The Hockey Show: Trades, Fifth Chances, and the Spicy Ramen Challenge (feat. Greg Wyshynski)

Summary

Summary of "The Hockey Show: Trades, Fifth Chances, and the Spicy Ramen Challenge (feat. Greg Wyshynski)"

Release Date: January 31, 2025

In this engaging episode of "The Hockey Show," hosts Dan Le Batard and Stugotz delve deep into the current landscape of the NHL, discussing team dynamics, player performances, recent trades, and broader cultural issues within the sport. The episode also features a guest appearance by ESPN’s senior NHL writer, Greg Grushinski, who provides expert insights into the intricacies of recent team decisions and league-wide trends. Amidst the serious discussions, the hosts maintain their signature humor, highlighted by the “Spicy Ramen Challenge,” adding a lighthearted flair to the conversation.

---

1. Hot Takes

Vancouver’s Lack of Support for Linus Carlson ([01:25] David)
David launches the episode with a critical observation about the Vancouver team’s apparent indifference toward Linus Carlson’s first NHL goal. He remarks, “Nobody celebrated. This guy just scored. … Even the trainers on the bench, nobody was, like, yelling, hey, get the puck. Get the puck. Are they that distracted that they can't find the smallest in their life? Frustrating, and it's sad.” This highlights a concerning lack of team spirit and recognition for player milestones, suggesting deeper issues within the franchise’s culture.

Matthew Tkachuk’s Impact on Goaltenders ([03:11] Host & [04:03] David)
The hosts shift focus to Matthew Tkachuk, praising his ability to disrupt goaltenders. The host notes, “This is him and Joel Edmondson in front of the net with net front battle... If you remember the Panthers doubles game in New Jersey, and that famous shot of him getting in a chokehold, that's magic.” David adds, “Matthew Kachuk loves getting under the skin of goalies. … He knows exactly what he's doing, and he's so good at it.” Their discussion underscores Tkachuk’s strategic influence on games, making him a pivotal player in creating scoring opportunities.

The Spicy Ramen Challenge ([02:37] David & [03:05] Rose)
Adding levity, Rose takes on the “Spicy Ramen Challenge,” enduring a bowl laden with wasabi. David humorously comments on her struggle, “Do you have to finish that whole bowl, Rose? Is that what we're doing here before the show ends?” This segment showcases the hosts’ camaraderie and ability to balance intense hockey analysis with entertaining banter.

---

2. Wins of the Week

Kaylee Osbourne’s Shorthand Victory ([05:31] David)
David highlights Kaylee Osbourne’s impressive performance in the PWHL, praising her shutout against Ottawa: “Kelly Osbourne, rookie goaltender... She pitted up a shutout in her hometown of Ottawa. … Just really cool. Give some goalie love to... to the young lady.” This acknowledgment not only celebrates individual excellence but also emphasizes the growing talent within women’s hockey leagues.

Arturi Lekkonen’s Unorthodox Goal ([06:21] Host)
The host shares a remarkable moment from the Avalanche-Islanders game, where Arturi Lekkonen scores while seemingly stationary: “He finds a way to make a difference from his derriere. … He was able to score in front of the crease while on his ass.” This unusual yet effective play demonstrates Lekkonen’s unique skillset and ability to capitalize on unexpected opportunities.

Charlie Lindgren’s Superman Save ([06:53] Host & [07:21] David)
Charlie Lindgren earns praise for an extraordinary glove save described as a “Superman save” during a Capitals-Canucks game. The host remarks, “That is a ridiculous save. That might be save of the year,” while David adds, “He couldn’t have done that, by the way, if he wasn't a southpaw.” This save not only showcases Lindgren’s reflexes and positioning but also highlights the rare instances that define a goalie’s career.

---

3. Fails of the Week

Vincent Trocheck’s Own Goal ([09:21] David)
David recounts a disheartening moment for the Rangers when Vincent Trocheck turns a shorthanded breakaway into an own goal: “So that’s bad enough, right? … From Vincent Trocheck on a breakaway to the puck in his own net.” This mishap underscores the high-stakes nature of hockey and how a single play can significantly impact a team’s momentum and standings.

Murray Cider’s Miscommunication ([10:21] Host)
The host discusses an own goal by Murray Cider during the Kings-Red Wings game: “Off the face off Murray Cider miscommunication front Annette and put the puck in his own net. … That’s something that you don’t want to take home with you.” Such errors emphasize the importance of communication and coordination on the ice, where lapses can lead to critical losses.

---

4. Interview with Greg Grushinski

Vancouver Team Dynamics and Player Beefs ([14:13] Greg Grushinski)
Greg delves into the ongoing conflict between Elias Pedersen and J.T. Miller within the Vancouver team. He explains, “This is a workplace... These are companies. ... The friction has been ongoing... Miller has a full no movement clause.” Greg discusses the complexities of trading players with high trade protections and the potential impact on team performance and chemistry.

Recent Three-Team Trade Analysis ([18:19] Host)
Greg breaks down a significant three-team trade involving the Avalanche, Hurricanes, and Blackhawks: “The big trade that happened last week... Colorado had to make a choice here... They need to open up money to be able to make the rest of your team better.” He assesses Colorado’s strategic decisions to balance star player contracts with overall team depth, emphasizing the delicate maneuvering required in high-stakes trades.

New York Islanders’ Acquisition of Tony D'Angelo ([21:13] Greg Grushinski)
The conversation shifts to the controversial signing of Tony D'Angelo by the New York Islanders. Greg critiques the decision, stating, “He's cheap... he is a guy that is clearly looking to play wherever he can... This was, you know, a risk reward thing.” He questions the Islanders’ rationale, considering D'Angelo’s history of interpersonal conflicts and the potential risks versus the benefits of adding a puck-moving defenseman to their roster.

