Hour 2: Jackie Redmond & Talk About It Tuesday

Summary

Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 2: Jackie Redmond & Talk About It Tuesday

Podcast Information:

• Title: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
• Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
• Episode: Hour 2: Jackie Redmond & Talk About It Tuesday
• Release Date: June 17, 2025

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1. Opening Remarks and Managerial Pressures (00:01 – 04:43)

The episode kicks off with hosts Don Hahn and Peter Rosenberg discussing the high-stakes environment surrounding Yankees manager Aaron Boone. Peter Rosenberg brings up Boone's professional legacy and the immense pressure he faces despite recent successes. He posits, “Boone probably doesn't go into the assumption that he's going to be back. I think Boone's a professional. He's a third generation major league baseball player...” (00:50).

Alan Hahn adds depth to the conversation by highlighting the continuous scrutiny Boone endures, especially when the team falls short each season. He notes, “I do not think he's immune to that. I think he reads the articles, I think he sees the tweets...” (01:45).

The dialogue emphasizes Boone’s relationship with key players, particularly Aaron Judge, suggesting that Boone’s job security heavily relies on maintaining strong bonds within the team. Peter Rosenberg humorously reenacts a potential confrontation between Boone and Judge, illustrating the tension that could arise if Boone were to make unpopular decisions affecting star players (04:05).

2. Introduction of Guest Jackie Redmond (04:35 – 09:36)

The conversation shifts as Jackie Redmond, a seasoned sports reporter, joins the show to provide insights into the ongoing Stanley Cup Final. Alan Hahn introduces Jackie, praising her expertise and experience: “We’re having her on the show for the first time… How are you?” (07:19).

Jackie Redmond shares her enthusiasm about covering the Stanley Cup Final, mentioning the grueling travel schedule from Sunrise, Florida, to Edmonton. She states, “The travel has been such a grind that I find myself constantly saying to people like, I am exhausted...” (10:06). Her candid remarks highlight the physical and mental demands placed on sports journalists during major events.

3. In-Game Interview Experiences (10:46 – 18:32)

Don Hahn and Jackie delve into the unique experiences of conducting in-game interviews during the Stanley Cup Final. Jackie recounts humorous and tense moments with coaches and players, particularly emphasizing interactions with Paul Maurice: “Paul said that Sam Bennett has the bubonic plague, which I had to Google afterwards...” (15:39).

She elaborates on balancing professionalism with authenticity, sharing how coaches like Paul Maurice and Rod Brindemore provide both entertaining and insightful commentary. Jackie emphasizes the value of these interviews in adding depth to the broadcast: “When someone can be honest and also entertaining... that adds another layer to the broadcast...” (17:15).

4. Impact of Four Nations Tournament (19:36 – 23:36)

Alan Hahn and Jackie Redmond discuss the significance of the Four Nations Tournament and its influence on the current Stanley Cup Final. Jackie reflects on the unexpected popularity and positive reception of the tournament: “I was sort of like, oh, whatever, this is a gimmick… It turned out to be the greatest thing ever...” (21:59).

She highlights how the tournament energized players and fans alike, contributing to the intensity and passion seen in the playoffs. Jackie remarks, “It gave a lot of guys a lot of juice... Especially players like Brad Marchand and Matthew Tkachuk...” (22:45).

5. Brad Marchand’s Integration into the Florida Panthers (18:32 – 21:36)

The discussion shifts to Brad Marchand's seamless transition into the Florida Panthers. Peter Rosenberg asks Jackie whether Marchand's success is due to his own adaptability or the Panthers' strong team culture. Jackie responds, “I think it's both... Everybody really is equal on that team...” (18:50).

She shares anecdotes about Marchand’s commitment to embracing the Panthers’ playstyle, demonstrating his willingness to adapt and contribute effectively. Jackie emphasizes Marchand’s mental fortitude and renewed focus: “He made a promise to himself that he won’t allow himself to take it for granted anymore. He’s going to enjoy it...” (20:15).

6. Scheduling Challenges in the Finals (28:10 – 43:15)

A substantial portion of the episode is dedicated to critiquing the scheduling of the Stanley Cup Final and NBA Finals. Peter Rosenberg voices frustration over the excessive days off between games, questioning the impact on team performance and viewer engagement: “How are you supposed to keep our attention... with so many days off?” (34:20).

Don Hahn agrees, lamenting the lack of rhythm and continuity: “If you ever notice, sports always use holidays as important days for them to broadcast... But Father’s Day’s the one day that your demographic has the money...” (39:43).

Alan Hahn contrasts the 2004 Stanley Cup Final schedule with the current series, highlighting how previous iterations maintained momentum with fewer breaks: “But those can’t hold now, they have to stop playing whenever I say they cannot play...” (42:21).

The hosts collectively argue that the prolonged schedules disrupt player performance and dilute the overall excitement, making it challenging to maintain narrative momentum.

7. Threat to Coney Island’s Charm (27:28 – 34:05)

Transitioning from sports, the hosts address a pressing local issue: the potential demolition of Coney Island’s iconic attractions to make way for a casino. Alan Hahn passionately shares his concerns, asserting, “Coney Island is charming and it reeks of old time New York... the charm of a place like Coney Island would be absolutely crushed...” (27:54).

Don Hahn elaborates on the developer's tactics to push the casino proposal, warning against the loss of historical and cultural landmarks: “They will sell it as something else to you... Once the wrecking ball shows up, it’s too late...” (33:37).

Peter Rosenberg echoes these sentiments, expressing dismay at the possibility of losing Coney Island’s unique character: “The Cyclone would have to stay because I think it is...” (34:00). The discussion underscores the community’s struggle to preserve beloved traditions against commercial interests.

8. Final Thoughts on the Finals Quality (43:15 – 52:10)

In the concluding segment, the hosts assess the overall quality of the Stanley Cup Final compared to the NBA Finals. Don Hahn criticizes the lack of memorable moments and high-level play, stating, “This has not been a good Finals... It has not been a great game, a great series. It has sort of been, meh” (47:40).

Peter Rosenberg counters by highlighting the intense overtimes and pivotal moments, suggesting that a game seven could elevate the series’ legacy: “As great as the Panther-Oilers final has been, if it goes to seven... it will be remembered as a great series...” (51:28).

