Bloody Nate Dogg Is The Scariest Sight In The NHL w/ Alec Martinez

Summary

Empty Netters Podcast: "Bloody Nate Dogg Is The Scariest Sight In The NHL" w/ Alec Martinez

Date: May 12, 2026
Host: Almost Friday Media
Guest: Alec Martinez

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Episode Overview

This episode of Empty Netters is a post-game, high-energy, beer-league-flavored breakdown of the NHL playoffs, featuring in-depth analysis, spicy locker room stories, and the effortless, brutal chemistry of host brothers and their guest, Alec Martinez. The crew dives into the Avs–Wild Game 4, the impact of goalie decisions, wild playoff moments, bloody noses (looking at you, “Nate Dogg”), and some heated trade talk and off-season speculation. Classic Empty Netters: in-depth, unfiltered, and hilarious hockey chatter, with memorable sound bites, strategic insights, and the kind of playoff drama only the Cup chase brings.

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Avalanche vs. Wild Game 4: Deep Dive

Setting the Scene

• [00:48] The hosts and Martinez just finished watching Game 4, Avs vs. Wild, with the Avs taking a 3–1 series lead.
• The crew praises the level of play but argues about whether the box score (5–2) accurately reflects the actual flow.

Game Dynamics

• [04:17] “This one was interesting where I felt like Colorado dominated for such long stretches, but when we were all said and done, the score does feel not fair to the Wild, you know, like 5–2 feels mean. But I was like, you did get crushed for a lot of that game.” – Host B
• [05:21] Long stretches without a Wild shot: “I think from 8 minutes left in the first till like 9 minutes left in the second, the Wild didn’t have a shot.” – Host B

Power Plays & Refereeing

• [06:19] “You fucking have to score on this power play now or you are dead... and they didn’t. And they died.” – Host A
• Wild missed opportunities with multiple early power plays and questionable refereeing—momentum killer for Minnesota.

Series Outlook

• [07:39] “After watching that game, I'm not changing my mind, but I am declaring [the Wild] dead.” – Host A
• [08:16] Martinez: “I still think they get another win.”
• [08:22] Hosts agree: likely going seven, but Wild's window is closing given the series context.

The Psychology of Elimination

• [09:34] “That pressure is so real, though. Like, you're like, 'I cannot live the rest of my life knowing that we were the team that blew it.'” – Martinez

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Goalie Drama: Blackwood vs. Wallstedt

The Switch

• [11:11] “Bednar looks like a fucking genius with that goalie switch.” – Host A
• [11:46] Starting Blackwood over Wedgwood was a surprise, but it worked.

Breakdowns and Highlights

• [13:10] "McBlackwood on the other end, though, answered everything." – Host B
• [13:31] “Sturm scores pretty quickly after that. That felt like...Wild team that's just like, they hang around, they fight...and then I thought, Parker Kelly's goal is one that Wallstedt wants back. That sucks because...this game was decided by two goalies who were playing very well, and one made a mistake, game over.” – Host A

Goaltending Microanalysis

• [14:28] “Does Foligno screen Wallstedt? … Sneaks by Bogo… I just don’t… he doesn’t see it at all … I can’t tell if it’s his fault.”
• [16:02] Martinez: “You don’t know what’s going on behind closed doors. Maybe Wedgwood’s fighting something...”

Who Starts Next?

• [17:40] “Super curious who starts next game because do you go Mackenzie just got the ride—the hottest question. Let’s stay with him or... scheduled break for Wedgwood, now he’s back in?” – Host A

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Injury Toll & Missing Pieces

• [20:05] “I keep forgetting that fucking Malinsky and Lekkonen are out for Colorado.” – Host A

• Strong reminder: both teams are missing core guys, but Avs' depth and adaptability is lauded, especially Lekkonen’s value.

• [22:12] “The one thing that I think really hurts Minnesota is Erik Sinek. He’s, like, so valuable on the power play...face offs, man.” – Martinez

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The Manson Butt-End Incident: Playoff Chaos

The Play Itself

• [23:00] “Manson pulling out a shiv and trying to kill someone on the ice. No. Obviously wasn’t that dramatic... Straight prison break.” – Host A
• [23:52] Host A reads: "He said, I butt ended him. Was it on purpose? No. Did I want to punch him in the head? I did want to punch him in the head.” – Quoting Manson

Aftermath, Trash Talk, and Refs

• [25:08] McCarron calls Manson “a dirty player. He’s always been. Not very well respected.”

• [26:34] “It’s just the boys being, like, he’s not well respected. Everyone thinks that about him.” – Martinez on trash talk

• [27:07] Debate over double minor call: “Especially in the playoffs...I always respect the refs trying to just prevent something from getting out of hand.” – Martinez

• [28:49] “This feels cut and dry to me...they think there was a clear attempted butt-end. Manson’s being like, ‘I didn’t mean to butt end him,’ but he butt-ended him in the face. If that is the rule, yeah, it’s a double minor. ...Hope there’s no suspension here.” – Host A

Notable Quote

• [28:22] “Attempted murder is also life, pal.” – Host B, on attempted vs. successful butt-ending

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Bloody Nate Dogg: Playoff Visuals

• [30:46] “Nate got it worse from Friendly Fire, dude.” – Host B
• [31:05] “It made him scarier. He looked like a dragon when he scored that empty netter. And he’s got the red nose, like blood bench, like huffing salts. And he looks like he’s seen God.” – Host B
• [31:11] “He’s an open wound. Nate Black.” – Martinez

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Series & Team Outlooks

Avs–Wild

• Hosts predict Minnesota will fight but struggle to come back; losing Eriksson Ek and Brodin is a killer.

Sabres–Canadiens Preview

• [33:52] “I actually think Buffalo needs to come out with a little bit of fight after that...did not like the way Greenway was getting fed knuckle sandwiches for fucking dinner and didn’t do anything.” – Host A
• Martinez: “Young team, they’re figuring it out…there’s so many ebbs and flows of the series…this is a prime example.”

The Impact of Experience and Mentality

• [39:54] “I think for the first time in these playoffs, they’re going, ‘Wait a minute. We could go to the Cup.’” – Host A
• [41:41] Martinez: “Are you saying that you think that they’ve been riding high since December and they haven’t faced enough adversity yet?”

Goaltending Woes

• [43:46] “You gotta go with Lyon one more time...it’s shit, though, because you then put UPL in a brutal situation.” – Host A

Vegas–Ducks

• [45:15] “I think it’s the best they looked in all the playoffs.” – Martinez on Vegas' recent game
• [46:46] On the Ducks: “They’re a better version of Utah…But yeah, it’s real easy to slip into that run and gun. And I feel like it takes an active effort to not do that.” – Martinez
• [48:59] “I’ve just never seen anything as exciting as this Ducks team…all their young guys are fucking balling for them...So fun to watch.” – Host A

Playoff Mentality & Progress

• [49:39] “There has to be this sense of realization where it’s like, oh, we have a shot at this.” – Martinez on both Ducks and Sabres

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Trade & Offseason Fireworks

Dallas Stars’ Cap Crisis & Jason Robertson’s Future

• [55:36] “Rantanen is making 12 million flat. So you’re just a little under doubling what Robertson already makes. And they have to do something.” – Host A
• [57:27] “There was such a long time where I was like, obviously you resign this guy, dude. The Jason Robertson disrespect from his own team should be studied.” – Host B
• [60:13] Host proposes: "If I am Dallas, I am calling Bowman yesterday and I’m offering Robertson, Hintz, and two first round picks for Connor McDavid."

Sharks, Ducks, and Rebuilding

• [61:01] Sharks: “They can beat any team in the league and lose to any team in the league on any given night.” – Host A
• [64:19] "That's where the headspace goes. Where you go, okay, fine. Fuck this. I'm gonna go get Matthews or McDavid and we'll see what happens." – Host B

Ducks’ Defensive Corps & Salary Cap

• [65:13] “The Ducks have Gudis. They just traded for Carlson and Truba, who are all ufa...all of them are about to be UFA.” – Host A
• [66:09] Martinez on Lacombe: “He’s a horse, too...like, Alex Petrangelo...Drew Doughty...guys that you can ride for 25 to 30 minutes, especially in the playoffs.”
• [67:38] Ducks have ~$40M in cap space, but many RFAs/UFAs to re-sign; building around Leo Carlson and Cutter Gauthier.

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Memorable Quotes

• “This is a momentum killer, dude.” – Host A on Wild’s blown power plays ([07:06])
• “Bednar looks like a fucking genius with that goalie switch.” – Host A ([11:11])
• “I butt-ended him. Was it on purpose? No. Did I want to punch him in the head? I did want to punch him in the head.” – Josh Manson, via Host A ([23:53], [23:59])
• "Attempted murder is also life, pal." – Host B on hockey justice ([28:22])
• “He looked like a dragon when he scored that empty netter...he’s an open wound. Nate Black.” – Host B ([31:05])
• “The reality of [a possible Cup run] is hitting them for the first time...like, 'No, no, guys...We have a chance to go to the Stanley Cup. So lock the fuck in.'” – Host A ([42:02])
• “If I am Dallas, I am calling Bowman yesterday and I’m offering Robertson, Hintz, and two first round picks for Connor McDavid.” – Host A ([60:13])
• “He’s a horse, too...those guys don’t come around often.” – Martinez on Lacombe ([66:09])

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Key Timestamps for Discussion Highlights

• Avalanche–Wild Game Analysis: 04:07–16:59
• Goalie Switch & Deep Analysis: 11:11–18:10
• Injury Updates/Impact: 20:05–22:54
• Manson Butt-End Incident: 23:00–29:57
• Nate Dogg’s Bloody Face/Impact: 30:44–31:18
• Sabres–Canadiens Series Preview & Team Mentality: 33:36–43:12
• Vegas–Ducks Series Breakdown: 44:08–51:50
• Trade & Offseason Speculation (Dallas, Ducks, Sharks): 54:33–73:56

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Final Thoughts

This episode offers a distinctly player-savvy, unfiltered take on playoff hockey: the intensity, the unpredictability, the fights, the weird coaching calls, and the unrelenting pressure of chasing a Cup. It’s packed with raw, insider insights—especially on goalies, trades, and locker-room mentality—making it a must-listen for any hockey fan who wants to understand why, and how, chaos reigns in the NHL postseason.

Notable Tone:
Unpolished, witty, brutally honest, and deeply knowledgeable—every segment carries the infectious energy of people who’ve played, fought, and, above all, truly love the game.

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Transcript

[A]

Welcome to the empty netters podcast.

