Episode 14:

Discussion about whether there may be further NHL expansion after Seattle. NHL network deals in the US, and how it may be more than on one network. Speculation about the NHL running their own network and viewing packages. The idea that the AHL spearheads a new women’s professional league, with the financial backing of the NHL. Financial stability in the NWHL. The LA Kings statement on Slava Voynov’s return to the NHL. Question of the week: If there’s one place in an arena that’s viewable to the ice playing surface where you could put a camera, where would it be?

Recorded 1 June 2019

Episode 13:

Discussion on some of the things that the NHL gets right. The situation surrounding why Atlanta moved to Winnipeg eight years ago. Gary Bettman’s Stanley Cup Final press conference, and Bettman vs NHL team ownership / Board of Governors. Problems with the current configurations of an ice rink and the NHL rules that surround that. Bettman’s comment on the NHL starting a women’s professional hockey league, and the newest developments in a women’s pro hockey league. NHL Seattle’s possible nicknames and colors. Question of the week: Seattle is coming in at 32; is there further expansion coming? If so, where?

Episode 12:

Discussion on the annoying terminology that NHL broadcasters use. How to teach new fans the rules of hockey if broadcasters aren’t taking the time to explain things. The issues surrounding NHL officiating, and its problems during playoffs as well as the regular season. Speculation as to how to implement an in-game review system including on-ice officials. Question of the week: We bash on the NHL regularly for everything they do wrong, but what do they do right?

Recorded 19 May 2019

Episode 11:

Discussion on if the rise of a single, stable professional women’s hockey league would diminish the importance of international competition. The idea of having women run an NHL women’s pro league, and then potentially having those women cross over into the NHL as an untapped talent pool with new ideas and ways of doing things. From the outside looking in, the seeming disconnects within the NHLPA between leadership and their constituency. Popularity in the NHL, from Gritty to Gretzky. Question of the week: During NHL broadcasts, what is the terminology that broadcasters use that annoys the heck out of you?

Recorded 5 May 2019

Episode 10:

Discussion on the value of tracking hits in a game as a standalone statistic. The incomplete and fuzzy nature of statistical information in the NHL. The NHL coaching merry-go-round, retreads, and coaches slowly being phased out of the league. Second round NHL playoff talk. The NHLPA’s lack of support with their statement regarding the women’s professional hockey players boycotting pro hockey in North America, and the state of the NWHL (as of this recording). Speculation on how the NHL could set up a women’s pro hockey league, including incorporating streaming/TV packages. Question of the week: Would the rise of a stable woman’s professional league diminish the importance of international competition?

Recorded 4 May 2019

Episode 09:

Discussion about other ways the NHL could onboard 18-year-olds without having an amateur draft. Upping the age to play in the NHL and developing prospects, and the possibility of requiring them to spend time in the AHL. The Carolina hockey scene, and how others see the Hurricanes and their fan base during playoffs. Question of the week: What is the value in tracking hits in a game as a standalone statistic?

Recorded 28 April 2019

Episode 08:

Discussion about favorite hockey-related books. Image versus reality when it comes to sports entertainment such as books and movies. Ideas and complaints regarding anyone making a new hockey movies or shows. Showcasing fun and humor within hockey, and how it’s lacking in the NHL. Question of the week: Theoretically, the NHL draft as we know it is dead; how would you on-board 18-20 hockey players into a league and to specific teams?

Recorded 14 April 2019

Episode 07:

Discussion about who may quietly retire during the 2020 lockout. The role of the AHL during NHL lockouts. Critically looking at whether a lockout really will happen in 2020, and the role of Olympic competition in that. The perception of hockey fans in “non-traditional” hockey markets, and the role of migrating fans. Question of the week: What is your favorite hockey book in recent memory?

Recorded 06 April 2019

Episode 06:

The Hockey Hall of Fame Edition: Discussion about potential HHoFers from the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. Current criteria – good or bad – for being elected. Players who may have been snubbed or overlooked, as well as players who may not have qualified but are in. The people who make up the selection committee. Question of the week: Who do you think will quietly retire in this next coming lockout, should it occur?

Recorded 24 March 2019.

Episode 05:

Discussion on if Columbus didn’t make playoffs, if no one else would go all-in at the trade deadline. The loopholes that NHL GMs use and some of the contract issues of signing players. NHL and NHLPA negotiations surrounding the possible 2020 lockout. Team and player reputations in the NHL, talent evaluation, and how that affects a player’s career. Seattle expansion talk regarding trades and signing players. Question of the week: For a vaunted draft class who are now reaching their mid-30s, how many Hockey Hall of Fame players can we expect out of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft?

Recorded 17 March 2019.