Alan Hahn references the 2004 Stanley Cup Final’s schedule, reinforcing his earlier points about the negative impact of excessive breaks: “That's how you do it. That's how you do it. And that is how you do...” (43:03).

The episode wraps up with reflections on the importance of scheduling for maintaining series momentum and viewer interest, leaving listeners to ponder the balance between commercial demands and sporting integrity.

Notable Quotes:

• Peter Rosenberg (00:50): “Boone probably doesn't go into the assumption that he's going to be back. I think Boone's a professional...”

• Alan Hahn (01:45): “I do not think he's immune to that. I think he reads the articles, I think he sees the tweets...”

• Jackie Redmond (10:06): “The travel has been such a grind that I find myself constantly saying to people like, I am exhausted...”

• Jackie Redmond (21:59): “I was sort of like, oh, whatever, this is a gimmick… It turned out to be the greatest thing ever...”

• Don Hahn (34:20): “If you ever notice, sports always use holidays as important days for them to broadcast...”

• Alan Hahn (27:54): “Coney Island is charming and it reeks of old time New York...”

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Conclusion:

In this episode of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg," the hosts engage in a multifaceted discussion intertwining sports management challenges, the intricate dynamics of the Stanley Cup Final, and pressing local community issues. The introduction of guest Jackie Redmond enriches the conversation with firsthand journalistic perspectives. Throughout the episode, the hosts provide insightful critiques on scheduling practices in major sports finals and passionately advocate for the preservation of iconic cultural landmarks like Coney Island. Notable quotes punctuate their arguments, offering listeners memorable takeaways and a deeper understanding of the topics at hand.

Transcript

[Don Hahn]

I think you're on mute.

[Jackie Redmond]

Workday starting to sound the same.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I think you're on mute.

[Jackie Redmond]

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[Don Hahn]

Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That sounds like heaven to me.

[Don Hahn]

Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Jackie Redmond's going to join us in a couple of minutes from Sunrise, Florida. Game six of the Stanley cupbonnel tonight. TNT cup in the building. Panther win. They win their second consecutive Stanley Cup Final. And if the Oilers win, they can force a Game seven for the second straight year. But Peter brought up something that I thought was interesting about Boone having pressure, that Boone probably doesn't go into the assumption that he's going to be back. I think Boone's a professional. He's a third generation major league baseball player. I think the pressure that he feels, he puts on himself because I think he wants to be great. I think that's what Boone's about. But why would he believe his job is ever on the line? He has not won A championship since 2018. Up until last year, he had not gone as far as the guy he replaced. And yet I don't ever got a sense that Aaron Boone was in trouble when 82 and 80 a couple of years ago. No, not even a sniff.

[Alan Hahn]

There were good excuses that year, of course. But still, hear me out. What you're saying is fair. But the noise after any given season, where they come up short, which is every season, is always so loud around Boone. I do not think he's immune to that. I think he reads the articles, I think he sees the tweets, I think he hears the radio callers. And I think he just knows at some point something's got to give here. I don't think, like Cashman, like I've always said that Cashman is the consigliere. He really is. He's Tom Hagen. Like he, he's, he is in the family. He may not be Blood Allen, but he's in the family. Yeah, Cashman literally might as well be a Steinbrenner child.

[Don Hahn]

I mean, that's a really, that's a really good reference.

[Alan Hahn]

He will never be fired. He's the consigliere. He's the family. And, and Just because. And just because the godfather died does not mean you're ever letting go of someone who he brought into the family is basically blood. So I don't think that Aaron Boone has that. He's the consigliere's guy right now. But at some point when it's time to shake something up, we all know when it happens, it's going to be Boone.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I get that. But I don't think. Alan, do you think he feels close to there being some sort of a shakeup? Do you think he worried he wasn't going to get the contract extension after going to the World Series?

[Alan Hahn]

Well, no, no, this, this time, I think. I think post World Series, anyone but the New York Knicks is keeping you right there. But in past years, I think you worried.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But Aaron's smart. He knows his relationship with the players. Right, guys? I mean, I really do think players have a major say, and I think the only time one player worried about a major say, I think the only time he would really worry about his job if he felt like he was losing the room. If he lost Judge, they lost Judge.

[Alan Hahn]

If he lost Judge, you lost.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He knows Judge has his back.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Like, I bet you, if you ask Tibbs, in a quiet moment, Alan, if.

[Alan Hahn]

While on vacation, you think Alan and Tibbs vacation together.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, but let's just say that they both are on vacation and they stumble across each other in a lobby of some underclosed location hotel. And Tibbs goes, alan, let's go. Let's go for a drink. And you ask him, did you start to lose the room? I bet you Tibbs would say, yeah, I got a sense that I was starting to lose the room. He probably was not surprised that some of the players turned on him. Yes or no?

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, I think you're right. I think there was the way he handled certain players, too. He made sure to give credit. Like, that's why I was starting to notice with Tibbs is that every time he would talk, you would ask him about one player, he would name five more players to make sure that no one got left out.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right.

[Don Hahn]

And that. That's an interesting approach that kind of might suggest he wanted to make sure no one in the room felt slighted.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So, yeah, and listen, there may be. Peter, you might be right. There might be that Alex Rodriguez batting eighth moment for Tory where he's desperate and he takes the star player and he bats the mate like, there may be a point. I don't think it's going to be anytime soon where he might have to make A difficult choice on Judge and say, listen, you haven't had a hit so far in this series. I'm going to sit you or I'm going to bat you different place in the lineup. And then after the game, they lose. And Judge has a snarky remark about booing and was like, oh, boy. Yeah, that. That's, I think, where you'll start to see.

[Alan Hahn]

But that'll never happen.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But I don't think it's going to happen anytime soon. But could there be a scenario Four years from now, Judge still doesn't hit the postseason, and they got to make a very difficult decision on. Listen, we're gonna have to sit you down.

[Alan Hahn]

But again, would that decision ever actually be coming from Boone? I feel like those a decision. I'm telling you guys right now, the decision to ever sit Aaron Judge in any way is never coming from Aaron Boone.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But here's the thing. You're right, but Boone is the guy that agrees with all those analytical decisions, and he's in the room. So you don't think there's. He could catch a snark where Boone can say to him, all right, Aaron.

[Alan Hahn]

We'Re sit you down, Judge Judgy.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And then, of course, Judge knows that it's all collective, but, hey, Boonie, you didn't have my back.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, come on, buddy.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Did you fight for me?

