NHL Unscripted is a production of the NHL and iHeart podcasts Massive News. Here in NHL Unscripted, that's right Milestone day as this is episode number twenty. But more importantly, JD. Much like an NHL player double shifting come playoff time short shifts, we're also double shifted. We're going to twice a week or at NHL Unscripted. Give it to me. What do you got, come out to be a better name me a better James Hetfield. I'll hang up and listen. We are ready to rock. Come on Mondays and Thursdays. Buddy. This is gonna be awesome. And obviously we're gonna be locked in. Maybe not as many guests, that's fine. You know, players are actually busy in the NHL playoffs, but we'll have retired players and of course we'll have strong opinions, will be all over the hockey. This is gonna be great, man, We're gonna be locked in the next couple of months. Can't wait.

NHL Unscripted is a production of the NHL and iHeart podcasts Massive News. Here in NHL Unscripted, that's right Milestone day as this is episode number twenty. But more importantly, JD. Much like an NHL player double shifting come playoff time short shifts, we're also double shifted. We're going to twice a week or at NHL Unscripted. Give it to me. What do you got, come out to be a better name me a better James Hetfield. I'll hang up and listen. We are ready to rock. Come on Mondays and Thursdays. Buddy. This is gonna be awesome. And obviously we're gonna be locked in. Maybe not as many guests, that's fine. You know, players are actually busy in the NHL playoffs, but we'll have retired players and of course we'll have strong opinions, will be all over the hockey. This is gonna be great, man, We're gonna be locked in the next couple of months. Can't wait.

Oh yeah, it's gonna be so. I feel like it's such an exciting playoff this year because you know, a lot of the normal names that we typically see, you know, the Bruins, the Penguins they're all out. The Rangers they're gone, they out, So we're gonna have some new blood.

Oh yeah, it's gonna be so. I feel like it's such an exciting playoff this year because you know, a lot of the normal names that we typically see, you know, the Bruins, the Penguins they're all out. The Rangers they're gone, they out, So we're gonna have some new blood.

Exactly, we're gonna talk with the playoff matchups that we do know on today's episode. Plus, the great Mike Rupple joined us. Rubbers one of our favorites obviously at NHL. Neverk He's a great guy, great storyteller. He'll tell us why he once told Jody Shelley he was irrelevant, Plus his thoughts on this NHL season. Rubber is always a good time. I gotta tell you Jady Edmonton's well, as you know having played there. It's an awesome arena. Rogers Place is awesome. It's a great place to watching him. The fans are awesome. But a snooze fest. I endured on the finale of the inaugural season of Pome Late at Hockey and just an awful game. Let's be honest, nine regulars missing it of Edmonton's line, including David Dryslottle, the Kings lock up home ice and as you look at this series specifically, I'm gonna be honest me, I kind of I'm kind of leaning Kings to win this series. Fourth time. Perhaps is a charm. What do you got?

Exactly, we're gonna talk with the playoff matchups that we do know on today's episode. Plus, the great Mike Rupple joined us. Rubbers one of our favorites obviously at NHL. Neverk He's a great guy, great storyteller. He'll tell us why he once told Jody Shelley he was irrelevant, Plus his thoughts on this NHL season. Rubber is always a good time. I gotta tell you Jady Edmonton's well, as you know having played there. It's an awesome arena. Rogers Place is awesome. It's a great place to watching him. The fans are awesome. But a snooze fest. I endured on the finale of the inaugural season of Pome Late at Hockey and just an awful game. Let's be honest, nine regulars missing it of Edmonton's line, including David Dryslottle, the Kings lock up home ice and as you look at this series specifically, I'm gonna be honest me, I kind of I'm kind of leaning Kings to win this series. Fourth time. Perhaps is a charm. What do you got?

Oh man, this is tough. And you know, somebody just asked me and they're like, what do you guys think of you know, ask me, what did I think of the oilers and games ago? I said, probably they're going to be the Kings. Ever since then, it just just not felt right. Something feels off with not only the injuries, and you know, McDavid just came out and said, you know, we're not a walking you know, medical unit or whatever he said, whatever the the phraseers. He says, we're gonna be ready to go. But it just doesn't The vibes are off. I've been saying it's been a couple of weeks now, the vibes do not feel right. The Kings look like they're primed to go better goaltending this year. This is the best defensive team in the league. If there's a team that can shut down Connor McDavid, Leon Drey said, you know, it's definitely the Kings. And now they got whole ice, the best home ice team in the league, and I just feel like they have so many things going for them to finally get over that hump.

Oh man, this is tough. And you know, somebody just asked me and they're like, what do you guys think of you know, ask me, what did I think of the oilers and games ago? I said, probably they're going to be the Kings. Ever since then, it just just not felt right. Something feels off with not only the injuries, and you know, McDavid just came out and said, you know, we're not a walking you know, medical unit or whatever he said, whatever the the phraseers. He says, we're gonna be ready to go. But it just doesn't The vibes are off. I've been saying it's been a couple of weeks now, the vibes do not feel right. The Kings look like they're primed to go better goaltending this year. This is the best defensive team in the league. If there's a team that can shut down Connor McDavid, Leon Drey said, you know, it's definitely the Kings. And now they got whole ice, the best home ice team in the league, and I just feel like they have so many things going for them to finally get over that hump.

Now.

Now.

I don't know what the Kings are gonna do after round one, but I think my pick is probably in. I think the Kings in seven, maybe six. You know, even if they get healthy the Oilers, and I think they will. This is a team that battles hard, and you know, they played through so many injuries last year. It just doesn't feel like there's enough going for them. Even in NATS too. They don't even know what their goaltending situation is going to be. Stuart Skinner was hurt for eight games, comes back, you know, kind of thrown to the Wolves their last game against the Kings, and you know.

I don't know what the Kings are gonna do after round one, but I think my pick is probably in. I think the Kings in seven, maybe six. You know, even if they get healthy the Oilers, and I think they will. This is a team that battles hard, and you know, they played through so many injuries last year. It just doesn't feel like there's enough going for them. Even in NATS too. They don't even know what their goaltending situation is going to be. Stuart Skinner was hurt for eight games, comes back, you know, kind of thrown to the Wolves their last game against the Kings, and you know.

They Calvin Pickard played last night. Didn't take Piclary, Well.

They Calvin Pickard played last night. Didn't take Piclary, Well.

It was Pickard, Yeah, okay, it was Pickered last night. Okay, it wasn't Skinner. I thought Skinner was in for the Kings game. My bad there, that's me watching too much hockey. But yeah, uh, Stuart Skinner versus Calvin Pickard, who do you start? Chris Nablock came out and said, you know, whoever's going is going to get the start, and don't. I just don't know. It's just I think the King's got too much going for him, and maybe I'm gonna look like an asshole here and you know Edmonton's gonna sweep him again. But I just don't think it. I don't think it's the case this year. I just think it's too many changes in the offseason. It's just they haven't found their groove for a long period of time and they don't have that magic that they had last year. So I'm gonna say, yeah, Kings, and it's the King's time.

It was Pickard, Yeah, okay, it was Pickered last night. Okay, it wasn't Skinner. I thought Skinner was in for the Kings game. My bad there, that's me watching too much hockey. But yeah, uh, Stuart Skinner versus Calvin Pickard, who do you start? Chris Nablock came out and said, you know, whoever's going is going to get the start, and don't. I just don't know. It's just I think the King's got too much going for him, and maybe I'm gonna look like an asshole here and you know Edmonton's gonna sweep him again. But I just don't think it. I don't think it's the case this year. I just think it's too many changes in the offseason. It's just they haven't found their groove for a long period of time and they don't have that magic that they had last year. So I'm gonna say, yeah, Kings, and it's the King's time.