USA Jerseys and Hockey Culture ([12:16] Greg Grushinski)
Greg shares his thoughts on the USA hockey jerseys, highlighting aesthetic and cultural challenges: “Most of the jerseys that they make for Team USA are based on the Miracle on Ice team... It ends up sort of looking like, I don't know, like something from a video game.” He advocates for more creative and inclusive designs that better represent the current identity and diversity of American hockey.

Broader Hockey Culture Issues ([24:22] Greg Grushinski)
Addressing systemic issues, Greg discusses the challenges hockey faces in fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment: “What happens behind closed doors... hockey culture writ large.” He emphasizes the need for the NHL to evolve its culture to support diversity and address behavioral issues among players, ensuring the sport remains accessible and appealing to a broader audience.

---

5. Florida Panthers’ Recent Games and Team Performance

Victory Against San Jose Sharks ([26:13] Host & [26:47] David)
The hosts celebrate the Panthers’ decisive 7-2 win over the Sharks, noting the team’s offensive prowess with seven different players scoring: “An excellent game from AJ Greer. And Aaron Ekblad had a great game as well.” David adds, “The Sharks have been straight down the drain since they traded Mackenzie Blackwood. … Holy crap.” This victory highlights the Panthers’ depth and ability to capitalize on opponents’ weaknesses.

Struggles in Vegas and Goaltending Analysis ([27:16] David & [28:18] David)
Despite their success against San Jose, the Panthers face challenges in their game against Vegas, struggling against goaltender Aiden Hill. David critiques Hill’s performance but acknowledges his skill: “He’s very good... the type of goaltender that will get under your skin.” The hosts analyze the Panthers’ shot attempts and overall effort, commending their aggressive play despite the loss.

Upcoming Clash with New York Islanders ([33:04] Host & [33:47] David)
Looking ahead, the hosts express strong opinions about the Panthers’ forthcoming game against the Islanders, whom they wish to defeat by more than ten goals. David states, “they're five points out of the wild card right now... I want the Panthers to win by more than 10 goals in this game on Sunday.” This anticipation reflects the hosts’ investment in the Panthers’ success and their competitive spirit.

---

6. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with the hosts reiterating their passionate support for the Florida Panthers and their critical perspectives on various NHL dynamics. The blend of in-depth analysis, expert interviews, and entertaining segments like the Spicy Ramen Challenge offers listeners a comprehensive and enjoyable exploration of the current hockey season.

---

Notable Quotes:

• David on Vancouver’s Indifference: “Nobody celebrated. This guy just scored. … Are they that distracted that they can't find the smallest in their life? Frustrating, and it's sad.” ([01:25])

• Host on Matthew Tkachuk: “If you remember the Panthers doubles game in New Jersey, and that famous shot of him getting in a chokehold, that's magic.” ([03:11])

• Greg Grushinski on Tony D'Angelo: “He is a guy that is clearly looking to play wherever he can. … This was a risk reward thing.” ([21:13])

• Greg Grushinski on Hockey Culture: “What happens behind closed doors... hockey culture writ large.” ([24:22])

---

This episode of "The Hockey Show" provides a thorough examination of current NHL events, enriched by insightful commentary and expert analysis. Whether discussing player performances, team strategies, or broader cultural issues, Dan Le Batard and Stugotz ensure a captivating listen for hockey enthusiasts and casual fans alike.

Transcript

[Host]

You're listening to giraffkings network.

[Venmo Advertiser]

You know that sound? It's the sound of money hitting your Venmo account. A friend paying you back. Or maybe it's getting cash back from your favorite business when you pay with the Venmo debit card. Or it's realizing you can pay with Venmo at checkout at thousands of brands now there are so many more ways to answer the question. What's your Venmo? Download Venmo. Today, the Venmo MasterCard is issued by the Bancorp Bank N.A. pursuant to license by MasterCard International incorporate DOSH cashback terms apply.

[Rose]

Hey, welcome back to the Hawkey show. My name is Rose and.

[David]

Whoa, whoa.

[Host]

No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. I told you this is not happening ever again. You are not introing this show, all right? I am the host of this show. I don't know why. Oh, because.

[David]

Did you like hockey?

[Host]

Yeah, that's true.

[David]

Did you have experience in front of a microphone? Yeah.

[Host]

So called experience. All right.

[David]

So not if he has Darren Pang.

[Host]

Yeah. I need more experience, guy. Experience. The experience. All right. Dave's here. Rose is out there. Ethan, quote, unquote, feels icky. That's why he's not here.

[David]

So Ethan's a not so healthy scratch.

[Host]

Yeah. We will get into why there's a bowl of ramen in front of Rose in a second. But first, let's start with our snapshots. Hot takes first. David, go ahead.

[David]

All right. My hot take comes from out west in Vancouver, and it's not. I don't know how hot of a take it is. I think we all can kind of agree on it, but Vancouver needs to get their shit together. Look at this poor guy. Linus Carlson scored his first NHL goal in Nashville the other night. Nobody gave a shit.

[Host]

No.

[David]

Nobody picked up the puck. Nobody celebrated. This guy just scored. The Lions is, like, just going to take this puck, give it to a.

[Host]

Just give it. Put it back in the penalty box.

[David]

You can use it later. We talked a lot about the beef between J.T. miller and Elias Pedersen, and it goes a long time, and it's nasty what's happening in Vancouver. The season is bad for a lot of people, but, dude, what's going on? Even the worst teams in the league have appreciation for their rookies. This team is so distracted in Vancouver that they cannot pay attention to something like that. Like, they really got to fix this. That was depressing to see.

