Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 4: Last Call Crew

Release Date: January 30, 2025
Hosts: Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Description: ESPN New York and New Jersey’s legendary Don LaGreca, alongside sportswriter and Knicks broadcaster Alan Hahn, and opinionated Hip Hop and WWE personality Peter Rosenberg, delve into New York sports and beyond.

1. In-Depth NHL/Hockey Analysis

Rangers vs. Avalanche Showdown

The episode kicks off with a detailed breakdown of the New York Rangers' recent game against the Carolina Avalanche at Madison Square Garden. Don LaGreca recounts attending the Rangers game and observing the contrasting atmosphere between hockey and basketball audiences.

• Don LaGreca [00:48]:
  “We had the Rangers last night, Don, here at Madison Square Garden. I did a little excursion, followed you along. I felt like I did not want to impede too much.”

Peter Rosenberg provides a critical analysis of the Rangers’ performance, highlighting defensive lapses that led to pivotal goals by the Avalanche.

• Peter Rosenberg [02:30]:
  “Once they score there, like, it's as if Don has watched enough Ranger hockey this season to know that moment that they lost was definitely going to turn into... a two nothing lead.”

Alan Hahn chimes in on the Rangers’ ongoing struggles, emphasizing early goals and missed opportunities.

• Alan Hahn [06:12]:
  “They started. You talked about the backbreaker with the Ajo goal so early in the third. How much can you put a crowd through? They give up a goal in the first minute of the game again.”

The hosts critique the Rangers' inability to capitalize on scoring chances, discussing Trocheck’s risky play that resulted in an Avalanche goal.

• Peter Rosenberg [21:35]:
  “Why is the hesitancy for these guys to shoot the puck? They have wide open lanes to the net... sometimes just take the damn breakaway.”

2. Robust NFL/Football Discussion

Joe Burrow’s Elite Status Debate

Transitioning to football, Alan Hahn and Peter Rosenberg engage in a spirited debate over Joe Burrow’s standing as an elite quarterback. Alan defends Burrow’s impressive statistics despite criticisms.

• Alan Hahn [08:39]:
  “Burrow's numbers are obscene. I think it's a fantastic conversation. But all you people get so loud on Twitter...”

Peter counters, urging listeners to recognize Burrow’s on-field performance rather than external opinions.

• Peter Rosenberg [08:21]:
  “Burrow is not a buffoon for having Burrow one. You just simply don't know what he would do with different weapons.”

Player Potential and Championship Prospects

The conversation shifts to the potential of players like Saquon Barkley and Nick Bosa (misreferenced as Hartenstein), debating their ability to lead their teams to championships.

• Peter Rosenberg [16:52]:
  “Why wouldn't you have confidence in your team if they prove you're the best team in the NHL?”

3. Engaging NBA Conversations

Houston Rockets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Finals Fantasy

Griffin, a listener from Connecticut, sparks a discussion about the unlikely possibility of an NBA Finals matchup between the Houston Rockets and Cleveland Cavaliers. The hosts dissect the feasibility, given Cleveland’s playoff inexperience.

• Griffin [12:01]:
  “It's the least star-laden finals you could at least go back. I looked 30 years, went back, couldn't find one.”

Peter remains skeptical about Cleveland's chances, citing their limited playoff experience.

• Peter Rosenberg [14:24]:
  “They’re not going to the NBA Finals. They have like zero postseason experience. You gotta go through Boston...”

Alan Hahn acknowledges the rarity of such an outcome but remains open to unexpected developments.

• Alan Hahn [14:27]:
  “I do think that happens in the NBA usually don't get those types of runs.”

4. Coaching Changes and Team Strategies

Jets’ Potential Coaching Hires

A significant portion of the episode delves into the New York Jets' coaching search, particularly the consideration of Steve Wilkes as defensive coordinator. Don provides a historical perspective on Wilkes’ career transitions.

• Don LaGreca [41:16]:
  “He’s been a DC for different teams, including the Niners... They knew he wasn’t the right fit, but his experience is invaluable.”

Peter analyzes Wilkes’ track record of short tenures, expressing concerns about stability.

• Peter Rosenberg [30:47]:
  “A lot of one and dones... but he volunteered for the Charlotte 49ers last year.”

Alan adds humor by referencing Wilkes’ past association with the Jerry Springer show.

• Alan Hahn [41:38]:
  “He handled security for the Jerry Springer show... that’s a classic example of generation gap.”

5. Listener Interactions and Caller Contributions

Griftster from Connecticut

Griffin discusses the Jets' coaching hires and expresses opinions on offensive strategies, while also touching on player movements like Saquon Barkley and Juan Soto.

• Griffin [35:14]:
  “You might have to throw down... I saw the tank walk. Can you comment on the tank walk?”

Spike from St. Peter

Spike shares a personal story about undergoing cataract surgery, adding a heartfelt moment to the show.

• Spike [17:17]:
  “I just can't tell you. These lenses have been in my eyes for 78 and a half years. I got brand new eyes. It's just a miracle.”

Mocha from Wayne and Dave from Queens

Mocha and Dave engage in discussions about the Giants' playoff performance and Washington Commanders' strategies, debating the fairness of comparing different teams’ performances.

• Mocha [31:36]:
  “The Giants were down 28 nothing at halftime and put up a garbage touchdown in the third quarter.”

• Peter Rosenberg [32:33]:
  “First of all, it's the championship game. The kid wins two playoff games on the road...”

6. Humorous Banter and Light-Hearted Moments

Throughout the episode, the hosts engage in playful banter, mispronunciations, and jokes that add a lighter tone to the in-depth sports discussions.

• Alan Hahn [38:10]:
  “That was his name? Udoko?”

• Don LaGreca [39:13]:
  “How about just go hockey club? It sounds kind of unique, right?”

7. Concluding Highlights

As the episode draws to a close, the hosts recap major points and set the stage for future discussions, ensuring listeners are left with a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered.

• Alan Hahn [44:26]:
  “What's the question mark in both and them both being so wrong. Oh boy. So not only was that just. No.”

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Don LaGreca [00:48]:
  “We had the Rangers last night, Don, here at Madison Square Garden...”

• Peter Rosenberg [02:30]:
  “Once they score there, like, it's as if Don has watched enough Ranger hockey...”

• Alan Hahn [08:39]:
  “Burrow's numbers are obscene. I think it's a fantastic conversation...”

• Griffin [12:01]:
  “It's the least star-laden finals you could at least go back...”

• Alan Hahn [41:38]:
  “He handled security for the Jerry Springer show... that’s a classic example of generation gap.”

Summary:
In "Hour 4: Last Call Crew," Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg provide a comprehensive analysis of recent sports events across hockey, football, and basketball. The episode stands out through its thorough examination of game strategies, player performances, and coaching dynamics, enriched by engaging interactions with listeners. Noteworthy moments include critical insights into the Rangers' tactical shortcomings, a passionate debate over Joe Burrow's quarterback prowess, and speculative scenarios surrounding the NBA Finals and Jets’ coaching hires. The hosts balance deep analytical discourse with humorous and personable exchanges, making the episode both informative and entertaining for sports enthusiasts.