Sporty Peachy Exclusive Interview with Mover and Shaker Russ Cohen, Professional Hockey Writer and Radio Host Our Coverage Sponsored by Stribling and Associates
Russ Cohen
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Russ Cohen has been featured as a Mover and Shaker:
Russ is a Mover and Shaker because he wrote a great book:
Here is what he thought at the beginning of the playoffs:
And Peachy Deegan weighed in with him to see what he thinks now!
Peachy Deegan: What has surprised you the most in the playoffs up until this point?
Russ Cohen: How the New York Rangers have been able to rely essentially on their top four defenseman for so many minutes every game. They play 5, sometimes 6, but their top 4 log serious minutes.
What do you think the greatest strengths and greatest weaknesses are of the remaining four teams?
Rangers - Their goaltending is their strength in Henrik Lundqvist. Their weakness is their power play. The Kings - Their strength is their goaltending in Jonathan Quick. Their weakness isn't apparent at this time. The Coyotes - Their strength is their goaltending in Mike Smith. Their weakness is their defenseman, a pretty average core. Devils - Their strength is their amazing forecheck and team game plan. Their weakness is their ability for their defenseman to produce offensively.
What are your predictions for Round 3?
Rangers in 6. Kings in 5.
We must say that we did notice that Boyle and Kreider factored in on all 3 goals last night, other than Boston College, which is clearly the best training for the NHL, what other avenues do you believe produce the best?
Boston University, University of Minnesota, Miami University and Michigan and Michigan State all come to mind. There are too many teams to mention in the WHL, QMJHL and OHL.
It seems like the games are very low scoring though we expect the one goal differentials...what do you think?
Things do tighten up this time of the year. Two goal leads are rare. But this makes the games extra exciting and sometimes, like with G1 of Rangers-Devils the first goal wins!
Who's better, Lundqvist or Brodeur and why?
Henrik Lundqvist is better at this stage of the game. He's much safer because he rarely handles the puck. He doesn't give up many rebounds and he doesn't give up an inch of real estate, ever!
Last night the Rangers seemed to be slightly better at forechecking and faceoffs which we think are two key factors to success in the postseason-what do you think?
I think they were better at that in the third period. I felt like the Devils outplayed them in the first two and Lundqvist kept his team in the game. I felt like the Devils could have put up a 3-spot in that second period based on their quality chances.
Do you think the officiating has been well done during the post-season? Why or why not?
It's been awful and I hate to talk about it because it's boring. But there have been a handful of games in every series that have bad calls and that's a shame.
What players would you like to see in a bit of a scuffle with each other before the end of round 3?
Michael Rupp - David Clarkson
Mike Richards - Shane Doan
Do you think anyone is likely to score a Gordie Howe hatrick and if so, who and why?
I don't think so. Nobody really wants to fight in these games because one power play goal can win the game and that's too risky. If there is a blowout in one of the series then it's possible. But I'd bet against it.
Do you feel there are more blocked shots these days?
The numbers have been rising since 2006. Aaron Ward for Carolina blocked a lot of them to help his team win the Cup and nobody complained about it.
What coaches remaining impress you the most and does Tortorella remind you of the Dos Equis guy?
Torts does have the air about him, that's for sure. I am very impressed with Dave Tippett. He has worked wonders with Phoenix and he hardly gets any credit.
What should Gary Bettman be doing to promote the NHL more?
I think he should promote more American players in the states. Even in states where there aren't any teams. Put players like Ryan Callahan, Bobby Ryan Dustin Brown and Jonathan Quick on billboards everywhere and state where they hail from. Americans would support them more I think.
How can anyone walk into a New York sports bar, particularly on the civilized Upper East side, and ask that the Rangers game be turned off in favor of the Yankees (not in the post-season) or NBA playoffs (Knicks out now) and what can we do about it other than give those people a look that they must not have been brought up right?
It's sad but the Rangers G7 against Washington did rank just behind those teams in the television ratings. Just grit your teeth.
Peachy ate gummy penguins during the 91-92 post-season. What food do you think is best to eat during a hockey game?
Fish sticks.
And you drink?
Canadian Beer!
We see DKNY has a spot on the ice in MSG-finally the NHL sees women like hockey too. What other women's brands have you ever seen advertised in the NHL?
Alissa Milano has her own line. That's about it. You have to be careful because most hardcore female hockey fans don't want to see pink sweaters.
What commercials do you like the best?
All the Discover Card commercials with Peggy. Love them!
What golf courses do you think have the most NHL players on them right now?
They have to be in Canada. There aren't any Canadian teams left.
What songs do you think would summarize the playoff season thus far?
Know Your Enemy - Green Day. Feels like the First Time - Foreigner
What else should Whom You Know readers know about the post-season?
That's its the most exciting sport on earth. Players give up everything to try and win the Stanley Cup!
How would you like to be contacted by Whom You Know readers?
Feel free to email me @ rcohen@sportsology.net
