Rink Rap | A New York Rangers Podcast from Forever Blueshirts

Join host Jim Cerny on the Rink Rap podcast as he dives deep into the New York Rangers' struggles with Newsday beat writer Colin Stephenson. From recent blowout losses to Boston and Ottawa, to the team's aging core, prospect pipeline issues, and big decisions on Artemi Panarin, GM Chris Drury, and coach Mike Sullivan—this episode covers it all. Is a full rebuild coming? Don't miss this raw analysis of the free-falling Rangers!Timestamps:00:03: Intro & Recent Games (Boston, Seattle, Ottawa meltdowns)04:09: Team Aging Suddenly & Core Players' Contracts05:02: Prospect Gabe Perrault's Breakout & Future Potential09:44: Rookie Noah Laba & Talent Drain in Organization12:43: Matthew Robertson's Surprise Rise on Defense22:10: JT Miller's Role & Why Big-Picture Plan Isn't Working29:30: Defensive Structure Crumbling Without Adam Fox38:00: Goaltending Woes & Jonathan Quick vs. Spencer Martin40:42: Why Rangers Should Trade Artemi Panarin 49:00: GM Chris Drury's Future & Need for a Clear Rebuild Plan51:19: Why Mike Sullivan is the Right Coach Despite the StrugglesSubscribe for more Rangers talk, NHL analysis, and exclusive interviews! Hit the like button if you're a Blueshirts fan, and drop your thoughts in the comments—what should the Rangers do next? #NYRangers #NHL #ArtemiPanarin #ChrisDrury #MikeSullivan #HockeyPodcastForever Blue Shirts: Your source for all things New York Rangers. Check out our stories at foreverblueshirts.com and follow Colin Stephenson on X for daily updates.

Die-hard Rangers fan Ted Kalamaras joins Jim Cerny on Rink Rap Extra to hype the epic January 13, 2026 meet & greet at Mustang Harry's with former Captain Ryan Callahan and "The Warrior" Dan Girardi!Hear the passion, brotherhood, blocked shots, big hits, the heartbreaking trade, and why these two are forever Ranger staples. Plus Q&A laughs, road trip stories, Montreal hot dogs, and Ted's incredible journey turning Rangers fandom into a career.Don't miss this feel-good Rangers nostalgia blast! 🏒❤️💙Tickets & info: mustangharrys.com or nyrfans.com#LGR #NYR #RyanCallahan #DanGirardi #RangersLegendsChapters:00:00 - Intro & Welcome Back to Rink Rap00:15 - Welcoming Ted Kalamaras & Hype for Callahan + Girardi Event00:46 - Ted's Die-Hard Rangers Fandom Since '7301:21 - The Brotherhood of Callahan & Girardi ("Captain & The Warrior")02:10 - Inseparable On & Off the Ice – True Brothers Forever03:07 - Why Callahan & Girardi Are Ranger Staples & Legends03:57 - The Heartbreaking Callahan Trade to Tampa04:46 - Fan Love for Callahan's Heart & Passion05:35 - Event Details: Tuesday, Jan 13, 2026 @ Mustang Harry's (7:30 PM)06:31 - Ticket Tiers Explained (Red vs VIP: Photos, Pucks, Sit-Down Pics, Q&A)07:56 - Q&A Preview – Funny Stories & Brotherhood Vibes08:41 - Classic Q&A Moments (e.g., Mike Keenan Stories)09:30 - Road Trips for Rangers Fans & Surviving the Boston Blowout10:28 - The Magic of Shared Hockey Experiences12:21 - Favorite Road Arenas: Montreal #1 (Crowd, History, Hot Dogs!)13:36 - Chicago & Other Great Buildings15:01 - Montreal Hot Dogs Obsession (Sam Rosen & Don LaGreca Stories)16:22 - Montreal Bucket List Trip Recommendation17:34 - The "Curse" of Ted's Trips & Signings (Trades After Events!)18:38 - Ted's Journey: Turning Rangers Passion into Full-Time Career20:00 - Starting with Retired Legends & Growing to Active Players21:21 - Joy of Seeing Kids Meet Their Idols22:20 - Upcoming Events Recap (Jan 13 Callahan/Girardi + Jan 25 Noah Laba)23:28 - Final Thanks & Ranger Brotherhood Bond

Dive into the New York Rangers' latest ups and downs on this episode. We celebrate the thrill of the Winter Classic and key players stepping up big, but quickly shift to the harsh reality of a frustrating loss to Utah, major injuries to Igor Shesterkin and Adam Fox, and the team's resilience. We debate Jonathan Quick's ability to carry the load at 40, the backup goalie call-up choices, defensive lineup decisions, forward injury timelines for J.T. Miller and Noah Laba, and what makes this season's squad mentally tougher—starting from behind the bench with Coach Mike Sullivan.

We kick off by recapping the Rangers' standout performance in the Winter Classic, where the biggest names delivered in a memorable outdoor win. But the high didn't last—discuss the quick fall back to earth in the disappointing overtime loss to Utah, with key players unable to sustain momentum. Plus, the big injury concerns: Igor Shesterkin's lower-body issue (and the Rangers being cagey on his timeline), Adam Fox's situation, and why it looks like the team dodged the absolute worst-case scenario for Shesterkin so far.

With Igor Shesterkin on IR, all eyes turn to veteran Jonathan Quick—can the 39/40-year-old Cup winner hold the fort and keep New York in the playoff mix during this injury stretch? We break down his recent relief performance and track record. Then, the tough roster decisions: why the Rangers recalled Spencer Martin over promising prospect Dylan Garand as Quick's backup, and the puzzling defensive scratch of Matthew Robertson in favor of Urho Vaakanainen on Monday—analyzing what it means for the blueline depth and lineup strategy.

Get the latest on forward injuries, including J.T. Miller's progress toward return (cleared for contact and potentially close) and Noah Laba's week-to-week upper-body status. Then, the big-picture comparison: what separates this season's Rangers from last year's squad? We highlight the improved mindset, consistent effort, and buy-in that starts with head coach Mike Sullivan's leadership and adjustments behind the bench, fueling a more resilient team amid adversity.

Dissecting the New York Rangers' rollercoaster first 41 games under Mike Sullivan—inconsistencies, injuries, scoring droughts, and why their playoff spot could get uglier as teams catch up on games in hand. We grade the team and riff on that "mixed bag" reality.Then: Top prospect EJ Emery shining for Team USA at World Juniors—why patience is key for this shutdown defenseman. Plus, realistic shots for Adam Fox, JT Miller, and Vincent Trocheck to make the U.S. Olympic roster (announcements Dec 31!).Finally: Previewing the week ahead and the massive Winter Classic showdown vs. defending champ Florida Panthers on Jan 2 in Miami.Rangers fans: Are they contenders or pretenders? Drop your grades below! #NYR #NewYorkRangers #WinterClassic #NHLChapters:00:00 Opening & Holiday Wishes01:41 First-Half Recap05:20 Defensive Improvements09:20 Offensive Struggles13:40 Overall Team Grade18:40 Injuries & Depth24:00 Player Notes (Panarin etc.)29:00 Prospect Update: EJ Emery36:00 Olympic Roster Talk42:00 Week Ahead: Capitals & Winter Classic47:00 Closing & 2026 Tease

Jim jumps right in to discuss the Rangers struggles so far including inconsistent play and injuries.

Jim discusses top prospect EJ Emery and his role with Team USA at the World Junior Championship, preaching patience for his development as a defensive-minded defenseman. Additionally, consider the implications of Olympic rosters being announced on Dec. 31 and the chances of Adam Fox, JT Miller, and/or Vincent Trocheck securing spots on the U.S. roster. 

Jim takes you home in the New Year...looks at the week ahead for the Blueshirts.

NY Rangers Mid-Season Review: Is the Future "Not-So-Pretty"?In this episode of Rink Rap, we’re joined by Lou Orlando from Forever Blueshirts to take a deep dive into the state of the New York Rangers at the halfway point of the season. We cover everything from the highs and lows of the first half to the massive decisions looming for the front office.We break down whether the current roster construction can hold up, grade the performance of GM Chris Drury and Head Coach Mike Sullivan, and tackle the biggest question in Rangerstown: What happens with pending free agent Artemi Panarin?In This Episode:First Half Review: A look back at the key storylines and player performances that defined the season so far.Job Grades: We put Chris Drury and Mike Sullivan under the microscope. Are they the right duo to lead this core?The Panarin Situation: Analyzing the best options for the Rangers with Artemi Panarin heading toward free agency.Big Picture Outlook: A candid look at why the Rangers' long-term future might not be as bright as fans hope.Chapters:00:00 Welcome and holiday greetings 02:50 Reviewing Rangers' first half performance 03:40 JT Miller's underperformance and injury 06:50 Core centers and leadership breakdown 14:40 Youth trial runs and prospects 17:15 Reactions to Nashville "stinker" loss 24:30 Playoff outlook and murky middle 31:30 Grading GM Chris Drury 40:00 The Artemi Panarin dilemma 48:00 Potential Panarin trade scenarios 53:00 Grading Coach Mike Sullivan 56:50 Shesterkin's elite play and window 59:30 Final thoughts on youth development 01:05:00 Show wrap up and holidays#NYR #NewYorkRangers #RangersHockey #NHL #ChrisDrury #MikeSullivan #ArtemiPanarin #LGR #RinkRap #ForeverBlueshirts

Jim and Lou run through the highs and lows of the first half as the Rangers steam toward the holiday break. What went right, what went wrong and what's to come? All the Rangers talk you can handle this holiday season!

Jim and Lou grade the GM and coach after the first half. Have they done enough and what can do they do better? Also, the guys talk about the future of Panarin as a Blueshirt.

Dive into the latest New York Rangers action! We break down J.T. Miller's heroics as "Captain Clutch" in overtime, the team's ongoing struggles at Madison Square Garden, and celebrate Gabe Perreault's long-awaited first NHL goal while skating on the third line with Noah Laba. Plus, why rookies Perreault, Brennan Othmann, and Scott Morrow are still earning Coach Mike Sullivan's trust.Next, we debate Sullivan's tough call to scratch Mika Zibanejad for missing a team meeting and take a deep dive into why the Rangers remain stuck in the NHL's "murky middle" — with a legitimate shot at the playoffs despite the inconsistencies.Finally, a preview of the grueling three games in four nights before the holiday break, including why Saturday's crucial home matchup against the Philadelphia Flyers could make or break momentum heading into the Christmas pause. Blueshirt fans, this one's packed with analysis and hot takes!Chapters:00:00 - Intro02:30 - Holiday shopping banter; transition to Rangers focus and recent storylines06:10Week recap: JT Miller’s two OT winners (vs Montreal and St. Louis); low-scoring games; returns of Kreider/Truba to MSG; losses to Anaheim/Vancouver; Mika Zibanejad scratched; Panarin out sick; Adam Fox nearing return07:15Rookies called up: Gabe Perreault’s first NHL goal (deflection); Brennan Othmann also recalled12:30Deep dive on JT Miller as “Captain Clutch”: 3 OT goals this season, direct hand in 5 of 6 Rangers OT wins, historic note (most OT goals by US-born player – 17), heavy shot praised by Mike Sullivan17:00Mika Zibanejad scratched for missing meeting (car accident excuse); host expected bigger response/game from Mika after scratch but felt it was underwhelming; defends Mika’s overall effort/leadership this season vs last year 18:30Continued home struggles at MSG (shut out 6 times in 17 home games); losses to bottom-feeders like Vancouver 28:30 (approx. end of first major segment)29:00 Was Sullivan right to scratch Zibanejad? Bigger picture: Rangers in the “murky middle” of the East – parity, mediocre teams, legitimate playoff chance despite flaws39:00 Continued “murky middle” analysis: no dominant teams chasing wild cards; Rangers mentally tougher this year 50:00Wrap-up of murky middle thoughts; tight standings (40 pts for top wild card down to 34 pts for last place)50:00 Preview of upcoming games: crucial home game vs Flyers on Saturday (head-to-head, 4-point swing potential); need to reverse home woes and beat direct competitors56:00Sunday at Nashville (must beat weaker teams); Tuesday vs Washington (tougher but divisional); finishing 7 games in 11 days strong before holiday break 57:00Closing thoughts: Rangers play up to elite teams but need to beat the mediocre ones; holiday wishes; outro and call to subscribe/visit ForeverBlueShirts.com

JT Miller came up big — again! Plus, we talk about the Rangers struggles at home and much, much more.

Jim talks about the hub-bub around the scratch of Mika Zibanejad on Monday night + the Rangers in the "murky middle."

Jim talks about Rangers big game vs. Flyers as they head into the holiday break.

On a special Friday edition of Rink Rap, Jim is joined by NHL Network's E.J. Hradek. The NHL has never been this wide-open – we dive into historic league-wide parity and map the Rangers’ clearest path back to the postseason in a brutal Metro.Inside the episode:Looming Panarin decision: keep the Breadman or move him before he hits free agency? (Spoiler: the return might sting)Metro madness + early playoff race breakdownPenguins-Oilers goalie swap dissectedWill J.T. Miller make Team USA for the 2026 Olympics under Mike Sullivan? If he’s snubbed, how awkward does it get in the Rangers room?All the angles on the Rangers’ season and the flat-out wild NHL landscape, in under an hour. Let’s go.

From wild 2011 Europe trip tales (Gaborik billboards & Hank hysteria) to breaking down the Rangers' infuriating OT loss in Vegas, how the team aced a tough week, Gustafsson trade buzz, Perreault vs. Sheary debate, Trouba's controversial check, and a quick lookahead to the next two games.

Jim talks about the TERRIBLE call against Rangers vs. Vegas and the latest Gustafsson trade rumors.