[Alan Hahn]

No, Judgy, I couldn't.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You're the one that writes the lineup card. Just put me in.

[Alan Hahn]

I did the best I could, but.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Just put me in. Skip, I've had your back for a decade.

[Alan Hahn]

Just.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Just pencil me in.

[Alan Hahn]

It's above me now.

[Peter Rosenberg]

J, U, D G E. It's above it. Number two.

[Alan Hahn]

It's above me now.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's. That's the moment. Peter, we just reenacted.

[Alan Hahn]

Have you ever seen. Have you ever seen the it's above me now clip?

[Peter Rosenberg]

No.

[Alan Hahn]

It's from, like, Jacob. You've seen, right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

What is it?

[Alan Hahn]

I knew. I knew the black guy here would have seen. This is one of the classic black clips of all time.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, it's like.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's like a. A hotel manager almost.

[Alan Hahn]

No, not a manager. He's the dude at the desk, right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

And some person. I don't know if it's a woman or a guy. They come in. It's a black guy working at the desk, and some person comes in. I don't know how it's on tape, but someone's filming it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

This is actual event.

[Alan Hahn]

This is a real event, and they're filming it, and they're Going back and forth. And they're like, we can't do anything, blah, blah. And the person goes crazy. I think N word, I think N word, the full on racial meltdown. And then afterward, and the guy keeps his cool. Guy's like, wow, oh, okay. And he's like, I'm calling police, blah, blah, whatever. And the person starts to apologize and calmly, the person, the guy at the desk, it's above me now. The person's going, please, please, I didn't mean it. I understand. But it's above me now.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That make him feel so good. Like, sorry, it's out of my hand. It's out of my hand.

[Don Hahn]

Imagine being able to stay that calm.

[Alan Hahn]

I know something that. No, it's a horrible clip. The only thing that makes it funny and make you feel good is that that's how it ends. But seriously, in the case of Boone, he. Yes, you're right. A situation like that could occur where Judge ends up sending his snark towards Boone because Boone is the face of the organization and if he were to lose that, that would be a bad moment for him. I don't ever see that happening. I don't see him ever losing Judge. But is there a world, Alan, where maybe Cashman goes to Boone and says, hey, listen, it's another year, it's not going well. It's on about, judge loves you. He would keep you here forever. But, like, we have to go somewhere else.

[Don Hahn]

That's the Brunson Tibbs conversation.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, literally, almost exactly right.

[Don Hahn]

Because Brunson loves Tibbs. He made it abundantly clear. And it didn't matter because enough other people, other forces decided that they needed to make the change. And so whether or not Jalen Brunson then kicked the door down, walked into the front office and said, don't fire this guy. That was probably the only thing that might have saved his job.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, that's. It's. It's really a conundrum that is just, just. I grew Peter is not going to be happening anytime soon. Jackie Revin does a Great job on TNT. Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final tonight down in Sunrise. I've never said this before. We've always had friends of the show, but this is honestly a friend we're having on the show for the first time. We've never had her on, but we both know her. You work with her at wwe. I've gotten to know her around the National Hockey League. And she, of course, is Jackie Redmond here on Don Han and Rosenberg. How are you?

[Jackie Redmond]

I'm so Excited to be on with you guys. It's about damn time. You know what I'm saying?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right? It's about damn time.

[Alan Hahn]

It is a boot downtown.

[Jackie Redmond]

That's right. Don't you forget it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Now, I got to ask you this because I've, I've, I've covered the Stanley Cup Final and it can be a wear and tear, especially traveling from sunrise to Edmonton. So are you someone that despite having a good time, you're like, okay, I'm ready for this to end here, or are you anxious to see and hoping that there's a game seven in Edmonton coming up later on the weekend?

[Jackie Redmond]

I will be honest. I listen. The narratives are too good in this series with the best player in the world still trying to win his first Stanley cup, for me to say that, that I, that I necessarily want it to end. But I will say that the travel has been such a grind that I find myself constantly saying to people like, I am exhausted. I don't know how these guys are doing this. Like, I don't understand how they're. They're performing to the level that they are, because just covering it has been. Has been exhaust in the best way possible. But, yeah, I, I wouldn't be upset if it ended tonight. I wouldn't be angry.

[Don Hahn]

Jackie. I. My last Stanley Cup Final that I covered as A sports writer was 04, and that was the lightning and the. In the Flames that went seven.

[Jackie Redmond]

Yes.

[Don Hahn]

I swear to God, I was like, I will walk home. Like, I. That. Because it's the same type of travel. There's no. They actually, the NHL, I don't know if they're doing that now. The NHL for that series later in this. They got us a charter for the media because it just is a charter. Yeah. There has to be.

[Jackie Redmond]

There is a charter. There's a chart.

[Don Hahn]

Okay.

[Jackie Redmond]

Yeah, I wasn't on the charter the first four games. I took the charter between four and five. And then the. The great one himself, Wayne Gretzky, invited the TNT crew onto his. His plane.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's why he's a great one.

[Don Hahn]

That's a drop. That's a drop.

[Jackie Redmond]

That might be. That might be why I'm so exhausted. Because let me tell you something, you don't sleep on Air 99.

[Alan Hahn]

Okay, wait. So, Jackie, just so you know, we just played this. Just so you know, anytime anyone has a name drop in any way, we. We play this beastie voice clip drop, and you're flying on Air 99. And by the way, and then I saw you, I saw you hanging out at the pool with the. With the great one as well. I mean, how cool. How cool. Don wants to share the hamburger with the man, but how cool is. Is Wayne Gretzky?

[Jackie Redmond]

You know, he's so cool. And the best thing about him, and I know everyone says this, but it really is true. Like, he is. He is one of the nicest people ever. Like, he will stop and talk to as many people as Stop that. Stop him. And even with us. Like, I'm sure he's told these stories 100,000 times in his life, but he'll still sit there on the plane and tell stories for who knows how many and just entertain people. And he's the best. I have nothing but good things to say about Wayne. He's a really kind guy. And I, like. I kind of pinch myself sometimes when I'm in conversation with him. Like, how did me and Wayne Gretzky just have a conversation about the White Lotus? Like, where am I right now? What is happening? So weird. He's the best.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You started the interview off about the narrative of Connor McDavid, the best player on earth, getting a chance to lift that trophy. So you're around him. You're around Edmonton. How is he handling the pressure of being the guy and now trying to do what the guy's supposed to do?