[B]

Can you believe what this has become? There was a full 48 hours where

[C]

I felt like I was like literally superman.

[A]

Jumbo loves playing fortnite. So does he. Gets on the sticks. Did TR show you the saunacycle or was that already.

[C]

No, I invented that. Almost a year now that I haven't taken a body check. That's kind of nice.

[A]

So we are back. We are horned up and we are going deep.

[C]

Finished tonight with some chicken fingers and a few guinnesses.

[A]

Ran into you guys. And that's where this pod came to life. Ice is ready. And we're back with another episode of the Mt Neders podcast brought to you by BetMGM. I'm your host, Dan Powers on the sticks. Dr. Watkins. Ayo CP to my left now, as always. I'm always to your left, but not across the desk because that is Alec Martinez joining us again.

[C]

Here we are.

[A]

We just watched game four. AVs wild abs take care of business. Up three, one.

[B]

Marty, how you feeling with your first netters after dark?

[C]

I'm pretty excited here. Yeah. Had to fight some traffic. I was reverse commuting it though, so it was great. Yeah, the suckers.

[B]

You see all the suckers going the other way?

[C]

Actually wasn't. No, it wasn't bad. There were parking spots outside and you have to park a mile away.

[B]

So big.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

That's huge. That is huge.

[C]

Hopefully someone hasn't broken into my car.

[B]

Hey, there's been some going on in Venice. Have you seen this? No. Oh, dude. Dude.

[A]

Literally. I mean, was that Saturday?

[C]

Are you talking about the past, like 100 years?

[B]

It's actually.

[C]

Yeah, I know. Yeah. I'm kind of known for it. Ever heard of the popular.

[A]

The riots of 94? Yeah.

[C]

What's that? That drugs are popular in Venice.

[A]

Yeah, yeah, they always have been. It's crazy.

[B]

There's been. There's been a lot of extra madness this weekend. Like some stabbing. Some guy with a machete walking around. Almost cut some guy's arm off.

[A]

Yeah, tell him about Friday night.

[B]

But. But I was. The other day, I was out in my little back courtyard on the stationary bike. Cause that's all I got cooking right now. You know, I just. Bike. Take this thing off. Bike. So I'm out there and I'm like 20 minutes in. And the whole time there's been a helicopter circle. This happens all the time in Venice. There's just like a police helicopter buzzing the tower. And it's like, whatever. It's allowed, but I'm fine. And I have been out for probably 20 minutes.

[C]

I giving you a little extra juice.

[A]

Yeah, agree.

[C]

They chasing me.

[B]

Yeah, right, exactly. Just tell yourself that, dude.

[A]

So who needs a peloton, dude?

[C]

What I've got.

[B]

That should be an option on the peloton. I'll go police helicopter.

[C]

Actually, it's like gta, right? Yeah, yeah.

[A]

Becky's Coastal Cruise. Or do you want this police getaway with 10 kilos of bloat?

[C]

God, yes. Talladega nights.

[B]

So I got like 20 more minutes. I'm trying to stay out there and the police, I mean, I'm in 2, 4, 6 on my street and it goes like this. The police helicopter gets on the megaphone and it's like, attention, this is the LAPD. Will the people in 2, 5, 6 come out with your weapons down and your hands up? Weapons down. This is the lap. And I'm outside and I'm like, should maybe go in sunlight right now.

[A]

Think this ride.

[C]

Well, you glanced at the time though. You're like, ah, do I have time to make?

[B]

So I go, one more interval.

[C]

Yeah, yeah, one more.

[B]

I run inside and I was like, I could get to work now, you know, So I, I shower up and that was the day I was going to rollerblade. So I was like, oh, I'll get a rollerblade. But I was like, how do I get out of here? Cuz I now have to run through the back alleys.

[A]

I look, Chris busts out his front door with his cast. That looks like a gun on rollerblades.

[C]

Dude. If you rip out of there with blades on, like they're chasing you.

[B]

There he is. That's obviously him. Dude did not put his weapon down.

[C]

So you know, what a way to get away from the cops, by the way, on blades Blade. In a way, you are a hero, dude.

[A]

You're ripping down the freeway. All of a sudden you, the driver's side door, put the blades down, you're ghost riding the whip. And then just let the car go into the cop cars and then veer off to the side.

[C]

You'd probably make blades as popular as O.J. made.

[B]

The Bronco Bauer owes me $10 million.

[C]

The 2026 Bauer hits us up and

[A]

he's like, can you come up with an ad for the new Bauer Vapor Flylights? And I'm like, oh, can I?

[B]

The Bauer Vapor Getaways, they're incredible. So yeah. Good, I'm glad. Welcome to Venice. Welcome back to Venice. Welcome back.

[A]

All right, we got a lot to get into. Like I said, we're gonna start with this game, ABs win. What did that end up? 4 2. It ended 5 2. Because it was.

[B]

This was a weird case where sometimes they say the game was more of a blowout than the score because it's a tight game, but they won. Team controlled. Sometimes they say it's a blowout, but it was actually tight. This one was interesting where I felt like Colorado dominated for such long stretches, but when we were all said and done, the score does feel not fair to the Wild, you know, like 5:2 feels mean. But I was like, you did get crushed for a lot of that game.

[C]

Yeah, we were talking about it. It's like, there's been a lot of kind of lopsided shots. Wise game.

[B]

Yes, dude.

[C]

Like I said, Vegas gave up 12 shots at Utah, lost the game.

[B]

Like Tampa, Montreal.

[C]

Tampa, Montreal. Like, I don't know. That's playoff hockey, though. It's weird, right? Like, you can. You can get outplayed a lot, but if you have the timely goals or the timely plays, big saves, things like that, well, then it can, you know, land in your favor somehow. And I remember there are certain games like, you. You get out of there and you're like, how the hell did we even win that one? Or the opposite. How did we not? You know? Yeah, but that's just hockey, I guess. Maybe in general, not just playoffs, but. But yeah, I. I don't know. I thought. I mean, Colorado was so good, right?

[B]

Dude, I think from 8 minutes left in the first till like 9 minutes left in the second, the wild didn't have a shot. Like, there was a stretch there. I was like, oh, my God.

[A]

They. They went up one nothing with the power play goal. And I think shots at the time were like, 10 to 3.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And it's like, listen, who cares? It's about quality, you know, quantity. Sometimes Montreal will tell you that. But it was the second, it got tied up, and the game still felt that lopsided. I. I found myself being like, minnesota, you are not going to win this game if you keep playing like this. And then what was it in the first, they had, like, in the first period or maybe into the second, they had like, four power plays already. And it was like they scored on that. They scored. Their first goal was power play goal. But, like, they kept getting there. Was the. Was it Caprisov or Terra single? Like, someone got cross checked in the back.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And they got another power play.

[B]

It was correct because that was Kelly.

[A]

He was pissed. And I was like, I did not like that call. And I Was like, you fucking have to score on this power play now or you are dead. Cuz it was just lopsided and they didn't. And they died.

[B]

They had the other one too.

[C]

They.

[B]

The too many men. Did you see that one or were you driving?

[C]

I was driving.

[B]

Dude, that one. I would. I wish you see if we can find it. Ev. Maybe there was. That was one of those ones where it's like, Kale's coming off, so Bernsie jumps, but Kale's not that far. It's not egregious, but you know how like, oh, if the play swings around, it hits Bernsie, then it's a call. The play did swing, but it just didn't come up the wall. And burns, he started backing up. So it was kind of like, what? And the bed now the bench was going insane. They were like, this is how we change every single time. But I was like, oh, my God. Yeah, that was a tricky one too. But yeah, you're right, because those. The Kelly was pissed about the cross check. The bench was pissed about the too many men to come out of that with no goals.

[A]

You're like, oh, it's just like. It's a momentum killer, dude. And it was like, I'm impressed. The game was as close as it was for as long as it was. And we can get into the ins and outs of the game. But before that, we talked about this morning. I want your take on this. We agreed this morning that of all the teams left in playoffs, I think the Wild are maybe the only team that could beat the AVS three games in a row. But I. After watching that game, I'm not changing my mind, but I am declaring them dead.

[C]

Oh.

[B]

What do you think?

[C]

I don't know. A team like Minnesota, like. I don't know. We were talking about, like, the weirdness of a series, I guess, like in the preview, Right. We talked about Minnesota being hard skill. Like, they're. I think maybe the reason you say that is because I think that they're the most different out of any of the other teams. They are most unique.

[A]

I guess I couldn't agree more.

[B]

Okay.

[C]

Does that make sense?

[B]

Yeah, that's correct.

[C]

Yes. I don't know. They just. They have this element that. I don't know. They could do it. Yeah. You know? Yeah. I don't. But then again, it's like you go back and forth and it's like, well, Colorado, like, they're so damn good.

[A]

I know.

[C]

You know, I don't know.

[A]

To me, I don't think they're dead.

[C]

I still think they get another win.

[B]

I do, too.

[A]

I think. I think this is going seven still. I just think. I personally think their chances of winning might be gone now, because you now have to go back to Denver and you have to win.

[B]

Yep.

[A]

And then come back and protect Houma and then go back to Denver again. Like, that is just such a tall task.

[B]

The seven is. So how hard is it when you go? Because I always say, if I'm going to be down 3:1, which you don't want to be. I actually prefer to be the lower seed because of what he described, because I get to go to their place and maybe there don't have the. The intensity we have because our backs are against the wall. We have three losses. You steal game five on the road, then you get the home game six, and then game seven is kind of a toss up.

[C]

Yeah. That's actually what we had in 14.

[B]

Yeah. Right.

[C]

Because I think we did with San Jose. Yeah. Because we started there, and the whole idea is like, yeah, let's just. Let's steal one on the road, come back to our own building, win at home, and then game seven's just.

[B]

Who cares? Doesn't matter.

[C]

Yeah. It's like, yeah, all right. We'll just take a crack at this thing.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So I kind of hear you.

[C]

Yeah. You come home, and it's like you have a little bit of pressure to finish it off, and then all of a sudden, like, you lose that game, and then you start. Those thoughts start creeping in your mind. It's like, it's kind of. Yeah.

[A]

It's so situational, though. Right? Because, like, I think about 24 Florida, when Edmonton storms all the way back, I think Florida's like, thank God we're home.

[B]

And true.

[A]

They said that, too. Like, they are. They did not want to be playing that game at Rogers. Obviously, it's situational, like I said, but it's like, that one is definitely a. Like, no, I want to be home for this.

[C]

That pressure is so real, though. Like, you're like, I can't. Like, I cannot live the rest of my life knowing that we were the team that blew it.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

You know, like, dude, they put up.

[B]

I don't know if you guys were still watching. As soon as that game ended, they were like, colorado has not lost. Like, it's with three. One series lead. Like, they have not lost since in 2003 or whatever, you know? And you're just like, get this away from me.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Like, literally, I don't.

[C]

That's why the players don't watch shit like this.

[B]

Talking about correct.

[C]

In the playoffs, I'm like do not like, I mean for a lot of different reasons. Like I'm like, I don't even want to think about hockey.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

On a non game.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Correct.

[C]

You know. But yeah, I, I just, I don't want, I don't want to know all that stuff.

[A]

Agree completely. My. My other. So I, I, I will again say I. I do think it is. I think it's too much.

[B]

The series is over. No.

[A]

Well, yes.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

I think it's decided. It's not over would mean it's decided, but I do think it's going to go seven still. Like I, they, I mean Minnesota looked. The fact that they got that first power play goal after last game and it's like the power play's going. That's so big for them. I just couldn't believe they couldn't fucking bury tonight. And I. I said it to you both. Bednar looks like a fucking genius with that goalie switch.

[B]

Okay, let's do that now. Let's do the goalie switch.

[C]

Volstead was nasty too, by the way.

[A]

Nasty.

[C]

Especially in the second. Like, he had. The radio guy was going bananas.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

And I'm like, I'm trying to like kept on saying like left to right on your radio dial. And I'm like, what is this guy? Yeah, it's like, I love that. I love that.

[B]

That's an OG radio guy.

[C]

Like, it's like in Knocked up when he's like throwing the dice on the dance floor. He's like, he's throwing the dice way too much. That's all he's got, you know, I was like, that's what I was thinking of the radio guy. You know, it's like, hey, man, you gotta come up with. We heard you. Yeah, we heard you going left to

[A]

right across your radio. And it's like, I heard it, dude. I heard it.

[C]

No, but yeah, I mean, he's. That's a ballsy play.

[B]

He kept them in there, dude. They're. That flurry was crazy it, dude. Truly, like. And even. Who was it? EJ Maybe. But somebody who's kind of the cadre goal. Somebody was kind of like, oh. And while Wally got off his angle a little bit there. And I was like, dude, first of all, like, the shot got ricocheted. You know, he's like tracking the pucket. Kicked back to Cadre.

[A]

It wasn't his fault.

[B]

And second of all, he's made 1000 incredible saves in a row. Yeah, let's cut him so slack.

[A]

If you're Walston in this game, you've got to kind of be like, guys, get some more shots on that, please.

[B]

Christ, man. It. It's. He. And he was fighting some in a. In a good way. Like, double triple deflections, like getting shoulders up and everything. And I'm with you, Dan. The onslaught was hard to watch. But, dude, to your point, earlier playoffs, if you just hang around, though, especially team of scaries, Minnesota, you just hang around.

[C]

And that's a kind of. That's Minnesota style. Yeah, you just hang around. You grind a team down, you play physical on them. You. I mean, you know, Hines, too, he's one of the most defensive minded, I would say, conservative coaches probably in the league.

[A]

Right.

[C]

Like, he's like the modern day. Not to this extent, but Lou lamarillo and I played for him in world championships, and he was all about structure and all that. So, like, that's scary where it's like, yeah, if they just kind of hang around, if they get one, then all of a sudden, I don't know.

[A]

Definitely. But.

[B]

But McBlackwood on the other end, though, answered everything.

[A]

So that's the thing that sucks is like, to your point, they. We got a 11 game. Ross Colton gets the go ahead goal, and then Sturm scores pretty quickly after that. And that felt like the. What this, like, wild team that's just like, they hang around, they fight. And in. In that moment, I was like, they're gonna win. Like, this is. Yeah.

[B]

3, 2, OT.

[A]

It was one one. They got the first lead. It gets tied up. They gave it up. They got it right back. They're gonna get it. And then I thought, Parker Kelly's goal is one that Wallstead wants back. And that sucks because for me, this game was decided by two goalies who were playing very well, and one made a mistake and game over. Yeah.

[C]

And if you're screened on it, though, it was a.

[A]

That's what I can't. That's what I can't.

[C]

It was a little fluttery.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Evan, can you get this full screen for us?

[C]

Yeah. Where did this goal happen?

[A]

Keep going. It's.

[B]

It made it three.

[A]

It made it three, two.

[C]

Yeah. Right in the middle of the ice, too, because I.

[A]

There was definitely.

[B]

He literally just comes over like this and it just goes over his shoulder.

[A]

Here's Parker Kelly. Top of your screen.

[B]

Like, I could. I could believe it's.

[A]

The question is, does Foligno screen Walstead?

[C]

Yeah. Like, trying to block the Shot.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And frankly, he must. Or this will be a good look.

[C]

Oh, there's.

[B]

I think so. Right.

[A]

Because he doesn't. It sneaks by Bogo, and I just don't.

[B]

Yeah, he doesn't see it at all. I can't tell if it's his. If it's his fault, if he doesn't see it.

[C]

That one angle kind of looks like a moving screen.

[A]

Yeah. Dipping by both of them.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Dark jerseys, too, guys. That's a real thing. So, yeah, I'll give him the benefit of the doubt there. But.

[C]

But it kind of. It seemed like it came off Kelly's stick.

[A]

Weird.

[C]

Like, did a little weird.

[B]

He's, like, coming over.

[C]

I mean, great shot. He got a lot of Y wood on it. But, like.

[A]

Yeah, no, that's wobbling for sure.

[B]

So.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

And with. With the way this series has been going, there's really no room for error for Wallset, unfortunately. Like, if he makes one mistake, he's like, great. Now we lose, like.

[A]

Yep.

[B]

But, dude, I will say, whatever that stretch was at the end of the second, the shots. I was saying to you, shots were like 21 to 4.

[A]

There was a.

[B]

It was a two power plays for Minnesota that they kind of got some juice back. And then they started the third. Great. When we were watching the third period, Minnesota was going. They had the first four scoring chances in that window. Blackwood answered every question. There was a couple crazy flurries in front of him that he was kicking out left and right.

[A]

Definitely.

[B]

So that, you know, that was a crazy dude. Crazy coaching. Not crazy, ballsy coaching.

[A]

I think we all agreed when we found out Blackwood was starting, we were like, wow.

[B]

Yeah. You said you were, like, shocking, Blackwood.

[C]

Yeah. Shocking to see this guy. Here I am listening to the radio again. How old am I? Good lord is right.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I'm picturing you sitting on a screened

[C]

in porch, my rabbit ears just sticking up in the air. I got a tinfoil hat.

[B]

Hat on. God damn it, dude.

[C]

No, that was. I mean, that's a. That's a ballsy play by Bednar. But like, I. I brought it up earlier, too. Like, you don't know what's going on behind closed doors. Maybe. Maybe Wedgwood's fighting something. Maybe. Obviously they're not going to say anything, but maybe the decision was easy. And then he just, you know, the coach speak to the media. But I don't know, there could be something going on or maybe there's not. Maybe he truly was. I mean, he's played a ton of hockey Yep.

[B]

And we said this morning, don't forget. I mean the mix in with the great game too. But he gave up six in game one and then gave up three in the first period. I think in game three, you know, two of the three games he was kind of getting lit up. So they were like, okay, maybe that's. Maybe you need to rest. Maybe it's. Maybe you. Maybe you're dealing with something, whatever. But it wasn't like he. He was posting three shutouts in a row and they're like, we're going to Blackwood. I was like, well, he's giving up nine goals.

[C]

Well, Benar's comments too about, oh, this is what we've done all year. That's either an easy cop out if there is something going on or it's also the truth.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

You know, what they did all year. So like why would we. I mean why.

[B]

We like both guys. Yeah, we like both guys.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Going back to like I think Minnesota, if they want to win this. It's like you were talking about the margins being raised. Yes. Like they need to win these next three games. Like two, one.

[B]

Yeah. Oh, three, two. Yeah.

[C]

Like the same way that the Kings played them and had to win. I think it doesn't matter. It's not the Kings or Minnesota. I think it's anyone. Like I love how you're going to have to this Colorado team, you have to limit them to one or two a game max.

[A]

I frankly agree. I mean one game they won was five to one. Right. Like it's. Other than the 96 game was a little crazy.

[C]

That was.

[A]

Yeah, but you're right. I mean I stand. I think it was shocking that Blackwood started it. Makes Bednar look like a genius. However, super curious who starts next game because do you go Mackenzie just got the ride.

[B]

The hottest question.

[A]

Let's stay with him or do you go? No. This was a scheduled break for Wedgwood. Now he's back in.

[C]

Well, I think it's. It's. It's either a really hard decision or it's really easy.

[A]

Yeah. Right.

[C]

Either it's like pre planned where if something.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

If it's pre planned or if something's going on, well then yeah, it's an easy decision or there's nothing going on. And that's. I don't know. But if he made the right decision now, I mean he knows his guys.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah.

[C]

Maybe we'll just alternate.

[B]

I don't know, dude. I'm like everywhere.

[A]

Do it it.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

I think. God, it will be Interesting. If he's not hurt. If he's not hurt and he's just like, hey, man, mackenzie played great. You had given up, whatever it was. Not a 10 goal.

[A]

Yeah, I mean, like, they. He got yanked in. Did he get yanked in one or did they keep. No, no, he gave up and then he got yanked after three. Three. I think So. I mean, yeah, you could easily see Bender being like, dude, like, you're. You were kind of leaky. We're gonna just go. Let's just get through this series. But, I mean, again.

[B]

But you don't know. It's crazy if he never, like, imagine mackenzie just plays great and Wedgwood never gets the net back. And I'm like, whoa. After that season, in the beginning of

[C]

this playoffs, you've kind of seen that before. Maybe not in the playoffs, but, like, that's happened for sure.

[A]

Definitely.

[C]

Sure.

[A]

Definitely.

[B]

Yeah. That was.

[A]

I. Again, that's a tough one. I. There's a couple things I want to get to in this game, but before

[C]

that, one quick thing. Yeah. I think each coach looks at it, too. It's like, each one individually, and it's like, what gives us the best chance to win tonight.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

And I don't think that they look too much beyond that.

[B]

As in. I mean, there's a goalies.

[C]

Yeah. Goalie. Like, in this situation. Like, he's just saying, like. Like, I just need to do whatever. Whatever we can do to win.

[A]

Like, let's win game four.

[C]

We win game four and then reevaluate tomorrow and let, you know, Future. Let future Alec worry about that. I do that all the time.

[A]

I think that's a great point.

[B]

I fastballed it.

[A]

I think it's a great.

[C]

Sorry, didn't mean to interrupt.

[A]

No, no, not at all. I did want to touch on this quickly because I actually didn't. I don't want to say I didn't know this, so I wasn't thinking about this. I keep thinking about this wild team, and I'm like, Eric, Seneca and Brodin being out is brutal.

[C]

Brutal.

[A]

I keep forgetting that fucking Malinsky and Lekkonen are out for Colorado.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

That is.

[B]

They're scary.

[A]

Are you kidding me? This team is this good without those guys. Because I don't think people are often enough putting enough respect on Lekkonen's name. He is so good and so valuable for this team, and they're just rolling without them.

[B]

How long's he been out?

[A]

So I. I think it's kind of crazy. It's like, if you're A wild fan, right? You want to be like, fuck. And obviously, Erickson acts so important to this. So is Brodine. But it is like, if you bring that up, every Avalanche fan has the ammo to be like this. Well, we're not. We. We don't have Lekkonen or Malinsky, so, like, holy, suck it.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And I'm like, that's an appropriate suck it. Which is.

[B]

And another testament to the abs. And you love when this happens because, dude, as a fan, when you're. When you have a cup contender team and you're like, please make a move at the deadline. You know, like, I want to make a run. And then you do. It's awesome. And then if that person just. Goose eggs in the playoffs, which it just happens, right? Like, it's whatever. But as a fan, I'm telling you, you're just like, God damn it, dude, we just traded away a.

[C]

It's like Matt Succarello in Dallas, and he broke his arm, like, the first game or something like that.

[A]

Like, so you're like, what the fuck?

[B]

And for the AVs to go out and get Nick Wa and Kadri and have them both be just, like, doing so much for you and contributing. It must be sick where you're like, yep, boom. This is what we did. We got this depth, immediate production, and

[C]

this is why we did it. Yeah. Yeah. God, it's weird. Like, you have those guys, like, I don't know, you can't even call. You can't call Lekinen a depth guy, but it's like. But when he's standing next to McKinnon, you're like, all right. Anyone? Looks like everyone.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Yeah. Next to that.

[A]

He's next to McKinnon.

[B]

You're like.

[A]

You're a coast guy.

[C]

I guess. I guess that's an unfair comment. But to say, like, both these teams have so much depth.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

And. But their depth is also not depth in the regular season. Like, it's like, it's whatever is above depth.

[B]

Yeah. We need a new word.

[C]

But, yeah. But. Yeah. I don't know. It's weird, but the. The one thing that I think really hurts Minnesota is Erik Sinek.

[B]

It's becoming a real problem.

[C]

He's, like, so valuable on the power play. Like, in front. He makes those little plays, but, like, face offs, man.

[A]

Face offs.

[C]

Like, so much of the playoffs comes down to that puck, possession.

[B]

Ye.

[C]

Like, it's. It's. It's a huge difference. And I think that's where they. They probably miss him the. The most. I mean, obviously he brings a lot of other things. A little tenacity, a little grit.

[B]

Yep.

[A]

Face offs is huge. It's such a big factor. He kills penalties too. Like, he's. That's a brutal loss.

[B]

And I can't tell because they're doing. I mean, obviously it's playoffs. They're doing the coach speak. But, you know, they're like, he's just not ready. But he was skating. You know, I can, I can't quite read between the lines of like, oh, is he back next game? Or are they like, he's skating. He's actually dead. You'll never see him again. I'm like, okay, fair enough.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So, yeah, that's going to be tricky.

[A]

I need to get into the Manson.

[B]

Yep.

[A]

Manson pulling out a shiv and trying to kill someone on the ice. No. Obviously wasn't that dramatic.

[C]

Straight prison break.

[A]

Yeah, let's. Let's discuss that play.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

I. I actually seen a few ABS fans online being like, the McCarron should have gone to the box for embellishment. Oh, and I don't like that take.

[B]

So of the three of us, I think I live was the most trying to be like, well, I might not have been that bad. And I haven't really got a look at the five seconds leading up to it because by the time the camera gets to them, they're like, bear hugging each other on the ground. It's very weird. Tangle up, whatever. But Karen's lying on top of him. And how I was trying to rationalize it was he's just trying to just rabbit him in the face, you know, like. So, yeah, he's just like, get away from.

[A]

Manson has spoken.

[B]

Okay. What do you say?

[A]

He said, I butt ended him. Was it on purpose? No. Did I want to punch him in the head? I did want to punch him in the head.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

It's like in my mind, I was

[C]

like, I kind of respect that.

[A]

Me too.

[C]

There's really not much for us to talk about anymore.

[A]

Yeah, that's like, yeah. And also the fact that he goes, I butt ended him. He's like, yeah, I fucking but ended him.

[C]

I want him. Honestly.

[A]

Yeah, he's like, I wanted to rabbit punch him in the head and unfortunately I had my stick in my hand.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Like, all right.

[B]

But on the replay, the stick is so far out that it feels weird that he wouldn't know that. I'm like, you are going to catch him here.

[A]

I mean, we've all had those moments where the wires cross and you just like, you Know, you short circuit, you do something that you had a first inclination to do and you're like, oh, probably shouldn't have done that. Yep, that's probably what happened here. It's just like. It is. The butt end is sticking out so much that I'm like, he could have taken his eye out.

[C]

Take it easy.

[B]

What did you think in real time?

[C]

Were you like, bro, I was. You know, you see that and you're like. I don't know if it was intentional or not, but it's fairly clear that he got him.

[A]

Oh, yeah, good.

[C]

But I was like, I. What I. Even more so than the play. Like, I looked at his. His interview in between three and that's where I was like, I had a bigger woe in that. I'm like, like them fighting words. That's crazy. I kind of.

[B]

I.

[A]

Cause I got that quote here too.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

He goes, he said he's a dirty player. He's always been. Also, to Marty's point, this was in game.

[C]

Was it in game?

[A]

Yes, dude. Like, I'm pretty sure this wasn't that between period.

[B]

Yeah, like, that's what you.

[A]

Yeah, like it was. It was a between periods interview. Like, that is hilarious.

[B]

Did you guys see that?

[A]

Hold on, hold on.

[B]

He goes, get you that clip into your locker room. Like, if you're on the aves, could you guys in lock with someone be like, dude, what he just said, I'm sure the video.

[C]

Yeah, yeah, the video guy, he goes,

[A]

he's a dirty player. He's always been not very well respected. I love a. Yeah, dude, everyone fucking hates you. They're all talking about it. That kind of a chirp is so good. It's just.

[C]

It's like there. If there's a few things that get under a guy's skin, it's like, you've changed.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

And then the, you know, instant reaction. Right? And then. And then the boys are talking.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

And that's like the equivalent of the boys are talking.

[A]

Yes, exactly.

[C]

But that's like, that's why playoff hockey is awesome. Like, and to me, like, what? I have had this reaction when I was playing, like, I don't know. But now that I'm not. Yeah. I can actually just watch. As a fan, I was like, holy, that was great. Shitty actually said that.

[B]

Do you think? Well, I mean, maybe it was. There was some festivities after the final whistle there too. So that's probably not. We probably haven't heard the end of that play.

[C]

Yeah, I think Nick Foligno was.

[A]

Yeah, it's so Terrible to hear, dude. What.

[C]

The anxiety that kicks.

[A]

What are they saying?

[C]

What do you mean? What are you saying? Who's talking? Yeah, it's just the boys.

[A]

It's just the boys being like this. He's not well respected. Everyone thinks that about him. Like, he's not like, what the dirty. Am I going to say?

[B]

I was like, what happens next game? Like, do the abs go after McCarron? Because they're like, fuck you don't talk about him like that. Or are they like, yeah, he is.

[A]

His comeback. I don't think the ABs can go after McCarran after he got butt ended in the face. But, I mean, it's great drama.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

I love it. Did you.

[B]

Did you like the call? Like the. The double minor. We left that after a long review with a double minor.

[C]

I. I don't know. I think there's, like. Especially in the playoffs, like, we were talking about it earlier with some of that stuff, like the. We were talking about kicking that Hartman out of the draw at the end of the game. Too many men. It's, like, ridiculous. Each playoff series, like, you're trying to feel out what you can get away with and what you can't, and each crew's different. Yeah. So, like, with that, I don't know. I always respect the refs trying to just prevent something from getting out of hand.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah.

[C]

And I think that's what it is, what it was because it's like, there's that fine line where it's like, hey, you got to let the guys play. But, like, we just. We can't have, you know, a circus out here. Right.

[B]

Can't be.

[A]

Dave Jackson said there's a double minor for attempted butt ending. If they cannot determine absolutely that the stick hit him, but the attempt was made, then the double minor is the proper call.

[B]

I mean, this is the puck didn't cross the goal line conversation, though. Like, do you think that stick just. Let's extrapolate. The stick hit him in the pit.

[A]

I think this is a little more cut and dry.

[C]

Don't you think it's worse, though, if they get. Attempt to get him? Like that to me is like, whether he got him or noted.

[B]

But attempted murder is also life, pal.

[A]

Exactly.

[B]

Yeah. Holy.

[A]

Like, it's not. It's not your fault.

[C]

You it up and didn't get.

[B]

Didn't complete the job.

[C]

I tried. I just didn't do it.

[A]

I tried to kill the guy. I didn't do it. I did try.

[C]

Way more trouble.

[A]

I mean, this feels cut and dry to Me like, there's a. They think there was a clear attempted butt end. Manson's being like, I didn't mean to butt end him, but he butt ended him in the face. And if that is the rule, I'm like, yeah, it's a double miner. I'm kind of. It's one of those weird ones where I hope there's no suspension here.

[C]

I actually agree because, like, I think he's getting fined. Yeah, yeah, give him a nice maximal allowance or whatever.

[A]

Give him a nice fine. Which is funny because I actually saw something today in the Jesus in the Habs game last night. Jack, I fucking suckered. Who did he catch like right on the button in the job? No, no, that was after the game. I don't think that was. I mean it would have been Jack. I too, but he like suckered someone in the chin with their gloves on and like knocked him down and out and he got like a three thousand dollar fine. And someone online was talking about him being like, that is not enough. Because that is like an incentive to keep doing that. It's like all this is three grand. I'm like, keep knocking guys out. And there are times where I'm like, if you butt end someone in the face and they're just like, fine. I'm kind of like, we got to make sure people aren't doing this more. But McCarron was fine, thankfully. Yeah. So I'm kind of like, give him a fine. Make sure no one's doing anything.

[C]

I thought it was going to be

[B]

like when he kind of came out of the scuffle, he had like a little neck. I was like, that's it.

[C]

That's probably why the abs guys were saying he embellished it. Come on.

[A]

Definitely.

[C]

But also like, if you've ever been butt ended in the face, dude reacting

[A]

like, fuck am I? Yeah, yeah, 100%.

[C]

Hurts so bad.

[B]

Buttons are horrible.

[C]

Horrible. Especially like depending on the how the guy tapes his stickers knob. Like, I mean, imagine Mark Stone, dude,

[B]

you club to death.

[C]

Yes. You're impaled by that thing. No, but like, you know, if a guy doesn't shave the end down or. Yeah, there's like the little carbon fiber fragments.

[B]

Like that hurts. Yeah, that's. That is the worst. The worst. So, yeah, I'm hoping I'm with you, Dan. I'm hoping no additional punishment.

[A]

It's funny. Nate got it worse from Friendly Fire dude.

[B]

So that's what I wanted to say next, Nate. Right off the beak, bro. That was insane. And we were joking before in the live this morning. So you saw him swimming, obviously, in the pool. Did you see that? So we were saying in live this morning that every wild fan tonight should have had goggles on if they were sitting on the glass.

[C]

That's a pretty good troll. Yeah. Oh, my God.

[B]

Like, everyone. And when I saw naked hit. Well, when I first saw him get hit, I was like, oh, God, he just lost seven teeth, and this is a nightmare. Looks like it got him a little higher, so he's. He's fine.

[A]

I think it caught his nose, but

[B]

I was like, can you imagine if Nate just took one off the face and he has to come out with a fucking bubble now? And I'm like, oh, my God, get him a snorkel. Look at this fucking guy.

[A]

So funny.

[B]

But, dude, it made him scarier. He looked like a dragon when he scored that empty netter. And he's got, like, the red nose,

[A]

like blood bench, like, huffing salts. And he, like, looks like he's seen God.

[B]

Like, he's an open wound. Nate Black.

[C]

I love it, though. That's a. That's a hockey. God's giving you one after.

[B]

Oh, yeah.

[C]

No, Nice empty netter.

[A]

No question.

[B]

Yeah. Great play by Natius. I thought he had it himself, and when he spun around, I was like. He just passed that.

[A]

It was a drop. It was a great pass. I didn't. I. We don't need to get into it, because I love him. I did not like the play by Boldy, though.

[B]

It was a very clean.

[A]

That.

[B]

Oh, to turn that over.

[A]

The Wild had good possession in there. They had a great look right before that. Some. I forget who had that shot, but someone rung one right over the bar, and Boldy just kind of, like, put a weak one up the boards that Nate just. Just, like, easily picked or. I think Nate easily picked off. But anyway, game's done. Do you think this is still going seven?

[B]

What did we say or. No, you weren't here. We said. I said AB. We did, like, another one. I said ABs in seven, but I don't think it's going seven anymore. I think.

[A]

I think it is still. I think there's a little fight left.

[C]

Yeah, I think they. I think Minnesota gets at least one, but. Yeah. I don't know. That's a tough one.

[A]

I know. I think we need.

[C]

If one team can do it.

[A]

Yes. Yes. They need Erickson EK back next game.

[B]

And he's. He's skating, Dan. He's skating. I heard he's skating.

[A]

Rush job on that. All right, let's take a quick ad break and then quickly touch on the two series tonight.

[B]

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[A]

We are back and we are going to quickly touch on the two series tonight. As you're watching this on Tuesday, first one, Sabers Canadiens. I think Buffalo. What?

[B]

I thought you were gonna go, Buffalo is dead.

[A]

Buffalo is dead.

[B]

I'm just killing everybody.

[A]

I actually think Buffalo needs to come out with a little bit of fight after that.

[B]

You mean this?

[A]

I mean a little bit of this fight. I did not like the way Greenway was getting fed knuckle sandwiches for fucking dinner and didn't do anything.

[B]

And no one really stepped. Because you said to me during this game that this is the most physical series, which I completely agree with. Yeah, and I'm with you. I think Buffalo might need to take a page out of this book if they want to even this baby up.

[C]

Especially going into the bell Center. Dude, like, that place is going to be buzzing.

[B]

Yep.

[C]

So, like, you got to come. Like, you got to come off the top ropes if you're Buffalo going into this place. But. But yeah, I mean, but it's also like, it's a young team. They're figuring it out. Too, you know, this is the first time. Like, you can't expect them to, you know, just know every situation and handle it accordingly. I mean, you look at a veteran team, it's like a lot of guys, we'd be like, oh, you know, when I played on those teams, it's like, well, we wish we would have handled this differently, you know, but it's like, especially, I mean, they're going into. And you have to give Montreal credit, they've been unreal. But, but going into that building, like, there's so many ebbs and flows of the series. That's one of the things that I have down there. Right. And we talk about that all the time, but this is a prime example of that. It's like, you think that Buffalo. And then didn't Lindy Ruff say something kind of along those lines, like, post game. Right. But it's like, you know that they're going back to the hotel. They're at the Ritz. You know, other than, you know, we've talked about that toilet before. The greatest bathroom in the NHL. Did we talk about that last time? Yeah. No, but they're going back. They're going back to those meal rooms and they know, and they're all chat and they're like, we can't, like, this can't happen again. So, like, you know, especially those, you know, Benson, all those guys that like to stir up a little bit. Definitely, I, I could see them doing that.

[A]

I think they gotta come out. I think they gotta piss off the fans. I think they gotta try to get under Montreal's skin because they're both super skilled teams. Like, they're, I think a big advantage Montreal had over Tampa is they're so much faster. They're so much quicker to pucks. They're so much faster. I don't think that advantage is that clear in this series. I think Buffalo can match that. So it's like, you can't get slapped around like you did in that last game and then come out and not respond. I think they need to come out and be a little gritty, a little nasty, especially on away ice. And I mean, you have to steal one. This is like, I, I, it's obviously, it's only been two series, but the fact that Montreal's not lost two games in a row is huge. They always respond. You got to try to ma. Like, you've lost two in a row now.

[B]

Buffalo.

[A]

So, like, you have to respond now. So they have to come out.

[C]

Fire.

[B]

Yeah. And it's not even, Even guys Like Tage and Tuck just hit somebody, you know, get in the mixer a little bit, help you get going. I think is really important. But it is, it is a scary one because this. Buffalo had, I guess Boston won that one game in Buffalo and game five and it was like, oh, maybe the Bruins are coming back. But it really. They really were in control. So for a team without a lot of play of experience, this is their first like, yo, we have to win this game moment. Is it hard to not be super jittery when you're coming out gripping the stick for those games?

[C]

I think. Well, a little bit of both, actually. It's like sometimes you got to remind yourself to calm down a little bit too, like, because you like, like coming out guns. Ablazing too much is definitely a problem too. Right. But it's like finding this like, calmness, but also this aggressive, like the sense of urgency. I sound like a coach right now and it kills me saying it. Yeah, get pucks in deep. No, but it really is true. Like, they're going to one of the toughest buildings. I played there in the playoffs in Covid and it blew the. It blew the roof off that place. And there was like a third there or something like that, that. But yeah, you're going in there and it's like you. You have to play a solid road game. And I. I don't know, maybe I'm just old school, but I always think, like, run and gun is never going to get it done. Yeah. Like, it might win you around. It might win you two, maybe three. It might even get you to the final. But like the physicality thing and, and little hits or, or physical plays like that, that compound over a series. If I'm Buffalo, it's like we've got a lot of big bodies. Like, we need to start doing that and Montreal does too. But like, we have to start doing that, especially in their building if we're going to shut down them and take away their time and space. Like again, a little bit of coach speak, but it's like an old adage because it is true, right?

[A]

Definitely.

[C]

I don't know. The physicality thing, it's like, that's why there's certain teams that are built for the playoffs and there's certain teams that are built for regular season.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

And it's like you gotta play a mixture of both.

[A]

Right? Dude, this is what I think is going on with Buffalo. Okay.

[B]

I like this a lot. Yeah, I'm gonna say yes. I like this a lot.

[A]

I actually, I think I Think this is really sharp. So many of these guys have not played playoff hockey. Yep. I think they were on a rip since December. Best team in the Atlantic. They won the Atlantic.

[B]

Incredible.

[A]

And that's great. That's amazing. But regular season hockey, Then they get to playoffs, they go down two nothing to Boston immediately. And they're playing a team that has a ton of playoff history. A lot of veterans on that team, a couple of guys who just won a gold medal on that team. I know Buffalo does, too. But they go down early to Boston. They're like, fuck me. Storm back and win. But it was kind of like a. You're on fucking Quaaludes in that one. And you're like, holy shit. And then Boston goes up immediately again in game two and wins, and you're kind of like, fuck me. I think there was so much, like, first hit of the fucking smelling salts round one that they won. They're the better team for sure. But they won that series and they're like, fucking rights. One in six. Let's go. Now they're in round two, looking at a great Montreal team, and I think for the first time in these playoffs, they're going, wait a minute. We could. We could go to the Cup. Yeah.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Like, I think they're looking at Montreal going, it's a great team, but so are we. Like, we just beat Boston in six. We were the best team in the Atlantic. We've beat this team in the regular season plenty of times. We can beat them. And then we go up against Carolina, who is a wagon, but Carolina's got all their Carolina. Like, I think genuinely Buffalo is. This team is in that locker room and they're looking around and they're realizing not only can we win this series, but we could actually go to the Stanley fight. Yeah. And I think the reality of playoff hockey is, like, really hitting them of, like, this isn't just a fun, like, rights. Buffalo made it to playoffs. They're being like, wait a minute. This could be a Cup run. So, holy shit. And I think that this game is going to be a big test of that of, like, are you ready for this moment? Yeah. Because you can't go down 3 1, and you're playing in probably the hardest barn in the league to play in against a very scrappy, good Canadiens team. So I'm super excited to see how they play, but I genuinely think that mentality is what's hitting them.

[B]

Right, dude, you know what I like about this take? There must be a cool or there must be a real Jump when you make it to round two. Because I think, like, round one, making playoffs is sick, but round one, you're like, okay, like, we're in playoffs. Let's see what happens. Getting out of round one, you're like, okay, now we're going. Like, let's fucking try to make a bid at it.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

But I think, like, first round, there's. There's a few teams that. This sounds terrible, but probably don't have a chance to go.

[B]

Definitely go all the way.

[C]

But then once you get to the second round, it's like, all those teams,

[B]

everyone here could win.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

And anyone could win. I like your point, too. I would ask you, or I'll pose you a question, please. Are you saying that you think that they've been riding high since December and they haven't faced enough adversity yet? Like, do you? Because there's a difference between, like, they haven't had their back against the wall yet.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

And that's a very different feeling going into a game in a position like that than, you know, they weren't ever really. You know, they handled the series with Austin, right?

[A]

Yes, they did what I think.

[C]

And then all of a sudden, they're running into their biggest test yet, and it'll be interesting to see how they handle that, especially with a young group.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Right.

[A]

So I don't think it's so much that they haven't. I think you just said it perfectly. But I don't think it's so much that they haven't faced adversity. I think it's. The reality of the situation is kind of hitting them for the first time, because as they were rolling and they were climbing the ranks, there was definitely a vibe of, like, playing with house money. Right. Like, they. Dude, we were talking about firing Lindy in October. They started so bad. Like, they were awful for a stretch, and it was like, here we go. Same old sabers. And obviously, that's when, like, the wit clips come out of, like, 0.0 chance of them making playoffs. And then they're just rolling. And I think the vibes were so high that they weren't even thinking about, like, oh, my God. Like, this is. This is the team that we were. That we always knew we were going to be at the start of the season. So I think they were just buzzing. And then we hit that point on this show where we were like, they're in, like, this isn't a playoff race anymore. They're in emphatically. And, yeah. Now, again, I think reality is the Word. I think now the reality is hit of like. Like, no, no, guys, we didn't just make playoffs. We are in playoffs and we have a chance to go to the Stanley cup. So lock the fuck in. Yeah, that is one of the things.

[B]

And this is the moment.

[A]

And what I love about this series and any Habs fan who would disagree with this, I mean an MIT crow if they have in the next two games, like by five goals. What I love about the series is if Buffalo comes out as you're listening tonight and wins 5, 1. I wouldn't be surprised at all. Yeah, like this series feels very unpredictable to me in a fun way.

[B]

For me, it just rides or dies with the Buffalo goaltending. When they're getting a great goaltending from Alex Lyon, I'm like, oh shit, you might win. When he's like, I'm a backup. I'm like, oh, yeah, you're gonna leave.

[A]

I think you gotta go with Lyon one more time.

[B]

God, so tough. I think so too though.

[A]

I just. Yeah, it's shit though, because you then put upl in a brutal situation. If you go. If he. If Lyon gets rung up and then you go with uplift.

[B]

Be the beast did that to sway that year. They blew the sway gets game. They're like, you have not played yet. Here you go.

[C]

There you go. Like what? Jump on this grenade. Jesus Christ.

[A]

Help us. Please help us. Okay, Vegas Ducks 2. Two thoughts?

[B]

Yeah, I want your thoughts because I thought Vegas game three was the best they've looked since Utah game six. And I was like, oh, yeah, there they are. Now we're in trouble.

[C]

I think it's the best they looked in all the playoffs.

[B]

Yeah, that's what you said too.

[A]

Yeah, 100%.

[C]

Like, I mean, yeah, they were firing on all cylinders. Like, Marner obviously was insane. Howden scored again because he scores every game.

[B]

Scored every game.

[A]

You know, it's the easiest bet in

[B]

the world right now.

[C]

But they were. They. I mean, you look at like the start that they had in the building. Shea Theodore scored the second shift to the game, his first. And then Braden McNabb comes down with the change up and fools those Stahl on that. Which was. Which was awesome. But I've seen that guy do that like 100 times in practice. The fact that he pulled it out in a playoff.

[B]

So sick.

[C]

And. But yeah, I think it was their. Their best one that they. They've played all year. And I think, I mean, Stoney said it in the media too. Like, I think they know that they Other than that game, they probably haven't played their best hockey.

[A]

Yeah, they've been pretty open about that, which has been interesting.

[C]

But, yeah, obviously, losing him, you know, not having him last game was, you know, that's a big blow to the room. But, yeah. I don't know. This is an interesting one. I mean. Yeah, it is. The Ducks are so good, too. Like, I think the good thing. We go back to the physicality thing. Like, after. After game two, I was like. I thought that they. It was. The Ducks are like, a better version of Utah.

[A]

Right?

[B]

I said these exact same thing. Yes. Yeah, totally.

[C]

They're a better version of Utah. And it's like, you look at that series, and they wanted to kill each other. And then I was there for game three. You guys were there Game four. Like, I don't know if you noticed the same thing, but I couldn't believe how many hits or checks weren't finished. Like, there's so much. There's so much just skating away, and I'm like, where's this going? Where did this go? Like, the last round was like that, and from both sides. Yes.

[A]

Yeah, definitely. They're rolling off a lot of stuff, too. You notice that a lot with the Ducks. Like, they're making. Not shying away from it, but they're making plays and, like, actively, like, spinning off to be like, I'm not getting in the mixer here. And you wonder if that's conscious because it's definitely. It's noticeably less physical than Utah Vegas,

[B]

which is interesting and, like, Colorado, Minnesota, you know? Yeah.

[A]

Oh, my God.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

I feel like that Vegas is playing too much of the Ducks game. Oh, cool.

[B]

Take. Yeah. Yeah.

[C]

Than. Than their own.

[A]

Yep. Yeah.

[C]

And that's hard, right? Because especially when. When you're a team that is more physical, you play more of the grind cycle, like, all that, it's real easy to get into the run and gun. Yeah. You know, and I think. And that's not totally unfair or that's not totally fair to say about the Ducks, because I think the Ducks can play that way, too. But, like, they. They are a rush team. They're offensive. They're. They carry a ton of speed up the middle, like Utah did, obviously, until. Well, I guess first three games, their power play was. Was struggling because Vegas PK was so good. But. But, yeah, it's real easy to slip into that run and gun. Yeah. And I feel like it takes, like, an active effort to not do that.

[A]

Yeah, I think it's true. No, I think it's so true.

[C]

I could be totally wrong. I don't know.

[A]

We all could be so wrong on this shit. It's unbelievable. But I think I was maybe not as similar as the Buffalo thing, but I think the Ducks are also kind of in a situation where they go up against the Oilers. Yeah. And then they beat him in six. And, like, the Ducks are probably kind of feeling right now like, oh, shit, dude. Like, we go on a little run here, you know, like, that's. That feeling is very exciting for. Especially from a team that you're not entirely sure. Was thinking we could get to the Western Conference final in the beginning of the playoffs.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But it's like, now you're going up against a great Vegas team, and you're tied 2 2. And I've just never seen anything as exciting as this Ducks team. You've got great veterans who are, like, kind of helping the room, but it's like, it's unreal that it's. Leo, Beckett, Lacombe. Like, all their young guys are fucking bawling for them. Like, this is wild. It's so fun to watch.

[B]

We were saying, joking, they. Their second power play is just, like, five other sick, young dudes. I'm like, what the fuck? This is insane. Their roster is wild.

[C]

I think they're one of the most fun teams to watch.

[B]

I love.

[A]

Couldn't agree more.

[C]

Yeah, someone. I worked a couple of the games when they. They played Vegas. I worked the broadcast in season, and they were awesome games.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

But, yeah, I don't know. I. I still think, like, the physicality

[B]

thing and, like, you mean Vegas needs to. Vegas asserts that they win.

[C]

Yeah, essentially. Yeah.

[B]

I'm kind of with you. I, I. Oh, I think high on the Ducks coming off, I was like, holy. After the Edmonton thing, and Vegas was like, kind of whatever. I thought they were gonna lose to Utah at a point there.

[A]

So I was like, I think the Ducks will do this.

[B]

But Vegas is getting closer to their game, in my opinion, where I'm like, oh, like, if the Ducks can maybe steal five, okay. But if not, I think you're in trouble.

[C]

That's the other thing, too, is that the longer these games go or the longer a series goes, or maybe the longer Vegas advances, like, they get scarier and scarier.

[B]

I know.

[C]

It's like the. Like pulling someone out to the deep end.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

That's what they're doing, you know, so just slowly. But I think, like, you had a good point, too, about, like, the reality thing with the Ducks and the Buffalo.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Like, there. There has to be this sense of, like, realization where it's like, oh, like, we have a shot at this definitely in 12. I remember, I think I told the story last time I was on here.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

But we had that. I think it was like Kyle Clifford and Trevor Lewis and I. And I'm like, aging or dating our, you know, ourselves. But, but we were coming back after. I think we had just knocked off van and the President's Trophy. And it's like, you go into that series, you're like, all right, the President Trophy, Vancouver, blah, blah, blah. And you're like, let's just try to win this game.

[B]

What happened?

[C]

Right. And then all of a sudden, like, you do handle. And I remember, like, us looking around, we were like, holy shit. Like, do we actually. Yeah. Do we actually. We have a chance at doing this? And not that you don't believe it beforehand, but it's like, it's almost like this, this belief that has to be validated by your experience.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Or like, yeah. You know, like, it's no different than, like, having you, you need to have success to build confidence. It doesn't just happen like that. And I feel like both those teams

[A]

are going through that definitely.

[C]

And the coaches, I bet you are

[B]

just to say that, dude, 100. Because this torch journey has been incredible. Like, I can't believe we're here. And we talked about this a few days ago off camera. If Vegas gets through, they. And let's say it's Colorado, I think there was a stretch if you're the AVs, that you were going. This is actually amazing. We just have to get through two rounds and then play whatever fucking idiot comes out of that pacific situation, you know? And now, though, if it's Vegas and Marner's leading the playoffs in points and Carter Hart's playing pretty good, you're like, damn it. This was not, I was not expecting this. So I'm with you. If they get through again, looking, continuing to look better, Vegas becomes a very, very scary team.

[A]

No question about it. So I, I actually, I think Vegas gets the win tonight because I think they're going to lean on it. I think they're going to lean back and be like, you saw it with Dowd and, and Seneca. Like, you could see a guy like that knows what his, his role is, you know, And I, I, I think that they, you know, they'll go back to Vegas and I think they might get a little chippy and, and take care of this.

[B]

I'm ready for it.

[A]

Okay, so another AD break and get into some fun possible trade discussions to close it out. This episode of the Empty Nerds podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. May is mental Health Awareness Month and that is absolutely crucial because we always talk about breaking down the stigma with mental health and seeking help with whatever you are dealing with. The best part about Mental Health awareness month and BetterHelp is that it teaches you you do not have to go through these things alone. It's always great to talk to someone, voice your issues and get an unbiased point of view on whatever is going on with your life. And BetterHelp is a perfect way to do that. You don't have to deal with the sort of spooky feeling of going and meeting someone, a new therapist. They take care of all of that initial matching stuff for you. You fill out the amazing questionnaire and then you get the industry leading 12 plus years of all of this experience with all of these great therapists. It's unbelievable. They have so much experience with over 30,000 therapists on their roster and over 6 million people globally served in all of these reviews. It's a 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 1.7 million client reviews. BetterHelp is a perfect way to go get some help with whatever you are dealing with. Talk to someone, voice your issues and I'm here to tell you right now, I'm on BetterHelp. So many people we work with are on BetterHelp because it's amazing to talk to someone. Do not struggle alone. Don't go through whatever you're dealing with alone. Get on BetterHelp and talk to someone today. You don't have to do this journey by yourself, I'm telling you right now. So find the support and someone with you in therapy, sign up and get 10% [e-mail] netters that's betterhelp.com netters okay

[B]

everybody, we are taking a quick break to talk about the brand new slate of hot Steaming Hot Netters Merch. Now that it's going to it's on our online store. We have the freshest fits for playoffs and this year's playoffs there's absolutely cooking Dan and we need these fan bases to get involved because I want to see the shirts at the Stanley cup parade just like we did last year. So you got to get it now because before you know it it's going to be midsummer and you're going to be partying for the fourth of July. Hockey season is going to be over and you're going to be the Only ass fan at the pool without a naughty by nature shirt. How embarrassing would that be? Are you kidding me? We've got stuff for the Habs. Cole Caulfield scoring 50. Where else can you get a shirt that says welcome to Quinnesota? Are you joking me? That's a DP special. The playoffs are here, the netters merch is here. So go to Almostfriday shop or scan the QR code on the banner below and get yours. Now you got us in your ears. Now put us on your shirt, your hat, your hoodie, what have you, new netters gear. Get some.

[A]

All right, close out today's episode with probably my favorite discussion in the world is just, yeah, this is fucking trade shit. Let's just chop it up. I wanted to bring this up with you too, because I saw a bunch of shit hitting the airwaves on Twitter today. And it's always nice to give fans of teams who aren't in playoffs something to tell something. But the top one for me that I wanted to talk to you both about is Dallas. Dallas, let me read you this is facing a current cap space is about 1 million. Okay, not very much, not a lot of room, folks. They have Jason Robertson who's about to be rfa. Michael Bunting is going to be ufa. Jamie Ben, only a mill coming off the books. They also have to resign Maverick Bourque, and that's pretty much it. Otherwise it's kind of all like low minimum contracts, but with only a mil. And Robertson currently making 7.7. And everything we're hearing is that he wants what Rantnen is making or more.

[B]

What did Rantnan get?

[A]

Rantnen is making 12 million flat. So you're just a little under doubling what Robertson already makes. Yeah. And I'm sitting here being like you. I. They. They have to do something.

[C]

Is 1 million include the cap going up?

[B]

I think.

[A]

No, no, no, no, it does.

[B]

I found one that was.

[A]

Hold on. But I think the cap is not like what is it going up? All right, hold on, here we go. Their cap space projected next year is 11. That's not even going to cover Robertson's contract. And they probably have like four or five roster guys they need to fill other than that.

[C]

So who on the team makes three or four? And who on the team makes six or seven?

[A]

Great questions.

[C]

You know what I'm getting at?

[B]

I sure do.

[A]

Matt Duchene makes 4.5 for the next three years. Starting next year, Foxa makes 2 for 2. Let's say we're talking next year for two more years. Sam Steele makes 2.1.

[C]

Get rid of him.

[A]

Nope. Essa Lindell makes 5.2. And I mean, here's the big one. Harley starting next year makes 10.5. He currently makes 4, but starting next season, that jumps up to 10.5. So you've got Haskin and making 8.4, Lindell making 5.2, Harley making 10.5, and Labushkin making 3.25. Yeah,

[C]

well, I think it just comes down to they got to make a decision on what they want to do with Roberts.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Because he can get.

[C]

I mean, that's, that's the obvious answer, but it's also a complicated.

[A]

It's a complicated question. Yeah, like there, there, there was such a long time where I was like, obviously you resign this guy, dude.

[B]

The Jason Robertson disrespect from his own team should be studied.

[A]

It's unbelievable.

[B]

I've never understood.

[A]

Not a day goes by without people talking about if they're going to sign him. But as we're looking at it, I'm genuinely like, I don't know how they sign him. Truly. Because He's. Hold on, 26.

[B]

God, he's 26.

[A]

He's 26 years old. So, like, this is his ticket. This is his seven year deal. This is the, this is when he gets as much as he can possibly get. So, I mean, my, I mean the, The Tyler Sagan 9.8 mil is so brutal. Yeah. So brutal.

[B]

How. What happened to him again? He did, right?

[A]

Yeah. Is that what happened?

[C]

I think so.

[B]

I think it's actually better than like degenerative hip stuff, which.

[A]

Well, I mean, the fact of the matter is he's 34 years old and. Let me, let me read you guys this because I love sakes.

[C]

Are you going to WebMD?

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Is that what you're doing?

[A]

According to Claude, it says that Sega.

[C]

No.

[A]

Sagan's games played this year, 27. The year before that, 20. The year before that, 68. Like he's, he's banged up. Yeah, he's a. Banged up.

[C]

He's played a lot of hockey.

[A]

He's played a ton of hockey. He's been playing since he was 19 years old. 74 games when he was 19. Like, he's, he's played a ton of hockey, but he is banged up and he's making damn near 10 mil a year.

[B]

Yeah, you need something from him if he's gonna, if he's gonna get that money.

[A]

Because I don't think you're, you're not Trading that. Right, right. Like, who is taking Tyler Sagan? $9.8 million even, like, how many years

[C]

does he have left?

[A]

Next year will be his last. Yeah, I guess.

[B]

Maybe if he took someone took half the salary or something. Or if you kept half the salary, maybe you could be like, hey, yeah, if he can play.

[A]

I, I, I, listen, I'm not looking for answers.

[C]

Can they ltir him?

[A]

Oh, probably. If he's, if he's, you know, if it's that bad. If it's, if it is that bad, yes, they it call. But I haven't heard anything about.

[C]

But you still have a problem.

[A]

Yeah, exactly. So, again, I'm not looking for answers from you guys, but it's just Dallas became such a fascinating topic for me because I'm like, I've said to you both, I think an Austin Matthews trade and a Connor McDavid trade should be absolutely sniffed by other teams in the league. Yeah.

[C]

And Robertson's a pretty good chip.

[A]

Yes, I'm, sir, if I am Dallas, I am calling Bowman yesterday and I'm offering Robertson hints and two first round picks for Connor McDavid.

[B]

God, and hints. Yeah.

[A]

I mean, you have to. Yeah, true. Robertson's not going to get it alone. I don't, I wouldn't think. And I'm sure there's not getting a loan. I'm sure there's a lot of Dallas fans who would be like, that's too much. But if you put Connor McDavid on that Dallas team, you don't think that they're probably getting past so good.

[B]

Gosh. Well, yeah, they, what is cool is there will be some sort of fireworks with Dallas. There just has to be there. Simply because I think Robertson's camp has a pretty good argument to go. I'm. Give me 12. Someone will give me 12. If you guys.

[C]

How many points do you have this year?

[B]

He had 90. I just looked up 96.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

And dude, and he missed a little bit of time, too.

[B]

Yeah, he had 96 and then he's had 45, 35, 29, 46, 41 goals in the last. That's his goals in the last five years.

[A]

I'm like, he's unbelievable.

[B]

You can have $12 million for sure. So something will happen there. I actually am really interested in what the Sharks do now that they got second overall. Like, do they pick again? Just take.

[C]

Or they try to package that.

[B]

Yeah. Or do you go, okay, let's move this for something massive and then like, accelerate our playoff window because you have guys like even Misa Looked so good by the end of the year, I was like, do you need another second overall?

[C]

Well, I say that the Ducks were one of the most fun teams to watch in the league. The Sharks there, too. I might take my take back. They're number two.

[A]

We joked about. The Sharks are. They are so trick or treat, too. Like, they can beat. And we've talked to tough about it all the time. They can beat any team in the league and lose to any team in the league at any given night. They were the most fun. They were the most difficult team in the world to bet on.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But they were such a fun team to watch. It's crazy.

[C]

Well, I. I worked the broadcast with Chicago when they. And so it was like, Betsy versus celebrating. And it was like. I was like. I was so giddy before the game, and I'm like, I'm just playing into this narrative, like the. The. The former player in me. I was like, I can't stand that I'm thinking this way right now. But no, they're fun. But back to the Dallas thing. So I think it comes down to. It's like, do we utilize Robertson for a chip?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Right. Or love that?

[C]

Or. Or do we. Or do we keep him and gut the depth of our team? Yeah, that's hard, dude.

[A]

Right?

[B]

It is hard. Because if. And this is the toxic thoughts. But you go, all everyone says is depth is how you win, actually. Right. Like, the bottom six wins playoff series, top six wins regular season games, bottom six wins playoff game, playoff series, all that stuff. But I think if you're. Dallas, you are struggling with. We've had the best depth for the last five years, and we lose every time. So I could see the logic of going, you know what?

[A]

What?

[B]

Screw the depth. Let's. Let's get a huge chip and try to win that way, which is doable. Obviously, you can win that way. But it is crazy to kind of buck that trend that you've worked so hard to construct.

[C]

Also, if you're in Jim Nil's shoes, like you say. All right, well, we've come up short the past X amount of years.

[A]

Right.

[C]

I mean, probably six, seven. And they've been in the mix every year.

[B]

We are in our window.

[C]

Yeah. Yeah, we are in our window. And maybe he's thinking, I have to change something, because clearly, and I have to do something big.

[A]

Marty, thank you for saying what no one else will.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

It is like, 100%. That is correct. 100.

[C]

I'm just, like, spitballing if I'm him. And thinking, like, we've come so close so many times, like, maybe this is the perfect opportunity where we have to make a big splash. I don't know. I mean, I also say that and act like Brandon wasn't a gigantic splash.

[B]

Hey, Dallas, do something one time.

[A]

Yeah, Serious. Like, holy.

[C]

But you know what I'm saying, Like, it's like, totally tried that. And yeah, maybe. I don't know. Well, that's. That's easy for me to say. I'm not sitting in that.

[B]

But. But it's. But it's like, it's one of those centers, right? Like, yeah, it's. It's. It's. Go get a. Because I think you're both. I mean, we were talking this on text, but I think you're both right. That's where the headspace goes. Where you go, okay, fine. Fuck this. I'm gonna go get Matthews or McDavid and we'll see what happens.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And I'm like, okay, that sounds awesome.

