The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz

The Hockey Show: Princess Claire Is Here

Date: January 16, 2026
Location: Elser Hotel, Downtown Miami

Episode Overview

This week’s "Hockey Show" delivers a fast-paced, irreverent deep dive into all things hockey, starring Roy Bellamy, David Droik (The Hockey News), Ethan, and Rose. From the New York Rangers’ stunning collapse to Florida Panthers’ injury woes, to honoring hockey legends, and checking in with Buffalo Sabres superfan Sean DePaz, the episode is packed with sharp analysis, pop culture quips, and the signature chaotic camaraderie of the DLS crew. Special credit is given to Princess Claire (Roy's daughter) for creatively "taking over the show"—hence the episode’s title.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. New York Rangers’ Tailspin

(00:59–06:13)

• The Rangers’ season described as a "disaster": 9 losses in 11, conceding 4+ goals per game, including an infamous 10-goal thrashing by the Bruins.
• Roy runs the numbers: In 17 of 28 losses, the defeat was by 2+ goals, suggesting a solid betting strategy—bet the spread against the Rangers, especially at home.
  • Roy (03:00): "Most likely, no matter who is in net for the Rangers...they're going to give up two goals or more."
• David jokes about the DLS crew’s 'reverse curse'—whenever they bet, the opposite happens, maybe even saving the Rangers' season accidentally.
• Ethan and David contrast the Rangers’ moribund playoff chances (10 points out in the East, only 9 ahead of bottom-dwelling Vancouver) with expectations at the start of the year.

2. Honoring Hockey Legends: Fedorov and Chara

(06:39–10:29)

• Sergei Fedorov's #91 retired in Detroit (Little Caesar’s Arena)—Roy notes his complicated exit (signed with Anaheim) and late number retirement (16 years).
• Zdeno Chara’s #33 lifted in Boston—David and Ethan praise Chara’s leadership, toughness, and how his example radiated through Boston and into younger Panthers players.
  • Ethan (09:09): "A lot of what Brad Marchand is as a leader was learned from Chara...in a way, that's impacted what the Panthers are now."
• Both legends celebrated for their on- and off-ice influence.

3. Panthers Update: Road Trip & Injury Management

(10:43–15:12)

• Panthers are at a midway point in a 6-game road trip (2-2-0). Despite a thinning roster, they continue to "stay afloat."
• Recent contract extension for defenseman Uvis Balinskis—sign of roster depth management.
• Key injuries: Seth Jones' absence on defense; Brad Marchand and Matthew Tkachuk (forwards) close to returning.
  • Roy (13:09): "Not having Seth Jones...that is major, major minutes lost."
  • Ethan (13:09): "All they gotta do is get in [the playoffs], and if they get Barky back, anybody...it's anybody's guess."
• Praise for GM Bill Zito for assembling scrappy depth to plug holes as needed.

4. Puck Luck: DLS Betting Segment

(15:40–17:10)

• David presents this week’s betting parlay despite the crew’s comically poor track record:
  • Bet against Rangers (especially at home).
  • Picks: Colorado on the puck line vs Nashville, Marty Necas (shots), Dylan Larkin (shots), and Tampa ML vs San Jose (+760 parlay).
  • David (17:10): "Please, let's make some money tonight."

5. Mascots, Stats & The Claire Show Chaos

(17:10–19:51)

• Rose and Roy playfully banter about "The Claire Show," with Claire (Roy’s daughter) pulling focus in the background.
• Stat of the Week: Ethan highlights that the Oilers were shut out at home by the Islanders for the first time in 43 years, breaking both a point streak for McDavid and a decades-long run vs. the Isles.
  • Ethan (18:00): "This is the first time the Oilers have been shut out at home by the Islanders since...the 1983 Stanley Cup Final."
• Much joking about failing bets and the cursed effect the DLS crew has on their picks.

6. Rosie in un Minuto / Miami Canes vs. Mendoza Hot Take

(19:51–21:08)

• Rose injects Miami pop-culture energy, rooting for Mendoza over the University of Miami Canes "just because nobody else is," keeping with the episode's offbeat spirit.

7. Weekly Wins and Fails

(21:39–29:15)

• Wins:
  • David & Ethan: Abby Murphy’s dazzling NCAA play & Olympic prospects.
  • Ethan: Viral Mighty Mites brawl at a Hershey Bears game—"Best hockey video I've ever seen."
  • Roy: James van Riemsdyk arriving at the Bell Centre in a Batman suit for his son’s birthday.
  • Rose: Her plush rooster mascot.
• Fails:
  • David: Goalie Tristan Jarry’s OT gaffe for the Penguins ("Just stay in the crease, buddy." – 26:01).
  • Roy: Rangers’ Jonathan Quick getting shelled for six goals in his 800th career start.
  • Ethan: The manufactured controversy over the Panthers’ red ties at the White House, slamming "overreactions and conspiracy takes" about their wardrobe.

