Rangers vs. Wild: Extra Effort, Extra Point
It was a wild win against the Wild in Gabe Perreault's NHL debut. And it was two points for the Rangers. But is it too little, too late?
- I really was hoping the organization was going to do something cool with the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award this year and give it to Sam Rosen. I understand it's a player's award. I get it's about on ice achievements. But how cool is it when your kid one day looks at the history of an award as prestigious as this and has to stop and go, "Wait, how did an announcer win this?" and then you'd get to re-live Sam. Sort of makes it part of the lore. Regardless, Sam did not win it, but he won in our hearts.
- I was of the mind that if Sam did not win, Will Cuylle should be the guy to win. In a normal season Cuylle probably would have won regardless, simply because of the way he plays the game and what he brings to the table. This year? Well he was the lock of locks. A) He tried for every game this year, which 90% of the team can't say. B) That other 10% has been with the team for either a single night or a few months.
- I did tell you, by the way ...
It would be really cool if they gave the award to Sam. I feel like they won't -- in which case I think Cuylle probably wins it -- but it would be right. https://t.co/onIXQxLgut
— Joe Fortunato (@JoeFortunatoBSB) April 2, 2025
- The Rangers won a stupid drunk game. Lots of back and forth, a few (alright, more than a few) defensive breakdowns, and then a quick overtime win. The two points put the Rangers back in a tie with the previously free-falling Canadians, but Montreal has a game in hand so they have the spot. Columbus is two points back from both with two games in hand. Detroit is four points back with a a game in hand on the Rangers. Gonna be tight.
- I watched this game in the background while we were recording the podcast, so I don't have enough of anything to give you about Gabe Perreault's NHL debut. He played just under 14 minutes on 20 or so shifts. Probably about right for his first action in the NHL. Had three shots on goal, too.
