3v3 Podcast: Recent Episodes
3v3podcast
Three people talking about hockey on a weekly basis.
New podcasts drop at 2 pm PT /5 pm ET on Tuesdays.
Episode 264:The large number of players signing contracts in the first few days of free agency this year. The current status for various unrestricted and restricted free agent players. Older players signing long contracts. Florida being over the cap, #fornow. Colorado’s mascot changes (& Brent Burns). What might happen with Logan Couture in San Jose. Mitch Marner’s contract negotiations in Vegas. More NHL expansion rumors for various places. Does Boston know what they’re doing?Recorded 5 July 2025
NHL signing rumors. NHL trades. NHL entry draft recap. Hockey Hall of Fame inductees announced. Et cetera & so on. You've already listened to this - you know what's in this episode already.
Episode 262:Calling out various individuals in the Stanley Cup Final. Edmonton not being able to adapt to being in an Eastern Conference playoff series. Where Brad Marchand might end up next season. John Tavares’s next contract with Toronto. Seattle gets in a couple of trades. Thoughts on how Edmonton might address their roster. Steve Levy’s speculation about if Connor McDavid would leave Edmonton. GM Bill Zito’s trades to build Florida. The last voluntary player moves in NHL free agency. The joys of an in-person NHL draft. Ideas about the possibility of hacking into teams’ tablets. Recorded 22 June 2025
Episode 261:Boston hiring Marco Sturm as their next head coach. The fall of Peter DeBoer in Dallas. Seattle’s coach hiring, & keeping Jessica Campbell despite that. David Carle publicly saying that he’s not interested in leaving the University of Denver. Mitch Marner’s possible future with Toronto…& other top NHL UFAs. Hillary Knight was picked up by the PWHL expansion team in Seattle. And again, the possibility of offer sheets for RFAs. Thoughts on where Brendan Shanahan might land.Recorded 8 June 2025
Episode 260:Carolina collapsing in the Eastern Conference Final, & Edmonton’s play in the Western Conference Final. And, how does this affect the Leafs…? The NY Islanders & some of the rumors swirling around the newly unemployed Brendan Shanahan. Detroit’s roster model from the 1990s & early 2000s. Men’s World Championships gold medal game. Then there was Game 3 of the PWHL league final. Seattle still hasn’t hired a new head coach. NY Islanders & their first overall pick in the draft.Recorded 25 May 2025
Episode 258:The Toronto fanbase going into a Game 7, & Mitch Marner being the scapegoat du jour. Again. Connor McDavid & whether top NHLers have an extra playoff gear, or if they just play down during the regular season. University of Denver’s head coach David Carle, & how he hasn’t taken an NHL job yet. Goalies, goalies, & more goalies. Problems watching NHL playoff games if you’re not streaming games. Our guesses on the number of offer sheets that might be made this offseason. Ken Holland named the new GM in Los Angeles. And then there's Utah's new logo.Recorded 18 May 2025
Episode 257:Mike Sullivan agreeing to leave Pittsburgh, & within a week signs with the NY Rangers. Rick Tocchet decides to not re-sign with Vancouver. The Edmonton vs Los Angeles series, which makes Patrick sad. Shoutout to Marc-André Fleury & his final playoff run, plus the last active player(s) from the 2003 NHL draft. A new PWHL team was announced for Seattle. No clear Stanley Cup winner prediction this year. Jack Adams Trophy trophy finalists. The almost unpublicized NHL draft lottery.Recorded 4 May 2025
Episode 256:The NHL’s lack of publicity for events, & the little known about Gabriel Landeskog’s injury / rehab docu-series streaming on Max. Speculation about the Seattle front office & coaching changes. Possible coaches being fired after the first round. PWHL expansion to the Pacific Northwest. What might happen with the NY Islanders now that Lamoriello is gone. Potential head coach candidates for Seattle, & their roster issues. Various first round playoff series updates.Recorded 27 April 2025
Episode 256:The pointlessness of NHL teams having warmups on national broadcast game days. Pat’s chaos pick to win the Stanley Cup. Gabriel Landeskog played his first two professional (AHL) hockey games in about 3 years. Playoff matchups (as of Sunday, 13 April). Speculation about if San Jose’s GM Mike Grier will poach any of the coaching staff off of Boston University. The GMs & coaches that may be fired soon because their teams didn’t make the playoffs. Question of the week: What is Lou Lamoriello’s future on Long Island?Recorded 13 April 2025
Episode 255:Alex Ovechkin breaks Wayne Gretzky’s NHL goal scoring record, Sidney Crosby breaks Gretzky’s NHL point-per-game record, & other Gretzky NHL records. The recap of Cassie’s road trip to Pittsburgh. Excuse our random road trips tangent. Seattle’s dismal second game in back-to-backs record. Powerballing the NHL draft lottery. Patrick & Cassie’s chaos picks to win the Stanley Cup.Recorded 6 April 2025
Episode 254:The NY Rangers team bus accidentally hits Macklin Celebrini’s car at the SAP Center in San Jose. Leon Draisaitl is finally back in Edmonton’s lineup. NY Rangers & their defensive problems & K'Andre Miller. John Tortorella being fired by Philadelphia, & where might he & Mike Sullivan could go coach together. San Jose’s coaching situation & the train wreck that is Buffalo. The possible playoff matchups. Question of the week: At what point does Jordan Eberle give up the C to Shane Wright in Seattle?Recorded 30 March 2025
Episode 253:ESPN reports of possible NHL expansion to Houston, & other potential cities to expand to. Don’t mind us as we digress into childhood fishing stories. Carolina getting shellacked by the LA Kings. Penticton & Chilliwack of the BCHL are both joining the WHL. Connor McDavid & Leon Draisaitl both sitting out injured. Questioning why NHL defenders dive to the ice to block shots. EA Sports NHL video games. An idea for a new hockey movie.Recorded 23 March 2025
Episode 252:Quinton Byfield has goals in six straight games, & rest of the LA Kings. Andrew Brunette, Steven Stamkos, & how Nashville is doing this season. Alex Ovechkin’s march towards breaking Wayne Gretzky’s goals scored record. Speculation as to who might win the Stanley Cup. Leon Draisaitl’s goal lead in this season’s goal scoring race, & other NHL player statistics leaders. Going thru the NHL standings to figuring out teams’ chances to get into playoffs. Calder Trophy discussion. And a detour into S America.Recorded 16 March 2025
Episode 251:Wondering why do the green & yellow Minnesota jerseys exist. Boston’s & Pittsburgh’s GMs giving up on their current rosters in favor of hoarding draft picks at the trade deadline. Then there’s the whole Mikko Rantanen drama…. Various issues with GMs, & how they manage the players they have. San Jose finally starting to get their act together. Anyone know what New Jersey & Toronto were trying to do at the trade deadline? Recorded 9 March 2025
Episode 250:Players being held out of lineups because of the NHL trade deadline. The Seth Jones for Spencer Knight trade. The way overhyped right-handed shooter playing on the right side of the ice. The Colorado and New York Rangers trade. The ongoing Gabriel Landeskog injury saga. Who isn’t Columbus talking to for trades? The NHL outdoor game over the past weekend. Are teams now trading for established players, prospects, draft picks, or cap space?Recorded 2 March 2025
Episode 249:Cassie’s experience at the Canada-Finland game, & our other thoughts about the 4 Nations Face-Off Series. Jon Cooper, his lineup choices, & Sidney Crosby consistently setting up on the right side of the ice in the offensive zone. Team USA’s successes. The NHL’s next collective bargaining agreement, & future lockouts. Alex Ovechkin’s continued march towards breaking Wayne Gretzky’s goal scoring record. The upcoming NHL trade deadline - in two & a half weeks?! Seattle starts a goalie in his first NHL game.Recorded 23 February 2025
Episode 248:Speculating as to what Kyle Dubas’s plans might be for Pittsburgh, & how long Mike Sullivan has left there. Pittsburgh’s rebuild vs Detroit’s rebuild, & who might be doing it better. Are either Winnipeg or Washington a real contender for the Stanley Cup? Pittsburgh’s scouting staff. Todd McLellan’s part in turning Detroit around. Thoughts on a theoretical NHL playoff expansion. The upcoming NHL Four Nations Face-Off, & reminiscing about Team North America at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.Recorded 9 February 2025
Episode 247:The (unofficial) first trade deadline of the 2024-2025 NHL season. If you’re tall enough to have the reach to fix your mistakes, are you really an NHL-caliber player? Unsure what was in it for either team in the Calgary-Philadelphia trade. Dallas seems to be good at the scouting. How long does Chris Drury have as GM of the NY Rangers? Utah’s naming quandary. This trade flurry possibly taking the wind out of the sails of the actual trade deadline, & the new salary cap projections. Amazon & the future of hockey broadcasting.Recorded 2 February 2025
Episode 246:Dissecting that big NY Rangers & Tampa trade. Oh, & regarding the Mikko Rantanen trade…what the heck was in it for Chicago? Did Colorado throw in the towel on a Cup run by trading Rantanen? The NY Islanders signing Tony DeAngelo. Columbus going on a bit of a tear. No, seriously, what was Chicago thinking? Connor McDavid’s 3-game suspension. Then, there’s Rantanen himself…. When Alex Ovechkin breaks Wayne Gretzky’s record, at what number of goals should Ovechkin quit hockey & walk away?Recorded 26 January 2025
Episode 245:Pittsburgh’s Alex Nedeljkovic became the first goalie to get a goal & an assist in an NHL game. Speculation as to what players do with their stuff after they retire. (And we lost Pat due to life things.) Blackout NHL game workaround…if you have Disney+ / ESPN+. The NHL’s uneven penalty determinations in post-game reviews. More on Pittsburgh’s goaltending situation.Recorded 19 January 2025
Episode 244:The current success of Columbus. Patrick’s back on his Edmonton kick. Kaapo Kakko ended up having something to prove in Seattle. (Really, there are sound effects here that you can’t hear but we can.) PWHL games are being broadcast live again on YouTube. The absurdity of the NHL’s Quarter-Century teams. The Four-Nations ads on NHL broadcasts. The NY Rangers got a Kakko-type player to replace Kakko. Utah’s arena future renovations. Our thoughts on the next time NHLers are in the Olympics.Recorded 12 January 2025
Episode 243:Hockey Canada finally gets the parity they’ve always wanted at the World Junior Championship. NHL contract extensions & deferring money until after the player retires. The curiously successful case of Washington. Chicago’s dismal record for outdoor games. Some of the perhaps lesser known intricacies of NHL waivers, & the infamous Chris Gratton offer sheet / fax fiasco. Children of NHLers on junior national teams.Recorded 5 January 2025
Episode 241:The always pearl-clutching Vancouver media…& Seattle’s in contrast to them. The shifting landscape of Canadian junior & USHL hockey. Kaapo Kakko being traded from the NY Rangers to Seattle. Are the NY Rangers done making trades? Pittsburgh’s roster building quandary. Who is Drury trying to keep happy when it comes to “fixing” the Rangers? Recorded 22 December 2024
Episode 242:Canada’s pearl-clutching over Latvia’s win at World Junior Championship. Jonathan Toews thinking about a possible NHL comeback. Jeff Skinner’s trials in Edmonton. Steve Yzerman hiring Todd McLellan to coach in Detroit. More New York Rangers musings. Some thoughts on the upcoming NHL collective bargaining agreement negotiations.Recorded 30 December 2024
Episode 240:What’s going on with the NY Rangers this season? The Cam Fowler trade, & what are Anaheim & St. Louis doing?Recorded 15 December 2024
Episode 239:Some of the fallout from the Jacob Trouba trade from the NY Rangers to Anaheim. Washington on a run without Alexander Ovechkin. Scoring leaders in the NHL (as of this recording). Chicago firing their coach at the start of a rebuild. The averageness of Buffalo & meddling ownership. Is the Jack Adams Award now cursed? Shopping for players is sort of like shopping for clothes, right? There are few goaltending prospects coming out of the QMJHL anymore.Recorded 8 December 2024
Episode 238:NHL head coaches being fired & re-hired. Taylor Hall is still playing in the NHL, in case you were curious. Teams having ceremonies that start at game time. Canada’s goaltending questions for the upcoming 4-nations tournament. Players who don’t fit on the teams they’re playing for. The NHL salary cap potentially going up next season, & Martin Nečas with Carolina. Speculation as to what’s going on in Boston’s front office. Trying to manifest Finland vs Sweden in the 4-nations tournament final.Recorded 1 December 2024
Episode 237:The importance of the type of jelly or jam being used in a PBJ. Jessica Campbell’s suit choice on her first night behind the Seattle bench. Goalie-ing & goaltenders for Team Canada & in the NHL. Conner McDavid breaks into the top 100 of NHL all-time scoring. Cassie breaks down Pittsburgh’s defense. LA Kings players’ epic group Halloween costume. PWHL teams releasing their new jerseys. The NCAA finally allowing CHL players to transfer into college hockey.Recorded 10 November 2024
Episode 236:Who is the leader in franchise goals for the Winnipeg Jets? Are retired numbers for defunct teams still technically retired? Is Amazon’s hockey show all over? Why is Pierre-Luc Dubois tied with Alex Ovechkin in team scoring? Why is Matvei Michkov doing so well in Philadelphia early on? Will Pittsburgh get a new coach? Why is San Jose just not good? And why is Patrick going thru a bunch of random NHL stats & asking Pat & Cassie questions about them?Recorded 27 October 2024
Episode 235:Patrick’s joy that a Seattle coach is finally playing Shane Wright in the NHL. The horror of the first week of Pittsburgh’s season. The fun that is now…Utah…? Los Angeles is looking good, while San Jose can’t pull in a crowd for opening night. Some thoughts about the Amazon Prime Video show, FACEOFF: Inside the NHL. Dan Bylsma as an NHL coach again, & other curious coaching hires.Recorded 13 October 2024
Episode 234:Pat seems to have found Leon Draisaitl’s older doppelganger. Seattle’s roster thus far in the preseason. The absurdity of the concept of captaincy & assistants in the NHL. Where can San Jose trade Logan Couture? More thoughts on Utah, & what they might do. Was Shea Weber really a Hockey Hall of Fame player? And then there’s the horror of the NHL season starting this weekend…in Europe. And our predictions for the coming season.Recorded 29 September 2024
Episode 233:Where in the world is Philip J. Kessel? Cassie dropping in on Boston NHL training camp. Edmonton creating their own Robidas Island for Evander Kane. More NHL teams streaming preseason games on their own, & various team packages. NHL team theme nights & giveaways. Ottawa gets a new arena building deal. The possibility of NHL expansion in Houston & back to Atlanta.Recorded 22 September 2024
Episode 232:The questionableness of naming a team the Geoducks. Edmonton deciding to let players walk after the double offer sheets from St. Louis. The possibility of San Jose flipping Cody Ceci & getting yet another goalie. Toronto has named a new captain, so now everything’s been fixed. Is Laine going to Montreal the change he needs to thrive? Pittsburgh picking up Rutger McGroarty. Casting the NHL with voice actors. Seattle giving Matty Berniers a 7-year extension.Recorded 25 August 2024.