I think it makes me think of the four NBA Finals the Pistons beat the Lakers. One of the best signs there. It said a full house beats a pair of vases. You know, back that it was Shaq and Kobe and the Pistons, which collectively Chauncy Bubbs for Pamplet et cetera, which is to say, the Kings have the collective better team. And I'm glad you mentioned Kemper. He's neck and neck right now at Hellibuck for goals against average. He's not gonna win the VESDA, but I think he's gonna be a VESNA finalist. You mentioned the home I switch we've talked about, which I was talking to some of the Kings guys. They actually don't draw as well as you might think. Talnos is being in LA, they're actually like nineteenth or twentieth. Then tendants, I thought, oh, they've got this rock as home crowd, like now there's a twelve thousand Diarges. But they but they yeah, but it's not like a crazy home crowd. But they played exceptional on home, greater depth than Edmonton and particularly down the middle. Now, we did talk to Jason Strudwick, former Oiler, as you would appreciate an excellent defenseman six in our games we played seven hundred. He got a beat. But I asked Strutti, I said, what's the difference between this year's Oilers team In the last he goes that the previous Oilers teams were faster because they had more speed. This team's got a theoretically a little bit more toughness grit, he said, But we don't know if Frederick's gonna play. That comes out, which is massive because that coming up with the person one is massive, enormous. So he said, you're really you're really relying so have always topic, but it's even more so it's more pronounced. Expecting Drysal McDavid to carry them. Now, the guy which has had been injuries obviously the season Dujuen Hopkins. You know, six twenty goal season. He hasn't been a stud. So I'm with you. On paper, it feels like the Kings.

I think it makes me think of the four NBA Finals the Pistons beat the Lakers. One of the best signs there. It said a full house beats a pair of vases. You know, back that it was Shaq and Kobe and the Pistons, which collectively Chauncy Bubbs for Pamplet et cetera, which is to say, the Kings have the collective better team. And I'm glad you mentioned Kemper. He's neck and neck right now at Hellibuck for goals against average. He's not gonna win the VESDA, but I think he's gonna be a VESNA finalist. You mentioned the home I switch we've talked about, which I was talking to some of the Kings guys. They actually don't draw as well as you might think. Talnos is being in LA, they're actually like nineteenth or twentieth. Then tendants, I thought, oh, they've got this rock as home crowd, like now there's a twelve thousand Diarges. But they but they yeah, but it's not like a crazy home crowd. But they played exceptional on home, greater depth than Edmonton and particularly down the middle. Now, we did talk to Jason Strudwick, former Oiler, as you would appreciate an excellent defenseman six in our games we played seven hundred. He got a beat. But I asked Strutti, I said, what's the difference between this year's Oilers team In the last he goes that the previous Oilers teams were faster because they had more speed. This team's got a theoretically a little bit more toughness grit, he said, But we don't know if Frederick's gonna play. That comes out, which is massive because that coming up with the person one is massive, enormous. So he said, you're really you're really relying so have always topic, but it's even more so it's more pronounced. Expecting Drysal McDavid to carry them. Now, the guy which has had been injuries obviously the season Dujuen Hopkins. You know, six twenty goal season. He hasn't been a stud. So I'm with you. On paper, it feels like the Kings.

Yeah, and you said it. I forgot to mention at come being hurt for the first round is such a huge blow. Now you really got to rely on a Darnell Nurse who listen. I saw the video of that from they had the camera inside the net. Yeah, and it was not good. It wasn't good. But this just adds fuel to the fire. I tell you what. The one thing that this series is gonna be is gonna be dirty. It's gonna be tough.

Yeah, and you said it. I forgot to mention at come being hurt for the first round is such a huge blow. Now you really got to rely on a Darnell Nurse who listen. I saw the video of that from they had the camera inside the net. Yeah, and it was not good. It wasn't good. But this just adds fuel to the fire. I tell you what. The one thing that this series is gonna be is gonna be dirty. It's gonna be tough.

You know.

You know.

I love what Denno said about you know, they dressed their B squad and then Corey Perry came out and was like, what fuck do you expect? She's like, what do you think? What do you think we can do? He's like, look at our injury list. He's like, we have to this is what we have to dress. And I think something like that's going to piss off that team. And so it's there's gonna be a lot on the line, a lot of a lot of hard a lot of uh, you know, a lot of pride in this series, and you know, Edmonton can't go out in the first round. It'll be devastating if they do. And the Kings can't go out in the first round or they blow this whole thing up.

I love what Denno said about you know, they dressed their B squad and then Corey Perry came out and was like, what fuck do you expect? She's like, what do you think? What do you think we can do? He's like, look at our injury list. He's like, we have to this is what we have to dress. And I think something like that's going to piss off that team. And so it's there's gonna be a lot on the line, a lot of a lot of hard a lot of uh, you know, a lot of pride in this series, and you know, Edmonton can't go out in the first round. It'll be devastating if they do. And the Kings can't go out in the first round or they blow this whole thing up.

And it's interesting, you know with regards to this King's team, like I don't think Jack Adams talks to say what you're looking for today. But Jim Hiller is done a great job coaching the team. They might be in the mixing star has been a flows lots of great choices, obviously Huskepteen Evanson, Marty Saint Louis, the Habs, get In Carbery, obviously the Capitals. But I do think to your point with the Kings and Oilers, that sense of nastiness like that, that is something that is fun to think about because Oilers have had their numbers so many times, as you said, and when we ask Chris Knablock in the morning, what's the series, and that come down to you because probably special teams. This sounds like a made up statue d but Jack Jack Michael, who calls the Oilers game set it with authority. The Oiler's power play the last three years against the Kings is forty eight percent. That is unbelievable. So if the Kings just have some semblance of a penalty kill, they should win this series.

And it's interesting, you know with regards to this King's team, like I don't think Jack Adams talks to say what you're looking for today. But Jim Hiller is done a great job coaching the team. They might be in the mixing star has been a flows lots of great choices, obviously Huskepteen Evanson, Marty Saint Louis, the Habs, get In Carbery, obviously the Capitals. But I do think to your point with the Kings and Oilers, that sense of nastiness like that, that is something that is fun to think about because Oilers have had their numbers so many times, as you said, and when we ask Chris Knablock in the morning, what's the series, and that come down to you because probably special teams. This sounds like a made up statue d but Jack Jack Michael, who calls the Oilers game set it with authority. The Oiler's power play the last three years against the Kings is forty eight percent. That is unbelievable. So if the Kings just have some semblance of a penalty kill, they should win this series.

I remember, I think it was two years ago, their power play was clipping at like sixty over six percent, and you're like, and the games are all tight. I mean, you could fucking keep one out. You're gonna they're gonna sweep them. So, you know, if I think they've known, you know, we've been saying it for like a month. They've known now that they're playing the Oilers, So they should be doing everything they can watching power play clips and figuring out to design some new sort of penalty kill that they can implement, because they just gotta. You know, they get through Edmonton and listen, it's they this is a big one for him. It's you know, it's funny you equate this. I'm not saying. I'm not saying that the Kings are anything close to the Chicago Bulls, but it was like Chicago Bulls Detroit Piston's era, but they just couldn't get past this one team. And I think that is the big reason why they're gonna get by him, is this means a lot more to them than it does the Oilers. Not to say that the oilers doesn't mean something to win a Cup, but this series, a lot of these guys that have went through these losses in these series are gonna be this is like, we cannot lose this boys, Like the belief that we finally got their number is going to be there. And I think there's just been too much always in Edmonton and it's just been a little too it's been too choppy. You know, the water's been choppy all year. You hear it. The the group just doesn't seem as tight as it was last year, Like it seems like a little bit of a distant group when you you you look at the underlying you know, guys talk, all the guys they brought and I just don't think it's geled. And and you know, my biggest thing is you need chemistry if you want to if you want to go far in the playoffs, you get to have a team that loves each other. And I just don't know if there's a lot of love there.

