The Athletic Hockey Show – Episode Summary

Episode Title: Is it too late for these NHL teams to make the playoffs?
Date: February 2, 2026
Hosts: Max Bultman (“Laz”), Mark Lazarus (“Dom”)

Episode Overview

In this episode, Max Bultman and Mark Lazarus dive into the playoff hopes of struggling NHL teams as the season passes its midway mark. They unpack recent news—including Barry Trotz stepping down as Predators GM—discuss why certain teams are (or aren’t) mounting late playoff pushes, and assess the flawed dynamic of ex-players and coaches in executive roles. Highlights include spirited debate about the East versus West playoff races, an energetic recap of Tampas’ dramatic outdoor game, comprehensive “awards watch” banter, and an engaging preview of the first Bedard vs. Celebrini showdown as true NHL superstars.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Barry Trotz Stepping Down as GM (02:30–07:18)

• News Recap: Barry Trotz to step down as Nashville Predators GM after a brief tenure; will stay on until a successor is named.
• GM vs. Coach: The hosts discuss why being a great coach doesn’t guarantee GM success:

  "Being a great coach does not necessarily translate to being a great GM... As a GM, it was kind of a disaster." – Dom (03:16)

• Specific Moves Criticized: The signings of Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei are pinpointed as missteps.
• Learning Curve: Some former players find GM success only after apprenticeships (ex: Yzerman under Holland, Steen under Armstrong).
• Trade Deadline Uncertainty: Trost’s "lame duck" status complicates Nashville's approach with the team just outside a playoff spot.

The Outdoor Game & Goalie Fights (07:51–11:14)

• Recap: Tampa vs. Boston outdoor game, notable for a goalie fight (Vasilevskiy vs. Swayman), high scoring, OT drama, and John Cooper’s “mobster” sideline attire.
• Goaltending Theatre:

  "It's undeniable in the moment... you could tell how excited they were to do it. There wasn't a lot of hate in that fight." – Dom (09:52)

• Game Quality: Despite skepticism, this outdoor game won over both hosts, with Max calling it “the best I’ve seen in at least a decade." (11:04)

The “Thanksgiving Line” and Playoff Picture (12:22–15:25)

• Thanksgiving Rule: Most teams within four points of a playoff spot at Thanksgiving are still in contention; this year is unusually tight.
• East vs. West:

  "This is like an anomaly of a year where the Thanksgiving rule doesn’t really apply because there were only a couple of teams [far out]." – Dom (13:20)

• Fallen Teams: New Jersey, Ottawa, and Washington notable for dropping out; the Oilers are the Western conference’s comeback story.

Playoff Fate: Who’s Too Far Gone? (14:37–25:40)

Florida Panthers

• Outlook: 8 points behind with no games in hand—hosts aren’t ready to give up, but see grim math.

  "I'm not stupid enough to say it's time to stick a fork in them, but I'm getting the cutlery ready." – Dom (14:37)

• Key Problem: "Sergey Bobrovsky is awful right now... out of 85 goalies, Evolving Hockey has him 79th in goals saved above expected." – Dom (16:22)

Toronto Maple Leafs

• Verdict: Officially written off by the hosts—too many teams to jump, not enough assets for a quick fix:

  "They're toast. It's over." – Dom (18:03) "The bill has come due... what makes it especially miserable for Toronto is they don’t have those memories to look back on of playing into June." – Laz (20:01)

Winnipeg Jets

• Assessment: No push expected; little reason for a teardown, but the window is closing fast.

  "Other than that four-game win streak they had earlier... they’ve just shown no signs of life. It's not happening." – Dom (20:45)

Washington Capitals

• Assessment: Unlikely to make it but not 100% out—roster superior to others in similar straits, but goalie health may be fatal.

Pittsburgh & Islanders

• Surprise: Both have exceeded expectations; hosts are starting to “believe.”

  "Their goal differential is the third best in the Eastern Conference. Like, what is--" – Laz (24:16)

• Islanders Love: Sorokin noted as a Vezina favorite; hosts recall their preseason faith in the team.

Awards Watch (28:27–49:13)

Jack Adams (Coach of the Year)

• Frontrunners: Lindy Ruff (Buffalo), John Cooper (Tampa), Dan Muse (Pittsburgh), Jeff Blashill (Chicago).
• Debate: Narrative often favors “most with least”; writers would lean Cooper, broadcasters may be more traditional.

  "This should be the year [Cooper] finally does it. Nobody saw Tampa being this good this late in their run... he's the best coach in hockey." – Dom (30:21)

• Honorable Mentions: Todd McLellan (Detroit), Jeff Blashill (Chicago) for instilling winning habit and developing youth.

