It has not been a good week for the New York Rangers. After defeating the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-0 on March 15th, the Blueshirts have lost three straight and have fell back in the playoff race. With only 12 games remaining, New York needs every point it can get.
While this season has not had much worth celebrating, Saturday afternoon is definitely one: when the Rangers host the Vancouver Canucks, Sam Rosen — the voice of the Rangers for 40-plus years — will be honored in a "Salute to Sam." Rosen is retiring at the end of the season, and every Rangers fan hopes the team will send him out well.
Sam and J.D. together again! John Davidson sits with Sam Rosen to reflect on his incredible career and their shared experience with the @NYRangers in 1994 - a memory that will last a lifetime. #NYR | #ASalutetoSam pic.twitter.com/c5o0eCgVlL
— Rangers on MSG (@RangersMSGN) March 20, 2025
Rosen has given Rangers fans so many moments that will "last a lifetime," and on a day where he is being honored, it's only right that the Blueshirts get a critical two points. Here's three things you want to hear Rosen say against the Canucks.
1. "It's a power play goal!"
One of the most disappointing parts of this season has been this Rangers' power play, which is now ranked 25th in the NHL. After being the league's No. 3 unit in 2023-24 and providing many critical goals in the postseason, the Rangers have been lifeless on the man-advantage in a lot of games.
If New York wants to bounce out of a slump, it starts with the power play, especially if the Rangers get opportunities. With only 12 regular season games left, there's only so many more "It's a power play goal" calls that fans have left to possibly hear.
2. "Chants of Igor"
Assuming that New York rolls with its number one goaltender, Igor Shesterkin needs to continue his good play. While the Rangers have lost three straight, it's hard to blame most of it on Shesterkin — he gave up three goals against Edmonton, two against Calgary, and while he gave up four against Toronto, the Rangers' defense did not do him many favors.
Shesterkin even tried to help in the scoring, providing a beautiful pass to Alexis Lafreniere.
It didn't lead to a goal, but we can't stop watching this Igor Shesterkin stretch pass 😍 pic.twitter.com/dw5SKstUHK
— NHL (@NHL) March 21, 2025
If Shesterkin plays well and the Rangers get a few goals, they should be in a good position to get the two points they really need.
3. "They're on their feet at the Garden!" and "Rangers win!"
New York has not given its fans much to cheer for over the past week. The Rangers have been outplayed, bullied and embarassed at Madison Square Garden for the past three games, and in one of the biggest points of the season they have not shown up.
The Blueshirts need every win they can get, and fans want every Sam Rosen iconic call that they can hear.
From lasting a lifetime, to memorable goal calls, to the voice behind the big wins, the Rangers and the NHL are not the same without Sam Rosen.
It's not only fair, but imperative, that the Rangers send him out right.