I remember, I think it was two years ago, their power play was clipping at like sixty over six percent, and you're like, and the games are all tight. I mean, you could fucking keep one out. You're gonna they're gonna sweep them. So, you know, if I think they've known, you know, we've been saying it for like a month. They've known now that they're playing the Oilers, So they should be doing everything they can watching power play clips and figuring out to design some new sort of penalty kill that they can implement, because they just gotta. You know, they get through Edmonton and listen, it's they this is a big one for him. It's you know, it's funny you equate this. I'm not saying. I'm not saying that the Kings are anything close to the Chicago Bulls, but it was like Chicago Bulls Detroit Piston's era, but they just couldn't get past this one team. And I think that is the big reason why they're gonna get by him, is this means a lot more to them than it does the Oilers. Not to say that the oilers doesn't mean something to win a Cup, but this series, a lot of these guys that have went through these losses in these series are gonna be this is like, we cannot lose this boys, Like the belief that we finally got their number is going to be there. And I think there's just been too much always in Edmonton and it's just been a little too it's been too choppy. You know, the water's been choppy all year. You hear it. The the group just doesn't seem as tight as it was last year, Like it seems like a little bit of a distant group when you you you look at the underlying you know, guys talk, all the guys they brought and I just don't think it's geled. And and you know, my biggest thing is you need chemistry if you want to if you want to go far in the playoffs, you get to have a team that loves each other. And I just don't know if there's a lot of love there.

I'm with you. One last loot on Chris. Noblock tells buddy Elliott Freeman last year called him Comato's Chris, which he meant as a compliment because he's still calm, but when he's talking, that's all him envisional. I'm like this guy, his heartbeats at fifty five the entire time.

I'm with you. One last loot on Chris. Noblock tells buddy Elliott Freeman last year called him Comato's Chris, which he meant as a compliment because he's still calm, but when he's talking, that's all him envisional. I'm like this guy, his heartbeats at fifty five the entire time.

He has zero. Now block does not have he doesn't have a pulse. He must just go in the room. He must just go in the room and like close the door and just be like you start screaming into a pill.

He has zero. Now block does not have he doesn't have a pulse. He must just go in the room. He must just go in the room and like close the door and just be like you start screaming into a pill.

Like he's that guy, like because he has no emotion, just like where where do you bear the body?

Like he's that guy, like because he has no emotion, just like where where do you bear the body?

Just where do you bear? You see him in a car in the parking lot after they get just shaking the wheel.

Just where do you bear? You see him in a car in the parking lot after they get just shaking the wheel.

His demeanor's hilarious. We're gonna go through these other stories. I'll be honest, I don't really care about the stories, So I'm giving you a one minute.

His demeanor's hilarious. We're gonna go through these other stories. I'll be honest, I don't really care about the stories, So I'm giving you a one minute.

To talk about it.

To talk about it.

Devils and Hurricanes, two teams, haven't met since a back to back December twenty seventh and twenty eighth. They've split their four meetings this season. Now the team looks impressive. Devils are missing Jack Hughes. I really couldn't care less. What do you got? Knes and six?

Devils and Hurricanes, two teams, haven't met since a back to back December twenty seventh and twenty eighth. They've split their four meetings this season. Now the team looks impressive. Devils are missing Jack Hughes. I really couldn't care less. What do you got? Knes and six?

Here's the thing I was looking I was just looking at that before. Don't we went on New Jersey Devils have one of the better power plays in the NHL. With or without Jack Hughes. They're also top five in the league in goals against. Markstrom can steal a couple of games. This is gonna get super interesting. And I think there's a lot more pressure on the Carolina Hurricanes in the New Jersey Devils. I think everybody's been talking this is a hard matchup. This is a hard matchup. The Hurricanes have been known to dry up offensively. And I'm not just saying that. I listen. I root for Jordan Martinook. He's a fan of Unscripted. I want to win. Yeah, I want him to and I want that you know that team. I think there's some guys that are deserving to get past this, this Devil's team. But man, Devils are gonna take this game. This series is like Bolted. This whole series and the lead up is like ouh, they're done. It's gonna be over, I know, afterthought, afterthought, they go on to Carolina and they steal a game. It is gonna get super interesting. And if Jacob Markstrom can be the guy that they paid for, he can steal some games. I don't know him against Freddie Anderson. I listen at times that the Devils, Yeah, I do, and and honestly, I just think it's something interesting with that power play. Again, a lot of these playoffs, these first rounds come down to special teams because there's a lot of power plays early, because guys are excited, they're hitting the running round. I just feel like this is kind of one of those sneaky ones. I'm still gonna take Carolina to win, but I think it's gonna be a lot tighter than people think.

Here's the thing I was looking I was just looking at that before. Don't we went on New Jersey Devils have one of the better power plays in the NHL. With or without Jack Hughes. They're also top five in the league in goals against. Markstrom can steal a couple of games. This is gonna get super interesting. And I think there's a lot more pressure on the Carolina Hurricanes in the New Jersey Devils. I think everybody's been talking this is a hard matchup. This is a hard matchup. The Hurricanes have been known to dry up offensively. And I'm not just saying that. I listen. I root for Jordan Martinook. He's a fan of Unscripted. I want to win. Yeah, I want him to and I want that you know that team. I think there's some guys that are deserving to get past this, this Devil's team. But man, Devils are gonna take this game. This series is like Bolted. This whole series and the lead up is like ouh, they're done. It's gonna be over, I know, afterthought, afterthought, they go on to Carolina and they steal a game. It is gonna get super interesting. And if Jacob Markstrom can be the guy that they paid for, he can steal some games. I don't know him against Freddie Anderson. I listen at times that the Devils, Yeah, I do, and and honestly, I just think it's something interesting with that power play. Again, a lot of these playoffs, these first rounds come down to special teams because there's a lot of power plays early, because guys are excited, they're hitting the running round. I just feel like this is kind of one of those sneaky ones. I'm still gonna take Carolina to win, but I think it's gonna be a lot tighter than people think.

Can I call an advantage for the Hurricanes the fact that Sheldon Keith is coaching the Devils for Carolina?

Can I call an advantage for the Hurricanes the fact that Sheldon Keith is coaching the Devils for Carolina?

Wow, Spike, see for Sheldon. Keep you going after the coaches that I love it. No Block Star thinking of now is now Block in the car, shaking the wheel, punching a pillow. Use your words, Chris.

Wow, Spike, see for Sheldon. Keep you going after the coaches that I love it. No Block Star thinking of now is now Block in the car, shaking the wheel, punching a pillow. Use your words, Chris.

Stars, Avalanche, I cannot wait. This is musty TV. If you're a hockey fan of any measure, this is unbelievable. And I want to go against you because you called the Avalanche like a month ago, and the Stars are limping towards the playoffs. I've lost five straight, don't look great, but I think I hope they can flip a switch and this will be a great series. Dallas Prickley defensively, JD's been issued, looked at their numbers, gave no pick thirty two shots a game that's not going to cut it against Colorado, but it is the Ransom and Bowl. What kind of reception is you're gonna get in Colorado in this series? And it feels like in some ways the winner this series could be the favorite to when the Stanley Cup. That's how good a first round this is.

Stars, Avalanche, I cannot wait. This is musty TV. If you're a hockey fan of any measure, this is unbelievable. And I want to go against you because you called the Avalanche like a month ago, and the Stars are limping towards the playoffs. I've lost five straight, don't look great, but I think I hope they can flip a switch and this will be a great series. Dallas Prickley defensively, JD's been issued, looked at their numbers, gave no pick thirty two shots a game that's not going to cut it against Colorado, but it is the Ransom and Bowl. What kind of reception is you're gonna get in Colorado in this series? And it feels like in some ways the winner this series could be the favorite to when the Stanley Cup. That's how good a first round this is.

Yeah, Landiskog's coming back to on top of that, just announced his.

Yeah, Landiskog's coming back to on top of that, just announced his.

Ropper's not crazy about that pick. More than that lie, I know it.

Ropper's not crazy about that pick. More than that lie, I know it.

Yeah, but if you if he watched he doesn't watch HL games, but if you saw any of those games, he looked very good. He looked fantastic. I've another inside the Kremlin. Jason de Murz.

