Vince Z. Mercogliano
@vzmercogliano
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NY Rangers reporter for @usatodaysports, @lohud, @northjersey and the rest of the @USATODAY Network. On-air #NYR analyst for @SNYtv. Still loves sandwiches.
Joined July 2011
Why are the #NYR so convinced Mike Sullivan is the right man for the job?. I spoke to those who have worked with and played for him at multiple stages to get a feel for communication style, systems and more. “He's almost like a sports psychologist.” 👇🏼
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I just asked Igor Shesterkin if he's noticed his name coming up in the Vezina Trophy conversation. "No, I don't speak English," he said in English 🤣. #NYR.
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Filip Chytil was gushing after the game. I’ve never seen him this happy. “This team is unbelievable, what they did without me for a whole season. But I know with me, we can be even better. I just love this team. I love these players. I love everybody in this organization.”. #NYR.
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Igor reveals that he and his wife are expecting a baby soon. The good news keeps coming #NYR.
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This was pretty bad ass from Trouba. You can chirp me all you want. Now watch me light up your teammate right in your grill lol.
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Igor has a message he wanted delivered: . "I would like to thank the fans for the energy they provided. They supported me, even though I kind of let them down in that one spot. But the energy at MSG is always great. They're always charged up.". #NYR.
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K’Andre Miller got choked up as he told us this after the game: . “My mom texted me today. She was giving me a lot of motivation. So it's pretty easy for myself to focus up for these types of games when I have support like that.”. #NYR.
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Heartbreaking to see Zibanejad and Kreider right now with tears in their eyes. Mika: "It's just denial. I'm empty right now. I don't know what to say.". #NYR.
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Igor Shesterkin:. "Honestly, I did lose control of it when I got sent off. You saw me hitting the boards with my stick. That won't happen again. I promise. But when I came out, the stands just gave me so much energy that I couldn't do anything else but save the game.". #NYR.
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The #NYR haven’t confirmed or announced anything officially yet, but it sounds like things are getting close and very much trending toward Mike Sullivan becoming the 38th head coach in franchise history.
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Talking to Artemi Panarin now, who confirmed that Marchand brought up the Russia stuff and crossed the line. He said trash talking is fine, but this was more of a personal attack. "I don't like that guy," he added with a smile. #NYR.
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What was Matt Rempe's reaction when he found out he was getting an overtime shift?. "I heard Lavi call my name and I grabbed my stuff. I was like, ‘Oh, my God. Jiminy Crickets! Let's go!'". This kid 😂 #NYR.
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Asked Panarin about scoring two of his three goals right around the net tonight. "I go to the net twice in my life, and then both times it worked. Maybe I have to start listening to coaches.". 😂 #NYR.
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Panarin: "I have to say, the atmosphere was electric. It was something I couldn't compare anything else to. I had to hold back tears, just because it was that much of a spectacle. I'd like to thank fans for giving it that electric feeling – that wave of emotion." #NYR.
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Igor said the crowd chanting his name gave him “strength and motivation.” He smiled and added, “I had to make sure I didn’t cry.” #NYR.
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Of all the role models in my life — I’m lucky to have many — Papa was my No. 1 hero. He taught me to savor the simple things, treat people with kindness and respect, and always put family first. We lost Papa after a legendary run of 90+ years, so I’ll be logging off for a few ❤️
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Sam Rosen: “I’m trying to drag this team into the playoffs with me… they’re not listening to me.”. 😂 #NYR.
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The #NYR became the first team to ever hold Alex Ovechkin without a point in a playoff series. When informed of this and asked how they accomplished it, Artemi Panarin just smiled and said, "It's a secret.".
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Just spoke to Artemi Panarin for the first time since the Kane trade. How did he feel when he got the news?. He smiled big and said, "I was pissed off.". #NYR.
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Panarin on Igor: "It's great to have a goalie who's only next step is to score goals." . #NYR.
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Then, at the end, Panarin dropped the mic with this message for the league (and Jeff Gorton):. "I lost 5K. But thanks to the old general manager for $11.6 (million). I’m good.". 🤣 💰. #NYR.
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Every time they show Mats Zuccarello on the big board, the crowd instantly erupts into "Zuccccccccccccc!" #NYR.