[A]

Going back to the Ducks, because you just. We were talking about how much fun they are to watch. This is my last, I think, very fun topic here. I said, round one. We're watching Tampa play. Darren Radish has obviously had a great year. And for whatever reason, right. Shot defensemen are fucking like gold in the league because there's none of them. Radish just had a monster year, is a ufa. And I was looking at the Sharks when we're talking about, do they trade the second pick? They need defense so bad. And I was like, oh, they're going to throw a bag at Radish for sure. They have to. Then we're watching the Ducks, and I did not realize this. The Ducks have Gudis. They just traded for Carlson and Truba, who are all ufa. Oh, they all are. Wow.

[C]

They all are.

[A]

All are UFA.

[C]

What's that dollar am I amount? They are 20 million bucks.

[A]

15 I 20 on the dot, 8 for Carlson, 8 for Truba, and 4 for Goodus Sharp.

[C]

I said, hey. I said, if there was one thing that I wanted to be, it was prepared.

[A]

Alt.

[B]

And I just got this guy was an account.

[C]

Outrageously lucky, dude.

[B]

Don't forget.

[A]

Yeah. Math guy over here.

[C]

Oh, yeah, but just a nerd.

[A]

All of them are about to be Ufa. But again, Carlson, 36, Truba, 32, Gudes 35. Saw a report today that apparently Carlson and the Ducks are already talking about an extension.

[C]

You got to keep one of those.

[B]

Have to.

[C]

For the veteran presence.

[A]

Yeah. So it's interesting looking at Their lines. Truba plays with lacombe. Second line is Carlson and Michikov. I look at Lacombe, I think lacombe's unbelievable. He's nasty. He's nasty. Yeah. And we talk about Taves Makar. Unbelievable pairing.

[C]

He's a horse, too.

[A]

Clydesdale.

[B]

Know that he's a Clydesdale.

[C]

Yes. Like, there's. There's not very many of them. Like, I guess I'm biased because he's my buddy and was my D partner, but, like, Alex Petrangelo is. Yeah.

[B]

Yes.

[C]

Drew Doughty is that, like, guys that you can ride for 25 to 30 minutes and especially in the playoffs and, like, there's what, maybe like six or seven of them in the league, maybe?

[A]

Yeah, I do.

[B]

It's funny.

[C]

It's probably more like three or four.

[A]

Yeah. Well, what's funny is two of them are on Minnesota in favor of you.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

They both fucking eat 30 a game, but I look at that.

[C]

But Comb is like that.

[A]

Absolutely. Yeah. And I. I was saying last night, watching the game, I was like, they have got. If. If I am. Verbeek might be number one after. After resigning. Leo and Cutter, who are. They are up, by the way.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

My number one objective is finding a guy to play with lacombe for the next seven years. And as I was like, oh, San Jose should go for Radish. That's another one where I'm like, not a bad guy to put to. He's. I think he's 29.

[C]

Are you saying you give up that second overall pick for Radish? No, no, no. I was going to say.

[A]

No, no. I'm saying Radish is probably someone the Ducks are going to look at. At right shot defenseman. They need someone to play.

[C]

I didn't know if you meant, like, to trade his rights or something like that as.

[A]

No, no bananas. I think Radish is going to be a target. But I. I am curious because I think they have 40 mil next year.

[B]

40 million, dude.

[A]

But, dude, you. You forget got to sign some studs, though. Oh, yeah. I mean, you are. You have RFAs in cutter and Leo,

[C]

and, like, we'll just call it half.

[A]

Yeah, right.

[C]

Half is gone.

[A]

Like, half is gone.

[C]

But you still have 20. 20?

[A]

Yep. Still have 20.

[B]

Give it all.

[C]

Because you're probably. You're probably not giving those guys over 10 at that age. Right.

[A]

Or are you might give it to Leo. Yeah, I mean, Leo is like, you know, you were talking about it with last last week. Like, he's. He is your franchise, by the way

[C]

I caught like Flack online about that.

[A]

Did you see this?

[C]

People didn't like the Kopitar comparison. And I'm like, like, take a compliment.

[A]

It was hilarious.

[C]

Like, like, oh, well, he skates better. He's more offensively talented. This and that. And it's like, I, all right. I, I, I think it's like the recency bias. Like, they don't and, and like the whole. But I guess it was Ducks fan, so they should, but they inherently just don't like any LA King. What do you want me to say? You want me to call him Wayne Gretzky? Like, yeah, like, no, I thought that was a pretty damn good compliment. If anyone called me Andre Kopitar in anything in life, like, I'd be like, this score huge.

[A]

Yeah, we talked about it. It's, it's a bunch of 24 year olds who didn't watch Kopi play in the beginning. Like, they're, they're looking at Kopi from this past year and they're like, he's faster than him. And I'm like, no, he's faster than him right now. But it is, yeah, like, Leo is your franchise guy. Like, that is. And what's also funny, we talked about this. Verbeek literally went, he's like Anja Kopitar when they drafted him.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So I'm like, okay, yeah, yeah. What the fuck?

[C]

The accounting major strikes again. It wasn't math, but similar. Yeah, nailed that one. I didn't know that.

[A]

So this is my question for you guys. Let's say it's half, okay?

[C]

They give him 12. So then you have 18.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

John Carlson is 36. But dude, he had 60 points this year and was the 12th highest scoring defenseman in the league.

[B]

That's crazy.

[A]

I don't think he's going to take that much of a haircut. He'll probably sign a two year deal, maybe three. But like, if I'm him, I'm not being like this. Yeah, I'll take like 2 million a year. I think I'd be like, I'd give me eight again. Yeah, I'm fucking nasty. Like, what do you think about that? I, I, you never know with him. Like, he's made great money, but like, he is still a top defenseman in the league. It's hilarious.

[B]

Yeah, he probably, I think he brought,

[A]

it's kind of what he does.

[B]

Probably. That's what I was right about to say.

[C]

I, I think he, he maybe takes a little bit less. He probably sees the potential in that room and how much fun. I bet you it's like you go into a, like that it's young, it's invigorate. I mean, I don't know the guy, I'm not in the room, but like, you see that and then all of a sudden, like, you know, you go to. Or you're in Washington forever. Your mainstay. Right. And then you get. Whether it was a surprise or not, but Washington is, Where are they at? You know, like, is only retiring. They're a little, a little bit in flux. And then all of a sudden you go to this young and up and coming team that is now all of a sudden in the second round after, like, Quenville's here. Like, why wouldn't you.

[A]

You're in Newport.

[B]

You live in Newport Beach.

[C]

Yeah, yeah. You're living at the beach after.

[B]

Yeah, 100% the cold in D.C. for

[C]

the past, you know, 15 years.

[A]

But it's crazy.

[C]

Yeah, I, yeah, I mean, I don't think that he takes like the hometown discount, but I don't think that he's asking for something crazy.

[A]

Yeah, I, I, I think we're on the same page.

[C]

And he's got a family too. And then all of a sudden, you know.

[B]

Right.

[A]

I'll, I'll close it out with this because it is. When you hear the 40 million number, it's crazy, but the Ducks have to. These are UFAs and RFAs that they have to deal with. Ross Johnston, UFA. He currently makes 1.1. Not that big of a deal. Carter Gaultier, RFA. Leo Carlson, RFA. Huge deals. Ian Moore, RFA.

[B]

Here comes.

[A]

Yeah, then you have Jansen, Harkins and Jeff Field. Best player who has ever lived.

[B]

You have to pay Jeff Bl 20 million. Jeff Beal with $20 million in your cap.

[A]

So all of those guys, that guy's nasty. He's nasty, dude. He's so much jam, it's unbelievable. We joke about it everybod every game. I'm like, he's the most. He is so impactful every single game. It's mental.

[C]

He's awesome. He's like 29, isn't he? Yes, he is.

[A]

He's like gonna, I think he's gonna get a good little deal. Like, he's a fucking very important player.

[C]

I did a breakdown of the game winner when they played Montreal, and they're building at the end of the year. And I called him a young guy and I felt bad afterward because I really thought he was, you know, and he's not old by any means but like, the. If anyone. Like the spinorama pass that he made to Cutter Goche was so nasty. How did he know this?

[A]

He's like so impactful for them. It's unbelievable. Okay. And then John Carlson, ufa. Jacob Truba, UFA Ride Kagudis, ufa. Pavlo Michikov, rfa. Olin Zagwe, Olen Zellweger, rfa. And Tyson Hines.

[B]

So they actually have no money.

[A]

It's like they have so much money, but I'm like, they have to resign their entire team. So. So the Ducks are going to be fun this summer.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

To see what happens.

[C]

Yeah. But the RFA is like, they're not gonna. Unless it's.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Cutter Go Che. Like, they're probably not going to command you just don't. It's simple, like economics and negotiations. Right.

[A]

Correct.

[C]

Like, I mean, Goche had what he have 40 some 41. Yeah, 41.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

So him and Leo, will. They will. They will utilize this system.

[A]

Yes.

[C]

To help. Like, I had a. I had had an agent that told me, said the system is designed to give the teams the upper hand until you turn 27.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

And once you earn that right, then the leverage flips.

[A]

Yes.

[C]

And so these teams aren't stupid. No, actually I know the guy who does it. He did all my contract. Jeff Salomon.

[A]

Look at Jeff.

[B]

Dude.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

No, but it is interesting and I actually just to go back to lacombe. Lacombe was RFA too, and he signed his big ticket starts at 9 next year.

[C]

Year.

[A]

It's very fascinating that Leo, Cutter, Lomb Olen and Pavel Menshikov were all RFAs. And Lacombe's the one they took care of first. Yeah, true. Cuz I. I think it's a test. I. I think all of them are. I know all of them are going to be back, but I think it's a testament again to how good he is. Like, that is like a horse.

[B]

Yeah, that's exactly it.

[C]

They know that these guys don't come.

[B]

They. They know a horse when they see they know a horse and they're like,

[A]

you're gonna play 30?

[B]

Yes. Just.

[C]

Yeah, yeah.

[A]

Like, it's like he signs that and they're like, oh, buddy, it's incredible. I'm going to ride you all the way to the cup, pal. It's going to be great. All right. I got nothing left. Those are the big ones that I really wanted.

[B]

A great summer.

[A]

It's going to be a great summer. All right, that'll do it for this episode Marty, it's always great to have you.

[C]

Thanks for having me, guys.

[A]

It's great to have him for netters after dark. Yes, it's very quiet, especially very quiet in here talking to these two games tonight. Have a blast. We'll keep chatting hockey all week. You know where to find us.

[B]

Skate hard.

[D]

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