April 9, 2025 — by Michael Dixon
In a heartfelt moment ahead of Wednesday night’s game between the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers, longtime Rangers broadcaster Sam Rosen shared an emotional exchange with former star goalie Henrik Lundqvist, now a studio analyst with NHL on TNT.
Lundqvist, who spent his entire NHL career with the Rangers, had a close working relationship with Rosen throughout his 15 seasons on the ice. Before asking Rosen a question on the TNT broadcast, Lundqvist paused to express his deep appreciation for their years together.
“It was an absolute pleasure to be around you my whole career,” Lundqvist told him warmly. “Seeing you on the plane, at the rink, talking hockey and life — thank you for always being such a pro. It meant a lot.”
Lundqvist then asked what Rosen would miss most as he steps away from the game after four decades behind the mic.
Rosen, clearly moved, reflected on what made the job special.
“There’s a lot I’ll miss, Hank,” he responded. “But first and foremost — the players. The relationships over the years, getting to know guys like you, the locker room conversations, meeting these 19-year-old kids with incredible stories. That’s what I’ll cherish.”
He added that regardless of wins or losses, his love for the game never faded.
“Even when the season’s been up and down, I’ve always looked forward to the next puck drop,” Rosen said. “Watching the best players in the world do what they do — I’ve never taken that for granted. That’s something I’ll really miss.”
Rosen has been receiving tributes from fans, colleagues, and the team in recent weeks as he prepares to call his final games. The exchange with Lundqvist captured just how deeply his presence has been felt across generations of Rangers hockey.
