Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Episode "Hour 4: Rangers & Alonso"
Introduction
In the April 8, 2025 release of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast, hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve deep into the current state of the New York Rangers and the meteoric rise of Pete Alonso with the New York Mets. The episode, titled "Hour 4: Rangers & Alonso," offers an engaging and analytical discussion aimed at New York sports enthusiasts looking to understand the intricacies of their favorite teams' performances and future prospects.
New York Rangers: Season in Jeopardy
The primary focus of this episode centers on the New York Rangers' declining performance. The discussion begins with an analysis of the Rangers' recent game at Madison Square Garden against the Tampa Bay Lightning, where the Rangers were outplayed and ultimately faced a disappointing defeat.
Peter Rosenberg provides a detailed breakdown:
"Peter Rosenberg: This group, the last two games, actually, you go up against the Devils, they're a good team. Not a great team, but a good team. And Tampa's a really, really good team. But you need these games desperately. And you got outscored nine to one, and your season is pretty much effectively over." [04:12]
Key Points Discussed:
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Performance Metrics: The Rangers struggled on both power plays and five-on-five situations, leading to significant goal deficits.
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Goaltending Issues: Despite strong performances from goaltender Igor Vasilevsky, the team couldn't maintain leads, especially during critical moments like power plays [04:56].
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Coaching Concerns: Head Coach Peter Laviolette's recent actions and lack of communication post-game signal deeper issues within the team's leadership and morale.
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Player Morale and Expectations: The dwindling performance has led to questions about the future of key players like Artemi Panarin and Alex Tuch [06:17].
Alan Hahn adds his perspective on the lack of leadership:
"Alan Hahn: The New York Rangers are 9, 23 and 5 against playoff teams this year. They are 3 and 7 in overtime. They've not had a three game win streak since November." [11:03]
Conclusions: The Rangers are at a pivotal point, facing potential significant roster overhauls. The consensus among the hosts is that without substantial changes, including possible coaching shifts and player trades, the Rangers may be forced into a rebuild phase.
Pete Alonso and the Mets: A Bright Spot
Shifting focus to Major League Baseball, the hosts celebrate Pete Alonso's outstanding performance with the New York Mets. Alonso's ability to consistently hit home runs has made him a key asset for the team.
Anthony highlights Alonso's continued excellence:
"Anthony: The Mets right now have a 95 lead over the Marlins through six innings and Pete Alonso just continues to rake. He's just making money for himself. This is great. I, I I actually love this story. I'm rooting for it. Now officially Rooting for Pete Alonso." [23:16]
Key Points Discussed:
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Current Performance: Alonso's remarkable batting average and home run tally are keeping the Mets at the top of their division.
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Contract Considerations: With Alonso on a two-year, $30 million contract, there's a discussion about potential extensions. The hosts debate the feasibility of the Mets securing a long-term deal for Alonso given his age and performance trajectory.
Don Hahn muses about future contracts:
"Don Hahn: So realistically, he would hope to get a five-year, right?" [23:46]
Conclusions: Alonso remains a fan favorite and a cornerstone for the Mets' offensive strategy. The likelihood of a lucrative extension remains a topic of speculation, with the team balancing financial considerations against Alonso's proven impact.
Additional Sports Insights
Beyond the Rangers and Alonso, the episode touches on other New York sports teams and broader league dynamics.
- New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics: The Knicks are experiencing a resurgence, with callers expressing optimism about the current roster's potential. There's a debate about whether the team should continue building around its young core or make significant trades to bolster the bench.
Alan Hahn underscores the Knicks' improvement:
"Alan Hahn: These are the best Knicks team I've ever watched in my whole life." [29:10]
- NHL Playoffs and Team Movements: The discussion briefly covers playoff odds for teams like the Tampa Bay Lightning, Winnipeg Jets, and Washington Capitals, analyzing star player performances and potential trades that could impact the postseason.
Peter Rosenberg provides historical context:
"Peter Rosenberg: Last year, what was the problem? Not a great five on five team, right, Anthony? And now they were a great power play team. Power play goes south, they go south." [12:39]
Listener Interactions and Final Thoughts
The episode incorporates listener calls, adding diverse perspectives and personal anecdotes that enrich the conversation. Topics range from team strategies to personal sports experiences, creating a dynamic and interactive environment.
Notable Listener Call:
"Joe: People are. Got no patience. You know, this is the first year with this roster. You know, you don't do it until you do it. You know what I'm saying? So give this year, you know, give Tibbs another year at least, and see what happens. But I'm rooting for him." [29:25]
Don Hahn and Peter Rosenberg respond with humor and camaraderie, maintaining an engaging and relatable dialogue.
Closing Remarks: The hosts emphasize the importance of tuning in for upcoming games and the continuous analysis of team performances. They encourage listeners to stay connected through various platforms and to contribute ideas for future discussions.
"Anthony: Catch this show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts." [42:02]
Conclusion
In "Hour 4: Rangers & Alonso," Don, Hahn & Rosenberg deliver a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the New York Rangers' struggling season and Pete Alonso's stellar performance with the Mets. Through expert commentary, listener engagement, and a touch of humor, the episode provides valuable perspectives for fans navigating the highs and lows of New York sports. Whether you're a die-hard Rangers supporter or a Mets enthusiast, this episode offers thoughtful discussions that resonate with the pulse of New York's vibrant sports scene.