[Jackie Redmond]

You know, I think he's saying all the right things, and I think he believes what he's saying, too. Like, I think he is being genuine when he talks about just focusing on the moment. He even said yesterday, actually, you know, if I were thinking about, you know, not getting to game seven or losing in game seven and what that means, like, that would just be. That would be too much of a weight, really, for me to carry right now just to focus on the game. So I think he's saying the right things, and I think he's trying to do the right things. But I think that ultimately, you know, he knows what defines legacies in sports, and it's winning. It's winning championships, right? Like, that's what people will remember. If Connor McDavid never wins, he will be remembered as the greatest player to never win. Like, that would. That's what we would say about. It would be the first thing people say. So I think he knows what's at stake. And, you know, it's. It's the hardest trophy in sports to win for a reason. He can't win it by himself. So he needs Leon. He needs these other guys. He needs the depth in the lineup to contribute as well. So I think that he Again, is saying all the right things, but I think deep down, I mean, we saw the clip of him in the dressing room last year, right? Yeah, I think that's truly what's going on with him. I think he is. He is desperate to win this trophy. And, you know, it's. It's hard to believe we're this far into his career already and he hasn't done it. But we'll see. We'll see if they can. If they can push it to seven again. I don't know, though. This Florida team is, I know, maybe the best team I've ever seen, like, live in person.

[Don Hahn]

And Jackie Redmond joining us here. And Jackie, the. The experience of doing the in game interviews is. Is special because it's rare you get to be on the bench for a minute and talk to a coach. But Paul Maurice is a different kind of animal. The Sam Bennett interview is hysterical with him. You know, he's going to free agency, so he's just. He just starts dogging him just to make sure he can lower his value. You knew exactly what he was doing. Your timing was perfect. But what is that? Like, it's a Stanley Cup Final and it's not like, okay, so, you know, you know, Bush is between the benches. That's a little different. You're literally on the bench, though, for, for that moment in the midst of a game. What is that like to have that opportunity to be on the bench right there on the ice having that interview? And then, of course, a guy like Paul Maurice and what he. The comic relief he could bring.

[Jackie Redmond]

I believe Paul said that Sam Bennett has the bubonic plague, which I had to Google afterwards. Yeah, look it up. I think Deng Fever was another one. Like, I didn't even, like, I knew what he was doing, but in the moment, I was like, did he just say that? Like, I had to kind of, like, watch it back to see what he actually said. But no, I think those, those moments, those bench interviews are equal parts terrifying and amazing and riveting all at once. You know, like, I put so much thought into what I'm going to. I probably overthink what I'm going to ask going into those interviews because I just have nightmares about asking a really bad question and being yelled at by a coach. But no, it's. I think it's. I'm really glad that we do them. I know there's people out there that think that they're useless, but I think that people like Paul Maurice. Pete DeBoer is always good with me. Rod Brindemore, I think, is just. He can't help his emotions, so he's always honest in those moments. Like, I do think they can provide value with the right people. And Paul Maurice, to me, is a shining example of that. Like, he can go there and joke about Sam Bennett and the bubonic plague and whatever, but he'll also give you a real answer about what he's seeing in the game, right? Like, I asked him, I can't even remember what game it was now, because they all blend together. But, you know, I said, do you guys need to find a way kind of slow down the Oilers here? They've had a few odd band rushes. It was a question to that effect. And he goes, no, actually, I think we need to speed things up. And so, to me, it's like, when someone can be honest and also entertaining and Paul is equal parts both, I do think that that adds another layer to the broadcast, because as much as we are producing a hockey game, we are entertainment as well, right? And when clips go viral, that's good for the game. It's good for people to want to hear what a coach has to say. It's good for someone, you know, to show personality or be honest. I had one was Rod Brindmore, right after a penalty was called on his team, and it was shortly after a previous penalty had been called that he absolutely hated. I thought the team might cancel the spot, but they said, no, go on out. And I was like, oh, goody, this will be fun. And I went out, and Rod, you know, to his credit, he didn't cancel the interview when he could have. And he. I said, like, you know, when the refs are calling it this way, how do you manage it? What do you do? And he said, oh, I don't even understand the call, to be honest with you. Great question, Like. And he was so emotional and upset, and, you know, I think some people shy away from that. You know, I came off and people were like, are you okay? And I'm like, what do you mean? That was amazing. It was honest. He said what he really felt, and whether you agree with him or not doesn't really matter. I think we're dying for realness in hockey. So I love them. I love doing them. And you get to hear some interesting things there that I can't imagine repeat in these types of interviews. But it's a fun spot, for sure.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's pretty incredible that a great player like Brad Marchand can just jump right into a team that's on a run that They've been on over the last three years and fit in so seamlessly. Is that a credit to him, Jackie, or just a credit to how good Florida is? They can absorb that kind of a player and make him fit in?

[Jackie Redmond]

I think it's both, because, you know, the Florida Panthers have really built, like, such a fun culture here in Florida, and I've been lucky enough to be around it for three years. And so I think when a player like Brad comes in, you know, they. Everybody really is equal on that team. Like, there's been so many different comments over the course of the last two months in the playoffs about, you know, nobody is untouchable in here when it comes to chirps or giving people a hard time. Like, anybody is a target. Like, it's not Barkov's up here and we're down here. Everybody really is on the same level in that room. And that's, like. That is true about that team. And so when someone like Brad comes in, you know, Nate Schmidt told me a great story last week. He said, you know, Brad first got here, and there's certain things in the game on the ice that we just. We just don't do. And he had made a couple plays and tried a couple things, and he would come back to the bench or come in the room, and we'd be like, hey, Brad, we don't do that here. And he'd be like, okay, okay, geez, we don't do that here. All right? And then, like, three weeks later, you know, they'd come back to the room, and it would be Brad saying to someone, hey, we don't do that here. So it's like, he really did fit in pretty immediately. But I think maybe the biggest reason that he sort of fit in with them is that, you know, I had a very vulnerable and honest conversation with Brad when this final started. Or actually, it was during the conference final. And he said, to be honest with you, Jackie, like, I look back on some of the big moments in my career, some of the big playoff series that I played in, and I don't remember them. Like, I don't remember the moments. I wasn't present because I was thinking about the next thing or the next game or the next series. And so I. They didn't embrace the fun parts of this along the way. Even that historic regular season that the Bruins had. He said, you know what? Like, I took that for granted. I didn't appreciate how special that season was and what we were accomplishing, because I was. I was going through that regular Season thinking, we're unstoppable. We're going to go to the Cup Final. We have a chance to win a cup here. And I was thinking about that, and so he even feels like he took that for granted. So when he got to Florida, the trade happened, and we all know how he felt about that. He just. He said he made a promise to himself that he won. Wasn't going to allow himself to do that. He was going to enjoy it. I'm sorry, someone's driving a. I'm just going to wait for that to pass. I don't know if you guys can hear that. That car or motorcycle or whatever, but, you know, he said, I'm not going to let myself do that anymore. I'm going to enjoy it. I'm going to focus, and I'm going to give it everything, but I'm going to make sure that I have fun. This is amazing. I'm a professional hockey player, and so I think that in and of itself probably went a long way in terms of Brad kind of going to Florida, fitting in with that team. He's just. I think he's in a really good place mentally.

