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Rob Rossi

@robrossi.bsky.social
8.2K followers 169 following 1.1K posts

Senior Writer (NHL), The Athletic | PHWA | WVU alumni | National Aviary | Neurodivergent | Demisexual | FND | Game-time decision | 💚

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Rob Rossi @robrossi.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
"Heated Rivalry" has gifted NHL with a broader audience. So where do things stands with league's teams and Pride Nights? Looked into this for @theathletic.com www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
nytimes.com
Gary Bettman praised ‘Heated Rivalry’ and NHL Pride Nights. The leaguewide reality doesn’t match
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Rob Rossi @robrossi.bsky.social · 07/01/2026
Tuesday was unofficially Revenge Night in NHL. My latest for @theathletic.com ‬⁩ www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
nytimes.com
Tuesday turned into revenge night in the NHL
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Rob Rossi @robrossi.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
My story for @theathletic.com on the connected legacy of Alex Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin in what might be their NHL swan song www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
nytimes.com
'They are giants': The intertwined, intergenerational legacies of Ovechkin and Malkin
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Rob Rossi @robrossi.bsky.social · 26/10/2025
Capitals fire assistant coach Mitch Love after NHL suspends him for 2025-26 season. (1st to report suspension: Frank Seravalli ) The latest via @theathletic.com www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
nytimes.com
Capitals fire assistant coach Mitch Love following season-long suspension
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Rob Rossi @robrossi.bsky.social · 24/10/2025
Give it away, now. For @theathletic.com ‬⁩ — a look at NHL’s teams’ best promotional giveaways. Tagged with @jessegranger.bsky.social for this fun story www.nytimes.com/athletic/674...
nytimes.com
This season’s top NHL team fan giveaways: Floss holder, bobbleheads, ‘Nutquacker’ and more
NHL schedules are full of fun collectible giveaways. Here are some of our favorites from this season.
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Rob Rossi @robrossi.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
United Center goes dark during Blackhawks-Mammoth game, far from NHL’s first power outage My latest for @theathletic.com www.nytimes.com/athletic/671...
nytimes.com
United Center goes dark during Blackhawks-Mammoth game, far from NHL’s first power outage
Chicago's home arena went dark for about four seconds late in the opening period Monday night.
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Rob Rossi @robrossi.bsky.social · 10/10/2025
My latest for @theathletic.com looks back on first time @nhlcanucks.bsky.social ‬⁩ had two players with same name. “It’s a fun little club.” www.nytimes.com/athletic/670... The Canucks have two players named Elias Pettersson. The NHL’s Greg Adamses can relate
nytimes.com
The Canucks have two players named Elias Pettersson. The NHL's Greg Adamses can relate
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Rob Rossi @robrossi.bsky.social · 07/10/2025
Let do that hockey! My latest for @theathletic.com explains what you need to know for 2025-26 NHL season. www.nytimes.com/athletic/663... The 2025-26 NHL regular season starts this week: What you need to know
nytimes.com
The 2025-26 NHL regular season starts this week: What you need to know
Catch up on the league's biggest storylines, main events, spiciest drama, looming milestones and more.
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Rob Rossi @robrossi.bsky.social · 05/10/2025
Neglected to not October is #ADHDAwarenessMonth Being properly diagnosed 11 years ago changed my life for the better.
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Rob Rossi @robrossi.bsky.social · 04/10/2025
LinkedIN isn’t a go-to platform for professional athletes. One minor-league hockey player’s story suggests it could be. My latest for @theathletic.com www.nytimes.com/athletic/667... On LinkedIn, a minor-league hockey journeyman breaks his own free-agent signings
nytimes.com
RinkedIn: Congratulate Chase Priskie on his new position in professional hockey!
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Rob Rossi @robrossi.bsky.social · 03/10/2025
NHL exhibition games often turn ugly. Is the era of preseason fighting almost over? My latest for @theathletic.com www.nytimes.com/athletic/art...
nytimes.com
NHL exhibition games often turn ugly. Is the era of preseason fighting almost over?
A Lady Byng Award showcase of gentlemanly play, NHL preseasons are not. But a shortened schedule figures to lead to less brutality.