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Tarasenko on what led to the trade: "There was no chance of staying in St. Louis. No deal was offered, so I knew I was going to move somewhere. I talked with Artemi and they wanted me here. One of my best friends plays here and we have a chance to win a Cup again." #NYR.
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Reminded that he said Game 2 was the hardest game to win after winning Game 1, Chris Kreider amended his answer:. "I think Game 3 is probably the hardest game to win.". Very on brand. #NYR.
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Igor on how he blocked out the crowd noise: “Benny told me to do something, but I can’t say what it was.” Then he 😊 . #NYR.
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As a kid, did Chris Kreider ever dream of scoring 50?. “I dreamed of winning a Stanley Cup.”. #NYR.
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Asked Braden Schneider what the last few days have been like for him: "They explained the situation to me, and a guy like (Kane) is a pretty special player. I think it definitely made us better and it was a thing that needed to be done, so it make sense. Happy to do my part" #NYR.
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Chris Kreider finished giving an eloquent answer about Alexis Lafrenière by saying, "Unbelievable player. We're lucky to have him.". Then he looked at Laf, smiled and said, "Kind of a jerk.". #NYR.
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New-look #NYR lines:. Panarin - Zib - Tarasenko .Kreider - Trocheck - Kravtsov .Laf - Chytil - Kakko.Vesey - Leschyshyn/Goodrow - Gauthier.
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Kaapo Kakko's reaction to scoring on Kaapo Kahkonen was short, sweet and hilarious. "He's from the same city as me. Same first name also. Nice guy." . #NYR.
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Artemi Panarin was all smiles and at a loss for words:. "I’m just so happy. It was a lot of emotion. I can’t really explain to you. I don’t really understand what happened. I need 10 more minutes.". #NYR.
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Mika on the MSG noise level: . "I don’t think I’ve heard this building louder than Arty’s OT winner. I could not hear what I was thinking. People have been talking about Game 7 here and the crowd – it was unreal.". #NYR.
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Tyler Motte said he was so "amped" about the trade that he got to the rink "a little too early" this morning. "I knew exactly where I was going last night to the hotel and exactly how to get in here. Said hi to the staff – it's almost like you never left.". #NYR.
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Cool scene at the training center today. Laviolette invited any family of players or staff who wanted to attend practice, and now they’re putting out food, doing face-painting, playing with the kids, etc. A nice touch in the spirit of team-bonding that PL prioritizes. #NYR.
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Chris Kreider just scored and Will Cuylle immediately went to get the puck. Everyone in the building has a sense of what could be his final game as a member of the #NYR.
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Mika Zibanejad on the Tom Wilson shenanigans:. "He should have more respect for the game and for the players. I don't even know where to start. It's just horrible.". #NYR.
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Gallant also said he pulled Lafrenière aside today to offer words of encouragement and let him know he's pleased with how he's playing with Chytil and Kakko. "For a kid line going up against the lines that they're playing against, I'm real happy with them right now.". #NYR.
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Kreider was asked about reaching 400 points. He pointed at Panarin and joked that he has more points in much fewer games. From the back of the room, Panarin said, “I only care about plus-minus.”. 😂. #NYR.
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Chris Kreider just walked in while we were talking to Igor Shesterkin. Igor: "Hello, Mr. 52". #NYR.
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Confirmed: New top-line center has been recalled to the Mercogliano lineup. Vincent Jr. weighs in at 6 lbs., 10 oz. and is lauded for 💩, 😴 & a scorer’s touch. (He might even watch his first #NYR game tonight, but dad will be out a few weeks. Meanwhile, mom is the real MVP 🏆)
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Here's a fun programming note: It sounds like longtime broadcast partners Sam Rosen and John Davidson will reunite to call the April 9 game between #NYR-#LetsGoFlyers on TNT 👀. That will be nostalgic for many Rangers fans, I'm sure.
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Backstory on this cool moment: Isaiah Márquez-Greene lost his younger sister Ana in the tragic 2012 Sandy Hook shooting. The family started The Ana Grace Project in her name and Isaiah (who played goalie for his HS team) is heading to UConn to study law. Now his tuition is paid.
Isaiah: You’re our inspiration. We can’t wait to see you right back here after Troubs watches you graduate law school.
