There is a light at the end of the tunnel, and it is the NHL Playoffs. The main idea is that hockey will come back with a 24 team playoff format, effectively ending the regular season. We start with a brief diatribe around the importance of sport to the masses, but then get on with the business of talking hockey. We talk about the possibility of compliance buyouts and we give two examples each of players we feel should be bought out. We get into the logistics of a 16 versus 24 team playoff format. Amazingly, we agree that the 24 team format is better for the league and fans. There is a story out there by David Staples of the Edmonton Journal predicting that the Blackhawks will beat the Oilers in the playoffs this season. A good read, the link is below. Finally, we venture into a discussion (which becomes a Mike rant) on moving the draft from June to April, changing the format of who drafts where and the possibility of getting rid of the draft lottery or significantly changing how it is conducted. Also, Ales Hemsky, former Oilers draft pick in 2001 has officially retired from the NHL. We wish him the best of luck and success in his future endeavors. Lots of content on only a few stories, so please let us know what you think as hockey gets closer to returning. Enjoy the Show!
https://edmontonjournal.com/sports/hockey/nhl/cult-of-hockey/chicago-blackhawks-will-upset-the-edmonton-oilers-in-first-round-of-nhl-playoffs-stats-analyst-predicts/
Episode 0368: Berube & Sullivan Hired; B's Season Over/Blame Game Begins; IIHF Tourney; NAHL Hiring; Will He/Won't He; PWHL Final Set; RFA Lessons; Mike's Crazy Idea & More!
Episode 0367: Keefe & The Carousel; B's Lose Game 4; Bruins Poll Questions; Dead Cap Money; Will He/Won't He Ullmark; NU Women's Captain & Alternates and More!
Episode 0366: B's/Leafs Wrap-up; Sheldon Keefe & Toronto; B's To Go, MVP & 2nd Round Picks; Utah Jerseys; Stamkos FA; Coaching Carousel; WH/WH; Rempe Hit; Jack Edwards & More!
Episode 0365: Utah Update; Playoff Series Sweeps?; Nylander Returning to Leafs; Sheldon Keefe Speaks; PWHL Awards; Nick Zabaneh; Will He/Won't He & More!
Episode 0364: B's/Leafs Game 1; Coyotes Fallout/Utah's New Name; Retirements and Kuznetsov; 'Hawks Rebuild; Will He/Won't He; Sharp's Real Estate & More!
Episode 0363: Frozen Four Championship; Ejected From the ECHL; Salt Lake's New Franchise; Nylander Dry Spell; Playoff Picture & Predictions; Will He/Won't He and More!
Episode 0362: Jamie Benn; Playoff Picture; Drake Berehowsky; Jaxon Nelson; Collin Graf Sweepstakes; Frozen Four; Crosby New Record; Will He/Won't He Paul Maurice and More!
Episode 0361: BC/BU Sharks Connection; Moneypuck Odds; B's Drafting; The Triple B Line; Panthers' Bennett & Zito; Forsberg v Seider; Tom Wilson; Lindholm Not Healthy?; Will He/Won't He & More!
Episode 0360: NCAA Women's Frozen Four; PWHL Sweaters; 5 UFA's; A Bobby Lou Classic?; Magic Numbers; Pens Bobblehead Caper; Will He/Won't He & More!
Episode 0359: Noah Hanifin; 'Yotes Home Situation; Playoff Odds; Pens & Devils Futures; Isles' Big Day; Press Hot Streak; Deadline Winners; Women's NCAA Frozen Four/PWHL & More!
Episode 0358: The Jori Jones Award; Tucker Tynan Lawsuit; Will He/Won't He; B's Prospects & Depth; Devils' Moves; Elias Extended; The Caps & Canes and More!
Episode 0357: Will He/Won't He Rick Nash (Goalie Bob and Mr. Darche Make an Appearance); Ruzicka's Nose Dive; 'Yotes' Nose Dive; Goalies on the Move (Maybe); Jagr Number Retired & More!
Episode 0356: Rielly Gets 5; CBJ Fire Jarmo, Get an Outdoor Game; Panthers Win Streak & Roadtrip; B's Trade Assets & Needs; PWHL "Halfway Point"; Will He/Won't He & More!
Episode 0355: Pietrangelo 1000; Sergachev Out; A Broken Cup; Rielly The Meathead; Center Importance; Poitras Injury; Roy One on One; Will He/Won't He & More!
Episode 0354: All-Star Weekend; Blaine Lacher Passes Away; Center Trades; Utah's Viability; McLellan Sacked; Pasta Chirping; Will He/Won't He and More!
Episode 0353: Gallagher Suspended; Matthews to 70; Marchy's March to History; Midpoint Surprises; Provorov on the Market; Will He/Won't He & More!
Episode 0352: Roy Hired!; Can a Canadian Team Win the Cup/The Minnesota Breakdown; Trade Board 3.0; B's Centers; Brad, Nicklas & Dans; Will He/Won't He & More!
Episode 0351: All American Prospect Game; Oilers 10 in a Row; TJ Oshie Returns; All Star Snubs; Sway’s Contract; Monty Talks Playoffs; Flyers/Ducks Trade; Will He/Won’t He Ovechkin & More!
Episode 0350: PWHL Kicks Off New Season; Jack Adams Candidates; Ovi in Decline?; Frederic On The Rise; Will He/Won’t He DeBrusk; Injury Ninja Strikes Again & More!
Episode 0349: B’s Emotionally Engaged?; Jack Edwards; Valimaki & Mike’s Prediction; Cassie Campbell-Vincent to PWHL; Will He/Won’t He; Bobby Lou Honored; Red Wings Making Moves; Joey O’Brien & More!
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