We torch two grim losses to San Jose and Calgary, call out the sleepwalk starts, and lay out fixes the coaches and front office can make now. The finishes aren’t there, the hunger isn’t there, and the clock is ticking on a core that was supposed to contend.

• why Celebrini brilliance can’t excuse a home loss
• Calgary no-show and the danger of “we’ll be fine”
• leadership admitting complacency and why that’s fatal
• veterans generating chances but failing to finish
• Lafrenière, Kakko, Cooley ceilings and usage
• fourth-line energy versus top-six responsibility
• shooting percentages due to regress but urgency required
• short-term fixes: move Mika to wing, test Laf with Panarin
• call-ups versus placeholders and ice-time as leverage
• GM trust issues and the cost of holding prospects too long
• trade for a true star if you can’t draft one
• fans, tickets, and belief when culture slips

We unpack a tight, low-scoring start where the team defense shines, Igor looks calm, and the power play sputters. We debate whether a true superstar is required to win a Cup, how to fix the top six, and what smart, non-rental trades could actually move the needle.

• controlled chances against but poor finishing
• reliance on 2–1, 3–2 games to survive
• Panarin’s ceiling vs playoff gravity
• Lafrenière’s role and puck-protection gaps
• faceoff splits hurting PP zone time
• net-front void and PP1 indecision
• term targets over rentals at the deadline
• cap space strategy and window timing
• leadership tone, accountability, and mindset
• West Coast swing expectations and benchmarks

We break down a 2–1 OT loss that showcased elite structure and a stubborn scoring drought. Strong defense and fourth-line energy clash with a top six that can’t finish, while contracts and no‑move clauses limit options.

• tighter neutral zone, fewer rush chances allowed
• top six struggles at five-on-five
• fourth line drives forecheck and late shifts
• power play hesitancy and lost zone time
• aging core and no‑move clauses reduce flexibility
• Schneider’s elevated minutes and Robertson’s stability
• debate on Trocheck usage and line balance
• early trade window possibilities under cap constraints
• metrics show they’re close, results say not yet
• schedule outlook and realistic 1-1-1 vs 3-0 paths

“Most likely next Wednesday… hopefully after two more wins and maybe some goals”

Shawn and Roc dive into the first two Rangers preseason games, analyzing the impressive performances from Gabriel Perrault, Noah Laba, and Matthew Robertson while discussing how the roster is shaping up under new coach Mike Sullivan.

• Perrault showing noticeable improvement with added muscle and willingness to go to dirty areas of the ice 
• Robertson making a strong case for the NHL roster despite waiver considerations
• Analyzing the new broadcast team with Dave Maloney replacing Joe Micheletti alongside a new play-by-play announcer
• Discussing potential line combinations with Taylor Raddysh possibly starting on the second line
• Evaluating Connor Sheary's PTO performance and chances of making the roster
• Comparing current young talent to previous Rangers draft classes and development paths
• Examining the NHL's no-tax state advantage and its impact on competitive balance
• Speculating on when roster cuts will happen and which prospects might stick around

The Rangers have three more preseason games before opening night on October 7th, with significant roster decisions still to be made as training camp progresses.

The Rangers emerge from their offseason coma as training camp begins with JT Miller being named the 29th captain in franchise history. Miller brings leadership qualities, intensity, and scoring ability that were missing during last season's struggles when the team failed to meet championship expectations.

• JT Miller named team captain, bringing much-needed leadership qualities including intensity, scoring ability, and media savvy
• Rangers' 100th anniversary celebration will feature eight themed nights honoring different eras throughout franchise history
• Eddie Giacomin, considered the greatest goalie in Rangers history until Henrik Lundqvist, passed away this week at age 86
• Power play configuration without Chris Kreider creates questions about who will take the net-front role
• Debate over whether acquiring Kirill Kaprizov would significantly improve the team or just replace Artemi Panarin
• Multiple roster spots up for competition including third-line center and seventh defenseman
• NHL salary cap projected to increase by approximately $9 million next season, creating future flexibility
• Team's championship window appears to be approximately 2-3 years with current core group
• Alexis Lafrenière's development remains a key storyline as he enters another season
• Training camp offers opportunity for new coach Mike Sullivan to implement his system

Shawn and Rock discuss the current state of the Rangers after the draft and free agency period have concluded. They analyze how quickly the team's offseason moves were completed and evaluate if the team has improved overall.