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Rob Rossi @robrossi.bsky.social · 03/10/2025
Season 2 of Amazon Prime's "Faceoff: Inside the NHL" is here. So, what can you expect? Good question. @TheAthletic has answers. www.nytimes.com/athletic/668...
nytimes.com
Reviewing Prime Video's 'Faceoff: Inside the NHL' season 2: Special moments, missed chances
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Rob Rossi @robrossi.bsky.social · 27/09/2025
He’s fueled and ready. Always fun catching up with The One Before The Big Three. Here’s hoping this night is unforgettable for Marc-Andre, his family, the Penguins and Pittsburgh. 🌸
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Rob Rossi @robrossi.bsky.social · 26/09/2025
“You really get at a loss for words, but I think that’s what makes those kinds of things special for everybody.” A look at NHL‬⁩ players who re-signed so they could retire, reunite with favorite franchise. My story for @theathletic.com ‬⁩ www.nytimes.com/athletic/666...
nytimes.com
For retiring NHL players, ceremonial contracts offer a one-day 'victory lap'
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Rob Rossi @robrossi.bsky.social · 17/09/2025
21 Penguins training camps. As a primary beat reporter, only Dave Molinari has more. (Dave is GOAT of PGH hockey media.) Dream run for me. A lot of memories. One was first w/ Josh Yohe — in 2010 he was just figuring out. Most of you already follow him. For those that don’t, he’s your hookup. -30-
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Rob Rossi @robrossi.bsky.social · 26/08/2025
A relaunched @penguinsnhl.bsky.social HOF has been announced. Some key details: 🔸 Physical HOF will be built (overdue) 🔸 3 year rollout for 10 candidates will clear logjam of those deserving 🔸 Current HOFers remain 🔹 Mike Lange gets special in-arena display 🔸Categories: Player, Builder, Contributor
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Rob Rossi @robrossi.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
How to fix NHL: An @theathletic.com experiment www.nytimes.com/athletic/655...
nytimes.com
‘Fix The NHL’ draft: Non-standard rinks, fun uniforms, 3-point games — and relegation?
Everyone has an opinion on where the NHL most needs to improve. Let's get competitive about it.
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Rob Rossi @robrossi.bsky.social · 10/07/2025
Smacked a 45-pound plate off my head during a workout on Day 1 of NHL Draft. Wouldn’t recommend it. Doing a lot better. Still a bit off. But that’s why my usual nonsense has been absent from this platform. That’s all.
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Rob Rossi @robrossi.bsky.social · 09/07/2025
Teamed with @jessegranger.bsky.social for this story on NHL players reacting to new CBA. Via @theathletic.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/art... NHL players react to new CBA terms, from ‘slight’ concessions to ‘contentious’ changes
nytimes.com
NHL players react to new CBA terms, from ‘slight’ concessions to ‘contentious’ changes
A sampling of opinion from around the league found players in favor of the changes, even if not with total enthusiasm.
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Rob Rossi @robrossi.bsky.social · 28/06/2025
Pat Brisson, agent for Sidney Crosby, told me just now in text message that speculation about Crosby leaving Penguins are “baseless rumors.” So, there’s a name for you, too. #NHLDraft
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Rob Rossi @robrossi.bsky.social · 24/06/2025
An impressive class is headed to Hockey Hall of Fame Read all about it via @theathletic.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/644...
nytimes.com
Hockey Hall of Fame 2025 class includes Chara, Keith, Thornton, Mogilny, Botterill
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Rob Rossi @robrossi.bsky.social · 17/06/2025
The StanleyCup is in the house Tuesday, which means players’ razors could soon be put to use. Had fun with this @theathletic.bsky.social story looking at the origin of the famed playoff beard that traces back to @newjorkislanders.bsky.social dynasty. www.nytimes.com/athletic/642...
nytimes.com
How the NHL grew its Stanley Cup playoff beard tradition: ‘We were too tired to shave’
"To win the Stanley Cup is a miserable two months." Denis Potvin said. "The beard is a reminder of how much you have to put into it."