[Alan Hahn]

So, Jackie, we spent a lot of time here, and you and I spent some time talking about, at the time, Four nations and how big a deal it was for the sport this year. Number one, what felt bigger this year, Four nations or the Stanley Cup? And do you feel any residue from how popular Four nations was going into the playoffs in Stanley cup this year?

[Jackie Redmond]

Okay, so right away, my gut says Four nations felt bigger. But the first two games of this series were pretty wild. I mean, people were pretty dialed in for the first two games this Cup Final. But I'm going to say Four nations because when they announced it, like, hand up, like, I was sort of like, oh, whatever, this is a gimmick. This isn't real. This isn't the same as the Olympics. No one's going to care. Like, there's only four Nations. I was a hater. I was. I was like, I don't know about this. And then it turned out to be the greatest thing ever. And so amazing for our sport. Like, I've never had in the midst of a game that. That first Canada U.S. game, I've never had so many people call me and text me and shoot me notes that I know for a fact are not hockey people being like, what am I watching right now? This is the greatest game ever. And so for me, that. That just speaks volumes when you have people from every different aspect of your life. And your work and your whatever, reaching out, talking about something that, that they're not really that interested in, that's when you know something is transcended. And I think that that's. I think that's what four nations did. But I think for the players, I do think there's been some bleed over into the playoffs and into the Cup Final. I think that gave a lot of guys a lot of juice. And especially the players that played in it, right. They kind of like were given this sort of invigorating feeling and a reminder of kind of why they fell in love with the game to begin with for big stages like that and trying to be the best. So I think for guys like Brad Marchand and Matthew Tkachuk, I think it was huge. I think it was massive.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Jackie, this was great. You've been great so far and best of luck during the off season and hopefully we'll be able to talk to you next year. Man, it'll be a lot of fun to talk to you during the season.

[Jackie Redmond]

Listen, I love you guys. You have a great show. Rosenberg, I'll see you soon, hopefully backstage at wwe.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, I mean, presumably you'll be back at some point.

[Jackie Redmond]

Yes, I know. I keep. I keep getting notes from WWE people being like, do you still work here? And I was like, are you not watching the greatest dancing Cup Final ever? But, yeah, I'll be back soon and I'll come on your show anytime.

[Alan Hahn]

I love it.

[Jackie Redmond]

You guys are the best.

[Alan Hahn]

Thanks, Jackie.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Jackie Revin, TNT tonight, 8 o' clock, game six from sunrise. A Panther win. They win the Cup. An Oiler win. Then there'll be a game on June 20th in Edmonton. Another game seven coming up. Talk about a Tuesday.

[Alan Hahn]

You kidding me?

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, I'm being dead serious. I'm Don Hanna Rosenberg on ESPN New York.

[Alan Hahn]

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[Don Hahn]

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[Alan Hahn]

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[Jackie Redmond]

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[Don Hahn]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Alan Hahn]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Don Hahn]

Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts. Sometimes you just can't take it anymore. This is let's Talk About It Tuesday with Don Han and Rosenberg. Sponsored by Better Help.

[Alan Hahn]

Sorry, I was just ranting, but real quick. Actually, you know what? Perfect, perfect timing.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

It's now time for let's Talk About It Tuesday. Sponsored by Better Help. Mental health is health.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Are you saying our pinhead suit might be involved in this?

[Alan Hahn]

No, no, it's not about him specifically.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, I see.

[Alan Hahn]

I don't know if anyone had heard this. I was alerted to it the other day when I was on Instagram following my buddy Premium Pete, and he put up a note talking about how Luna park in Coney island is under threat to be torn down and replaced by a casino.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Okay, sounds. Something sounds like about right.

[Alan Hahn]

About right for 2025America. And I signed a petition. I don't know where this stands right now, but Allen, I get IT guys, everyone wants to make money. I get it. Legalized gambling, sports gambling. It's bringing in billions a year. Of course, so far I'm not seeing anyone's lives improved by this. Probably lots of lives ruined. I haven't seen all the lives improved by this. But the money is pouring in. I get it. Casinos bring money. Please do not consider getting rid of Luna park and the Cyclone and the boardwalk and the actual charm one of the very few places. And I get it. I'm a new New Yorker. I've only lived here for pushing 20 years, but I've been coming here my whole life and I've seen it change a lot in that time. Coney island, for all of its, what should I say? Idiosyncrasies, slight flaws. Alan. It has a real old timey New York charm still. Like you go on a weekend afternoon to ride the Cyclone and go to Nathan's and for all of the things that make it very Coney island, it's just a tie, man. It's a real old timey New York, charming thing. And the idea of that being replaced with yet another casino makes me sick to my stomach. So I apologize for not having more information on it. Cuz I'm hack. But wherever it stands, I truly hope that does not gain any real legs because that would make me sick to my stomach.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah. Let's just make it clear that it's not a decision that has been made. It's a developer that wants to do that. It's a, It's a developer that's, that's looking to acquire it and do all this. Like, like it's, it's not necessarily something that is going to happen. It's somebody that has, that wants.

[Alan Hahn]

Wants for it to happen there.