Yeah, but if you if he watched he doesn't watch HL games, but if you saw any of those games, he looked very good. He looked fantastic. I've another inside the Kremlin. Jason de Murz.

By the way, the Devildovs Scottie report was unbelievable.

By the way, the Devildovs Scottie report was unbelievable.

How great was that I hit it? Are even we're not gonna touch on that. We'll touch on that after, but I fucking hit that one out of the park. But no that I talked to some people within Colorado Avalanche and again within the organization, and they just said the same thing. He is gonna play if he wants to play. Bet Nurse came out and said as much. He doesn't. He's not playing twenty minutes a night. He's gonna play ten, eleven, twelve. He might end up getting some power play time in that net front position, which he does so good, and again he stirs shit up. There's videos of him in those games with the Colorado Eagles. He's grabbing guys, He's literally has him in a choke hold. He's just ready to go, and I think you're seeing all the emotion come out of him of how long he battled. This is just gonna be something that's gonna be very, very fun to watch. And I just think Colorado has much too much around him to not be the team to come out ahead. And I just feel like I don't think the Dallas Stars can pull this off. I don't think Pete Debora unless it goes to Game seven, which he is a magician in GAVE seven. I just think this is kind of the time for the Colorado Avalanche. There's so much, so many good storylines. Nathan McKinnon's gonna be healthy, Cale mccarr is gonna be healthy. The resurgence, Yeah, we'll call it the resurgence of Marty Nachiz. Then you got Valon the Shushkin's gonna be here for a full playoff front. Look the fuck out Dallas Stars, and I think they getting I just don't know they're not healthy enough. Mira Heiskin's got to come back and be herculean.

How great was that I hit it? Are even we're not gonna touch on that. We'll touch on that after, but I fucking hit that one out of the park. But no that I talked to some people within Colorado Avalanche and again within the organization, and they just said the same thing. He is gonna play if he wants to play. Bet Nurse came out and said as much. He doesn't. He's not playing twenty minutes a night. He's gonna play ten, eleven, twelve. He might end up getting some power play time in that net front position, which he does so good, and again he stirs shit up. There's videos of him in those games with the Colorado Eagles. He's grabbing guys, He's literally has him in a choke hold. He's just ready to go, and I think you're seeing all the emotion come out of him of how long he battled. This is just gonna be something that's gonna be very, very fun to watch. And I just think Colorado has much too much around him to not be the team to come out ahead. And I just feel like I don't think the Dallas Stars can pull this off. I don't think Pete Debora unless it goes to Game seven, which he is a magician in GAVE seven. I just think this is kind of the time for the Colorado Avalanche. There's so much, so many good storylines. Nathan McKinnon's gonna be healthy, Cale mccarr is gonna be healthy. The resurgence, Yeah, we'll call it the resurgence of Marty Nachiz. Then you got Valon the Shushkin's gonna be here for a full playoff front. Look the fuck out Dallas Stars, and I think they getting I just don't know they're not healthy enough. Mira Heiskin's got to come back and be herculean.

Yeah, And now you're right. It went from like a month gonna be like, oh my god, heavyweight matchup it could see stars and seven abs and seven five star stars to this thing around here like the ad Lite's look like a runaway freight tran and Dallas is not running into form can playoff time. So I think I go six or seven I do. I agree with that the Avalanche is gonna win this series. Now, Lightning Panthers Florida, when two of the three matchups this season entering the game twos and Tampa Bay has to be the favorite, though in some ways against the defending champions, they look like a jugging out. The past few weeks, the Panthers haven't been healthy, as you and I have talked about, maybe play a little bit of ropodope, haven't used their full lineup, Aaron Akbla still serving his suspension, Matthew could Chuck hasn't played since February eighth. It's so tough Jad to make the Stanley Cup final three straight years, and I love Palm reest On pulling for them. I'm gonna call the Panthers to win this series, but on paper, I feel like I should go lightning you.

Yeah, And now you're right. It went from like a month gonna be like, oh my god, heavyweight matchup it could see stars and seven abs and seven five star stars to this thing around here like the ad Lite's look like a runaway freight tran and Dallas is not running into form can playoff time. So I think I go six or seven I do. I agree with that the Avalanche is gonna win this series. Now, Lightning Panthers Florida, when two of the three matchups this season entering the game twos and Tampa Bay has to be the favorite, though in some ways against the defending champions, they look like a jugging out. The past few weeks, the Panthers haven't been healthy, as you and I have talked about, maybe play a little bit of ropodope, haven't used their full lineup, Aaron Akbla still serving his suspension, Matthew could Chuck hasn't played since February eighth. It's so tough Jad to make the Stanley Cup final three straight years, and I love Palm reest On pulling for them. I'm gonna call the Panthers to win this series, but on paper, I feel like I should go lightning you.

I just think that decor and Vassilevsky on Tampa Bay is going to be too much. I think they're really going to do a good job. You know, they made a lot of solid pickups, springing guys in Ryan McDonough leading the league and plus minus and rightfully so, he is just the eliminator of all things, you know, defensive plays, breakouts. He's been so good for this team. JJ mosers but was hurt a little bit this year, but he's underrated. Pick up Victor Headman. Then you have Andre Vasilevski in the back, and you know we're not talking about I think I think this team is healthy. Finally, I think they have some depth. Obviously, I think they're fourth nine is a little bit light, but those top nine forwards are just fantastical, and I think They're gonna really give some problems to the Florida Panthers. Now the Florida Panthers with Brad Marsha, Seth Jones, Aaron Eckbod's coming back. I think after game one, correct he's missing the first game of the first game of the playoffs, that's gonna be interesting game one. If they can hold on Florida, they can make it an interesting series. I think Aaron Neckbid is a way bigger piece than people think. I know people are hard on him as a player, but I think he just bounces out that decoor. So if he can come in and be healthy, if Kachuk's fully healthy, I mean, yeah, they've I think they have a chance, but it's it's gonna be tough, and I think they're gonna have to rely on a lot of their depth pieces in Florida. But I just feel like Tampa Bay, they got something going on right now, and and kut ROV's pissed off. He's gonna get robbed of the heart again, and I think he's gonna go and just shove it up everybody's tushy.

I just think that decor and Vassilevsky on Tampa Bay is going to be too much. I think they're really going to do a good job. You know, they made a lot of solid pickups, springing guys in Ryan McDonough leading the league and plus minus and rightfully so, he is just the eliminator of all things, you know, defensive plays, breakouts. He's been so good for this team. JJ mosers but was hurt a little bit this year, but he's underrated. Pick up Victor Headman. Then you have Andre Vasilevski in the back, and you know we're not talking about I think I think this team is healthy. Finally, I think they have some depth. Obviously, I think they're fourth nine is a little bit light, but those top nine forwards are just fantastical, and I think They're gonna really give some problems to the Florida Panthers. Now the Florida Panthers with Brad Marsha, Seth Jones, Aaron Eckbod's coming back. I think after game one, correct he's missing the first game of the first game of the playoffs, that's gonna be interesting game one. If they can hold on Florida, they can make it an interesting series. I think Aaron Neckbid is a way bigger piece than people think. I know people are hard on him as a player, but I think he just bounces out that decoor. So if he can come in and be healthy, if Kachuk's fully healthy, I mean, yeah, they've I think they have a chance, but it's it's gonna be tough, and I think they're gonna have to rely on a lot of their depth pieces in Florida. But I just feel like Tampa Bay, they got something going on right now, and and kut ROV's pissed off. He's gonna get robbed of the heart again, and I think he's gonna go and just shove it up everybody's tushy.