[Host]

Yeah, that sucks. Like, you're getting your first goal. Like, you need to Celebrate that. You need to get the trainer out to get the tape on right. And wrap it around. First goal.

[David]

Even the trainers on the bench, nobody was, like, yelling, hey, get the puck. Get the puck. Like, are they that distracted that they can't find the smallest in their life? Frustrating, and it's sad.

[Host]

Rose, I can hear in the background just talking like, she's not on the air. Apparently.

[David]

Last week, we told her not to turn her mic off.

[Host]

Yeah, well, she's got chopsticks right now. She's fulfilling a punishment for wrecking the first segment of.

[David]

Oh, no, it's super spicy ramen.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Rose]

And we put wasabi.

[David]

They put, like, a toothpaste tube worth of wasabi in there.

[Host]

Her nose is already being filled.

[David]

Oh, man.

[Host]

Come on.

[David]

Big bite, big bite, Rose.

[Host]

Ah, be a big girl.

[Rose]

But you can keep going with your hot takes. This is my hot take.

[Host]

Yeah, that's her hot take. Her hot take is the spicy ramen.

[David]

All right, Roy. How about your hot take, Roy?

[Host]

All right. This is Matthew Tkachuk.

[David]

I'm aware, being of that Matthew Tkachuk.

[Host]

Doing Matthew Tkachuk things. And my hot take is, this is good for hockey no matter what anybody else says. This is him and Joel Edmondson in front of the net with net front battle. You pushed Edmondson into the nets, and Darcy Kemper ended up getting it into. That's the goaltender for the Kings, by the way. This is Panthers Kings from Wednesday. Those two got together. The goalie got into it as well. And then all of a sudden, as usual, a scrum happens.

[David]

Matthew Kachuk loves getting under the skin of goalies.

[Host]

Absolutely.

[David]

He's so good at it.

[Host]

He is very good at it. If you remember the Panthers doubles game in New Jersey, and that famous shot of him getting in a chokehold, that's. That's magic.

[David]

His head was sticking out of the giant scrum pile.

[Host]

Yep. With his mouth guard out of his mouth.

[David]

I mean, even back to his first season with the Panthers when they went on that amazing playoff run the first round against Boston, he was pissing off Olmark. He was pissing off Swayman. He was getting under everybody's skin.

[Host]

He doesn't fight with pasta.

[David]

Yeah, he's not malicious. Like, he doesn't go out there, like, you know, trying to hurt anybody, but he does the little jabs, the little pokes. And like you saw even in that video of the Kings when. When Kemper stayed out of the net, Kachuk was looking away from Kemper, but he still threw a fist in his direction. So he knows exactly what he's doing, and he's so good at it.

[Host]

Yeah. And he's back on the second line with Sam Bennett, and Maggie Samiskiewicz is actually on that line now for the Panthers, so we'll talk about that in a little bit, but I expect a lot more hijinks and chaos coming forth that line. Who was actually playing better now with that line being together? Rose is laughing again.

[David]

Laughing or crying?

[Host]

Oh, man. We take another look at her take.

[David]

Oh, she's going hard, though. Like, do you have to finish that whole bowl, Rose? Is that what we're doing here before the show ends?

[Rose]

I don't know.

[David]

Right?

[Rose]

You tell me.

[David]

She's struggling, dude.

[Host]

You deserve the punishment from what happened.

[Rose]

That's what they used to do with me. When I said a bad word, I had to eat something spicy. So.

[Host]

No. That's why you stopped cursing, huh?

[Rose]

You were the one cursing, not me. I have to bleep.

[David]

She used to sound just like us, but she swore so much as a child that she developed this accent because her tongue. Her tongue is, like, permanently swollen.

[Host]

Oh, that sucks, man. I'm sorry, Rose. But, yeah, you deserve it. Win of the week. Go ahead, Dave.

[David]

All right. For our win. For this week's win of the loss for you. I'm going to the PWHL for this one. Young goaltender Kaylee Osbourne.

[Host]

Yeah.

[David]

Uh. Oh. We don't have the video, but that's okay.

[Host]

We'll put it in a post. Go ahead, Dave.

[David]

Kelly Osbourne, rookie goaltender. She was spectacular. Colgate University in college. But now her second pro start. She for the New York Sirens. She pits up a shutout in her hometown of Ottawa. Really cool situation. And again, just. The PW season has been really fun. The rookies have been spectacular this year, and now goaltenders getting in on it. So good for Kaylee. Good for the Sirens getting the shutout. And just a really cool situation that I thought the video was great. I thought they celebrated her properly. Good job on that, Sirens, but, you know, just. Just really cool. Give some goalie love to. To the young lady. Take him but good.

[Host]

They were talking about women's hockey. That's great. Very happy about that. My wins of the week. I have two of them. Hence me saying wins, because yes, is at the end of win in that situation. The first one comes from the ass of Arturi Lekkonen. All right. He finds a way to make a difference from his derriere. This is. This is Avalanche Islanders. And as you can see letting in on the video Is able to score in front of the crease while on his ass.

[David]

Wow. He didn't even move his lower hand. That's impressive.

[Host]

Yeah, it was a. That's still a Good pass by McKinnon. Even though you probably noticed at the last second that his teammate was falling, but he was able to get it there. Good job. That's very good job. And of course, the New York outlets, which I will get into because I'm very upset with them. Yeah, that sucks. The second win of the week is Capitals Canucks. Charlie Lindgren was heading off the ice for the extra man, but noticed that there was a turnover in the neutral zone and he Superman the glove save.