Hart Trophy (MVP)

• Favorites: Nathan MacKinnon (COL), Macklin Celebrini (SJS), Nikita Kucherov (TBL), Connor McDavid (EDM), Ilya Sorokin (NYI).
• Celebrini Hype: Outstanding production on a weak team; draws Taylor Hall/MVP-season parallels.
• Kucherov’s Overlooked Case:

  "We always overlook him compared to the centers... Nikita Kucherov deserves a little more love here." – Dom (35:36)

• Positional Bias: Centers get more attention for “doing it all,” but wingers like Kucherov can’t be ignored.
• Sorokin Argument: If the Islanders make it, it’s likely because of their stellar goaltender.
• Quote:

  "It's a heck of a year for the Hart." – Laz (37:19)

Norris Trophy (Best Defenseman)

• Current Odds: Cale Makar (COL), Zach Werenski (CBJ), Quinn Hughes (MIN), Evan Bouchard (EDM), Moritz Seider (DET).
• Narrative: Makar’s scoring often gives him the edge, but Werenski currently leads defenseman in points and is a slightly better defender, possibly making this “his turn.”

  "The Norris has always been the most like, whose turn is it? Award." – Dom (41:13)

• Trend: Discussion swings between rewarding pure offense vs. well-rounded defenders—hosts praise evolution toward overall impact.
• Defensive Defensemen: Increase in appreciation for true two-way players like Seider, Sanderson, and Hakanpää.

Rocket Richard (Top Goal Scorer)

• Runaway: Nathan MacKinnon is leading and considered untouchable barring something dramatic (44:31).
• Challengers: McDavid, Caulfield, Robertson, Matthews, Kaprizov, Draisaitl are distant contenders.

Selke Trophy (Best Defensive Forward)

• Candidates: Nick Suzuki, Rope Hintz, Mitch Marner, Mark Stone, Anze Kopitar, Yanni Gourde.
• Debate: Can a non-PK specialist like Suzuki win? Hosts: “That's disqualifying to me.” – Dom (45:14)
• Changing of the Guard: With Bergeron retired & Barkov hurt, no obvious favorite.
• Dark Horse:

  "Yanni Gourde. He's being used as a true defensive forward and he's exceeding expectations on a really good team." – Dom (46:31)

Calder Trophy (Rookie of the Year)

• Frontrunner: Matthew Schaefer dominates the conversation (48:06).
• Challengers: Becca Seneca rising; Jesper Wallstedt’s trade rumors create intrigue.
• Unique Case: Debate whether a Calder-worthy goalie can/should be traded at the deadline.

Bedard vs. Celebrini Preview (52:01–55:40)

• Significance: First meeting between Bedard and Celebrini as true superstars.
• Team Context: Both Chicago and San Jose are slightly ahead of schedule but not yet “good,” making the matchup about both players’ impact.
• Bedard’s Defensive Play: Narrative that Celebrini is the more complete player may be outdated; Bedard is evolving.

  "The Bedard that we're seeing this year is different... he is initiating contact, winning puck battles, playing smart in the defensive zone."

• Faceoff Dynamics: Hawks use Nazar to take faceoffs, then shift Bedard back to center in play, maximizing both players.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "[Bobrovsky] has been terrible this year. Out of 85 goalies, Evolving Hockey has him 79th in goal, saved above expected." – Dom (16:22)
• "They're toast. It's over." – Dom on the Maple Leafs (18:03)
• "John Cooper’s outfit there, you can't lose that game if you are dressed like a mobster." – Laz (11:46)
• "It's... undeniable how much fun it is." – Dom on the goalie fight (08:07)
• "I've gone, 'Oh, actually, of course [Jeff Blashill] wanted to go to a young team that had young assets. He's really good for young players.'" – Laz (33:09)
• "The Norris has always been the most like, whose turn is it? Award." – Dom (41:13)
• "It’s a heck of a year for the Hart." – Laz (37:19)
• "That's disqualifying to me" – Dom, on Nick Suzuki not killing enough penalties for Selke (45:14)
• "We always overlook [Kucherov] compared to the centers... Nikita Kucherov deserves a little more love here." – Dom (35:36)
• "The bill has come due… especially miserable for Toronto is that they don’t have those memories [of playoff runs]." – Laz (20:01)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Barry Trotz News & GM/Coach Discussion: 02:30–07:18
• Outdoor Game Recap: 07:51–12:22
• Playoff Picture/Thanksgiving Rule: 12:22–15:25
• Florida, Toronto, Winnipeg, Washington Deep Dives: 14:37–25:40
• Awards Watch (Jack Adams & Beyond): 28:27–49:13
• Bedard vs. Celebrini Matchup: 52:01–55:40

Tone & Style Notes

• Conversational, Analytical, and occasionally irreverent: Banter is informed but never dry (e.g., “We’re fighting through. We’re hockey tough. Max feels like crap. I sound like crap. But we’re trying, guys.” – Dom).
• Nuanced and honest: They aren’t afraid to “stick a fork” in teams or call out the limitations of their own field, especially around awards voting.
• Player-centric: While discussing teams, player impact and narratives are foregrounded—especially around issues like the MVP race or rookie showdowns.

Summary for Non-Listeners

This episode is a must-listen for fans wanting an honest, up-to-the-moment analysis of the razor-thin NHL playoff races, with particular attention paid to management missteps, the evolution of goalie and rookie impact, and the unpredictable world of awards season. Expect strong, evidence-backed opinions (with stats to match), heated debate about which teams are “done,” and an engaging breakdown of why this era of hockey might be the league’s most fun and unpredictable yet.