing recent baseball events, including actions by Dodger players and scheduling quirks like early game times.
  • Peter: Shares his observations on player actions and the logistical frustrations of jet-setting schedules.
• Griffin from Connecticut: Critiques the scheduling of college basketball games and the perceived favoritism towards certain programs like North Carolina, expressing skepticism about St. John’s inclusion in significant matchups.

Notable Quotes:

• Griffin: "Explain to me that. So now they have to go back into spring training mode." (26:35)
• Peter Rosenberg: "But you got to build a team. That's why it always kind of falls to the players." (19:58)

College Basketball Insights (26:24 – 29:19):

• Griffin's Perspective: Discusses the inconsistency of UNC’s basketball team and criticizes the selection committee’s game location decisions.
  • Peter: Defends the prominence of blue-blood programs and the challenges of maintaining consistent performance amid coaching changes.
• Debate on Tournament Selections: The callers express frustration over the perceived misallocation of game slots and the overall fairness of the selection process.

Notable Quotes:

• Griffin: "They do a horrible job with that. They really and truly did this year." (29:19)
• Peter Rosenberg: "It's about the players. This is where they are and Jury's trying to change it." (15:54)

Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

Timestamp: 29:24 – End

As the episode winds down, Don Hahn and Peter Rosenberg wrap up the discussions, reiterating the importance of team building over constant coaching changes and expressing their commitment to providing insightful sports analysis. They also touch upon the ongoing excitement surrounding various sports seasons, hinting at future topics and encouraging listeners to engage with their platforms.

Notable Quotes:

• Don Hahn: "Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast." (29:56)
• Peter Rosenberg: "But it's not a bad selection." (20:31)

Conclusion

This episode of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" offers a comprehensive blend of entertainment and sports critique. Peter Rosenberg's meticulous selection of Bruce Willis's top films provides listeners with a nostalgic trip through classic action cinema, while the candid discussion on the New York Rangers delivers valuable insights into the team's current struggles and future prospects. The lively interactions with callers add depth and diversity to the conversation, making it a must-listen for fans of movies and sports alike.

Highlighted Quotes with Timestamps:

• Peter Rosenberg: "I've got Armageddon at five." (03:23)
• Caller Scott: "They played so bad last night. Like that was the worst I've seen the Rangers." (12:48)
• Peter Rosenberg: "Coaches are recycled. Like Dan says, like, like it's ridiculous." (18:40)
• Caller Dion: "He had a great cameo in Oceans 12." (20:22)
• Griffin: "They do a horrible job with that." (29:19)

These quotes encapsulate the passionate and critical tone of the episode, underscoring the hosts' commitment to honest and engaging discussion.