[David]

That's amazing.

[Host]

That. That's. That. That is a ridiculous save. That might be save of the year.

[David]

He couldn't have done that, by the way, if he wasn't a southpaw.

[Host]

No.

[David]

Just FYI, most goalies, their glove hand is their left hand.

[Host]

Yep.

[David]

For. For temper there. Not temper.

[Host]

For Charlie Lindgren.

[David]

For Lindgren there. That was so sick though. I mean, how often did you see a goaltender with a Superman saved?

[Host]

Yeah, that. I mean, you got to be out of position, Thoroughly out of position to be able to have to be forced to do that. So good on him. Even though the Capitals ended up losing in that situation two to one.

[David]

Capital's pretty happy with their goaltending. Yeah, they just locked up what's his name from Vegas, Logan Thompson. Yeah, six year deal for like six million. That could be a good deal for them.

[Host]

Yeah.

[David]

And then I read that they're looking to lock up Lindgren as well.

[Host]

Yeah, good one too. In that situation. Not trying to be like Boston for the past few years, but themselves out. Yeah, yeah, yeah. In that situation. Before we go to the fails of the week, let's check in on Rose.

[Rose]

Thank you. I have my week.

[David]

Oh, God, she sounds worse.

[Rose]

But we know the weekend somewhere.

[David]

There face is swelling up.

[Rose]

I have a video because it's Barky smiling. So everybody wants to see. Bark is smiling.

[Host]

Oh, this is from the power play goal from the King's Panthers game.

[Rose]

Look at that smile.

[Host]

Yeah, that's how he celebrates.

[Rose]

That's my win of the week.

[Host]

Yeah. Alexander Barkov was named captain of Team Finland for the four nations tournament.

[Rose]

That was also part of my win of the week.

[David]

But.

[Rose]

But you took it from yourself.

[Host]

Yeah, well, you can't talk because your throat is closed up from all the spiciness. Wasabi.

[Rose]

Go Finland.

[Host]

Go Finland.

[David]

This is how Rose sounds. Finland after the. It's America.

[Host]

Jack.

[Rose]

I don't care. I'm gonna go for Finland.

[Host]

What was that, Dave?

[David]

I haven't heard Rose sound this bad since she got sick after the parade.

[Host]

That was a disaster.

[David]

She couldn't leave the house for a week. This is. But she's not sick. She's just wasabi'd.

[Host]

Wasabi'd?

[Rose]

No, it's not just wasabi. I don't know what this has, but I can't even talk. Do I have to finish it for real?

[Host]

Yes. Fails of the week, Dave.

[David]

My fail of the week. Sorry. My fail of the week comes out of NYC Vincent Trocheck and the Rangers just having a disaster of a season. But here's Vincent Trocheck on a shorthanded breakaway. Oh my God. The Rangers in a tie this game. Wait, he's gonna make a drop past.

[Host]

Oh Jesus, no.

[David]

So that's bad enough, right? Then what happens? Carolina takes the puck, goes down the ice. Is there skating here? I'm just gonna score a goal because I don't know what the hell Shusterkin was doing there. So from Vincent Trocheck on a breakaway to the puck in his own net.

[Host]

That'S the type of stuff that makes a head coach want to back skate their play. His players in practice that may have.

[David]

Single handedly derailed the Rangers Turnaround because they were 813 in January, they've now lost two straight in regulation. So I don't know, man. The Rangers, what are they? They're five points out of the wild card right now. I mean this is a team that people were thinking was going to come out of the east this year. They were, you know, two, two wins away from the Stanley cup final last year.

[Host]

Yeah. On the complete opposite side, even though they're going to end up with my failure week are the Detroit Red Wings. They have won 12 of the last 16. They are surging right now. But the fellow of the week came from the Kings Red Rings game in an own goal.

[David]

This was bad.

[Host]

That was bad. Off the face off Murray Cider miscommunication front Annette and put the puck in his own net. That's. That's a disaster. Even though the Red Wings won that game, that's something that you don't want to take home with you. So yeah, he's going to be on his own. Goaltender, a steak dinner.

[David]

I feel like Nade Delovic being the, the fun guy that he is, he's probably a little laughing under his mask there. I mean you maybe feel a little responsible too cuz you got to Seal that post. Yeah. You got, you know.

[Rose]

Yeah. The drinking. But it's got to be hard.

[Host]

Rose has to drink the.

[David]

That wasn't Nadia. That was Cam Tal. Excuse me.

[Host]

Yeah. Rose has to drink the. The. The soup portion of the ramen.

[Rose]

I can't believe it's going to be in pursuit of.

[David]

I don't know if I want her to drink that because I. Watching.

[Host]

She's going to have to.

[David]

Watching them prepare this because you're supposed to boil ramen in a pot.

[Host]

Yeah.

[David]

And they instead put it in a micro, like a microwave bowl, hot water on it, and then mixed it up like. I don't know.

[Host]

You can microwave ramen?

[Rose]

No. You cannot microwave it. I had to do it. I'm going to show you how I did it. It's going to be social because I did not do it. I didn't know how to do it.

[Host]

That's a disaster. What? The puck's gonna be very interesting later. I'll tell you that right now. Coming up next from ESPN.com he's the senior writer for the National Hockey League is Greg Grushinski. He's coming up next. Greg Rashinsky is the ESPN senior NHL writer and he's wrote a couple of stories regarding a. The. The trade that Colorado made last week and two uniforms from the Four nations tournament.

[David]

A and 2.

[Host]

A and 2.

[David]

Nicely done.

[Host]

Yes. Thank you. So, yeah, quick note. As usual, the USA jersey suck.

