Buffalo Is For Real This Time… We Swear w Jack Jablonski

Summary

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Empty Netters Podcast: "Buffalo Is For Real This Time… We Swear"

Host: Almost Friday Media
Air Date: January 29, 2026
Special Guest: Jack Jablonski

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Episode Overview

This episode delivers the quintessential Empty Netters blend of humor, irreverent banter, sharp hockey analysis, and genuine human stories. The central themes are the red-hot Buffalo Sabres, defensemen’s hat tricks, and an inspirational extended interview with Jack Jablonski. There's also spirited talk about the NHL Stadium Series game in Tampa, the Minnesota Wild and LA Kings’ playoff jockeying, the evolution of inclusivity in hockey, and a handful of signature degenerate betting segments.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Banter, Beer League, and Potatoes (00:00 - 03:00)

• Hosts Dan and Sean open with their trademark blend: playful insults, digestive theories (“your immune system is like a brisket”), and somehow, an extended riff on Irish potato preferences.
  • Quote (Potatoes): “We do like a kind of like a breaded thing called a croquette. It's like these little cylinders of bread and potato and... goodness.” — Dan [01:18]

2. The NHL’s Hat Trick Frenzy & The Rarity of D-Man Hat Tricks (03:07 - 13:00)

• Hat Trick Explosion:
  • Multiple hat tricks in January, including Rasmus Dahlin’s for Buffalo, prompt speculation on why so many, especially from defensemen.
  • EdM's Bouchard and Ekholm scored D-to-D hat tricks in back-to-back games—historic.
• Discussion: Rare defensemen with >1000 games and no NHL hat tricks.
  • Interactive, comedic list-building (Luke Schenn, Victor Hedman, McDonagh, Petrangelo, Letang, Doughty, OEL, Nick Leddy, etc.)
    • Quote: "This is a defenseman problem. ...But this is what I'm saying—teams, I'm putting your teams on notice. We got to get these guys hat tricks." — Dan [12:58]

3. Buffalo Sabres: “Are They For Real?” (13:37 - 22:49)

• Hosts debate the seriousness of Buffalo’s turnaround:
  • Sabres are on a tear: 16-6-3 at home, third in the Atlantic, four-game win streak.
  • Quote: “The only way you become a serious franchise is by stacking runs of iterations of serious teams. And this appears to be one.” — Sean [13:59]
• Importance of Midseason Turnarounds:
  • “It almost never happens where you go: Sabres stink—and then halfway through, they go bang, we’re actually fucking nasty.” — Dan [15:32]
• Role of Lindy Ruff:
  • Initial skepticism reversed as team culture shifts.
• Buffalo as Philly’s Obi Wan:
  • After Bills heartbreak, “The Sabres have officially become Buffalo’s Obi Wan. They are their only hope.” — Dan [16:40]
• Trade Deadline Wishes:
  • Both want Buffalo to go after a “whale” (big-time player); suggestion ranges from “middle-six help” to an Artemi Panarin-level star.

4. Emotional Note: Rasmus Dahlin’s Recent Family Tragedy (20:41)

• A heartfelt segment on Dahlin’s loss, the strength of his family, and support from the hockey world.

5. Stadium Series Preview: Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Boston Bruins (24:03 - 30:07)

• Enthusiastic preview of the upcoming outdoor game at Raymond James Stadium (Tampa).
  • Pirate Theme: Hosts riff on the idea of fully embracing pirate aesthetics—penalty box “walking the plank,” refs with parrots, players in pirate hats and eyepatches.
• Weather Ironic:
  • “Gary’s batting a thousand lately—and somehow he’s turned off the heater ... couldn’t be freezing in Tampa!” — Dan [30:44]
• Jersey, Stadium Talk: Home field advantage, unique spectacle of football vs. baseball stadiums.

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Featured Interview: Jack Jablonski (32:09 - 63:45)

1. Early Life, Injury & Community Support

• Jack’s Minnesota Hockey Roots:
  • “In Minnesota, it’s about winning the state tournament. That’s goal number one.” [33:31]
• Spinal Cord Injury Story (Age 16):
  • Sustained from an illegal hit, changed his life trajectory.
  • Waves of support from both Minnesota and the broader hockey world.
• Athlete Mindset’s Role:
  • “I never quit... The athlete mindset, the way you deal with adversity, just kind of put me in the mindset of, you know, this was the next step.” [36:59]

2. On Mental Health and Positivity

• Resilience, Mindset:
  • “I understand my injury. I don’t accept it.” [40:47]
  • Details about adjusting to new normal, value of inner dialogue, importance of daily care and effort.
• The Power of Community:
  • “I was so fortunate to have an overwhelming support system...It almost put me in a mindset of: I can’t let these guys down.” [42:00]

3. The Jack Jablonski Foundation & SCI Research

• Formation of Foundation:
  • "Founded to improve the quality of life for those living with paralysis—through research, clinical trials, and different kinds of medical advancement." [44:42]
• Progress and Fulfillment:
  • “It’s extremely fulfilling... I know that the work I do with the foundation is going to a good cause, and B, I know that the work I’m putting in on myself...is going to benefit in both ends.” [47:03]
• Event Promotion:
  • Annual events, including a pickleball tournament in LA; donations impact cutting-edge research. [90:38]

4. Being Out and Representation in Hockey

• Jack's Experience Coming Out:
  • Fear and anxiety about acceptance in hockey circles—eventually met with support.
  • “All you want to do is just be yourself and not have anything change. I was so nervous...thought my career would be over.” [53:08]
• Importance of Inclusion:
  • “We want to be included, but we also don’t want to be treated any different.” [60:16]
• Media Impact – ‘Heated Rivalry’:
  • Show’s impact in spurring confidence and dialogue around sexuality and inclusivity in hockey.
  • “I literally just felt like I was watching, like, a documentary if I didn’t get injured.” [57:45]

5. The Locker Room: Realities and Hopes

• On the prospect of an active NHL player coming out:
  • “You hope that teammates—everybody in the locker room—can just be a good friend. ...Are you a team, or are you a family?” [58:24]
• TED Lasso reference: Not being treated differently, but being genuinely cared for.

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NHL Analysis: Wild, Kings, and Playoff Races (63:45 - 88:48)

1. Minnesota Wild: Most Exciting Team Yet? (63:46)

• Wild’s three-and-nine start flipped to top-tier play post-Quinn Hughes trade (18 assists in 13 games).
• Goaltending Crisis/Trade Rumors:
  • Potential trade of Wallstedt for a young first-line center; only one net available (Gustafsson vs Wallstedt debate).
  • “If they’re going to move on this year, I think the one to move would be Wallstedt, simply because of what you’d get back.” — Jack [72:11]
• Depth, injuries, and special teams performance as central concerns for playoff run.

2. LA Kings: Buyers or Sellers?

• Dilemma: not enough scoring, world-class defensive group, and must make a playoff push for Kopitar’s last year.
• “Greatest King of All Time” Debate (kopitar vs Gretzky):
  • “Wayne is the greatest player to ever play for the Kings, but he’s not the greatest King.” — Jack [83:11]

3. California Market, Attracting Players

• The lifestyle advantages of SoCal for NHLers.
• An outlier: Trevor Zegras “didn’t love it here; wanted a Philadelphia winter.” [87:44]
• “Few better places to play in the NHL than LA.” [86:35]

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Segments, Games & Betting (93:41 onwards)

Friday Fade, Saturday Sally & Sunday Hat Trick Parlay

• Spirited degenerate betting segments with strong comedic flavor.
• Dense, lightning-round analysis of weekend picks—no major reveals but provides texture of the show.
  • Quote: ”We vowed to be better here...and this surely should have been the one. ...Yes. It was I that picked the Bolts—for the second week in a row, I might add.” — Sean [95:05]

Professor Segments:

• Character-driven rapidfire parlay choices, humorous hockey haikus, and wordplay-laden pick explanations.

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Hat Tricks:
  • “An NHL hat trick is insane. ...Of current active players with over a thousand games, we've got at least seven who've never had one.” — Dan [08:01]
• On Buffalo's Playoff Hopes:
  • “Playoff Buffalo would be an absolute zoo. ...If they make playoffs, I will be there for game one. Bowl of cereal in hand.” — Dan [21:54]
• On LA Living:
  • “Sunshine and warmth is what I strive for. And so this is paradise. In terms of living, I truly don’t think there’s a better situation and lifestyle than being a hockey player in Los Angeles.” — Jack [88:10]
• On Coming Out in Hockey:
  • “We want to be included, but we also don't want to be treated any different.” — Jack [60:16]

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Other Highlights

• Emotional Depth:
  • The entire Jack Jablonski segment is required listening for those interested in resilience, sports community, and personal growth.
• Playful Tone:
  • Witty, sibling-like banter sets the show's vibe; long-running inside jokes and self-effacing humor sprinkled throughout.
• Interactive Research:
  • The live, comedic analysis of odd hockey stats exemplifies the show’s interactive approach.

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Potatoes, Banter, Opening: [00:00 – 03:00]
• Hat Tricks, Defensemen, Trivia: [03:07 – 13:37]
• Sabres “Are They For Real?”: [13:37 – 24:03]
• Stadium Series Talk: [24:03 – 32:09]
• Jack Jablonski Interview: [32:09 – 63:45]
• Minnesota Wild/Kings Analysis: [63:45 – 88:48]
• Foundation Info & LA Living: [88:48 – 91:36]
• Bets / Friday Fade, Parlays: [93:41 – 107:29]
• Game: Connective Tissue (Player Trivia): [115:17 – 121:44]

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Where to Find Jack Jablonski

• Twitter: Main place for content updates.
• Foundation: jablonskyfoundation.org (Info, donation links, upcoming events including the LA Pickleball Tournament in June).
  • “Any donations go to spinal cord injury research...Ironically, there’s no time better to be in a spinal cord injury, I guess, if that's a positive.” — Jack [91:25]

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Summary

The episode is a microcosm of why Empty Netters has found resonance: zany brotherly chemistry, raw hockey stats and stories, plus a willingness to dig deep on both the game and life’s harder topics. The Buffalo Sabres’ redemption arc, the wild defenseman hat trick stats, and Jack Jablonski’s powerful narrative give the show a balance of laughs and impact, underscored by inclusive optimism for the future of hockey.

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For more, catch all the guests, betting picks, and classic Empty Netters energy in your favorite podcast player. Until next time, skate hard!

Transcript

[A]

Welcome to the Empty Netters podcast.

[B]

Can you believe what this has become? There's a full 48 hours where I.

[C]

Felt like I was like, literally Superman. Jumbo loves playing Fortnite, so he gets on the sticks.

[A]

Did TR show you the sauna cycle.

[C]

Or was that all you did?

[A]

No, I invented that.

[C]

Almost a year now that I haven't.

[B]

Taken a body check.

[C]

That's kind of nice. Finished tonight with some chicken fingers and a few Guinnesses. Ran into you guys. And that's where this pod came to life.

[B]

Ice is ready.

[A]

And we are back with another. Another episode of the Empty Nutters Podcast, brought to you by BetMGM. I'm your host, Dan Powers, over here running the show. You know he's Irish because he's like a potato. He's amazing, no matter what version of him you get. Sean Buffini. Thank you.

[B]

I'll take that as a compliment.

[A]

It is. They're incredible. And over here to my left, you know, he's mental because he thinks his immune system is like a brisket. The longer you cook it, AKA sleep.

[B]

The better it gets, as always. That's true.

[A]

It's not even that crazy of a take.

[B]

It's not at all. Because. Well, what is crazy is I believe passionately that the millisecond we all fall asleep every night, you are the sickest you've ever become. Like, literally, if someone woke you right back up, you'd be deathly ill. But then you continue to cook the sickness out of you all night, and then if you get enough sleep, you wake up healthy. I passionately believe that. Sean, what's your favorite kind of potato?

[A]

We do like a kind of like a breaded thing called a croquette. Oh, yeah?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

It's like these little cylinders of bread and potato and. Goodness. That's good. That's fancy.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I was expecting you to be, like, boiled.

[B]

Oh, no, no.

[A]

That's a peasant dish. Hey, hey. I like boiled potatoes. Boiled potatoes are really good.

[B]

Have you seen the Martian? Yeah, that's you, dude. I picture that you're growing potatoes from.

[A]

Your own, microwaves them, and then dips.

[B]

Them in ketchup and ketchup and eats.

[A]

Half with Vicodin as well. I think it would be more fulfilling.

[B]

If you grew potatoes from your own poop. Yeah, sure.

[A]

I'll tell you what, I saw a post once that was like, you will never see a man more fulfilled than when they eat a tomato that they grew themselves. And as someone who is a big vegetable gardener. It's true, dude. Growing your Own vegetables and then eating them is pretty sweet feeling.

[B]

Yes, it is. And it's. Well, we've made this joke before, but A, well, you got to pay attention. But it's not that hard. Like you buy the plant and then you. Then you plant it.

[A]

Keep it stuff alive is not easy.

[B]

Yes, but then B, I love how I'm like, God, I saved six cents on this tomato, you know, like, compared to buying them in the store.

[A]

Okay, that's not true. The longer you go, the way more cost efficient it is.

[B]

Yes, but it is.

[A]

I will say it's funny. Like when you first start, if you build a little veggie, veggie garden, when you buy all the soil and the requirements and the, you know, tomato cages and all this and all that, you are like, damn, that cost me like 250 bucks for like the whole shebang for a potato. So you gotta, you gotta harvest a lot to make it worth it. We've got a big great episode today. Lots of fun topics. The professors are back and our dear friend Jack Jablonski is coming on to share his unbelievable story. You're gonna love that. Let's jump right into. And there's nothing hotter in the league right now than hat tricks.

[B]

It's the coolest thing to do. Peeing your pants is cool.

[A]

If peeing your pants is cool, consider me Rasmus Dahli, because I scored a hat trick last night. Rasmus Dahlien became the latest NHL hat trick in the month of January. I think there's now 28 hat tricks in 27 days of January.

[B]

I got a couple things to say about this one. And you know, this isn't even a shameless plug. This is for real.

[A]

Okay?

[B]

BETMGM runs a hat trick jackpot. Oh my God. Literally. Receive your share of $10,000 in bonus bets.

[A]

Everyone is scoring hot hat trick jackpot.

[B]

Like, the hat tricks are pouring in and our main sponsor offers an incredible pot of money. If you activate it and get a hat trick.

[A]

Just do it anytime.

[B]

Goal score. I'm begging you, do it.

[A]

It's unbelievable.

[B]

Secondly, D hat tricks.

[A]

Lot of D hat tricks. So the Oilers D hat tricks.

[B]

I don't know if that's right, but that.

[A]

No, dat tricks is cool.

[B]

Yeah, dat tricks.