Oh Chase, Now the revenge to revenge too, I love it. Jason newars is all over. After game two, you'll see x plaed back. I don't like the passing reference of plus minus in today's era of analytics. A lot of guys discount plus minus like it's kind of an overrat It doesn't mean much. McDonald leading a plus minus. That's a good nugget by you. Yeah forty four, says Battle of Ontario, first time since so forth. This is gonna be unbelievable. Ottawa swept the season series three games to none. They're looking to play upstart first playoff appearance for the Sins in eight years. Leaves have looked formidable, looking to get out of the second round for the first time since two thousand and two. Of course they did win around the stretch was they had won around since two thousand and four, but they said they won a round over that stretch. But I feel like oster GEDI kind of your point with the Kings, like, if they don't beat the others this year, dude, Fourth Street ear must just pack up shop like Luke Robertie. It's been fun. Similarly for the Leafs. If you can't beat the Sentators and you can't get of the first round. Brendan Shanahan lates like it's if ever there's a time you got Burubi here. I love Chief. The defense feels beefed up. Still not timered percent soul in still Art's wool, but hey, Martyr's in a great year, Tavera is reborn, Matthews has done Oh if you don't beat the Senators, Buddy say, y.

Oh Chase, Now the revenge to revenge too, I love it. Jason newars is all over. After game two, you'll see x plaed back. I don't like the passing reference of plus minus in today's era of analytics. A lot of guys discount plus minus like it's kind of an overrat It doesn't mean much. McDonald leading a plus minus. That's a good nugget by you. Yeah forty four, says Battle of Ontario, first time since so forth. This is gonna be unbelievable. Ottawa swept the season series three games to none. They're looking to play upstart first playoff appearance for the Sins in eight years. Leaves have looked formidable, looking to get out of the second round for the first time since two thousand and two. Of course they did win around the stretch was they had won around since two thousand and four, but they said they won a round over that stretch. But I feel like oster GEDI kind of your point with the Kings, like, if they don't beat the others this year, dude, Fourth Street ear must just pack up shop like Luke Robertie. It's been fun. Similarly for the Leafs. If you can't beat the Sentators and you can't get of the first round. Brendan Shanahan lates like it's if ever there's a time you got Burubi here. I love Chief. The defense feels beefed up. Still not timered percent soul in still Art's wool, but hey, Martyr's in a great year, Tavera is reborn, Matthews has done Oh if you don't beat the Senators, Buddy say, y.

Yeah, this is this is it of them. But man, this is not an easy draw. Like correct, listen, everybody's like, you know, Toronto, you gotta get away from the Florida's. I mean the Ottawa Senators are a team that are on a mission. And Brady Kuchuk who has just been resting so we could run around trying to kill people. I just I don't know. That was probably my toughest series to gauge. It's gonna go seven. I don't know where I'm leaning yet because there's a few things I look at. I think, goaltending. If Olmark is.

Yeah, this is this is it of them. But man, this is not an easy draw. Like correct, listen, everybody's like, you know, Toronto, you gotta get away from the Florida's. I mean the Ottawa Senators are a team that are on a mission. And Brady Kuchuk who has just been resting so we could run around trying to kill people. I just I don't know. That was probably my toughest series to gauge. It's gonna go seven. I don't know where I'm leaning yet because there's a few things I look at. I think, goaltending. If Olmark is.

On and seven say it now cents and seven omar.

On and seven say it now cents and seven omar.

Mark, I Paul Mark is on, They're in trouble, I think. But you look on the other side, Wall and Stolars has been a really good one two touch on the back end. Then I look who's got the back end advantage. You got Jake Sanderson, You've got Thomas Schabbad who's playing some good hockey. I think the leaves are a little bit deeper and a little bit bigger on the back end. But then you look up front, man, they got some depth pieces that are playing really good. It's gonna come down to the third and fourth lines. I think for the Ottawa centers, can they be a effective and can they disrupt enough and score some goals. So it's going to be kind of that battle in the trenches is where it's going to be fought. But I think it's this is going to be a great series. I mean the Mausoleum, that is, the Canadian Entire Center is going to be rocking. The people going to say the lower bowl, oh no, yeah, well no, it's the battle of the museums right now.

Mark, I Paul Mark is on, They're in trouble, I think. But you look on the other side, Wall and Stolars has been a really good one two touch on the back end. Then I look who's got the back end advantage. You got Jake Sanderson, You've got Thomas Schabbad who's playing some good hockey. I think the leaves are a little bit deeper and a little bit bigger on the back end. But then you look up front, man, they got some depth pieces that are playing really good. It's gonna come down to the third and fourth lines. I think for the Ottawa centers, can they be a effective and can they disrupt enough and score some goals. So it's going to be kind of that battle in the trenches is where it's going to be fought. But I think it's this is going to be a great series. I mean the Mausoleum, that is, the Canadian Entire Center is going to be rocking. The people going to say the lower bowl, oh no, yeah, well no, it's the battle of the museums right now.

Is the is the that's the headline night of the museum. Ben Stillertia Bank, Scotia Scotia Bank.

Is the is the that's the headline night of the museum. Ben Stillertia Bank, Scotia Scotia Bank.

I see, I don't even I hate them. They always change these core team was better. Well the Scotia Bank and Canadian Tire Center just two museums out there battling it out for who could be the quietest dur in the playoff series. So at least we The good thing is you'll get all the Ottawa fans buying the Toronto tickets and all the Toronto fans buying the Autawa tickets. It will be home and home. But I think it's gonna be It's great to see the Ottawa centers back in the playoffs. Big fan of this team. You know, we all were kind of rooting for him this season. We wanted to see some new blood and you know it's see Brady could chuck in the playoffs. Oh, I mean, it would have been nice to see him against Matthew in the first round, see how that played out. But this is gonna be fully full. Brady could chuck unleash.

I see, I don't even I hate them. They always change these core team was better. Well the Scotia Bank and Canadian Tire Center just two museums out there battling it out for who could be the quietest dur in the playoff series. So at least we The good thing is you'll get all the Ottawa fans buying the Toronto tickets and all the Toronto fans buying the Autawa tickets. It will be home and home. But I think it's gonna be It's great to see the Ottawa centers back in the playoffs. Big fan of this team. You know, we all were kind of rooting for him this season. We wanted to see some new blood and you know it's see Brady could chuck in the playoffs. Oh, I mean, it would have been nice to see him against Matthew in the first round, see how that played out. But this is gonna be fully full. Brady could chuck unleash.

I agree, man, He's one of the breakout stars this year, the way he played for four nations, especially here in the USA.

I agree, man, He's one of the breakout stars this year, the way he played for four nations, especially here in the USA.

Tell give me something, sens and seven let's go. I mean, I think Leaves take this series. But I think it's gonna be fun. It's gonna be fun. These teams are gonna they're gonna.

Tell give me something, sens and seven let's go. I mean, I think Leaves take this series. But I think it's gonna be fun. It's gonna be fun. These teams are gonna they're gonna.

Grind it out.

Grind it out.

You know, we're gonna have Chris Neil and Darcy Tucker touching each other in the face as an underg good reference. I mean, but that's what everyone's gonna be talking about about some of these awesome playoff series they had in the past. Now, granted, the Leafs have the upper hand and all those series eighty years ago whenever it was, But I think it'll be fun. I think Kannada will feel a bit like a Leaf's home game. That's my only concern. I mean, that's how many how many Leafs fans are gonna be coming out to those Sens home games, not a series, so they're not going to really have much of an advantage at home, and I think that's gonna really play into the you know, the advantage.

You know, we're gonna have Chris Neil and Darcy Tucker touching each other in the face as an underg good reference. I mean, but that's what everyone's gonna be talking about about some of these awesome playoff series they had in the past. Now, granted, the Leafs have the upper hand and all those series eighty years ago whenever it was, But I think it'll be fun. I think Kannada will feel a bit like a Leaf's home game. That's my only concern. I mean, that's how many how many Leafs fans are gonna be coming out to those Sens home games, not a series, so they're not going to really have much of an advantage at home, and I think that's gonna really play into the you know, the advantage.

For the Leafs.

For the Leafs.

On top of the fact that who on the Senators has won a playoff series in their career? Anyone or even played in the playoffs for the who the center the center? How many guys at playff experience Who's played for? Who's played in the playoffs or at least won a series.