[Greg Grushinski]

I was going to ask you about that. I saw you mention that, like, when you talk about them sucking. And I agree, like, I think they struggle because most of the jerseys that they make for Team USA are based on the Miracle on Ice team or the other team that won gold back in the 60s. And then whenever they try to, like, modernize it, it ends up sort of looking like, I don't know, like something from a video game where they don't have the rights to the United States of America. So they have to come up with something in your mind's eye. Like, what would you like a Team USA jersey to look like if these are unsatisfactory, I will have to go.

[Host]

Traditional in this situation.

[David]

I think the last time that they were, like, good and I could be off here, but, like, I'm thinking, like, early to mid-90s, like the Olympic year, the World cup of Hockey, where, like, the you or the A kind of had a flag going off, I thought those were okay. And I think it's kind of all been downhill from there. They tried to go to a crest. They go to color schemes like what are we doing?

[Host]

A lot of the. The font usage on the jerseys.

[David]

The fonts are changing, like, every other year.

[Host]

Yeah. From the Canucks font, which I don't like because it's being overused now, to whatever the shit that they're doing now, which is bad. So, yeah, let's not do that anymore.

[David]

We will do comet sans in 2020.

[Greg Grushinski]

I would like there to be a couple of variations. First of all, I would like to see what happens if we don't use the letters usa. What if we just put America, just the actual figure of America, maybe something on there. And then the other thing I'm wondering, too, is, like, I think part of the problem is that if you have. Your primary colors are blue and red and white.

[Host]

Right.

[Greg Grushinski]

Like, you could have a white jersey. And every other jersey we've ever made is bl. We've never had a red jersey. And the problem is that those bastards in Canada have the market on red. Right.

[David]

So, like, Russia probably also, you know.

[Greg Grushinski]

And Russia, too, Right?

[Host]

Yeah.

[Greg Grushinski]

Yeah.

[Host]

So two don't want to be like the Ruskies.

[David]

Yeah.

[Greg Grushinski]

Yeah. Two of our greatest enemies, both, you know, economically and in hockey. Canada and the Soviet Union, like, they've. They've, you know, cornered red for. For years and years and years. So, you know, if we wanted to kind of like, change it up a little bit, I don't think that we are allowed to, because those two sworn enemies of freedom are the ones that wear red all the time.

[Host]

Canada is a sworn enemy of freedom and hockey for the United States. Let's venture into the actual league. Elias Petterson and J.T. miller are currently not liking each other. What was the situation there? And which, if not both, are they going to stay on the team this season?

[Greg Grushinski]

Well, it's a personal beef that has gone on for years. Like, Bruce Boudreau, who coached Vancouver a few years ago, said that it was something ongoing when he arrived. So, like, there's been friction between these two. You know, I think we forget that this is a workplace. Right. These are. These are companies. It's like not liking the guy three cubicles over when he's over at the snack machine. You're not going to the snack machine because you literally hate this person's guts and makes you feel terrible coming to work every day just because of something that happened between you or just a personality conflict. And that's kind of where Patterson and J.T. miller are. I think it's probably a little bit more J.T. miller than Elias Pedersen. Miller has a reputation for Being a little prickly behind the scenes. Where it ends up, I don't know. Because Miller has a full no movement clause. And so even though a trade with the New York Rangers came very close in recent weeks before kind of falling apart, you know, he's going to be able to control his destiny. And so, you know, Carolina obviously off the table. We'll talk about the rant and trade in a second. There's some speculation now about maybe Colorado being a potential destination for him. They could use him to play behind McKinnon on the second, second line, but it's harder to trade him. Elias Pedersen's trade protection doesn't kick in until the summer. He has a massive contract. He's not played up to standards this year. Maybe it's because he's got a guy he hates on the team and he's not feeling it right. So they're going to have to be really careful. Like, you know, they'll get a decent return from Miller. He's an older player and with a limited, like I said, marketplace Pedersen, they've got a nail like Pedersen is a trade that you cannot make unless you get a lot back that's going to propel you to whatever the next phase of your team is because that's a. That's a player with an incredibly high ceiling. 100 point centers don't grow on trees in this league. Even in with diminishing returns, he still has a ton of value and could turn a number of other teams in this league around.

[David]

Now, how much does both Miller and Pedersen are kind of having down years, especially when compared to the last couple of years. And you know, you could blame the beef between them, the fact that the team is kind of meandering around. But how much does that play into? I guess their value and what Vancouver can try to maximize from it considering, you know, last year they were both, you know, basically 100 point guy at Pedersen was eight points. But they're both big goal scorers and now it's like, you know, what am I getting?

[Greg Grushinski]

Yeah, I mean, but I think it comes down to change of scenery. Right. You know, you always see players that aren't maybe performing up to snuff, that have in the past that maybe have hit their ceiling with a team or maybe just need to get out of a market and go someplace else that's maybe a little quieter. I don't know if you both noticed, but the Vancouver. Yeah, the Vancouver media could be a little boisterous sometimes coverage. So I mean, you know, I don't think Other I think teams look at the history of a player, their ability, what their scouts see and, and aren't going to be turned off necessarily by outside forces or you know, beef with a teammate that might have affected a player mentally. I think both those guys have a lot of value around the league. It's just going to be a matter of, you know, if, if, if Vancouver finds the asking price. And it's also a matter, listen, if I was Vancouver, okay, I trade Miller tomorrow, like without question, you know, if you can get a decent return for him and then I see if Pedersen's okay, then I see if without the, if you suck the poison out, if he is back to being his, his normal self. Because I think that guy is more talented than Miller and I think he has a chance to be one of the best offensive centers in this league when he's, when he's on his game.