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Rempe said he was “patrolling” during warmups & made eye contract with Martin, so he knew it was going down. “I know he’s a tough customer and I’ve got a lot of respect for him… I was like, hell yeah.”. He said after Martin told him he’s got better reach than Zdeno Chara. #NYR.
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#NYR say Kane will be flying to NY and making his debut Thursday, not tomorrow in Philly.
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Just caught up with a few #NYR players at the team hotel. Trocheck on the situation: "We look at it as an opportunity. Winning the Stanley Cup is not supposed to be easy, and it's these kind of moments that really form a team into a team that can become a championship team.".
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Ryan Reaves said it’s “a parallel universe” with him getting two assists and Laffy fighting. #NYR.
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Trocheck on this moment with Shesterkin:. “He was our best player by a significant margin in the playoffs… If there was one guy that I thought needed to hear that right after the loss to kind of keep his spirits up, (it was him)… He deserved better.” #NYR.
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I also asked Panarin if he can tell when he's going to have a good night. His response was classic. "I can’t say that, because sometimes you feel great, and then you play like shit.". Then his eyes got wide, and he asked: "Can I say that?". I'm cool with it. #NYR.
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Asked Igor how he’s feeling about his game after a 7-0 February with a .953 SV%. “Very good in the net — and very bad behind the net.” . 😂.
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Here's how Miller described his fight:. "I was watching the fireworks go off, and all of a sudden I saw (John Marino) come over our side of the ice. He looked at me, kind gave me a nod. I was like, ‘Eh, why not?’ I thought it was going to be a bad idea. I guess he found out." 😳.
Was Rempe impressed with any of his teammates' fighting skills?. "I was watching back and I saw Key (K'Andre Miller). I was pretty fired up. That was pretty wicked. He did the little man (hand motion) or something like that. That was unbelievable." . #NYR.
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Some big broadcasting news from @MSGNetworks: Joe Micheletti has decided to retire after 19 seasons in the #NYR booth. He'll join longtime partner Sam Rosen in moving onto the next chapter -- and much like Sam, Joe is a true gentleman who will be greatly missed.
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#NYR fans should be happy for Ryan McDonagh and Kevin Shattenkirk. If you aren't, well, maybe reflect on what exactly you're bitter about. By all accounts, they're two good dudes -- hard-working, humble, accountable. Deserving champions on a very deserving team. #StanleyCup.
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Tyler Motte is one of the #NYR players on the ice. His first practice with the team since early April.
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Matt Rempe told us this was the first time his mom was in the Garden for one of his games. Asked if that gave him extra juice, he laughed and said, “I’ve always got juice.” #NYR.
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Folks, wanted to let you all know that I had to cancel my trip to Boston and won’t be covering today’s game. Going to take some time for a family matter. Probably going to be unplugged for a few days, but I’ll let you know once I’m back 🙏.
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When asked what he can say about Chris Kreider, Artemi Panarin smiled and said, "He's terrible." #NYR.
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I’m seeing more #NYR jerseys outside of PNC Arena than any of the previous playoff games here — by far.
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How does Igor feel after beating Vasilevskiy twice after he called him the best goalie in the world?. “I don’t think that really matters. I still stand by my opinion… you can’t forget that the series (requires) four wins, so you have to keep playing.”. #NYR.
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Complete trade terms confirmed:. #NYR get Tarasenko and Mikkola. STL gets:.- Conditional 2023 first-rounder.- Conditional 2024 fourth-rounder.- Sammy Blais.- Hunter Skinner.
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What did Matt Rempe do all summer? Oh, just power-skating and skills work with Chris Kreider every day while living at Jonathan Quick's house and catching frogs with his kids. Standard stuff. #NYR
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Multiple times per day so far in this camp I've noticed Panarin talking to Kravtsov or pulling him aside for extra work. There's obviously a level of comfort b/c they speak the same language, but it seems like Panarin is taking a special interest and leadership role with him #NYR.
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Matt Rempe held court again today and had some gems. Said he mostly stayed off social media last night because he tried playing Halo for the first time with Chris Kreider. "I got killed 68 times. It was a very, very bad performance.". 😂.