[Don Hahn]

You know, typical with developers too, what they try to do is they give you the, you know, this is what a great idea this will be and they want to rally people around it. So that's what you end up doing is you put it out there and you try to create this idea of, of, you know, Xanadu. Like, look, what I want to build here, wouldn't this be great? Wouldn't this be us? They want to distract you from the fact that this is, you know, there's a lot of history there.

[Jackie Redmond]

A lot.

[Don Hahn]

Not just New York City history, it's American history. And so they distract you with this notion of like, what could be just so much better. And you see Utopia that I want to give you and wouldn't it be wonderful and think about and this is a very politician thing. They'll do the thumb thing and they'll go in the jobs. Look at the jobs that we can bring to the area. This. This broken down play place that no one really goes anymore. And it's so outdated and, oh, it'll be so expensive to the taxpayers to repair it and bring it to. It's not worth it. Instead, why don't we bring something that everybody can get? Like they'll use these words to try to draw your attention away from the fact that all they're really trying to do is be greedy and take land and make money off of it that they can't make money off right now. So, yeah, that's what we need to talk about. We need to talk about that. When these things happen and you're not paying attention, all of a sudden there'll be a vote for it that you didn't know about.

[Alan Hahn]

Right.

[Don Hahn]

And not enough people showed up for it.

[Alan Hahn]

So this is why I mentioned right now. Because, yes, it is just a proposal. And I'm reading about it now.

[Don Hahn]

Apparently a large filibuster there so you could read it.

[Alan Hahn]

I appreciate you. A large percentage of.

[Don Hahn]

I don't know, Don. If you knew what I was doing there.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, I was trying to buy people. I was already. I was ready. I was ready halfway through the filibuster. But. But no major percentage of the rides and vendors would be demolished or displaced if it were to happen.

[Don Hahn]

Right.

[Alan Hahn]

For a big tower and casino. And guys, how do I say this? We love sports gambling, particularly FanDuel. They do a great job. But if we're being honest about what happens in most of the places that add a casino, I don't care how much they tell you about how wonderful it's going to be at some point. Show me the place where the casino has been added and the clientele that ends up showing there over time is really wonderful in what you want around. Just. Just. I mean, Don just made the best point. You see it. Atlantic City's been really hard. There are great places in Atlantic City.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

But they've been fighting to bounce back forever. Even though every other part of Jersey Shore seems to thrive. It's really tough sledding sometimes when you put in a casino. And the idea is, well, people are gonna make money. No, the casino's gonna make money. And yes, there will be some jobs and some people will do well, but the overall charm of a place like Coney island would be absolutely crushed. And it's an incredibly cool part of Brooklyn of New York as Alan said of the country. And I truly hope it gets. People fight back and it does not ever become a thing.

[Don Hahn]

Well, you know, there was. They were accepting written testimony.

[Alan Hahn]

I sent it.

[Don Hahn]

You did?

[Alan Hahn]

I sent my testimony.

[Don Hahn]

Good for you. Okay. Because that. That the date has passed from that. So this is something I would definitely keep an eye on this story.

[Alan Hahn]

Scary stuff.

[Don Hahn]

The politicians are at least listening to the proposal. That's dangerous because we know. How do you get something passed through politicians? Money.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Money.

[Alan Hahn]

That tends to be a thing.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Coney. Coney island is charming and it reeks of old time New York. But if there's something that could make.

[Alan Hahn]

More money, more money for someone, well.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Then that's what will replace it, unfortunately.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah. And they will sell it as something else to you. They will, they will. They will convince you that it's better for people and great opportunity and all the BS that you know comes with it. Until all of a sudden you realize, what have we done? Because it's too late. Once. Once the wrecking ball shows up, it's.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Too late and the history is gone. Although I think the Cyclone would have to stay because I think it is. Yeah, maybe they would.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, yeah, maybe they would just keep that. Yeah, but still, like it's more. It's so much more than just the Cyclone.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Probably just be on display and not actually something that could be utilized. Well, well, for me, I've kind of hinted around this, but I haven't actually had a rant about it. And this is both for the NBA and the NHL. Your Finals are too long.

[Don Hahn]

Thank you.

[Peter Rosenberg]

They are too. And I don't want to hear wall television, Don. The television dollars dictate and ratings and building availability. I understand that there are some things and some hurdles, but if the NBA, if the Stanley cup final goes the distance, there will be 16 days between game one and game seven, including three days off between games five and six and three days off between game six and seven. In the bulk, the most important time, a pivotal game six and possibly in historic game seven, there will be a three day buffer. Time for people to forget, time for people to move on with their lives. Not to mention the fact that a winter sport will be crowning their champion on June 20, not because of a lockout or a strike, but because this is when they scheduled it to come to an end. NBA, the same thing between game one and game seven. 17 days, including three days off between games five and six and six and seven. What are we doing? First of all, unfortunately, you don't have major markets involved. In these. And of course, the people that are Panther, Oiler, Pacer and Thunder fans, hell, they'll wait a month between games because they're fans of those teams. But the rest of us have lives. The rest of us have other things that can entertain us. How are you supposed to keep our attention no matter how good the series might be, with so many days off? And is it conducive to the best possible play when guys can't get in a flow because they've got several days off? You're used to playing basically every other day during the regular season and certainly through the first three rounds of the playoffs. And all of a sudden, the most important time of the year, the Stanley Cup Final, the NBA Finals, obnoxious amounts of days off between games. What are we doing, guys? How does it make sense these leagues have to say, guys, we appreciate the money that you're paying for television, and we know it's all about the bottom line as we talked about with the Coney island situation. But we also have to have the integrity of our game and also be able to keep our audience engaged. And what's TNT's excuse, man, I get ABC because they've got things they've got to get to. But what does TNT have to rush off to get to Under Siege two?

[Alan Hahn]

Well, don't knock it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm not knocking.

[Don Hahn]

Wasn't a great Under Siege.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Different story. You know what? Delay it for a week for Under Siege. Under Siege two. Come on.

[Alan Hahn]

Fair enough.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm a Bogosian fan as much as the next guy, but give me a break. Honestly, though, Alan, it's ridiculous. It's not conducive for the play. It's not being able to hold the interest of the nation outside of the people that are emotionally invested in these teams because that's who they root for. I mean, what are we doing that you're going to go over two weeks to be able to decide a champion all these days off? I'm sorry, it doesn't make any sense to me. You've got to work it out, find a way to play every other day and to have Father's Day and no NBA Finals, no Stanley Cup Final. I mean, what in God's name are we doing?

