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A
Ice is ready, babes. And we're back with another live episode of the Engineers podcast, brought to you by BetMGM. We're rocking remote CP. Are you in Ecuador?
B
Yes. No, I left. Dude, I was here.
A
I mean, listen, I figured I'd bop. I'm hearing all the, I'm hearing all the craziness. There's a chance you get kidnapped, so we just got to be sure.
B
That's true. That's true. And we cannot. That is not something we can afford at this juncture, Dan. At this juncture.
A
I. You know what? I'd be fine with it as long as it doesn't happen during the show.
B
Actually, that would be numbies. If someone busted in here and kidnapped me live on camera, it would go to the moon.
A
So that would be a viral, viral clip. So if there's any cartel in Ecuador, cp, just go ahead and say that address real quick.
B
Yep. La Palma. La Palma Polo Club. Come on down.
A
Scoop him up, Scoop him up. All right, well, we got a great show today. We were supposed to be joined by Ross Colton of the Colorado Avalanche, but he's got practice, so we're gonna, we're gonna get him on next week while they're waiting for the Western Conference final to start, which actually probably won't be too much longer because we had another elimination last night. The Anaheim Duckies are dead. The Vegas Golden Knights played some Duck Hunter bang. Ducks are out. Vegas through. We're gonna get to that. But the only series in the second round remaining, Montreal Canadiens, Buffalo Sabres. We had a crazy beginning to the game.
B
You won first period.
A
And it's tough because I, I'd love to get Laz back on here and sewer him because I think two goals on the first three shots, maybe it might have been three of four or something like that. Yeah, it was three or four. Do Bash lets in three of his first four and it was a two, it was a one goal game. It was three to two. And lads was like, you have to yank this guy. And I, I replied to him and I was like, it's a one goal game. And he was like, I don't care, three or four. And then wouldn't you know it, Do Bash slams the door, doesn't let in a single, another goal, and the Habs beat the shit out of the Sabers 6 to 3 to take a 3, 2 series lead. And I look like a genius. Laz looks like an idiot.
B
And dude, you credit to you and dance on my grave too, because I think statistically I, I, I completely Agreed with Laz. And I think statistically that it doesn't go the way it went last night. But that's. That. That's sports, baby. And you get to dance on all of our graves. But that was one of the craziest decisions I've ever seen, because it. You could be winning, and I would have yanked him because I'm like, dude, we can't have every shot going in. You've played every minute. This is so fine. This Wedgwood has been pulled like everybody gets pulled when you're giving up a billion goals. It's actually for the better. So I was like, this is the worst decision I've ever seen. And then you are. You are correct. You and Marty St. Louis are dialed because not only. Dude, did he shut the door, but he made 23rd saves. Like, made monster saves, stopped the Tage breakaway, which I want to talk about later. But, yeah, it's fucking spot on decision. Even though I thought that was batshit crazy in the moment. Yeah,
A
it truly insane, dude. Like, how crazy is that?
B
Like, you have to pull him. Like, this was. That was the most wild behavior I've ever seen. And then he was like, just kidding. I will save every shot from now on. And my. My thoughts on the way that was going were, if the Habs ever take the lead in this game, it's over. Because they were like, Buffalo was scoring every shot, and Montreal was hanging around, hanging around. And I was like, God, if you're the Sabers and the Habs get the lead in this game, you are going to blow your head off. And then the second Habs took the lead, I was like, we're dead. And then. And then that was all. That was all she wrote, pal. And it was. It was quick, it wasn't painless, but it was. It was. It was surgical. I'll say that.
A
I'm not. I don't know if you can hear me, C.P. but, like, I'm not talking because all the sound is looping and I can't hear.
B
I can hear you perfectly, and I think everyone can hear us perfectly. Do you have your YouTube volume on?
A
Don't. Don't even. Don't even have it open.
B
Okay, well, yeah, I got you loud and clear.
A
I think I fixed it. So we're good. So everything still remains perfect for the stream, and that's all that matters. I. Tell me. Tell me what you. You just said a second ago, because I had Armageddon going on in my ears and I couldn't hear a thing.
B
Okay. Basically, I said That I was completely on Laz's side. And I think that you correctly get to. You and Marty St. Louis get to now dance on Graves because of what happened. But yeah, that was. That is. Under no circumstances do you leave that goalie. And after giving up three goals on four shots, he's played every minute of the playoffs. This is a easy, easy pull where you can. Because it's a one goal game. You can still easily win this game once you get a new look in net statistically, that's always the play. It almost never goes the way it did. But congrats to you and the Habs because holy did you pull. You needed a. You know in D and D when you're like, I gotta roll a 84 on this. A thousand sided die to. To. To cast my spell or whatever the happens in that game. Bang. You guys rolled an 84 and did it.
A
I. It. What's so nuts is it was such a Flex by St. Louis because this, the. The series just is tied.
B
Yeah. Yeah.
A
It's. It's like he. It's not like they had this big series lead and he's like, I trust Do Bash. He's gonna get us out of this. And even if he doesn't, whatever, the series gets tied up. Like you go down in the series if you get this wrong.
B
Yeah.
A
And he was just like, doesn't matter to me. It's a shootout. It's a one goal game. This is a crazy first period. I'm sticking with our guy. I, I probably would have done the same thing based on what I said, but that's an idiot sitting on his couch watching the game. And the fact that St. Louis, St. Louis did it and then not only did they win, but Dovish was a monster for the rest of the game is crazy.
B
Dude. It was nuts, man. Because no joke, I hear your logic about this series. I was thinking to myself, if you're the Habs, I kind of want to get into this later, but if you're the Habs, you're thinking we're winning game six, obviously, so you can lose this game. Kind of.
A
Yeah.
B
And I was like, man, I would have pulled him for that reason. Because I go, well, dude, you're getting lit up. So obviously we'll just put in the backup and even and maybe we can pull this out. Like we've seen teams do like, like what just happened with Wedgwood last game where Blackwood gets lit up and they go, dude, put in the backup. And sometimes the backup slams the door. We see that Happen all the time. So I go put in the backup, maybe pull this win out of your ass. And even if you lose with your backup in, who gives a fuck? This was a schedul schedule loss. You win Game 6 in Montreal, and then we're laughing. So it was just so crazy to leave him in and just unbelievable. Credit to do best, dude, because, like, holy. That was insane.
A
It's thousand saves. It's crazy, man. And I've got to say this, and I'm curious what you think I am. I'm unfortunately declaring Buffalo dead.
B
Me too.
A
You know why? Because of the goalie poll. Oh.
B
Oh, yeah. Well, yeah, you said that forever ago. Yep.
A
No, no, no. Not. Not because of my general thesis, which is also true. Yeah, but because you go with Upl in game four, you get the win. You go with Upl in this game, and he gets turned into a Christmas tree, and you have to yank him in this game. Now you are in the. Like, what do we even do in this game? You probably start lying, and maybe you pray to God that Lion can get a win on the road, but I just think the Canadiens have both goalies figured out. You know that in your locker room. That both goalies are figured out. Tuck hasn't done shit. Tage is still, like, kind of wishy washy. I don't know, I just. I feel like if you're Montreal, you have their number in ever, every way.
B
Dude, correct the. This sounds stupid, but the fact that. That lyon gave up 1, 2 is insane. Or not insane, but just like a nightmare, you know? Like he comes in, gets three shots, and, like, they score. I would have gone and listen, I was not dialed enough on the Buffalo goalie situation during the regular season. Any Buffalo fan in the chat can maybe tell me who they felt more confident with, because the splits are. The splits are right there. UPL was slightly better numbers, but everything really close. So maybe they were happy to see UPL and that. I just don't know. But from my outsider POV being dialed during playoffs, I never would have put Upl back in the net ever. Even after those Montreal losses. So the fact that we're even here is. But you have the worst. You. Not the worst St. The se. You have the worst goalies in this series anyway. So, like, you're. You're just up against it, you know, from the beginning. So it was always going to be tough.
A
Yeah, it was always going to be tough. And you. Listen, we don't need to have a postmortem about Buffalo yet because they're still in it. Absolutely. And we've seen them win on the road. There's no. You know, we picked this series to go seven. I. I believe it can still go seven. I think. I think it can, yeah. I mean, and weirdly enough, after everything I just said, I think Lyon, based on what he's done in the past, could come in and just, like, frustrate them for a game. You know, maybe I'm wrong about that, but this Buffalo team has shown some fight. And you see for Montreal last night, you get another Caulfield goal, you get a zook goal, then you get Demidov's first goal. By the way, did you see the stick tape change?
B
Oh, no, I didn't. That's awesome.
A
Demidov black tape every game in these playoffs. And then he switched to white, and he gets a tuck.
B
He had a. He had a great game. He was awesome. Almost.
A
He was. He was all over the place. And that goal was sick.
B
The goal was sick. And the one who scored, the one that got stuffed in off his, like, curl and drag, that kind of leaked through, and some Anderson's maybe, but, yeah, like, that's basically his goal, too, in my mind, you know, so he was. He. He was fucking, man, vibing. That was awesome.
A
Yeah, I mean, it's like, listen, that's a game where, you know, you get Caulfield staying hot, Zuke stays hot, Evans and Demidov get there first. It's just like, everything's going for the Habs in that game in Buffalo, you know, that's just. That's a nightmare game for Buffalo. It's a nightmare game.
B
It is. You.
A
You get. You get three goals on four shots on Dosh, who has been tough to solve other than that one game. And then you give up a bunch of goals. They're Montreal's guys. Get going. You blow the lead, and you're down dead. It's just like. It's a tough feeling.
B
What sucks, dude, is you get that first period where you wish you were up more obviously when you're pumping in goals like that. But whatever, you have the lead. And most importantly, you have scored at an extreme rate against Dobish, which has been very hard. And now you got the. Like, usually you get. If you have a long series, usually you get one game where the goalie has a stinker. Unless he's just diabolical, right? So Buffalo's thinking, amazing. Here's our Do Bash game. Maybe even Marty, maybe even St. Louis. Dude, you know how Belichick, like, didn't call a timeout when the Seahawks had the ball on the one and the clock was running and they malfunctioned and threw it, even though. You know, we can debate that call later, but you know what I'm saying, maybe Marty legitimately got in the Saber's head by not pulling Dopesh. You know, like, they see three shots go in on four goals, and they're going, here comes the Yank. And then Dobish is just still in there, and they're like, wait, what the fuck? So I legitimately think that's possible, but, man, you get that start. You get the. You get the doesh stinker. So you think that second period as a Buffalo player, as a Buffalo fan, is a nightmare, dude, because you just have to keep going. And the fact that the Habs come out and ram it down your throat. I think they scored three in the second. Is that right? Three goals of their own in the second period. And in that run. Correct me if I'm wrong, Dan, but in that run was also the Tage Thompson breakaway where he kind. It was a pretty good move. I know he was looking five hole doves didn't give it to him, so he held it. And then he just. I think he still had it. If he elevated it looked like that Krill goal from the other night, when he kind of from the goal line just gets it top ched. I was like, tage, you have to score here. Like, this is. You're at home. You guys are getting ragdolled in the second period after you got a dosh bomb, and then you're on a breakaway dude like me. And it's just. Those are the moments, dude. You know, it's fucking. It sucks, but those are the moments. I'm not even saying he's been bad. It's just like, I have to have that goal. I have to have that goal.
A
Yeah, I. I do. Again, I don't wanna. It's not time to dead the Sabers and to have a postmortem about them like we did about Minnesota when the Yesterday. Yesterday's episode.
B
Yeah.
A
So we're not gonna do that. Don't worry, Buffalo fans, you're still in the fight. Little fight. We're not gonna do that. So instead, I want to stroke off this Habs team. I think for the first time in playoffs. And listen, Buffalo could still win this series, so, you know, keep that in mind. But I think for the first time in these playoffs on the east, the Canes are looking at a team that spooks them.
B
Okay?
A
I. I think Montreal has proven time here. Here we go again. Dude, they won round one against a Tampa team that most people picked. Most people picked Tampa. And they won in six and seven.
B
Right?
A
Seven. Sorry.
B
Yeah.
A
To your point, Kind of humiliated them.
B
Oh, my God. I think so strongly. I know Habs fans get mad at me for that, but I agree.
A
Kind of humiliated Tampa and made people start asking a lot of questions about Tampa. We. We presented those questions and we were like, it is undeniable that you can't. You need to have this conversation now. Now, here we are. A lot of people pick them in this series. We pick them in this series. But if they win in six here in the ways that they've won, I think this is just like, they keep doing this, man. Like, they don't lose two games in a row. They do. Bash always answers the bell. I think last night's game was such a motherfuck. By do Bash, I mean, again, credit to St. Louis keeping him in the net, but him staying in the net and then saving 20 shots in the third period as Montreal just rams it down Buffalo's throat. With that second period, three goals, taking a 53 lead, and being like, you guys suck compared to us. Getting another power play for good measure, getting Demid off on the board. It was. That was a game that I think makes teams go. If I'm Carolina, I'm looking at Montreal and going, they're. They're feeling themselves right now. They're vibing. And I think that's kind of spooky.
B
It is. It is 100. And I think every Habs fan that said, dude, trust me, watch out. Watch when we get cooking, is. Is proven completely right, and I think it will be. And again, I don't want to do too much of this yet because the series is not over. I stand by that. But the. It is funny that, like, the Canes are coming in undefeated to the point now that it's like, if they lose any games, it's going to be like. Like the Canes literally have to win the first two games at home, no matter who they play. Otherwise it's going to be fucking panic mode, you know? Like, yeah, I can't even get into that. But yes, the Habs team looks fucking awesome. I want to say this about Buffalo. This when I. I was legitimately pissed at them in the second period, because this has been a really fun ride. I said even from the very beginning, playing against the team I like the most, the Boston Bruins, I was like, whatever, dude. I hope the Bruins win because I'm. They're my. My boys. But the Sabers are awesome, and if they beat the Bruins, I hope they go on an epic run. I said that before the puck drop of Game one, and this has been an awesome ride. I hope it's not over yet, but I hope Sabres fans have enjoyed this for the first time all playoffs. I was pissed at them in that second period of this game where I was like, dude, you scored three goals on four shots. You have the lead in a pivotal game five at home, and you came out in the second period and you rolled over and you let the Habs rub your belly and in front of your fans, and that cannot happen. But even though they still got rinsed, I give them a lot of credit because you want to talk about fight, Dan, you want to talk about having a little fight? Pouring 20 shots on the halves and none of them were grade A, really, you know, but just pouring 20 shots on the halves in the fucking SEC or the third period, I really appreciated from that team, from their fans. And where I'm going with this rant is The Sabers went 30 in Boston, right? I'm pretty sure 30 in Boston and then 1 and 11 and 1 in Montreal so far, which is a impossible place to play. So, really, dude, they're four and one on the road. And how many times have we heard dudes say, sometimes even though you love the juice from the fans, sometimes the road playoff games are easier because you're like, whatever. I'm not. Like, I'm just. I'm alone. We're in the hotel with the boys. Singular, focus. Let's go. So you know what I mean? They've been better on the road than at home all playoffs. So your attitude right now as the Sabres is you go, look what we did in the third. Doba showed some cracks in the first. We just got to go win in Montreal, which we've already done, where we've been better. And then it's game seven and game seven at home. Like, whatever, dude. It's game seven. Like, anything can happen. The Habs won a game seven in Tampa, shooting nine times. So, like, you just. Your attitude right now is just win a fucking road game, which we've done at a 90% clip all playoffs.
A
Yeah, it is. Montreal's one two in Buffalo now, right? So Buffalo's only one and two at home. So you. What Buffalo is looking at is you've got. You've got some of your big dogs who need to play better 1000% you need to beat this team two games in a row, which they have not allowed to have happened in these playoffs yet. And you need to retilt the ice on your home ice, where you have lost more than you have won.
B
So. But, dude, has Montreal one. Two in a. Have they won two in a row, either
A
not in this series or. Yes, in this series.
B
In this series, they. Did they. Because they.
A
The Buffalo won one, and then they won two, three, and then Buffalo one, and now they've won.
B
Okay. Yeah. Yeah.
A
And they're about to potentially do it again.
B
Yeah.
A
So you've got a mountain to climb if you're Buffalo. And again, the vibes aren't as horny as Montreal's vibes. Montreal is very horny right now. Yes. And that's very exciting.
B
They are bricked up.
A
They are totally bricked up. So Buffalo. Absolutely still in the fight. I did declare them dead. That again, doesn't mean they're going to lose the next game. I do just think it's. I think it's too much. And to me, it's the goalie stuff. The goalie stuff is frightening. So Montreal, man, is just. They are answering every question. We kind of waxed poetic earlier in this week about how they're so ahead of schedule, and I think they keep doing that. That. Dude, that was a js. That was about to be way too horny.
B
Yeah, that was. Dude, what the.
A
I take that back.
B
Don't you ever besmirch his name again like that.
A
I was about to compare doves to Jaya Shig and Tim Thomas, but, dude, I don't think that that performance is getting enough spec. I don't.
B
I mean, how many shots do they actually have? The sabers?
A
I think 36.
B
36? Yeah. I mean, that's a. Hell. I mean, 36 shots, three goals is a very good game, but not like the greatest game ever. It's sick in the context of I gave up three goals in the first
A
four shots, and I think that's what's important because. Because Hellenius scored with about 10 minutes, 15 seconds, not about. Exactly. So after 10 minutes of the game, he pitched a shutout.
B
Yep.
A
With. With. And he did that with all of the people in the arena, in that Buffalo arena, you know, that they were like. They were sieving him. They were being. Giving it to him.
B
Yank him. Yank him.
A
You got people like Laz Online being like, you've got to pull this guy. I obviously, I know. Do. Bash isn't checking Twitter after. Actually, maybe he is.
B
Maybe.
A
Maybe not naming names, but we know some guys who do that. But they, I mean, like, there was a lot kind of stacked against him to make him be like, you know, maybe, maybe yank him. But he, he, he stood tall. That was great.
B
No, it was awesome, dude. And he, like I said, he absolutely battled. And, bro, if you're the Habs right now, you're going. And this is some CP math over here, but this is, this is a fact. If you're the Habs, you're. Here's my spin zone of this series. We are through five games. We're up three, two. Game one was a joke. That shouldn't have counted because we were coming off the Tampa, Game seven chaos and, you know, rolling into Buffalo and game four at home. We would have won if Tage's shot hadn't ricocheted in off the stanchion, you know, So I think the Habs are going. This was a sweep. Like, they're. The Habs are reverse rod. The botting where he. Nothing is a sweep to him. The Habs are in a, in a 3, 2 tilt right now, and they're going. This should have been a sweep because we should have beat them in game one or game one was a wash and we should have beat them in game four. So right now they're, they are. Their confidence is coming out their ear holes because they're like, whatever, we're going back home to murder these guys, and they don't belong in this series with us. So they, they feel incredible and none more so inflated than that 50 minute dosh performance.
A
Correct? Correct. 100%. I mean, I, I, I just stand by. This team is like, there was a huge time. I, you know what? I got to stop talking like they've already won because that's disrespectful to Buffalo. They could come back. But it is, I think it's like, for Buffalo, a lot of people need to dig deep, heavy deep, and start performing and, and listen, like, that's, that's what's up. That's what it takes. You need your big dogs, you need Tuck, you need Thompson, you need Darlene to be like, all right, man. Like, we gotta start getting it going. And I will say this. If game six comes around and Alex Tuck has like, three points, if you're Montreal, you now go, oh, they're a little scary, right? Yeah, because you're like, they're horny now. We might be in trouble.
B
It's a little scary because you go, holy. We just lost game six at home.
A
Yeah.
B
Chance to Clinch. Which I think they did in Tampa. Right. Like, isn't exactly that. Exactly what happened in Tampa. They were up three, two, coming home and lost.
A
Yeah.
B
So you. If you lose that game and Tuck and Tage get going and Alex Lyon is great, then you're in another Game seven where frankly. And all the credit to the Habs in the world for getting by Tampa, but frankly, you had no business winning that Game 7. Tampa was pummeling you and you won. And that's sick. But you don't want to. You just don't want to be in that game again. Dude, game sevens are the scariest thing in the world. You don't want to be in that game again. So I hear you. It's not over. And I got a shout out, Dan, and I'm not. I gotta shout out my. My 10th brother in law seven times removed. In law. You. Yeah, Hugh sent us a lot of stuff that I refuse. Hugh, I'm talking to you right now. I refuse to talk about this stuff that you just sent me because the series is not over. And this is some negative talk. Hugh, I gotta be honest, dude, I don't like this white flag, but, dude, that is.
A
That is your mo, bro. You are the biggest. Like, you're right, you're right. Yeah.
B
We are related, dad. We are.
A
You know, I was going to say, like, that I've never seen anything more pointing towards the fact that you and Hugh are cousins, that you are both defeatists, because that's how you get through it.
B
Because he's already talking about what a great ride it's been. But, Hugh, listen to me loud and clear. Dan is correct. If the Stars can get going for one game, then we're in game seven. And you know what, Dan? I will already even say this. You said this about the Wild yesterday or whenever the that came out. You said this for what should have been a yeah, season from the Wild went sour just because of how rinsed you got by the ABs. I am saying, even in 6, if Buffalo goes to Montreal and loses, they have still had a fuck yes season. I don't want to hear any Sabers fans going, oh, my God, What a joke.
A
100% agree. And I do. I think that's good to say because when you get past Boston, who was a wild card team, you're like, yeah, we should have got that. And you did it in a great way. Now you go up against Montreal, I think, early as the one seed. You know this is an upset, right? If they lose to Montreal, this is an upset. But I think there's a reality that Montreal has shown they're way better than people gave them credit for. And I think people forgot with the seating how insanely close Buffalo, Tampa and Montreal were at the end there. They were all kind of one seeds as far as I'm concerned.
B
Dude, they had the same amount of points with like two games left.
A
Yes. And to, to me it's like the only questions really about for me about this Montreal team was how will does perform in the playoffs and how will this defense perform because they had kind of a lackluster defensive performance last year when they made it up against Washington. Lane Hudson has proven he's a superstar. Matheson has been incredible. By the way. We didn't talk about that Matheson play. When Benson got popped and went down, I think it was game three, maybe four. Matheson jumped on top of Benson and like covered and cradle had cradled his head to protect him during the scrum. That was one of the most cool guy moments of all time.
B
Absolute glue.
A
Yeah, that, that was a total, total glue guy move. Like presence of mind in a playoff game. You want to kill your opponent and your opponent is on the ground potentially about to get killed and you go, let me just save this guy real quick. That's a glue guy move.
B
That is.
A
He's been great. Dobson back in the lineup has been great. This, this team has just again, they've answered every single question. So if you lose to this Montreal team in six, if you lose to them in seven, no matter what, unbelievable season and so much to be psyched about and to build on. So Buffalo is laughing right now. Obviously they want to win, but they are laughing no matter what, which is great.
B
Tough bat, tough hill, but you're not out of it. I can't wait. Can't wait to watch the game.
A
Six cannot wait. I. Before we move on to the next series, I want to do a little, little in between. Not ice.
B
Okay.
A
I flew yesterday.
B
Yes.
A
And more or. Or true Netters fans, long time listeners will remember my baby on a plane rant.
B
Oh yeah. They didn't like that. They were. Some people were mad at you about that, some didn't.
A
And the ones who didn't need to understand that we're just having a family event sesh here.
B
Yeah.
A
Come on. I get on the plane yesterday and I sit down boarding group one, of course.
B
How are you?
A
And this lovely lady walks up, probably my age, maybe a bit younger and she's got a maybe 6 month old baby strapped to her chest.
B
Yep.
A
And she Goes, hey, we're. We're. We're in there row. Yeah. And I was like, great. And as she's walking by, she goes, we got. One more is coming, too. I promise, Promise. We're going to be great. And I. I looked at her and I smiled and I went, you're. You're already perfect. You're already perfect because what you've done is acknowledge it. And you're trying to be nice. You're trying to be amazing. And you are amazing. You're fantastic. The husband shows up, and he's like, hey, what's going on? And he's putting his bags up, and he's got a diaper bag. He's got all this.
B
He's.
A
He's bringing down snacks and bottles and this and that. And he keeps being like, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. And I was like. I tapped him on the shoulder. I was like, buddy, you're all good. It's like, no. No worries at all. He gets everything up. He sits down. We're sitting in there. This kid is cute as a button man. Like, I mean, this kid is a. He's a. He. He's a. He's an advertising baby. We got to get him in commercials. I. I know a guy. I. I know an agent. We'll get him set up. But they sit down. They're. They're, you know, they're working everything around and doing all this, and immediately, the plane hasn't even boarded. The guy looks at me and he goes, when. When the flight attendants come by with, like, the stack boxes and whatever, get whatever you want a drink. It's on us. And I was like. And I was like,
B
big mistake, pal. 55 burgers, 55 fries, 55 drinks.
A
I go. I turn to him and I go, buddy, not necessary at all. You guys are the best. He's the best. We're in this together. Don't sweat it. And I. I point to the kid and I go, nothing.
B
That's my guy right there.
A
I go, nothing about this situation is going to bother me or stress me out. Don't. Do not sweat it. And the way both of their shoulders just, like, dropped, and they were like, oh, wow. Like, you know, they came in so nervous, and they then told me it was his first.
B
They probably recognized you, Dan. They probably were like, this guy was the Internet guy that tried to throw a baby off the plane.
A
Correct. They knew me. If you were flying with an infant, you. You get an email from United that goes, if you're sitting next to this guy, you better apologize.
B
Just FYI, dad's on this place.
A
But they like, they, they clearly, they told me it was his first flight. Their first flight is a family. And we were taught. I was like, that's amazing. What are you guys doing?
B
Blah.
A
But they clearly came into this flight knowing that they were flying the first time with their six month old. And they were so nervous. They were like, oh my God, I hope we don't bother anybody. They were so prepared. They had like a little syringe of what I assume is medicine for like maybe the ears. Because I've heard that's a thing like the ear popping can be tough.
B
Yep.
A
For newborns. But they, they were so prepared. And my guy, did he cry a couple times?
B
Sure.
A
But he was fine. He was great. And I just, I wish I had gotten their names because I would love to, I would love to buy a billboard.
B
I'd like to buy them a snack box.
A
Yes. And you also. They both got a whiskey on the flight, which I loved about them. I was like, hell yeah, Both of you. And I would like to, I would like to put up a billboard and show the nation, show the world. These two people and this baby are incredible. This is America's family. They were, they were just so wonderful and delightful. And I, I am, I, I'm sorry for them that they felt so stressed out and worried because I've got a message for them. You've got nothing to worry about. All three of you are perfect.
B
What would you have done if they ordered the whiskeys and then started making the baby have it? You sat right next to them as they're just pouring the whiskey down the baby's throat. Would you call the call button?
A
Okay, if they were, if they filled that syringe with the Jack Daniels and busted it down that kid's throat? Yes. I would have hit the call button and I would have been like, whoa,
B
we've got in the back shoot right now.
A
Now, however, if they had gone full 1920s family and poured that whiskey in a cup and stuck their finger in it and rubbed it on the kids gums to help with his teething, I would have gone like this. That's old school parenting right there.
B
Yeah, that's how, that's how. That's how great generations were born. Dude.
A
I would have looked at the kid and I would have him a fist pump and Odon. You and me both, brother.
B
Dude, 100%. That is awesome, dude.
A
It was awesome.
B
Be a nightmare.
A
It was a great full circle moment for me.
B
Yes, it was. Yes. It was this killed me in the chat. Dan JD goes why does CP have to be in Ecuador for the live to work? But everyone's saying don't, don't jinx it though. Don't jinx it.
A
Don't, don't jinx it. But also it's like I'm sorry dude. This we might have to be netters international. And now the live is perfect and
B
and Jose, I'm in Quito so if have any wrecks fire him in there buddy. That would be awesome. I'm gonna go horseback riding later. I think that'd be sick.
A
Oh God that will be sick.
B
I'm trying to get to a gallop.
A
Dan, do you wanna. You've never galloped.
B
You've galloped. You have maybe trotted, buddy.
A
Are you out of your mind? I used to go to Andrew Loan's house every day after school and we would ride shadow around those back. I, I, I was on a full on prance pal.
B
Shad dope. That's horeshit. Shadow would kick you the off so fast.
A
Nah, nah. Shadow was my guy. We used to tear through those woods.
B
That's insane.
A
Vegas. Anaheim. Shall we get into it?
B
Yeah, only if you promise we can talk about Mitch Marner for 30 straight minutes.
A
Yeah, I want to talk about Marner for 30 straight minutes. And I want to talk about torch for 30 straight minutes. Which would you like to start with?
B
Mitch Marner.
A
Okay, let's start and talk about Mitch Mar. Also can you hear the bustling New York City streets behind me?
B
No, not really. I don't think so. The mics are good dude. Because I got in the grass. I got horses. I got. Actually there was a guy band sawing sheet metal out here and Sandra had to go out and be like dude, you got to give me one hour.
A
You know what I really love is every now and then we can see Sandra's reflection in the door behind you. And every now and then we can see Alice's head bobbing behind this lamp right here. So we've got. This is a star studded episode. It's fantastic.
B
Okay, Mitch. Mitch Marner. Mitchell is his name Mitchell? Yeah, something. He could be just a Mitch.
A
I don't know.
B
His legal name is.
A
I'll find it. While you poetic look that up.
B
Mitchell Marner
A
having.
B
What is it? 18 points in the playoffs. Three more than anybody else. And after I early in playoffs.
A
His name's Mitchell Daniel Marner. He's named after me.
B
Are you me?
A
That's unbelievable.
B
Mdm. That's pretty sick. Actually, yeah. That is sick. He's doctor.
A
He's an am.
B
Dr. Marner, M.D.
A
marner.
B
How have we not called him Doc?
A
Oh my God. What are we doing here? We've got a new nickname. This is unreal.
B
Doc Marner.
A
This is huge news. I'm. I'm about to blast this out. This is fantastic.
B
Dude. How is Doc Marner. Holy. Dude. Hold on. I gotta make sure this isn't up on anywhere else. Because if we have just invented Doc Marner.
A
If. If the chat. That news to me. I'm gonna die.
B
Hold on. I'm on. I'm on Hockey reference. Nope. Dude, it says Mars, Bruno Marnes, Mitchie, Magic Mitch Mouse, Mickey Mouse the Magician. Are his known. Legally documented known nicknames. And now he's Doc Marner. You're welcome. Mitch and Dan, get on the T shirt machine right now.
A
Right now. Dude, this is so amazing that we are creating this and.
B
And.
A
And ev zaps. Everyone, a clip needs to be made of this the second this episode is over. Because we got to get ahead of the story. And this is a. This is unbelievable.
B
Start trademarking, dude. Zach.
A
Right.
B
Going on. Yep.
A
Right now.
B
We need this handled immediately. This is insane. We have to delete. We might have to crash this chat. We don't have to crash this live, Dan. We might have to crash intentionally crash.
A
Truly. I'm. I'm struggling to get this on Twitter right now.
B
Doc Martyr. Dude, it was. And wow. Holy comment. That says. I think that's an I or an L31. It says. Damn. The chat says that goal was surgical because of course it was the fucking doctor chat.
A
That's some Friday vibes. That's. That's. We're all buzzing on a Friday.
B
This is huge. Holy shit. So, Dan, that play. You know we always talk about you. I'm a broken record with this. Starting a road game. Starting a road game with a goal. Getting the crowd out of it is so, so huge. And that play, first of all, the pass from Shea is ridiculous. Like I can't even believe he could hits him there. And then Marner gets in and it's Lacombe, right? Lacombe's all over him. And then Marner's starred hits the brakes. He looked like Luis Mendoza. Dan, use the brakes, baby. He was on an all time breakaway. And he hits the brakes. He did he full stop. And then goes between the legs. And I was like. You did? I literally was like. Like, what? What is happening? I'm trying to watch in Ecuador. I got it on my phone. I don't know what's going on. I thought it was a glitch. And I was like, there's no way that that just happened. I think something looked wrong, but it. I didn't see what I think I saw. And then they showed me the replay and he went full Doc. Full surgical, full Luis Mendoza. One nothing. Game over. Series over.
A
I, I, I am way too excited. Marty just texted us about this. I way too excited about what we have just discovered. Like, Doc Marner is the funniest nickname of all time. And the fact that it works is like, it's MD Marner, dude. Like D, Marty, MD martyr Doc Marner. This is this, hey, this. The random stuff that tickles you is fantastic. And he is. We've got the week. Someone just on X just said the doctor put on a playoff clinic. It's like, it's all perfect.
B
It's all there, dude. It's all there. Fantastic Maryland. He's an md. He has been his whole life.
A
Life.
B
I don't know how I didn't see it.
A
It's, it's, it's remarkable how well this guy is playing. And it is so good to see him so happy. And I, I, that's. I'm not taking shots at Toronto, at least not shots, you know, syringe shots like a doctor would give. I'm taking shots at yes. I think this guy is having fun in the playoffs for the first time in his career. And I think obviously it helps that they're winning, but when they lose, he doesn't have media being like this. And it's your fault, right? When he was quote, unquote cold earlier in the playoffs, people weren't up his ass, so it allowed him to start buzzing. He's now the best player in playoffs. He's pulling out highlight real goals. Like, that is probably the sexiest Vegas Golden Knights goal of their history. That is the sexiest goal of these playoffs. Like, this is unbelievable to see. Shout out Booch. We love boochagross. He's unbelievable. If you're not following Boochie yet, go. Make sure you do it. He's the best. He's on the broadcast. He crushes it. He tweeted an awesome video of his assist on Howden's goal. And Booch was like, the way this kid is in, like, flow state, the way he sees the ice one step ahead. He. He's like Neil in the Matrix. He's seeing the numbers when you watch his zone entry and the way he appeals back and opens up his hips. And delays, pulls the puck back to protect it, wait for that pass lane to open up. And then slides. Perfect feathered pass that Howden can just one te in the back of the net.
B
It's.
A
He is genuinely. He's flying. It's that scene from F1 where it's like everything is going right. You're hitting all the turns right. You're hitting the straights, you're using Drs and you are flying. Mitch Marner is currently flying. It's unbelievable.
B
Dude, he used it. It was like he was moving the ball. You know, they talk about quarterbacks moving safeties and linebackers with their eyes. That goal was actually. Someone on the call had an amazing line. It was like, that's hockey, baby. Or something like that. But it was literally. He.
A
He.
B
It was a two on two that like was developing into a three on two shorthanded, which is insane. And we can talk about the Ducks power play in a second. But he literally like floated and then moved Duck's defenders where he wanted them to go. And it was as if they. Is as. As if he put an invisibility cloak on Howden but with his eyes, because he was like, I'm not possibly passing there. So then they. All the Ducks defenders just started looking everywhere else of who else they should cover since Howden was invisible. And then he went, pulled the cloak off him, hit him back door. Howden Tuck, which is a dagger goal and a goal. Dan. That I will say made zero sense because New Hook didn't score earlier. So I don't know how Howden thinks he can score if New Hook hasn't scored. So that's it.
A
It did feel like that was a miscommunication. I was pretty upset about that when I was like, dude, what, buddy?
B
We have a thing happening.
A
There's a clear thing. Like, I was like, new Hook didn't score. Howden, you can't be scoring here. But that just means that New Hook's gonna get two tomorrow night.
B
Yeah, Correct. Game six is over.
A
Hey, hey, Chris. This is a message to all our listeners. If you do not absolutely hammer a new hook anytime. Goal scorer tomorrow night, you are out of your.
B
You have lost your mind. You have lost your door. Yeah.
A
Correct.
B
That is so funny.
A
Yeah, there's no doubt about it.
B
Mitch Marner and dude, you said you just touched on this when he was cold. I was part of the problem there going, Mitch Marner is not quite giving you what you want. If you're Vegas. And all the Vegas fans were saying, dude, he has seven Points in seven games or whatever it was. It's like six points in six games. Like, what the do you want from him? And I was like, dude, I want him to score. And I know points are points obviously, but. And Marner is a pass first guy. I'm not even saying that that's wrong. That's like how he. That's the way he wants to play. But I just think if you look back at his Toronto runs, which is pretty consistently close to point per game, it's almost always one goal, 11 assists and games. Leafs lose. One goal, six assists in seven games, Leaf Leafs lose. And in. In earlier runs, he was. He was scoring more and he's obviously capable of scoring. And I know I'm being greedy, but you are a superstar. Vegas went out and said, Mitch Marner is available. We are stopping at nothing to get him because he is a superstar. And they bring him in to score goals in the playoffs and obviously the points are awesome. But when you are getting this Mitch Marner, then you are dangerous. When you are getting one goal, a million assists, Mitch Marner, you are beatable in my opinion. So this Mitch Marner dude, like since those after five games or whenever he kind of broke through, he has been unbelievable. Unbelievable. Everything you could have ever wanted in
A
more if you're Vegas, without question, man. And we kept talking about him and Eichel and being like, one of you guys has to score seven goals, 11 assists. Like, he is scoring and I know he had Hattie, but it's. It doesn't matter. Like, you're seeing the puck go in. That's incredible. This is. God, does this feel good? And this is why we always stroke off Vegas. I. I will never understand the anti. And. And are we actually. Chris, you're monitoring the chat really well. Chat, do us a favor. Tell me this. Any one of you that's in the chat that is a fan of a team on the east coast, do we see more of the Vegas hate Because we're on the west coast and it's a lot of Kings, Ducks, Oilers fans that hate Vegas or is this like a national thing?
B
Because there is one hates Vegas.
A
D. Like we made the keep hating shirts because, like, it feels like everyone hates Vegas and I genuinely don't get it. We've talked so many times about the. If you had problems with the ltir stuff, I. I just. I don't think it's. I don't think it's legitimate complaint because every good team was doing it. They were following the rules. Like it is what it is. I don't get the Vegas hate. And I love, as you said, how every time a significant player becomes available, Vegas goes out and gets them because they want to win. Win. How do you not love that? You wish your team did that.
B
Yes. That's why they hate them. Dude.
A
It's like, I've got. I. I think Vegas is awesome. I think they're good for the league. I think that they are. I think. I think they're so fun to watch. And yeah, if you are a Vegas fan and if you're this organization, you are looking at Mitch Marner right now.
B
And you are.
A
You are just laughing, sitting back, drinking your wine, so thrilled with how well this played out.
B
Dude, there's a few people, first of all, two for roughing. Said earlier said something that was great. Wait, let me see if I can find it. He said, doc Marner with a tetanus shot. Oh, that's great. But he goes. He goes. He also said anyone counting his Vegas team out is in for a rude awakening, which I agree with. Obviously, the ABs are going to be heavily favored, but I agree with that. We were talking about that with Marty earlier. And then we've got a few things here. Some people say they don't hate Vegas, John. No. Jonah Wright says, I don't like Vegas because my girlfriend is a Vegas fan, which is hilarious. Like, dude, that should be mutual love. Jonah.
A
Yeah, like, get in there.
B
Then some. Jennifer says, it's a national thing, and I think it is. My take is it's a national thing because they had no hardship, Dan. Like, they just. They literally started the league, made the cup, and have always been good. It's not their fault. But I just think people are like that. And then we're getting up, we're getting a bunch of. Carter Hart didn't help their cause, which is true. Like, I think a lot of people are just, like, mad about that and will never recover from that.
A
Absolutely.
B
And that's finally.
A
Yeah, there are tons of people who have made their mind up about that.
B
But I would tell everyone that's saying that right now, the Vegas hate was fully on display before this season. Like, everyone hated Vegas before the season. So I don't. I don't think that helped them moving forward. But I'm telling you, if all this Vegas hate was. Yeah, someone. Night night room just said they were hated way before that. And I totally agree. Like, this is not new.
A
Oh, dude. Vegas was Persona non grata. They were the number one hated team in the NHL before Carter Hart. And then for some people that Carter Hart dumped a. A bucket of gasoline on the Vegas.
B
Yeah, exactly.
A
For sure. For sure. But I mean, I. I think what's going on there. And you know what? CP Obviously when you win a second round and you make it to the Western Conference final, there is momentum there. But would you agree that that win the way Marner's playing, the way Hart is playing, For a lot of reasons, those included. This is the best we've ever felt about Vegas. Like, now going into this, I feel like before this game, I was kind of sitting here being like, man, Colorado's gonna steamroll whoever they play. Now I'm like, this Vegas team looks really good. They look as good as they did when they won the Cup. And you know, you're without Petro still, but at the same time, like, man, they look. Look good. So this.
B
This.
A
This could be a really good series here.
B
To win this game without McNabb, without Stone, the way they want it, dominant fashion is insane. I stand by. You need like again, again. What is going on with Mark Stone? So if he is just needed some time and wow. Glad you got this done. Did they not start the conference finals till both are ready or. Or would they start this early? I guess I don't know the answer to that.
A
I bet if actually let me.
B
I think they wait. I think they wait because they try to do that every other night thing. Like, they know we're starting.
A
I would imagine they're gonna wait because. Yeah. So we've got Saturday scheduled game Sabers Canadiens, and Monday we have a scheduled Canadian Sabers if. If game is needed. So Wednesday is going to be Golden Knights Avalanche scheduled. So they will wait until there is a Wednesday winner. So you've got until Wednesday. That's. That's a good little break.
B
So. Yeah. Yeah. The. Zach just said they wait. So the. That's huge for the Stone of it. Right? Like, you. You're praying Buffalo gets that win, forces game seven. Just give me as much time as humanly possible to get Mark Stone back.
A
Yeah, but it.
B
But if he is back, then. Yes, I'm with you. This was going to be a hard series for the ABs who have been rolling and haven't faced a lot of hardship. Right. Like, obviously, that's. The Minnesota thing was tighter than it looks, but. But same deal with the Canes. Right. Like, they are also rolling. Both of those teams are going to be either a true juggernaut or they're going to be in one here. But I do think Vegas needs Mark Stone. I think if he's like actually and something happened, I think the ABs will still kill them. Even with how good Marner and Eichel who also has 15 points and Carter Hardness been playing. They need Mark Stone.
A
Yeah, I agree. All right, let's talk about torts. Not sure if you saw but courts. He declined to speak with the media after advancing to the Western Conference final. And they also didn't open the dressing room after the game. They brought one player into a side room to speak along with two spoke at the podium, including Mitch Marner and Big J. Journos are losing their minds about this. And another thing is that Torch did not do the handshake. Who was it last year that didn't go through that?
B
Paul Maurice? Or maybe it was. I think, I think it was him though.
A
I think it was Pomo. Yeah. And I think it was him going, this is about the players. It's not about us. We had a long talk about this last year and our stance last year was discussing the whole thing, but I was like, who gives a as far as. Are you gonna get mad about it? I think we talk a lot about on this show and in this life. I think people need to be outraged. Less in general. Just. Yeah, everyone, everyone just calm down. I mean, it's like there's so many other things in life that you can put your attention and care into getting fired up about. This makes no sense to me. I believe I said last year and I stand by this as a player. I want the opposing coach in there because sometimes I think it's really lovely to. To get some nice words. I mentioned Maurice intentionally or particularly when they beat Boston in 24. I believe Maurice went up to Sway and was like, I've seen some pretty good performances in the playoffs and that was right there amongst the top. That feels amazing for a sway to hear. To hear a Stanley cup winning coach say that to you. You're like, oh, wow. Thank you. Like, that's awesome. So as a player, I. I would be like, I want the coach in there. Like, it's.
B
It's nice sometimes.
A
Yeah, I think it's a. You know, if that's how Torch. I, I believe Torch never does the handshake line. He's like, that's for the players, man.
B
Oh, okay. Interesting.
A
Yeah.
B
Yeah. He's never done it. That's different.
A
Either he's never done it or many times in the past he has not done it. So I'm like, dude, this is his thing. He's done it before. It's not a Big deal at all.
B
All.
A
And I'm gonna be honest, man. I think trying to turn that into a story yet again. Here we go. I think is. It's just a waste of time. But I. I'm. I'm gonna go a step further and say closing the locker room door and not talking to media. I love it, dude. I love it.
B
The dude. So a lot of people. And I wonder if Marty's still on. He can text us. But a lot of people are saying that Marner and some people were saying they had to go. Like they were literally in a rush for a plane thing. And I will. I don't know if that's true, but I will say, you people would be shocked how strict the flight is. Like, remember after Milan, even Dan, when they were like, we have to leave at 1am and I was like, what do you mean? Like, push it or tell them to wait. And they were like, we can't. Like, we have to go. And you know, so it's like there are actually weird restrictions. So maybe. And if people were paying more attention to me, they can continue to chime in. In the chat. The chat. But maybe legitimately it was like, hey, dude, the plane is taking off. We have time for two people go talk. See you later. We gotta go. That might be completely made up. Or not. Hold on.
A
Shout out. Marty, he just texted us. He says he thinks it was a John Wayne curfewish.
B
Yeah.
A
So, like, there.
B
Like, there you go.
A
Like, yeah, legitimately.
B
It's like, we don't have time. It's not trying to be dicks. They're like, we actually have to get on this plane. We have to go. Or we have to sleep here.
A
Yeah. And like, they're. That. That's. That is fine. And it's like, to me, man, it's. It's a. Let's get into the closing the locker room door thing. What?
B
Wait. Dan, this is so good. In the chat, I forgot about this thug nug 87 says I wanted him to. I wanted to see him shake Cutter's hand. Other than that, I didn't care. And I was like, oh, that is funny. That would have been you, Torts.
A
Yeah, you.
B
Yeah. You had to go shake Cutter's head. Maybe he texted him after. We actually had a lot of people saying that Torts hits them up on the side, being so nice. So I actually bet I wouldn't be surprised at all if he reached out to Cutter on the side.
A
Yeah, dude, it's. I get it. It's just not a story the, the one thing that I. Or not, the one thing I've got a lot to say. The one thing that keeps coming up is people are going towards shutting the locker room door, towards not speaking to media. It's disrespectful to media because they have a job to do and this and that and the other. What I hate about that is, dude, grow up.
B
The.
A
How many times.
B
Write an article, Write your article, you're fine.
A
I mean, like someone I, I, I mentioned on, On X, I was like, journals are the worst, dude. Like, all they do is, I mean, not all they do. There are some great journalists, but for the most part, these people come in there, they ask stupid questions. And we talked about it with Rob Gucci and Schmaltzy on Home by three. There are people who deserve to be pee pee whacked in the journal world. When you ask a dumb question, you should get suspended from the locker room for a couple of games. And there are people in, you know, who, who try to be in the podcasting space who used to be journos and they suck as well. And they ask dumb questions and have asked dumb questions. There are people who are journals who still suck. And I'm like, dude, if you're a good journalist, you aren't one of these assholes who players have hated in the past or still hate. How many times have we seen torture players and people being like, I don't want to answer your question. You suck. All you do is so division in our locker rooms. You spin dumb stories. You're a nerd who no one likes. That happens often. And those people deserve it if they've done bad to players and coaches. And my thing is, I've got. You've got a job to do. Do your job right, right, right, right. About how or why Torts doesn't go through the handshake line. Write about how you don't think it's a big deal. And, and two players did come out and speak. One player was pulled into a side room. Go get that story. It's like, to me, it's, it is such a boohoo crybaby take to, to try to villainize torts and the team because they did this. When A, there's the airport issue. B, it's like a, who cares, man? It's one game. Like, come up with your own. Write about the game. That's what people want to read about.
B
Yeah.
A
Is it nice to get a player quote? Sure. But there were player quotes at the podium and there are other games and Quotes that you can draw from. Do your job.
B
Do your job, dude. It's not hard. It's not hard. I want to talk about the Ducks a little bit real quick, Dan, because I think the exact thing that we just said about the Sabers, if they lose, applies to the Ducks here. Yeah. Season, boys. Fuck yeah. Season. Yeah. Vegas was the 1 seed. They have a ton of experience. You guys beat the Oilers, you guys beat the defending two back to back Western Conference finals Oilers. And then you took Vegas to six. And I think if they. When they look back on this series, they'll post mortem. I think they'll say the power play kind of killed them. Right. Like through three games. I think the Ducks were old for 15 or something. One for five tonight. And in the games they were winning in the middle that the power play got cooking again. So, you know, that's probably the difference in. Or maybe not the difference in the series. Vegas still could have won, but that's certainly how you went out. But other than that, man, incredible experience for these guys. Players stepped up. Future superstars. I think they go, it always. A loss hurts, dude. A loss hurts and you got pumped at home and it sucks. But I think they, once they take their blows, they had a few pops last night together. They wake up today with their heads held high going hell of a season. And Pacific Division lookout.
A
No question about it. CP Perfectly said. I think this Ducks team is so happy. They are so thrilled with everything that's going on. So let's do a little postmortem with the Ducks. I think a big thing here is Dosti and yeah, for me, I think that there are some people. You. You just. You signed Dosti till 2030 at a $6.5 million contract.
B
Perfect.
A
He's 25 years old. This is his first lick at playoffs. I think he had some great games. I think he had some tough games. Do not panic. None of. None of the Ducks fan base, I think should be worried about Dostal. I think he's a phenomenal goaltender. People also need to remember you're without Gudis. I think they desperately needed Gudis in this series and on the blue line. So deep breaths. Dosto's your guy. Do not worry about goaltending. I like that we've talked about. I don't think we. We had a big deep dive with Marty the other night, but I don't know that we did it on the pod. Next year they have about 40.4 mil in cap space, but they've got some work to do. You've got Cutter Gaultier and Leo Carlson. Excuse me, Cutter Gaultier, Leo Carlson. Yeah. No. And that's it for. For big time Forwards that are RFAs that you need to give contracts to. Are we thinking half of that 40 mil is going there?
B
Oh, yeah. Like, unless they want to take a smaller bridge, which they could, because maybe they're going, dude, look what we're building here. Just help us, like, get through this. Like, know you. We can't blow it all on you both right now. We want to bring some more guys in maybe, because if I'm them, I kind of go, okay, what are they? Leo's 20, right? Like, what's cutter 21 or something?
A
You've got 22 and 21. Cutter's 22. Leo is 21.
B
So, like, if they offered me a number, I was pretty happy with, that was two to four years knowing that then I'm 26 or, or younger and getting my bag, I'm kind of like, okay, if it helps the team, maybe, maybe also if they go give me seven by 10 right now, I go, okay, yeah.
A
On. So, so, honestly, CP, I think both these. Cutter just scored 41 goals. Leo is, oh, Leo is obviously a, a, I, I, I think he's a franchise player. I think he is. He is. They, they found their, they found their Kopitar, their get lav their barov in this team. You just had lome sign a $9 million deal until 2034. You've got Terry signed till 2030. You've got McTavish signed till 2031, both at 7 mil. You've got Granny till 2028. At 7 mil, you've got Crydes and killer for another year at a great number. You got Vetrano at 4.5 until 2028. This team is very well constructed and very well built. If I'm vb, pvb, I am looking at these two guys and my pitch is Kane Tafes. I would go, guys, nice.
B
We've got lacombe, our horse and Quenville.
A
You go.
B
We have Cornwell. Did you are. You are literally there?
A
Like, there you go.
B
You.
A
I go. We've got Lacombe, our horse, signed at nine until 2034. And like, that nine number is so unbelievable, dude. It's, it's, it's less than McAvoy. It's less than. Obviously less than Bouchard. It's, it's just like such a good number number. And you've got those boys at seven. And when you have Seneca, who has had an unbelievable season Third in Calder voting. He has got next year and the year after on his entry level. But that's another thing that you've got to remember. If I am pvb, I am looking at Leo and Cutter and I'm going, guys, here's the exact same deal. 7 years for both of you. Let's fucking run this thing till the wheels come off. Let's win a few cups and let's build the dynasty. And I'm not. You're not even really asking anyone to take less. It's like you could make the argument 10, let's call it between eight and a half and 10. I think it's going to be more than eight and a half because if you've got Lacombe making nine, I think it probably has to start at nine for both of them. But let's even say it's nine, I think, I think PVB has an argument to look at them and go sign the same thing as Jackson did. Seven by nine. Let's get you all ripped and on the books together. I, I would pitch the dynasty to them. I would pitch do all locked up, all these other guys locked up and, and specifically Jackson Lomb and I would say get on the books for seven years. Both the same exact contract. Because if they do that, even if they go 7 by 10 in two years, Beckett Senica is going to do the same thing.
B
Yep.
A
Don't you think you're living.
B
You set the precedent. You set the precedent. Absolutely, dude.
A
You're living in the oc. You just made the playoffs way earlier than people thought. You've got so many unbelievable guys locked up for so long like it is. It's unbelievable. And if you can get those two signed at that, at that 10, let's again, let's call it 10 and then you've still got 20 mil. You've got the work to be done of John Carlson. Truba and Gutas are all gone on. They make 8, 8 and 4. All of them will be taking less than what they currently make. So it's like that, that 8, 8 and 4 is. That's the other 20. It's going to be less. So like you've got work to do. There's a Darren Radish that we talked about. That's a right shot D that you could pair with Jackson lacombe for the next four or five years. Like there you could, you could bring Carlson. Carlson was like John Carlson was I think like the. The seventh or something. Leading defensive point scorer in the league at, at 36 years old, like, you could get him back and play him with lacombe for two more years. Like, there's just such good makeup to this team. And if I were Pat Verbeek, I would do everything to get Leo and Cutter bought into the dynasty future, maybe taking less again. I don't even think it's less, but I would give them the exact same contract and be like this, we are fucking building something here, dude.
B
And not to mention, and we talked about this, but in. Zach just texted us. But not to mention, if you save a few bucks on those guys, there's a few big chips out there in the league right now. Now a couple huge brand name centers that could become available for the right package. And the Ducks are a team with enough chips and enough money to make a bid on that. Especially if you get these boys signed, your superstars that you need signed on reasonable deals. If you, if you curl them, and obviously they're not even close to that yet, but if you curl them, quote unquote, then it becomes really hard to maneuver. But if you get them on good deals, then I go, and, fellas, now maybe I can bring in a fucking whale.
A
So do you want to have that conversation right now? Do you want to have the whale conversation?
B
No, because I think it's too complicated right now. But. Well, I mean, I guess on a. On a micro sense, we can say they are one of the teams. When we were doing our. Our brain trust, our war room brain trust, they're one of the few teams that were like, they could make a move. It's a good. It's a good opportunity in terms of like, living situation, team build, situation, all that.
A
Or for.
B
I mean, It's Matthews and McDavid is we're talking about. And it's like, it's a great landing spot for someone and. And a team where the knock would have been. Yeah, but I really want to win right now. They're a little far out. And right now I go, are they. Do they feel far out right now?
A
Exactly. I mean, listen, man, I. I think if you look at it, and I need people to understand, if you don't think Orange county is a very exciting opportunity for hockey players, you are out of your mind. That is a place that tons of people would love to live and love to move to. PVB is an incredible gm. Quenville is an incredible coach. They have an amazing facility. They have a great rank in Honda. It's all those. All those boxes that you want to check as a player. Zach just said Ducks to Me seem like the best free agency trade destination open right now.
B
Now.
A
And I completely. They are. They are top three without question. So if you are potentially one of these big fish that's like, you know what? I do want to trade you. Look at the makeup of this Ducks team and you are like, yeah, send me there.
B
I mean, right?
A
No question, dude.
B
You know what? I'll add, by the way. Na, Marty, if you're still on, dude. Dor scor f with two more last night has made your. Your dream even. Like, what a chip.
A
I.
B
It's almost a one for one now the way this dude is playing. And. And you've never been more right. Like, I've never. Dan, I've never been more on Marty's side in my whole life than watching that dude get that tuck the fourth one. And then he obviously just scores the goal scorers goal fifth. But holy. Buddy like it now. I can see it all clearly now, Marty. It makes perfect sense. It's like, here you go. Give it back.
A
The team that goes out and gets whoever they want, if there's potentially these two huge fish available. RFA Scorafiev is a wonderful piece that you could try to deal if you were Vegas. And that is.
B
God, dude.
A
Yeah. And you're right. C.P. it's like almost one for one. It's incredible.
B
Literally, I'm like, what are you doing with this guy? Damn. We got a couple people. Leo, Carlson, Glazer, Richie Works saying, what does a trade package look like for one of those guys? Can we discuss Austin Matthews? How you think it'll shake out? So if you. You want Dan, this is your platform. These guys. These guys want it.
A
If. As far as the Ducks are concerned.
B
Yeah, yeah, let's do Ducks. For Leo's sake. For Leo. Leo, Carson Glazer sake. Like, what are you. What are you trading if you're the Ducks?
A
All right, if. If we're talking Ducks, you got to remember, Duckies don't have a first round pick this year, but they've got three second round picks in 2027. And. Well, the other interesting thing about the Duckies is that they are not. Not a. They're not a low first round pick anymore. So, like, you know that. But. But it's still a first round pick. But if the Ducks wanted to make a move for an Austin Matthews, I mean, you don't really want to give up a guy like this. But at the same time, it's like, how do you not look at. Mason McTavish is $7 million as an unbelievable trade pick. He's 23 years old. That's a center. He's a tough, gritty guy. Also left shot. You could package a Mason McTavish with a couple of first round picks, maybe one of those second round picks and maybe throw in a Zellweger who is an RFA defenseman and bang, you've, you've got your, you've got your. Or a Menshikov, I was gonna say,
B
I think to me it costs a Menshikov, which hurts. But I think you go, okay, like we have Jackson lacomb, you've got Zellweger
A
and Michikov as RFA defensemen as who are team control. You could do a McTavish one of those two and two first round picks, maybe one first round pick and a second round pick and that deal gets done. And you know you're taking on the 13 mil that is Austin's deal, but you also then don't have the 7 mil of Mason and you don't have to re sign one of those RFA defensemen. Now all of a sudden you're looking at something interesting there.
B
So you have, you have 110 combined goals between Matthews and Cuff Butter. Congratulations. There's half, there's half your team sheet up for the year.
A
And, and I'm gonna be honest, man. If, and, and Maple Leafs fans, like, if we were to post that trade proposal, I'm certain that there are some Maple Leaf fans who would be like this. Absolutely out of your mind. That's not enough. And to that I would say you have to look at it as a situation of if Auston Matthews is getting traded, it's because Auston Matthews wants to get traded.
B
Correct. That's what everyone doesn't realize with these guys.
A
Correct.
B
They're the. You. The other option is walk for free. They have you. So figure it out. Get some value back. You're never going to say it's good value ever because you're trading Austin Matthews, which I get. But you just have to get, you have to get pieces back that are legitimately good to build around. Do, do your job, do that.
A
Correct. Absolutely correct. So yeah, I mean the, the, the, the trade option is there, but it, it's, this is us just kind of stroking off the Ducks for a second here. I, I think that they are in just such a good position, man. I mean it's like, it is exciting times for.
B
Thrilled. Thrilled. The only other thing I had on this game, Dan, is. I forgot to say earlier is I love so much how Mitch Marner how Doc Marner isn't afraid of a below the dots clapper. Like, he will, he will come down and go. You just hammer a clapper with accuracy, dude. Like, he hits that thing. We saw him score on one against Utah. Saw, we saw him go off the pipe last night. Little pipe dreams. But dude, Mitch, Doc Marner coming down, taking out the scalpel and going bang clapper under the dots. How you been? It's just a sight to behold. I love it every time.
A
It's truly beautiful, man. It's like, it's truly remarkable. I do want to just. I, I, I hate to say this. I want to go back. I mean, listen, it's Friday. I, I, I'm, I'm chilling. It's a beautiful day here. I know you're in Ecuador and you've got to do, but I was just thinking to myself, I just posted as we're, we're going on and on about the Ducks here, I thought to myself, is there any team with a brighter future than the Ducks in the West? Let's have a discussion. Sharks v. Ducks. Oh. Oh, yeah.
B
Yeah. Good one.
A
Because if, if I'm the Sharks, you've got your amazing vets on offense, like, like Toph, like Uncle Toff, who is going to be on the show here soon. You're going to be seeing in more ToF this summer, which is exciting. But you've got Toph, you got Wenberg, you've got Barclay. Like, you've got your great vets. And then you obviously have Mac, you have Will, you have Misa, and now you have this second overall pick. You also got. I love Colin graph. I thought that pickup was amazing. He's a dude this summer that figured out. I think people forget that EI is 23 years old. They're, they, they're, they're exciting. Their big thing is defense. They literally have no one on defense. And the Duckies have, they've got three UFAs and two RFAs on D as well. So they're in a similar situation. But other than Orlov and Sam Dickinson, who is 19, they and, and Cagnoni, actually, who, who is 21, the, the sharks don't have like anyone signed on D. The question is, do you like Mac, Will Smith, Misa, and that second overall pick. And I'm not discrediting Ecky and I'm just talking about let's, let's put in Ecky in there, actually. Mac, Smitty Misa, graph and Ecky and their second overall pick or Leo Cutter, Seneca with Granny with cry. Like, it's. It's a very interesting because I obviously
B
have the high water work in San Jose. Like, Matt is the best.
A
Yep. And I think so I think you could make the argument as far as like, young talent. I give sharks the edge on offense.
B
Yes. But yeah, I think so.
A
I think I'm gonna. I'm gonna include that second overall because that is either.
B
Yeah. Yeah.
A
That's either Gavin McKenna or Iverstend.
B
Yeah. Or a massive trade.
A
Or a massive trade.
B
Y.
A
Which Keep eyes on that. I'm giving the Ducks the absolute edge on D. Like not even close. And not even close.
B
Yep.
A
And I'm giving the Ducks the edge on Goaltenic because I think Askarov is very good. But I don't think we've seen what Dostall has shown shown us from Askov yet. So, dude, like, Vegas this, Edmonton that. The Pacific goes through Anaheim and San Jose, dude, in. In about a year and a half.
B
As sick. As sick as it. David.
A
Especially. Especially when the Oilers realize they have to blow it completely up. Trade Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl this summer.
B
This is what I was gonna say, dad. David said earlier that the sharks are 1.5 years behind the Ducks. And I agree. But I would shave off the 0.5 just because of Mack. I would say Mack is that good. But. But the correct. And as sick as a. As sick as a All California Pacific Western Conference final would be for the next 10 years. The. You. You're forgetting that Vegas will just do whatever they have to do to ruin your life. Like, no matter what, they will go, oh, dude, Mack will probably be on Vegas in two years. Like, they will just go, I don't care what you think. Just give me your players. And then all of a sudden they will have them all. Like, Vegas will have Leo and Mac back. And then we'll be laughing that the Ducks and the Sharks have never made playoffs. And now Vegas has won seven straight cups. And I'm like, oh, I can't believe we thought this was changing.
A
Vegas is going to somehow figure out how to become the Dodgers of the end.
B
They're gonna offer sheet. They're gonna offer sheet Leo, dude, and then get him. Like, this is. What are we talking about, dude.
A
If Vegas offer sheets Leo and Macklin, that would be the funniest thing we've ever seen.
B
Like, Jesus Christ.
A
Unbelievable.
B
It's never ending, dude. It's relentless us.
A
Yeah. How this is going to be an unbelievable ricochet shot. But you, if you're A Blackhawks fan, and you look at the state of the Ducks and Sharks, you must be so depressed.
B
Yeah, but I think you. It's not as bad as it was two years ago, you know, like. Two years ago.
A
Oh, yeah. It's way better.
B
This is not good.
A
And listen, I'm not panicking if I'm the Blackhawks. Like, I think, I think you, I think you're, you're fine.
B
You're.
A
I think, I think Dard's fantastic, and I think you're going to be great. And I think there's, there's some really low key, cheeky great pieces and players in that team. But the fact that you have, I mean, remember, like, 20 games through, there were Blackhawks fans being like, we are better than the Ducks and the Sharks and Bedard is better than Macklin and Leo. And now I'm like, how do you feel now? And, and like, I, I, I reject any, like, injury comments because I'm like, no, that's not why. Like, it's like, these teams are where they are for, for reason. So it's interesting. But yeah, man, I, I just think this the. I think genuinely, dude, maybe as soon as next year, the Pacific goes through Anaheim and San Jose.
B
Could be cool. Dude. Could be extremely cool.
A
Very, very cool. It's crazy to think about, but it might be true.
B
I'm. Dude, it's been actually so awesome. You always kind of wait for the jumps. We've been saying in the Atlantic forever, like, oh, my God, it's Boston, Toronto, Tampa, over and over and over. And it's, it's hard when you're the fans of those teams finally falling, but it's sick just to see the young teams who built it right, dude, who drafted right, who built it right. And, and to have the Ducks and the Sharks come up now is, and
A
it, dude, it already happened in the Atlantic. The Atlantic runs through Montreal and Buffalo now.
B
Yeah.
A
Bye bye. Tampa. Like, it's. It, you know, it, it's, it's undeniable. Toronto dead.
B
Dead.