8. Special Guest: Sean DePaz Talks Buffalo Sabres’ Resurgence

(33:34–52:30)

Sabres’ Hot Streak & Cultural Shift

• Sabres superfan and "What Chaos" podcast host Sean DePaz joins to discuss Buffalo’s 15 wins in 17 games and sudden St. Louis Blues-like transformation.
• Sean credits the firing of GM Kevin Adams and the viral "heated rivalry" show for motivation, citing a new energy and urgency among the players.
  • Sean (35:15): "Maybe there was some kind of wake-up call when that firing and hiring took place."
• Goalie debate: Alex Lyon has been the best this year, but UPL is "the guy" for the future; Colton Ellis likely odd man out if playoffs started today.
• Free agency worries: Alex Tuch’s future, Josh Doan’s RFA, and salary cap issues—a crossroads looms.
  • Sean (39:03): "You have to be prepared to let Alex Tuch walk...the number's too high."
• Leadership: Tage Thompson spotlighted as heart-and-soul, but Sean raves about "glue guys" like Josh Doan.
• Atmosphere: Sean describes last night’s Montreal game as "unbelievable," forecasting a wild playoff environment if the drought finally ends.

Memorable Quotes:

• Sean (43:33): "Something will have to go wrong for the Buffalo Sabres not to make the playoffs, which is definitely not out of the realm of possibility. This is a Buffalo sports team after all."
• Sean (45:32): "[Buffalo]...is not an easy team to play against anymore and they take pride in being Buffalo Sabres."

9. Listener Q&A, In-Jokes & Closing Chaos

(45:32–53:16)

• David recounts his own memorable ’07 Sabres playoff experience, prepping Sean for what to expect.
• Rose and Sean bond over their shared "producer trauma."
• More inside-jokes about goats, roosters, and Roy’s daughter "taking over" parts of the show (referencing the Claire Show).

Notable Quotes

• Roy Bellamy (03:00): "My tip to everybody: bet on the Rangers’ opponent against the spread for the rest of the season."
• David Droik (03:51): "Are we backhandedly potentially saving the Rangers’ season by betting against them?"
• Ethan (09:09): "A lot of what Brad Marchand is as a leader was learned from Chara—and it’s made its way to the Panthers’ locker room."
• David Droik (15:27): "Just get in [the playoffs]. If they're healthy, who wants to face the Panthers?"
• Ethan (18:00): "First time the Oilers have been shutout at home by the Islanders since 1983."
• Sean DePaz (35:15): "Maybe there was some kind of wake up call when that firing and hiring took place...but I don’t need answers. I just need wins."
• Sean DePaz (43:33): "Something will have to go wrong for the Buffalo Sabres not to make the playoffs, which is definitely not out of the realm of possibility. This is a Buffalo sports team after all."
• Roy Bellamy (53:08): "She [Claire] used the telestrator to create artwork, and it’s very beautiful."

Timestamps by Topic

| Segment | Topic | Timestamps | |-----------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------| | Rangers’ Problems | Defensive collapse, betting strategy, team woes | 00:59–06:13 | | Legends’ Jersey Retirements | Fedorov (Detroit), Chara (Boston), impact on teams | 06:39–10:29 | | Panthers’ Update | Injury news, playoff chase, depth management | 10:43–15:12 | | DLS Betting Segment | Puck Luck parlay, puck line picks, “fade us” humor | 15:40–17:10 | | Stat/Chaos Segment | McDavid streak, Oilers’ home shutout, kid brawl video | 17:10–19:51 | | Rosie in un Minuto | Miami Canes vs Mendoza, local flavor | 19:51–21:08 | | Weekly Wins & Fails | NCAA, viral brawl, bad goaltending, White House "tie-gate" | 21:39–29:15 | | Sean DePaz Sabres Interview | Sabres’ resurgence, goalie debate, Free Agency, team culture | 33:34–52:30 | | Closing Chaos / The Claire Show | Jokes, "producer trauma," Claire’s artwork, wrap-up | 52:30–53:38 |

Final Thoughts

This week’s DLS Hockey Show is a blend of sharp sports insight and pure mayhem, with the show’s signature blend of stats, irreverence, and Miami flair. From the dismal downward spiral of the Rangers and Panthers playoff hopes, to a hopeful Buffalo fan base dreaming bigger than they have in 15 years, listeners get a hockey episode that’s as entertaining as it is informative.

Watch for Princess Claire’s debut as an artist and co-star (53:03), and see if Roy or the crew’s next bets break their curse.