NEWARK, N.J. — On Friday, Oct. 4, Rachel Herzog sat in the MSG Networks studio in New York City for the first time as the New Jersey Devils host and analyst.
With a smile, she hosted the pre-show alongside her partner Bryce Salvador, provided intermission analysis, and wrapped things up with the post-show.
It was the first day of a new routine for the Minnesota native, who is embarking on a new journey in New Jersey.
After the Devils first game of the season, The Hockey News spoke with Herzog for an exclusive Q&A to introduce fans to their newest MSG Networks host.
The Hockey News: Your first game of the 2024-25 season is officially in the books, Rachel. Now that it is behind you, how are you feeling?
Rachel Herzog: I am feeling so electrified. Honestly, I think that’s the best word to describe it. I learned a lot from the preseason, and I was able to take that and put it all into effect today. For me, it was the perfect game to kick off the season. Obviously, the same for the Devils, too.
There was so much energy in the studio today from Bill Spaulding, Ken Daneyko, and Bryce Salvador talking about the game throughout each period. I thought Sal and I had great chemistry, so it was good to see the crew all come together for the official first game of the season. Everybody had so much fun.
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THN: You played college hockey and were a two-time Minnesota state champion. It is safe to say you see the game through a different lens. How much will you lean on your experience on the ice regarding your in-game analysis?
Herzog: Oh, very much so! I think I did that a lot today. I didn’t feel like I needed to take a lot of notes, because I was able to watch the game and understand the style of play that was being presented during the game. When Sal and I talked during the intermissions, we could go back and forth so well because he also had that experience on the ice. We have the same lingo, and the way that we like to talk is very similar. I think that helped me a lot.
I think in the preseason, I was almost over-preparing because I didn’t know what to expect. Today, I thought, ‘Well, I’m just going to keep it simple and trust my gut a little bit more.’ I think that went so much better because I went with what I knew and was not trying to be so structured. It helped me a ton, and I learned a lot about myself today, with being able to watch a game and talk about it at a high level for the first regular season game.
I definitely lean on my on-ice experiences heavily. The experiences that I have had, and the knowledge I’ve been able to cultivate over my hockey career is definitely translating into this profession.
THN: For many people, a new job means a new chapter in life. I would say this holds true for you, who left everything you know to move here. How excited are you to immerse yourself in not only the team but the Jersey lifestyle?
Herzog: Absolutely, this is something that I have always said especially as I have gotten older and living around the Midwest. I grew up in Minnesota, went to college in St. Cloud, and then went to North Dakota for my first job. After each of those steps, I thought I had done nothing with my life. I have never seen anything.
This opportunity was something that, outside of being able to live out my dream job, allowed me to take a risk, uproot my life, and move. It was something I was really looking forward to. I want to be able to push my boundaries a little bit more and be completely on my own. I am navigating life by myself for the very first time, and I think that is something I have always wanted to do. I am encouraged by it, and I think there are so many things to learn out here in Jersey.
I am already learning how to navigate the New Jersey drivers. I have honked my horn a few times, and was pretty proud of myself because we don’t do that Midwest. We are too timid to do that. I am definitely picking up on the different lifestyle out here and am excited to learn more.
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THN: I imagine the past few months have been an absolute whirlwind for you. Have you been able to take the time to sit down and reflect on your journey from the moment you decided to pursue journalism to now being an analyst and studio host for a National Hockey League team?
Herzog: Honestly, I was just doing that a couple of days ago. I was lying in bed, and I thought, ‘How is this my life?’ From when I started this journey into broadcasting, I did not think in a million years I would be on TV. It was never a thought that even crossed my mind growing up.
This entire process leading up to me getting offered and accepting this job was a complete and utter shock. I have said this to a couple other people, but I was applying to just get my name out there. I never thought that I would get this position. I was talking to my old boss in St. Cloud, and asked, ‘Are they even going to consider somebody who works in Fargo, North Dakota and has two years of experience?’ He said yeah, why not?
I thought okay, I will throw my name in. I got the call and I started crying on the phone because I didn’t even know how to handle myself. I got this job and it was such a shock. The natural trajectory to covering a NHL team is working your way up with a couple of pit stops along the way in order to build up your resume.
I am so thankful that I even played hockey in the first place. I never thought that it would help me pursue a dream job, and I think that has given me more credibility in this industry. Just taking a moment to realize I cover an NHL team now at 26 years old, that is pretty freaking cool.
THN: I want to give you an opportunity to address the Devils fans who will be tuning in and following you this season. What can they expect from you as you take your college analysis and analytics and transition it to the NHL?
Herzog : I think I’m going to bring my own twist to this position. I am trying not to pay attention too much about what people did prior to me and what other broadcasters do, because I think there is something so unique about everybody being able to present their own personality.
I think I’m a pretty credible source, and I believe people are catching on to that. I like to joke around and I think Sal and I are going to build a great chemistry that we will be able to go back and forth, joke around and feed off each other’s answers to continue conversations. I am really trying not to overthink this position and focus on bringing some genuine passion and analysis.
I’m really excited to learn and grow in this fanbase and this team. There is so much to learn and such a backstory to this franchise and I am really excited to learn more about and adapt to it. Hopefully everybody is willing to allow me to learn along the way, too.
THN: One thing I love to do in my position is showcase the personalities of the players and people around the team to give fans a chance to know them away from the rink. With that being said, what is the first thing people should know about Rachel Herzog?
Herzog: I really love to cook. I watch The Food Network all the time and I feel like I owe all of my elaborate cooking skills to years and years of watching The Food Network and Bobby Flay.
THN: Which hockey greats should be carved into NHL Mount Rushmore?
Herzog: Wayne Gretzky, Jaromír Jágr, Nicklas Lidstrom, and Mario Lemieux.
THN: If you were on a long road trip, which current NHL player would you want to accompany you?
Herzog: I don’t know if I am gonna get heat for this, and people might think I’m basic, but I would say Sidney Crosby.
I actually played with his sister, Taylor Crosby, in college. I didn’t realize they were related, and I was a huge Pittsburgh Penguins fan growing up. Jake Guentzel went to my high school, so when he went to Pittsburgh, it made me watch them even more because of that personal connection.
Sidney never came to a game, even though I was hoping he would at least once in those three years I played with her. I always wanted to meet him and he always seemed like a genuine person.
THN: What is your favorite thing to do away from the rink?
Herzog: I paint shoes on the side. I have painted a handful of personalized shoes. It was something that I started in college. I have a couple of pairs here at my apartment. Painting and drawing are pastimes that I have always had. Granted, I haven’t been able to do it very recently, but being able to sit down and draw or paint and create something fun is something I enjoy.
Devils fans can catch Herzog and the rest of the MSG Networks crew on Saturday morning at 9:30 A.M. ahead of the Devils-Sabres game at O2 Arena in Prague, Czechia.
