Podcast Summary: The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz

Episode: Local Hour: The Last Real Florida Panthers Fan
Release Date: May 12, 2025
Hosts: Dan Le Batard, Stugotz
Location: Elser Hotel, Downtown Miami

1. Introduction and Sponsor Mentions

The episode begins with sponsor segments, including ads for State Farm and Cuervo tequila. Dan Le Batard and Chris Cody engage in light-hearted banter about Cuervo, setting a relaxed tone for the show.

2. Hockey Highlights: Dangerous Hits and Player Performance (01:19 - 02:45)

Discussion Points:

• Ekman Larson's Controversial Hit: Dan Le Batard critiques Ekman Larson's recent hit, labeling it as one of the most dangerous plays in hockey due to the risk of paralysis. (01:55)

  • Dan Le Batard: "This is one of the more dangerous hits in the sport. Your head goes into the boards with no opportunity to brace yourself."

• Potential Suspensions: The hosts debate whether Larson and Dmitri Kulikov will face suspensions for their actions. (02:28 - 02:45)

  • Mike Ryan: "Ekman Larson's going to get away with his hit. That's unfortunate."
  • Dan Le Batard: "The league might actually do something about this."

3. The Chicken Wing Debate: A Light-Hearted Interlude (02:45 - 04:08)

Discussion Points:

• Preference for Drum vs. Flat Chicken Wings: The hosts humorously debate their preferences for different types of chicken wings, turning a simple food choice into a playful argument. (03:16 - 04:08)
  • Dan Le Batard: "I like a good drum. I'm sorry, I know that makes me maybe a little bit basic."
  • Chris Cody: "I don't have any pejoratives or negative connotations with chicken wing. If you give me a chicken wing, thank you."

4. Florida Panthers Deep Dive: Team Performance and Fan Loyalty (04:08 - 08:44)

Discussion Points:

• Panthers' Playoff Performance: The hosts analyze the Florida Panthers' strong performance in the playoffs, emphasizing their ability to "strangle" opponents in the third period. (04:08 - 05:59)

  • Chris Cody: "This thing is excellent, and it'll strangle you late."
  • Dan Le Batard: "It's been one of the best things I've ever seen in sports here."

• Player Criticism: Dan Le Batard criticizes Brad Marchand, labeling his actions as "atrocities against the franchise," sparking a heated debate with Jonathan Zaslow. (08:01 - 08:44)

  • Dan Le Batard: "He's committed atrocities against this franchise."
  • Jonathan Zaslow: "Everything that just came out of your mouth right now is a vomit."

• Fan Dynamics: The episode highlights the tension between being a true Panthers fan versus supporting individual players, with Dan asserting his loyalty to the team over personal affiliations. (08:44 - 09:13)

  • Dan Le Batard: "I'm the last real Panther fan."
  • Jonathan Zaslow: "I love watching him play in that Panther jersey."

5. NBA Trade Speculation: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Miami Heat (09:18 - 36:23)

Discussion Points:

• Giannis Open to Trades: The conversation shifts to NBA trade rumors, particularly focusing on Giannis Antetokounmpo's openness to moving from Milwaukee Milwaukee Bucks to the Miami Heat. (09:18 - 10:44)

  • Stugotz: "Giannis is not coming to Miami. I will."
  • Dan Le Batard: "Giannis ain't playing for the Utah Jazz."

• Pat Riley's Management Critique: The hosts express strong opinions about Miami Heat's management, criticizing Pat Riley's recent press conference and leadership style. (37:41 - 39:34)

  • Dan Le Batard: "Pat Riley is out of touch. His press conference underscored that."
  • Chris Cody: "Pat Riley is like Trump. He's not going to say I'm sorry to Jimmy Butler."

• Trade Scenarios and Team Dynamics: Debates ensue about potential trades involving Giannis, Bam Adebayo, and Tyler Herro, with varying opinions on the Miami Heat's willingness to rebuild or acquire superstar talent. (30:01 - 36:23)

  • Chris Cody: "If you trade Bam, you lose your defense, a cornerstone of the organization."
  • Jonathan Zaslow: "Miami has a better hand than the other teams that he's gone out and mentioned."

6. Internal Conflicts and Fan Allegiances (08:44 - 36:23)

Discussion Points:

• Panthers vs. Bruins Loyalty: A heated exchange between Dan Le Batard and Jonathan Zaslow reveals deep-rooted tensions over support for the Florida Panthers versus the Boston Bruins. (15:03 - 19:28)

  • Dan Le Batard: "They are called atrocities because he's committed atrocities against this franchise."
  • Jonathan Zaslow: "I'm mad at you because you constantly crap on Marchand."

• Show Dynamics: The altercation escalates with personal attacks, highlighting the passionate nature of the hosts' sports fandoms. (19:28 - 36:23)

  • Jonathan Zaslow: "You're a chump. You put individuals ahead of the franchise."
  • Dan Le Batard: "I'm about the name in the front, not the name in the back."

7. Sponsor Segment: Miller Lite Celebration (36:23 - 45:02)

The episode concludes with an enthusiastic advertisement segment for Miller Lite, featuring hosts Greg Cody and Roy Bellamy celebrating the brand's 50th anniversary. The segment includes cheerful discussions about enjoying Miller Lite during various occasions, emphasizing the brand's heritage and appeal.

• Greg Cody: "From game nights to parties with friends or a special anniversary, celebrating important occasions means more with the coolest people in your life."

8. Closing Remarks

The hosts wrap up the episode with final thoughts on the Florida Panthers' ongoing playoff run, emphasizing the team's potential and the unpredictable nature of playoff hockey.

• Dan Le Batard: "Playoff hockey is the best. Your entire franchise blueprint lives on the blade of a stick."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Dan Le Batard (01:55): "This is one of the more dangerous hits in the sport. Your head goes into the boards with no opportunity to brace yourself."

• Chris Cody (04:08): "This thing is excellent, and it'll strangle you late."

• Dan Le Batard (08:44): "I'm the last real Panther fan."

• Stugotz (09:18): "Giannis is not coming to Miami. I will."

• Dan Le Batard (37:41): "Pat Riley is out of touch. His press conference underscored that."

• Greg Cody (44:21): "The popping the top, the sound of that."

Conclusion

This episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz offers a passionate and in-depth discussion on current sports topics, primarily focusing on the Florida Panthers' playoff performance and NBA trade rumors surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo. The hosts engage in spirited debates, providing listeners with diverse perspectives and entertaining banter, all while maintaining a strong connection to South Florida's vibrant sports culture.