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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 15/06/2025
INDIANAPOLIS — So, be honest, how did you think Caitlin Clark would play heading into her first game back? A 25-point first half? “No,” Steph White said. But maybe we should have. My column from Clark’s return, and its implications www.nytimes.com/athletic/642...
nytimes.com
Watch out, WNBA: A classic Caitlin Clark performance showed the Fever’s ceiling
Clark drained deep 3-pointers with flair and scored 32 points in her return from injury.
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Rob Rossi @robrossi.bsky.social · 15/06/2025
Dark, deranged week in America. But I’m enthused by the people showing those in power that many more of us are not standing for this than those who are supporting it. These protests across country are a sign of true strength.
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Bill Kristol @billkristolbulwark.bsky.social · 14/06/2025
What a contrast: On the one hand, one grandiose spectacle in the nation's capital, a panorama of propaganda put on by an aspiring autocrat. On the other hand, thousands of assemblies of free citizens across the nation, authentic celebrations of the proposition that here the people rule.
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Rob Rossi @robrossi.bsky.social · 15/06/2025
Can’t tell if I’m more impressed by Panthers or surprised by Oilers in Game 5. Taking two in a row from Florida to win #StanleyCup will tall order for Edmonton.
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Rob Rossi @robrossi.bsky.social · 13/06/2025
As always, in a playoff game I’m not covering, I root for a multitude of OTs and and shenanigans #StanleyCup
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Rob Rossi @robrossi.bsky.social · 13/06/2025
As I was saying …
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Rob Rossi @robrossi.bsky.social · 13/06/2025
Anyone who says they know how #StanleyCup will go from here is smoking wacky tabacky. Strap in. This is a going to be a bonkers Games 5-7, and we’re the better for it.
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Rob Rossi @robrossi.bsky.social · 13/06/2025
I’m firmly in “if it’s a penalty, call it” camp even in #StanleyCup  BUT good gravy are there a lot of power plays in this Final. Are these teams that undisciplined?
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Rob Rossi @robrossi.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
Worked with ⁦colleague @peterbaugh.bsky.social to gather some intel about 2026 Winter Olympics and Russia’s hockey participation. Via @theathletic.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/639... Russian hockey teams remain banned from 2026 Olympics. What does it mean for NHL players?
nytimes.com
What we know about Russian Federation hockey’s exclusion from 2026 Winter Olympics
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Rob Rossi @robrossi.bsky.social · 04/06/2025
Can #StanleyCupFinal rematch help NHL get casual fans back into hockey way they were during 4 Nations Face-Off? My latest for @theathletic.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/638... Amid ‘nightmare’ Stanley Cup playoff ratings, can Oilers-Panthers help NHL recapture 4 Nations buzz?
nytimes.com
Amid 'nightmare' playoff ratings, can Oilers-Panthers help NHL recapture 4 Nations buzz?
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Rob Rossi @robrossi.bsky.social · 04/06/2025
Told Mark Madden on radio Monday that I wouldn’t rule out a candidate that wasn’t on radar of media for next Penguins coach. Well, it’s Dan Muse. New HC for @penguins He’s most recently been assistant for Rangers and Predators. Can’t say Dubas didn’t go bold.
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Rob Rossi @robrossi.bsky.social · 02/06/2025
Joined @mbultman.bsky.social & @marklazerus.bsky.social to tell “war stories” from last Stanley Cup Final rematch. TAHS via @theathletic.bsky.social podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
podcasts.apple.com
Who wins the Oilers-Panthers Stanley Cup rematch?
Podcast Episode · The Athletic Hockey Show · 06/02/2025 · 52m
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Rob Rossi @robrossi.bsky.social · 29/05/2025
Co-hosted The Athletic Hockey Show with @jessegranger.bsky.social — and it’s a fun listen. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
podcasts.apple.com
Flawless Panthers punch ticket to third straight Stanley Cup Final
Podcast Episode · The Athletic Hockey Show · 05/29/2025 · 50m
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Rob Rossi @robrossi.bsky.social · 25/05/2025
Panthers forecheck is relentless and a big part of their success. But it’s the D activating and generating chances that is their special sauce. Unless they get goalie’d, I don’t know how they lose 4 of 7 anytime soon. #StanleyCupPlayoffs
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Neil deGrasse Tyson @neildegrassetyson.com · 19/05/2025
If a foreign adversary snuck into our Federal budget and cut science research and education the way we’re cutting it ourselves — strategically undermining America’s long-term health, wealth, and security — we would likely consider it an act of war.
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Eric Koreen @ekoreen.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
A bunch of us made our conference Finals picks.
nytimes.com
Knicks-Pacers, Wolves-Thunder predictions: Who will be the last team standing?
The NBA's final four is set. Who will raise the Larry O'Brien Trophy at the end?
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Rob Rossi @robrossi.bsky.social · 21/05/2025
Panthers might be better this postseason than a year ago, and I wasn’t sure that was plausible. Just a sensational job by Florida’s management to replace players that departed, and coaches to use them in beat roles. #StanleyCupPlayoffs
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Rob Rossi @robrossi.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
Cheers was a perfect sitcom, it holds up all these years later, and George Wendt’s Norm Petersen was a big reason for its popularity. Last scene was fitting him and Ted Danson’s Sam Malone talking life. Here’s to that big stool somewhere out there, Normie.
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Rob Rossi @robrossi.bsky.social · 19/05/2025
I don’t know what you do if you’re running Maple Leafs, but erring on side of BIG changes might be best route. Cap and contract clauses will make it tough, though. Bucket of Suck performance in Game 7. #StanleyCupPlayoffs
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Rob Rossi @robrossi.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
Alex Ovechkin has scored more goals than any NHL player — and his teams have been past second round once in 20 seasons. NOT a criticism. It’s hard to win eight #StanleyCupPlayoffs games, let alone 16 in a postseason. Even all-timers need a lot of help, and luck.
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Rob Rossi @robrossi.bsky.social · 14/05/2025
Big #migraine trigger for me is barometric pressure changes. Stretches like this in PGH require heightened awareness. Anyone else know their triggers for migraine? Keeping detailed journals helped me discover mine. Helps with treatment.
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Rob Rossi @robrossi.bsky.social · 11/05/2025
It’s an own-goal palooza last two nights. What an ending to Vegas-Edmonton! “Stunning” is overused in sports. That ending was stunning. #StanleyCupPlayoffs
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Rob Rossi @robrossi.bsky.social · 09/05/2025
RE Ducks coaching hire… A good rule of thumb is never trust any business/institution that claims to have conducted an extensive investigation on any matter.
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Rob Rossi @robrossi.bsky.social · 06/05/2025
Nobody asked, but… Manny Malhotra’s resume sure makes him seem like an ideal to be next Penguins coach. Former player. Grinder. NHL experience as assistant. AHL head coach. Vets would respect him for having played. Young players would benefit from his coaching experience.
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Rob Rossi @robrossi.bsky.social · 06/05/2025
NHL Draft Lottery produces unlikely winner. Via @theathletic.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/633... New York Islanders win NHL Draft Lottery after jumping up 9 spots
nytimes.com
New York Islanders win NHL Draft Lottery after jumping up 9 spots
The Islanders had a 3.5 percent chance to win the lottery — then did.
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Rob Rossi @robrossi.bsky.social · 05/05/2025
Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon taking their Nova Scotia show to IIHF World Championships @penguinsnhl.bsky.social | @theathletic.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/633...
nytimes.com
Crosby, MacKinnon join Team Canada roster for 2025 World Championship
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Rob Rossi @robrossi.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
What’s one way to quiet Draft Lottery conspiracy theorists? Do the drawing live. NHL makes big change for Monday. www.nytimes.com/athletic/633... 2025 NHL Draft Lottery draw will be broadcast live on Monday
nytimes.com
2025 NHL Draft Lottery draw will be broadcast live on Monday
Viewers will watch in real time as numbered ping-pong balls determine the No. 1 and No. 2 draft picks.
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Rob Rossi @robrossi.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
Fan who fell at PNC Park identified, remains in critical condition. @pirates.com | @theathletic.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/632... Fan who fell in Pirates-Cubs game identified as local Pennsylvania man
nytimes.com
Fan who fell in Pirates-Cubs game identified as local Pennsylvania man
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