Episode 231:The retirements of Joe Pavelski & Eric Staal, & the draft class of 2003. How does the draft class of 2015 stack up against 2003’s? The coming drama of the new NHL-NHLPA’s CBA in a couple of years. Players leaving the NHL to go play in Europe. Which team is following the books of Doug Wilson more - Pittsburgh or Carolina? What Mike Grier has done in San Jose so far. The generational gap in how GMs tend to operate.Recorded 4 August 2024
Episode 230:Utah’s AHL affiliate is still Tucson, despite the former owner of Arizona still owning it. Jessica Campbell becomes the first woman working as an NHL assistant coach with Seattle. And, Seattle weirdly stocking up on centers. Rumors of “fixing” the NHL schedule, & the four nations tournament this coming season. Marty Walsh & what he might bring to the NHLPA in the future. Washington & Cap Friendly & free agency. Recorded 7 July 2024
Episode 229:A whole lot of buyouts happened on free agency eve, & where they might go. Puzzling over what Tampa is trying to do with their roster. The possibilities for Utah. Thoughts on how the 2024 NHL draft in Las Vegas. The bitter end of Phoenix, & when they might be resurrected as an expansion team. Seattle seemingly drafting all the centers this year. Legacies, team identities, & Edmonton. Toronto doing Toronto things. The media & their fan fiction.Recorded 30 June 2024
Episode 228:Skating a man down this week, Patrick & Cassie discuss trades during the Stanley Cup Final. Questionable moves from Washington. Utah asking prospects at the combine what their Uber rating is. The incompetence that is Phoenix. The possibility of the NHL cutting the draft down to four rounds, & other observations on the upcoming draft. The status of the AHL Calder Cup Final. Stanley Cup Final thoughts before Game 7 happened. Recorded 23 June 2024
Episode 227:The end of the CapFriendly era. Opinions & comments regarding Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. Playing while injured does not equal playing well enough. Speculation as to why the Caps might want a capologist. The mystery of announcing Dan Bylsma as Seattle’s head coach during his team’s AHL playoff run. A salute to Joe Pavelski. Thoughts on Gabriel Landeskog being in the new Amazon Prime NHL series coming out in the fall. Review of The Stanley Pup.Recorded 9 June 2024
Episode 226:The NHL & scheduling earlier games on Sundays, & other international games. Patrick’s review of the Henrik Lundqvist documentary, Open Heart. The PWHL Boston team having troubles filling their arena, even during playoffs. Don Waddell leaving the Carolina Hurricanes. Sheldon Keefe very quickly accepting the New Jersey head coach job. The actual purpose of having cheerleaders in sports. Trying to find a very elusive woman’s hockey player who has declared for the PWHL draft.Recorded 26 May 2024
Episode 225:Discussion about who Lou Lamoriello might give up to get Mitch Marner. Toronto hiring Craig Berube as their next head coach. So…what about Utah? Dallas is actually doing a decent job of assessing ability & developing players. Edmonton staying alive for Game 7. Amanda Kessel declaring her availability for the PWHL draft. Rod Brind’Amour getting a 5-year contract extension. The screwiness of the NHL awards & voting. NY Rangers vs Florida in the Eastern Conference Final. Recorded 19 May 2024
Episode 224:Is Jake Oettinger a front-runner for the Conn Smythe? A Toronto post-mortem (because we just can’t resist). Seattle is (probably) still waiting for Coachella Valley to finish playoffs. Speculation on who Toronto will / may trade. The current state of Carolina’s defense. San Jose getting the first overall pick in the 2024 NHL entry draft. Speculation about Mike Sullivan’s - & Pittsburgh’s - immediate future. Question of the week: What exactly is Lou Lamoriello going to give up to get Mitch Marner?Recorded 12 May 2024
Episode 223:Welcome to the second round of NHL playoffs, & the Vancouver-Edmonton series. The NHL locking down Tom Meruelo’s potential new team ownership in Arizona. Seattle makes Patrick happy by firing Dave Hakstol. The LA Kings postmortem, & how they might be able to buy out Pierre-Luc Dubois. Guaranteed contracts for coaches. Is Sheldon Keefe the next NHL head coach to be fired?Recorded 4 May 2024
Episode 222:The schadenfreude playoff joy that is Toronto. NHL coaching openings & hirings - no, not that one yet. The question of John Tavares & where he may play next season. Pat & Patrick accidentally (?) cursing Vancouver’s goaltending. The lack of any real race for the Presidents’ Trophy. No Movement Clauses don’t stop players from moving. Lack of leadership & management on the Leafs. General complaints about playoff seeding. Recorded 28 April 2024
Episode 221:Pat’s prediction: Mitch Marner will be next season’s Pierre-Luc Dubois. Coach Joel Quenneville’s attempt at a redemption tour. Thoughts on the NHL’s first round playoff matchups. Thinking about gaming the way on-ice officials call penalties. Philadelphia’s fan bases’ reputation. Saving Sakic documentary (?) review. Cassie’s trip to the PWHL Boston game.Recorded 21 April 2024
Episode 220:All of us accepting our share of the (supposed) blame. Complaining about how late playoffs are starting. The Arizona Coyotes are moving to Salt Lake City next season. Will Patrick Roy be in the Jack Adams discussion? The race for the last Wild Card spot in the East in the final games of the season. Cartoonifying NHL games, & figuring out what cartoons to use for it. Possible Salt Lake City team names. We are now so over the US-Canada women’s games. Shane Wright’s recent call-up in Seattle.Recorded 14 April 2024
Episode 219:Pat revisiting a trade he’d suggested last season. Best players from the 2020 NHL draft class discussion. Rules on goalies being the goaltender of record. The questionable proposed rule changes from the GM meetings. The chances of Vegas making the playoffs this year, & possibly winning another Cup next year. Cody Hodgson’s pro hockey comeback, & Akim Aliu getting a pro tryout. Thoughts on hockey having relegation leagues. Our ambivalence towards the whole idea of Olympic hockey.Recorded 24 March 2024
Episode 218:Cassie’s assessment of Pittsburgh. Commentary on the NHL trade deadline, & if San Jose did well at it or not. What we think teams’ Stanley Cup chances are. What Dallas has done right in building their roster. John Tortorella getting ejected from a game. So many NHL team’s retaining salary in trades this season. How Vegas will probably keep on Vegasing. Arizona hoarding 2nd & 3rd round draft picks. The state of Carolina. Patrick’s goalie interference flow chart exceptions.Recorded 10 March 2024
Episode 217:The development of LA’s Quinton Byfield. Sidney Crosby & leadership styles. More on Pierre-Luc Dubois’s struggle with LA, even after a coaching change. Seattle’s Shane Wright’s AHL development. Hockey fans getting priced out of the NHL, & the alternatives they might seek out. Wondering what the heck the New Jersey Devils are doing lately. The likely non-event that will be the NHL trade deadline on Friday.Recorded 3 March 2024
Episode 216:TV hockey personalities leaning far too heavily on their schtick. The Pittsburgh media’s “one-goal game” narrative. Pat’s fun idea of having an outdoor hockey game in the UK. The upcoming NHL trade deadline, & the Penguins GM Kyle Dubas. Mentorship, or the lack thereof depending on the person, in the NHL. Players needing to keep their heads up in the neutral zone. Recorded 25 February 2024
Episode 215:Patrick’s idea for an NHL retaliatory commissioner act in the next collective bargaining agreement. Phil Kessel practicing with the Vancouver Canucks AHL affiliate. The dismissal of the Columbus Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen, & the NHL’s outdoor games. Thought experiment question: If Sidney Crosby were to one day become a rental player, where should he go? The absurdity that is much of the NHL / hockey media. Recorded 18 February 2024
Episode 214:Discussion on what trade we should try to manifest before the NHL trade deadline. If / when the Seattle Kraken will start making trades. Good players propping up other players on their teams & making them better. The PWHL taking the week off for international hockey. The Morgan Rielly craziness in the Toronto-Ottawa game last Saturday night. Rumors of the Edmonton Oilers being interested in trading for Jordan Eberle. Phil Kessel is still unsigned.Recorded 11 February 2024
Episode 213:Pat’s adventures in Minnesota. NHL players being allowed to play in the Olympics again, & the new four nations tourney. The NHL All-Star Game Weekend review. The PWHL getting TV air time. The LA Kings firing Todd McLellan. The Vancouver-Calgary trade right before the All-Star Weekend. Thoughts on the Alexandre Daigle documentary. Ideas for trades to manifest this season.Recorded 4 February 2024
Episode 212:Discussion on Lou Lamoriello hiring Patrick Roy to be the head coach of the NY Islanders. San Jose Sharks Tomáš Hertl’s possible trade value. Is the LA Kings Pierre-Luc Dubois the new Matt Duchene? Dave Hakstol is still somehow the head coach of the Seattle Kraken. We still need to find out who has that Zach Werenski voodoo doll. Is the Sheldon Keefe countdown clock now on in Toronto? Where is Claude Julien?Recorded 21 January 2024
Episode 211:Skating a man down this week, Patrick & Cassie discuss NHL All-Star Game jerseys & events. How the 2004-2005 NHL lockout drastically changed league marketing. Pat’s question for us today: Who would make an interesting Celebrity Jeopardy contestant? How PWHL Ottawa appears to be the most popular women’s pro team right now. The Philadelphia Flyers & Cutter Gauthier’s situation. John Tortorella bringing back the defensive rover.Recorded 14 January 2024
Episode 210:An impromptu recap of PWHL Boston’s inaugural game, & other PWHL games. Some passing commentary on Seattle’s Winter Classic…& the music. An assessment of where Carolina currently is. We’re now entering the NHL season’s burnout part of the season. The odds on whether Seattle’s Winter Classic jersey will become the Kraken’s thirds. NHL team theme entrance ideas for NHL Winter Classic to rile up the home team.Recorded 7 January 2024
Episode 209:Cassie’s rant about the big jump in ticket prices in Boston. Ideas about changing to the Minnesota logo & third jersey colors. The man who owns the Seattle Metropolitans (?) logo & trademarks. More reverse VH nonsense. Possible PWHL league finance structuring. Patrick’s John Tortorella love fest. Enjoying the fun of Buffalo (even if they suck right now). Columbus’s coach making curious decisions with his roster. Coaches using the undefined concept of defense against their own players. Paul Coffey not having much impact on the defense in Edmonton.Recorded 31 December 2023
Episode 208:Local TV commercials making their way to streaming services such as ESPN+. Tomas Tartar’s under the radar trade to Seattle. Kraken GM Ron Francis doing uncharacteristic transactional things. Is Paul Coffey actually changing things around for the defense in Edmonton, or are the defense just figuring things out on their own? The “tie vs loser point” debate, & situational player stats. Some of the ways that goaltenders beat themselves.Recorded 17 December 2023
Episode 207:The mystery of why Leon Draisaitl is somehow…off. The organized chaos that is the game of hockey. The function of intent in penalty calling. Responses to two different Seattle Kraken theme night goalie helmet art. David Perron’s hit on Dylan Larkin, & the immediate overreaction to it. The rise of the reverse VH (vertical horizontal) in goaltending. NHL teams believing they need a better goalie (when they just need better defense). Thoughts on reducing the number of faceoffs in a game. Champions Hockey League with their fun & chaotic penalty rules.Recorded 10 December 2023
Episode 206:Pat missed the goalie goal in the Pittsburgh-Tampa Bay game. A new hockey team has been chosen! Women’s NCAA college hockey expansion. Potential ticket resale market for the Winter Classic in Seattle. The similarity between LA & Seattle handling their top prospects. The NHL All-Star Game being revamped - again. The very unnecessary Corey Perry rumor drama in the name of journalism. Fan angst over team jerseys & colors - including our own. Whether Anthony Duclair would fit on a different team.Recorded 3 December 2023
Episode 205:Discussion on the current & former NHLers we’d like to see coach women’s professional hockey. The lack of Calder Trophy winners making it to the Hockey Hall of Fame. Voicing our support for Colorado’s Sam Girard. Trying to pin down Edmonton’s problem. And trying to define what we will call… a “lynchpin player”. Patrick once again revisiting his love for LA Kings’ Quinton Byfield. Unexpectedly good enough goaltending on various teams.Recorded 26 November 2023
Episode 204:Finding a listener a new team to follow. The current state of Tampa Bay. Edmonton hasn’t improved after their coaching change, & Mark Spector. Team construction vs team composition. Trying to figure out what the NY Islanders should do with Mathew Barzal. German NHLers coaching in Germany. Question of the week: Are there any NHLers, current or past, that you would like to see coach women’s professional hockey?Recorded 19 November 2023
Episode 203:The Edmonton Oilers firing their head coach & an assistant coach. …But somehow their goaltending coach has been there since 2014…? And we now know what Paul Coffey does for the organization. Oh, & one other assistant coach somehow avoided the ax, too. Other NHL head coaches who might be next on the chopping block, & who might replace some of them. Thoughts on what might make a good coach, & whether Coffey could be a good one or not. Recorded 12 November 2023
Episode 202:San Jose being at the very bottom of the league standings. The competition between Toronto vs Edmonton over who can be the most incompetent NHL team. Then, in contrast, there’s Vegas. All sports teams need periodic refreshers on the basics. LA, the Byfield situation, & confusion over the Dubois trade. Acknowledgement of Pat’s question from the previous episode. Ottawa forced to give up a first-round draft pick for the Dadonov trade. The pending 2018 World Junior Canada hockey team investigations. Thoughts on the Shane Pinto gambling scandal. The NHL’s deliberately vague interpretations of hockey rules.Recorded 5 November 2023
Episode 201:Our condolences to the friends, family, & team (current & former) of Adam Johnson. Thoughts on the NHL’s “Frozen Frenzy” day. Opinions about having staggered start times. “Not that type of player” players. The NHL standings early on this season & the Edmonton Oilers. The zone defense epiphany. Speculation about Joe Thornton’s state of dress in his retirement video. Question of the week: When is Jack Hughes going to be named the cover athlete (with a more probably deserving woman’s player) on next year’s NHL 24 video game?Recorded 29 October 2023
Episode 200:Don’t mind us lamenting how out of shape we all are to play hockey. Travis Dermott being a hero. Players wearing poorly fitting hockey helmets. Jack Hughes & Owen Power making people who predicted their success look smart. The Jeff Skinner redemption tour in Buffalo. Thoughts on the proposition of decentralizing the NHL entry draft. The NHL not wanting to compete with other pro sports for airtime.Recorded 22 October 2023
Episode 199:Comparing Connor Bedard to other top picks currently playing in the NHL, & top tandems making individual players successful. Thoughts on teams who might make the playoffs (at only 3 games into the regular season). How far will Boston fall in the standings this season as compared to last season? Everything’s up for grabs in the NHL’s Eastern Conference, while a Western Conference team will win the President’s Trophy. The state of Seattle’s roster. Top five UFAs next year, & who can help what team.Recorded 15 October 2023
Episode 198:The Toronto Maple Leafs shockingly having cap compliance issues. Preseason NHL predictions. The NHL salary cap projected to go up significantly next season. We propose that GMs play “Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader - Math Edition”. The playing history of the Maples Leafs’ goalie Martin Jones. The problem with the Seattle Kraken. Captains, captains, & captains. Is Pierre Dorion all that different a GM from Steve Yzerman? WHL rivalries & even more Washington State geography. Critiquing early predictions to win the Stanley Cup. (Yes, Cassie knows Yukon & NW Territories are different things.)Recorded 8 October 2023
Episode 197:Speculation about whether Sidney Crosby is in a fantasy bake-off league or not. Patrik Laine being a master air fryer. Our proposals / thoughts / ideas for an NHL player cookoff competition - or five. Connor Bedard & the Chicago Hockey Team’s logo on the floor of the locker room. Todd McFarlane’s new line of hockey figures. Ideas for brand names for Crosby’s potential future bakery chain / retirement plan. NHL cities that have agricultural fairs & food competitions. More NHL player cooking show ideas.Recorded 1 October 2023
Episode 196:Speculation about the longevity of Mike Sullivan with Pittsburgh. Quinton Byfield & the state of LA Kings roster. The Toronto Maple Leafs & William Nylander. The similarities between Tie & Max Domi’s careers. Steven Stamkos’s lack of contract extension in Tampa Bay. The PWHL draft, & how many PHF players were drafted. The travesty that is the Colorado Avalanche uniform. Speculation about Atlanta’s new name revisited. Sidney Crosby finally being more comfortable expressing his opinions in front of the media. Recorded 24 September 2023
Episode 195:Basking in the warm glow of the schadenfreude of Mike Babcock being forced to resign from Columbus… & the state of the Blue Jackets. The early impact of Marty Walsh in his very short tenure as Executive Director of the NHLPA. Joy & appreciation for Columbus’s 2023 third overall pick Adam Fantilli. The first PWHL draft. Brainstorming names for NHL Atlanta 3.0.Recorded 17 September 2023
Episode 194:
Discussion on the almost free space hockey players for Puckdoku. Where in the world is Steve Konowalchuk? Former NHLers going into coaching in the lower levels of hockey instead of starting out in the NHL. Reaching NHL career milestones. Thoughts on the Erik Karlsson trade to Pittsburgh. The totally random pop culture tangents. Brian Burke being hired in a leadership role with the PWHPA player’s union. The future of Vegas & their salary cap issues.
