Episode Summary: The Hockey Show - The Panthers Are Up Against It (feat. Steve Levy)

Release Date: May 9, 2025
Podcast: The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Hosts: Dan Le Batard, Stugotz
Guest: Steve Levy, Studio Host for the NHL on ESPN

1. Introduction and Guest Appearance ([01:02] - [06:03])

The episode kicks off with Roy Bellamy introducing the show's focus on hockey, particularly highlighting Steve Levy's appearance. The hosts express excitement about having a seasoned ESPN commentator, reminiscing about their shared nostalgia for Levy's tenure on ESPN's NHL coverage. They set the stage for an in-depth discussion about the current NHL playoffs.

Notable Quote:

• Roy Bellamy ([02:01]): "The Islanders were supposed to host the All Star Game… my Islander streak has somehow continued into the second round of the playoffs."

2. NHL All-Star Weekend Changes and Political Fallout ([02:01] - [07:17])

Roy Bellamy introduces a conspiracy theory linking the NHL's decision to replace the All-Star Game with a Winter Olympics kickoff event at UBS Arena to political tensions. Governor Kathy Hochul of New York publicly criticizes the NHL for altering plans, emphasizing the financial commitments made for hosting the All-Star Game.

Notable Quote:

• Roy Bellamy ([02:28]): "Kathy Hochul... wrote a stonily worded letter to the National Hockey League expressing her bitter disappointment."

Rose Arias suggests that the All-Star Game concept is outdated, advocating for alternative events like a warm-up tournament for the Olympics instead.

Notable Quote:

• Rose Arias ([03:48]): "I think the idea of the All Star Game is dead."

3. NHL Draft Lottery and New York Islanders' Win ([06:03] - [07:07])

Roy Bellamy connects the NHL Draft Lottery win by the New York Islanders to the aforementioned All-Star Weekend changes, suggesting a potential synergy between the two events. Rose Arias and the hosts discuss the odds and implications of the Islanders' victory in the lottery.

Notable Quote:

• Roy Bellamy ([06:22]): "The NHL changes plans on next year's All Star Game due to the Winter Olympics… the Islanders win the draft lottery and may host."

4. Edmonton Oilers' Surge and Playoff Predictions ([07:16] - [25:54])

The conversation shifts to the Edmonton Oilers, praising their remarkable comeback streak in the playoffs despite roster challenges. Ethan Podowski humorously asserts that sports outcomes are meticulously planned, citing the Oilers’ consistency.

Notable Quote:

• Ethan Podowski ([07:54]): "Nothing is locked in sports because in sports there's so, so much money. Everything is meticulously planned."

Rose Arias highlights Miko Ratnan's stellar playoff performance, positioning him as a pivotal figure for the Dallas Stars' championship hopes. Steve Levy shares his initial prediction favoring the Dallas Stars but admits to adjusting his stance following injuries to key players.

Notable Quote:

• Steve Levy ([24:11]): "I had to bail out. I was really mad at myself… without their best goal scorer and defenseman, how are they going to beat the mighty Avalanche?"

5. Officiating Controversies: Evan Rodriguez's Penalty Call ([14:26] - [16:19])

The hosts express frustration over a controversial penalty call against Evan Rodriguez, where a boarding incident was inexplicably labeled as "embellishment." David Droik criticizes the officiating, deeming it one of the worst in playoff history.

Notable Quote:

• David Droik ([15:03]): "It's one of the worst calls I've ever seen in my life."

Steve Levy offers a nuanced perspective, acknowledging the complexity officials face during high-pressure playoff games.

Notable Quote:

• Steve Levy ([21:46]): "There are a couple other things… you can have an illegal hit. It was a charge or whatever it was. And also embellish."

6. Goaltending and Defensive Issues: Sergey Bobrovsky ([49:04] - [56:51])

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the Florida Panthers' goaltending woes, particularly Sergey Bobrovsky's underperformance. The statistical analysis reveals negative goals saved above expected, highlighting critical lapses during pivotal moments.

Notable Quote:

• David Droik ([52:26]): "Negative 1.98 and negative 2.26 – that's icky, icky for a guy who’s been the Panthers' best player in previous playoff runs."

Rose Arias emphasizes that while Bobrovsky's performance is lacking, the defensive unit as a whole requires improvement to support the goaltender effectively.

Notable Quote:

• Rose Arias ([55:00]): "Bobrovsky needs to be better. But it is hard to put it all on Bob."

7. Anecdotes and Nostalgia: Barry Melrose and SportsCenter Commercials ([30:36] - [39:25])

In a lighter segment, Steve Levy shares fond memories of Barry Melrose and iconic ESPN SportsCenter commercials. The hosts reminisce about memorable ads featuring sports personalities, highlighting the camaraderie and behind-the-scenes stories that shaped their careers.

Notable Quote:

• Steve Levy ([31:10]): "Barry Melrose is just one of my favorite people on the planet… Wayne Gretzky called Barry among his favorite NHL head coaches of all time."

8. Future Playoff Outlook and Closing Thoughts ([47:05] - [57:19])

As the episode nears its conclusion, the hosts analyze the upcoming game three between the Florida Panthers and the Toronto Maple Leafs. They debate the Panthers' adaptability and defensive strategies, expressing cautious optimism for their performance at home. Ethan Podowski injects humor by hoping for a celebrity appearance, lightening the intense analysis.

Notable Quote:

• Roy Bellamy ([56:38]): "Hopefully when we come back for next week's hockey show, we're still talking about a current Panther season and not a past Panther season."

Steve Levy wraps up the discussion by acknowledging the Panthers' challenges and the unpredictable nature of the playoffs, setting expectations for future episodes.

Conclusion

This episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz offers a comprehensive analysis of the NHL playoffs, with a strong focus on the Florida Panthers' struggles and prospects. Steve Levy's expert insights enrich the conversation, providing listeners with nuanced perspectives on player performances, officiating controversies, and strategic adjustments. The hosts balance intense sports analysis with nostalgic anecdotes and humor, delivering an engaging and informative episode for both dedicated hockey fans and casual listeners.

Highlighted Quotes with Timestamps:

• Roy Bellamy ([02:28]): "They just won't go."
• Rose Arias ([03:48]): "I think the idea of the All Star Game is dead."
• Steve Levy ([21:46]): "There are a couple other things… you can have an illegal hit. It was a charge or whatever it was. And also embellish."
• David Droik ([52:26]): "Negative 1.98 and negative 2.26 – that's icky, icky for a guy who’s been the Panthers' best player in previous playoff runs."
• Steve Levy ([31:10]): "Barry Melrose is just one of my favorite people on the planet… Wayne Gretzky called Barry among his favorite NHL head coaches of all time."
• Roy Bellamy ([56:38]): "Hopefully when we come back for next week's hockey show, we're still talking about a current Panther season and not a past Panther season."