A
Tampa dead. Boston's still fighting, but it. Atlantic belongs to Montreal and Buffalo. The Pacific soon belongs to Anaheim and San Jose.
B
Wow. And the Central belongs to Utah.
A
Wow. Colorado's like, what?
B
Yeah, yeah.
A
Frankly. And Minnesota.
B
Yeah.
A
Like, what the heck is going on? Yeah, dude. It's crazy, but it's like, exciting times, exciting times for the Ducks. But, But I just think I am so impressed with Vegas. So many people.
B
Oh, dude, they're amazing.
A
I don't want to say counted them out, but, like, all the Question marks at goaltending. Is the Marner thing gonna work? I think anyone who didn't think it was gonna work was out of their mind.
B
We both stoned in, like, what did we say with Marty? It was like, game three was their best game of playoffs.
A
Yeah, maybe.
B
I can't remember exactly. Yeah, I. I would say this one is right there. It's like game three of this series, but then it's. It's game six, Utah, Game six, Ducks, where Vegas seems to get. Series goes on. Right. Like, they kind of learn your playing style. They can adapt because they've done this before in playoffs. They get better as it goes. And again, I said this earlier, but to do this without Mark Stone, to. To get the wins that they've gotten the last couple games without Mark Stone, I mean, that's. That is why you are a championship contender. Flat out.
A
100 correct. 100 correct. We'll. So we'll. We'll. We'll see if he. I mean, if Stoner is suiting up on Wednesday. They gotta be laughing often. I mean, right?
B
Yeah, they.
A
They feel unbelievable that they got through this good, scrappy Ducks team in six, and they get this nice little time off, and all of a sudden, Stone is healthy for game one. You feel great. You're not. Maybe you're not laughing because you're playing the fucking Colorado Avalanche, but this. This. All of a sudden, what we thought might have been, we were looking at Colorado, Minnesota, and being like, that's kind of the final. That's the Western final. Now I'm like, vegas goes no.
B
Fast. Yeah.
A
Yeah. Maybe it was this. Maybe. Maybe. Maybe they got it right. Bettman, he's everyone's question in the playoff format. And now here we are with an unbelievable matchup. That's.
B
It's funny if someone said this earlier in the chat, but if Buffalo wins, it's all the one seeds. Which is crazy, because in my mind, I'm like, oh, it's been chaos. But it's like, no, actually, it hasn't been at all.
A
Chalk.
B
Yeah. Yeah. Like, what the. But it feels. It feels exciting the whole way. And it's cool that Buffalo is as close as they are to even make that a possibility. And, Dan, I would say not to jump the gun, but actually, it doesn't matter, Buffalo or Montreal. So I'm not jumping the gun at all. I am really, really excited to see how the conference finals go because I legitimately just can't tell. But what I'm. What I'm getting at is what is sick is you have two teams in the Canes and the Aves, who have been juggernauts 8,08 and 1 have just absolutely rolled. And then the other teams have battled six game series, seven game series, really going for it. So I'm, I'm. It's going to be sick because it's like we're going to find out soon, are the ABs and canes just going to sweep into the cup and then we'll get those two. Two Titans meeting or are they going to be in a dog fight for the first time these playoffs? And that'll be sick to watch too. Both. Both are awesome options. Either you go, wow, we're watching like generational teams. Or we're. Or we're like, oh, dude, they got hit in the mouth. Everyone's got a plan till you get hit in the mouth. So I, you know, those are going to be money.
A
Yeah, it's gonna be money. Well, for the first time in a long time, we don't have a hockey game tonight.
B
Yeah. Which is actually extremely sad. I don't. I don't enjoy that.
A
I love it. I'm gonna watch a movie. I'm gonna finally watch a movie for the first time in forever.
B
Good for you, dad.
A
It's incredible. I'm so excited. What do you got going on? I mean, we can end the show, but we can also hang out.
B
It's Friday, you know it's Friday, dude. It's a Friday around.
A
Well, I do want to say one more time, hey, shout out to all of you in the chat. Shout out to the network. We've got the G family 5K over a TH.
B
We did it. Yes. I was gonna post the story right after this, but. We did it. Dude, that was awesome.
A
Unbelievable. We did it. All the signups are there. That doesn't mean you have to stop signing up because obviously being a part of this and. And donating to an unbelievable cause honoring the memory and the legacy of John and Maddie DRO is incredible. And we thank you so much for everyone who did that or still wants to do it.
B
It's.
A
It's still open to donate. And a reminder, I'm going to post a story about this as well. I'm doing a walk tomorrow in New York City if you want to come and walk with me. It's going to be a fun little walk. We're going to wind up at Blue Haven Tavern for some food, maybe a drink if you like. And it's going to be fun. It's going to be amazing, but huge. Huge Shout out and love and thank you to all of you who donated and signed up up because we reached and surpassed our goal. It's amazing.
B
So awesome. Dude, that was. That was really, really cool. So, yeah, get that walk going. Enjoy your weekend, Dan. I'm gonna be. I gotta. I gotta work. I gotta do a little work and then I'm gonna try to ride a horse.
A
Dude, I want. If you don't get a video of you riding a horse and post it, then. You don't believe in empty netters, you don't believe in growing our content, and you don't believe in growing this business.
B
Shane says he's gonna ride one shirtless that.
A
You know what? Shane shirtless with his disgusting hair and mustache on a horse is actually perfect. That needs to happen.
B
Correct.
A
They're like that. I. I also want that filmed and posted.
B
Yes. I'm gonna make sure. I. I'm gonna make sure I figure it out.
A
Do you think you're gonna get a gallop or do you think they won't let you gallop?
B
I don't think they'll let us probably. Maybe though I'm in Ecuador. Like, maybe they go, what do you mean there are no rules?
A
Do you think they have waivers in Ecuador? No, no know. Kill or be killed, dude. Cartel is right across the border, dude.
B
There's a polo game here tomorrow. Like, literally right here. And I'm gonna be watching the out of that. And if I ride well enough today, I might try to get as. Get into the sub.
A
Yeah, dude, into the bench.
B
End of the bench sub, dude. Just like, you know, let me laugh.
A
Quad, dude. You'll be a polo ebug. It's incredible.
B
It's incredible.
A
All right, that's gonna do it. Great live app, folks. Beautiful stuff. Have an amazing.
B
No crash.
A
Crash. No crash.
B
Crash.
A
Looks like it's Netters International, folks. This is the only way the live works. But shout out Zach. Shout out Hurls. Amazing job getting the live cooking. We will see you on Monday morning. We're gonna have some fun guests fun going on. Have an amazing weekend. Be safe, have fun.
B
And shout out Doc Barner.
A
Shout out Doc Marner. Greatest nickname in the league.
B
Amazing.
A
You can't reason with the sun.
B
Trust us, we've tried.
A
This summer, it's time to put that
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Episode Title: Montreal Wants to Clinch at Home And Vegas Gets The Avs
Date: May 15, 2026
Hosts: The Empty Netters Brothers (Almost Friday Media)
This lively episode digs into the dramatic recent NHL playoff action, focusing on the Montreal Canadiens’ comeback win over Buffalo to take a 3-2 series lead, and the Vegas Golden Knights clinching their ticket to the Western Conference Final to face Colorado. The hosts analyze clutch decision-making, the mental gymnastics around goaltending, Vegas’ much-debated team-building model, playoff culture shocks, and even the sudden birth of a legendary nickname. They sprinkle in characteristically irreverent in-between stories—like flying with babies and galloping in Ecuador—delivering an entertaining, candid show for hardcore hockey fans and casual listeners alike.
Timestamps:
Timestamps:
Timestamps:
Timestamps:
| Timestamp | Quote / Moment | Attribution | |---|---|---| | 02:15 | “That is, under no circumstances do you leave that goalie [in].” | B | | 13:40 | “For the first time in these playoffs…the Canes are looking at a team that spooks them.” | A | | 19:10 | “Montreal is very horny right now…they are totally bricked up.” | A | | 35:18 | “He’s Doc Marner. This is huge news.” | A | | 36:44 | “That goal was surgical because of course it was—the fucking doctor.” | B (Listener quote) | | 45:32 | “My take is it's a national thing because [Vegas] had no hardship, Dan.” | B | | 61:17 | “If I am PVB, I am looking at Leo and Cutter and I'm going...let’s win a few cups...let’s build the dynasty.” | A | | 72:33 | “The Pacific goes through Anaheim and San Jose, dude, in about a year and a half.” | A |
The episode is loose and lively with frequent wisecracks, abrupt shifts from deep hockey analysis to personal storytelling, and constant banter. While always insightful, the brothers drop playful, sometimes irreverent asides—their bond and residual “locker room” energy frame every breakdown ("Montreal is horny," "Doc Marner," "we're bricked up"). The vibe is inclusive—fans are invited to contribute, and inside jokes abound.
This episode navigates the dramatic playoff twists affecting Montreal, Buffalo, Vegas, and Anaheim, highlighting the high-stakes psychology in NHL coaching, the nuclear future of teams like the Ducks and Sharks, and the continued culture wars around Vegas’ “villain” status. Key moments, inside-joke nicknames, and distinct Empty Netters banter flavor the exhaustive recap—making it a top-shelf source for the playoff pulse.
Next up: Montreal looks to clinch at home, Vegas waits for Colorado, and the Empty Netters crew prepares for more playoff madness, new guests, and, perhaps, some Ecuadorian polo updates.
Shout out: “Doc Marner. Greatest nickname in the league.” – A (82:14)