On top of the fact that who on the Senators has won a playoff series in their career? Anyone or even played in the playoffs for the who the center the center? How many guys at playff experience Who's played for? Who's played in the playoffs or at least won a series.

David Pan has a coup Nick else Nick Cousins as.

David Pan has a coup Nick else Nick Cousins as.

A cup kissing Cousins.

A cup kissing Cousins.

This is what it comes to, kissing Nick Cousins. They got some depth guys that have have some juice and and no I I but I mean if you look towards Toronto, it's much of the same couple guys. It's two teams battling for playoff dominance. But you know that brings him a point. I wish teams, especially like Ottawa. I don't know what they're gonna do, but if they would limit ticket sales to you have to live within the city, because I don't love obviously, I like fans that can't otherwise afford playoff tickets because Toronto just absolutely gouges people to be able to go watch it somewhere. Like I wish they would just keep it within the city. I know people are re selling their tickets making a quick buck. I mean, good for you, get your paper booboo. But I just think they should team should limit you have to live in the city or you at least can't be a Leafs fan and go, because it just takes away from it a little bit. I feel like, but.

This is what it comes to, kissing Nick Cousins. They got some depth guys that have have some juice and and no I I but I mean if you look towards Toronto, it's much of the same couple guys. It's two teams battling for playoff dominance. But you know that brings him a point. I wish teams, especially like Ottawa. I don't know what they're gonna do, but if they would limit ticket sales to you have to live within the city, because I don't love obviously, I like fans that can't otherwise afford playoff tickets because Toronto just absolutely gouges people to be able to go watch it somewhere. Like I wish they would just keep it within the city. I know people are re selling their tickets making a quick buck. I mean, good for you, get your paper booboo. But I just think they should team should limit you have to live in the city or you at least can't be a Leafs fan and go, because it just takes away from it a little bit. I feel like, but.

Oh yeah, I mean if that crowd in Ottawa starts chanting go, leaves go, and then the first one to go, this sucks, Like what are we doing in Canada?

Oh yeah, I mean if that crowd in Ottawa starts chanting go, leaves go, and then the first one to go, this sucks, Like what are we doing in Canada?

Yeah, burn the stadium near the ground. That happens all.

Yeah, burn the stadium near the ground. That happens all.

Right, coming up next year an NHL and script, We'll talk to our friend Mike Rupp, that's right, Stanley Cup champion back of the New Jersey Devils. He'll tell us about chirping Jody Shelley, also the Yager salut in front of Flyers fans, and what he's enjoyed most for this NHL season. That's coming up after this break. Our next guest. Drafted in the third round of the two thousand NHL Draft by the New Jersey Devils, with whom he scored the Cup clinching goal in two thousand and three. Before hoisting the Stanley Cup, you would go on to also play for the Fittest Coyotes, Columbus Bluejackets, Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Rangers, and Minnesota Wild and now can be seen him breaking down the game on NHL Network and Sports at Pittsburgh. He's one of our favorites, a teammate, a friend, a colleague. Mike Rupp, Ropper, how do we do a big man?

Right, coming up next year an NHL and script, We'll talk to our friend Mike Rupp, that's right, Stanley Cup champion back of the New Jersey Devils. He'll tell us about chirping Jody Shelley, also the Yager salut in front of Flyers fans, and what he's enjoyed most for this NHL season. That's coming up after this break. Our next guest. Drafted in the third round of the two thousand NHL Draft by the New Jersey Devils, with whom he scored the Cup clinching goal in two thousand and three. Before hoisting the Stanley Cup, you would go on to also play for the Fittest Coyotes, Columbus Bluejackets, Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Rangers, and Minnesota Wild and now can be seen him breaking down the game on NHL Network and Sports at Pittsburgh. He's one of our favorites, a teammate, a friend, a colleague. Mike Rupp, Ropper, how do we do a big man?

Hey, I love you guys, I'm glad to get on here with you guys. But Adnan, dude, I was drafted in the first round. I know I went back in the draft and got drafted the third round, but you gonna strip that for me, so I was never drafted in the first round. I don't even get that acknowledgement anymore.

Hey, I love you guys, I'm glad to get on here with you guys. But Adnan, dude, I was drafted in the first round. I know I went back in the draft and got drafted the third round, but you gonna strip that for me, so I was never drafted in the first round. I don't even get that acknowledgement anymore.

Remember one time I gave you extra props on air. I said to you, like, didn't you score two goals? And hopefully you go, No, you go. You know you're not the only one that thinks that. I it was so rare.

Remember one time I gave you extra props on air. I said to you, like, didn't you score two goals? And hopefully you go, No, you go. You know you're not the only one that thinks that. I it was so rare.

That's fair. I know you, I know you're I know you're a good teammates. So I'll let that one go.

That's fair. I know you, I know you're I know you're a good teammates. So I'll let that one go.

He doesn't do his research, Adnan, No, exactly.

He doesn't do his research, Adnan, No, exactly.

You're grinding right now, Ruppers. We're getting towards the end of the season. But I think this is an amazing final stretch of the playoffs right around the corner. Is there something that you're most excited about we were talking earlier. I mean that the fact that Habs are going to make the playoffs is unbelievable. There's been some great races. What is it for you?

You're grinding right now, Ruppers. We're getting towards the end of the season. But I think this is an amazing final stretch of the playoffs right around the corner. Is there something that you're most excited about we were talking earlier. I mean that the fact that Habs are going to make the playoffs is unbelievable. There's been some great races. What is it for you?

Oh man, there's so many. I think the Ottawa Senators I've been I've been kind of on that train for a couple of years. Now and I've gotten burnt every single time. So I love the fact that we're getting getting to the point now where this team. Man, they they they kept it going. They didn't have that big drop off. They found ways to push back when they when they would lose some games. And I'm excited because I think, I think this is a better league when you're gonna have a guy like Brady could Chuck in the playoffs, and I can't wait to see what he brings. But Oddoy is probably the one storyline that I'm It probably intrigues me the most. But you mentioned Montreal, man, I mean, are you kidding me? I never ever, ever, ever would have thought that they were gonna make it this year.

Oh man, there's so many. I think the Ottawa Senators I've been I've been kind of on that train for a couple of years. Now and I've gotten burnt every single time. So I love the fact that we're getting getting to the point now where this team. Man, they they they kept it going. They didn't have that big drop off. They found ways to push back when they when they would lose some games. And I'm excited because I think, I think this is a better league when you're gonna have a guy like Brady could Chuck in the playoffs, and I can't wait to see what he brings. But Oddoy is probably the one storyline that I'm It probably intrigues me the most. But you mentioned Montreal, man, I mean, are you kidding me? I never ever, ever, ever would have thought that they were gonna make it this year.

Alexandro Vetchkin. Obviously, it's been an incredible story Ruppery has been able to do with a great chase. You had some spirited matchups one on one against him, right, What was it like facing ov?

Alexandro Vetchkin. Obviously, it's been an incredible story Ruppery has been able to do with a great chase. You had some spirited matchups one on one against him, right, What was it like facing ov?

Oh man? Oh Ovi? Was? I remember one time and it only was one time that I got out there on the PK against him, and all I was thinking to myself is we all know and that's what makes Ovi great? And I think of I'm a big Michael Jordan guy. That's what made MJ great. Everybody in the building, everybody in the world knew who's getting the last shot, and he would still He's still bury it right. That to me, that's greatness. Ovi's on the ice, you know in situations, who they're looking for, what they're going to do. I mean, he's getting that shot from that era of the ice and he could stare down in the whites of the eyes of a goaltender and blow the puck past him. That is greatness anyway. So I'm out there on the penalty kill and I'm thinking to myself, Man, all I know is Ovi's not scoring on this one, all right. I cheated so much over to Ovi to take away that one tiber that I left the guy right open in the slot, just wired one bar down. Never saw the PK again out there. But I like, hey, Obi didn't score. That was the starter report watching out for a Betchkin over there. He didn't get it.