Recorded 20 August 2023
Episode 193:
Discussion on the white elephant gift-type players of the NHL. NHLers who have played on many, many teams. Vladimir Tarasenko signing a one-year deal with the Ottawa Senators. The rumors of Erik Karlsson potentially being traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins. NHL prospects drafted in June that have already signed with their NHL teams. Unrestricted free agents left unsigned this summer.
Recorded 30 July 2023
Episode 192:
Discussion - or ranting - about the PWHPA's takeover of the PHF. Suggestion for a women’s summer roller hockey league for those who don’t get picked up by new teams. The state of the LA Kings, & comments on free agency. Ken Holland’s dubious track record. Retracting some earlier statements about Pittsburgh. Speculation about Seattle’s future handling of Shane Wright. Question of the week: If NHL GMs had a white elephant gift exchange, which players would be considered white elephants?
Recorded 9 July 2023
Episode 191:
Discussion on what the definition of “new blood” in an NHL front office might mean. The interesting mass exodus from Calgary…& Winnipeg. Pierre-Luc Dubois to Los Angeles rumors. Aden Hill’s rumored extension with Vegas. Chances of the salary cap going up significantly in the near future. The current state of Arizona’s salary cap, such as it is. Carolina galaxy-braining their roster. What’s going on in Nashville, & Vegas’s salary cap Cup hangover.
Recorded 25 June 2023
Episode 190:
Vegas winning the Stanley Cup…& lingering questions regarding the Conn Smythe trophy. Speculation as to where Patrick Roy might end up as an NHL head coach. The Ottawa Senators finally being sold. The Calder Cup Final between Hershey & Coachella Valley. A WHL franchise moves from Winnipeg to Wenatchee. Pat is trying to determine if this podcast is kid-friendly. The Seattle problem (?) that is Shane Wright. Pierre-Luc Dubois wanting to play in Montreal.
Recorded 18 June 2023
Episode 189:
Discussion on the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim documentary. Kyle Dubas signing with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The forthcoming media complaints of if/when the Vegas Golden Knights win the Cup after 6 years of existence. Our takes on what a special advisor to the General Manager might actually do. University of Michigan’s Adam Fantilli’s decision with the Anaheim Ducks. The possible breakup of Vegas after they win the Cup.
Recorded 11 June 2023
Episode 188:
Discussion about Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final between Vegas & Florida. Edmonton deciding to trade draft picks because they don’t have any OHL scouts. More on Patrick’s mom’s hockey journey. The Quest for the Cup episode with Carolina & Rod Brind’Amour. Putting teams in dry locations in a climate changing world. The AHL’s Calder Cup playoffs update. Seattle hockey success & Ron Francis’s extension. …Aaannd we finally devolve into a music podcast, briefly.
Recorded 4 June 2023
Episode 187:NHL playoffs create hockey new junkies. Non-NHL hockey broadcasts & what we think ought to happen with NHL Network. The puzzling & unnecessarily drawn-out Ottawa Senators sale. Questionable changes in NHL/ESPN related programming. TNT & ESPN broadcast personalities & how they might match up better. Our predictions on who might win the Western Conference Final.Recorded 28 May 2023
Episode 186:About those Toronto Maple Leafs & their GM decisions. Pat’s experience attending a multiple overtime playoff game in Carolina. And here go the hockey analytics rants…. Then there’s the ongoing drama of the never ending Arizona Coyotes arena problems. Where we would put a relocated NHL team. The Chicago Hockey Team’s continued unrepentant shadiness. Having too much structure in hockey. ESPN’s Quest for the Cup series is still being made. Recorded 21 May 2023
Episode 184:Gerard Gallant & Darryl Sutter “leaving” their respective teams. Coaches needing to learn how to communicate with the younger generation of NHL players. The Seattle Kraken’s head coach Dave Hakstol is a finalist for NHL Jack Adams Award. Shane Wright trade rumors are already starting. GMs & coaches not taking playing styles &/or personalities into account, & instead seeing players as interchangeable board pieces. Hockey needs new & original nicknames. Still.Recorded 7 May 2023
Episode 183:Discussion on if (when) Boston loses (lost) to Florida in Game 7 of the first round, do they fire anyone in the front office after the season that they had? Toronto finally getting into the second round in the NHL playoffs. Assessing Florida GM Bill Zito’s acquisition of Matthew Tkachuk. Corey Perry still being the weirdly sane one during the Tampa-Toronto series. Pat’s fantasy playoff team update. But, seriously, how does this all affect the Leafs? Back to the NHL philosophy of doing nothing means not deciding games - when it totally does.Recorded 30 April 2023
Episode 182:The cantankerous first round of the NHL playoffs. …Except for Corey Perry, somehow…? Alternatives to a standard Cup parade in Toronto. Revisiting the ridiculousness that is on-ice officiating, especially in playoffs. The joys of coming across brand new shiny hockey fans. Independently-owned AHL teams vs NHL-owned AHL teams. Certain prospects for the Seattle Kraken needing some playing time at the NHL level. Anaheim cleaning house at both the NHL & AHL organizations. Playoff broadcast schedules actually being good this year.Recorded 23 April 2023
Episode 181:A quick disclaimer from Patrick. In memory of Seattle hockey fan & journalist Andy Eide. The current state of the Pittsburgh Penguins & where they might go from here. Helping Pat with his fantasy playoff team. Thoughts about the first round matchups in the NHL playoffs. Our take on the worst Cup Final matchup for TV ratings. First NHL regional sports networks giving up regional blackouts.Recorded 16 April 2023
Episode 180:Speculation as to why NHLers don’t do commentary on women’s hockey. The Boston Bruins’ Brad Marchand being a nice guy. Pro hockey players being isolated. The advancements in hockey robotics. The Edmonton Oilers’ Ryan Nugent-Hopkins having the quietest 100-point season in the NHL. Ranking Canadian teams by national popularity using TV kid tropes. Former NHLer Keith Tkachuk’s comments on Toronto radio about the Florida Panthers. Overanalyzing wins & losses, & draft lottery chaos.Recorded 2 April 2023
Episode 179:Pat having his say on NHLers skipping Pride Night pregame, since he missed the last episode, & our show disclaimer. The Minnesota Wild’s Ryan Hartman comments on pissing off the St. Louis Blues’ Jordan Binnington. The NHL needs more villains. The Boston Bruins’ Brad Marchand leaving Twitter for all the right reasons. Thoughts on Fanatics getting the 10-year NHL jersey contract. Hockey jersey collecting talk.Recorded 26 March 2023
Episode 178:Skating a man down this week, Patrick & Cassie discuss the way the San Jose Sharks handled the James Reimer Pride Night jersey controversy. The Jonathan Quick revenge tour. The Minnesota Wild’s goalie Marc-Andre Fleury not being allowed to fight St Louis Blues goalie Jordan Binnington during a game. The current plight of the Buffalo Sabres, & the possibility of them winning the Connor Bedard sweepstakes. The skill gaps between top players vs. bottom line / pair guys.Recorded 19 March 2023
Episode 177:Teams realizing they might be in trouble at this point in the season. The joys of hockey schadenfreude. The lack of (Peter) Forsbergian-like NHL players. The Philadelphia Flyers firing GM Chuck Fletcher. Trading players after the NHL trade deadline. Quirky - or dumb? - NHL scheduling. New PWHPA league women’s reportedly starting fall 2023-2024. Whether Shane Doan had a Hall of Fame career or not.Recorded 12 March 2023
Episode 176:PK Subban being a breath of fresh air as a TV analyst. The Toronto Maple Leafs at the trade deadline. Meddling Vancouver Canucks ownership. Speculation about Erik Karlsson playing for the Edmonton Oilers or the New Jersey Devils. Revisiting our Bo Horvat to Buffalo scenario, & the Sabres’ near future. The Eastern Conference vs the Western Conference in the Stanley Cup Final. How Tampa Bay’s top line responded on Sunday after being benched for the third period on Saturday. Teams we categorically despise.Recorded 5 March 2023
Episode 175:Trades the New York Rangers have made recently. NHLers with apparently very punchable faces, & possible trade rumors for them. The empty time killers that are the NHL trade deadline shows. Players getting goals from the same places on the ice.The possibilities of Kyle Dubas being a GM elsewhere next season. TV broadcasting deals for sports falling apart. Our Tarasenko’s Cat multiverse theory, or something. Pat & Patrick still trying to manifest a trade deadline deal, & LTIR caps.Recorded 19 February 2023
Episode 174:Arizona being honest about keeping Jakob Chychrun out of the lineup due to an eminent trade. Chicago’s Patrick Kane’s complaining to the press about someone else being traded to the team he wanted to go to. Players who choose to retire vs players who are forced to retire. San Jose’s Erik Karlsson featured in trade rumors. A couple of NHL career firsts from the past week from: Montreal’s Alex Belzile first goal, & Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby’s first game ejection. Pre-game ceremonies & NHL game time starts. Creative ways to replace faceoffs.Recorded 12 February 2023
Episode 173:New York Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello signed Bo Horvat to an extensive extension. …And our chance at manifesting Horvat to Buffalo was ruined. So now we’ll speculate about other trades we could try to manifest, mostly just because we can. San Jose GM Mike Grier being an unknown quantity at the trade deadline. The Connor Bedard sweepstakes, & gathering first round picks. Reclamation projects & rehabilitating players.Recorded 5 February 2023
Episode 172:Pat’s pond hockey tournament trip & first college hockey game. Speculation as to whose heads might explode if Connor McDavid attempted a Michigan-type goal during a game. More on San Jose Sharks forward Timo Meier’s trade prospects. The Vancouver Canucks finally admitting to being bad at picking draft picks. The Buffalo Sabres potentially doing things at the NHL trade deadline.Recorded 29 January 2023
Episode 171:The fan equivalent of doing the NHL’s minimum effort practices. The joy that is the U18 women’s tournament MVP Nela Lopusanova from Team Slovakia. NHL fans that are trying to gate-keep the All-Star Game choices. Happy fourth anniversary to us. Best time zone to watch sports. Patrick’s EA Sports NHL 23 experience update. Seattle Kraken winning all seven games on a seven-game road trip. The disaster that is the Vancouver Canucks, & their rumored new head coach.Recorded 15 January 2023
Episode 170:Discussion on how the Buffalo Sabres should replace the Chicago Blackhawks on all broadcasts. More on San Jose - & other teams’ - poison pill contracts. General age-productivity cliffs for players. Seattle Kraken Jordan Eberle’s time with the NY Islanders. Speaking of the Kraken, trades, &...the CHL’s Memorial Cup. Speculation on expanding NHL teams trade options out to 4 or 5 years. How World Juniors affects draft prospects' chances at getting drafted.Recorded 8 January 2023
Episode 169:Discussion on how classic the Winter Classic really is. Whether more teams ought to branch out from black & white helmets or not. The lack of uniqueness regarding NHL outdoor games. The Edmonton Oilers Connor McDavid’s silly scoring abilities. Broadcasters trying to suck the fun out of World Juniors hockey, & using strangely specific minutiae stats far too much. Lots of scoring versus what’s actually enjoyable & entertaining to see in a game. Patrick still struggling with liking Sidney Crosby.Recorded 1 January 2023
Episode 168:Opening Day for the Men’s World Junior Championship. What it might look like if there was a Women’s World Junior Championship (because there isn’t one). Patrick’s field trip to a women’s AAA U-19 hockey tournament in Seattle. The sometimes very obvious holes in college & professional scouting. EA Sports NHL 23 has the ability to combine women & men players on to a single team. The very early weather forecast for the upcoming Winter Classic in Boston, MA.Recorded 26 December 2022
Episode 167:Discussing why the NHL is scared of the CHL regarding where prospects play. Pat wants the PHF to expand to North Carolina. Our weekly Seattle Kraken grievance segment. Proposed extended back-hand pass & shot competition between Leon Draisaitl vs Sidney Crosby at the next All-Star Game skills competition. Adam Deadmarsh playing for the Colorado Avalanche. Perspective on getting autographs from NHLers. Zdeno Chara’s comments about the Vancouver Canucks during the 2011 Stanley Cup Final.Recorded 11 December 2022
Episode 166:The Toronto media overstating the importance of the Maple Leafs, yet again. The juggernaut (?) that is the Dallas Stars, & Jason Robertson’s fantastic…calendar…year. The almost yearly broadcaster shinny comment storm. The Pittsburgh Penguins’ questionable choice of having white Winter Classic uniforms. Discussion on whether goalies are fair game if they’re outside of the crease & playing the puck. The Vegas Golden Knights glow in the dark hockey jerseys & Pink Floyd laser shows.Recorded 4 December 2022
Episode 165:New York Islanders Mathew Barzal’s goal scoring drought is over. More Boston Bruins player angst. The curious case of the New Jersey Devils. And yet even more Shane Wright angst, if that’s possible (& it totally is). NHL GMs should get NBA GMs to teach them how to make trades more entertaining. The Boston Bruins front office hiring a third party to investigate them. The NHL should put together a “plays of the night” show. Recorded 20 November 2022
Episode 164:A fashion critique of Matt Duchene’s mustard yellow suit with boots. ESPN trying to make hockey a bit more fun again, despite the NHL. …And then, there was Sidney Crosby. Even more Leon Draisaitl love. The sloppy mediocrity of the NHL season thus far, & the sudden rash of injuries - especially to defenders.Recorded 13 November 2022
Episode 163:A brief message regarding the stupidity of the Boston Bruins. Shane Wright actually being in the Seattle Kraken lineup. NHL teams who started off hot that are now cooling down, & teams that have never really warmed up, like Edmonton, Toronto, New Jersey, etc. Expansion draft drafting theories. The problem with the St. Louis Blues goalie Jordan Binnington. Erik Karlsson’s improvement since Brent Burns has left the San Jose Sharks.Recorded 6 November 2022
Episode 162:Discussion about Amanda Kessel’s brother’s ironman milestone. The weirdly missing Star Wars reference. Observations on the digital board ads during NHL broadcasts. And what the heck is going on with Shane Wright in Seattle?Recorded 30 October 2022
Episode 161:All about the NHL's newest batch of reverse retro jerseys. The title pretty much says it all.Recorded 23 October 2022
Episode 160:Sonny Milano being signed by the Washington Capitals. Briefly - very briefly - revisiting the question from last episode. The #4 overall pick of the last NHL draft not getting ice time in Seattle. Patrick’s toe dip into conspiracy theories, today with the Arizona Coyotes’ arena situation. Taking a deep dive into hilarious parts of the CBA. Possibilities of previous players or agents turning into an NHL commissioner. Commentary on certain NHL player fashion choices. (And now back to your regularly scheduled weekly podcasting….)Recorded 16 October 2022
Episode 159:
Discussion on what we think could be one of the greatest pranks a Stanley Cup Championship team could pull on the other 31 franchises. The Seattle Kraken’s new not-Kraken-like mascot. Speculation on what PK Subban & Keith Yandle might do now that they have retired from the NHL. Possible reasons why Wayne Gretzky might always have the record for consecutive 100-point seasons. Question of the week: What do you think would happen if a team took a player & played him the same amount of time in the regular season as in the preseason? (We're taking next week off once again, so we'll see you in 2 weeks.)
Recorded 2 October 2022
Episode 158:
The San Jose Sharks resolve their issues with a certain player & without a cap penalty. The Edmonton Oilers & their questionable life choices. Digressing into 1990s talk…. Longest names on jersey name plates in the NHL. NHL teams reportedly importing water from Switzerland for their rink ice. EA Sports trolling the Toronto Maple Leafs. Women’s US collegiate hockey games are not only being streamed online, but games are being left online for rewatching. Swedish professional women’s hockey coming to a streaming service near you. (We're taking next week off again, so we'll see you in 2 weeks.)
