A Tribute to Sam Rosen: The Voice of the New York Rangers

For nearly four decades, Sam Rosen has been the unmistakable voice guiding New York Rangers fans through the highs and lows of our beloved Blueshirts. With his iconic “It’s a power play goal!” call ringing through Madison Square Garden and across generations of Rangers fans living rooms, Sam has become as much a part of the Rangers’ legacy as the players who have donned the sweater. Sam is not just a broadcaster but an institution— I started watching Rangers hockey when I was about seven or eight years old, too young to be allowed to stay up for the finish of games that at that time started at 7:30. When sent to bed I had a small black and white antenna television in my room, you had to fiddle around with it to get a decent picture and lord knows it was nearly impossible to see the puck but I could hear Sam and JD describing the action and that was good enough.

He’s never hid the fact that he’s been a lifelong Rangers fan and although a broadcaster is supposed to be neutral his fandom bled through his calls since day one and there’s not a Rangers fan anywhere who minded.

Rosen first joined the Rangers broadcast team in 1984, His partnership with former Rangers goaltender John Davidson became the gold standard for hockey broadcasts. For Rangers fans “Sam and JD” were like family. Every Rangers fan has dropped an “OHHHHH BABY” after a great goal, and we’ve all uttered in a sing song tone “Save By Richter”  and  we let everyone in ears shot know when a Power Play Goal is scored with Sam’s signature “It’s a Power Play Goal”

That’s the institution that is Sam Rosen

If there is one moment that defines Sam Rosen’s legacy, it’s his call of the Rangers’ Stanley Cup victory in 1994. After a 54-year championship drought, the Rangers hoisted the Cup, and Rosen’s voice immortalized the moment:

“The waiting is over! The New York Rangers are the Stanley Cup Champions! And this one will last a lifetime!”

Those words, raw with joy and disbelief, became etched in the hearts of Rangers fans forever. To this day, that call brings chills to Rangers fans because it brings us back to  one of the greatest nights in New York sports history.

Saturday Night Sam Called what was possibly his final Rangers game at Madison Square Garden. Although if he has any say in the matter he’ll have a few more,as in his words;

“I’m trying to drag this team into the playoffs myself”

The Rangers came away with an important 5-3 win but the night belonged to the guest of honor, Sam Rosen. It was one of those special nights only Madison Square Garden can produce. It was titled “A Salute to Sam”. Rangers fans have had a few of these special New York thank you’s.  There was one for Mark Messier,  another for Mr. Ranger himself Rod Gilbert, but it’s different with broadcasters than it is with players. As much as we love the guys on the ice and admire the joy they bring us the relationship fans have with longtime legendary voices like Sam Rosen is more personal. We talk with Sam every other night for nine months a year over forty years, he’s been there with us through the countless disappointments and playoff heartbreaks, the overtime winners and losers, and he was there with us when Rangers fans finally witnessed what once seemed impossible. A Stanley Cup Championship.

Every Rangers fan will tell you that Sam is their friend, whether you’ve ever met him or not

Thank you, Sam Rosen, for being the voice of our team, our memories, and our hockey lives. This one truly will last a lifetime.

LETS GO RANGERS