[Host]

The big trade that happened last week, three team trade between the Avalanche, Hurricanes and Blackhawks Martin neck, Jack Drury, 2025 second round draft pick in the 2026 fourth round draft pick went to the Avalanche. Mikko Rattenen, Taylor hall and Neil's Yondrop went to the Hurricanes and the Blackhawks got a 2025 third round pick. We know who lost that trade.

[David]

Yay, Chicago. Way to get your pick back.

[Host]

So why, why did Ratnan end up being traded? Was he going to be a free agency free agent at the end of the season? They can afford him forever to be.

[Greg Grushinski]

Known as the Neil's your drop trade. So Colorado had to make a make a choice here, which is that you're either going to sign rant into what he's looking for and he shares an agent with Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers. And Draisaitl just signed like the richest contract in salary cap history over the summer last year. And so he's looking for that kind of money on the open market. He's looking to make more than Nathan McKinnon on the Colorado Avalanche. He, you know, Ratman said in a couple of interviews I was willing to take less to stay. We don't know what less means. Okay, less still means probably like $13 million. So the issue that they had is they have to pay Cale Makar, who is the best defenseman in the world. I think if it's not Quinn Hughes within the next two years as his contract is up, that's going to be massive. They're already paying McKinnon and they made the calculated risk that one, the totality of their roster was not deep enough and talented enough to challenge for a Stanley Cup. So you need to open up money to be able to, you know, make the rest of your team better. And you can't do that if you're paying like 35% of your, of your cap to three guys and then two. The other, the other gamble they made was you mentioned Martin Natus. They're making the gamble that Nathan McKinnon can make anybody like 85% of Miko ran. And so far they've been smart. I mean nature's has had a great start for Colorado and so those are the gambles they're taking. You know, if you ask around the league, I had a story on ESPN.com about the kind of behind the scenes of this deal. There are some people that feel like they were never going to pay Rant and the money he was looking for. So I, I get it. But I mean he's kind of a unicorn man. Like he's a really hard player to replace in your lineup. But I, I understand their logic there and not wanting to be too top heavy.

[David]

So I wanted to ask you about the Islanders and their recent fire catching. Like all of a sudden the Islanders had a team, you know, one of the best in the Eastern Conference over the last couple weeks. But they made a move, they made a move this week and I know Roy's not happy with it, so I'm going to, I'm going to kind of let him guide this one.

[Host]

You're gonna have to explain to me.

[David]

Why just dread smiling.

[Host]

The, the, the New York Islanders decide to give. Oh God. I, I, I want to say I, I really, in fact, I will say it. Explain to me why the New York Islanders gave this mother a second chance in this league. Why is Tony D'Angelo on an NHL roster today?

[Greg Grushinski]

Generous to say second, like fourth chance?

[David]

Yeah.

[Host]

Well, yes, his 15th chance in the National Hockey League. He's clearly a cancer in the locker room. He can't stick to a team because his teammates aren't exactly, well, some of his teammates and in fact he's playing with Anthony Duclair on the, on the Islanders. And I'm sure that's going to be interesting. But why is he getting another chance in this league when he clearly can't work with his teammates to save his life?

[Greg Grushinski]

Well, first off, I checked the voting totals from the presidential election last November and I will say that Nassau county is a safe haven for Tony D'Angelo.

[Host]

Okay, well there you go.

[David]

He's probably got some like minded individuals in most.

[Greg Grushinski]

Yeah, and so I'm sure he uses.

[Host]

A little his mail in ballot from Russia. I'm sure that got a.

[Greg Grushinski]

The answer ultimately is that he's cheap like he, he, he will, he will work cheap. Like he is a guy that is clearly looking to play wherever he can. They were able to sign him for like a league minimum kind of contract at a time when they had other defensemen that were injured. He is, you know the old, the old saying about like left handed pitchers in baseball will always find a job. You know what I mean? Like leavers. It's the same thing with puck moving defenseman in the NHL. Like he can put up points. He's not, you know, a, an untalented player. The question always is like is that worth all of the other stuff? And again this was a player who had played himself out of the league to the point where he had to go to Russia to play like for, for the first part of this season before coming back and finding a home with the Islanders. So again it all eventually sours. It soured with the Rangers, it soured with the, with Carolina, it soured with the Flyers. Maybe it'll sour again with the Islanders. Who's to say? But again it's, it's a risk reward thing and if I'm a general manager, no matter how desperate I am to address my blue line problems, I'm not taking the risk. But I mean so, so far so good I guess for Tony D'Angelo and his, his latest stint in the NHL.

[Host]

Wish this is just another example of why the National Hockey League or the sport in general is not very welcoming to people who would like to get into the sport. When people like this are actually on a roster or people on the front office or head coaches that they are in the league right now. This, this just is untenable.

[Greg Grushinski]

No, I don't disagree. I mean like I think, I think hockey overall has always had a problem broadening the tent to bring in more people into hockey fandom to get more people playing hockey. And I don't disagree that when you have somebody that has that kind of history and for those who don't know, I mean he was suspended as a junior player for, for usually using racially insensitive language when he was a younger player. Like to have guys like that get like fourth or fifth chances in this league is, is not necessarily a good thing. I don't disagree with you.

[Host]

Yeah, very much like minded individuals in, in this league.

[David]

So it doesn't send a good message when you're trying to say hey, we're. We're inclusive. We're for everybody. But you can't wear pride jerseys or we're going to keep bringing in guys that are repeated offenders. Like, you know, actions are one thing, or. Excuse me, words are one thing, but actions speak a lot louder.

[Host]

And I think clear, clear actions.

