Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast: Hour 3 – Rangers & Knicks (Released March 24, 2025)

In this engaging third-hour episode of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast, hosts Don Hahn from ESPN New York, sportswriter Alan Hahn, and WWE personality Peter Rosenberg delve deep into the latest happenings surrounding the New York Rangers and Knicks. The trio offers insightful analysis, passionate debates, and memorable quotes that capture the essence of New York sports fervor.

NHL Standings and Rangers’ Playoff Push

The discussion kicks off with a detailed examination of the NHL standings, focusing on the New York Islanders and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Don Hahn sets the stage by highlighting the Islanders' crucial need for regulation wins:

[01:08] Don Hahn: "Yeah, but still."

Peter Rosenberg emphasizes the Islanders' tight position:

[01:08] Peter: "And the other thing that kills the Islanders, they're going to have to win outright. They only have 25 regulation wins and 30 row wins which are regulation and overtime wins. So that hurts."

The conversation shifts to recent trades and player performances, particularly regarding Brock Nelson's impact:

[02:14] Don Hahn: "You know what I mean?"

[02:15] Peter: "And you listen and the US Missed him at the four nations."

Peter praises Quinn Hughes' offensive prowess:

[02:00] Peter: "Watching him live on Saturday. Kick and fly."

Rangers vs. Minnesota Game Analysis

A significant portion of the episode is devoted to analyzing the Rangers' performance against Minnesota:

[03:40] Peter: "Well, they scored five goals on 12 shots. That's the, that's the most goals scored on the fewest shots since 2014."

Don commends the team's ability to capitalize on opportunities despite poor shooting stats:

[04:00] Don Hahn: "It was just awful. But you know, give them credit. They scored on literally every opportunity they had and they won the game."

The hosts reflect on Sam Reinhart's honoring event, appreciating the seamless tribute by the organization:

[04:20] Don Hahn: "It was great to see Esposito there with David. I love that Philip Esposito was there."

Rangers’ Season Challenges and Power Play Woes

Don and Peter express concern over the Rangers' faltering performance and declining power play effectiveness:

[05:30] Peter: "And this power play. I don't know what's worse. They're two for their last 33 or the fact that they've got two power play opportunities in the last two games. They just don't even get power plays."

Don questions the team's offensive strategies:

[05:30] Don Hahn: "Why is it?"

Peter attributes the lack of power plays to the Rangers' insufficient time in the offensive zone:

[05:30] Peter: "Well, the wise they're not spending any time in the offensive zone. I mean, that's usually where you draw penalties, right?"

NHL Playoff Format and Expansion Debate

The conversation transitions to the NHL's playoff format and the potential expansion to 36 teams. Don references Gary Bettman's stance on maintaining the current playoff structure:

[06:25] Don Hahn: "Climb their way kind of into it. And now sort of, you know where they are is everybody seems to have that moment where they slip a little bit and it's keeps it so tight."

Peter critiques the divisional playoff matchups, arguing they may stifle broader competition:

[07:32] Peter: "They know what they're doing as far as interest is concerned, and they seem to be convinced that the NHL wants to have divisional matchups early in the playoffs."

The hosts express skepticism about the NHL's expansion plans, considering market saturation and financial motivations:

[10:39] Don Hahn: "Yeah."

[10:40] Peter: "Tell me it's good for the sport where you've got baseball with 30 teams, NBA with 30 teams. Now both those sports are going to expand eventually to 32."

Don acknowledges the unique challenges of expanding a league that draws talent internationally but remains cautious about the potential dilution of the sport:

[10:52] Don Hahn: "Come on, let me push back. Here's why it's different..."

Historical Perspective on NHL Franchise Movements

Don and Peter delve into the history of NHL team relocations, emphasizing that while teams have moved, franchises haven't typically folded in the modern era:

[14:08] Peter: "No. The only time I remember."

[14:13] Peter: "You go back to the 70s. I think the Cleveland Barons folded and I think the Minnesota North Stars kind of took their roster like there were. But no, because there's always a city. It's hot to bring in that team."

Don reinforces that relocation has been the primary response to market challenges:

[14:27] Don Hahn: "Well, you mentioned Minnesota. The North Stars moved to Dallas. Right."

NBA Knicks’ Playoff Prospects and Challenges

Shifting focus to the NBA, the hosts analyze the New York Knicks' current playoff standings and upcoming challenges:

[19:05] Don Hahn: "So another game to watch tonight, by the way, our LE Scoreboard watch tonight if you're a Knicks fan..."

Peter outlines the high-stakes schedule ahead:

[19:16] Peter: "And San Antonio. So keep an eye on that scoreboard tonight. Yeah. Minnesota and Indiana."

They discuss the implications of key player injuries, particularly Jalen Brunson's status:

[22:14] Peter: "Now, do you think there are Nick fans out there that wouldn't mind mind falling to four?"

[22:27] Peter: "Are the odds better they lose in the first round than win than to make it to the conference final?"

Don provides his perspective on the Knicks' playoff odds:

[22:43] Don Hahn: "I can give you the actual probabilities."

[23:13] Don Hahn: "I think we'll see him, but it is, it's."

Listener Interaction: Richard's Historical Sports Trivia

A lively interaction occurs when a listener named Richard from Manhattan poses a historical sports question about Muhammad Ali's fight:

[23:35] Unknown (Richard): "Hi, Don. Peter Allen. Ali beat Foreman in '74... what fight was it?"

Peter correctly identifies the iconic Ali vs. Chuck Wepner fight, reminiscing about its lasting impact:

[24:00] Peter: "Well, that would be the Ali versus..."

Don praises the listener's knowledge and reflects on memorable sports moments.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reiterate the importance of staying informed about the latest sports developments. They encourage listeners to keep an eye on the playoffs' evolving landscape and anticipate exciting outcomes in both the NHL and NBA.

[26:19] Don Hahn: "Hear more of Don Allen and Peter, weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 880, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers."

The episode concludes with Don affirming his preference for quality over quantity in sports coverage:

[26:22] Don Hahn: "I don't want to know how the sausage is made, man. I just want to know. It's good."

Notable Quotes:

• Don Hahn [02:32]: "Because Anthony Davis, believe it or not, is going to return to the lineup tonight."

• Peter Rosenberg [05:30]: "They're two for their last 33 or the fact that they've got two power play opportunities in the last two games."

• Don Hahn [06:25]: "Climb their way kind of into it."

• Peter Rosenberg [10:40]: "Tell me it's good for the sport where you've got baseball with 30 teams."

• Don Hahn [14:27]: "The North Stars moved to Dallas. Right."

• Peter Rosenberg [19:16]: "And San Antonio. So keep an eye on that scoreboard tonight."

• Don Hahn [22:43]: "I can give you the actual probabilities."

• Peter Rosenberg [24:00]: "Well, that would be the Ali versus..."

This episode offers a comprehensive look into the current state of the Rangers and Knicks, enriched by the hosts' expertise and charismatic banter. Whether you're a die-hard Knicks fan or tracking the NHL's playoff race, Don, Hahn & Rosenberg provide valuable insights to keep you informed and entertained.