Legends in the Booth: Sam Rosen and John Davidson Deliver a Night to Remember

I thought about going to this one. The New York Rangers hosted the Philadelphia Flyers at MSG on Wednesday night, a Wednesday night rivalry. I checked ticket prices and my schedule. It was on the table.

Then I realized Sam Rosen and John Davidson would be calling the game together on TNT, and I knew I had to stay home and watch it on TV. The night felt bigger than the standings or the rivalry. It was about the legendary duo that provided the soundtrack for the 1994 Blueshirts Stanley Cup run. That was about Sam and JD, reunited in the booth for the first time in 19 years. Hearing their voices from the couch felt right. One of my friends texted me before puck drop: "Wow, tnx for reminding me. I wasn't gonna care that much about this game, but now I'm definitely tuning in." That's the kind of pull they have.

The last time they called a Rangers game together was April 29, 2006—a playoff loss to the New Jersey Devils that completed a sweep. Tom Renney was the head coach, and Glen Sather was the GM. Yet, listening to them on this night, they never missed a beat. Sam's Farewell Tour has been full of great moments—ceremonies, tributes, speeches. The reunion with JD might've been the most emotional yet. You could feel the warmth in their voices. You could feel how much they still love doing this and, more importantly, how much they love broadcasting together.

JD said he blew up Sam's phone leading up to this game. That's not surprising. They've been close friends since their 20-year run in the booth from 1986 to 2006, and it showed on air. It was a conversation between two guys who genuinely love the game and love calling it for the fans.

Sam's been the voice of the Blueshirts for 40 years. As his legendary run winds down, every moment carries more weight. The "Salute to Sam" night at MSG last month. The Lester Patrick Award. The golden mic that Phil Esposito gave him. All are giving back to a pure man who loved hockey and consistently did his job to a tee. With no Blueshirts playoffs in sight, just a few games remain before Rosen hangs up the headset. Tonight was magical, a lop-sided final score aside. The kind that takes you back to snow days, late nights, and spring playoff pushes. It's the type of magic that reminds you why you fell in love with hockey in the first place. I'm happy i stayed home.