• Assessment of the Rangers' third line construction options after losing Kaapo Kakko
• Debate about whether prospects like Matthew Berard, Brennan Othmann, and Gabe Perrault are ready for NHL roles
• Analysis of Taylor Raddysh’s potential impact on the third line alongside Parssinan
• Discussion of Mika Zibanejad's potential position shift between center and wing
• Concerns about defensive pairings and Carson Soucy's fit within the team structure
• Evaluation of Vladislav Gavrikov's signing and what it means for the blue line
• Examination of coach accountability versus player accountability after last season's collapse
• Speculation about Artemi Panarin's future with the team when his contract expires
• Analysis of the Rangers' draft success in recent years and their promising prospect pipeline
• Consideration of potential trade targets and free agent options for future seasons

Take the season one game at a time. We've seen in recent history how a coach's first season usually goes well before experiencing a downturn, so let's not get too high or too low as the year progresses.

When the free agent frenzy hits, no one captures the raw emotion and strategic analysis of Rangers hockey quite like the Two Guys One Cup podcast. In this impromptu midday episode, Shawn and Roc break down the Rangers' biggest offseason moves with unfiltered passion and insider perspective.

The centerpiece of discussion is Vladislav Gavrikov's seven-year, $7 million deal with the Blueshirts – a contract both hosts view as surprisingly reasonable in today's inflated market. "He probably took less to come here," they observe, noting comparable defensemen commanding $8.5 million or more. The contract's structure reveals Drury's blueprint: a five-year competitive window aligned perfectly with the team's core of Panarin, Zibanejad, and Fox.

Meanwhile, K'Andre Miller appears headed to Carolina, with rumors suggesting draft pick compensation centered around a future first-rounder. This sparks heated debate about asset management and whether the Rangers are getting proper value for a defenseman once glowingly praised by opposing coaches during playoff battles.

Beyond these headline moves, the hosts dive into roster construction puzzles: Who centers the third line? Which prospects might finally break through? And most critically – can star players who excel in the regular season finally deliver when the playoffs intensify?

For Rangers fans navigating this transformative offseason, this episode provides the perfect blend of tactical insight and genuine fan perspective. Join the conversation and share your thoughts on Drury's plan to build a true Cup contender.

The Rangers have made the controversial decision to give up this year's first-round pick instead of next year's, moving forward from a disappointing season while setting up for future success.

• Rangers' rebuild failed to produce a cornerstone player despite high draft picks
• Current prospects like Lafrenière may be complementary players rather than true stars
• Rangers historically trade players too late, diminishing their value
• K'Andre Miller trade situation remains unresolved heading into the draft
• Metro Division appears weak, potentially creating an opportunity next season
• Zibanejad's contract and performance raise questions about his future with the team
• Florida's championship blueprint focused on finding undervalued players
• Potential defensive options include Gavrikov and Provorov
• Ranger's prospect pipeline includes centers but lacks right-handed defensemen

If you haven't already, please subscribe to the show and check out our Patreon page for additional content.

Recorded during Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals, Shawn and Roc remember Brian Wilson of Beach Boys who passed away earlier in the week before diving into the Chris Kreider trade and his Rangers legacy. 

Is trading K'andre Miller enough to turn the roster over and compete? Will "running it back" in the top 6 be enough? These questions and more get discussed throughout the episode.

The hockey world is buzzing with news of Mike Sullivan's impending appointment as the New York Rangers' new head coach. This fascinating development reconnects Sullivan with GM Chris Drury, dating back to their days when Drury wore the captain's "C" and Sullivan served as an assistant coach.

Sullivan's journey from Rangers assistant with a struggling power play to two-time Stanley Cup champion with Pittsburgh represents a compelling narrative of growth and redemption. Now, he returns to Madison Square Garden with the championship pedigree Drury has coveted since taking the GM position.

What makes this situation particularly intriguing is the potential addition of John Tortorella as associate coach. The prospect of these two experienced hockey minds working in tandem could finally provide the leadership and accountability structure this talented Rangers roster has lacked. Their successful collaboration during the Four Nations tournament suggests they have the chemistry to transform this underachieving group.

Meanwhile, Joe Micheletti's retirement after 19 years as color commentator marks the end of an era in Rangers broadcasting. Many fans are eager for a replacement with genuine Rangers DNA – someone who has worn the sweater and understands what it means to represent this storied franchise.

The roster itself presents significant challenges. With approximately $9.67 million in cap space and several key players needing contracts, Drury faces difficult decisions. Questions persist about whether this core group can win together, or if more substantial changes are needed beyond another coaching change.

Sullivan inherits a team with undeniable talent but questionable mental toughness and leadership. Can he instill the necessary accountability to elevate them past Florida and Tampa Bay in the Eastern Conference? His history of holding players responsible – even stars like Marc-André Fleury, whom he benched for Matt Murray en route to a championship – suggests he might be the right person for this critical moment in Rangers history.

What do you think of Sullivan's hiring and the potential addition of Tortorella? Can this coaching tandem finally maximize the potential of this Rangers roster, or are more significant changes needed?