Recorded 18 September 2022
Episode 157:
Philip J. Kessel signing with Vegas, & Ryan Murray signing with Edmonton. NHL head coaches need to be more hands-off with their players. The possible options for PK Subban. Tampa Bay’s Cup window, & Andrei Vasilevskiy staying healthy. Some reasons for the general longevity of defenders. The new JT Miller contract, care of the Vancouver Canucks. The potential for NHL scandals surfacing in the future. More speculation on the new NHL uniform contract, & leaked new jerseys.
Recorded 4 September 2022
Episode 156:
Once again, what’s really in Lou Lamoriello’s drawer? And did anyone guess Nazem Kadri would go to Calgary? Possible companies that might end up with the NHL jersey contract. Uniform companies (not) featuring NHL players in their marketing. International hockey tournaments & hockey fatigue. Nashville hosting the next NHL draft & awards show. Montreal making a trade while also making sure they keep their lottery protected pick. (We're taking next week off again, so we'll see you in 2 weeks.)
Recorded 21 August 2022
Episode 155:
Discussion on what we think is really in Lou Lamoriello’s desk drawer. The possible fate of Mat Barzal when he becomes an unrestricted free agent. The Lamoriello trade tree / butterfly effect. Resurrecting the Buffalo Sabres & the Detroit Red Wings. The draw of seeing an NHL game at Arizona State University. The possible Western Conference standings, according to Pat. The copycat NHL, & the lure of trying to find another Cale Makar. (We're taking next week off, so we'll see you in 2 weeks.)
Recorded 7 August 2022
Episode 154:
Hockey-related statues in front of NHL arenas. Stealing a couple of gags from other podcasts - just because we can. John Klingberg firing his agent & then immediately signing somewhere. Some of the problems with going for long term contracts in the NHL. Coaches, media, & players needing to change positions. Managing salary caps & players in Edmonton, Seattle, & Vegas. Where free agents Philip J. Kessell & Nazem Kadri might end up, plus other free agents.
Recorded 31 July 2022
Episode 153:
Discussion about what we think an NHL G League would look like. Who we think won the Florida-Calgary trade. The salary cap issues running rampant in the NHL. Seattle picking up Oliver Bjorkstrand. Edmonton’s ugly, ugly cap situation. Cassie redefines the term “weaponizing the cap” - & Patrick picks up that ball & runs with it. (The reason we avoid certain unsavory topics in hockey is purely out of disgust - & because everyone else is talking about it.)
Recorded 24 July 2022
Episode 152:
Skating with an extra attacker this week, we’re joined by Kishore Hari (@sciencequiche on Twitter). A recap of the Boy Auction - AKA, the NHL Entry Draft - & Shane Wright not going 1st overall. The Chicago Hockey Team’s current strategy of tanking. The fan bases in Canada contributing to the country’s Stanley Cup drought. Making trades for “future considerations”. The brand new order in the NHL. Russian hockey players in limbo. Mike Grier hired as GM in San Jose. Question of the week: If we had an NHL G League - a true developmental league in the offseason - where would you like to see it played?
Recorded 17 July 2022
Episode 151:
The rehiring of a certain disliked broadcaster that was recently fired from the Ottawa front office. The upcoming NHL Entry Draft, & prospect camps. Even more on NHL teams hiring & firing head coaches. Offseason surgeries & recoveries for players this offseason. GM player trading philosophies (from the outside looking in). The Pittsburgh Penguins going into the draft weekend, & their cap situation. The San Jose Sharks doing San Jose Sharks things. The first full-time coach who is a woman in the NHL.
Recorded 3 July 2022
Episode 150:
The non-review of the new ESPN documentary on the Colorado-Detroit rivalry from 25 years ago. The situation with Andrew Burnette in Florida. Barry Trotz choosing to sit out this dance - for now. The various NHL teams that are also train wrecks. Dan Bylsma coaching the new Seattle Kraken AHL affiliate. Patrice Bergeron returning to play one more NHL season. Possible new arenas for the Arizona Coyotes & the Ottawa Senators.
Recorded 26 June 2022
Episode 149:
Marián Hossa & Corey Perry drama. Teams’ geographic advantages during the Stanley Cup Final & bad ice. The LTIR “loophole” that some teams use to circumvent the NHL salary cap. The new NHL head coach hires & current vacancies around the league. Rumors of two preseason games in Mexico City next season, & the possibility of putting an NHL team there. Goaltender Igor Shesterkin’s hair styling choices during games.
Recorded 19 June 2022
Episode 148:
Patrick’s lament for Cassie’s sanity. The Tampa Bay Lightning & the Colorado Avalanche in the Stanley Cup Final. The lack of coaches in certain NHL East Coast teams. If Patrice Bergeron should play next season or not. The lack of adults in the NHL (especially when it comes to injuries). The potential influence of women being hired in the NHL, & whether they will change the culture.
Recorded 12 June 2022
Episode 147:
Discussion about the NHL Conference finals. The Mike Smith Experience (Patrick’s claimed this band name - sorry). Speculation about a Colorado vs NY Rangers Cup Final. ESPN+’s Ice Cast online broadcast option. The rescheduled Women’s U18 World Championships is going on in Madison, WI, this week. The hiring unconventional NHL coaches, such as Marty St. Louis in Montreal & potentially Meghan Duggan in New Jersey. Don’t mind the cartoon tangent(s) at the end here….
Recorded 5 June 2022
The Leon Draisaitl Radio Hour takes over the start of the program. Patrick & Pat wax poetic on McDavid and Draisaitl’s playoff performances. The dissect which of Gretzky’s playing attributes each player absorbed. Then tangents finally enter the program: The Inaugural member of the Finnish Tripple Gold Club is inducted; The Career and Future of Joe Thornton [in the desert]; Why NHL Owners are OK with the Coyotes/ASU arrangement; Hatred of Toronto Media. Finally we break down the E:60 Unrivaled Documentary trailer. Was actual playoff hockey discussed: Who is to say?
Episode 145:
The state of the Florida Panthers & their playoff troubles. The J̶a̶c̶k̶ ̶A̶d̶a̶m̶s̶ Scotty Bowman Award nominees, & whether coaches actually matter in the NHL. The Swedish Women's Hockey League (SDHL) is looking into changing the rule against body checking in their league. Face protection options that are being used in most levels of hockey. The non-drama of the Tkachuk family supporting one another in NHL playoffs & questionable NHL media types.
Recorded 22 May 2022
Episode 144:
Microphone & subwoofer talk (subpodcasting (is that a word?) other podcasters). Thoughts on all of the post-mortems for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Connor McDavid willing the Edmonton Oilers into the 2nd round of NHL playoffs. Boston Bruins Patrice Bergeron’s potential retirement during the offseason. Some coaching choices thus far in the 1st round of NHL playoffs. Tampa Bay vs Toronto’s jersey confusion. Where Barry Trotz might land in the NHL, & what the heck could be going on in Winnipeg. Head coaching vacancies in the NHL. Our definition of MVP for the Hart Trophy.
Recorded 15 May 2022
Episode 143:
Skating a man down this week, Pat & Cassie briefly talk generalities about podcasts and podcasting. Some different defensive strategies regarding 2-on-1 breakaways. The predictability of NHL hockey games. Mental preparation in hockey versus physical preparation. NHL teams being built for playoffs instead of the regular season. Cassie’s idea for a feasibility study for sports teams in North American cities. Weekend NHL playoff games being staggered.
Recorded 8 May 2022
Episode 142:
Skating a man down this week, Patrick & Cassie discuss the NHL playoffs & the NHL Playoff Bracket Challenge. The NHL head coaching position carousel starting up. The fates of the Pittsburgh Penguins aging core of players & Sidney Crosby. Steve Yzerman’s coaching & draft choices as GM of both the Tampa Bay Lightning & the Detroit Red Wings. College football recruiting versus NHL drafting methodologies. NHL buyouts continuing on & on & on.
Recorded 1 May 2022
Episode 141:
Thoughts on the passing of Mike Bossy & Guy Lafleur. The lack of illegal curve penalties in the NHL these days. Peter DeBoer versus Lou Lamorello as a one-year coach…which then leads us to Robbie Ftorek. Interviewing NHL head coaches like you’d interview a software engineer. Who is the better passer: Mitch Marner or Leon Draisaitl? Whether players get paid for goals or for points. Which teams don’t need a new head coach right now.
Recorded 24 April 2022
Episode 140:
Discussion about the University of Michigan’s Frozen Four results. San Jose Sharks general manager Doug Wilson retires due to health reasons. Patrick takes a deep dive into Doug Wilson’s trade and drafting history; also touched on were John Ferguson, Jr’s, & David Poile’s trade histories. Final thought of the week: Dean Lombardi & consultant Doug Wilson running the Vegas Golden Knights next season….
Recorded 10 April 2022
Episode 139:
Discussion on where our preferred seats are to watch an NHL game. The controversial comment from a certain Arizona Coyotes color commentator regarding skilled players. Early 1990s Kamloops Blazers (WHL) teams. Eugene Melnyk’s legacy as the owner of the Ottawa Senators, & teams with similar ownership styles.
Recorded 3 April 2022
Episode 138:
The botched Anaheim Ducks-Vegas Golden Knights Evgenii Dadonov trade. The Edmonton Oilers goaltending conundrum. Speculation on hockey player robotics. Mark Messier’s time with the Vancouver Canucks, & Teemu Selanne’s time with the Colorado Avalanche. More on the exploited LTIR-salary cap loophole workaround, & the media coverage differences between teams. Question of the week: If you could sit anywhere in an arena to watch hockey, where specifically would you sit?
Recorded 27 March 2022
Episode 137:
Observations about the NCAA D-I women’s hockey national championship game. NHL trade deadline talk & false trade news (that will be completely wrong and obsolete by the time this airs). Revisiting the idea of banning coaches from the bench during games. The real reasons why the majority of fans dislike opposing hockey teams. The idea of mandatory theme trades. Hockey’s own self-created language that no one else in the world uses. The potential of Florida & Tampa Bay having an actual rivalry now that both teams are good.
Recorded 20 March 2022
Episode 136:
Team theme outfits for outdoor NHL games, this time for the Heritage Classic (Toronto vs Buffalo). Auston Matthews and the Toronto Maple Leafs. And here’s the mullet tangent…. The Colorado Avalanche possibly hiding salary cap hits using the Tampa Bay LTIR method. The Toronto Maple Leafs’ goaltending issues. A little bit on NHL public analytic models. ESPN’s questionable choices regarding their NHL podcasting people. And then, there’s Dan Hinote.
Recorded 13 March 2022
Episode 135:
No discussion about the question from the previous episode, since the passage of time has made our answers irrelevant. Comments from the legendary Angela James regarding the current state of women’s professional hockey. The PHF versus the PWHPA, and the WNBA women’s pro league model. The ways fans can buy game-worn professional hockey jerseys. The PHF Metropolitan Riveters specialty jerseys. The search for Lexi Bender. Requests for “what happened to that player” are now being taken….
Recorded 6 March 2022
Episode 134:
Discussion on where we think Canadian-based NHL teams should temporarily move to in the US due to covid restrictions. The Arizona Coyotes sign a deal with Arizona State University to play in their new facility for 3 years. Sports arena placement in a community. The Edmonton Oilers fire head coach Dave Tippett. The Montreal Canadiens hire Martin St. Louis as head coach. Cammi Granato being hired as an assistant general manager for the Vancouver Canucks. Question of the week: What is your salary cap solution for getting Jack Eichel into the Vegas Golden Knights lineup, & how does he do in his first 5 games?
Recorded 13 February 2022
Episode 133:
Skating a man down this week, Pat and Cassie discuss creating an NHL All-Star Weekend event around a player of our choice. The NHL All-Star Weekend’s mis-marketing. The NHL’s many failures in trying to create more entertaining events. NHL outdoor games & speculation about their jersey design. Our view on the purpose of the NHL commissioner, & team ownership. Question of the week: If all of the Canadian-based NHL teams were to move to the US temporarily because of less stringent covid restrictions, what cities should they end up in?
Recorded 6 February 2022
Episode 132:
Discussion about our comebacks to the Brad Marchand escrow chirp-tweet. The LA Kings Quinton Byfield’s first NHL goal. The Anaheim Ducks Trevor Zegras’s Michigan goals. The Arizona Coyotes moving into the new Arizona State University hockey arena next season. A proposed Arizona and Edmonton full-team swap. The Buffalo Sabres goaltending situation. Question of the week: Pick a hockey player from any era & at any level, & create an NHL All-Star Weekend event around them.
Recorded 30 January 2022
Episode 131:
Discussion about the circumstances we’d consider granting teams the power to decline penalties. The now infamous exchange between Jim Matheson & Leon Dreisaitl. The general state of hockey at the moment. The ongoing train wreck that is the Edmonton Oilers. Rick Westhead’s amazing (& infuriating) series hockey exposés. The idea of players owning a stake in the teams that they play on, & how the PHF manages this scenario. Boston Bruins’ Brad Marchand’s chirp to the Carolina Hurricanes’ Twitter account. Question of the week: What would have been your reply to Brad Marchand’s escrow tweet?
Recorded 23 January 2022
Episode 130:
Discussion on which players, outside of Mitch Marner, we think need to shoot more. Ray Bourque’s goal scoring ability, and why current defenders don’t shoot more. Created controversy regarding a Vancouver Canucks reporter. Florida NHL teams being successful right now. The Seattle Kraken proves the Vegas Golden Knights expansion success was an outlier. Question of the week: Under what circumstances would you consider granting teams the power to decline penalties on the opposing team in a game, & therefore declining going on the power play?
Recorded 16 January 2022
Episode 129:
Discussion on our picks for players to talk about the technicalities & mechanics of playing hockey. Colorado Avalanche’s Cale Makar’s play of the week (last week). Possible player shootout strategies. Referee Wes McCauley’s moment in the spotlight. Color commentators & their level of on-air entertainment. Toronto Maples Leafs’ Mitch Marner not living up to his contract. Question of the week: What player - outside of Marner - just doesn’t shoot enough in the NHL?
Recorded 9 January 2022
Episode 128:
Discussion on where we think Paul Maurice might end up next. The current state of women’s ice hockey, with the U18 women’s tournament being canceled by the IIHF. Patrick’s new adventures in NHL 22 (the video game, for those who don’t play). Question of the week: If you could pick 3-5 hockey players to talk about the technicalities & mechanics of playing hockey, who would they be?
Recorded 26 December 2021
Episode 127:
Discussion about where the Oak View Group could build a facility for “preseason NHL” games. A review of the Climate Pledge Arena experience in Seattle. Former NHLers Jarome Iginla’s son being drafted by the WHL Seattle Thunderbirds. The Edmonton Oilers’ Connor McDavid & Leon Dreisaitl. The idea of moving the Olympic ice hockey tournament to the Summer games. Paul Maurice resigning from the Winnipeg Jets head coaching job. Question of the week: When he is ready, what will Paul Maurice’s next hockey job be?
Recorded 19 December 2021
Episode 126:
Discussion on which teams we think could use Claude Giroux by the NHL trade deadline. NHL teams scouting San Jose’s Evander Kane at his first AHL game back after suspension. The New York Islanders possibly making moves. The Vancouver Canucks’ owner cleaning house. [Accidental bossa nova interlude.] John Tortorella’s comments regarding unconventional hockey plays. NHL Board of Governors meetings. Question of the week: Name a city you’d like to see the Oak View Group build a facility in that’s suitable for preseason hockey – that isn’t Quebec City, Houston, or Kansas City.
