The Dan Patrick Show: Hour 3 - Mark Messier & Cowboys Playoff Odds
Release Date: May 9, 2025
Host: Dan Patrick
Guest: Mark Messier

Introduction

In the third hour of The Dan Patrick Show, hosted by Dan Patrick from the iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network, sports enthusiasts were treated to an engaging discussion featuring NHL legend Mark Messier. The segment delved deep into the evolution of hockey, the current playoff landscape, and speculative insights into playoff odds for the Dallas Cowboys.

Guest Spotlight: Mark Messier

Mark Messier, a six-time Stanley Cup champion and ESPN NHL Lead Studio Analyst, joined Dan Patrick to share his extensive knowledge and personal anecdotes from his illustrious hockey career.

Early Career Highlights & Personal Stories
Messier reminisced about his early days in the NHL, highlighting memorable moments such as his unexpected debut in the Stanley Cup Final:

"I took my wife to that game. That was one of our first dates. I was working and I brought her to Philadelphia, and she knew nothing about hockey."
[07:15]

He recounted the intensity of playing against formidable opponents and the challenges of maintaining personal relationships amidst the pressures of professional sports.

Evolution of Hockey Rules & Gameplay
The conversation shifted to the significant changes in NHL rules over the past decades, emphasizing how these alterations have enhanced the game's speed and skill level:

"We eliminated the red line and opened the game up. And as we've seen the last 15 years or more, the game is so incredibly fast. The skill level of the players has probably never been higher."
[19:45]

Messier praised the adjustments, noting that they have made the NHL playoffs more unpredictable and exciting:

"Nowadays, no lead is safe. If you had a two-goal lead going to the third period, it wasn’t a foregone conclusion. The rules have really opened up the game."
[25:30]

Merchandise and Business Ventures
Highlighting his business acumen, Messier discussed his venture into the merchandise business related to iconic Game 7 moments:

"We spent two years locking up all the IP trademarks around the world and came up with a five-part series on Amazon Prime about legendary Game 7 Moments."
[31:20]

He expressed enthusiasm about partnering with major leagues to expand their merchandise offerings, reflecting his commitment to preserving and celebrating pivotal sports moments.

Cowboys Playoff Odds Discussion

Transitioning from hockey, Dan Patrick and Mark Messier engaged in a spirited discussion about the Dallas Cowboys' chances in the upcoming NFL playoffs. Utilizing recent stats from DraftKings, they analyzed the Cowboys' odds against other contenders.

Current Standings & Analysis
Patrick presented the latest odds, highlighting that the Cowboys are slightly favored over rivals like the Panthers and Bears:

"Who has better odds to make the playoffs, the Cowboys or the Bears? It’s the Bears, Bears plus 160."
[45:10]

Messier provided insights into the team's performance metrics, discussing factors that could influence their playoff aspirations, such as key player performances and coaching strategies.

Listener Engagement & Betting Insights
The segment incorporated listener calls, where fans debated the Cowboys' potential. One notable discussion centered around a bet proposal involving the team's playoff success, showcasing the high stakes and passionate fanbase surrounding the Cowboys.

"The Cowboys to make the playoffs—right now, all over the Internet, it's plus 170ish."
[52:40]

Messier emphasized the unpredictable nature of sports, acknowledging that while odds provide a framework, the outcome remains uncertain:

"You can have off nights, and the Knicks can have off nights, but teams like the Cowboys have the talent to turn things around."
[58:15]

Listener Calls and Interactive Segments

Throughout the hour, Dan Patrick encouraged listener participation, opening the floor to sports enthusiasts to share their thoughts and queries. Noteworthy interactions included:

• Debates on Best Week in Sports: Fans debated standout performances, with mentions of Jalen Brunson’s comebacks for the Knicks and Tyrese Halliburton’s game-winning plays for the Pacers.

  "Jalen Brunson and the New York Knickerbockers ... two 20-point comebacks in Boston."
  [60:05]

• Birthday Song Nostalgia: Listeners shared their least favorite birthday songs, sparking humorous exchanges about classic tracks like Elvis Presley's "Jailhouse Rock."

  "I challenge anybody to be cursed with a worse song than what I am cursed with."
  [65:30]

Key Takeaways and Conclusions

• Hockey's Dynamic Evolution: Mark Messier highlighted the positive impact of rule changes on NHL gameplay, making it faster and more skill-centric, thereby enhancing playoff excitement.

• Cowboys' Playoff Prospects: While the Dallas Cowboys hold favorable odds to secure a playoff spot, the discussion underscored the inherent unpredictability of sports, emphasizing the importance of team performance and strategic decision-making.

• Engaged Fanbase: The segment showcased the active and passionate engagement of the show's audience, reflecting the deep-seated enthusiasm for sports and the camaraderie fostered through shared discussions.

Final Remarks

Dan Patrick concluded the hour by thanking Mark Messier for his invaluable insights and encouraging listeners to stay tuned for more expert analyses and guest appearances in future episodes. The discussion provided a comprehensive look into both hockey and NFL dynamics, catering to a diverse sports audience seeking expert opinions and interactive engagement.

For more insights and in-depth sports discussions, tune into The Dan Patrick Show on Fox Sports Radio or through the iHeartRadio app.