Hour 4: Hockey Talk - Don, Hahn & Rosenberg

Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 4: Hockey Talk

Release Date: January 23, 2025

Hosts: Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg

1. Rangers vs. Flyers Game Analysis

The episode kicks off with an in-depth analysis of the New York Rangers' recent performance against the Philadelphia Flyers at Madison Square Garden. Peter Rosenberg initiates the discussion by highlighting the Rangers' momentum:

Peter Rosenberg (00:48): "Nine straight. And you got two on the board here against the Flyers team. They again, you know, they're a heavy team, but winnable game, of course."

Don LaGreca concurs, examining the Rangers' standings and playoff implications:

Don LaGreca (01:44): "The Rangers, right now, if you look, the Devils are the three in the Metropolitan Division, so to get you out of the wild card. And The Rangers are 10 points back in New Jersey, but a lot of ground, but they've got three games in hand."

The hosts discuss the Rangers' potential to climb the standings, emphasizing their games in hand and the competitive landscape of the Metropolitan Division.

2. Goaltending Spotlight: Shesterkin vs. Markstrom

A significant portion of the conversation centers around the Rangers' stellar goaltender, Igor Shesterkin, and the New Jersey Devils' Markstrom injury. Peter Rosenberg praises Shesterkin's performance:

Peter Rosenberg (02:03): "Shosturkin's playing 164 minutes without allowing a goal. He hasn't lost in regulation since coming back from his injury."

Don LaGreca adds context to Markstrom's injury and its impact on the Devils:

Don LaGreca (03:14): "Markstrom, like you said, is gonna be out. So the Devils starting goaltender might be out for the next month."

They delve into the implications of Markstrom’s knee injury, discussing the prognosis and how it affects the Devils' chances in the ongoing season.

3. Playoff Prospects and Division Standings

The hosts analyze the Rangers' position relative to other teams in the Metropolitan Division:

Don LaGreca (02:26): "Boston, I don't like the Bruins. They can't score either. And Posternach's not having the year that he had last year."

They discuss the dynamics within the division, touching upon teams like Boston, Montreal, Senators, and the Columbus Blue Jackets, assessing the Rangers' ability to outperform these contenders and secure a favorable playoff spot.

4. J.T. Miller Trade Rumors

A significant segment addresses the swirling rumors surrounding J.T. Miller's potential trade to the Rangers. Peter Rosenberg references insights from Elliot Friedman regarding Miller's status:

Peter Rosenberg (08:15): "Latest from Elliot Friedman... J.T. Miller, in early in the day, was gonna be a healthy scratch. It hit a snag. I don't know what that snag is."

Don LaGreca speculates on the possible reasons behind the trade complications, such as compensation issues:

Don LaGreca (02:58): "I think they want. What I think the snag is, you're right, is about how much money did the. Do the Rangers want the Canucks to eat off his contract?"

They debate the merits of acquiring Miller, considering his past performance and the potential cost in terms of assets like Philip Heidel or Braden Schneider.

5. Matt Rempe’s Role and Discipline Issues

The conversation shifts to Matt Rempe, focusing on his dual role as an enforcer and a contributing forward. Don LaGreca emphasizes the importance of Rempe's offensive contributions:

Don LaGreca (05:16): "If Rempe is going to give you 10 minutes and he's going to score and he's going to be involved and he's not going to take a dumb penalty or get suspended, well, now you can roll four lines and be a legit, you know, forward team."

Peter Rosenberg discusses Rempe's struggle with discipline on the ice:

Peter Rosenberg (06:48): "But eventually he's gotta learn that there's a time and place and I don't need to see two numbers. I can't deliver a hit just to get the crowd going."

They explore the balance between physicality and skill, underscoring the necessity for Rempe to avoid unnecessary penalties to maintain his role within the team.

6. Devils’ Season and Markstrom’s Injury Impact

Further discussion on the Devils’ performance highlights their inconsistent season and the potential long-term effects of Markstrom's injury:

Don LaGreca (09:18): "It looked really bad."