[Don Hahn]

That is exactly what I was thinking about talking about when it comes to talk about. To talk about a Tuesday. And I'm glad you brought. Brought it up, because for me, that is something that has frustrated me, is that there's no rhythm to these finals. And this is both leagues now. This is not Just again, we saw a Stanley cup playoff game on a Saturday night. We got to wait till a Tuesday. We saw an NBA Finals game on a Friday night. We had to wait till Monday. Monday. I'm sorry, like you said it about Sunday. And I agree. And I understand the players don't like the afternoon tip offs or puck drops. I understand that. But there's certain times where you have to look at the calendar and just say to yourself, that's an important day. So. And that's what kind of I wanted to talk about was. If you ever notice, sports always use holidays as important days for them to broadcast, correct?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yes, absolutely.

[Don Hahn]

Like they will take the NFL now, is taking over Christmas something the NBA has certainly loved. Love the NHL, they want New Year's to be their day. We all know that every time you talk about Easter, there is a game that you could call. There was an Easter epic in hockey. There are, there was. There's a Memorial Day massacre in the NBA. There's always been something related to the holiday that would make you like, pique your interest. Because there's more viewers. Why? Because there's people home. There's. Whatever it is they're celebrating. They're together. But the TV's always on father's Day. Irrelevant. It's just a day. There was no importance to Father's Day for either of the teams when they're laying out the schedule for their finals to say, well, we got to have a game on Father's Day because we know a. That's our demographic. Who's watching sports that day?

[Alan Hahn]

Fathers.

[Don Hahn]

Why? Because this the one day, as a dad, you could say when they're like, dad, what do you want? I want you to leave me alone. Just let me.

[Alan Hahn]

I'm allowed to watch sports today.

[Don Hahn]

Guilt free sports watching. And I don't want to hear from people that say, oh, every Sunday's guilt free Sports watch. No, it's not.

[Alan Hahn]

Not everywhere else.

[Don Hahn]

Not. Not my World Day.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's the one.

[Don Hahn]

So give me the one day where I could say, you know what? I got two baseball games and an NBA finals game and then the US Open. Oh, basically, maybe I'm going to wear out the last channel button on this remote. Unless, of course, something on streaming that I ain't watching it. But the point is, is it's the one day that men, what is it, 25 to 50, 25 to 60 are sitting on the couch guilt free.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I drive a dog, Stratus.

[Don Hahn]

And that's the day that you're like, well, we're not Gonna have a game.

[Alan Hahn]

We can't. It's a great schedule.

[Don Hahn]

Didn't work out.

[Alan Hahn]

It's a great. It's such a. All the holidays. Because here's the thing I love. I love sports on Thanksgiving. I love sports on Christmas. I gotta be honest though, for a lot of people out there, it's a huge pain in the ace.

[Don Hahn]

They're hosting.

[Alan Hahn]

They're hosting families. They're serving dinner.

[Don Hahn]

Mother's Day. You can't sit and watch a game on Mother's Day. You know you're not supposed to do that.

[Alan Hahn]

Father's Day's the best.

[Don Hahn]

Everybody's all over the place. The place. Easter for those who celebrate like myself. You're at a brunch, you got to dress up nice. You watch on your phone like you're finding ways to do even Memorial Day. Who's out? You use by the pool at the beach, you're somewhere else, but you're not in the house. Father's Day's the one day that your demographic, the biggest one, you have the money.

[Alan Hahn]

That's the money devil sitting at home.

[Don Hahn]

On the couch and you're allowed to. And they're not getting up. They're not. Some of these men are wearing diapers.

[Alan Hahn]

They don't have to get up wearing diet for some reason.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The older dads, not because they're incontinent, because they just don't want to get.

[Alan Hahn]

Up to that one day.

[Don Hahn]

And all I want you to do is just give me something to watch sports wise. And you know what I got? I got a Mets and Yankees. Did the good scar run. That's all I had. And I'm going, where's the NBA game? There isn't one. What do you mean it's not an NBA game on Father's Day? What are you talking about? Oh, well, there's US open though. Well, I do need a nap. And then that went to a rain delay and I'm going, wait. Tigers playing. No, no, that's from 2008.

[Alan Hahn]

Can you bring up the. Can you bring up the summer wearing diapers again?

[Don Hahn]

Well, because we've, we've heard this story.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That some chocolate soft serve in your pants.

[Don Hahn]

There are some people, Don, I think you know this story that have admitted to wearing diapers because they didn't want to move away from the, from the screen. Is that person again. Can I also point out quickly I'll put a capital like this. I mentioned the Jack. My last Stanley cup final that I covered that I was on the road. I went to every game was 2004. I'm going to give you the dates, Don. You tell me what you noticed. All right, this was a seven game series and the travel was Calgary to Tampa.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Okay, 19, 20, 2000. 2004. Yeah.

[Don Hahn]

May 25th was game one. May 27th was game two. May 29th was game three. May 31st was game four.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, no, they skipped it.

[Don Hahn]

Then you finally go June 3rd. So you get that little break from four to five because you had to go from Tampa to Calgary. Then it's third. June 5th, June 7th, we're done.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Done.

[Don Hahn]

Did you notice that every game there was just how many days off in between? 25, 27, 29, 31.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Just one.

[Don Hahn]

And then you had 31 to three. So you got June 1st, June 2nd, a little bit of reprieve. And it was third, fifth, seventh. Goodbye.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, that's how you do it. That's how you do it. And that is how you do. Talk about it Tuesday. Sponsored by better help. Visit betterhelp.com timeout today for 10% off your first month of therapy.

[Don Hahn]

Man, I need therapy.

[Peter Rosenberg]

After that, I get fun. On Don Han and Rosenberg on ESPN New York.