[Greg Grushinski]

And it's two things. I mean, it's two different issues, right? Like, on the one hand, it's, you know, what can the NHL do to. To help influence that and help change the culture? And I think that they've definitely made some mistakes, in my opinion, in recent years. I'm pretty well on the record about the pride Jersey issue. And then the other thing, too, is just hockey culture writ large. I mean, that's, that's the other part of it, too, is, you know, what happens behind closed doors. I mean, I don't. I don't think in any way that Tony D'Angelo is an outlier in this league. I think there's probably a lot of those guys that are in this league that we just don't hear a lot about, mainly because they don't decide to make podcasts.

[David]

But.

[Greg Grushinski]

But yeah, that's, that's the other issue, too, is like, what is, what is the hockey culture like? If you're a young player that wants to. A young athlete that wants to get into hockey, you know, what does it look like on those lower levels? And so far as making you feel welcome, making you feel like you have a path and making you feel like you're not going to be ostracized. And that's. That's always been a challenge for the sport.

[Host]

Well, I hate to end on that note. That was a very angry note for me because obviously, after. I have the right to be angry in this situation, but yeah, that's. That's the end of this interview. I'm just going to go into the next segment. Very, very upset. Great. Rashinski, thank you for joining us here on the Hockey Show.

[Greg Grushinski]

Anytime, boys. Thanks, brother.

[Host]

Okay, it's time to go over what happened this week or last week with the Florida Panthers. Before we do that, though, we got some news about the Four nations tournament. Earlier we mentioned that Alexander Barkov was named captain Team Finland, which. Which made Rose sweat over there.

[Rose]

Very happy.

[Host]

In a different way. Matthew Kachuk was also named alternate captain for Team usa, so good for him. So those, those. That's the big news coming out of phoenations for the Panthers.

[David]

Yes. No Canadian captain news to talk about.

[Host]

Yeah, that Saturday, the Panthers was. Was at San Jose and they won seven to two. That was a complete beatdown over the worst team in the league. But as I said, the Sharks are fun to watch. But seven different players scored goals for the Panthers. An excellent game from AJ Greer. And Aaron Ekblad had a great game as well.

[David]

Yep, Bob was good in goal. It was. It was fun because, like, the first period was a little tighter. Florida didn't start that game that well. Certainly turned it on in the second and third periods, which was nice to see on the road. But man, the Sharks like, holy cow. Since they traded Mackenzie Blackwood, it has been like, boom, straight down. Holy crap.

[Host]

It's been a disaster for them, but again, fun to watch.

[David]

Another good draft pick, I guess.

[Host]

Yeah. The day after that, on Sunday, they played at Vegas. And we will forget about that one.

[David]

I don't like going to Vegas.

[Host]

No, no, not great.

[David]

Things don't go well for the Panthers when they go to Vegas.

[Host]

Aiden Hill has quickly become a goaltender that I dislike.

[David]

He's very good when he plays the Panthers.

[Host]

He's very good. He's very annoying and he. He's actually the type of goaltender that will get under your skin. That sucks. That sucks when somebody is doing that well and then they show it in your face and then punch you.

[David]

What I like about Aiden Hill is what I liked about Tim Thomas and is that every time the camera is close enough that you can see his face through his mask, he's almost always smiling. It looks like he has such a good time when he's playing hockey. And that's something I really like and appreciate. So that in that element, I like Aiden Hill.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Rose]

Penalty for time.

[David]

Jesus Christ.

[Host]

Yeah, okay. What are you doing? You're interrupting. I'm trying to go over this game here. What are you doing?

[Rose]

Get the penalty. What can I do? Keep going.

[Host]

All right. Anyway, 33 saves off of 34 shots for Aiden Hill. The Panthers on five, on five had 57 shot attempts and 13 high danger chances. That. That's.

[David]

They got healed.

[Host]

They got healed.

[David]

They got healed.

[Host]

Absolutely. In all situations. 77 shot attempts, 16 high danger chances. The effort was there.

[David]

That's. Yeah, that's really good. I'll take that for a road game. On the second night of a back to back, any day.

[Host]

Expect the expected goals. It was 4.07 to 3.97 in favor of Florida. They should have won that game. On the. On the score sheet for stats, but you know, they don't play this game on score sheets. They playing on the ice. And that's not what happened? And Spencer. Spencer Knight gave up too low danger chances in that game. So it wasn't his night at all. Especially on the Tanner Pearson goal.

[David]

Still, Spencer Knight's January was spectacular. Three wins. Let's see. I got it right here. 946 save percentage and 1.47 goals against. And that's after two games that kind of dragged those numbers down a little bit. The 2la. The last road games against the Kings and the Vegas Golden Knights. But man, between Knights January, Sergey Bobrovsky's last couple of games. Like you've got to feel good if you're the Panthers about the way your goaltending starting to round in form.

[Host]

Yeah. The second game of the season against the Kings that ends the series for the year was at home and they won three nothing. Dmitri Kulikov's 1000th game of his career. Paul Maurice's 1900th game coached. But Paul Maurice didn't want the accolade because it was the thousand game for Cooley. All the spot. The spotlight is on him.

[David]

It was also Paul Maurice's 899th win. So.

[Host]

Yeah.

[David]

Pretty cool.

[Host]

The Lenny Wilkins of hockey at this point.

[David]

Yeah, for sure.

[Host]

I mean. I mean. Well, because the losses.

[David]

I mean Scott, what you're saying.

[Host]

Yeah, but that's. That's the situation there a little bit.

[David]

More on the W. Yeah.

[Host]

It was Sam Bennett's best game of the season. Right.