Campfire video link, care of Patrick: https://youtu.be/-wKiNZ-u-HA
Recorded 12 December 2021
Episode 125:
Discussion on whether we’d choose M-A Fleury or Rask to help an NHL team right now. New Montreal Canadiens VP of Hockey Ops Jeff Gorton’s first media interview. The Philadelphia Flyers firing their coaching staff. Thoughts on Patrick Roy becoming the new Habs GM. Speculation on if the geopolitical situation in Eastern Europe might affect Alex Ovechkin’s race to beat Wayne Gretzky’s career goals record. TNT broadcasting Edmonton Oilers games. The new 3ICE Hockey summer league. Question of the week: Who do you think could use a player like Claude Giroux before the trade deadline this season?
Recorded 5 December 2021
Episode 124:
Discussion on who should replace Colin Campbell in the NHL front office. The Montreal Canadiens firing many people in hockey operations. Martin Brodeur designing the New Jersey Devils third jersey. The ongoing disaster that is the Vancouver Canucks. The New York Islanders postponing games due to too many players on the covid protocol, suggesting the NHL might pull out of the Olympics. Question of the week: If you’re an NHL team looking for a goalie, which goalie would you choose first: Marc-André Fleury or Tukka Rask?
Recorded 28 November 2021
Episode 123:
Discussion on if NHL players will participate in the Olympics. The current possibility of an NHL team being in Quebec City. And even more about the Seattle Kraken’s on-ice troubles. Some possible communication issues within teams. The Washington Capitals’ TJ Oshie coming back to play in Seattle. The state of the New York Islanders & their new arena. The Edmonton Oilers’ Connor McDavid with a comeback to John Tortorella’s comment about him. Question of the week: Colin Cambell has to go, so who should be his replacement to run league-wide hockey operations?
Recorded 21 November 2021
Episode 122:
Discussion about who we’d pick for The Athletic’s Sara Civian’s NHL red carpet fashion reporting partner. The recent spate of manufactured Connor McDavid angst among the hockey media. Alex Ovechkin inching closer to breaking Wayne Gretzky’s career goals record. The Seattle Kraken’s increasingly obvious coaching issues. The ongoing disasters that are the Vancouver Canucks & the Ottawa Senators. Question of the week: In your opinion, what are the odds that the NHL will break in February & let players go to the Olympics?
Recorded 14 November 2021
Episode 121:
Discussion about our pitches to resurrect Roller Hockey International. The announcement of the name, colors, & crest of the Seattle Kraken’s AHL affiliate. The Vancouver Canucks’ Diwali jerseys, & the San Jose Sharks’ specialty jerseys. Question of the week: If The Athletic’s Sara Civian had a fashion reporter assignment at an NHL All-Star Game, who should be her partner?
Recorded 8 November 2021
Episode 120:
Discussion on which Canadian NHL team that we’d contract at this moment in time. Our short & sweet PSAs regarding a certain league that will not be named & its scandals. College hockey Division I shutouts leader...may not be who you expect. The Professional Hockey Federation (PHF; formally the NWSL) games are now being broadcast on ESPN+. Question of the week: What is your pitch to resurrect Roller Hockey International?
Recorded 31 October 2021
Episode 119:
(Don’t mind the last half of Ann Wilson’s (from the band Heart) Seattle Kraken opening night anthem….) Discussion on our criteria for how to pick the first three Olympic roster spots. Injuries to the two Hughes brothers playing in the NHL. Toronto, Montreal, & Chicago not having great starts to their respective seasons. Trade possibilities for Phil Kessel. The idea of Seattle bringing Kailer Yamamoto back home to Washington State. The Kraken’s home opener at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. Question of the week: With some Canadian teams struggling early on...at this moment in time, if you could contract a Canadian team, which one would it be?
Recorded 24 October 2021
Episode 118:
Discussion about what team & narrator we’d like for a hockey documentary. Thoughts on the new TNT NHL hockey panel, with Wayne Gretzky & Charles Barkley. Other thoughts on ESPN’s NHL opening night broadcast. Comments about the first couple of games for the Seattle Kraken. The New York Rangers liberal use of putting A’s on players’ jerseys. The 2022 Olympic hockey roster announcements. Question of the week: Give one, two, or three stipulations as to how you think the first three Olympic teams’ roster spots should have been named.
Recorded 17 October 2021
Episode 117:
Discussion on what we would’ve renamed the NWHL. Vegas Golden Knights goalie Robin Lehner’s tweets regarding the NHL and the NHLPA. Hockey players needing to change things for themselves because no one will do it for them. The lack of investigative reporters in sports, & in particular the NHL. The Toronto Maple Leafs docu-series on Amazon Prime. NHL coaches not bothering to get to know their players. Question of the week: If you were to watch five hours of documentary footage of a hockey team, who would you want it to be & who should be the narrator?
Recorded 3 October 2021
Episode 116:
Discussion on ideas for riders on trades in NHL contracts. Buffalo Sabres captain Jack Eichel replacing his management team. NHL players on Team USA at the Olympics this coming season. Even more absurd trade riders. Turning NHL interviews, contract negotiations, & transactions into classic TV game shows. The National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL) changing their name to the Premier Hockey Federation (PHF). Question of the week: If you had been given the task of renaming the NWHL, what would you have renamed it?
Recorded 12 September 2021
Episode 115:
Discussion about creating a 6-man squad of players born between 7 days before / 7 days after our birthdays. The Carolina Hurricanes spitefully offer-sheeting Montreal Canadiens restricted free agent center Jesperi Kotkaniemi. Women’s hockey world cup results (as of this recording). An unnamed Kraken player looking for real estate in the Seattle Area. The mysterious status of Buffalo Sabres captain Jack Eichel. Question of the week: If riders were added to NHL contracts, what would be the best thing to add to a rider in the event that a player is traded?
Recorded 29 August 2021
Episode 114:
Discussion about making youth sports like hockey cheaper so more kids can play. The lack of environmentally responsibly-made sports equipment, & the use of plastic / man-made materials potentially causing more injuries in sports. The concept of NHL teams investing in local equipment manufacturers to create their own hockey gear, & marketing affordable equipment to local amateur players. The Seattle Kraken’s roster being set. Question of the week: Can you build a hockey line - five skaters & one goaltender - using players born between 7 days before to 7 days after your own date of your birth?
Recorded 15 August 2021
Episode 113:
Discussion about the other leagues we'd get our hockey fix from if we gave up on the NHL. The challenge of trying to stream hockey games online from other continents. Once more with the fallacy of the no-income tax states being more attractive for professional athletes to play in. What Ron Francis is probably doing with the Seattle Kraken roster, & picking up Philipp Grubauer. Pat’s rant about the garbage signing for a team that will not be named that’s close to Pat. Question of the week: How can we - communities, societies, cities, towns, municipalities, whatever - subsidize the costs to get more kids playing youth sports like hockey?
Recorded 1 August 2021
Episode 112:
Discussion on our picks for which GM is going to make the biggest free agent mistakes. NHL offer sheet fantasies. Gabe Landeskog’s chances of re-signing in Colorado. The mystery that is the Vancouver Canucks front office. It’s been very quiet in Calgary so far this offseason. Question of the week: If/when you get to the point where you cannot stand watching the NHL or any of its teams anymore, what league will you watch to get your hockey fix & why?
Recorded 25 July 2021
Episode 111:
Discussion about our ideas for content for hockey books for kids under the age of 15. The NHL expansion draft protection lists were released publicly. The CapFriendly Seattle expansion draft interactive tool. Our speculation on what Seattle may or may not do with the expansion draft. Why goaltender Carey Price would be a good fit for Seattle. The possibility of side deals with the expansion draft. Ron Francis’s record as GM with the Carolina Hurricanes. Marisa Ingemi as the new Kraken beat writer for the Seattle Times. Whose possible Kraken jersey we’d buy. We’re also thinking potential new Kraken captain Gabe Landeskog might really like living in Ballard.... Question of the week: Based on the moves your GM has made, who is going to make the biggest mistake in free agency?
Recorded 18 July 2021
Episode 110:
Discussion about the best Seattle Kraken landmark-celebrity pairings to announce expansion draft picks. (Like Pat, you might want to open up Google Maps to follow along around Seattle.) Nikita Kucherov’s post-Stanley Cup win press conference. The offseason silliness is starting to get into full swing. The Kraken releasing their preseason schedule. The oddly high number of NHL players demanding trades this summer. Question of the week: What sort of content should be in a hockey book for kids under the age of 15?
Recorded 11 July 2021
Episode 109:
Discussion on the NHL Awards we’d replace, & what we’d replace them with. Speculation on how to pluralize new & interesting front office hockey titles. The end of the NBC-NHL broadcasting contract. Eric Bischoff’s comments about WWE vs NHL TV audiences in the US, & hate-watching hockey games. The long-term injured reserve (LTIR) “loophole” to bury contracts to keep teams under the cap. ESPN taking over NHL broadcasting starting with the Seattle Kraken expansion draft & 2021 Entry Draft. Question of the week: If the Seattle Kraken use local Seattle area celebrities to help announce who they’ve picked in the expansion draft, who & what would be the best landmark-personality pairing?
Recorded 5 July 2021
Episode 108:
Discussion on who might replace George Parros as the NHL’s next Discipline Tsar. Possible league-wide scenarios if/when Gary Bettman retires. Other NHL teams possibly following the Seattle-Oak View Group model of building or renovating professional sports arenas. The Seattle Kraken named Dave Hakstol their first head coach in franchise history. The best hire so far for the Kraken: JT Brown. The Stanley Cup Final matchup. Question of the week: If you could replace an NHL award, which one would you take away and what would you replace it with?
Recorded 27 June 2021
Episode 107:
Discussion about whether the 2021 NHL entry draft will turn out better than the 2012 draft. The possibility of the AHL becoming a full-time development league. The fallout for the Toronto Maple Leafs not making it past the first round, & the play of Jason Spezza. The Seattle Kraken, the upcoming expansion draft, & the flat cap situation for NHL teams. The Florida Panthers not making it past the first round. Patrick’s hypothetical Seattle expansion draft. Question of the week: If George Parros was to go, who would replace him as the next Discipline Tsar of the NHL?
Recorded 6 June 2021
Episode 106:
Discussion about new nicknames for NHL players whose current nickname(s) we cannot stand. The fun of short goalies in playoffs. Defender Seth Jones publicly stating that he will not re-sign with the Columbus Blue Jackets when he hits unrestricted free agency July 2022. How no-move & no-trade clauses work in multi-team trades & the expansion draft. The buyout question, & how long some players are still counting against teams’ caps. The salary cap strapped Washington Capitals, & the expansion draft possibilities. The joy of non-fans watching the Toronto-Montreal first round playoff matchup, & the possible fallout for the loser in the series. Question of the week: Will the 2021 NHL entry draft class be any better than the 2012 entry draft class?
Recorded 30 May 2021
Episode 105:
Discussion on whether Tippett stays in Edmonton all next season, & who might replace him if not. Speculation as to where Claude Julien might land a coaching job. NHL first round playoff series has been entertaining, which have not, & complaints about officiating. Leah Hextall being hired as a play-by-play person for hockey by ESPN, & other possible ESPN personalities joining the hockey broadcasts. The Tampa Bay Lightning radio broadcasts with Phil Esposito & Dave Mishkin during the playoffs. The ongoing saga of William Nylander in Toronto. Question of the week: Give a new nickname to an NHL player whose nickname you cannot stand (does not have to be a current player).
Recorded 23 May 2021
Episode 104:
Discussion on possible free agent signings for the Seattle Kraken. The Edmonton Oilers Connor McDavid reaching 100 points in 53 games or fewer. Vegas Golden Knights goalie Robin Lehner being right about the NHL’s covid-19 restrictions. The New York Rangers vs the NHL. NHL head coaches parting ways with their teams at the end of the regular season. Quinton Byfield making his NHL debut with the Los Angeles Kings, & starting rookie players in better roles from the start so they can succeed. The possibility of a real rivalry between Florida & Tampa Bay, & the Lightning’s top defender situation. Alain Vigneault & the current state of the Philadelphia Flyers. Question of the week: Does Edmonton Oilers coach Dave Tippett survive the entirety of next season, & could you find a better replacement that isn’t John Tortorella?
Recorded 9 May 2021
Episode 103:
Discussion on which positional player we’d like to see playing goalie in a game. Chicago Blackhawks Andrew Shaw retiring due to health issues, & the implications of that for others of similar status in the NHL. The Vancouver Canucks after their team-wide covid-19 outbreak, & how that may affect them next season. The Seattle Kraken & Seattle’s Dick’s Drive-In’s Kraken-themed hockey jersey. NHLers not seeing their names on the Stanley Cup unless they go to the Hockey Hall of Fame. The use of iPads on the benches during NHL games. Question of the week: Now that the Seattle Kraken are a real team, who do you think their first free agent signing might be?
Recorded 2 May 2021
Episode 102:
Discussion about actors we would use to cast an NHL franchise. The goofy game schedules in the NHL’s North Division. The similarity of the New York Islanders & the Vegas Golden Knights. The strain on NHLers due to uncertain schedules and covid protocols. The questionable interpretations of the NHL rules by on-ice officials. The San Jose Sharks’ Patrick Marleau breaking Gordie Howe’s all-time NHL games played record, & if he can break the NHL record for consecutive games played. Question of the week: With no emergency back up goalie (EBUG) being available due to covid, which player currently from an NHL roster would you love to see forced into playing as a goalie?
Recorded 25 April 2021
Episode 101:
Discussion about the NHL teams with the best &/or worst social media presence. The Vancouver Canucks coming back to play from widespread covid-19 issues. The Buffalo Sabres having fun, while being mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. Patrick Marleau breaking Gordie Howe’s record of most NHL games played, & how the San Jose Sharks have been run for the past decade or so. The state of the NHL regular season schedule. Question of the week: Using actors, cast roles for an NHL franchise.
Recorded 18 April 2021
Episode 100:
Discussion on unexpected players possibly being exposed in the Seattle Kraken expansion draft. Teams up against the salary cap ceiling who have a number of players currently on the LTIR. GMs overpaying for veteran players in trades. Canadian media supporting Canadian-based NHL teams, while there are Canadian players on US-based teams. Speculation that hockey players play the part that they are given in a lineup, rather than playing to the best of their ability regardless of the part they have been given in a lineup. Whether Seattle Kraken GM builds a team from the expansion draft before or after hiring a coach. And then awkward silences ensue... Question of the week: Which NHL team would you consider has the best &/or worst social media presence?
Recorded 11 April 2021
Episode 99:
Discussion about the people we would hire in the NHL for a job at our company. The Nashville Predators trading for more defense when they have plenty of defenders. The Montreal Canadiens trading for Eric Staal. Who voodoo cursed the Buffalo Sabres? The NWHL Boston Pride won the Isobel Cup. The firing of referee Tim Peel, & enforcing the NHL rulebook. Question of the week: With the salary cap staying flat, & with many teams at or near the cap ceiling, which unexpected player(s) could be exposed in the expansion draft?
Recorded 29 March 2021
Episode 98:
Discussion on whether the blue lines really need to be blue anymore. Removing coaches from benches during games, care of the 31 Thoughts Podcast. (We will give credit where credit is due, unlike some.…) Revisiting the Connor McDavid: Whatever It Takes (2020) documentary that is streaming on Amazon Prime. The absurdity of criticizing how NHLers tape the blades of their sticks. Using state & provincial flags on uniforms. Speculation about the Seattle Kraken’s mascot name. Where we think Claude Julien might land a new job, & if that’s with the New York Rangers. Question of the week: All things being equal – the people being qualified, having experience, & so on – is there anyone that you would hire in the NHL for a job at your company based exclusively off of their public interviews?
Recorded 21 March 2021
Episode 97:
Discussion about our best & worst NHL or AHL in-game fan experiences...segueing into the oldest arenas we have watched hockey in. The Connor McDavid: Whatever It Takes (2020) documentary that is streaming on Amazon Prime. Personal sports injuries comparisons – because why not? The NHL’s new TV & internet streaming deal with Disney/ESPN. Question of the week: Do the blue lines really need to be blue anymore?