[Don Hahn]

Hey, everybody. Alan Hahn here to tell you about my friends at Bath Fitter. They remodeled the bath in my home. My wife is excited about it. We updated this bath by our pool, converted this old tub that nobody uses into a beautiful shower that I might need right now because I'm. I'm fired up. But we also are going to use it in the summer when we have guests and sleepovers with the kids and everything else. It's a useful bathroom. Now, a bathroom consultant took us through a process with the free in home consultation. So Stephanie picked out style, color and all the specifics and accessories to update the bath the way she wanted it. Now, bathrata worked fast. Two days delivered the highest quality work without delay. Bathroom is a permanent solution. It's a one piece seamless wall for a watertight fit and a lifetime guarantee. You can trust the bathroom team like we did. They've been in business for 40 years with millions of happy customers. And right now you get no interest, no payments until 2027. Start designing your bath like we did. Visit bathfitter.com for more details. There's only one bath. F my day kicks off with a refreshing Celsius energy drink. Then straight to the gym, pre K pickup back home to meal prep. Time for my fire station shift.

[Peter Rosenberg]

One more Celsius.

[Don Hahn]

Gotta keep the lights on when the three alarm hits.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm ready.

[Don Hahn]

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[Peter Rosenberg]

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[Jackie Redmond]

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[Peter Rosenberg]

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[Don Hahn]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Alan Hahn]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Don Hahn]

Catch the show on demand and whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Fanatics Fest is making its return to New York City this summer at the Javits center on Friday, June 20 through Sunday, June 22. A three day celebration where sports culture and collecting converge, bringing fans closer to their favorite athletes and sports leagues than ever before. Like you dream from your favorite athletes, celebrities and entertainers like podcasts and a full schedule of panel featuring the most recognizable names in sports. You can enter to win a four pack of tickets on the ESPN New York app, find the contest title and submit your entry. Adult and kids tickets are available now at fanatics fest.com 1-800-919-3776 is the number to call. We're going to be taking up until 6:30, then it's Mets baseball. Mets will get into the conversation as well. But Alan, since we were on the topic of the finals with Halliburton compromised here, I guess it's over. I mean do you give Indiana any kind of shot in game six at home or is it pretty much over?

[Don Hahn]

I give them a shot mainly because they're home and they get after defensively and you saw them even with Halliburton compromised in game five, that game felt like it was over. Down 18 and they just keep clawing Back home, you forget they cut it to two in the fourth quarter, then they had some bad possessions after that and they fell off. But that team, man, like, they are hard to kill. The Knicks certainly learned that they're hard to kill, so I can't count them out. But it is hard to think that if you're the Oklahoma City or this close and you know, you know, now their situation is what it is. You got to smell blood in the water, don't you? Like a true champion wins this game.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It, it's so interesting because I, I think the Stanley Cup Finals been better than the NBA Finals. Oh, no, it's quality of play.

[Don Hahn]

Absolutely.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But both end up going six, maybe seven. But the teams that are down, like Indiana, like Edmonton, had their moments where you're like, they can win this thing. They're in really good shape. But as we've gotten deeper into it, man, you're starting to see why the Panthers are so good and why the Thunder are so good. Now obviously the Pacers with Halliburton being compromised, that changes a little bit. But if the Panthers win tonight and then the Thunder win on Thursday, you will have seen how this is the better team just shown through at the end of the series.

[Don Hahn]

Is it bad that I want to want the Oilers to win tonight, but I'd prefer the Thunder to just finish this thing off in six. Well, because that series, I, I just want to see it go seven more than I, I, I don't. Look, this is not a popular take and every time I say it, it really does piss off a lot of basketball people. This has not been a good Finals. It has had some endings that have been interesting, but it has not been a well played like they were, were, what was it, 20 something turnovers, a combined like that fourth quarter, the turnover. It has not been a great game, a great series. There have been moments, but there's, I don't think there's a signature moment. How about that? Let me. Every finals feels like it has a signature.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Okay, well, I guess your moment, I guess.

[Don Hahn]

All right, well, his team's going to lose.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, well, that doesn't matter. It can't be a signature moment if you end up losing in six. Right, right.

[Don Hahn]

It just. Every finals has some kind of signature moment. And I don't know if, if this one has had one or two or, or anything like that, you know, has J. Will played great? He's had three straight games over 20 at a 40 point game. Yes, he played great, but there was nothing breathtaking going on in this finals, it has sort of been. Meh.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It really has been. In the Stanley cup final, we've seen three of the five games by overtime and there's some great moments, but we'll see.

[Alan Hahn]

I want to fight back against Alan, but yesterday didn't help.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm a big believer.

[Alan Hahn]

It was almost there. It was so close to getting slipped away.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I know that you can go back to the league championship series in 86 Mets Astros and consider it a great series, even though it only went six. It's hard for me, guys to ever consider a series great and historic if it doesn't go the distance. So as great as the Panther Oiler final has been, it's true. If the Panthers win in quadruple overtime tonight, we'll look back and go, wow, four of the six games went overtime. What an amazing play. But it's hard to call it a classic if it only goes six. Like, I need seven.

[Alan Hahn]

Isn't that funny? And yet. And yet, if it goes seven, six of the games could be bad. And if seven is great, you go, I was a classic. But the four that were great here won't be remembered the right way if it ends in six. There is something about it. Four, two just sounds like it wasn't close.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And. And to counter what Alan just said, because I do think Alan looks at basketball differently than the average person does.

[Don Hahn]

Because he is watched too much.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, no, you watch because you know it. And, and so you look at it differently, you dissect it differently. I think most people sit back and if it's a. If the game is competitive, no matter how many turnovers, no matter how many missed shots, they're going to consider it a great game. That even though this has been a pedestrian final, to say the least in the NBA, if for some reason the. The Pacers get off the mat and win game six. Oh, yeah, and rally around the Halliburton injury. Play well defensively and you get a classic. Game seven, no matter who wins, say it goes at overtime, it will be remembered as a great series. Of course, even though the first five games have been. Meh.

[Don Hahn]

If you get a buzzer beater, right, like, like that, that keeps the Pacers alive. And then suddenly game seven is a knockdown drag out. Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And conversely, the Panthers win going away in Game 5. If they win 61 tonight, it's really going to be hard to say that this was even. Even a great series, a good series. Because even though three of the games with overtime, if the Panthers win going away in Games 5 and 6 and win and it doesn't go the distance. And the last couple of games are meh. That'll end up being how it is. Like, I think people judge series by how they end and and how long they go. So we'll see if we can get at least one game seven out of these two.

[Don Hahn]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast. I don't want to know how the sausage is made, but I just want to know it's good. Hear more of Don Allen and Peter Weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers.