Yardbarker

Josh Kestenbaum

Josh Kestenbaum, who has a passion for sports writing, is a New York Rangers fan living in Boston. He has a background working in local journalism, Spanish television and craft beer. If he’s not yelling at a Rangers, Mets or Celtics game, he’s playing ultimate frisbee, visiting breweries or building Lego sets. You can find him and any thought that pops in his head on Twitter at @K_baum30.

Former No. 1 overall pick signs two-year bridge deal with Rangers

The first overall pick from the 2020 NHL Entry Draft was in restricted-free-agency limbo after his entry-level contract expired at the end of the 2022-23 season. 

Pittsburgh Penguins stock up, stock down

The Pittsburgh Penguins missed the 2022-23 playoffs by a point, sitting out the postseason for the first time since 2005-06. But the team made several offseason moves—in the front office and on the ice—to get back in the dance.

Toronto Maple Leafs stock up, stock down

The Toronto Maple Leafs finally got over the first-round hump in this year’s Stanley Cup playoffs but were ousted by the Florida Panthers on their way to the Cup Final.

Boston Bruins stock up, stock down

Here are the Bruins whose stock is rising – and falling.

New York Rangers stock up, stock down

Here are the Rangers whose stock is rising – and falling.

Vegas Golden Knights stock up, stock down

Here are the Golden Knights whose stock is rising — and falling.

Hiring Peter Laviolette shows the Rangers are all-in

The intentions on Broadway are clear: Stanley Cup or bust.

What superstition? Panthers enjoy getting handsy with Prince of Wales Trophy

Since the lockout in 2004-05, nine of the 17 teams to win the Eastern Conference have touched the trophy. Six of those teams went on to win the Stanley Cup.

Joseph Woll deserves to start for the Maple Leafs in 2023-24

Lots of questions surround the Maple Leafs following their second-round exit at the hands of the Florida Panthers: the Core Four, Kyle Dubas, Sheldon Keefe.

The Hurricanes have been doubted all the way to the Eastern Conference Final

The Carolina Hurricanes won the Metropolitan Division in the regular season. That’s just a reminder for everyone since they still somehow feel like an underdog story, having just advanced to the Eastern Conference Final.

Given his history, Gerard Gallant's departure not a surprise

The Rangers and head coach Gerard Gallant mutually agreed to part ways on Saturday following a disappointing end to their season.

Disappointing Rangers have issues to resolve after first-round exit

The 2022-23 season did not end the way the New York Rangers thought it would and now the team is left with an offseason full of questions.

After advancing, the Devils still have another gear to find

The Devils defeated their cross-river rivals, the New York Rangers, in seven games with a 4-0 win on Monday night. But New Jersey still has another level to hit.

Why the Mets should take a chance on Madison Bumgarner

The Arizona Diamondbacks designated three-time World Series champion Madison Bumgarner for assignment on Thursday.

How New York Rangers can beat New Jersey Devils

With the regular season behind them, the New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils are locked into a first-round playoff matchup and a meeting for the first time in the postseason since 2012.

Splendid season by Sharks defenseman underscores need for Bobby Orr Trophy

This year’s point production by Erik Karlsson is the most by a defenseman since the 1991-92 season. The all-time record for points in a season by a defenseman is 139, set by Boston's Bobby Orr in the 1970-71 season.

What the Filip Chytil extension means for the Rangers

On the eve of MLB’s Opening Day, the New York Rangers turned the Big Apple’s attention to hockey with a splash.

NHL needs to stagger start times to make 16-game slates viable

More marketing innovation could be on the way from the NHL, but for it to have the intended impact, the league must make certain to get the execution right.

Wild-card loss to Padres should serve as fuel for Mets

On the cusp of the regular season, the New York Mets have unfinished business.  Last season, the Mets finished second in the National League East with a 101-61 record -- the team’s most wins in a season since 1986, but the season ended in disappointment. 

Playoff-bound Rangers must focus on seeding, health

The New York Rangers have clinched a playoff spot. Now what? With nine games left in the regular season, New York can move up in the standings while also getting key players healthy for the postseason.

NHL should build on innovative Big City Greens Classic TV broadcast

Salaries, popularity and coverage go hand-in-hand, so pioneering projects such as the Big City Greens Classic is important for the NHL's future. The league should build on the innovative broadcast. More please.

Recent history not on Bruins' side in hunt for Stanley Cup

The Boston Bruins are the clear favorite to earn the Presidents' Trophy for the NHL's best record, but that doesn't guarantee they will take home the Stanley Cup.

Patrick Kane's re-connection with friend should energize Rangers

It’s always easier to move to a new place if you already have a friend there. For forward Patrick Kane, whom the New York Rangers are acquiring from Chicago, that friend is Artemi Panarin.

After trades, Rangers and Devils are ready to topple Hurricanes

This year’s NHL trade deadline has turned the Metropolitan Division into a dogfight.

NHL's Western Conference is wide open, so where are the trades?

A week before the trade deadline, all is relatively quiet on the NHL's western front.