Recorded 14 March 2021
Episode 96:
Discussion on who we’d evict from the Hockey Hall of Fame & why. The goofiness of Hockey Hall of Fame selections & their...interesting...criteria. The lack of teaching by coaches in the NHL, as per Evgeny Kuznetsov of the Washington Capitals. The predicament of Jack Eichel in Buffalo, & the race to the bottom of the NHL. Entry drafts & NHL team success. Question of the week: What was your best / worst in-game fan experience in the NHL or the AHL?
Recorded 7 March 2021
Episode 95:
Discussion on NHL jersey numbers that would be the most contentious to retire league-wide. The lack of Sergei Fedorov-ness in EA Sports NHL 21. PWHPA/Team USA goalie Maddie Rooney’s New York City subway themed mask. Unemployed former NHL head coaches, coach contracts, and the Seattle Kraken head coach search. Question of the week: If you could evict one player from the Hockey Hall of Fame, who would it be?
Recorded 28 February 2021
Episode 94:
Discussion on should every NHL player should use the exact same stick for a week. ESPN’s Emily Kaplan’s idea that the NHL All-Star Game should be a roller hockey game. The NHL’s Lake Tahoe outdoor games. NHL teams’ Reverse Retro alternate jerseys in action. Adidas is apparently not producing under-gear game wear &/or equipment, despite having the jersey deal with the NHL. The other player who played their 1000th NHL game this past week. The retirement of numbers league-wide. Question of the week: Name at least 1, if not 2-3, numbers that if retired league-wide would piss off the most people.
Recorded 21 February 2021
Episode 93:
Discussion about our lists for the most influential & powerful in hockey who are not white, (presumably) straight, men. Ron Hextall & Brian Burke being hired by the Pittsburgh Penguins. Larry Brooks of the New York Post, the Professional Hockey Writers Association (PHWA), & the completely expected Tony DeAngelo redemption arc. The Vegas Golden Knights very shiny gold-chrome helmets. The new Bauer vented-blade hockey sticks. Question of the week: Should there be an entire week where every player in the league has to use the exact same stick?
Recorded 14 February 2021
Episode 92:
Discussion about changing NHL official scoring to reflect actual touches. The Patrick Laine Experience in Columbus. More on the NWHL “bubble” being canceled, & how professional hockey leagues are mismanaging their covid responses. The banners that the Seattle Kraken could raise to the rafters when they start playing. Centers and defenders and playing defense...or not. The NHL media playing a game of telephone. The Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon trying to buck the NHL system of nepotism. (Includes random commentary about the Columbus Blue Jackets & Carolina Hurricanes game.) Question of the week: With The Hockey News coming out with their annual “Top 100 People of Power & Influence” list, submit a list of 5-20 people who you feel are the most influential and powerful in hockey who are not white, (presumably) straight, men.
Recorded 7 February 2021
Episode 91:
Discussion on which NHL players we would like to see donate a significant number of NWHL Twitch subscriptions based on their career numbers. The Metropolitan Riveters pulling out of the NWHL bubble tournament due to covid. New York Rangers defender Tony DeAngelo going on waivers. The AHL exhibition game called off in the middle of it due to covid test results. The Minnesota Wild center Marco Rossi’s covid complications keeping him out of the lineup indefinitely. Comments made in the wake of the Laine-Dubois trade. Question of the week: Should NHL official scoring be changed to reflect actual touches, instead of player touches, of the puck when a goal is scored?
Recorded 31 January 2021
Episode 90:
After the NFL being on Nickelodeon, discussion about random networks the NHL could be on. NBC ending the NBC Sports Network after their contract with the NHL is over. Eddie Lack saying Bill Peters was abusive & defending John Tortorella. The Laine-Dubois trade. The NHL’s covid protocol, & how players are being named this season. The new Colorado Avalanche uniforms, & how… blue… they now are. The NWHL season-tournament bubble in Lake Placid, New York. Question of the week: After JT Brown donated 71 NWHL subscriptions in their game chat on Twitch in honor of Metropolitan Riveter Saroya Tinker’s jersey number, what NHL player would you like to see donate a significant number of subscriptions based on either a jersey number or career milestone number?
Recorded 24 January 2021
Episode 89:
Discussion what makes an NHL team “old”. NHL coaches trying to keep lineup decisions quiet as some sort of winning tactic. How one talented player in a lineup can affect other players’ stats & career paths. NHL teams trying to somehow emulate American football & it being a bad model. The total lack of actual coaching being done by NHL coaches & staff. A problem with the current NHL draft system. How the 2004-2005 lockout changed the NHL. Question of the week: What network would you like to see the NHL have games on?
Recorded 17 January 2021
Episode 88:
Discussion on creating a starting NHL lineup using jersey numbers between 66-99. Covid-hit NHL teams, & how that might affect the rest of the season & playoffs. Thoughts on Canadian speculation about whether the temporary North Division ought to be made permanent for revenue reasons. The Pierre-Luc Dubois rumors about wanting to leave the Columbus Blue Jackets due to John Tortorella. Josh Ho-Sang being put on waivers by the New York Islanders. Question of the week: What do you consider an “old” team – a core of older players, or the average age of the entire roster?
Recorded 10 January 2021
Episode 87:
Discussion on recasting the original Might Ducks movie roster with current NHLers. Jack Johnson in EA Sports NHL 21, & other interesting cheat codes found in the game. The Florida Panthers trying new things with line combinations in training camp. Zdeno Chára signing with the Washington Capitals. The privacy around offer sheets, & why they ought to be made public – even if they’re not accepted. The NHL outdoor games at Lake Tahoe this coming season. Question of the week: Build your best team – all time – with players who wore numbers between & including 67-98.
Recorded 3 January 2021
Episode 87:
Discussion on whether the NHL will ever expand to Europe. The Calgary Flames’ new goaltending department. Whether all of the NHL teams will end up playing all 56 games this coming season. The Seattle franchise being officially jobbed over the Metropolitans name due to temporary(?) division realignment. Anthony Duclair’s new contract, & the roster situation with the Florida Panthers. NHL trades with teams across the border during the new regular season. If Seattle would have put off playing a year because of the pandemic had they been slated to start the 2020-2021 season. Henrik Lundqvist & his recently announced heart condition. Question of the week: Can you recast the original Mighty Ducks movie roster using current NHL players?
Recorded 20 December 2020
Episode 85:
Discussion on limiting coaches & tech on the bench during games. Coaching for defense vs coaching for offense, and micromanaging players. The Florida Panthers creating a “Goaltending Excellence Department”. Player tracking, making goaltending equipment smaller, & making players use wood sticks again. The changing ownership of the WHL Portland Winterhawks, & the Kamloops Blazers. The NHL owners trying to start up another season, & Forbes team valuations. Question of the week: Will the NHL ever expand to Europe?
Recorded 13 December 2020
Episode 84:
Discussion on other names that could be used in place of “captain”. The minimal news that’s currently in the NHL at the moment. Comments on the new NHL 94 Rewind video game. Theories on why goalies have a reputation for being weird. Ideas on who shouldn’t write hockey movie screenplays. Thoughts on what Gary Bettman’s actual role is in the NHL. Question of the week: One coach & no tech on the bench – yay or nay?
Recorded 6 December 2020
Episode 83:
Discussion (or more accurately, Pat’s rant) on the NHL using the CHL as a development league, & how that should change. Some problems with amateur hockey & travel teams. Some commentary on the new Animaniacs series revival & voice actors. Rumors regarding the upcoming NHL season. Santa Clara County, California, banning sports practices and how it could affect the San Jose Sharks. Question of the week: Hypothetical question: If the US military told all sports leagues that they could no longer use military terms anymore, what would you rename team captains as?
Recorded 29 November 2020
Episode 82:
Discussion on how NHL teams might manage their prospects this coming season. The actual state of the Seattle Kraken’s Northgate practice facility. Thoughts on the reverse retro NHL jerseys before they debut. Question of the week: Is it time for the NHL to end any development league agreement(s) with the CHL?
Recorded 15 November 2020
Episode 81:
Possible names if history were to repeat itself & the San Jose Sharks moved to Cleveland. Thoughts on the idea of LaBron James owning an NHL team. If a team’s legacy should stay with the town, or with the business entity that’s moved to another city. The question of city branding of teams vs branding individual teams in the same city. Instead of fewer defenders, adding more to the ice & taking off a forward. A few words on Alex Trebek. Question of the week: If the AHL doesn’t have all of their teams participating next season, and the NHL does, what’s going to happen to prospects?
Recorded 8 November 2020
Episode 80:
Discussion on possible names for a “positionless” player on the ice. Mike “Doc” Emerick retiring from NHL broadcasting. Vegas Golden Knights announce a fourth jersey. The Boston Bruins making very few moves thus far during the offseason. The fun idea of NHL teams being named after their coaches when they hire them. Managing a franchise on NHL 21 (EA SPORTS). NHL arbitration hearings. Question of the week: What will the franchise be called when San Jose Sharks go the way of the California Golden Seals and end up somewhere like Cleveland?
Recorded 25 October 2020
Episode 79:
Discussion on Ron Francis wheeling & dealing before Seattle’s expansion draft. The Toronto Maple Leafs possible moves during the expansion draft, & Joe Thornton signing a one-year deal with the Leafs. Patrick Marleau & whether he’ll break Gordie Howe’s games played record this coming season. San Jose resigning former players to play there again this offseason. Talk about a creating an accurate defensive model in hockey. Question of the week: What would be a great name for a “positionless” player on the ice?
Recorded 18 October 2020
Episode 78:
Discussion on making existing NHL jerseys as gaudy as possible. Random things & stuff about a Washington State born NHLers. NHL GMs re-signing players they’ve drafted or signed while working at other teams. NHL trades, free agent signings, player arbitration, & speculation. Putting non-Anglicized names on jerseys, including diacritic marks. NHL teams with interesting salary cap issues. Question of the week: Does Seattle GM Ron Francis have it in him to wheel & deal like Vegas did before their expansion draft?
Recorded 11 October 2020
Episode 77:
Sans Patrick this episode, Pat & Cassie discussed people who deserve some recognition for the good work that they do by being on an NHL broadcast. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman downplaying dissatisfied NHL players who anonymously shared their thoughts about the NHL Bubbles. The Vegas Golden Knights third jersey reveal. Teams should sell some of the same sort of athletic wear & shoes NHL players use for working out in, including player-specific gear like custom shoes. Lack of regional marketing from some NHL teams. Question of the week: If you were designing the gaudiest jersey you could come up with, what team would you choose and what would it look like?
Recorded 4 October 2020
Episode 76:
Discussion on what the NHL might do if they play a full season without the AHL. Relegation league possibilities. Independent AHL owners maybe taking on different leagues or sports. The various meanings of “future considerations” in NHL trades. The apparent intimidation factor of Steve Yzerman. Possible reasons why Steven Stamkos played for the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final. The Ottawa Senators buying out Bobby Ryan, & where he might go next. Question of the week: Who would be an awesome person who does good work that we’d love to see work on a broadcast next season?
Recorded 27 September 2020
Episode 75:
Discussion on when the NHL will start their next season. The new/old Ottawa Senators jersey look. The Minnesota Wild’s trade of Eric Staal to the Buffalo Sabres & their coaching change. The new GM of the Arizona Coyotes. Once more with the wondering about what Marc Bergevin is doing with the Montreal Canadiens roster. Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Dallas Stars & the Tampa Bay Lightning. Question of the week: If the NHL plays an 82-game season starting in December, how do they accommodate for the AHL not being able to play?
Recorded 20 September 2020
Episode 74:
Discussion on who we feel bad for during these NHL playoffs. Trades happening during the NHL playoffs, which is not the usual. Expected goals scored stats, and other statistical absurdities. NHL awards, and how we’d change them, Part I. The rumor of Joe Thornton playing in Switzerland resurfacing once again. Scoreboard watching instead of watching games. Pat’s mini-rant: Kid’s hockey travel teams traveling during a pandemic and player tracking. M-A Fleury for A. Larsson trade speculation. Stanley Cup Final picks...sort of. NHL awards, and how we’d change them, Part II. Question of the week: When do you think the NHL will start its new season?
Recorded 13 September 2020
Episode 73:
Discussion on how we’d change NHL the post-game interview process. People having problems with low scoring playoff games, & all kinds of creative ways that could be changed. New York Islanders Mat Barzal’s problems with being hit in the face. The quality of play vs a normal playoff setup, & if the difference in difficulty is any different. The stupid & unfortunate things teams & media will overlook that players do, even in the NHL. Whether there are actually any “good” GMs in the NHL or not. The mysteries of New York Islanders head coach Barry Trotz’s successes & misses. Question of the week: Is there someone during this playoff that you really feel bad for?
Recorded 7 September 2020
Episode 72:
Discussion on our starting six lineup of players with single digit numbers on their jersey. Sightings of Seattle Kraken gear in the wilds of Western Washington State. NHL general managers and coaches being fired after falling out of playoffs. The NHL trying to shorten up the time it takes between rounds to make the tournament end sooner. More about the media unhappy with John Tortorella’s post-game presser following the Columbus Blue Jackets falling out of the first round. Question of the week: If you were the PR person of an NHL team, how would you choose to change post-game interviews?
Recorded 23 August 2020
Episode 71:
Discussion on if COVID-19 should cause the CHL to blow up the billet family system. The messed up priorities of the amateur hockey development ladder in the United States. How Rod Brind’Amour and John Tortorella appear to coach a bit differently than other head coaches in the NHL. Why women in the media ask different questions than the men in the media. Question of the week: Without duplicating numbers, create your starting six lineup out of players wearing single digit numbers on their jerseys, with no duplicate numbers in your lineup, and these players had to have worn a single digit number for the majority of their NHL career.
Recorded 16 August 2020
Episode 70:
Discussion on possibly more equal media coverage for both conferences. NHL qualifier series results, as of this recording. The NHL’s second draft lottery craziness. Stanley Cup Playoffs first round matchups. NHL GMs making decisions about their teams during the next abbreviated offseason based on this tournament. Starting a new hockey season in December or January. Question of the week: Is COVID-19 the perfect opportunity for the CHL to blow up the billet family system?
Recorded 9 August 2020
Episode 69:
Discussion on what fans in Seattle might do to send their NHL team off to a Bubble. NHL players wearing tinted visors. Players not participating in the Return the Play offseason training. The NHL’s weak messaging when it comes the Black Lives Matter movement. The first & second-ish day of the NHL’s Return to Play qualifying round. Question of the week: With this particular playoff format, do you think that media coverage for both conferences will be more equal than in previous years?
Recorded 2 August 2020
Episode 68:
Brief discussion on petty organized team activities that should be put in the NHL CBA to piss off other teams. The Arizona Coyotes GM drama, & possible replacements. The Professional Hockey Writers Association’s issues with lack of personnel & availability inside the NHL Hub Bubbles. The possible fate of play-by-play man John Forslund after a fallout with the Carolina Hurricanes. The announcement of the name, colors, & jerseys of Seattle’s new NHL team. Question of the week: If Seattle had a current team heading to a Bubble, what would the local fans do to send off their team?
Recorded 26 July 2020
Episode 67:
Discussion about our six-man lineups of players who have one syllable in their last name. Teams sharing which players have been deemed “unfit”. If one Hub has to shut down due to too many players / coaches being “unfit”, what could happen. Figuring out who might write the “Hub life” exposé 20 years from now. Show format ideas for a new NHL 24/7 series. The Toronto Maple Leafs being accused of unfair practices by other NHL teams. Question of the week: What is the most ridiculous or petty organized team activity that should be put in the NHL CBA to piss off other teams?
Recorded 19 July 2020
Episode 66:
Discussion on how long Donald Fehr may have with the NHLPA. NHL Players who have opted out as of this recording. Fan video solicitations from NHL teams, maybe for creating potential crowd noise inside the arena. Sidney Crosby’s quote about inviting teammates to practice before training camp. Signing an entry level contract and then burning the first year, but not being able to play in games. Question of the week: What’s the best 6-man starting lineup that you can make with one-syllable last names?