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Chris Kreider's response when asked about passing Rod Gilbert for the #NYR postseason goals record? Just what you would expect:. "We won Game 1. Game 2 is the hardest one to win after you win Game 1. We’re happy with how the first game went. We’ll be happy for 10, 15 minutes.".
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Mika: "No quit in New York doesn't mean that we'll never lose, but it does mean that we won't quit. That's one of the things I'm most proud of.". #NYR.
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Igor was super serious throughout the playoffs, but today he’s showing some of that fun personality. Joked about Auston Matthews not scoring on him, and when he was asked what fans chanting “Ig-or!” means to him, he said, “It means they know my name.” 😂 #NYR.
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Fun chat with Artemi Panarin today. Asked if he wants to rest for any of these last five games, he smiled and said, “I am a wolf.”. I’ll take that as a no 🐺 #NYR.
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They just showed Henrik Lundqvist watching from his box. with Ryan Callahan chugging a beer right next to him 🤣 #NYR.
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Gallant had a funny response when asked about Tampa pushing back given their history of not losing two in a row in the playoffs:. "I read that they’re 17-0 in games after a loss. It doesn’t matter to me… I mean, they didn’t beat us 17 times. They beat other teams.". True 😂 #NYR.
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Vincent Trocheck said that Kreider told the group before the third, "I'm going to go get one.". Well, he got three. #NYR.
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Look who just joined them? 👀 . (It’s Patrick Kane)
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Reaves on why he didn't go after Subban:. "It's a close game. Subban’s not going to fight me. What's going to happen? I'm going to go cross check him and take a penalty and they’re on the PP? I'd rather try and catch him with his head down in a hit or something like that.". #NYR.
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Panarin is the redemption story, but what a night for Mika- 3 points (1G and 2A), 7 shot attempts (4 SOG), 72% on faceoffs (18-for-25) and played with pace and great urgency throughout. He also did it while playing mostly against Crosby, which puts that narrative to bed. #NYR.
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Confirmed, per source: #NYR and Alexis Lafrenière have agreed to a seven-year, $52.15 million extension. AAV is $7.45M, as first reported by @PuckPedia.
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As we were finishing up talking to Panarin tonight, he looked up with a big grin and asked (in English): . "Does anybody have vodka?". This guy 🤣.
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Asked Artemi Panarin about breaking out the leg kick for the first time in a while. "I almost hurt myself. Pretty soon, no more kicks. Second goal, I thought about it, but my muscle was a little tight.". He was joking. I think lol #NYR.
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Kreider was asked about Henrik Lundqvist getting back on the ice today:. "Thank God, some good news. Nothing could warm your heart more. He had open-heart surgery how long ago? And he's already feeling better; he's already active. You'd expect nothing less from him.". #NYR.
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As for Kane, Gallant confirmed what we all suspected. He’ll play with Panarin and Trocheck. “Any fool can put those lines together,” he said with a laugh. #NYR.
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All- Some sad news to report here. I had to cancel the first multi-game trip of the season due to a death in the family, so I won’t be covering the next couple #NYR games. Feel bad about missing them but some things are bigger than sports. I’ll be back soon 🙏.
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I was joking with Vesey about all of his goals feeling like they're game-winners. He said he didn't know the exact number, but knew it was a big % in his career. I told him I would look it up, so here it is: 88 career goals, with 25 of them game-winners. That's 28.4% 👀 #NYR.
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When Mika Zibanejad was asked about finally scoring, Chris Kreider chimed in: "He also has to play with me. I’m not exactly a prodigious playmaker.". Then Mika leaned in and said, "I beg to differ.". #NYR.
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Spoke to the birthday boy after the game, who was in hilarious form. I asked Panarin if he wanted 3 points for his bday. He smiled and said, "I'm a good guy. I wanted a team win.". On his assist on Laf's goal: "He almost missed. That would have broken our relationship.". #NYR.
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I started talking to Artemi Panarin postgame and he cut me off with a very important question. "What shampoo do you use?". 🤣.
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Funny moment in the locker room. Was chatting with K’Andre Miller when my phone started buzzing. Told him Chad Ruhwedel got traded. He asked where. I pointed to the locker next to his 😂 #NYR.
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I wouldn’t necessarily overreact to this, but Sammy Blais is wearing white with the other forwards for the first time. #NYR.
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