[A]

The Oilers became the first team in NHL history a couple of nights ago to have defenseman score hat tricks in back to back games. Bouchard did it, then Ekholm did it. Unbelievable. Unbelievable.

[B]

Snipe. 200 foot snipe from Ekholm. I know that because that was like traffic sometimes you do?

[A]

Oh yeah.

[B]

You get a full ice but you're like, I can see it, you know. Dude, honestly, you know the one. Remember when I took that puck off the hand in beer league the other night?

[A]

Yes.

[B]

When they had the goalie pulled. I had a clear lane. I needed to ice it because I was like, my hand's broken.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But I had a clear lane at that. And I missed it, you know? And I was like, whatever, she had a broken hand. But that Ekhomwan, there were fucking people everywhere.

[A]

Oh yeah. It was a net seeking missile.

[B]

That was so sick.

[A]

So I got curious.

[B]

Yep.

[A]

And I looked up and please folks, fact check me here because I did the most research that I was willing to do, but it was a decent amount. I got curious so I looked into current NHL players with no career hat tricks and the most amount of games played.

[B]

I love that. I love this.

[A]

So did you peek at this?

[B]

No. Okay.

[A]

There are currently five players with over 1,000 games and zero hat tricks. All five of them have Stanley Cups.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

One with one, three with two and one with three. All five of them are defensemen.

[B]

I was going to say they have to be.

[A]

Makes sense. Yeah. And in this man's opinion, four of them are lock hall of Famers.

[B]

Okay, so these are great players.

[A]

Yeah, all of them are great players. Obviously Stanley cup winners, over a thousand games. So the five guys with over a thousand games and no hat tricks are. Luke Shenzhen.

[B]

Wait, I want to see if I can guess. I actually haven't looked at this.

[A]

Oh, wow.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Is it guessable based on like the cups? Maybe. Yeah.

[B]

Headman.

[A]

Victor Headman is one of them.

[B]

I wouldn't have gotten Luke Shen. Ryan McDonough. No.

[A]

Great.

[B]

Guess how many games or does he have a hat trick?

[A]

I think he must have a hat trick. No way.

[B]

Long. Oh, oh, oh. They all have cups. Interesting. I was about to say Brent Burns, but he could have a hat trick.

[A]

He has one.

[B]

He does have a hat trick. That's sick. Carlson must have a hat trick.

[A]

Eh, this says, based on NHL statistics, Ryan McDonough has never recorded a hat trick. So maybe this research is terrible.

[B]

There's a 30 people I like because.

[A]

Ryan McDonough has 10, 28 games. So let's add Ryan McDonald McDonough.

[B]

I got another one. God. Who. What is a defenseman who's in the league forever? How about.

[A]

Like I said, guys, please help me with the research because I'm not entirely sure this is. This is the best.

[B]

I'm obviously forgetting such obvious people. What about Petrangelo.

[A]

He is not on my list, but.

[B]

Let me do another search. Let's check. Because he's got a cup.

[A]

This says no. Alex Petrango has never scored a hat trick in his NHL career. Okay, this website is trash. Statmuse.

[B]

Okay, give me.

[A]

I'm sewering stat Muse status.

[B]

Sometimes. Sometimes is.

[A]

Is garbage.

[B]

I know they're not usually garbage. Sometimes they just. They get crazy shit to say. I guess that implies they're garbage. I don't think they're garbage.

[A]

What? What?

[B]

Who's on your list?

[A]

Alex, Petrange or Statmuse on this one. Not because Petro 1087 games.

[B]

Maybe it was an old. Maybe it was an old. Before these guys got a thousand.

[A]

Might be an old list.

[B]

What else they got?

[A]

The other guys are John Carlson, Chris Letang.

[B]

No Hattie for either of those guys.

[A]

Chris Letang.

[B]

That's actually shocking to me.

[A]

And Drew Doughty. Our boy Drew.

[B]

We gotta get Drew a hat trick.

[A]

I know.

[B]

How did I not say Drew?

[A]

So. So here's my thing.

[B]

Because I knew he had a Hattie. That's why we need.

[A]

This is why I said I need help on the research. But we've added. If I do a quick. Yeah, Tanger. No hat trick. So we've got seven guys.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

We're adding Petro and we're adding McDonough.

[B]

To this list of over. Maybe more. Maybe more.

[A]

It's probably way more.

[B]

Someone find out, please, in the comments.

[A]

With over a thousand games and no.

[B]

Hat tricks, I'm actually shocked it isn't more, to be honest with you.

[A]

I'm sure it's. Yeah, it's got to be more. What? What. What stat did I even find?

[B]

Hattie's hard.

[A]

I was so excited about this, but it got me. Got me so excited because I was like, when Ekholm scored his.

[B]

I was like, he surely was on the list. Yeah.

[A]

And when all these guys are getting theirs and they're like, first career hat trick. I'm like, oh, yeah, cool. I mean, you're. Sorry. An NHL hat trick is insane.

[B]

And.

[A]

And it was like five and then. Well, but again, it's the thousand games. You have to remember there's tons of guys in the league who don't have hat tricks, but not all of them have over a thousand games. So of current active players with over a thousand games, we've got at least seven here. And that's. These are all guys with cups.

[B]

These are all guys with cups.

[A]

So we got to be on Hattie watch is what I'm saying.

[B]

I Dude, I could not be more down with this.

[A]

I need. I need teams to know this. So, like, the Caps for John Carlson, Penguins for Tanger, Kings for Doughty, Lightning for Headman, Blues for Shanner. Petro's not playing. But all these teams, dude, I'm kind.

[B]

Of going through this and I'm thinking, besides, those two misses you. This might have been right. It might have been right because I'm looking at active guys, over a thousand, and everyone, I'm not checking, but everyone I'm seeing, I'm like, they surely have a hat trick.

[A]

The bolts have two in McDonough and had been. Name the guys.

[B]

Name some guys that you're thinking that are active over. Jonathan Taze.

[A]

Hey, I don't even need.

[B]

Yeah, no, it's no. Oliver Ekman Larson. He could.

[A]

Let's try.

[B]

But like, everyone else is a forward that scored a bunch, so, like, I'm sure they have.

[A]

Oliver Ekman Larson has not scored a hat trick according to Gemini. Okay, so let's add Oel to that list.

[B]

Nick Letty. There's no way.

[A]

No offense, Nick Letty, but there's no way.

[B]

Nope.

[A]

Nick Letty. No.

[B]

Come on. Come on. Shea Weber. But probably, I bet Shay also.

[A]

Is Shea active? I mean, yeah, I guess.

[B]

Fair.

[A]

Yes. Shay Weber has one career.

[B]

Probably. Probably. Who?

[A]

Give me one of them.

[B]

Ryan McDonough. Brendan Dillon. There's cough. Nino Niederider.

[A]

Brendan Dillon. He does not have one.

[B]

Yossi must, right?

[A]

Yeah. I feel like. I mean, this is What's. This is like the funniest real time research of all time on, like, what.

[B]

A pod gets made. Justin Falk. Justin Falk.

[A]

Does Roman yossi have an NHL hat trick? Gemini says as of February 2024, National Predator's captain, Roman Yossi has not recorded a regular season hat trick in his NHL career. No way.

[B]

Oh, my God.

[A]

So this is.

[B]

Falk scored a natural hat trick. Gas.

[A]

That's gas. So this is some of the worst research I've ever done.

[B]

Well, it's probably 10.

[A]

It might be more.

[B]

No, there's not that many. I just looked at every active player with over a thousand games, and they're all. I guess there's a chance that some forwards that I'm just would be shocked by, but.

[A]

Yeah, give me one of those. Give me one of those forwards.

[B]

Okay. Okay. Kadri, like, did you say. Like, did you say Nino? Yeah. Adam Henrique, I guess could maybe.

[A]

Does Nazem Kadri have an NHL hat trick? Yes, Kadri has one. Now let's Do Nino.

[B]

Adam Henrique has a hat trick. Like, I just assume these. If you're a forward and you've been playing this and you have a thousand. Yes, Nino has. I bet you have a hat trick.

[A]

So, okay, so we added Ryan McDonough. We added Alex Petrangelo. We added Brendan Dillon. We added Roman Yosi.

[B]

Crazy.

[A]

Was anyone else? No.

[B]

Well, actually, maybe, but I can't remember. We'll have to fill this up with somewhat. Well, actually, no. We just did the work.

[A]

So this is a. Understandably. Nick Letty.

[B]

Yep.

[A]

Nick Letty. So we're up to 10.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So needed to go deeper. Research. Thank you for the help there. This is a defenseman problem. Understandably.

[B]

Understandably.

[A]

But this is what I'm saying. Teams. I'm putting your teams on notice. We got to get these guys hat tricks. Drew Doughty needs a hat trick.

[B]

Oh, that would be sick. I mean, Drew Doughty needs a. I'd throw my hat.

[A]

So here's. Here's the deal. Kings fans and Bolts fans, especially for Headman and McDonough. I mean, also Tanger. Like, give me a break. Tanger.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

If these guys get two goals this season, you better be feeding him with an empty net. And frankly, the other team, I don't care if they're up by five goals.

[B]

Pull the goalie.

[A]

We need more hat tricks. That's what I'm saying.

[B]

Hat trick. Jackpot. Pull the goalie. Pull the goalie. Empty netters.

[A]

We started talking about this because Rasmus Dahleen got a hat trick last night. So let's transition this right into some Sabres talk. The Buffalo Sabres are a serious franchise.

[B]

The Buffalo Sabres are not a serious franchise.

[A]

Chris.

[B]

Dan. The Buffalo Sabres are not a serious franchise. But this iteration of the Buffalo Sabres team is a serious team.

[A]

They are. They are now a serious franchise. And I won't hear anything different.

[B]

This franchise is not serious. However. However. The only way you become a serious franchise is by stacking runs of iterations of serious teams. Yeah, this appears to be one. I thought they had one a few years ago, and then they followed that up with very unserious teams. This appears to be a serious team.

[A]

This is absolutely electric. What's happening?

[B]

Oh, my God. Dude. It's incredible.

[A]

The Buffalo Sabers are the heater that they have been on. It's the likes of which we haven't seen in a long time. And they had that like nine game or eight game win streak and then they lost and people were like, oh, no. But then they're like, boom. They rattled off A bunch again. They've got four in a row right now. They're 16, 6 and 3 at home. They've got a plus 20 gold if. And they're third in the Atlantic. Dude.

[B]

And it's. I said this a while ago. I need people to appreciate how rare it is for a team to turn around mid season.

[A]

Yeah, the Blues did it when they.

[B]

Were in last place, usually. Like the Islanders, like the Ducks, like the Sharks. And any team that's a surprise in a season where you go, wow, they might make playoffs. Yeah, they are. They do it from the very beginning.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You go, oh, whoa. The Ducks are, like, kind of competitive. And then it just continues. That's how these big surprises happen. It almost never happens where you go, sabers are in last. Sabers stink. And then half of the year they go, bang. We're actually fucking nasty.

[A]

It's so true. And I owe Lindy Ruff an apology.

[B]

I know, because I thought.

[A]

I thought. So do I. I was unsure about that hiring, and then they started so poorly, and I was like, dude, I think that you just have to figure out that this is not it. But the return of Lindy has flipped on its head in the best way. Jarmo came in, changed vibes. I just think, listen, the Joe Brady hiring of the Buffalo Bills, I don't think thrilled that many people.

[B]

No offense.

[A]

No offense to Joe Brady. I think he's like an LSU guy who was just coaching somewhere.

[B]

Lsu? No, no, no, no, no.

[A]

He's like, look him up, you fucking lazy shit.

[B]

Yay. Don't call me lazy. You said five dudes.

[A]

I just had the worst research of all time. But, hey, I got us there. I got us on track. The Bills have lost yet again. We got crying. Josh Allen is breaking all of our hearts.

[B]

That was sad.

[A]

And now Joe Brady from.

[B]

Joe Brady from.

[A]

This guy can't keep up.

[B]

I have no idea. No idea.

[A]

Is his name even Joe Brady?

[C]

It is.

[B]

It is. It is.

[A]

Thank God I didn't fuck that up. But my point is, the Sabres have officially become Buffalo's Obi Wan. They are their only hope. Yeah. All of. All of Buffalo needs to be pouring all their energy into this team. And I. What really makes me happy is I think that the Sabers have an opportunity to go for a fucking whale here at the deadline. Make a trade. How is it possible that it's taking you this long to look up Joe Brady and who he just coached for?

[B]

Literally, because every article. This is why AI will win. Because if I just type into ChatGPT what did Joe Brady do? It's like this. But if you go, if you Google what did Joe Brady do before the bills? It's 10 articles about like the bills to fire Sean McDermott. And then you gotta scroll halfway down to even see Joe Brady. And, and even all those articles you click on, the first thing comes up is 10 pop up ads. And I'm like, close, close. And I'm like, what was his job? Yeah, how have you not spit that back at me immediately?

[A]

I'm so. I'm just shocked that you didn't just go to Joe Brady's Wikipedia page.

[B]

Yeah, even that's like halfway down. Early life, college day.

[A]

Just fucking tell us where he coached.

[B]

He worked for the Bills.

[A]

He's just an internal hire.

[B]

Internally promoted. Jesus. But he was the offensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers in 20. 20, 2021.

[A]

I want the Sabres to go get a fucking whale. I want that.

[B]

Who do you want?

[A]

I think I want. I was looking at their lines. I think I want middle six forward help. Like that first line.

[B]

That's not a whale, though.

[A]

Why not? Give me a second line. Great player.

[B]

Okay, that's a small whale. What's the smallest whale, Sean? We find out. Thank you so much. Because I know it's a sperm whale. No, that's the biggest.

[A]

No, it's not. It's a dwarf sperm whale. So I was right.

[B]

Oh, that's crazy.

[A]

I fucking knew it.

[B]

Well, is a dwarf sperm whale and.

[A]

A sperm whale the same thing? I don't think, like, if I gave you a baby potato and told you a potato, you'd be like, where's the.

[C]

Rest of the potato?

[A]

But it's still a potato.

[B]

Yeah, but fair point.

[A]

No, I think this is more similar to if someone said, what's the smallest potato? And I said a fingerling potato. And Sean, when it's actually a dwarf fingerling potato, I'd be like, well, it's still fingerling.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[A]

Like I got sperm. And that means. That's. That means something.

[B]

That does mean something I'm actually shocked at.

[A]

So I look Samuelsson, Dahleen, Byram Power. Like, Kesterling's great. Metza's great. I like their D. I know. And I just think that maybe we could get like a big time. Like go get fucking Artemi Panera.

[B]

That's what I mean. More like, I think you gotta go. You gotta go here. You gotta go get something real.

[C]

And.