Recorded 12 July 2020
Episode 65:
Discussion about what it will take to shut the NHL down this summer. How the NHL proposes to keep NHL team players, coaches, and staff safe. (We’d said 51 individuals allowed, but it’s actually 52.) Problems in other professional men’s sports regarding COVID-19 testing. How many teams would need to forfeit due to players & coaches being infected. The NHL’s chaotic first overall pick this year. The NHL & NHLPA CBA negotiations. Question of the week: How much longer does Donald Fehr have left with the NHLPA?
Recorded 6 July 2020
Episode 64:
Discussion on goaltenders that should’ve been taken in the first round in hindsight. The lack of hockey bubbles in the NHL’s Phase 2, & the predictable consequences. The possibility of both NHL tournament hub cities being in the Western US &/or Western Canada. Some of the risk factors of games being played for the people involved, including those associated with them. The Buffalo Sabres publicly cleaning house. Question of the week: We may have this answer to this by the next episode, but…. What do you think it’s going to take for the NHL to shut down their operations?
Recorded 21 June 2020
Episode 63:
Discussion about first rounders who may have had better careers if drafted by another NHL team. Evengy Namestnikov using the name “John” when he first came to North America to play professional hockey. The NHL’s lack of news with their Phase 2 starting, and Phase 3’s start date. Question of the week: Common wisdom is that goalies shouldn’t be drafted in the first round, but what goaltenders (in hindsight) would you have actually drafted in the first round?
Recorded 14 June 2020
Episode 62:
Discussion on the possible future of independently owned AHL teams. The NHL looking like they’re positioning themselves to become a summer league to avoid competing against the NFL for TV ratings. Our vision for a new independent hockey league. The newest inglorious chapter of the Ottawa Senators. The NHL.com writers re-drafting entry drafts after the fact. Question of the week: In the first round, what player do you think would have had a better career had they not been drafted by the team that got them? (No time limit; excluding Edmonton Oilers first round draft picks from the past 10 years.)
Recorded 7 June 2020
Episode 61:
Discussion on alternative names we would have suggested for the Toronto NWHL team. No major shakeups likely this offseason-break-thing. Jack Eichel’s comments about the Buffalo Sabres. The two Koules-Barrie ownership years in Tampa Bay. The lack of talent on the Detroit Red Wings. The known post-season awards from the 2019-2020 season. The crazy long term injured reserve salary cap hits. Question of the week: With this extended offseason/break going on, and a new AHL president coming in, what do you see as the future of independently owned AHL teams?
Recorded 31 May 2019
Episode 60:
Discussion on which older players might return from an extended NHL layoff. The idea of creating a senior league for retired players. The NHL & NHLPA agreeing to a 24-team postseason summer tournament. Question of the week: What would you have named the Toronto NWHL team instead of the Six?
Recorded 24 May 2019
Episode 59:
Discussion on what excuses were used to explain why there was no decision on the NHL Draft in June. The front offices of NHL teams not realizing that there are times when it’s inappropriate to be competitive (like now). The NHL’s tentative 24-team/four hub plan to save their season/playoffs. Front office changes for the LA Kings and the Arizona Coyotes. The bitter feud in women’s hockey between the PWHPA and the NWHL. Question of the week: If the worst-case scenario happens for the NHL and there’s no hockey until the fall of 2022, which players over the age of 33 will be able to come back from a year-plus layoff?
Recorded 17 May 2019
Episode 58:
Discussion on plays that changed a team’s history. The NHL draft may not be held in June. Hockey culture rearing its ugly head once again. The struggle in finding and watching quality online streaming services for other hockey leagues as alternatives to watching the NHL. A brief foray into hockey movies. Problems with displaying data in a way that people on the street understand. Question of the week: What excuse will the hockey media and/or the hockey men use this week for when they don’t announce anything about the draft in June?
Recorded 10 May 2019
Episode 57:
Discussion on the best/most hair in the NHL when self-quarantine is over. The hirings and firings of significant front office staff on NHL teams. Thoughts on the relocation of the Ottawa Senators and where they might go. The Carolina Hurricanes possibly moving their AHL affiliate from Charlotte to Chicago. The AHL as a league in transition versus NHL affiliations. Question of the week: Can you name a play in a game that affected the course of a team’s history?
Episode 56:
Discussion about why the NHL might be so desperate to try to save the end of the 2019-2020 season & playoffs. The timing of the the NHL Entry Draft and determining when free agency starts. How the timing of playing hockey games might coincide with a second wave of infections. What NHL arenas the NHL might use for games over the summer. The NHL making plans, and plans, and more plans – ad yet more plans. The lack of NHL Seattle announcement, & how the news could be a boon for the NHL. Question of the week: Which player at the end of...this...will be able to make the best donation to Locks of Love?
Recorded 26 April 2019
Episode 55:
Discussion on where Chris Pronger might’ve gone had Joe Thornton gone to Anaheim in 2005 instead of San Jose. Dustin Byfuglien’s hockey future. PK Subban and the NHL teaming up for an online trivia show. Random hockey shows that are available to watch these days. Question of the week: Why is the NHL so desperate to try to save the end of the 2019-2020 season and playoffs?
Recorded 19 April 2019
Episode 54:
The Colby Cave news. Discussion on what Peter Forsberg NHL games people should watch. The Too Many Men podcast and one of their F Mary Kill segments. The top ten of the 1991 NHL Entry Draft. Brian Burke’s Twitter Q&A and the Joe Thornton trade from Boston. Question of the week: If Joe Thornton had become an Anaheim Duck, where does Chris Pronger land in the ‘06-’07 season?
Recorded 12 April 2019
Episode 53:
Discussion about how the pandemic might affect the Seattle NHL team’s construction projects. Overspecializing is detrimental to creativity. The USHL Chicago Steel GM Ryan Hardy and accusations of collusion to get an underage player before the OHL. Players who hit their peaks too early and don’t make the NHL versus those who hit the development peaks later in the AHL &/or NHL. Seth Jones versus Nathan MacKinnon and the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. Question of the week: What one Peter Forsberg game from his NHL career should we go watch?
Recorded 5 April 2019
Episode 52:
Discussion on what the NHL could do to take advantage of a longer offseason. Speculation as to which owners would be certain Star Wars characters. NHL press availability via video conferencing calls with players four different teams within the same division. The lack of content due to the “Pause”, and media trying to be creative with what little they have. The NHL not owning the rights to their own broadcasts, and rebroadcasting hockey games on TV or online. Ideas to shorten the length of hockey games, and public relations things added to hockey games. Question of the week: If construction is no longer allowed on KeyArena due to the pandemic, how does that play out for Seattle in the fall of 2021?
Recorded 29 March 2019
Episode 51:
Discussion on the games we’d re-watch from the 2019-2020 NHL season. Streaming simulated hockey video games and NHL teams being creative about it, plus virtual tailgating in Carolina on what would’ve been a game day. The NHL’s “Pause Binge” video library. NHL Seattle putting off their name, logo, and color announcement due to the pandemic. Which NHL GMs and coaches on the hot seat that have gotten a reprieve due to the “Pause”. Possible goal songs for the new Seattle NHL team. Whether Simon Gagne is Hockey Hall of Fame worthy or not. Question of the week: What do you think the NHL should do to take advantage of a longer offseason?
Recorded 21 March 2019
Episode 50:
Discussion on the worst absolute minimum effort thing that the NHL or one of its teams do. The value of the NHL opening up its video vault of previously played games, including the possibility of agreements for international games and hockey movies, and how the NHL Network and NHL.tv could capitalize on that. Our rules for a reverse lottery pick for the 2020 Stanley Cup winner. Whether Seattle’s NHL team should still announce the team name and colors despite the lack of NHL action, plus team merchandise follies. Our entertainment recommendations for passing the time without sports. Question of the week: What is the one game you would like to re-watch from the 2019-2020 NHL season?
Recorded 15 March 2019
Episode 49:
Discussion on whether the Lucic-Neal trade’s conditions will be met by the last game of the season. The idea that the NBA may shift their season to start two months later to maximize their TV revenue – and if the NHL might benefit from that. More complaining about the overtime participation point in the standings. How the NHL celebrated International Women’s Day by having all-woman broadcasts. The NHL potentially playing games in empty arenas because of the coronavirus. Question of the week: What is the worst absolute minimum effort thing that you have seen the NHL or one of its teams do that they thought they did a wonderful fantastic job at?
Recorded 8 March 2019
Episode 48:
Discussion on who should be in charge of establishing and enforcing the rules in the NHL. Women fans talking about hockey and the new all-woman hockey podcast, Too Many Men. NHL Trade Deadline highlights, and what to do with Joe Thornton. NHL Seattle’s offer of free public transit with any game ticket. Question of the week: The Lucic-Neal trade’s conditional pick has two conditions – will both conditions be met before the last day of the season?
Recorded 1 March 2019
Episode 47:
Discussion about how long the longest tenured NHL head coach – Jon Cooper of Tampa Bay – has until he’s fired. The state of the NHL standings right before the NHL trade deadline. Joe Thornton’s value in a trade. Alex Ovechkin’s 700th NHL goal. A reason why NHL aren’t enforced by the book. Question of the week: Who should be in charge of establishing and enforcing the rules in the NHL?
...But wait…! The EBUG fiasco during the Carolina at Toronto game on Hockey Night in Canada.
Recorded 22 & 23 February 2019
Episode 46:
Discussion on who we would pick doing over the 2012 NHL Draft. New Jersey Devils trades (that happened the week before the recording of this episode), and other potential NHL trades. The Edmonton Oilers at Carolina Hurricanes game (played 2/16/2020). The failures of the Stadium Series game at the Air Force Academy. Carolina being awarded a Stadium Series game next season, and are awaiting the announcement of their opponent. Question of the week: Jon Cooper of the Tampa Bay Lightning is now the longest tenured coach in the NHL (promoted/hired in 2013) – how long do you think he’s got before he’s fired?
Recorded 16 February 2019
Episode 45:
Discussion on whether Seattle and Montreal should complete the 1919 Stanley Cup Final. The state of the Buffalo Sabres. The idea of combining the head GM and head coaching positions in the NHL. Question of the week: Go back and do the 2012 draft – who would you now take first overall, knowing what we know now?
Recorded 9 February 2019
Episode 44:
Discussion on questions we’d ask players that the hockey media does not. How coaches and GMs in the NHL buy into the rumored ability of players and prospects instead of assessing players actual ability on their own. The NHL trade deadline and the kind of turnaround that teams expect from players new to their team. The current resurgence of the Battle of Alberta. Building a Stanley Cup winning team versus building a perennial playoff team. Question of the week: When Seattle joins the NHL in the fall of 2021, should the NHL schedule a game between Seattle and Montreal to decide the 1919 Stanley Cup, which was never completed due to the Spanish flu epidemic?
Recorded 2 February 2019
Episode 43:
Discussion on which NHL coaches are securely in their jobs for a while – or, on the “cold” seat. The NHL All-Star Game Weekend broadcasting quirks and tricks. The new rink boards advertisement technology and its inconsistencies. Fans’ expectations of ASG Weekend and catering to the entertainment value rather than quality hockey. Changes we’d like to see for the ASG. Question of the week: Is there a general hockey related question that you’d like to ask players that doesn’t get asked by the media?
Recorded 26 January 2019
Episode 42:
Discussion about legitimate geographic rivalries in hockey. The potential resurgence of the rivalry brewing between the Edmonton and the Calgary. The lack of flexible TV schedules for NHL games on NBCSN. The NHL coaching carousel unexpectedly passing through Vegas. Revisiting the problem of insisting on the absurdity of “needing” right-handed defenders on the right side. Where Gerard Gallant might end up next and the timing of when that hiring might happen. Question of the week: Which coach is on the safest ground; or, who is least likely to be fired in the next seven days?
Recorded 18 January 2019
Episode 41:
Discussion about things in hockey that people often get wrong that drives us nuts. Ignoring the nature of time and just enjoying hockey instead of having specific “nights”. The state of the San Jose Sharks aging players and the number of their limited no-trade clauses. The difference between hiring coaches mid-season and the off-season. How AHL affiliate records show the lack of development and/or drafting by NHL teams over time. Question of the week: Are there any geographic hockey rivalries – not necessarily NHL, but all of hockey - that you can think of that are legitimate rather than manufactured?
Recorded 11 January 2019Episode 41:
Discussion about things in hockey that people often get wrong that drives us nuts. Ignoring the nature of time and just enjoying hockey instead of having specific “nights”. The state of the San Jose Sharks aging players and the number of their limited no-trade clauses. The difference between hiring coaches mid-season and the off-season. How AHL affiliate records show the lack of development and/or drafting by NHL teams over time. Question of the week: Are there any geographic hockey rivalries – not necessarily NHL, but all of hockey - that you can think of that are legitimate rather than manufactured?
Recorded 11 January 2019
Episode 40:
Discussion on NHL trades that we would undo. Anthony Beauvillier (NYI) tweeting at Anna Kendrick on Christmas Day. The NHL’s Christmas break, & if it’s too long or even necessary. NHL coaches and overcoaching players into playing boring games and losing streaks. The bashing of Connor McDavid for not being able to carry the Edmonton Oilers single-handedly. The lack of interest in drafting well by some NHL teams. Question of the week: What the one thing in hockey that people tend to get wrong a lot that drives you absolutely nuts?
Recorded 29 December 2019
Episode 39:
The San Jose Sharks firing their coach. NHL Network not being available online to stream. Ideas for guest color commentators during NHL games, and maybe having an R-rated color commentating option for NHL games. Traumatizing hockey injuries. Seattle neighborhoods, and where NHL players may live. Question of the week: What is one trade in NHL history that you would undo? (Left deliberately unanswered this episode.)
Recorded 15 December 2019
Episode 38:
Discussion about our favorite teammate rivalries in NHL history. The idea of the NHL creating a league-wide code of conduct. The lack of a centralized hockey news site these days, and how the NHL isn’t utilizing the NHL Network to the best of its ability to become one. Watching hockey at TD Garden in Boston. The new practice facility going up in North Carolina. Question of the week: What is one trade in NHL history that you would undo?
Recorded 8 December 2019
Episode 37:
Discussion on who we’d see in their rookie season. Trying to not talk about the racist news in the NHL (being all white people, we didn’t feel qualified for this). The great work that Black Girl Hockey Club is doing in Southern California. The run that the Colorado Avalanche has been on, despite injuries, and the job that Joe Sakic has done putting that team together. Patrick Roy’s chances of coaching in the NHL again. Restructuring points for wins, losses, and overtime in the standings. Question of the week: What is your favorite teammate rivalry in NHL history?
Recorded 30 November 2019
Episode 36:
Discussion on weird rule changes that we’d like to introduce to hockey. Changes in amateur hockey programs, and how they’re not using the entire rink anymore. Birthplace versus hometown on rosters, and what could replace it. Video game announcing, and how it’s different from live game announcing. Boston College head coach Jerry York, and how he skipped some of the Hockey Hall of Fame festivities in favor of coaching his own team. Question of the week: If you could see anyone in their rookie season, who would it be?
Recorded 17 November 2019
Episode 35:
Discussion on what arenas, regardless of time and team, we’d like to go watch hockey. Other hockey arenas we’ve watched hockey in. The lack of three dimensional thinking in the NHL when it comes to passes and shots. The lack of enforcement on certain penalties. Question of the week: What is one weird rule change that you would love to introduce to hockey that would evolve the game in a totally different way.
Recorded 10 November 2019
Episode 34:
Discussion on if the NHL’s revenue sharing model changed to fund a professional women’s league. The return of NHL archive games on NHL LIVE. The joys of adult hockey – both ice and roller. NHL head coaches on the hot seat, and what it might take for the dominoes to start to fall. The list of team names that the new Seattle franchise has registered. Question of the week: If you went to watch a game at any level, in any building, at any point in hockey history, what building would you want to watch a game in?
Recorded 3 November 2019
Episode 33:
Discussion on who might win the Stanley Cup this season. Elliotte Friedman’s comment during the Heritage Classic broadcast on the NHL’s plan to start a women’s professional hockey league, when they decide it becomes “necessary” (whatever that means). Cassie’s trip to an NWHL game, and how different it was from the NHL’s style of play. That one time a head coach was traded in the NHL. Question of the week: What would happen in the NHL if the revenue sharing model changes to fund this new professional women’s league?
Recorded 27 October 2019
Episode 32:
Discussion about the most absurd relocation and/or ownership theory you have for solving the future of the Ottawa Senators. The Edmonton Oilers are…fun…to watch now? The train wreck that is the Minnesota Wild early in the NHL season. (Also, please excuse Patrick’s preoccupation with The Godfather & Italian food; he’d had a hard day.) Question of the week: Who do you think will win the Stanley Cup this season?
Recorded 19 October 2019
Episode 31:
Skating a man down this week – again – this time Patrick and Cassie discuss various hockey chattery. Talk about NHL standings as of 13 October 2019, and the currently undefeated Edmonton Oilers. The rumor that the Tampa Bay Lightning were playing four forwards and one defender at even strength during a preseason game. The state of the San Jose Sharks and their lack of drafting ability. Kendall Coyne Schofield’s TV hockey analyst debut, and women in sports broadcasting and in-arena announcing. Question of the week: No question this week – we will be back with another question the next episode.
Recorded 13 October 2019
Episode 30:
Skating a man down this week, Pat and Cassie discuss ideas about how to address the NHL schedule. Also discussion on what the new contract of negotiating quirk this season and next offseason might be. Some problems with how Hockey Canada develops young players. The lack of preparation that’s being given to new players on NHL teams. The unpredictability of Marc Bergevin as a general manager. Ottawa Senator being sold rumors. Question of the week: What’s the most absurd relocation and/or ownership theory you have for solving the future of the Ottawa Senators?
Recorded 6 October 2019
Episode 29:
Skating a man down this week, Pat and Cassie discuss Auston Matthews and his arrest last May, regarding the social and professional aspects of it. The hiring of Cammie Granato as the first female pro scout in the NHL by the Seattle NHL team. Ron Francis’s GM experience and how that might change with building Seattle. No holdouts to start the NHL season this year. Question of the week: Next season – whether offseason or extensions – what’s the new contract or negotiating quirk going to be?
Recorded 28 September 2019
Episode 28:
Discussion on changing NHL training camps and the preseason. The Jonathan Toews NHL schedule change suggestion. The new no-helmet rule. How underrated winning the Calder Cup Championship in the AHL is. The Ottawa Senators’ owner Eugene Melnyk’s financial issues. (Please pardon the occasional unintentional technological issue....) Question of the week: What would you do to address the NHL schedule?
Recorded 21 September 2019
Episode 27:
Discussion on how important captains are to their teammates on NHL teams. Sometimes the leaders on a team are not the same people wearing the ‘C’ or an ‘A’. Roles and responsibilities of captains in the NHL versus how NHL teams and media view them. The type of players who are leaders that ought to be awarded the captaincy on most teams. Some on the transition from captain to coach. Kendall Coyne Schofield joining regional broadcasts part-time with the San Jose Sharks, and whether other women will be doing that as well. Question of the week: How would you change NHL training camps and the preseason?
Recorded 7 September 2019
Episode 26:
Discussion on fictional characters would we choose to run the NHL. Layoffs of key TV personalities at Rogers Sportsnet, and the state of hockey TV broadcasts versus streaming games. The NHL choosing to not opt out of the current CBA, and what the players might do. Question of the week: How important do you think the role of captain – guys who actually wear the “C” – is to the players on an NHL team?
Recorded 1 September 2019
Episode 25:
Discussion on changing uniforms to reflect key team anniversaries. Updating ice rink colors so that not all rinks are the same...and perhaps updating the ice rinks themselves. Incorporating some lacrosse rules into the NHL’s rules. And as we’re changing the NHL around, anyways, talk about who would be our figurehead leader. Question of the week: If the 3v3 Podcast team overthrew the existing NHL leadership, what fictional character would we choose to run the NHL?
Recorded 24 August 2019
Episode 24:
Discussion about favorite hockey player nicknames. Hockey nicknames given by media, by players, and personal nicknames for players – that may or may not be popular. Definitions about what makes a good nickname. The lack of creativity in publicly used nicknames. Having some fun with the possibilities hockey fan-fic. Question of the week: How would you add silver (for 25th) or gold (for 50th) to a team’s uniform set?
Recorded 17 August 2019
Episode 23:
Discussion on jersey numbers that perhaps shouldn’t have been retired by teams or the NHL. The possible criteria for retiring jersey numbers. The case for changing retired numbers to a “ring of honor” designation so that other numbers are freed up for current players to use. Players that had their numbers retired with two or more teams, and if that should be done or not. The possibility of breaking some of Wayne Gretzky’s records. Question of the week: Who has your favorite player nickname?
Recorded 11 August 2019
Episode 22:
Skating a man down this week, Pat and Cassie discuss the Minnesota Wild firing GM Paul Fenton, and who they may hire in his place. Question of the week: No question this week – we will be back with another question the next episode.
Recorded 3 August 2019
Episode 21:
Discussion on favorite hockey jerseys. Talk about jersey design, logos, and colors. Jersey numbers and ones that have particular meaning to the players. The pros and cons of using synthetic ice, and the state of hockey rink ice in the summer. The state of hockey rinks in the Seattle-Tacoma area. Question of the week: What is one retired number for any team in the NHL you think should never been brought up to the rafters to begin with?
Recorded 28 July 2019
Episode 20:
Discussion on players have started in the NHL and gone on to play in Europe, only to have come back to sign with an NHL team. Ron Francis being named the first GM in the Seattle (Geoducks) NHL team’s history. Background on Ron Francis during his time in Carolina as a GM. Seattle naming Palm Springs, CA, as the location for their AHL team instead choosing Boise, ID. The so-called sanctity of the Stanley Cup as it makes its summer rounds. Comments on the Lucic-Neal trade and its...interesting conditions. Question of the week: What is your favorite hockey jersey of all time and why? (Doesn’t have to be an NHL team or even a hockey team’s jersey.)
Recorded 20 July 2019
Episode 19:
Discussion about past players that could play in the current era and have success. Thoughts about at what age NHL players really peak versus when NHL teams say that they do. In a salary cap world, whether the age of free agency be lowered in the NHL or not. The differences between doing a media job versus working for the NHLPA. When/if the NHLPA will give up guaranteed contracts, and for what they might trade it for. Question of the week: Outside of lockout years and Jaromir Jagr, how many players have started in the NHL and gone on to play in Europe, only to have come back to sign with an NHL team again?
Recorded 13 July 2019
Episode 18:
Discussion about rumors regarding the NHL Seattle organization at the NHL Draft. The state of offer sheets during the NHL offseason thus far. NHL GMs making questionable signings. Teams paying out $100 million in contracts in a season, within the 50-contract limit. The fallacies of the income tax argument regarding signing players in the NHL. Speculation about the end of Don Cherry’s run on Coaches Corner on Sportsnet, and what could replace him. Question of the week: What player from the past do you think could play in the current era and have just as much success? (Excluding Peter Forsberg.)
Recorded 6 July 2019
Episode 17:
Discussion on building an NHL team by position – not by player, but by position – that you would want to build your team around. The concept of having a rover on the ice, instead of three forwards and two defenders. The advantages to the way that Vegas built their expansion team. The 1995-1996 Colorado Avalanche and how many players could play in today’s NHL. NHL offseason trades, and the delay of announcing the Subban trade at the NHL draft. NHLtv and broadcasting rights of NHL games, as well as other tales from the NHL draft. Question of the week: No question this week; interesting rumors about the NHL Seattle contingent at the draft.
Recorded 29 June 2019
Episode 16:
Discussion on what NHL teams should not have returned the Stanley Cup to the league or the Hockey Hall of Fame. NHL buyouts and whether anyone’s willing to re-sign them. The Arizona Coyotes and their new ownership. How the St. Louis Blues winning the Stanley Cup may affect next season’s trade deadline. NHL teams, their cap space, and player injuries going into the free agency. Going into the draft, the potential of teams trading picks. Question of the week: If you’re going to build an NHL team, what position – not player, but position – would you want to build your team around? And why?
Recorded 15 June 2019
Episode 15:
Discussion about where we’d put cameras in arenas, and the pros and cons of our suggestions. The various ways that NHL officials can interpret the sport’s rules, and some of the impacts of those decisions. Wondering if the NHL is to the point where the rules and the sport need to overhaul their processes. The implied trust of playing with people of a certain ability level, especially in regards to hitting and face protection. Question of the week: What is the most petty story you can think of that a team had where they should’ve held on to the Stanley Cup instead of returning it to the Hockey Hall of Fame?
Recorded 8 June 2019
Episode 14:
Discussion about whether there may be further NHL expansion after Seattle. NHL network deals in the US, and how it may be more than on one network. Speculation about the NHL running their own network and viewing packages. The idea that the AHL spearheads a new women’s professional league, with the financial backing of the NHL. Financial stability in the NWHL. The LA Kings statement on Slava Voynov’s return to the NHL. Question of the week: If there’s one place in an arena that’s viewable to the ice playing surface where you could put a camera, where would it be?
Recorded 1 June 2019
Episode 13:
Discussion on some of the things that the NHL gets right. The situation surrounding why Atlanta moved to Winnipeg eight years ago. Gary Bettman’s Stanley Cup Final press conference, and Bettman vs NHL team ownership / Board of Governors. Problems with the current configurations of an ice rink and the NHL rules that surround that. Bettman’s comment on the NHL starting a women’s professional hockey league, and the newest developments in a women’s pro hockey league. NHL Seattle’s possible nicknames and colors. Question of the week: Seattle is coming in at 32; is there further expansion coming? If so, where?
Episode 12:
Discussion on the annoying terminology that NHL broadcasters use. How to teach new fans the rules of hockey if broadcasters aren’t taking the time to explain things. The issues surrounding NHL officiating, and its problems during playoffs as well as the regular season. Speculation as to how to implement an in-game review system including on-ice officials. Question of the week: We bash on the NHL regularly for everything they do wrong, but what do they do right?
Recorded 19 May 2019
Episode 11:
Discussion on if the rise of a single, stable professional women’s hockey league would diminish the importance of international competition. The idea of having women run an NHL women’s pro league, and then potentially having those women cross over into the NHL as an untapped talent pool with new ideas and ways of doing things. From the outside looking in, the seeming disconnects within the NHLPA between leadership and their constituency. Popularity in the NHL, from Gritty to Gretzky. Question of the week: During NHL broadcasts, what is the terminology that broadcasters use that annoys the heck out of you?
Recorded 5 May 2019
Episode 10:
Discussion on the value of tracking hits in a game as a standalone statistic. The incomplete and fuzzy nature of statistical information in the NHL. The NHL coaching merry-go-round, retreads, and coaches slowly being phased out of the league. Second round NHL playoff talk. The NHLPA’s lack of support with their statement regarding the women’s professional hockey players boycotting pro hockey in North America, and the state of the NWHL (as of this recording). Speculation on how the NHL could set up a women’s pro hockey league, including incorporating streaming/TV packages. Question of the week: Would the rise of a stable woman’s professional league diminish the importance of international competition?
Recorded 4 May 2019
Episode 09:
Discussion about other ways the NHL could onboard 18-year-olds without having an amateur draft. Upping the age to play in the NHL and developing prospects, and the possibility of requiring them to spend time in the AHL. The Carolina hockey scene, and how others see the Hurricanes and their fan base during playoffs. Question of the week: What is the value in tracking hits in a game as a standalone statistic?
Recorded 28 April 2019
Episode 08:
Discussion about favorite hockey-related books. Image versus reality when it comes to sports entertainment such as books and movies. Ideas and complaints regarding anyone making a new hockey movies or shows. Showcasing fun and humor within hockey, and how it’s lacking in the NHL. Question of the week: Theoretically, the NHL draft as we know it is dead; how would you on-board 18-20 hockey players into a league and to specific teams?
Recorded 14 April 2019
Episode 07:
Discussion about who may quietly retire during the 2020 lockout. The role of the AHL during NHL lockouts. Critically looking at whether a lockout really will happen in 2020, and the role of Olympic competition in that. The perception of hockey fans in “non-traditional” hockey markets, and the role of migrating fans. Question of the week: What is your favorite hockey book in recent memory?
Recorded 06 April 2019
Episode 06:
The Hockey Hall of Fame Edition: Discussion about potential HHoFers from the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. Current criteria – good or bad – for being elected. Players who may have been snubbed or overlooked, as well as players who may not have qualified but are in. The people who make up the selection committee. Question of the week: Who do you think will quietly retire in this next coming lockout, should it occur?
Recorded 24 March 2019.
Episode 05:
Discussion on if Columbus didn’t make playoffs, if no one else would go all-in at the trade deadline. The loopholes that NHL GMs use and some of the contract issues of signing players. NHL and NHLPA negotiations surrounding the possible 2020 lockout. Team and player reputations in the NHL, talent evaluation, and how that affects a player’s career. Seattle expansion talk regarding trades and signing players. Question of the week: For a vaunted draft class who are now reaching their mid-30s, how many Hockey Hall of Fame players can we expect out of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft?
Recorded 17 March 2019.
Episode 04:
The current role of “enforcers/fighters” in the NHL, and comments about David Backes’s change of role in Boston. Steve Yzerman’s possible future in Detroit, and what may or may not happen with Ken Holland. Discussion about defensemen, and their purpose in hockey. Trying to come up with a better hockey discriptors that isn’t cliché while talking about Toronto. Question of the week: Should Columbus fail to make the playoffs, what lasting impact will that have on the trade deadline?
Recorded 09 March 2019.
Episode 03:
Discussion about whether we’ll ever see a day where the NHL is no longer a four line game. How NHL teams use and develop their prospects from the AHL and ECHL. NHL top prospects (generally) and how teams and fans seem to interpret draft order, and how that translates into an NHL career. Team composition versus coaching and post-season success. (Side note: Cassie helped run a hockey blog about the Tampa Bay Lightning for eight years.) Question of the week: What do you think the purpose of defensemen are?
Recorded 24 February 2019.
Episode 02:
Discussion about whether women’s professional hockey having two leagues is doing damage to the rising popularity with hockey fans, and the problems of merging the two leagues together. The possibility of professional women’s hockey becoming regional conferences, similar to the junior hockey in Canada or the NCAA, rather than under one national league. Favorite NHL broadcasting crews, and issues with NHL broadcasting crews. The cult of no personality in the NHL, especially among star players, and how women’s athletes do not have the same pressures. Question of the week: Should hockey – not just the NHL – continue to be a four-line game, or should it be knocked down to three lines?
Recorded 03 February 2019.
Episode 01:
NHL All-Star Game Weekend, and the NHL / NBCSN introducing new online player and puck tracking technology. Interviewing hockey players, and some of the issues they face working in sports journalism. Kendall Coyne Schofield participating in the NHL Skills Competition and the possibility of women playing hockey with men in the NHL. Discussion on why it’s commonly thought that NHL teams are responsible for creating a local hockey scene including adding sheets of ice for recreational and amateur players. Question of the week: How much longer can professional women’s hockey survive divided between two leagues?
Recorded 27 January 2019.
Welcome to the maiden voyage of the 3v3 Podcast, Pilot Episode 00!
Topics discussed in this episode by Cassie, Pat, and Patrick include: Canadian team fans invading other arenas, often vacationing in warmer climates in mid-winter to follow their team. Hockey team marketing for NHL teams in “non-traditional” hockey locations, and the difference between hockey and sports marketing in Canada and the US. Geography of US sports arenas and stadiums, in regards to general city planning and land use practices. The expectation of how NHL teams are responsible for creating a local hockey scene including adding sheets of ice for recreational and amateur players. Question of the week: Why is it up to NHL teams to add sheets of ice to their metropolitan area?
Recorded 13 January 2019.