Oh man? Oh Ovi? Was? I remember one time and it only was one time that I got out there on the PK against him, and all I was thinking to myself is we all know and that's what makes Ovi great? And I think of I'm a big Michael Jordan guy. That's what made MJ great. Everybody in the building, everybody in the world knew who's getting the last shot, and he would still He's still bury it right. That to me, that's greatness. Ovi's on the ice, you know in situations, who they're looking for, what they're going to do. I mean, he's getting that shot from that era of the ice and he could stare down in the whites of the eyes of a goaltender and blow the puck past him. That is greatness anyway. So I'm out there on the penalty kill and I'm thinking to myself, Man, all I know is Ovi's not scoring on this one, all right. I cheated so much over to Ovi to take away that one tiber that I left the guy right open in the slot, just wired one bar down. Never saw the PK again out there. But I like, hey, Obi didn't score. That was the starter report watching out for a Betchkin over there. He didn't get it.

I love the fact you were not gonna let a Betsan scored that goal. Specific memories for your upper twenty twelve Winter class. You're playing for the Rangers against the Flyers. You score a goal and then give a little yarmier yoger styles salute, which leaves plenty of fans from the Flyers being upset with you do Flyers fans still give you a heart time about them. Does that get brought up?

I love the fact you were not gonna let a Betsan scored that goal. Specific memories for your upper twenty twelve Winter class. You're playing for the Rangers against the Flyers. You score a goal and then give a little yarmier yoger styles salute, which leaves plenty of fans from the Flyers being upset with you do Flyers fans still give you a heart time about them. Does that get brought up?

Yeah, that the yog salute? Yeah, Philly was not happy about that. Yeah. I don't know. I mean I still hear things from time to time, but you know, I think it was more like I grew up in I pretty much played for every team and what is today's Metro Division except the Flyers, and so it was like embedded in me to hate the Flyers, And so I always look at in some of my greatest memories. I loved playing in Philly. It was a tough place to play, it was an intimidating place to play, but I thought that those environments were always something for a guy like my size and the way I had to play would would help me. And so that was one just kind of throw some fuel on the fire, and that's kind of my job, so I try to do it that day.

Yeah, that the yog salute? Yeah, Philly was not happy about that. Yeah. I don't know. I mean I still hear things from time to time, but you know, I think it was more like I grew up in I pretty much played for every team and what is today's Metro Division except the Flyers, and so it was like embedded in me to hate the Flyers, And so I always look at in some of my greatest memories. I loved playing in Philly. It was a tough place to play, it was an intimidating place to play, but I thought that those environments were always something for a guy like my size and the way I had to play would would help me. And so that was one just kind of throw some fuel on the fire, and that's kind of my job, so I try to do it that day.

What do you attribute the habs run to to this, you know, kind of Cinderella story a little bit, and you look at their team and is it one thing or is it kind of you know, what have you kind of attributed the whole run to.

What do you attribute the habs run to to this, you know, kind of Cinderella story a little bit, and you look at their team and is it one thing or is it kind of you know, what have you kind of attributed the whole run to.

It's funny because I don't know, like there's not it's it's it's tough because I don't know if there is one thing JD. They they have the it factor and whatever that means, Like you look at some of the games down the stretcher, they find ways to win. Yeah, and I don't know if you can quantify that saying oh, well, they're a good for checking team. They do X, Y and Z, like they find ways to win and you know, is as good as anybody in the NHL. Like that's something and then that's value. And they're finding ways to close out games. I'll say a couple of things. They got some guys who can put the puck in the net. We know this, but I also think not just not even not even just Laane Hudson, like they Marty Saint Louis and this this coaching staff, they all these guys got the green light. I was breaking down some clip a couple of weeks ago, and it's like, dude, I'm seeing some guys like I'm seeing Arba Jai, I'm seeing David Tavard, like these guys. These guys got the green light to go all the time and they're allowed to hang in there. So I think this is a team that they can put the puck in the net at times. And I think it's because the defenseman that they're allowed to go, and you don't have to be just an offensive minded guy if it's the right opportunity, the right time of the game, go And as a forward, I love that. So now I can get some help in the offensive zone from a defenseman jumping in. I mean that that's been something I thought that they do pretty well.

It's funny because I don't know, like there's not it's it's it's tough because I don't know if there is one thing JD. They they have the it factor and whatever that means, Like you look at some of the games down the stretcher, they find ways to win. Yeah, and I don't know if you can quantify that saying oh, well, they're a good for checking team. They do X, Y and Z, like they find ways to win and you know, is as good as anybody in the NHL. Like that's something and then that's value. And they're finding ways to close out games. I'll say a couple of things. They got some guys who can put the puck in the net. We know this, but I also think not just not even not even just Laane Hudson, like they Marty Saint Louis and this this coaching staff, they all these guys got the green light. I was breaking down some clip a couple of weeks ago, and it's like, dude, I'm seeing some guys like I'm seeing Arba Jai, I'm seeing David Tavard, like these guys. These guys got the green light to go all the time and they're allowed to hang in there. So I think this is a team that they can put the puck in the net at times. And I think it's because the defenseman that they're allowed to go, and you don't have to be just an offensive minded guy if it's the right opportunity, the right time of the game, go And as a forward, I love that. So now I can get some help in the offensive zone from a defenseman jumping in. I mean that that's been something I thought that they do pretty well.

A team that needs all the help in the world, and you put a glorious tweet out about the New York Rangers and a team that's finding ways to lose. I mean, what can you attribute this season too, especially how they've let down Ego Schusterkin mainly.

A team that needs all the help in the world, and you put a glorious tweet out about the New York Rangers and a team that's finding ways to lose. I mean, what can you attribute this season too, especially how they've let down Ego Schusterkin mainly.

Yeah, man, it goes back. Oh my gosh, this is so much unpack here. I feel like because this story was back in the summer, and I hate to always go back there, whether it was you go back to the bar, the good Row that Jacob Truba. I mean, the season kind of started off not in the best way. I mean, you're coming off of President's Trophy season, you would expect there to be a little more excitement. It seemed like the cloud was kind of over this franchise before the season started. You got this Just Shirkin contract that was something there too, and then you get into the season and I just find that this is a team that they even when they won the President's Trophy last year, they they didn't There's a lot of details in their game that they weren't great, and most of them are defensively and they don't have a lot of pushback. They don't have a lot of lightning Rod type guys, alpha guys, alpha dogs they should say, in their roster. And I think all those things were evident this year. And I think the biggest thing for me, it's like, I don't know at what point I don't think there's accountability there. There's just so many things, man Like. I just find that this is a team that kind of goes out there. They know they have a great goaltender and they hope that they get score more goals than the opponent. As dumb as that sounds like, that, that's the way I see their games. And I kind of made this analogy yesterday and I want to go back to it because growing up in the Devil's organization, like we had Marty and I think Marty Berdoor is the best goalie to ever play the game. And some people might have others, and that's fine, but you know a lot of people say, well, Marty wasn't that great because he had Scotti Stevens, Scott Neiedermayer, you had all these guys playing in front of him. Like I mean, I'd pump the brakes on that a little bit. Both things worked hand in hand. But I do know for being in that franchise and talking to Scotty Stevens on the NHL Network side of things, the details talk to Ken Danigo about it, that the details in that franchise, Larry Robinson instilled it. You can go back to, you know, the other Jacques Lamaire, I mean, the details. So your strongest attribute was your goaltender. Man, We had a million insurance policies on our goaltender because we defended in front of them. You weren't getting a second chance opportunity against the Devils. If here's a shot on net, we have the best goal in the world, he's going to make that safe. Guess what there's no shot too, because Scottie Stevens is putting you on your rear end, Ken Dannago is getting you under your hands, getting your stick up in the air. You know it's Scott Edermeyers doing the same. So that that's where that was at. And on the flip side, you got the New York Rangers where it's like Igor's got to make save one, save two, save three. There's nobody getting putting on the rear put on the rear end in front of the net. There's no sticks getting lifted in the air. I mean, JD, you'd have a field day breaking down some of that stuff with the Rangers. Yeah, that's towards that to me. And so you can say whatever you want. At the end of the day, we're players. I'll stick out for players. Players wear a lot of this. But there's also accountability. If the players aren't getting it done, sit there s that hasn't happened this year. You keep rolling it out there and expect a different different I guess results and that it just simply hasn't happened.

