Will Cuylle was awarded the Steven McDonald Extra Effort award last night, but the New York Rangers made the wrong decision. A member of this organization has been going above and beyond for the team, the organization, the fanbase, the city, and the hockey history. That is the departing voice of the New York Rangers Sam Rosen. Rosen has been one of the leading figures in the Rangers organization for 40 years and has done marvelous things.
As the voice of the Rangers, he has given fans many memories. When you think of the iconic Sam Rosen calls, you think of the 1994 Stanley Cup Final call: "The waiting is over; the New York Rangers are Stanley Cup Champions." You think of Mika Zibanejad, the five-goal game against Washington, and Richter's penalty shot save against Vancouver. Rangers fans have so many iconic memories because of Sam Rosen, which the fanbase will cherish forever.
However, he has impacted more than just the fans: Jim Gordon, the voice of the Rangers before him, mentored Rosen. For players and the older guard of the New York Rangers history, he continued the legacy of the greatness that preceded him. Rosen continued to build a connection between the presenters of the New York Rangers and the Blueshirts fanbase, which has led to an excellent relationship. He's a treasure to everyone involved in hockey.
The Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award is named after a man who focused on bringing peace to New York and breaking the cycle of violence. Steven McDonald went above and beyond in his job to try to make New York a better place, and no one has done that for the New York Rangers quite like Sam Rosen. Cuylle has enjoyed a fantastic season, but this award should have been given to Sam Rosen.