Brendan Azoff

Brendan Azoff is a THW contributor and podcast host dedicated to covering the New York Rangers. His passion for hockey started when he first laced up the skates at three, growing into his love for writing and talking about the greatest sport in the world. His podcast, The Backcheck, breaks down the Rangers, Islanders, and NHL news and can be found on The Hockey Writers Podcast Network and Belly Up Sports. Brendan has been writing about the Rangers and the NHL for over two years, with his content also found on Puck Prose, Blue Line Station, and E2G Sports. If you want to connect with Brendan and stay up-to-date on his posts, follow him on Twitter. He is always available for content ideas and interviews, don't be afraid to ask!

Rangers’ Injury Woes Should Lead to Player Rest Down the Stretch

April 24, 2022 by Brendan Azoff

After a thrilling 6-3 win over their arch-rival New York Islanders, the celebration didn’t last long for the New York Rangers on Thursday (April 21). The costly victory saw Filip…

Rangers Are Set up to Make a Cup Run This Postseason

April 17, 2022 by Brendan Azoff

Entering this season with a new head coach in Gerard Gallant and a new-look, grittier lineup, many thought the New York Rangers could fight for a playoff spot. Not many…

Previewing Potential Rangers’ Atlantic Division Postseason Opponents

April 15, 2022 by Brendan Azoff

With seven games remaining on the New York Rangers 2021-22 regular-season schedule, Gerard Gallant’s team sits second in the Metropolitan Division. Their 102 points are two fewer than the first-place…

Rangers Should Reunite the ‘Kid Line’ When Kakko Returns

April 1, 2022 by Brendan Azoff

Soon, the New York Rangers will welcome back Kaapo Kakko to the lineup. With the brilliant play of deadline acquisitions Frank Vatrano, Andrew Copp, and Tyler Motte, the return of…

Rangers Beat Potential Postseason Foes in Weekend Sweep

March 21, 2022 by Brendan Azoff

Back-to-backs are never easy, but they are even more challenging when the two opponents are the defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning and Metropolitan Division-leading Carolina Hurricanes. In two…

Rangers Face Key Opponents as 2022 Trade Deadline Looms

March 15, 2022 by Brendan Azoff

With the NHL Trade Deadline looming, the New York Rangers enter a week of four intense games. They will play host to the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday night before a…

Rangers’ 3 Biggest Trade Deadline Needs

March 11, 2022 by Brendan Azoff

The NHL’s Trade Deadline is fast approaching, and the New York Rangers are poised to be buyers on March 21. They currently sit in second place in the Metropolitan Division,…

Rangers’ Weekend Losses Highlight Need for Depth Scoring

February 28, 2022 by Brendan Azoff

Back-to-back losses for the New York Rangers shouldn’t cause concern. Every team will have a lull in their season, and right now, the Rangers are in the midst of a…

Rangers Are an Analytical Anomaly

February 23, 2022 by Brendan Azoff

At 32-13-5, the New York Rangers’ 69 points are good for third place in the Metropolitan Division. Only five teams in the NHL have more points and have a better…

Rangers Should Keep Nemeth in the Press Box When he Returns

February 17, 2022 by Brendan Azoff

The New York Rangers are a team that, despite their youth, find themselves with the right mix of veterans that has helped propel them into contention. One veteran move that…

Rangers Will Benefit From Lighter Second-Half Schedule

February 9, 2022 by Brendan Azoff

At the NHL’s All-Star break, the New York Rangers had played 47 games. That mark was the second-most in the league, only behind the Anaheim Ducks’ 48. Although teams have…

Henrik Lundqvist’s Jersey Retirement Honors Him as an All-Time Ranger

January 30, 2022January 30, 2022 by Brendan Azoff

For many, the hockey game between the New York Rangers and Minnesota Wild on Friday night was a mere afterthought. Eighteen thousand people arrived at MSG, many (including myself) coming…