The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz

The Hockey Show: "Blubbering in Boston"

Date: October 24, 2025
Hosts: Dan Le Batard, Stugotz (Roy Bellamy & Dave in studio)
Featured Guest: Johnny Lazarus

Episode Overview

Broadcast from the Elser Hotel in Downtown Miami, this “Hockey Show” episode dives deep into the emotional return of Brad Marchand to Boston, the evolving dynamics of the Florida Panthers and New York Rangers, youthful success stories across the NHL, and includes colorful debates on hockey traditions and offbeat moments from around the league.

Episode Structure and Key Segments

1. Setting the Stage: The Boston Return (01:02–07:03)

• Focus: Brad Marchand’s dramatic return to Boston after joining the Panthers.
• The panel recounts the anticipation: Marchand faces his former team for the first time, following a failed contract extension and subsequent trade request.
• Notable Quotes:
  • “[The Bruins’] tribute video to him was really, really nice. Everybody stood, they applauded, and Brad Marchand was a blubbering mess. He was tearing up.” — Roy Bellamy (04:48)
  • “He was a big, blubbering mess. Roy, you took the word from me. It was excessive.” — Dave (05:49)
  • “He spent 16 years in that city winning one Stanley Cup in 2011.” — Roy (05:17)

2. Hockey Talk – Game Recaps & News (07:03–14:40)

• The Sabres’ goaltender shuffle and the emergence of Colton Ellis, who claimed his first NHL win with his family in the stands.
• Sidney Crosby’s milestone and the NHL’s penchant for oddly specific stats (“the longest goal streak by a Penguins player age 38 or older”).
• Notable Quotes:
  • “Stopped 27 of those pucks out of 29 shots... Got his first NHL career win in his first NHL career start.” — Roy (08:21)
  • “Why should I care about 38-year-olds? Because it's Sidney Crosby.” — Roy & Dave (12:18–12:35)

3. Segment – Puck Luck (15:27–16:45)

• Betting picks presented by DraftKings:
  • Auston Matthews over 3.5 shots (Leafs @ Sabres)
  • Over 6.5 goals, Sharks @ Devils
  • Kyle Connor over 2.5 shots (Jets)
• Total Parlay Odds: +448

4. Listener Q&A: Top Goons in Hockey (16:45–18:23)

• Question: Are hockey “goons” still necessary, and who are the top five of all-time?
• Lists Highlighted: Ty Domi, Bob Probert, Terry O’Reilly, Marty McSorley, Stu Grimson, George Laraque, Donald Brashear, and more.
• Notable Quotes:
  • “It’s a very integral role in hockey even nowadays. Like, you need to have a guy the other team is afraid is going to come after them if you go after their star player.” — Dave (18:23)

5. Buffalo Sabres Recap – "In a Minute" Segments (19:05–21:26)

• Spanish and English mini-recap by guest Kristen, filling in for Rosie.
• Covers the Sabres’ week: two wins (including a shutout over the Panthers and a victory against Detroit), one tough loss (Montreal).

6. Wins & Fails of the Week (21:41–24:56)

• Wins:
  • Fashion: Nordiques vs. Whalers retro jerseys in Denver.
  • Baseball/Hockey crossover: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. wearing an Auston Matthews Leafs jersey.
• Fails:
  • Playing in the dark: Calgary vs. Montreal delayed by arena lighting issues.
  • Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky’s emotional postgame: “I’d give up one of my children for a win!” (apologized later).

7. Deep Dive – The New York Rangers & NHL Standouts (26:11–44:48)

Guest: Johnny Lazarus from Daily Faceoff

Rangers Analysis (26:11–33:47)

• Rangers’ up-and-down performance: offensive explosion (5 goals vs. Sharks), defensive breakdowns, and “mental errors.”
• Praise for Adam Schaefer (Islanders’ breakout 18-year-old defenseman) and Igor Shesterkin.
• Classic brawl: Ryan Reaves vs. Matt Rempe (“Rempe is a terrible fighter, but it's great theater.” — Johnny, 33:19)

Standout NHL Surprises (34:22–37:01)

• Montreal & Detroit start hot in the Atlantic, Chicago on the rise, Oilers and Kings underperforming.
• The matinee idol: “Matthew Schaefer’s story has been unbelievable...might be the most unhateable player I’ve ever seen.” — Johnny (34:29)

Trophy Talk & Youthful Excellence (37:01–40:49)

• Norris Trophy candidacy for Schaefer? Hosts and Johnny agree it's early but not impossible.
• Utah Mammoth’s Logan Cooley fast out of the gate, credit to “Tusky” the mascot, and the organization’s strong start.

Olympic Village and Player Culture (41:04–43:20)

• The reality of star NHLers living dorm-style at the Milan Olympics.
• Johnny: “I don’t think these guys give a damn where they sleep...when you’re in the Olympics and representing your country, it’s all about being on the ice and the bonding.”

Brad Marchand's form at 38 (43:20–44:48)

• All panelists agree his strong play is no surprise considering his career, role, and work ethic.

8. Panthers Den (47:28–54:44)

• Recap of the Panthers’ struggles: four straight losses, end the skid with an emotional win in Boston (“Blubbering in Boston”), then falter at home vs. Penguins.
• Power play improvements, defensive zone lapses, and the need for veteran players to step up.
• "Panthers’ third periods have not been good…they have lost their map to Shutdown City.” — Dave & Roy (50:25)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “He was a blubbering mess. It was excessive.” — Dave (on Marchand, 05:49)
• “You need to have a guy that the other team is afraid is going to come after them if you go after their star player.” — Dave (18:23)
• “Matthew Schaefer’s story has been unbelievable...he might be the most unhateable player I’ve ever seen.” — Johnny Lazarus (34:29)
• “Third periods have not been good… they’ve lost their map to Shutdown City.” — Dave (50:25)
• Ryan Warsofsky: “I’d give up one of my children for a win.” (quickly walked back, 24:31–24:54)

Highlighted Timestamps

• 01:02–07:03 – Brad Marchand’s emotional return to Boston
• 07:30–09:37 – Buffalo Sabres goalie situation & Colton Ellis’ debut
• 12:05–14:56 – NHL’s Crosby obsession, three stars voting process
• 15:27–16:45 – Puck Luck Parlay (betting segment)
• 18:01–18:23 – Are enforcer “goons” still needed in hockey?
• 21:54–24:56 – Wins and Fails
• 26:11–44:48 – Extended Johnny Lazarus interview on Rangers, league surprises, young stars, and Olympics
• 47:28–54:44 – Panthers week in review

Summary Takeaway

This episode serves as a fun and honest snapshot of today’s NHL—full of inside jokes, passionate debate, and behind-the-scenes insight on everything from locker-room emotions to the fate of “goons” and breakout rookies. It shines brightest discussing the humanity behind the headlines, whether it’s Marchand’s tears, the joy of Ellis’ family in Buffalo, or the goofy glory of hockey’s great jersey nights. The show holds its signature playful tone while keeping the conversation rich, relevant, and deeply rooted in hockey culture.

End of Summary