Peter Rosenberg (09:49): "Don the Four nations, obviously he won't be able to play in that, but if you're the Devils, you feel like, okay, a sprain is something that you can get him back in, you know, in March and hope that he'll be fine in time for the playoffs."

They assess the Devils' remaining schedule, factoring in the Four Nations tournament and its effect on their ability to recover from the setback.

7. Listener Interaction: Baseball Insights with James

Transitioning to listener calls, James discusses Pete Alonso's future with the Mets. The hosts engage in a dialogue about the Mets' strategy in retaining homegrown talent versus seeking higher offers:

James (11:31): "I really think a Peter Lonzo reunion with the Mets makes a ton of sense."

Peter Rosenberg (12:35): "See, that's, that's a lot to give up."

The conversation delves into the complexities of player contracts and team budgeting, weighing the benefits of retaining Alonso against market pressures.

8. Listener Interaction: Football Talk with Stephen

Stephen brings up the New York Jets and their coaching decisions, drawing parallels to successful strategies in other NFL teams. The hosts analyze the potential impact of hiring former successful coaches and quarterback prospects:

Stephen (17:00): "Ryan, a coach who had seen success in San Francisco, comes to a team he played at, wants to be there and built a successful team."

Peter Rosenberg (19:14): "It's a little secret that you're just hoping becomes that surprise piece because it was a smart little draft."

They discuss quarterback options like Jordan Travis versus established names like Aaron Rodgers, considering the team's future prospects.

9. Super Bowl Predictions and Football Insights

The hosts briefly touch upon upcoming football events, including Super Bowl predictions. Don LaGreca shares his confident outlook on the Chiefs' performance:

Don LaGreca (21:11): "I like the... I told you that the winner of Bill's Ravens is winning the Super Bowl. Why would I change my mind?"

Peter Rosenberg counters with betting odds and potential game outcomes:

Peter Rosenberg (22:00): "It opened at that, so. And six and a half for the Commander's Eagles. Six and a half."

They debate the likelihood of Chiefs versus Eagles success, incorporating personal biases and statistical insights.

10. Concluding Remarks and Future Topics

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the day's discussions, expressing anticipation for upcoming games and future episodes. They highlight the interconnectedness of different sports and the importance of strategic team management across leagues.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

Peter Rosenberg (00:48): "Nine straight. And you got two on the board here against the Flyers team."
Don LaGreca (01:44): "The Rangers are 10 points back in New Jersey, but a lot of ground, but they've got three games in hand."
Don LaGreca (05:16): "If Rempe is going to give you 10 minutes and he's going to score and he's going to be involved..."
Peter Rosenberg (06:48): "But eventually he's gotta learn that there's a time and place..."
James (11:31): "I really think a Peter Lonzo reunion with the Mets makes a ton of sense."
Don LaGreca (21:11): "I like the... I told you that the winner of Bill's Ravens is winning the Super Bowl."

Key Takeaways

Rangers' Playoff Hopes: Strong performance from Igor Shesterkin boosts Rangers' chances, but Markstrom's injury poses challenges for the Devils.
Trade Dynamics: J.T. Miller's potential acquisition by the Rangers is complicated by contract negotiations and required compensation.
Player Development: Matt Rempe’s dual role as an enforcer and contributor is pivotal, contingent on maintaining discipline to avoid penalties.
Listener Engagement: The show effectively incorporates listener perspectives on baseball and football, adding depth to the primary hockey discussions.
Strategic Insights: Conversations underscore the importance of team strategy, player management, and the delicate balance between physicality and skill in hockey.

This episode of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" provides a comprehensive look into the current state of the NHL, particularly focusing on the Rangers' strategies and challenges. Through engaging discussions and listener interactions, the hosts offer valuable insights into team dynamics, player performances, and the broader implications for the upcoming playoff seasons across multiple sports.