[B]

Like really do it. And it's actually crazy because still, dude, I look at it.

[A]

Isn't this exciting. Oh, it just feels. Every year at the deadline, it feels like Buffalo's gonna go like this. We're gonna trade someone, and they're gonna go immediately win a cup. Can I ask, how about this time they trade for someone and they immediately win a cup? How about that?

[B]

How about that? Can I ask a question? How is this happening?

[A]

Yarmo. Yeah. Culture changer.

[B]

Because I remember when we brought this up the first time, you look at their stats and, dude, don't get me wrong, Vegas won the cup with Eichel having 66 points and leading the team, and they are complete. They're rolling lines. Great goaltending that year. Everything you want. You look at this team, and I know everyone goes, well, they've been even better lately. But I'm like, yeah, but Tage has 55 points in 52 games, leads the.

[A]

Team 55 for 55.

[B]

Shakespeare Tuckey, 43 points in 51 games. And then. And then Darlene's having a great year, but after that, it's very not. You know, you don't see the production that you go, oh, my God.

[A]

Yeah, they're spreading the wealth.

[B]

And then I go, oh, well, it's the goalie play. And then you look at the goalie play, and I'm like, that's actually not very good from any of them. And then I go, oh, that's interesting.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So it's. I'm like, I don't know what's going on. But they have put it. They are stringing. They are winning games. They're winning, which is all that matters, literally. Yeah, but they are winning games.

[A]

Yeah, it's true. They're winning games, and they're doing it in a fun way. They're pumping in goals, getting Captain Chatrix. And also do want to take a moment to say that story released of Rasmus, Dalene and Carolina and the tragedy they dealt with with her heart failure, the unbelievable doctors and paramedics who helped her, and then the tragedy of losing their child. That was just such an emotional story. So all of the love in the world to the Dahlian family, and it just warmed my heart so much to see him get that hat trick and see this team going well with him as the captain. It's just. It's fantastic, dude.

[B]

I encourage everyone to go back and find that Players Tribune article I think Dahlie wrote, right? That was like, we want this so bad for Buffalo. It was such a sick read. And I remember what it felt like. I mean, we interviewed Taej and Tucky, right? That summer like right after this. And obviously that season ended up sucking, but the buzz with them, it was a lot building. They were. They were like, this is our time.

[A]

Yeah. It's special.

[B]

And I. We got delayed. It got delayed. We had a speed bump. But I think we're now back and God, a Sabres run would feel fucking incredible.

[A]

Can you imagine just playoffs. If they make playoffs, I will be there for game one.

[B]

Yeah. Bowl of cereal in hand.

[A]

Yeah. It's like Tim Hortons. Fucking unbelievable.

[B]

What are those things called? The.

[A]

This Timbits. Yeah.

[B]

Well, those are gas. But the drink that ran.

[A]

Oh, yeah. Red loves that drink. It's like. It's like a freeze cream ice cap.

[B]

Ice cap.

[A]

Ice cap.

[B]

Tim Horton ice cap and some bits. Come on. Holy shit, dude. We're talking about going to Utah for playoffs. Skiing all day. B Dubs, B Dubs.

[A]

Could you imagine a Utah, Buffalo, Stanley Cup Final?

[B]

Dude, I'm going B dub, B dub. Ski, B dub, playoff game. Then I go Buffalo cereal, bits, wings, wings. Oh, more wings. I go Buffalo Wild wings into Buffalo.

[A]

You're talking about wings in Utah and not in Buffalo. The hell's the matter with two wing.

[B]

Capitals of the country?

[A]

Everyone knows the two wing capitals. And also we got flamed, pun intended, by Calgary fans being like this. You guys don't know shit about Calgary. When we are talking about like the environment in these places. And to that I say, you are absolutely correct. So thank you for educating us. We're trying to learn here. What do you know? Apparently it's not that cold.

[B]

It's not that cold in Calgary.

[A]

We don't. Hey, you've never been.

[B]

They're fucking crazy.

[A]

No, they're. They're great. They're fucking cowboys up there.

[B]

What do you think the temperature is in Calgary right now?

[A]

In Fahrenheit or Celsius?

[B]

I don't know Celsius. I don't know what that means.

[A]

I bet right now at this very moment In Calgary, it's 29 degrees. Sean. I'd say it's 32 degrees. Like it.

[B]

33 degrees. Yeah.

[A]

We were both very close.

[B]

Yes, absolutely.

[A]

So it's not that cold.

[B]

That's cold.

[A]

Yeah, that is cold.

[B]

It's fucking cold in Calgary. I think if anyone thinks it's not cold in Calgary, then they are. They need to get a less incredible parka.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Because that's pretty cold. Take that off.

[A]

Yeah, that's not that cold though. But I'm sure it gets.

[B]

We're learning. I'm sure it's cold.

[A]

We're Learning. Okay, Buffalo, go get a whale. Keep this up. Last bit of news. Let's talk about stadium series. We're heading to Tampa.

[B]

But tomorrow, when you're listening to this. No, no, I'll be fine. In the morning, when you listen to.

[A]

This, are we flying on Tuesday or Thursday or.

[C]

No.

[B]

Friday. Friday.

[A]

Yeah. Okay. We're heading to Tampa. It's going to be great. We got Boston. We got Tampa. Boston 41 and 0 in outdoor games. Their only loss was 2016 Winter Classic at Gillette against the Habs.

[B]

Tough day. Yeah.

[A]

Tampa is one. And, oh, they beat the Preds in Nashville in the 2022 Stadium Series. That was a sick game.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Preds had a good jersey in that game.

[B]

The outdoor environment is unique.

[A]

Very cool.

[B]

I'm loving that it's at Raymond James.

[A]

Yeah. I love.

[B]

It's so interesting that the baseball stadium.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Looks so incredible when you are zoomed out.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And I even mean in at the place. But like, when you're in the concourse, you're just looking at everything. Unbelievable visual I made every time. When you are actually watching the gameplay. The football stadium provides just more logic, if that makes sense. It's literally built to be around everyone staring at this one rectangle in the middle.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So it actually works out really nicely. I've been to Raymond James before. I'm excited to go back. I think that the. Normally, I'm always on a home team, but I think the environment.

[A]

Can I stop you real quick?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Raymond James is named Is. That's not a company, that's a human.

[B]

I assumed so, but I don't know. Who is Raymond? What's his name? Raymond Fight Club. Sean, come on. Who is Raymond? Yeah. Tyler Durden takes his wallet and he's at Raymond's, a veterinarian. And he goes, you're going to go back to your life and you'll be happy.

[A]

Now you remembered that character's name.

[B]

Yeah, I never.

[A]

He's like, Raymond.

[B]

And he goes, and Raymond.

[A]

Yeah, we'll get it.

[B]

Okay. Who is Raymond James?

[A]

I think it's Raymond. He says the middle initial, too. I mean, it's like Raymond K something.

[B]

Raymond James most commonly refers to the financial services firm founded by Bob James, which is complete bullshit. But the name itself comes from a partnership with Edward Raymond, who sold his firm to Bob James in 1964, leading to the creation of Raymond James and Associates. So it's not that cool, but it is two men. It is the last name of two men.

[A]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. So not that cool.

[B]

Edward, Raymond.

[A]

We Don't.

[B]

Bob James.

[A]

We don't get stadiums much anymore that are, you know. Yeah. Fenway a dude. But even Fenway is like a huge conglomerate now. But, hey, that's cool.

[B]

That's cool.

[A]

Raymond K. Hessel.

[B]

Fuck Raymond K. Hessel and Raymond.

[A]

You got the Raymond, I got the K. Sean. Where the fuck were you, dude?

[B]

I was thinking of Rob. Was it Robert Paulson?

[A]

His name is Robert Paulson. Yeah, good, too.

[B]

Yeah, that's really good.

[A]

They're doing a pirate theme.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah, dude, the pirate ship is there.

[A]

I. I love it.

[B]

Oh, I thought you're about to be upset about that.

[A]

No, no, no. But I hope they lean into it. Like, if you get a penalty, I hope you go into the box and then you have to walk the plank.

[B]

That would be awesome.

[A]

Out the backside of the penalty box, because it's on the field. There's no seats there. There should be a penalty box and a plank.

[B]

You have to bounce.

[A]

You literally have to watch. And jump into a foam doing. You have to walk the plank, jump into a foam pit, then you can come back and get in the box. Wouldn't that be funny? If you got a penalty, you kind.

[B]

Of be like, the Bucks play there. So the Tampa Bay Bucks, which is why it's all pirated up. But the USF Bulls. Maybe it's the college.

[A]

Why did you keep saying baseball field if this is where the Bucks play?

[B]

Because I said baseball fields look way cooler. Football fields are amazing. Because they're all aimed at the same thing. I'm so excited to be at a football field. Bulls, I think, maybe play there all the time. But I saw. That's why I was there. I saw a Bulls game.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And there's a fucking massive pirate ship.

[A]

What's a. What is a bowl? A bowl.

[B]

The USF Bulls.

[A]

The usf. They're throwing too many teams in sports at me right now.

[B]

And. Yeah, you got a fucking.

[A]

I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

[B]

And there's a huge pirate ship, and they. And granted, they're the Bulls, not the Bucks, but they just didn't use it. And I was like, there's a huge pirate ship here, dude. Gotta use that fucking. I don't give a shit.

[A]

Did they fire the Irish Famine?

[B]

You gotta use the pirate. Yeah, no, that's what I'm saying. I want. I want cannon blast. Yeah, I know. This is the Tampa Bay Lightning.

[A]

Oh, there's gonna be.

[B]

I want fucking cannon blast. I want the outside to be all pirate.

[A]

Would you respect the commitment? You know how Often times we see the goaltenders wear toques on top of their helmets. Would you respect if the goalies wore pirate hats?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Would you respect if any of the players wore an eyepatch?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Threw off their depth perception in a big way while playing.

[B]

I bet Cooch could do that.

[A]

I bet Cooch could still play with an eye.

[B]

He played an NHL all star game cross eyed, so I'm sure he could.

[A]

Would you respect if we saw any peg legs?

[B]

Yes. Ovechkin style.

[A]

If. Boom.

[B]

I have a metal leg.

[A]

If one of the coaches, if Marco Sturm or John Cooper doesn't belt strap their leg in an upright position and then have a Halloween costume movie quality peg leg behind the bench, I'll be upset.

[B]

I want him. What if Cooper just has a pirate or I mean a pirate. A parrot right here. Not. Not a real one or a real one. But what if he coaches with a parrot the whole time?

[A]

That'd be pretty sick.

[B]

I would think that would be one of the coolest things that could ever happen. Yeah, I bet. I bet. Who's reffing? Wes. I bet Wes could ref with a parrot and then the parrot could say the penalties. Yeah, we could. If we get. If we work on this right now. It's Wednesday. If someone gets to work on this, I guarantee you by Sunday we can have a parrot that can say two minutes tripping.

[A]

If. If that's possible.

[B]

It is.

[A]

Someone needs to make that happen Ton. Tonight.

[B]

That's what I'm saying. That's what I'm saying. Which one's the better jersey?

[A]

I think I like Boston's a little bit more, but they're both very. They're both very flashy.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Like we talked about. The ice blue of Tampa is kind of fun.

[B]

I think they're great. I think it's gonna look awesome.

[A]

I think it's great. I think the NHL always puts on such a good show with these games. I'm psyched. I'm psyched to be there.

[B]

It's also. It's gonna be cold. Did you see that? Yeah. It's the NHL. I don't know what Gary. I don't know who Gary's talking to up in the sky up there, but.

[A]

Everybody'S making it happen.

[B]

You can't. You can't throw a outdoor game in Florida. And he goes, what if it's 32 degrees in Tampa on Sunday?

[A]

I'm telling you, it couldn't be.

[B]

It's 67 on Friday.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And he goes, watch this.32.

[A]

I'm telling you. Gary's batting a thousand. Gary's batting a thousand lately, and he's been on a heater and unfortunately. And somehow he's turned off the heater.

[C]

He did.

[A]

Because it was freezing in Miami and it's about to be freezing in fucking Tampa. Guy's an absolute legend. Let's take a quick ad break and then we'll jump into our chat with our dear friend Jack Jablonski.

[B]

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[A]

Super, super pumped to welcome to the Empty Netters podcast. Unbelievable human being who has shared his story so many times, inspiring millions and millions of people. Started the Jack Jablonski Foundation. He is a hockey fanatic. Absolute weapon in your time on the ice. Unbelievable. Has worked with the Kings, with the wild, and just as I said at the top, one of the better guys around. My good buddy Jack Jablonski. Welcome to the Empty Nerds podcast.

[C]

Hey, I appreciate it. It's good to be on, dude.

[A]

We're pumped to have you.

[B]

Good to be up in Santa Monica.

[A]

Brother of our beer league team teammate.

[C]

Yes.

[B]

Oh, that's awesome.

[A]

The OG jabs. Yep, the OG Jabs.

[B]

Dude.

[A]

It's so awesome to finally get you here on the show. Tons to talk about, as we said. Worked with a bunch of teams. Want to hear all about that. But because it's so inspiring, because it's so amazing, we wanted to open with the story of your injury and all the things that you've done. So please tell the fans about, you know, growing up playing in Minnesota, your journey, what happened, how you didn't let it break you down and how you've been just so inspirational and motivated to just keep going and getting better every single day.

[B]

And Jeff, start with how big hockey is in Minnesota, because the dude listening from there. No, but I think a lot, you know, we have a lot of LA fans and stuff, like, yeah, I want people to know that it is life up there.

[C]

It is life. You know, I think it's funny because when you look at anybody, whether it's in America or Canada or wherever, like you dream of like winning the Stanley cup, like that's, that's goal number two. In Minnesota, it's about winning the state tournament.

[A]

So true.

