Patrik Laine has been healthy scratched in Columbus by Pascal Vincent. Jeff and Elliotte debate whether this was the right decision to make or if it could've been handled differently. They also discuss the potential impact of this down season from Columbus on star prospect Adam Fantilli. The guys also provide some updates on the World Cup of Hockey and this season's All Star Game in Toronto and Jeff tells an amazing story that will knock your socks off in this edition of the Montana's Thought Line.

Does Something Need to Give in Columbus?

Hockey fans already know the name, but this is not the blog. From Sportsnet, 32 Thoughts: The Podcast with Jeff Marek and NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman is a weekly deep dive into the biggest news and interviews from the hockey world.

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Hockey

Jeff and Elliotte discuss pivotal Game 5 matchups in the NHL, focusing on the Leafs' and Predators' victories to stay alive. They debate coaching decisions and analyze teams that were eliminated, including the Jets, Islanders, and Lightning. Shifting gears, they discuss coaching situations across the league, including Mike Sullivan in Pittsburgh and Dave Hakstol in Seattle.

Staving Season

Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman open with the Oilers' win over the Kings, the Canucks' comeback against the Predators, and the Maple Leafs' struggles against the Bruins. They also analyze the performances of the Jets, who trail Colorado 3-1. In the latter half, they cover American matchups, including the Stars vs. Golden Knights and Lightning vs. Panthers series. They also reflect on the Rangers' elimination of the Capitals and the Islanders' fight against the Hurricanes.

The First Round Grind Is Setting In

In this episode of 32 Thoughts, Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman pay tribute to Bob Cole. They discuss the Florida Panthers' commanding lead over the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Carolina Hurricanes' similar dominance over the New York Islanders. They touch on William Nylander's absence, the firing of David Quinn in San Jose, and share insights on the Ottawa head coaching job, plus plenty more.

Everything is Happening

In this episode of 32 Thoughts, Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman review recent NHL action, including standout plays and team performances. They discuss Thatcher Demko's injury, Sergei Bobrovsky's remarkable save, Auston Matthews' excellence, and the dominance of teams like the New York Rangers and Edmonton Oilers. They also highlight Mark Stone's return to the Vegas Golden Knights and the Carolina Hurricanes' strong start against the New York Islanders. 
In the final segment of the podcast, the hosts discuss recent coaching moves in the NHL. They cover the Buffalo Sabres' hiring of Lindy Ruff as their new head coach and Ron Francis considering Dave Hakstol's future. Additionally, they touch on Pat Verbeek's plans for player acquisitions during the offseason.

Block Party

In this edition of 32 Thoughts, Jeff and Elliotte chat with Ryan Smith, the NHL's newest team owner, about bringing NHL hockey to Salt Lake City, Utah and acquiring the Coyotes. Smith discusses potential branding and invites fans to help choose the team's name while sharing his initial experiences with the players and his plans to grow the game in Utah.

Does Something Need to Give in Columbus?

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