Rangers announcer 'disgusted by' fellow ESPN analysts who say team 'doesn't count' among New York franchises

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Despite paying a boatload of money to the NHL to broadcast the league on its networks, ESPN isn't exactly winning over hockey fans.

On ESPN's Thursday edition of "First Take," Stephen A. Smith, Michael Kay and Molly Qerim were discussing which New York professional sports team will win a championship next. 

Kay, the lead play-by-play announcer for the Yankees, replied with the New York Rangers, citing their recent addition of Patrick Kane.

Smith and Qerim thought Kay's response was way out of left field.

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An overview of the fully renovated Madison Square Garden during a game between the New York Rangers and the Montreal Canadiens Oct. 28, 2013, in New York City. (Scott Levy/NHLI via Getty Images)

"Oh lord. … The only thing I know about hockey is that the puck is black, and I love [NHL commissioner] Gary Bettman — that’s my buddy, who I always go to the hockey games with … football, basketball, baseball," Smith said.

"They don't count …," Qerim answered, saying she meant "no disrespect."

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Later on in the day, Kay hopped on his ESPN New York radio show with co-host Don La Greca, the Rangers' play-by-play announcer. The ESPN hosts are tight-knit, but La Greca was "disgusted" by Smith's comments.

Filip Chytil (72) of the New York Rangers celebrates with his teammates after scoring his second goal on the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals of the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs at Madison Square Garden June 1, 2022, in New York City.  (Sarah