Back to Excited Hockey Podcast

By Arvind, Acting the Fulemin

What's Back to Excited Hockey Podcast about?

The official podcast of PensionPlanPuppets.com. Arvind and Acting the Fulemin take you around the world of hockey and the NHL, with a focus on the Toronto Maple Leafs

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Back to Excited Hockey Podcast episodes:

02.25.2024
Episode 211 - Mailbag!
Episode 211 - Mailbag! by Arvind, Acting the Fulemin
01.14.2024
Episode 210 - William Nylander Extention & Defense Trade Targets
Welcome to another episode of Back to Excited. Today we discuss the Leafs signing William Nylander to a contract extension, as well as some trade targets that might be of interest if the Leafs decide to bolster their defensive...
12.03.2023
Episode 209 - Evaluating the Leafs After 20 Games
Today, we discuss the Leafs after their first 20 games of the year, and where things have gone well, poorly, and everything in between.
09.10.2023
Episode 208 - Around the NHL (Part 3 of 3)
Welcome to the final episode of our annual offseason reviews. Today we discuss the following teams: Pittsburgh Penguins [0:43] San Jose Sharks [40:24] Seattle Kraken [48:43] St. Louis Blues [1:05:16] Tampa Bay Lightning [1:11:21] Vancouver Canucks [1:22:50] Vegas Golden Knights [ 1:33:16] Washington Capitals [1:38:26] Winnipeg Jets [1:45:00]
08.27.2023
Episode 207 - Around the NHL (Part 2 of 3)
Episode 207 - Around the NHL (Part 2 of 3) by Arvind, Acting the Fulemin
08.06.2023
Episode 206 - Around the NHL (Part 1)
Welcome to another episode of Back to Excited, where we do our annual offseason review of every NHL team. We've split it up into thirds this year, and still managed to go for 2.5 hours on 12 teams! Timestamps are...
07.16.2023
Episode 205 - Leafs Offseason Moves Recap
Today we discussed: The players who departed the Leafs this offseason [2:13] The new extensions and additions, including: David Kampf [20:30] Ryan Reaves [35:35] John Klingberg [47:55] Tyler Bertuzzi [1:00:26] Max Domi [1:06:16] Our overall assessment of the offseason
05.14.2023
Episode 204 - Back to the End
We chat about the end of the Leafs season for the last time.
05.04.2023
Episode 203 - Belated Leafs vs Panthers Preview
We do a belated preview of the Leafs and Panthers series
04.30.2023
Episode 202 - Leafs vs Lightning Series Recap
We go through the Leafs' first series win in 19 years!
04.16.2023
Episode 201 - Tampa Bay vs Toronto Playoff Series Preview
Today, we go in-depth on the Tampa Bay Lightning, breaking down their strengths, weaknesses, and all their players in advance of their series against the Leafs.
04.02.2023
Episode 200 - 200th Episode Mailbag Special
Welcome to another episode of Back to Excited. We've hit 200 recorded episodes, and to celebrate, we have a long mailbag for you all to dive into.
03.19.2023
Episode 199 - Thoughts on Newly Acquired Players
Today we discuss: Early thoughts on Jake McCabe [6:45] Early thoughts on Noel Acciari [12:45] Early thoughts on Sam Lafferty [15:53] Early thoughts on Luke Schenn [23:10] The Leafs 11/7 experiment [34:08] William Nylander’s next contract [48:02] The gap between Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner [1:00:13] Some bad...
03.07.2023
Episode 198 - Trade deadline recap
Today we go in depth on the Leafs’ deadline moves. Timestamps: Ryan O’Reilly’s injury [2:50] Jake McCabe and Sam Lafferty acquired [6:26] Rasmus Sandin traded [23:22] Pierre Engvall traded [33:30] Luke Schenn acquired [43:42]
02.19.2023
Episode 197 - Leafs Acquire O'Reilly & Acciari + Other Trade Targets
Today we discuss: The deal which brought Ryan O'Reilly and Noel Acciari to the Leafs [0:25] Other trade targets (Jake McCabe, Max Domi, Vladislav Gavrikov) [35:09]
01.29.2023
Episode 196 - Leafs Trade Deadline Targets
Today we discuss the rental market including: Bo Horvat - [2:46] Timo Meier - [4:53] Ryan O'Reilly - [47:00] Vladimir Tarasenko [1:12:39]
01.17.2023
Episode 195 - Evaluating Dubas' Offseason Moves
Today we discuss Kyle Dubas' offseason moves. Timestamps: Calle Jarnkrok - 5:16 Nicolas Aube-Kubel - 14:06 Zach Aston-Reese - 20:02 Denis Malgin / Dryden Hunt - 25:41 Rasmus Sandin / Timothy Liljegren - 29:50 Connor Timmins - 36:57 The Goalies - 43:25 Laughing at the Oilers - 57:45
01.08.2023
Episode 194 - Rielly's Return & Paltry Panthers
Today we discuss: The Leafs play over the past few weeks [1:44] Morgan Rielly’s play this year [4:53] The poor season of the Florida Panthers [26:26] Luc Tardif’s comments after the World Juniors [47:46]
12.18.2022
Episode 193 - Mailbag!
Today we have a mailbag for your listening pleasure, featuring questions about indie rock albums, Leafs trade targets, and the best possible NHL lineup!
12.04.2022
Episode 192 - Re-evaluating the Leafs 2018 Draft
Today we discuss the Leafs 2018 draft in general with a focus to the players who are in the NHL or NHL adjacent now. Timestamps: Rasmus Sandin [4:59] Sean Durzi [14:09] Mac Hollowell [24:15] Filip Kral [35:08] Pontus Holmberg [39:48] Complaining about people who wonder why...
11.27.2022
Episode 191 - Defence Injuries, Matthews' Shooting Slump, & Referee Consipiracies
Today we discuss: The Leafs’ defensive injuries and their impressive play keeping it together despite them [0:45] The Connor Timmins trade [15:37] Auston Matthews’ shooting slump this season [23:30] Whether the referees are in the Leafs pockets [35:35]
11.20.2022
Episode 190: Murray returns strong
Welcome to another episode of Back to Excited. Today we discuss: Matt Murray’s strong performances since his return from injury [4:01] This disappointing season of Rasmus Sandin [9:11] Do we think forwards are more impactful than defensemen [20:35] Has our opinion of the Leafs’...
11.06.2022
Episode 189 - Leafs Beat Bruins, Samsonov Injury, Mitchell MIller Signing
Today we discuss: A deep dive into the Leafs win against the Bruins, including the Bruins changed style from this season, and how it interacts with the Leafs’ strengths and weaknesses [3:30] The general strength of the Bruins this year, and the...
10.23.2022
Episode 188 - Jake Muzzin's Injury & Nick Robertson's Ascendance
Today, topics include: The Jake Muzzin injury, and Rasmus Sandin’s promotion [0:35] Nick Robertson isn’t going back down to the minors [13:01] Is Auston Matthews okay? [17:56] Were we wrong about the Leafs fourth line of Aston-Reese - Kampf - Aube-Kubel? [21:44] The manic Toronto...
10.16.2022
Episode 187 - Impressions from the first week
Today we chat about our takeaways from the first three games of the NHL regular season, including the rejuvenated John Tavares, the Matt Murray injury, and the Leafs strong special teams.
10.11.2022
Episode 186 - Leafs Lines and Pairings Preview
We go through the Leafs projected lines and defense pairings for the foreseeable future in depth, including our expectations, where we’re confident, and where we’re not. Timestamps: Top line (Bunting - Matthews - Marner) [2:30] Second line (Malgin - Tavares - Nylander) [13:12] Third...
09.18.2022
Episode 185 - Leafs Preseason Storylines
Today we discuss a variety of topics related to the questions facing the Leafs as they head into training camp and the preseason, including: The ongoing contract negotiations with Rasmus Sandin [2:05] The enduring hole in the Leafs lineup at second line...
08.28.2022
Episode 184 - Around the NHL (Part 2) - NSH to WPG
Today we discuss the remaining NHL teams and their offseasons. Timestamps: Kadri / Monahan trades - 1:30 NSH - 8:28 NJD - 18:37 NYI - 36:40 NYR - 43:18 OTT - 55:26 PHI - 1:11:13 PIT - 1:20:22 SJS - 1:28:05 SEA - 1:33:59 STL - 1:44:07 TB - 1:53:42 VAN - 2:04:31 VGK -...
08.07.2022
Episode 183 - Around the NHL (Part 1) - ANA to MTL
Today we review the offseasons of the teams from Anaheim to Montreal. Timestamps: Anaheim Ducks - 3:00 Arizona Coyotes - 20:20 Boston Bruins - 36:41 Buffalo Sabres - 46:50 Calgary Flames - 53:23 Carolina Hurricanes - 1:07:04 Chicago Blackhawks - 1:21:09 Colorado Avalanche - 1:34:33 Columbus Blue Jackets - 1:43:34 Dallas...
07.21.2022
Episode 182 - Leafs Offseason Review
Today, we go through the Leafs offseason in full and chat about what we liked and didn't like about it.
05.15.2022
Episode 181 - Series Postmortem & Where the Leafs Go From Here
We discuss the Leafs G7 loss to the Lightning, and where the Leafs go from here.
05.13.2022
Episode 180 - On to Game 7
We chat about Game 6 and what to expect from Game 7
05.11.2022
Episode 179 - Game 5 Rapid Reaction
We discuss the Leafs huge Game 5 win, featuring standout performances from the Big 4 and Jack Campbell
05.05.2022
Episode 178 - Game 2 Rapid Reaction
We go through the Leafs' Game 2 loss, discussing special teams, penalty differentials, and adjustments we'd make if we were Sheldon Keefe.
05.03.2022
Episode 177 - Game 1 Rapid Reaction
We chat about the Leafs dominant Game 1 performance and what to expect from the series going forward.
04.24.2022
Episode 176 - Mailbag
We take listener questions about the Leafs, the NHL and life itself
04.17.2022
Episode 175 - Don't expand the playoffs & non-Atlantic contenders
Today we discuss: Why an NBA-style play-in would be a bad idea in the NHL [1:30] Some of the Stanley Cup Contenders who are not in the Atlantic division (Carolina, Colorado, Calgary, Minnesota, St. Louis, Edmonton) [25:20]
04.10.2022
Episode 174 - Matthews' Excellence, Holl's Steadiness, & Dubas' Mistakes
Today we discuss: Auston Matthews' amazing goalscoring run [0:33] Justin Holl's quietly good season [20:33] Evaluating the thought process behind Kyle Dubas' least successful moves [29:45]
04.03.2022
Episode 173 - First impressions of Giordano + Blackwell
Today we discuss: Our initial impressions of Mark Giordano and Colin Blackwell [1:15] Why a William Nylander trade might actually make sense this offseason [24:30]
03.23.2022
Episode 172 - Trade Deadline Recap
Today we discuss the Leafs’ moves at the trade deadline. This includes sending Travis Dermott to the Canucks, Alex Biega to the Predators, and most critically, acquiring Mark Giordano and Colin Blackwell from the Kraken for a bevy of draft...
03.06.2022
Episode 171 - Matthews for Hart?
Today we discuss the Hart Trophy race, and whether Auston Matthews deserves it over the likes of Johnny Gaudreau, Igor Shesterkin, and Connor McDavid
02.27.2022
Episode 170 - Leafs Goaltending Woes & Teams We Were Wrong About
Today we discuss: The Leafs goaltending issues [0:45] Teams we were wrong about in the pre-season [32:01]
02.20.2022
Episode 169 - Leafs acquire Ilya Lyubushkin, Ryan Dzingel
We go in-depth on the Leafs trade for Ilya Lyubushkin and Ryan Dzingel (in exchange for Nick Ritchie and a 2025 conditional 2nd round pick)
02.13.2022
Episode 168 - Assorted Grievances with Hockey
Today, we rant about random things in hockey that annoy us. Enjoy!
02.06.2022
Episode 167 - Defence, Goaltending, & Coaching Grades
Today we discuss defence, goalie, and coaching grades for the Leafs up to the All-Star break. Timestamps: Morgan Rielly [2:46] TJ Brodie [14:28] Jake Muzzin [20:22] Justin Holl [36:26] Rasmus Sandin [42:00] Travis Dermott [50:41] Timothy Liljegren [58:45] Goaltenders + Coaching [1:04:57]
01.30.2022
Episode 166 - Midseason Grades (Forwards), with Katya Knappe
Today we're joined by the boss of PensionPlanPuppets.com, Katya Knappe. Katya helps us go through all the Leafs forwards and assign them a grade, since we're at the halfway point of the year. Timestamps: Auston Matthews [2:00] Mitch Marner [10:48] William Nylander [27:21] John Tavares...
01.23.2022
Episode 165 - In Depth on Atlantic Contenders
Today we go in-depth on the top teams in the Atlantic (aside from the Leafs) and their strengths, weaknesses, and how the Leafs match up with them. Timestamps The Tampa Bay Lightning [5:09] Florida Panthers [43:55] Boston Bruins [1:05:12]
01.16.2022
Episode 164 - Leafs Weekly Recap and Mitch Marner's Return
Today we discuss: Assorted trends from the last 3 games [3:05] Muzzin + Guy struggling [11:26] Is Timothy Liljegren ready for a 2nd pairing role (probably not) [19:55] The pleasant surprise of the forward depth [23:45] What are the Leafs regaining with Mitch Marner’s return...
01.09.2022
Episode 163 - Around the Atlantic Cellar-Dwellers
Today we discuss: The Leafs game against the Avalanche and the test that faces them over the road trip [0:47] Some awesome plays by Cale Makar [9:00] The Detroit Red Wings [18:25] The Buffalo Sabres [39:37] The Ottawa Senators [54:05] The Montreal Canadiens [1:15:11] Bad Take of...
01.03.2022
Episode 162 - The Leafs play a game!
We talk about the Leafs win against an undermanned Ottawa, Nick Ritchie, and our skepticism that Ilya Mikeheyev is any different to before.

What's Back to Excited Hockey Podcast about?

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Back to Excited Hockey Podcast episodes:

Episode 211 - Mailbag!

Episode 210 - William Nylander Extention & Defense Trade Targets

Episode 209 - Evaluating the Leafs After 20 Games

Episode 208 - Around the NHL (Part 3 of 3)

Episode 207 - Around the NHL (Part 2 of 3)

Episode 206 - Around the NHL (Part 1)

Episode 205 - Leafs Offseason Moves Recap

Episode 204 - Back to the End

Episode 203 - Belated Leafs vs Panthers Preview

Episode 202 - Leafs vs Lightning Series Recap

Episode 201 - Tampa Bay vs Toronto Playoff Series Preview

Episode 200 - 200th Episode Mailbag Special

Episode 199 - Thoughts on Newly Acquired Players

Episode 198 - Trade deadline recap

Episode 197 - Leafs Acquire O'Reilly & Acciari + Other Trade Targets

Episode 196 - Leafs Trade Deadline Targets

Episode 195 - Evaluating Dubas' Offseason Moves

Episode 194 - Rielly's Return & Paltry Panthers

Episode 193 - Mailbag!

Episode 192 - Re-evaluating the Leafs 2018 Draft

Episode 191 - Defence Injuries, Matthews' Shooting Slump, & Referee Consipiracies

Episode 190: Murray returns strong

Episode 189 - Leafs Beat Bruins, Samsonov Injury, Mitchell MIller Signing

Episode 188 - Jake Muzzin's Injury & Nick Robertson's Ascendance

Episode 187 - Impressions from the first week

Episode 186 - Leafs Lines and Pairings Preview

Episode 185 - Leafs Preseason Storylines

Episode 184 - Around the NHL (Part 2) - NSH to WPG

Episode 183 - Around the NHL (Part 1) - ANA to MTL

Episode 182 - Leafs Offseason Review

Episode 181 - Series Postmortem & Where the Leafs Go From Here

Episode 180 - On to Game 7

Episode 179 - Game 5 Rapid Reaction

Episode 178 - Game 2 Rapid Reaction

Episode 177 - Game 1 Rapid Reaction

Episode 176 - Mailbag

Episode 175 - Don't expand the playoffs & non-Atlantic contenders

Episode 174 - Matthews' Excellence, Holl's Steadiness, & Dubas' Mistakes

Episode 173 - First impressions of Giordano + Blackwell

Episode 172 - Trade Deadline Recap

Episode 171 - Matthews for Hart?

Episode 170 - Leafs Goaltending Woes & Teams We Were Wrong About

Episode 169 - Leafs acquire Ilya Lyubushkin, Ryan Dzingel

Episode 168 - Assorted Grievances with Hockey

Episode 167 - Defence, Goaltending, & Coaching Grades

Episode 166 - Midseason Grades (Forwards), with Katya Knappe

Episode 165 - In Depth on Atlantic Contenders

Episode 164 - Leafs Weekly Recap and Mitch Marner's Return

Episode 163 - Around the Atlantic Cellar-Dwellers

Episode 162 - The Leafs play a game!