Yeah, man, it goes back. Oh my gosh, this is so much unpack here. I feel like because this story was back in the summer, and I hate to always go back there, whether it was you go back to the bar, the good Row that Jacob Truba. I mean, the season kind of started off not in the best way. I mean, you're coming off of President's Trophy season, you would expect there to be a little more excitement. It seemed like the cloud was kind of over this franchise before the season started. You got this Just Shirkin contract that was something there too, and then you get into the season and I just find that this is a team that they even when they won the President's Trophy last year, they they didn't There's a lot of details in their game that they weren't great, and most of them are defensively and they don't have a lot of pushback. They don't have a lot of lightning Rod type guys, alpha guys, alpha dogs they should say, in their roster. And I think all those things were evident this year. And I think the biggest thing for me, it's like, I don't know at what point I don't think there's accountability there. There's just so many things, man Like. I just find that this is a team that kind of goes out there. They know they have a great goaltender and they hope that they get score more goals than the opponent. As dumb as that sounds like, that, that's the way I see their games. And I kind of made this analogy yesterday and I want to go back to it because growing up in the Devil's organization, like we had Marty and I think Marty Berdoor is the best goalie to ever play the game. And some people might have others, and that's fine, but you know a lot of people say, well, Marty wasn't that great because he had Scotti Stevens, Scott Neiedermayer, you had all these guys playing in front of him. Like I mean, I'd pump the brakes on that a little bit. Both things worked hand in hand. But I do know for being in that franchise and talking to Scotty Stevens on the NHL Network side of things, the details talk to Ken Danigo about it, that the details in that franchise, Larry Robinson instilled it. You can go back to, you know, the other Jacques Lamaire, I mean, the details. So your strongest attribute was your goaltender. Man, We had a million insurance policies on our goaltender because we defended in front of them. You weren't getting a second chance opportunity against the Devils. If here's a shot on net, we have the best goal in the world, he's going to make that safe. Guess what there's no shot too, because Scottie Stevens is putting you on your rear end, Ken Dannago is getting you under your hands, getting your stick up in the air. You know it's Scott Edermeyers doing the same. So that that's where that was at. And on the flip side, you got the New York Rangers where it's like Igor's got to make save one, save two, save three. There's nobody getting putting on the rear put on the rear end in front of the net. There's no sticks getting lifted in the air. I mean, JD, you'd have a field day breaking down some of that stuff with the Rangers. Yeah, that's towards that to me. And so you can say whatever you want. At the end of the day, we're players. I'll stick out for players. Players wear a lot of this. But there's also accountability. If the players aren't getting it done, sit there s that hasn't happened this year. You keep rolling it out there and expect a different different I guess results and that it just simply hasn't happened.

So another hot button topic issue between me and yourself was today. And you know it's great when you get material. That's just you know, you a lot of times in this podcast world, and you know this rapper, you got to like come up with stuff and but sometimes things fall in your lap. And our battle between me you and talking about Gabriel Landeskog, you know my my point of view is I think, no matter what, a good player will find a way. You know, two years, three years, they'll find a way to be good. But you know you kind of a little bit more skeptical and you want them to be there. But you you have some different thoughts than me, and I might have I might have picked a little too much and poked the bear too much. Day I was scared for my life for a second.

So another hot button topic issue between me and yourself was today. And you know it's great when you get material. That's just you know, you a lot of times in this podcast world, and you know this rapper, you got to like come up with stuff and but sometimes things fall in your lap. And our battle between me you and talking about Gabriel Landeskog, you know my my point of view is I think, no matter what, a good player will find a way. You know, two years, three years, they'll find a way to be good. But you know you kind of a little bit more skeptical and you want them to be there. But you you have some different thoughts than me, and I might have I might have picked a little too much and poked the bear too much. Day I was scared for my life for a second.

Hey, I I will say, man, just to let you in on the full transparency of the conversation, I did say, JD, I'm going to kill you is what I said.

Hey, I I will say, man, just to let you in on the full transparency of the conversation, I did say, JD, I'm going to kill you is what I said.

Even left the voice text. It won't put his voice, not a text voice.

Even left the voice text. It won't put his voice, not a text voice.

But j D, j D, you knew how to push ones. But I love you, JD. I'm just messing. I might check into the wall at the network, but so no, I think here's the thing here, and I want to make this very very very clear, So please don't chop this up when you're putting things out there later on and lead this out. I want to see one of the greatest comeback stories ever. And I don't mean to blow that up. I mean it's just for no one's gone through what Gabe Landeskog is going through. I want nothing more than seeing this guy hoist the cup. He's one of my favorites because he's a throwback. He's old school, and I think that's a dying breed and I love him. I just think that with the time he's missed and just from my experiences with seeing players that have certain injuries, like I'm very curious how it's going to take. And yes, having him in there, I mean I just to have him on the bench is a huge boost for this team and I think that's enormous and having them around. But I also I'm skeptical because I've been in a similar situation in some regards at the end of my career, where you fight and you're out so long and you battle to get back, and that's that's the biggest hurdle at the time you get back, but it's how you feel the next day. And then for me, it took me two weeks after my one day of being back to get back to where I was before my first game back, you know what I mean. So that's where it becomes a slippery slope. Like my biggest concern is after missing this much time to get ready for this moment, is he gonna be able to play in forty eight hours in the Stanley Cup playoffs again? You know what I mean?

But j D, j D, you knew how to push ones. But I love you, JD. I'm just messing. I might check into the wall at the network, but so no, I think here's the thing here, and I want to make this very very very clear, So please don't chop this up when you're putting things out there later on and lead this out. I want to see one of the greatest comeback stories ever. And I don't mean to blow that up. I mean it's just for no one's gone through what Gabe Landeskog is going through. I want nothing more than seeing this guy hoist the cup. He's one of my favorites because he's a throwback. He's old school, and I think that's a dying breed and I love him. I just think that with the time he's missed and just from my experiences with seeing players that have certain injuries, like I'm very curious how it's going to take. And yes, having him in there, I mean I just to have him on the bench is a huge boost for this team and I think that's enormous and having them around. But I also I'm skeptical because I've been in a similar situation in some regards at the end of my career, where you fight and you're out so long and you battle to get back, and that's that's the biggest hurdle at the time you get back, but it's how you feel the next day. And then for me, it took me two weeks after my one day of being back to get back to where I was before my first game back, you know what I mean. So that's where it becomes a slippery slope. Like my biggest concern is after missing this much time to get ready for this moment, is he gonna be able to play in forty eight hours in the Stanley Cup playoffs again? You know what I mean?

So every time, but yeah, but you got to imagine he's going to be in a bottom six role and then in that well.

So every time, but yeah, but you got to imagine he's going to be in a bottom six role and then in that well.

You're still but JD, you're still leaving everything out there. Man. Like I was a career I could barely walk in the playoffs out.

You're still but JD, you're still leaving everything out there. Man. Like I was a career I could barely walk in the playoffs out.

There, but that bottom six role has kind of been like a merry go around a little bit for Colorado. So they might pull him in for game one, sit him out for game two.

There, but that bottom six role has kind of been like a merry go around a little bit for Colorado. So they might pull him in for game one, sit him out for game two.

Yeah, you know what I mean.

Yeah, you know what I mean.

I think I feel like the coaching staff to your point, I agree with you on a lot of points, like how effective is he going to be? Like can he recover? But can the coaching staff, which I think is very underrated in terms of their level, their aptitude and how smart they are. Jared Bedner and this coaching staff to not recognize that and kind of plug and play a bit. I don't know if that's more.