[C]

It's so life, like. And, you know, I think youth sports in America, specifically in the hockey world, like so much of it is, you know, you've got your AAU team or your triple A team and you're traveling clubs or whatever. For Minnesota, it's so much about where you grow up and what your identity is and your city organization. Like, you play youth hockey there and then you dream about playing for the high school team, making it as a freshman or a sophomore in some of those bigger clubs at the higher levels. And for Minnesota, like, that's what it's about. You play on the ponds and then you go to practice and you come back and play on the ponds again. It's epic. And so growing up in Minnesota, I was injured as a sophomore in high school When I was 16, I got checked from behind, illegally went head first into the boards and broke my neck in two places and severed my spinal cord injury. And it was obviously a tragic event. It changed my life forever in all the worst possible ways. But at the same time, I was so, so fortunate to have so much support and specifically coming from the hockey community, it's such a tight knit community. I think when anybody listens to a hockey player talk, it's always the, the we before me things. And we realize how much of a team sport it is. All the sacrifices our parents make, our family makes just to allow you to be able to play the sport, to afford the sport so much of that. And when I got injured. I think it's one of those situations where you realize that, yeah, it's a contact sport, it's a physical sport, and it can happen to any one of us.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

And for me, you know, you play the sport, you never think it's going to be you. And it happened. And I was very fortunate to kind of, I guess, spark that emotional chord with so many people that wanted to help support in so many different ways, attention, you know, trending on social media, the front page of Yahoo. And obviously people wanted to donate and help with the recovery process. And I think I came from two very strong parents and, and obviously a younger brother who was, was by my side at all times that, that always were there for me and sacrificed so much of their lives after my injury to, to allow me to recover and to heal and try to make the best of obviously a not so great situation. And I, I never quit. You know, it was just one of those things where, you know, the athlete mindset, the way you goal set, the way you deal with adversity, just. Just kind of put me in the mindset of, you know, this was the next step, next stage, and because of it, just continued to track on and obviously make the best of a situation. So stayed in the hockey world. I love the sport, couldn't see myself without it even after the injury. And, you know, Almost, you know, 14 and change years later, here we are so, still so stoked to be in the hockey world and to be a part of the game that I love. And, you know, it obviously may have had this impact on me, but it's been a hell of a road and I'm very proud of what we've been able to accomplish, both from a personal standpoint and obviously a career standpoint as well.

[A]

Well, I mean, it's a better world having you in it, and I hope you know that.

[C]

Seriously, I appreciate it.

[A]

And I want to go back to. You know, you've talked so much about how incredibly helpful your family was and the community, your teammates, all the people in Minnesota, so much rallying, rallying together. But I do want to take a bit of time. It's, it's funny that you said the we before me because you never talk about this part. You, you always really harp on how great everyone else was. I don't think you ever give yourself enough credit because I do want to say not a lot of people hear the stories when stuff like this happens, when something happens to you unfairly, when you can't really understand it, how much it weighs on you.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And everything I know about you from, you know, the people who introduced us to our friendship as it's grown, it is remarkable to me how positive you've always been through all this. And if you can just, you know, speak on that, because I think it's so valuable to people going through, whether it be an injury, whether it be a trauma, emotional stuff, it is crazy how important the, the, you know, the self care is and the words of affirmation to yourself. And I just think you've done such an amazing job of that.

[C]

I appreciate that and it means a lot. I think, you know, when you live this injury and you're forced to grow up at the age of 16 into being an adult or realizing what was in the past, living a dream life, playing a sport that you love and having a promising future to make it through college and who knows where life would have gone post college and whatnot. But the reality of living in a hospital for four and a half months at the age of 16, having everything flipped upside down from what was normal and what was a dream life to now what is a new normal, it takes a huge toll on you. And I think, I think I try to just like deflect it to not like kind of in many ways bring back like so much of what we've had to overcome both as an individual and as a family. And for me specifically, you know, I wouldn't wish this upon my worst enemy, right? Like, you can't get in bed on your own. You can't get out of bed on your own. Like the day to day living.

[B]

I.

[C]

Think I'm almost numb to it because I think if you really break down the, the lack of independence and what help and care that goes into it every single day, and not just every single day. We're talking hour to hour, we're talking assistance getting from A to B, whether it's getting, you know, having my caregiver slash assistant drive me around to being able to feed myself certain meals, to being able to go out and about with friends, but you have to make sure that X, Y and Z are taken care of if, if something happens. So there's so much planning that goes around it. There's. There's so many different obstacles that I've obviously had to adjust to or at least, you know, kind of give in to. And at the same time, you know, it's all while still trying to make the best. Right? You're still trying to, you know, you can't change the past. And, and I have a Tattoo on my arm, it says, I understand my injury. I don't accept it. Like, I understand the situation. I know what the reality is. I know where science is in terms of recovery and research, but I'm also not just going to accept the reality of what this is. Yeah, it's just, you know, it's not an area where I'm just gonna, you know, sit in my room for the rest of my life, dope on. You know, how shitty things can be or what could be better. You just make the best of what you got, dude.

[B]

I wanted to. And I'm gonna want to get into your foundation in a second, but think about. When I think about the tattoo you have and the foundation you end up starting how. If you're comfortable saying, how did you get there? Like, even the mantra that you just said out loud about the tattoo, Because I have to believe at the beginning, you were like, I also don't accept this, and this is unfair. And, like, how did you get from fuck this to, like, you know what? I understand. I don't accept. So I will make change.

[C]

Yeah, I think it's a combination of things. I think early on in the. In the injury, the days following, like, literally the days following, I'm in a halo. I can't move any body parts. Like, I'm barely twitching muscles at this point. And we still don't know, you know, the prognosis is you might not move the left side of your body. You'd be lucky to bend your right arm.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

And within a week, I was already, like, starting to move it. I, like, brought my brother right next to the bed and, like, hit him and shit.

[B]

And.

[C]

And he's. He does. He does the whole, like, hey, don't do that. Oh, wait. Fuck, dude. He's like, all right, wait, so I can beat you up more? Like, with. With consent.

[B]

But.

[C]

But. But for me, it was a matter of. It was so overwhelming. But while it was so overwhelming from a internal perspective while you're sitting in a hospital. Hospital bed trying to comprehend. Trying to understand how you got here or. Or what led to it, you know, of course, I think everybody has those what ifs in life. What if I made this decision, and for me, you know, even to this day, you play it back. Like, what if I would have worked out more? What if I would have taken things more seriously? What if I didn't turn left instead of. Instead of cutting across the ice? That would have led to not putting myself in the position that I did. Of course, it wasn't my Fault, but, you know, it was a legal hit and, you know, shit happens. Right. You know, it's a. It's a fast game. Penalties get taken. Right. You know, it's. It is what it is. But for me, I think part of it was the, the fortune of having such an overwhelming support system and public support right away, because it almost put me in a. In a mindset of where I can't let these guys down. Like, I have so many people that are rooting for me and so many people that care about the best for me right now and moving forward, and. And for me, it was so much of a. Well, you know, they're not giving up on me. I can't give up on them either.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Such a fucking hawk. Yeah.

[C]

And so it was. It was so much of. They were rallying around me, but I was rallying not for them, but in many ways, you felt like it was like I had to rally for myself. I still had to get up and go to physical therapy for five and a half hours a day for a whole year. And I obviously still do it, and, and I'm still extremely active in the physical therapy world. But it was so important because with spinal cord injuries, the first 18 months after your injury is essentially when you're gonna get what you get back in terms of activation, in terms of taking advantage. Once the 18 months hits, what you physically can do and can't do is a plateau in many ways, but it's taking advantage of those 18 months because you can activate so much more as the spinal cord unswells. And then once you hit that 18 months, whatever muscles you can move around and, and activate, you can make stronger. It's just those 18 months were so crucial for recovery.

[A]

Yeah, definitely.

[C]

And. And for me, it was full go. The second, you know, you kind of get out of that first funk of realizing that, you know, this is, this is what's going on, so you might as well do something about it.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah, for sure.

[B]

Okay. And then the foundation, I believe, started a year. Yeah. A year after one year anniversary.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So sick. Right? So. So, you know, what went into the planning of that and.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

And what does it mean to you and all that?

[C]

Yeah, I mean, first and foremost had a great support system that, that helped kind of deal with a lot of the stuff in the background. I was so fortunate to have a ton of support in all different facets in that first year after the injury. And my family and I kind of realized that, you know, we wanted to give back. We realized that I was Very lucky in the aspect of having the support that I did, especially in that first year, and of course, continued since. But it was time to give back to the community, a community that needed a voice, that needed someone with more positivity to come in and say, this isn't good enough. The research isn't where it needs to be, or, we need to make it better so that people like myself, the 1.3 million Americans living with paralysis can. Can have something to look forward to, to believe in, to. To continue working hard for as the research can get better. And that's what we've really focused on. You know, the foundation's focus is to improve the quality of those. To improve the quality of the life of those living with paralysis. And it's through research, it's. It's finding out how we can improve every single day, whether it's a surgical implants, it's stem cells, it's, you know, on the skin stimulation, it's different types of stimulation. There's so many different avenues. And it's. The tough part about it is it's not like cancer, where you have cancer and you do chemotherapy, and that likely will kill X, Y, or Z. We don't know exactly what's going to fix things, but we do know that there's a bunch of different things that are improving the quality of lives. And it's probably going to be a combination of a few different things, but ultimately, it's getting better because of the research and a lot of our money and in the. The research has. Has really helped progress that. Yeah.

[A]

I mean, it's amazing, man. You guys have raised, you know, millions and millions of dollars. It's obviously helping so many people. How. How great has that been for you, too? You know, it's. It makes me so happy that you, you know, you didn't let hockey leave you, and you still do what you love, and you're in a world that you love. But having this as well, that must be very fulfilling.

[C]

You know, it's extremely fulfilling, but it's also so healthy, Right?

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

I know that I'm not putting in the work for nothing.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Like, I know that, A, the work that I do with the foundation is going to a good cause, and then B, I know that the work that I'm putting in on myself, whether it's through therapy or it's through physical therapy, that all of that is going to benefit in both ends.

[A]

Right.

[C]

Like, I know that me staying healthy, me putting in the time in the gym and working on the treadmill, and all that stuff that, that is going to be beneficial because I'm staying healthy to be able to take advantage of when these medical research, trial studies and breakthroughs come to the clinics and are through the FDA and all that stuff. So. So no question, it definitely keeps me motivated, but it's kind of a double edged sword in. In both the best ways.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You know what pissed me off? That you spent four months in the hospital and you had a tutor come in so you could keep up with school.

[C]

Dude.

[A]

Oh, my God.

[B]

I was like, are you insane?

[A]

You're gonna get back here, get out of here.

[B]

Get our muscles back. And you're like this. Actually, I will not miss a beat in the class.

[C]

I was like, well, I didn't want to. I had to. The. The thing was, is, you know, injured Christmas break, sophomore year, so you missed the whole second semester. And I. I was at a, you know, private Catholic school. You know, I went there for hockey, but, you know, you know, education too. And it was. It was one of those things where it's like, I didn't want to, like, be a grade behind. Right. So I was like, I want to get back day one of junior year with my class, so, like, well, you gotta do school. And I was like, well, what. What don't I have to do? And they're like, well, you don't have to do science because you're learning science.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

And I was like. And then they're like, all right, so you got to do. We'll wave religion. And I was like, great. And then it was like, math. It was math and, and like English. So I was reading Macbeth during Jesus and I was like, there's a. It was bad, but it was partly because it began while I was in the hospital. Like, they had a random tutor.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

It did not go well because they're like giving me homework assignments and I'm not doing it. And. And then I got out of the hospital after four and a half months and I'm still doing it. My math teacher was my. His name is Jack Blatherwick. He's like a hockey guru, like, goat in the Minnesota world. He was one of the people that was behind the 1980 Olympic team that convinced Herb how to train. He's like, that's the guy?

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

He opted to, like, not be in the movie because he's a guy who hates being in the. In the, in the spotlight.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Just behind the scenes.

[A]

Sorry, Jack, Sorry.

[C]

But, but he was like Herb Brooks, his best friend, and he's a PhD guy. And so he was teaching me geometry. I hated geometry. I'm an algebra guy.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Kind of. One or the other. And so he was doing that, and he was like, it's really simple. It's hockey. And I'm like, it's. This has nothing to do with hockey. I don't like equations. So that was that. Eventually I just got by and they just gave me that. But then the. And then I essentially was like. Had a friend's mom was like, an English teacher, and she's reading me Macbeth, and I'm just like.

[A]

Which is like, I love Macbeth, but, like, dark. Yeah, it's dark.

[C]

And I'm like, this is. Guys, what are we doing here? And then essentially, like, I got out of the hospital, and I would just be, like, sleeping in the sun, like, acting like I'm listening while she's reading Macbeth.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

And that was enough. Check the box. Juniors, junior year, day one. Back at it.

[B]

Back into school.

[A]

So funny. Well, listen, I had said. And I. And I mean it. The. The hockey world is so much better having you in it for so many reasons. And obviously, this foundation is so great and. And all the work you do to raise awareness of that and the other side, that I think is just so amazing. Obviously, he did rivalry. Massive. Massive show that came out.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Doing a great job to, you know, raise awareness. And we're seeing such an uptick in fandom in the NHL. It's amazing. And in hockey in general. And you have been great and so vocal about being an open gay hockey person, hockey player. And, you know, the show, obviously, that's amazing, but you're talking about the game in general. And, you know, there have been setbacks in professional sports, not just hockey, but then ways that we're growing and improving. And I think that we're seeing this really amazing uptick of awareness. And what has that been like for you? And, you know, can you speak to players who have reached out to you, knowing that you're an open gay hockey person and personality and player of the past and what it's meant to you to see the improvements in areas where we still need to keep going and growing?

[C]

Yeah, absolutely. And, you know, before we get into it, I do want to say, you know, obviously with, you know, some of the news that's happened in the past, like, I was. I was extremely disappointed to see some of the stuff that came out when I. When I did come out a few years back. You know, that source did reach out to me and. And was supportive, and I was, you know, especially new into the community was, was extremely, you know, glad that I had support into it. So I was really disappointed to see some of the reporting that was on it, especially because of, you know, some misleading information and timeline, you know, lack of credibility, so on and so forth. So first and foremost, you know, fully supportive of what you guys have done for both the coverage of the show and the support of those in the community like myself. And on top of that, you know, like you said, I think what the show has done, of course it's, it's not a, you know, on the ice hockey show. Yeah, very much covers the other side of, of people's sexuality within the game. And for me, seeing what it's done for the sport is extremely promising. It's extremely welcoming. It's amazing to see people latch on and of course for different reasons, depending on which side of the, which way you swing. But for me, it's one of those things where the inclusion is all that anybody wants.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

You know, for me, myself, I, when I came out a few years back, it was so nerve wracking. A, because I'm already working in an organization. I, I have private access, I'm in the locker room. I, you know, I'm friends with players, I know a bunch of people across the, the sport, in the NHL. So many different people and all you want to do is just be yourself and not have anything change. And it was so nerve wracking to come out to be like, well, am I going to lose my access or they going to push me into different corners? Because, you know, people aren't comfortable with who I am. And it's, you know, it's one thing where when you're in the closet for a decade, you get in your own head. Like you overthink everything. You think the worst possible scenario would my career be over, so on and so forth. So it's really awesome to see so many people embrace what this has done for the sport. Of course, you know, ticket sales are up and yeah, so many different directions. It's amazing what it's done. And you know, I think once you get past the realization that you're, you're not watching the show, to watch quality hockey, it's, it's really amazing. I, I'm such a fan of what everybody in the show has done, how, how big they've, you know, been able to, to kind of take this, you know, show and expand and, you know, publicly and be, you know, known and be in the talk of the town. It's really awesome. And I'm Just extremely stoked that you know, podcasts like you guys have been able to embrace it, be able to talk about it and obviously with your guys film background, it's, it's really neat to kind of get your guys breakdown from a, from a different perspective.