[David]

Oh my God. We have like seven shots, eight shots on goal. That line was humming. The Bennett to shock Sam Savage line. They were humming that night.

[Host]

Yeah.

[David]

Also Sergey Barovsky, his second shutout of the season.

[Host]

Yeah.

[David]

What was cool about the Kings game? Just like on the road a. A few days prior. Each game went into the third period with the Panthers winning one to nothing. In LA last week they had two. Two well net fronty funky goals. Lost two to one this time closed it out with a three nothing victory. The empty net goal by Matthew Tachuk.

[Host]

Yep.

[David]

Just a strong victory. You got to be happy about that. Starting home stand.

[Host]

Great defense as well from the Panthers. Great floor check as usual.

[David]

For the Panthers it's a get right game. You know, we'll see how it plays out. But that. That felt like it.

[Host]

Yeah. And we mentioned the second line. This new second line that Paul Marie's put together with Sam Bennett. Matthew. Chuck getting back together. But he put Matthew. I'm sorry. He put Matthew Samoskevich at the other wing.

[David]

Yep.

[Host]

It looks like a good line.

[David]

Well, the speed element from Mackey combined with the confidence and the way that he's grounding into a very good two way player. It's a great compliment to that line. If he can keep it elevated. Does we know what Bennett and Tachuk can do offensively?

[Host]

It's back to back weeks with that.

[David]

You know what? Yeah, yeah, look, I'm getting criticized by Rose for.

[Host]

Well, who has a stuffed up nose right now. The Panthers following the game ended up in the lead in the division by a point over the Toronto Maple Leafs. But after the game they waved. Adam, what do you got on that one?

[David]

I think it's just a defensive logjam and they're really happy with the play that they've seen from Toby Bjornfot who came up from Charlotte when EP Glad was out and Mikolow was out and they needed that depth. I think Boqvist maybe, you know, he's young, he's RFA, he makes 775k. I just think that, you know, the room isn't there. Florida's really happy. They like that top six. Uves Balinsk is somebody that they really like in the back end as a defensive player. And yeah, I think it's unfortunate. But BoQuest, you know, I wouldn't be surprised to see him get claimed. We're recording this, it's about noon on Friday, so we're going to find out within the next couple of hours whether he got claimed or not. But he's still so young. He's like what, 26 years old. So, you know, start of the year, power play won. There's an upside there. Somebody's probably going to claim him tomorrow.

[Host]

The Panthers had the Chicago Blackhawks, who have lost 14 of the last 18 games, including last night when they lost to the Carolina Hurricanes. They quickly gave up Mucoretin's first goal as a hurricane last night. That was. Oh man. As much as I want to like root for the Blackhawks to be better and they really should be better, they're just gonna have draft capital for probably the next three years. I mean, that bad.

[David]

It's a. It, it doesn't feel good when you don't see like. And I'm, I'm not super following Chicago, but I don't see a plan ahead of me in terms of this rebuild. Like, they've got some good pieces. Well, they've got one really good piece. Connor Bedard. Yeah, but yeah, I don't know what the direction is right now in Chicago and the trade.

[Host]

They get nothing but a draft pick out of that trade.

[David]

We'll see how it plays out with the Deadline coming up in like five weeks or whatever it is from now and you know, an off season. But I mean, they're a point ahead of San Jose.

[Host]

Yeah.

[David]

At the bottom, bottom of the lead right now. Like it's disaster. It's not good.

[Host]

They won against the Panthers early in November, 3 to 1. I doubt that's going to happen again. On Sunday, the New York Islanders come to town. As I mentioned earlier and very profanely, especially with the Greg Rashinsky interview. I want the Panthers to win by more than 10 goals in this game on Sunday. There is 0, 0 want for me to actually be positive for the New York Islanders. And they've been surging. They've been absolutely surging recently. They have won what, six in a row now?

[David]

Six straight games. They're 820 in their last 10. They're four points back of Columbus for the final wild card spot. They're, they're trying to move, but karma, karma might catch up with them. Roy.

[Host]

I hope they hit that comma wall because they definitely, definitely deserve it. Panthers won 6 3. The last game that was on Strong Island. Not a strong anymore, but that night was a 3.9 for Magicachuk. I'm really, really hoping that repeat performance happens.

[David]

We'll see. I. I'm anxious to see how you're reacting in the press box on Sunday.

[Rose]

Drop that pie.

[Host]

What the fuck was that? Drink that ramen. Drink it right now. We will see you next week, everybody. Goodbye.

[Rose]

Bye bye.

[Miller Lite Advertiser]

Hey, howdy, listener. Why don't you sit down here next to me? Let's have a fireside conversation. In the winter, this is all theater of the mind. Anyways. Weather outside is a little chilly. Let's warm up, let's cozy up. Not just to but also to that beautiful white can of Miller Lite. That's right. Make these moments even better with Miller Lite, the great tasting light beer for people who love beer. A new year is a perfect time for friends, family and great tasting light beer. Tastes like Miller Time. You know, as the football games get bigger, everybody's talking about hosting parties. It's always difficult. Everyone's got an opinion. Why don't you just bring out a nice cooler of Miller Lights and make everybody happy. You could be on opposite sides of the big game, but you still know that you are brought together by Miller time. Miller Lite is a great unifier. Miller Lite is brewed for taste. It hits different than other light beers. The original light beer since 1975 and still the very best one. Miller Lite great taste. 96 calories go to millerlight.com dan find delivery options near you, or you can pick up some Miller Lite pretty much anywhere they sell beer. Tastes like Miller Time. Celebrate responsibly. Miller Brewing Co. Milwaukee, Wisconsin 96 calories and 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces.