The hockey world lost Hall of Fame writer Larry Brooks on Thursday, and Jim Cerny is joined by former New York Rangers GM Neil Smith, remembering the influential writer. Smith talks about his relationship with Brooks and how hockey writers fit into the hockey culture. Smith also offers commentary on the current New York Rangers and what the team may be missing for the 2025-26 season. A tribute to one of the great writers in NHL history from two insiders who knew him well.

In this episode of the Rink Rap Podcast from Forever Blueshirts, host Jim Cerny dives into the New York Rangers' frustrating 0-5-1 start at Madison Square Garden, breaking down their dominant yet scoreless performance against the Hurricanes and what might be holding them back. We also look ahead to the upcoming schedule, including a pivotal matchup with the Islanders, and discuss potential lineup tweaks like Connor Mackey's debut.Later, Islanders beat writer Stefan Rosner joins to chat about Matthew Schaefer's seamless transition to the NHL at just 18—his poise, perspective, and early impact—plus thoughts on reigniting the Rangers-Islanders rivalry. Is this the game that snaps the Blueshirts out of their home funk?Timestamps:0:00 - Intro & MLB/NFL Offseason Vibes2:56 - Rangers vs. Hurricanes Breakdown14:50 - Lineup Updates & Vincent Trocheck Feature23:00 - Schedule Preview: Red Wings, Lightning & More26:38 - Stefan Rosner Interview: Schaefer's Rise36:20 - Reviving the Battle of Hudson Rivalry45:15 - Rangers' Home Woes & Game PredictionsSubscribe for weekly Rangers insights, analysis, and guest episodes.Keep up with New York Rangers news: https://www.foreverblueshirts.comFollow Forever Blueshirts!Facebook: Forever BlueshirtsTwitter: @4everblueshirtsInstagram: @Forever_Blueshirts

We're back with a new show, and the Rangers STILL haven't won a game on home ice. We talk about that and the recent loss to the Hurricanes.

Stefen Rosner joins Jim to discuss the New York Islanders, the Rangers rivalry and much more!

Jim closes out the show looking ahead to this weekend's action on the ice.

In this episode, we break down the New York Rangers' gritty 2-0 shutout victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday, spotlighting their return to a rock-solid defensive structure that sparked a cascade of positives—from stifled turnovers to opportunistic scoring. We also dive deep into J.T. Miller's poised homecoming to Vancouver, his first since the January 31st trade, reflecting on his remarkable maturation from a fiery young Ranger (drawing from Jim's firsthand impressions of his early days) to the steady leader he is today. Hear how Miller dictated the game's tempo and what sets this Rangers squad apart from last season's version.

Jim recaps the win vs. Vancouver, including their improved defensive structure.

We discuss the play of JT Miller and his return to Vancouver plus update you on latest Rangers injuries.

It's time to plug in the Concern-O-Meter and for Jim to look at the weekend ahead.

Blueshirts blow a golden chance at home, losing 6-5 OT to rebuilding Sharks. Jim Cerny owns the jinx, rips the sloppy effort, breaks down Rempe's scary injury & Othmann's big recall shot. Plus, Raddysh's hat trick steals the show—road reset vs Flames?

It's time for a Forever Blueshirts Friday rants session after the Rangers loss to San Jose at the Garden.

Jim goes OFF...listen to what he says!

Dive deep into the New York Rangers' early-season woes with Jonny Lazarus (Morning Cup of Hockey, Bleacher Report) on the Rink Wrap Podcast! From Braden Schneider's monster hit on Marcus Foligno and his rise as a top-4 defenseman, to Artemi Panarin's contract dilemma, Alexis Lafreniere's stalled 100-point prophecy, Kaapo Kakko's fit, Igor Shesterkin's heroics, and third-line tweaks. Plus: Hot takes on Tom Wilson's hit on Filip Hronek, Brennan Othman's confidence crisis, and why the Rangers need blue-line offense NOW. Is this the blueprint for a turnaround?🔵 Follow Jim Cerny on X: https://x.com/jimcerny🔵 Follow Jonny Lazarus on X: https://x.com/JLazzy23Timestamps:0:00 - Intro & Banter: Johnny's Social Media Roast + Tom Wilson Hit Drama2:22 - Braden Schneider's Monster Hit & X-Factor Status6:00 - Schneider's Offensive Upside: Shots, Tips & Blue-Line Goals10:15 - Artemi Panarin: Rock-Solid or Trade Bait? Contract Crunch15:45 - Alexis Lafreniere: 100-Point Prediction Bust?20:30 - Mika Zibanejad's Slump & Defensive Woes25:10 - Igor Shesterkin: Carrying the Load in Losses30:25 - Kaapo Kakko: Patience or Package Him?35:55 - Third Line Struggles: Brodzinski, Parsons & Lineup Shuffles42:40 - Prospect Talk: Brennan Othman's Confidence Rebuild48:00 - Wrap-Up: Johnny's Media Love & Hockey Passion#NYRangers #RangersPodcast #NHL #NHLNews #NHLPodcast #Blueshirts #ForeverBlueShirts #JonnyLazarus #MSG #RangersHockey Keep up with New York Rangers news: https://www.foreverblueshirts.comFollow Forever Blueshirts!Facebook: Forever BlueshirtsTwitter: @4everblueshirtsInstagram: @Forever_Blueshirts

Jim Cerny is back and lays down some facts about the Rangers' tough start at home. Will they win against San Jose and end their MSG early season losing streak? Plus, thoughts, news and notes.

Jonny Lazarus of The Center Ice, Bleacher Report and NESN joins Jim to give an insider's thoughts on the Rangers and their future. The guys also talk about the team's current challenges and remember years gone by for the Blueshirts.

Jim closes out the show with his Rangers Stock UP⬆️ and Stock DOWN⬇️ and this and that!

NHL insider Ryan Paton from SiriusXM NHL Radio drops 🔥 takes on the New York Rangers. From Artemi Panarin's long-term future with the Blueshirts to why goalie Igor Shesterkin is an absolute steal even with his massive contract, and how Mike Sullivan is the ideal coach to lead them to glory. We also dive into Sidney Crosby's Penguins legacy and how the 2026 Winter Olympics could change EVERYTHING, plus Paton's bold prediction on WHO will hoist the Stanley Cup this season! PLUS: Jim talks Rangers roster depth and gives you his weekly Blueshirt stock up, stock down report!

Jim Cerny is back with a brand-new Rink Rap, and he's discussing the Rangers' current roster depth amid their injuries. With Vincent Trocheck and Carson Soucy injured, who steps up? Plus, the latest in Rangers news.

Ryan Paton of NHL Radio on SiriusXM joins Jim to talk about the Rangers future, Sullivan's presence, playoff chances and a bright future ahead for the Blueshirts!

Jim closes out the show talking about who's hot, and who's not on the Rangers roster after the first week of the 2025-26 season!