[B]

Had you read the books?

[C]

Absolutely not.

[A]

No, it's, it's, it's, I get it.

[B]

And it's, it was more, it was fun, it was fun to watch it without like, were electric.

[A]

Yeah, yeah.

[C]

I mean I, you start it and you're like, oh, this started quick.

[A]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, don't we know it. We keep saying like when we go back and look at our, you know, our episode one review, we're, we're like, what is going on here? Like this is like I'm getting hot under the car. I didn't know until the shower scene.

[B]

I was like, I thought it was.

[A]

Going to just be like a hockey.

[B]

Show and then all of a sudden they're like cracking stick in the shower.

[C]

Yeah. You're like, guys, do we, do we know what this is about?

[B]

I was like, whoa, this has taken an interesting turn.

[A]

I was like, yeah, it was great.

[C]

That is unbelievable.

[B]

Are you a Shane and Ilya guy or a skip guy?

[C]

Shane and Nelia. Okay, now what I will say is it's live. Having. I wish I would have lived this life but, but, but having lived their life through a emotional standpoint, it's so relatable.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

In, in so many ways.

[A]

Like Shane specifically.

[C]

Shane specifically for me.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Because of. I need someone to like pull me out.

[B]

Right.

[C]

Like, like for me it was, it was having so many different feelings, feeling like you had to conform towards what everybody else is and you had to fit in. You know, you're forcing yourself to chase women even though, you know, you're confused, but you're not totally sure. And it's complicated because I was 16 when I got injured. So it started pre injury, but then obviously it led in post injury. But my injury itself made so many things more complicated. For sure, you're figuring out, you know, what you can and can't do physically from a life standpoint, let alone who you are sexually. And so it was very interesting because I felt like so much of what I was watching in Shane was so much of what I went through, the stress of forcing things, but then, you know, trying to keep secrets in your head, but also not knowing how it's going to affect your career. And it was so relatable because if I would have continued playing it, that was exactly what I Was on track for at some point in my life. But. But at the same time, you know, emotionally and what he's going through on a daily basis, thinking and just so concerned about X, Y and Z. And the same thing with the parents, too. Like that. Like, I had to obviously, at some point have a conversation with my parents. I didn't have an Ilya, which would have been great, but sort of a bitch, but I know it's like, hey, where are you?

[A]

Where are you?

[C]

Exactly. But, but, but it, but it's from a emotional and experiential factor or perspective. They nail it. They really do.

[A]

That's good.

[C]

And it's. It's really cool because you've. I literally just felt like I was watching like a documentary if I didn't get injured. And so, you know, it's. It's really awesome. I think they nail it. I'm very excited to see what happens in season two. And.

[B]

Oh, yeah, same. Don't read, don't read.

[A]

Don't Stay with us.

[B]

Say with us. I'm not a reader. Yeah, I did have enough from Macbeth.

[C]

Yeah, Macbeth was. Was my breaking point.

[B]

Dude. No, that's sick. I think it's a. It's a cool testament to how much media entertainment matters because of the amount of people that have said this show, TV show book gave them the courage to come out after seeing it. That's sick. That's why this stuff is important. Yeah. I'm like, wow, what a story.

[C]

I'm fascinated and, And I'm fascinated to see when there comes a day where a hockey player publicly comes out. And I hope that there's support not only from an external media standpoint, because, of course, there will be so many people who are supportive, but. But most importantly, the people within the locker room and the people that are in the sport. And, you know, there's. The reality is, is a lot of hockey people can come from small towns that, that, that don't necessarily see life the same way as. As people like, like us, who obviously support people who have that lifestyle. And, you know, I. I understand that if it's not the, the lifestyle that you support or it's not something you believe in, it's also not your life, and you should just be a good friend. And so I'm hopeful that teammates and, you know, we all know how important locker room everything is. Right? Like, it is everything. Like, you can be a team, but are you a family? And I don't. And if there is beef in the locker room, we've seen different situations and different players be moved around from teams because of things that happen. You just hope that this isn't something that can split a locker room or break something down. And, you know, I hope that there comes a day where, where this happens and it's fully embraced, both on the inside and the outside.

[A]

Definitely. And, you know, just to button that up. I think it's so, you know, important for all those things that you said to be able to come true, but part of it is what everyone else does. And I know it's a complicated question, but, you know, what are, what are things that you see that you think are important for people like us to do or to keep doing to make this growth get bigger and bigger?

[C]

I mean, I think you guys are doing the most important thing, and that's embracing it. I think it's a matter of inclusion.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Like, we want to be included, but we also don't want to be treated any different. Like, I am who I am.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Just because of what I find attractive and what I don't. Or, or, you know, again, I though I'm not, I'm not into getting into politics or anything, but the, the thought process of I'm choosing this lifestyle is beyond ridiculous.

[A]

Why.

[C]

Why complicate so many more things that I have to. Right. Like, so it's one of those things where I just hope that people can continue to freely talk about how. Yeah, it's, you know, people like me exist. It's, it's. It is what it is. They're in every sport. And I understand why someone would want to keep it quiet. I did for as long as I felt I needed to until I finally got to be comfortable with who I was. And that, that, that point in everybody's life, no matter who you are, is different. So, you know, whenever someone does or wherever we cross that bridge, you just hope that it's embraced. You hope that it's supported and you hope that all we want to do is just be treated for who we are, not because of some random thing that is a little bit different than someone else.

[A]

I love what you said about the not being treated differently. Did you ever watch TED Lasso?

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

I, I love so much because it was actually, you know, in the scene when I was. When. When Colin comes out to the boys in the locker room.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

As an athlete, like, I just love that scene because you wonder and I can't even imagine for you, it's. I can't think of the amount of times you must have played that over in your head if that were to ever have happened. And I loved in that scene because when I was watching it, I was. They. I think it's. Danny is like, yeah, you're gay. So what? We don't care.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And I love that sentiment, but. Because right after that, Ted is like, well, hold on. We do care. And. But I think that's it. Right? It's like, well, I care. I care that this is you and that you feel comfortable to tell us, but I. I actually do love the sentiment of, like, what you're talking about not being treated differently. Like, I don't give a shit. You're all, yeah, I. The only thing I care about and what we all should care about is who you are right there.

[C]

Exactly.

[A]

And, like, I love that person. So it's like, I don't.

[B]

Whatever.

[A]

Let's just keep rocking.

[C]

It's literally spot on. And the. The courage and the vulnerability that it takes to be able to tell one person, let alone a team.

[B]

Yeah, yeah.

[C]

Like that. That. It's. It's heartwarming and it's. It's. You know, you hope that we can get to that point and. And where, you know. Yeah, whatever. Okay. Yeah, we shower together. Whatever. It's. It's not like, you know, there's things that are going on there, like, dude, we're just getting clean.

[A]

Like, it's orgies.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Come on.

[A]

We're literally just washing ourselves here, man.

[C]

So, you know, it is what it is, but at the same time, it's so much more than what it is. Right. Like, it's. It's, you know, I don't want you to care. Right. But yeah, of course, like, you care about your friend being well and having a healthy life or a healthy mindset. You know, you don't want people to be struggling internally because of the fear of someone else judging you for who you are. So it's. It's this, you know, heated rivalry has. Has done so much for the sport already. It'll obviously continue to grow as. As season two and. And so on comes out in the near future. So I'm extremely excited to see where it goes, and hopefully it's continuing to be embraced as we move forward.

[A]

All right, let's stop being so cute with each other and let's talk about some hockey.

[C]

Absolutely.

[A]

I do need the people to know you are a hockey dialed and all your stuff is amazing. And you've been working a lot with the wild.

[C]

Yeah, I've done some stuff with them. Yeah.

[A]

Covering the Wild. And I want to talk about them because I Don't think the.

[C]

Not top five powers.

[B]

Yes, correct.

[C]

Riled right now.

[A]

They did not.

[B]

Could not click top five T's in the league.

[C]

Could not crack it over the Buffalo Sabers.

[A]

I do.

[C]

Detroit Red Wings.

[A]

I do think the Wild are as exciting as they've been in a long time.

[C]

I can correct you. They're the. This is the most exciting they've been ever.

[A]

Okay, talk. Talk to us about the Wild. Like, why should fans be like, okay, this team can do something.

[B]

And I want to say pre. Because the. Quinn. I want you to get into Quinn, obviously. But the. But pre. Quinn. There was a shift when they were not good. Like, you know, there were three and.

[C]

Nine to start the season.

[B]

And even after that, there was a stretch of. Still, like, they haven't quite figured this out. When everybody was expecting big things. They gave Vegas a good run last year. You know, it was like they did not. They started like, oh, wow, you were going to miss playoffs and turned it. And Quinn.

[C]

So, yeah, it instantly went in. It was like the caprice of situation. Obviously, he signs his extension, but then all of a sudden they get out to a three and nine start and you're like, well, do we. Do we blow it up, right? Yeah, do you blow it up? But you just got him, so what do we do? And so they finally hit the. You know, they finally got things going. It was a funky beginning to the year, right, because you start with Zeve Bouilliam, and I still wholeheartedly believe this guy's got a very bright future. Like, I'm fully on board. It's unfortunate. I think he just broke a bone in his foot or something, and he's out for a little while, which is a real bummer because it's so important at this time for development and so on. But you've got him and you see these flashes, but then there's inconsistencies on the defense. And so you're trying to push this guy because you feel like he's, you know, he is going to be a Quinn Hughes in the years to come.

[A]

But.

[C]

But it doesn't happen early. So they're trying to juggle that situation. And then you've got a few injuries and the Wild seemingly are never healthy fully. But that's the NHL, especially in. In this day and age with how. How, you know, playing every night schedule is.

[A]

Yeah, it is exactly real, though. Like, every time I look at the Wild, you know, I pop on a Wild game and I'm like, where's Prodeen? Where's So and so. And I'm just like, good God, this team injured. Yeah.

[C]

Eric Sinek out half the air. But. But. But for the Wild right now, it's. They're so exciting because you get Quinn Hughes, and like you mentioned, they were all over the map pre. Pre Quinn Hughes. Like, they had been on an absolute heater, and then they trade for him in the midst of a heater. So you're like, whoa, how did that work out? But, you know, you. You move on from a few pieces. The Rossi situation was very interesting because it. It just never seemed like both sides were fully satisfied with each other.

[A]

Even with the extension. Right, Even with the extension.

[C]

It was fitting. I thought it was. You know, I thought it was actually a really good deal for both sides. Yeah, Both sides kind of came back to each other and were like, all right, let's just. Let's just get this done with. And that was great. But. But I, you know, whether it was, you know, his agent and trying to. Strong arm, you know, Bill Guerin, who. Billy Balls, doesn't bow to anybody.

[A]

So.

[C]

So, you know, it goes back a little bit, and that can be complicated. And you also have to remember, like, with Rossi, he had like a. He had a. He missed a whole year with his heart, with his issue after Covid, like, so. So, you know, then it goes back years, but ultimately they move on from him. And like you said, it just never seemed like it was going to be a long term, you know, satisfying relationship between the both. And they. They. They get Quinn Hughes. And what Quinn Hughes has done, of course, you know, you've second best defenseman in the NHL, right? And his ability to do what he does in the offensive zone and even in the defensive zone, it's like you now have two Capri Sovs because they play such a similar game.

[A]

Such a good take. I love that.

[C]

In the ability to be so unpredictable in the offensive zone, in directional change and their vision. You know, these guys have the ability to stop and start and move left, right back forward. You know, it's. I. You know, the way I kind of compare it to is in Willy Wonka when they use the fucking elevator.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah.

[C]

And all of a sudden, they're going in, like every direction in the middle of the air. Like, that's both of them in the offensive zone.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

So. And even then, that chemistry still hasn't worked itself out yet. But. But what Quinn Hughes has done, I think he has like 18 assists in the last 13 games. Like, he's on pace for just like 100 assists. Like it's insane what he does. But. But for me, it's. It's not fully there yet. But at the same time, they're extremely sound defensively. Gustafson and Walstead are probably the best duo. Or if not top five, bare minimum.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[C]

And so, you know, of course at the same time it's an issue. There's only one net, but you have consistency there to be able to rest Gustafson up so that he can make the run in the playoffs, assuming he's the guy.

[A]

Okay. So that. I want that take from you.

[C]

Yeah, yeah.

[A]

Because there have been a couple reports I think Elliot Friedman was saying.

[C]

And I'm glad you brought it up.

[A]

Elliot Friedman was like, there's a chance that they use Wallstead in a trade. I would. That would blow my fucking mind.

[C]

To me. It would need to be a guy who, if they made the move to get rid of Wallstead, it would have to be for somebody who is in the like mid-20s.

[A]

It's like under contract.

[C]

Under contract for three years. Like, this is not a. Let's go get Vincent Trojek who's 30 something years old. I think Vincent Tro check is going to get whoever he goes to. It's going to be a haul for him. Yeah, I, I think he would make the Wild better. I would not want to see Wellstead gone for him.

[A]

Vincent Trocheck's a great player. That would be a terrible trade.

[C]

I agree completely. I think it would have to be for like a. Like, does Ottawa fall out and do they go after. Do they try to. To go after like a Cousins, a Kachuk or a Stutzla?

[A]

Like now we're talking like I'm here.

[C]

Being like to me is. Is much more up the realm of like get me someone in that age or.

[B]

But dude, I would do that.

[A]

I'm like, go get Mike.

[B]

100% freak stud young goalie.

[C]

Exactly.

[A]

Oh, it makes sense for these other teams. I'm saying it doesn't make sense for Minnesota.

[C]

Not unless you're gonna go get me one of the guys like that Ottawa, if they fall out, like, they've obviously had a tumultuous year and you know, hopefully things are on the right track with. And they're goaltending. Obviously it's. That's been a crazy journey in the last month. But at the same time they like Wallstead. The other thing you have to consider is we just, we, the Wild just extended Gustafson to like a five year extension at the very beginning of the.

[A]

Year trading him looks brutal.

[C]

So now you kind of pigeonhole yourself into realizing that you got a guy here in Walstead. That again, first round draft pick was always a very highly touted player, even after the draft had some ups and downs with Iowa, but that wasn't his fault. The organization didn't have many bodies in front of him. So the Wild now, after this first trade with Hughes, now they've got less options. You've. You've got your. Of which you don't want to get rid of, but you've got Strammel, who's a extremely highly touted prospect at Michigan State right now, who's lighting it up. Then you've got a few different. You've got a few different defensemen that you could move that are borderline NHL HL right now, but promising futures. So you know you're running out of draft picks. You traded last year's first, you traded this year's first. What else do you have? It's going to take a package, but it. It all depends on what you get.

[B]

Back if you're going to move to be the goal.

[A]

Oh, yeah, Good question.

[B]

Yeah. Come on, dude.

[A]

If you. You don't have to answer if you don't want to. No, I.

[C]

Well, what's. Give me a timeline for the playoffs or.

[A]

I want both for the playoffs. And if you're. If you're a betting man, if you're, you know, if you're a Wild fan and you're looking at the future.

[B]

Yeah, but I'm saying, like, if you're like, I can't keep both, we might as well get something for one of these guys. There's one net to your point. Yeah. Yeah.

[C]

Well, if you're gonna move on this year, I still think the one to move would be Wallstead.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Because of what you're gonna get back.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Right.

[C]

I think Gusafson could easily get a haulback as well, but I think you've got a bigger package coming your way to go get a true game changer. Of course, the Wild, what they. They need scoring.

[A]

Can I throw a name at you?

[C]

Yeah, please.

[A]

What do you think about Robert Thomas? I'm not sure St. Louis is willing to get rid of him, but based on everything you just said, it's completely how I feel. That is the type of guy that if I'm Minnesota, I go, I can stomach that.

[C]

I can absolutely stomach Robert Thomas. I think. I mean, I watched him ever since he came into the NHL and he's. He's had a phenomenal Career against the Wild.

[B]

Right.

[C]

If you can't beat him by him. Yeah, so, so yeah, he's, he's 100% a guy that I could see as a game breaker and let alone what Robert Thomas has done with the Blues, he would be playing between Kirill Caprisov and Matt Succarello or Boldy and Johansson or something like that. They need depth scoring or, or top end scoring because you look at who's around them, they're going to have to go through Dallas and they're going to have to go through Colorado. So, you know, for the foreseeable future.

[B]

Too, by the way.

[C]

And then Chicago's come in like, you know, it's, it's, you know, this division's a gauntlet. Utah obviously a borderline Powers ranking five, like barely, barely missed the cut.

[A]

So.

[C]

So yeah, it's, it's a gauntlet of a division. And the other thing the Wild have to consider is special teams is so crucial. Like I went back because it's probably what, a 99.8% chance that you're going to get. The Dallas stars in the first round. They've played, I think they played in 20, 23 in the playoffs. And since then the head to head matchup between Dallas, special teams wise has been crucial because I think it was Dallas's a 33% power play clip against the Wild in that time. The wilder, like 16.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

And, and the Wild's penalty kill is I think 27th or something in the NHL. They need help there. And obviously your goalie has to be your best penalty killer. I think both of them are phenomenal goaltenders. To get back to that original question, I think it's Gustafson's net until Walstead pulls out another 100 run. And he had actually had a pretty crucial game earlier this week when he played Chicago.

[A]

He did, he did.

[C]

He gave up three goals on the first 15 shots. And that third goal against it was McKayev, not a good goal. And then he stood on his head the rest of the game. Killed off two penalties in the third, killed off of a four on three in overtime. Hopefully that'll get Walstead going. And obviously the more he's winning, the higher your package can get. If you choose to move him, you don't want to, but when it comes to what they have left in the prospect pool, if you're going to get a true first line center, he's probably gonna have to be a part of the package.

[B]

Yeah, that's true.

[A]

I, I mean I love that taken, but I'm glad we agree. It's like, you know, I keep seeing name, like hearing names like Nazem Kadri, names like Vincent Trocheck, and I'm just like, absolutely not.

[C]

You need a guy that's gonna be there for the next five years while this core is still intact.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I mean, if you went and got Brady Tkachuk, that would. That'd be nails. Oh, my God. All right, let's shift over to the Kings, because you've worked a ton with the Kings and they are in one of the most interesting spots that they've been in in a long time.

[C]

It's. It's interesting spot, I would say. Interesting predicament.

[A]

Yeah. Give us your take on things like what. What do you. What can. What do you think this team is going to do this year? And then whatever it may be, I think we can agree no spoilers. I don't see the Kings winning the Stanley cup this year.

[C]

No, nor do I. But I still think they're going to be buyers because they have to give.

[B]

Yep.

[C]

They simply announced his retirement. You're not going to just let him finish 24th in the. In the standings.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

So they're going to go out and buy. And they need goal scoring as well. Could they go big game hunting? Do you go for a Panarin? Do you go for a guy like that? Who, you know, do they go after? You know, they got rid of Danault. Obviously, that didn't work this year. He was extremely serviceable while he was with my Kings. But this year it was a nightmare. It really was. I mean, you know, he. He had, I think, one goal.

[A]

Zero goals.

[B]

Zero, dude.

[A]

I think it was literally zero goals. Like, you know, whatever was working and it. And it was. It was great for a period. But you're right. Like, it's just that it wasn't. What. Nothing was going.

[C]

It wasn't going. And then the Byfield emergence. But Byfield also hasn't broken through yet.

[A]

Right.

[C]

Like, he, He. We really, at this point, I think, thought he would be a point per game guy.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

And someone that every single shift is asserting himself extremely noticeably. And. And you see that, but you don't see it every shift or you don't see it every game. And so that has to be a frustration point. But also I still think this guy is going to be a phenomenal superstar. So. So does he continue to take that step forward? Obviously he has to be extremely satisfied with the way that lefairier is playing. He is taken over as kind of the heartbeat of that. That offense or at least that forward group right now.

[A]

And he's looking good as a center.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah. And you know, it's. We always talk.

[C]

Which you didn't expect in that at all. So does, you know, next year, obviously they're going to have 7 mil off the cap with Kopitar's contract, but you also have to figure out roster construction. Right.

[A]

Like, not to mention Kempe's contracts bumping up next year.

[C]

So, yeah, you lose a few mil there. So that's a good point. Obviously, the bump in the cap is. Is a great help to everybody, but. But they're going to be buyers. It's just a matter of where do they. They fit in that offense because, you know, you've got a funky top nine where army has been maybe your best player the whole year.

[A]

I. Yeah, I'm so glad you said that. I. I genuinely think there's a case for army to be considered the most consistent player on the Kings this year.

[B]

Maybe Clarky.

[C]

Like Clarky. And credit to him, man, actually, it's Darcy.

[B]

Darcy? Darcy?

[A]

Yeah. We're talking about skaters.

[C]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. For skaters, for sure. I mean, Darcy's been unbelievable. And the backbone, because obviously this is a defense first team. This is a team that relies on having, you know, 915 save percentage. And if they don't, they're not a team that's made to. To be able to be comfortable playing from behind. Right. You know, you can't play a 65 game multiple times in a month for the Kings. Right. And so, you know, the defense first, they're not going to do anything with the defensive core because they. They just recently signed Cease and.

[A]

And Dumo. But, you know, it's funny, I want. I'm glad you brought that up going into the season. I mean, we even had a chat about this. I feel like a ton of people were like, the King's D doesn't look that good. Here they are. They're top five in the NHL. You know what it goes against, like, it's unbelievable. And a lot of that has to do with Darse. But like this, I actually love this D group. Like, they're playing so well every game.

[C]

I think this is interesting with what Holland did with the D, because I think Holland built a defensive core that can succeed in the playoffs. And I wholeheartedly agree that this six can do that. Yeah, the caveat. I don't think this six can do that. Against the Edmonton Oilers.

[B]

Fair.

[C]

Now they're not on track to play each other which is a huge bonus for the city of Los Angeles and their chances of making it to the second one round and beyond. But they have to make the playoffs first, and they're not in a playoff position right now. So I agree in the aspect of, you know, they're top five. Indeed, they're top five. And save percentage when Darcy's on the ice, and they have that, but they also don't have the offense producing. Kopitar has taken a little bit of a step back. Kempe has not had the season I think most people had hoped within the organization, and Byfield hasn't produced offensively consistently enough. So you need more out of what's going on up there. But you also have to find some offense somewhere else. I know, to bring in the ability to have different players have off nights and pick up the slack because a different guy shows up. And. And when some of the superstars haven't shown up, the other guys haven't either.

[A]

Yeah. It's such a predicament because, you know, I've said it a number of times whenever it's brought up. I would put this team against any team in the NHL as far as the group, like, they. They are truly the best collection of guys in the world. They love each other, they play for.

[C]

Each other, they have great leadership.

[A]

And when I look at the roster with guys like Kopi and, you know, just talking forwards here, guys like Laugh, Juice, Morsey, Fogle, Q Cousy, Fiala, like, there is so much talent there that I am, like, it's a predicament because the D has been playing great. They're, like we said, they're top five or so in the league and goals against, they just don't score. And it's like, what. What is it? Whether it be a player, whether it be a system structure change that gets all these guys going because, like, if these guys get going, like we know they can.

[C]

The issue is you're like. The issue is you can't really change structure too much in the middle of the season, for sure. There's no practice schedule because of the game schedule. You've got, you know, great. You've got two weeks off, but half the team is overseas. The other half is, you know, in Cabos. Yeah, yeah, in Cabo for a. A week or whatever. So what do you do? Right. Like, I think it's. It's a combination of. You still need more out of. Of a lot of what you're not getting in certain players.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

You know, offensively, from the blue line, you Love to see the steps that Clark has made this year, but you also still want to see the offense from Drew hasn't totally been there. And let's be honest, the rest of that D core is. Is not known for offense. Right.

[A]

They're defensive guys for sure.

[C]

Exactly. They're not going to lead the NHL on the blue line in scoring, but they also still need to score and they haven't, so. So that's an area. But at the same time, when you look at up top, you know, you hope that Kopitar, once he gets back and healthy, can, you know, enjoy this little legs up break with a little bit of an injury and hopefully he can kind of get back to that last push in his career and hopefully that can spark a little bit. And I think at the same time, knowing that it's Kobitar's last year, I think you're gonna get an extra spark from a lot of people.

[A]

I agree.

[C]

Who are going to realize, like, we're about to miss playoffs, guys, we're not going to miss the playoffs with Kopi's last year, and that'll be huge. Holland knows that. The team knows it. So I expect a push. I. I think it'll be a push both from a transactional standpoint and from an internal locker standpoint. Realizing the severity or the magnitude of what this last season means for the greatest king of all time.

[B]

They're a bit saved by the Pacific, too. Right. Like, if Dogs Central team.

[A]

By the way, he just slipped in. Greatest king of all time. I heard it. So.

[B]

I heard it.

[A]

Suck on that.

[B]

Who did I say?

[A]

I think you're. You're Glazer. And you say Wayne. Yeah. Yeah.

[B]

I think in my mind, I'm like, wayne was long enough, but I hear you.

[A]

But my caveat is Wayne is the greatest player to ever play for the Kings, but he's not the greatest king.

[C]

Yeah, yeah, He's. He's substantial in having hockey here and what it's done not only for the Kings and in Southern California, but youth hockey, so on and so forth. The game's expanded immensely because of him.

[A]

Yeah, we love Wayne.

[C]

Most important king, maybe.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Not the greatest.

[B]

Yeah, Okay. I like that. I like that a lot.

[A]

See, But.

[B]

But yeah, talking about any. Pretty much any other division. Maybe the Met, but, like, you know, they'd be in. They'd be in real trouble where I'm like, too late. But you're saved by the Pacific here, where you can go, hey, guys, maybe we go big game hunting. That would be help too but you've got to come back and elevate internally.

[C]

I also think one of the things that on the downside because of that is there's going to be multiple teams that are going big game hunting, being like, dude, this is, this could be our year because no one's taken Vegas has been extremely underwhelming. Even, you know, I'm interested to see how Rasmus Anderson fits in and I assume a contract extension is inevitable given how that organization works whenever they make a big trade.

[A]

Isn't it crazy that that's just going to happen?

[C]

Well, it's, I mean, there's different strategies, right? Like how many people value the first round draft pick or the second and so on. And so, you know, I think in analytical speaking, maybe we value the first round draft pick a little bit too much. And especially when they're drafting 24th to 29th or 30th every, every year, you know, it's not your fifth overall pick, but you know, and again, it differs every year and the depth of the draft or how you analyze who's good at that at range. But ultimately you've got Vegas, who is the one seed but, but isn't dominating.

[B]

Right.

[C]

Like, they haven't really known anybody at all. They, like you said earlier, like they've got less wins than San Jose or something.

[A]

Is that crazy?

[C]

Like San Jose is going to continue to buy. They're not, they're not selling pieces off unless they're going to get better. And that's extremely promising. And on top of that, you know, Seattle's still in it. What do they do? Like, there's multiple teams. So Edmonton, you know, of course they're going to try to add who knows what their cap situation, what they can afford at this route for Anaheim. I mean, yeah, these teams are all going to be like, we're in this. We can make a run. Because this division is wide open. So they're all going to be buying. And who buys the most? Who can afford to, you know, ante up whatever is in their prospect pool? And on top of that, if you go back to the Kings, they've got three NHL esque prospect goalies.

[A]

Yes.

[C]

There's only one net. It's the same issue as Team usa.

[A]

Correct.

[C]

Not all three are going to be playing now. You know, you've got time, you've got developmental leagues. They're all on different timelines because of Carter George and the OHL and Hansen Lukinski and you know, the college and then Pateri Reminen and in Finland So they're all in different timelines, but only one's going to be able to play in the net every night.

[A]

Yep. Yeah, it's true.

[B]

And. And if you're a player, by the way, and you're looking where the Kings are maybe headed as this core kind of ages out and. And you're getting calls from the Ducks and from the Sharks and from the Kings and, you know, maybe talking trades and extensions. I'm like, probably rather go to those other two California teams. You know what I mean? That's a factor, too, when you're trying to bring in people right now.

[A]

That is one of the things I do think the Kings guys need to do a better job of, is.

[B]

There.

[A]

Are few better places to play in the NHL than in la. Like, it's. They. I think it's almost like they protect.

[B]

The bubble that they have.

[A]

Like, it's the South.

[C]

I mean, we all live in the same area. Area. I mean, I live right in the same area. Obviously, you guys are right down the road. Like, this is paradise.

[A]

Paradise, Jack. Like, more players need to figure it out because it's like, it's been funny, even pairs, who, you know, played for Anaheim forever, like, getting here, he was kind of like, damn, this is pretty sick. Yeah.

[C]

You're living blocks from the beach. You're in a bubble where you're. You're not dealing with Toronto pressure.

[A]

Nope.

[C]

You wake up and it's sunny out every day. You can go to the beach and go surf before practice. Just ask what I'll follow.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Right. Yeah.

[B]

So true.

[A]

Like.

[C]

Like, it's. It's the perfect life. And, you know, I understand that everybody prioritizes what you like in life or what you want in a. In a hockey team or preference of living. Like, I. I think, you know, you look at Zigris, he was a great example of someone who actually didn't, like, love it here.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Like, he.

[B]

He.

[A]

Seasonal depression on the other side.

[C]

On the other side. Like, what.

[A]

What a killer.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Like, give me the snow.

[C]

He's like, give me, give me. You know what? I want a Philadelphia winner. Like, what?

[B]

You are, right. Yeah, buddy. Such a beauty.

[C]

We need to check that. But. But some people are like that. The majority of the people, I would say this is probably a preferred lifestyle. And, you know, coming from Minnesota, my injury complicated things because I lost my ability to control my body temperature. So I'm always cold.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Sunshine and warmth is what I strive for.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

And so this is paradise. But, I mean, you guys, cold climate, like, this is Exactly. Where life. You come here and you go, oh, do they realize this is an option?

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

So, yeah, 100% I agree. In terms of the realization of, oh, you're telling me I can play hockey in this weather?

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

So, yeah, I agree completely. But, you know, la, specifically, Orange County's great San Jose, you know, all these warm climates are great, but. But I truly don't think there's a better living situation and a better lifestyle to be living than a hockey player in Los Angeles.

[A]

It's hard to top. Well, dude, clearly you are a brain and you know this world so incredibly well. So tell us and tell everyone you know, what you're doing now, what you got going on now, what you're trying to do more of and where everyone can find you and all that.

[C]

Yeah, totally. So, I mean, I departed from the Kings in August and this year, I mean, I've been all over this year in terms of figuring out the next steps other than just knowing that life in hockey media is. Is the direction I am frankly kind of made for moving forward with. And. And for me, you know, obviously, social media is the best place to start with with Twitter, obviously. Obviously, that is where a lot of my content is. While I'm in the midst of, you know, figuring out the next step of where home base will be, whether it's sticking just through podcasting, it's through shows or editorial. I'm all over the map right now, but social media is the best place to start and continuing to push content out through my web show and trading jabs and stuff like that. So all of you see, have you guys on in the near future and.

[A]

Yeah, and we gotta, you know, I mean, the. The door is quite literally always open, so we gotta get you back in here. Hopefully, as the. The Wild make moves and the Kings make moves, we got to get your deadline stuff.

[C]

Absolutely. I'll be here.

[B]

Come back.

[A]

Yeah, yeah, you're right up the road, dude. Like, get back here.

[C]

It's like 20 minutes right down the road. Just sunshine to the beach the whole way, dude. Yeah, I'll just take the strand and, you know, it might take a few extra minutes. A maximum of seven and a half miles in the chair, but I'll start out early.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, exactly.

[A]

In. In addition to all the content, can you tell everyone where they can find stuff on the foundation and any donations people can make, how ways we can all continue to support and stuff like that?

[C]

Yeah, absolutely. Jablonskyfoundation.org is where the Jack Swansky foundation information is we have multiple different events, mainly in Minnesota and here out in la we've got a pickleball tournament in Los Angeles. So we'll get you guys out there and involved in. I think it normally is in June. So yeah, we'll get that going up again. But ultimately, yeah. Any donations? It goes to spinal cord injury research. We're on the cusp of some really promising things within spinal cord injury improvements and what we've learned within the research world. So it's, you know, ironically, there's no time better to be in a spinal cord injury, I guess, if that's a positive.

[B]

I love that. You know what?

[A]

Fuck yeah.

[C]

No, it's, you know, very fortunate to have been given the opportunity of life that I have post injury and ultimately just making the best of it and why not talk some hockey while we're doing it?

[A]

Exactly, brother. We're just going to keep living. I love it. Well, dude, thank you so much for coming on. Like I said, long overdue and glad.

[B]

To be on more and more and.

[C]

More, more and more and more. We'll be in touch and I'll see you guys soon.

[A]

Hell yeah. Massive. Massive. Thanks to Jack. Such a beauty, such an amazing friend, amazing person. So awesome to talk to him and hear that whole story. Hope you all enjoyed it. We are going to take a quick ad break and then jump on back in. When it comes to nicotine, there is no other option than Lucy because they are giving you the best scientifically crafted nicotine experimen experience. Always tobacco free. And as I keep on harping to you guys, they're delivering the best options in the game. Whether it comes to milligrams, you get 4, 8 or 12, whatever dose you need. And when the flavors get put in front of you, you realize there is nothing better that wintergreen and that mint, those hit so hard. The mango is incredible. And during the nice cold season, the espresso feels fantastic. They got the best pouches in the game. They got breakers. If you want a little bit of extra oomph in that flavor, it's fantastic. And whatever you need it for, if you need to chill out, end of the day you want to just melt into the couch, watch some movies, things like that. It's perfect for that. You need to dial in, get laser focused like me when I'm golfing, I'm going birdie hunting. I need to just see that hole and start sniping, getting close to the pin. They help you with that. If you need some energy. You don't want a Cup of coffee or something like that. Boom. Pop in one of those Lucy pouches. It is the best. You've got to get on board. When it comes to nicotine, there is nothing better. So here's the thing. You're going to go to Luci Co stores and you're going to find whatever store you need that has Lucy nearby. Or you can get it shipped with 20% off your first order at Luci Co netters. N E T T E R S using code netters. And you're going to get the pouch that delivers long lasting, on demand flavor. Lucy products are only for adults of legal age and every customer is age verified. This product contains nicotine and nicotine is an addictive chemical.

[B]

Daniel.

[A]

Daniel.

[B]

Daniel. Welcome back, my good friend, Professor Feeney. How are you feeling?

[A]

Fantastic.

[B]

Fantastic. The Mega Parlay. Live on the beach. There are only nine games, gentlemen, and we thought we could do it.

[A]

Well, we were. We were over 500. And frankly, I'll take that as a win because things were not the best the week before. But I think you have some explaining to do, my friend.

[B]

Well, perhaps not me. Perhaps someone we will get to. Not you, Phoebe. Not you. Not you. Excuse me, I thought I did. No, no.

[A]

It's not you.

[B]

It's not you. It's not anyone in this room, to be quite frank.

[A]

Fair enough.

[B]

Mega Parlay recap. Isles, no. Mammoth, yes. Bruins, yes. Kains, yes. Bolts no. Wings yes. Kings, yes. Wild, no. Caps, no. 5 and 4.

[A]

Not the best.

[B]

But again, we could always do worse. We could always do worse. Now the Life on the Line recap. And we just. We vowed. We vowed to be better here. And the results have been. Have been closer, but not all the way home yet. And this surely should have been the one. Life on the Line recap. Kanes, yes. Bruins, yes. Mammoth, yes. Bolts no. 3 and 1 now. Yes. It was I that picked the Bolts.

[A]

For the second week in a row, I might add.

[B]

It was the best team in the league. They lose. Ever.

[A]

Terrible luck.

[B]

In fact, they only lose on Saturdays. It is a thing of disgrace. The boats. Here's the thing, gentlemen. I. We make these selections on a Wednesday. It is a Wednesday.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I am unaware who is going to play goalie, who's going to play keeper on Saturday. I assume Vasilevsky will play. I did not know Jonas Johansson was going to get eight ball corner pocketed on Saturday against the fucking Blue Jackets. I did not know that. So I don't play to place blame on myself.

[A]

You were. You were painted into a corner.

[B]

I'M afraid by Sir Jonas.

[A]

Now I will say with respect, to switch things to a more positive note. The Friday Fade continues to be the most consistent thing on the Internet. It's unbelievable.

[B]

The Friday Fade faced its toughest test going the Flyers. With the Flyers traveling to Colorado against a juggernaut Avalanche team who has lost once at home in regulation all year. And we select the Flyers. And the Flyers absolutely bamboozled.

[A]

The Avalanche dummied them seven to three.

[B]

Oh, the Flyers.

[A]

I am starting to think that the Friday Fade has a bit of magic behind it.

[B]

The flyers went up 10 and I thought I should screenshot this because it will not come home. But what a moment this is. Next thing I know, it's 7:3.

[A]

Truly remarkable, remarkable results.

[B]

And I suppose I said the toughest test was Flyers at ABS because of the matchup, but gentlemen, to this week could actually be the toughest test because the Fade faces one game. There is one Friday game on the slate. Blue Jackets at hox, which I wouldn't have called a fade at all in the first place.

[A]

I. There is. Neither team feels as they are an obvious winner.

[B]

And the whole point of the fade is when you know one team will win, the other team wins, which is an absolute conundrum. This is a conundrum.

[A]

Therefore, do we fade both the over.

[B]

Oh, I don't know if that's allowed to be. It could be. It could. No, no, no, Smee.

[A]

No, you are absolutely correct. We must select someone.

[B]

Hold on, hold on, hold on. On three. On three, I am going to ask. Oh, I'm going to ask the question right now. Who wins this game? Actually, ignore the fade. Who? Don't answer. On three, say who wins this game in your mind. And if we all say the same thing, then we take the other. Correct, correct, Correct. On three, gentlemen, who wins this game? Are you ready?

[A]

Jackets or black?

[B]

We're gonna say 3, 2, 1. And then we will say who wins this game? 3, 2, 1. Blue jackets. What did you say?

[A]

Hawks. Fucking hell.

[B]

So it's. We have two Hawks, so maybe we. Maybe that means that the. We take the Jackets as the fade.

[A]

I think we should take Jackets as a fade. Take the Jackets as the fade. The Hawks are home. The Hawks are home.

[B]

We take Jackets.

[A]

That is a. I bet they're favored.

[B]

Surely they're favoured. They must be. Surely they're favour.

[A]

Oh, there. There we have it. We will fade the Chicago Blackhawks at home. Therefore, we are taking the Columbus Blue Jackets.

[B]

Money line. Excellent. Excellent work. Excellent problem solving. Well deduced, gentlemen. That's the Gavin's theory. That was geometric proofs. We're solving geometric proofs now.

[A]

We are Incredible.

[B]

Incredible indeed.

[A]

Now take us, professor, to the Saturday cell.

[B]

Brings us to the Saturday cell. We had selected David Parsnock to torment the habitants. The Bruins did win. Pasta did record an assist and that's it. He did not score. It's okay. We were on to something. This Saturday the Sally will come home. Here are some candidates that I have flagged for the team. Matthew Baldy has nine goals in 12 career games versus the Oilers. But he is on the road. Incredible. Incredible track record. Macklin Celebrini, four goals in six career games against the Flames, also on the road. You know I hit a road selly. Sidney Crosby, 40 goals in 90 career games hosting the Rangers. And Cole Caulfield eight goals in 17 career games versus the Sabres.

[A]

I would like to go with my blood. We shall take young Macklin Celebrini against the Flames on the road. It does not matter. He will be our anytime goalscorer and Saturday selling.

[B]

He can score anywhere.

[A]

Done.

[B]

Macklin Celebrini, anytime goalscorer. Which brings us to the Sunday hat trick parlay. Last week it was Vegas Golden Knights versus the Ottawa Senators. We had the Vegas money line. We had under 6.5 in an Eichel point. The Senators won 7:1 and Eichel was pointless.

[A]

Just shambolic. Shambolic display from the professors this past week. We must get back on track.

[B]

It's terrible. Rasmus Anderson with a worthless call. Fuck yourself.

[A]

Congratulations on your first, you twat. Now our matchups this week are the Kings at Canes, Bruins at Bolts and Knights at Ducks.

[B]

The question, gentlemen, is if this week the Sunday hat truck parlay must be stadium series. I almost feel like it must to give the viewers something to do Stadium series.

[A]

We'll be watching stadium series regardless. The outdoor games are too difficult to predict. Let's stick with Kings Canes. I love the underground. I love a Jarvis point. You pick the money line.

[B]

Kane's money line at home.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

Kane's Moneyline under 6.5. Seth Jarvis Point. And if you are interested in participating in a stadium series, an extra sprinkle.

[A]

My.

[B]

A sprinkle of stadium series. I think because we always, always, always, as a rule, take the home team in an outdoor game. They slept in their beds. Their families are here. It's a party. Everyone is enjoying themselves. In that case, we will take Tampa money line. And because there's never good ice at an outdoor game, we always, always, always, as a rule, take the under. Because no one can score. So we take under 6.5. And we will take a Nikita Kucherov.

[A]

Point because, of course, an extra Sunday hat trick parlor.

[B]

If you're interested in the stadium series. Phenomenal.

[A]

Now take us to the Saturday live on a beach Parlay. We have 14 games.

[B]

Nearly a frenzy.

[A]

Professor Christopher. Read them through and we shall begin.

[B]

Nearly a frenzy. I shall start this week. Christopher Kings at Flyers. Flyers have been lovely lately, but you know what? Give me the Kings. Give me the Kings. Professor Feeney Aves at Wings. Abs. Yes. I love that. Daniel Rags at pence.

[A]

I will take the ironically hot Penguins.

[B]

The ironically hot Penguins. Correct. Christopher jets at Cats. Give me Cats at home. Professor Vini. Sharks at Flames.

[A]

Oh, just two amazing, amazing teams.

[B]

I will take the Sharks, though. Yes. Shark is on the road with a Mac goal. With a Mac goal. We should track how many times this anytime goal score that we select their team wins. And we should use that movie forward. If we were true, true professors of the educational realm, we would use data. Maybe someday.

[A]

Academics.

[B]

Academics. Christopher. Daniel. Daniel. Daniel Canes at Caps.

[A]

I will take the Canes. I don't believe the Caps are playing the best. Caps and a bit of a Rudy right now.

[B]

Caps and a bit of ride. Christopher Habs at Sabres. Give me the Sabers.

[A]

Brilliant.

[B]

Oh, Professor Feeny. Devils at Sens.

[A]

Devils.

[B]

Devils. Yes. Devilish pick. It's a matchup. Devilish pick. Daniel Preds at Isles.

[A]

I believe in the new fun of the Islanders.

[B]

Christopher Jackets at Blues. Putrid game. Putrid, putrid game. Give me the Jackets.

[A]

Interesting.

[B]

Feeny Leafs at Canucks.

[A]

Canucks.

[B]

Yes, sir. Yes, sir.

[A]

Feeny, devastating blow for the Maple Leafs. That pick. Dear me.

[B]

I love it. Yes. Daniel Stars at Mammoth.

[A]

I will ride the Mammoth.

[B]

Really? Yes. Excellent. Christopher Wilde at Euler's. Ah, tricky one. Tricky, curious. Give me the wild. Professor Feeny cracking at night. Spunk. Feeny spunk at nights. They've. They've burnt me before, so I'm gonna.

[A]

Have to go nights. Yes.

[B]

This funk always does get Feeny. This funk always gets Feeny. Live on a beach. Ladies and gentlemen. Kings, Aves, Pens, Cats, Sharks, Canes, Sabers, Devils, Isles, Jackets, Canucks, Mammoth, Wild and Knights now.

[A]

Brilliant.

[B]

Life on the line, boys. Life on the fucking line. One time. Four, zero. One time. Dear me.

[A]

How would you like to.

[B]

You tell me, Daniel.

[A]

No, no, no. I think you. You are the one who needs a breakthrough. So you tell me which.

[B]

You're right. Okay, then let's alternate. I like the alternate. But you start because I started last Time. And you start.

[A]

I shall start. Our first pick in the Life on the Line parlay. I like.

[B]

I enjoy not looking. I enjoy hearing these in real time.

[A]

You simply must. The vagus flu won't make you achoo, but it will surely knock you flat on your back. In Sin City, things aren't always pretty. And it's not just chips you'll be starting to lack. Kraken come with a storm, but it's them you should warn you might lose a kidney and wake up in the tub. If you're somehow man down. Take a look around town.

[B]

The boys might still be in the strip club. Vegas Money Line. Yes, sir. Vegas Money Line. Leg number one. Leg number one.

[A]

All right.

[B]

Leg number two. Leg number two. Here we go, gentlemen. Crosby, Carlson and Tanger are a dangerous three. Ready to give New York a shot to the kidney. But the rags say they aren't scared of a star with double Ds. But I say that's the wrong Sydney. Give. Give the Pirates.

[A]

You are despicable, sir. Despicable. Our next leg. Fucking guy. Our next leg in the Life on the Line parlay. It's the new team of dreams and they're picking up steam. Sabres fans. Could all this be true? Jarmo is in now. They're starting to win. Playoff. Buffalo would be an absolute zoo, but the Habs come to play. Cole scores every day. They don't believe in this new Buffalo fable, but the fans will come out and you can have no doubt they're.

[B]

Ready to Montreal through a table. Sabers.

[A]

Money Line.

[B]

Save us. Money Line. Leg number three. Incredible work, Daniel. Incredible work, Daniel. All right then. The fourth and final leg of the Life on the Line parlay. The Sharkies have stunned, winning so many games while Calgary stinks like a lavatory. Watching 19 year old Macklin fuck the flames is nearly statutory. Sharks body line. Sharks body line. Lego 4. Vegas. Sabers. Pens. Sharks. One time.

[A]

You belong in a prison, my friend.

[B]

That is our Life on the Line parlay.

[A]

Those are the pics from your professors. The bell has rung. Class is dismissed. Dear Lord, we all need a break.

[B]

Help us, please.

[A]

Help us, please.

[B]

Thank you, professors. And before we get to our game, to close out this episode, I gotta give a shout out to my OG crew, the people over at AMC Network. Stan. Okay? Kelly Nash, Neil McDonald, Malia Wong, the whole. The whole gang.

[A]

Okay?

[B]

We have a show. And I gotta tell you to the listeners, I worked at amc, the TV channel for a long time making all kinds of shows, great people, all kinds of shows. Tons of which I am extremely proud of. And the second I walk out the door, they bring in the greatest TV show of all time, the millisecond.

[A]

And in fact.

[B]

And they would tell you, I'll get Kelly Nash on the phone right now, and she'll tell you that this pitch came in while I was there, and I was like, we have to do this. We have to do this show. And, you know, it wasn't. I'm not. I'm not taking credit, okay? But we. I worked on it. And I worked on it. I worked on it. And then I said, all right, I'm leaving, but I really hope this happens. And then it morphed. It was a thing, and it was close to trying to get a green light, and I didn't know if it was gonna happen. And then it morphed and became what it is now. But it doesn't exist without me, and I stand by that. And now it's finally coming out. And, Sean, you don't know me that well, but I imagine you will appreciate when I tell you that my friends at AMC have made a show called the rise of the 49ers. Narrated an executive produced by Tom Brady. They've been at his fucking house, dude, tossing the football around with. And you missed that. And I missed it. And I'm like, are you insane that I work there for a decade and can't get a face? You better get, like, a special thanks in the credits, dude. I. I am dead ass if there. He does not say thank you to Chris Powers.

[A]

Start with that.

[B]

Tom should be saying, I can't believe.

[A]

That they didn't just at least send you a picture while they were with Tom.

[B]

Oh, they did. Okay. Kel dapped me up, dude. Like, I have so many pics.

[A]

And you should have been like, I don't need a special thanks. I just want a text from Tom that just says, hey, Chris, wish you could have been here.

[B]

That would have done it all, dude. Maybe I can still get that. Maybe I'll still get that. Holy smokes. Okay, so it's called the rise of the 49ers. It's a two night, limited series event. It's this Sunday, so we'll be at stadium series this Sunday, February 1st, and then Monday, February 2nd, it's on AMC. And AMC plus it is insane because they got everybody. So essentially it's about. No, dude, the show has everything.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

It's for. It's like, for football fans out there, you just crave sick docs like this.

[A]

And fans, fans Docs are sick too.

[B]

Where people at AMC would be like, we can't get. We would get cool sports pitches and they'd be like, we're not a sports network. We can't compete.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But I was like, no, sports fans will find it if it's a cool doc.

[A]

If.

[B]

If the Last Dance, Michael Jordan's Last Dance hadn't been on Netflix, had been on Bravo, you think Bulls fans would have been like, I'm not watching that. Yeah. I assure you they would watch 10 hours of Michael Jordan interviews wherever it is. So that's what I'm excited about for this. If you are a football fan, especially a Niners fan, it is that gold rush 1981 to 1995, five Super Bowls. And like I said, they. Joe Montana is there. Jerry Rice is there. Steve Young is there. Every big name that you want to hear from is doing interviews on this show. Chopping it up with Brady as. Because he was a fan. He was a Niners fan growing up because he grew up in the Bay Area. So it's like his experience watching that team go from. Go into NHL or NHL MD Netters.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Go into NFL superstardom. You know, it's absolutely nuts, dude. And it's sick because there's kind of a rivalry between the eras of those Niners teams. Like it was Joe Montana, then this other quarterback, Steve Young took over and like those two sneaky. Aren't. There aren't best friends, you know, because it was Joe's team. And then Steve came and it was like. And Jerry Rice kind of get like bridges the gap and just catching tuddies from both. But it's, it's, it's awesome to see them both feel like they are NFL royalty. But also being like that guy. Fuck that guy. But it's like that's. Dude, the NFL is intense. That's what this show's about. It's going to be insane. So Sunday, February 1st, 9:00pm Eastern, followed by the remaining two episodes on Monday, February 2nd. Two night event Rise of the 49ers. We're gonna put the trailer in this YouTube. So just keep watching and you'll see is going to be incredible. Huge shout out to the AMC crew. I am so incredibly and extremely and passionately jealous. Yeah. Didn't get to be a part of this.

[A]

I'm so bummed for you.

[B]

You're so excited.

[A]

But what a way to channel that by fucking pumping it up.

[B]

Oh, dude. Yes. Go watch.

[A]

Celebrate.

[B]

Because guys, being positive, you know, I'm probably getting Kelly in trouble now. But I've seen some shit. She sent me some shit. And it is the behind the scenes, never before seen stuff. That's what you always crave. And oh for sure, Shortly is certainly a sports doc.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

When you're like, holy shit, I've never. As a, as a fan, as a, as a mega fan of a Tom Brady, for example, you feel like you've devoured every piece of content ever.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

When you get unheard interviews, unseen clips, all that stuff that is, that is football porn. So. And that's what you're going to get here. So I cannot wait. So my family had season tickets to the San Francisco 49ers.

[C]

That alone made me fall in love with football. I was Joe Montana throwing passes. Jerry Rice. Rice is there. The model for winning is a star quarterback. Montana has the ball in touchdown. It's hard to measure what's in people's desire.

[A]

I'm a competitor.

[B]

You have a Jerry.

[A]

Never thought that I was going to get drafted by The San Francisco 49ers.

[C]

And Irani, the way that we went about fighting for inches. We're going to climb the hill.

[B]

Then here comes Steve. I was a left handed scrambler.

[C]

Talk about an oddity.

[A]

Look at the things they're trying to do.

[B]

This is a football of the 80s.

[C]

This city deserves a winning ball club.

[B]

Eddie DeBarlo said, All I want is for you guys to win.

[C]

No, Walsh, they call him the genius.

[A]

The west coast offense.

[B]

Nobody else was doing it.

[A]

If he ran it right, it was unsuccessful.

[B]

Stopping Joe Montana was all of a sudden one of the hottest names in America. Montana is down and Candlestick park becomes silent. To suddenly have the greatest quarterback to.

[C]

Ever play the game get yanked. He was the best in the game and I was trying to be game on.

[A]

I'm better than he is.

[C]

Off we go.

[B]

Steve Young comes on.

[A]

Here comes Joe Montana. Steve Young.

[B]

And now Joe Montana is coming back in again.

[C]

All this man thought about trying to.

[B]

Have a competitive advantage. Here we go. We have the pressure to win or you fail. That made it very, very difficult.

[C]

There was a high level of expectation for greatness and in the end they changed the city.

[A]

For this team, for.

[B]

This coach, for this office owner, for this pound. They'll never forget this day.

[C]

No one could appreciate what we went through and how great it was being.

[B]

Part of a dynasty. I don't know that it isn't the best team that's ever been. All right, let's play a game, Dan. Let's play a game and get out of here.

[A]

Yeah, let's wrap up this game. And this one is called Connective Tissue. So I'm going to give Chris the bio of two players. Their names connect. He needs to figure out who it is. Good example is Brandon Carlogen Couture.

[B]

Nice.

[A]

Are you ready?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Okay. Selected in the first round of the 2015 draft, this player has only played for one team. He signed a big 70 million dollar extension two years ago after showing fans he was much more than a gritty two way forward. He even represented Canada last year at Four Nations. He then was the highest pick ever at fifth overall in 2010 for an NHL player from his country. Until the devil selected Nico Hecher first in 2017. He played for the Islanders, Wild Canes and Preds before ending up with the jets, where he's been since 2023.

[B]

Okay, give me number two again.

[A]

He was then the highest pick ever at fifth overall in 2010 for an NHL player from his country until the Devils selected Nico Hecher first in 2017. He played for the Islanders, Wild Canes and Preds before ending up with the jets, where he's been since 2023.

[B]

Okay. Fifth overall in 20 fucking 10.

[A]

What?

[B]

Are you insane? 2010?

[A]

What's wrong with that?

[B]

And he has played everywhere. And he's on the jets now. Correct, he's on the jets now. He went fifth overall. And he's always. He's old as sin.

[A]

He's not that old. He's like 33.

[B]

He's old as dirt.

[A]

Jesus Christ.

[B]

Oldest dirt.

[A]

You're an ageist piece of shit, you know that? So it's so ironic coming from you given the fact that you're basically dead.

[B]

Yeah, I'm thousand years older than everyone we ever talk about. Okay. He's old as shit on the Jets. Oldest shit on the Jets. Okay. I can think of people on their roster, none of whom are old, except for one guy. But he is definitely not from where Nico he sure is from. Which I think. I think is Swiss. Yes. Okay, and then give me the first.

[A]

Guy selected in the first round of the 2015 draft. This player has only played for one team. He signed a big $70 million extension two years ago after showing fans he was much more than a gritty two way forward. He even represented Canada last year at four nations.

[B]

Okay, so a gritty two way forward 70 million extension two years ago, he's only played for one team.

[A]

Yep. Still playing for the team who drafted him.

[B]

Yep. Okay, so I'm going to try to think of Team Canada 2015 for this one.

[A]

It's a very famous draft for you. Think about it.

[B]

2015. That's the bees.

[A]

That's the disastrous Boston draft.

[B]

That's the B's draft. Okay, so on that team, you've got. And forgive me, but I'm just gonna do this.

[A]

Do you want hints? No, no, no.

[B]

Yeah, because I'm just gonna try to think of the forwards really quickly. It's like McKinnon Connor said. Marner Stone. Different teams. Different teams. Not gritty, Reinert. Different team. Bennett. Has Bennett been on one team?

[A]

You know that, that. You know that he's only been on.

[B]

One team his whole life. Did Tom Wilson make four nations?

[A]

Do you want me to tell you?

[B]

Nope. Because he made the Olympics. Was he on that four nations team? I think he wasn't. I think he wasn't on that four nations team, but maybe he was.

[A]

I think you might need a hint.

[B]

Give me a hint.

[A]

This first player is considered by some. A top 10 player in the league.

[B]

Really? Top 10 player in the league.

[A]

That is a cheeky hint for you.

[B]

Considered by some. Yeah, top 10 player in the league. Okay. Four nations, gritty two way forward. Only one team.

[A]

There's a hint in that part. Two.

[B]

First rounder.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

And.

[B]

Oh, my God.

[A]

Will you just fucking relax?

[B]

Let's get headphones all over the place.

[A]

It's terrible. Terrible radio.

[B]

Well, it's hard when you're alone. Like when I do this with you guys in the game. You're right.

[A]

I know, but you're just talking. Do you want more hints?

[B]

No. Swiss. I'm just trying to think of Swiss guys on the jets. Swiss is the. Do you have a hint for the second guy?

[A]

I can get one.

[B]

No, no. Is he a forward?

[A]

Yep.

[B]

You already told me that. Or no, you didn't tell me that. Oh, I think I got the first guy.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

J.P. yep.

[A]

You got it.

[B]

I was like, who the fuck is top 10 that I don't know. Okay, the first guy is Travis Koneckney.

[A]

That's correct.

[B]

So the second guy who is a Swiss guy on the Jets.

[A]

Well, do use. Use the. Use the game.

[B]

Connect knee. Knee. Nico.

[A]

Nope.

[B]

Fuck. Oh, yeah. Not Nico. He's sure. Travis. Connect knee.

[A]

I suppose I could have made it a little easier by doing Nico. He. Sure. But this is also a player that you should get. He's got a great name.

[B]

Nino Niederider. Yes. He just came up today.

[A]

He sure did. Like, what the fuck?

[B]

Damn, dude. That's good one. Wow. Funny that both the Swiss dudes would have worked both the two highest I don't. Swiss guys would have worked.

[A]

They love knee names.

[B]

Travis Kinect. Nino Niederider.

[C]

Correct.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

Great one.

[A]

Really, really, really good. Travis. Connect. Nino Nidorrider. There you go. There is your game. There is your episode. Make sure you cash those professor bets. Hope you enjoyed it. Hope you enjoyed. Jack. Unbelievable story. Thanks for coming on again. Jack O. Guys, we'll see you at Stadium Series. We're going to be pumping out a lot of content over the weekend. It's going to be a blast. Hope to see you there. If you were there, if you are, come up to us. Give us a big hug. Let's chat, let's hang. We love seeing y'.

[B]

All.

[A]

Cannot wait. And until then, skate hard.