The boys are back to break down the latest of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Nick and Mac dive into the Canes sweep of the Flyers, the seemingly unstoppable Colorado Avalanche, and the electric series between Vegas and Anaheim.  The boys are also joined by Charlie McCulley of Triple Deke Vintage, who stops by to chat all things vintage hockey gear. Nick and Mac also take a look at the game 5 postponement for the PWHL, Charlie McAvoy's suspension, and wrap up with some game 7 goalscorer trivia.

Chapters

01:13 Into and farming nonsense

02:29 Charlie McAvoy suspension

03:35 Hurricanes sweep Flyers

06:11 Sabres & Canadiens update

12:53 Avalanche & Wild update

22:01 Ducks & Golden Knights update

27:47 Charlie McCulley of Triple Deke Vintage

45:22 PWHL postpones pivotal game 5

46:49 TRIVIA - game 7 goalscorers

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Join Nick and Mackane as they dissect the first round of the NHL playoffs, share their insights on series outcomes, standout players, and the upcoming second round matchups. Get expert analysis, hot takes, and predictions for the Stanley Cup race.

Chapters

00:00 Beach Time and Friendships

03:04 Hockey Postseason Overview

06:02 Hurricanes vs. Senators: A Boring Sweep

08:08 Buffalo vs. Boston: A Thrilling Rivalry

11:04 Battle of Pennsylvania: Flyers vs. Penguins

13:55 Tampa Bay vs. Montreal: A Surprising Series

17:05 Western Conference Roundup: Avs and Kings

19:59 Dallas vs. Minnesota: A Historic Clash

22:51 Vegas vs. Utah: A Series of Missed Opportunities

30:01 The Ducks' Unexpected Playoff Journey

35:37 The Wild Series Dynamics

36:22 Disappointment in the First Round

37:57 Blind Ranking First Round Matchups

39:36 Analyzing the Second Round Series

43:09 The Sabres vs. Canadiens Anticipation

44:38 Breaking News: Draft Lottery Shock

46:09 Ducks vs. Golden Knights Preview

47:43 Avalanche vs. Wild High-Scoring Game

50:56 Dream Conference Finals Matchups

52:46 Draft Lottery Results and Reactions

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For their 300th Episode Nick and Mac are joined by Alan May. Alan shares his journey to the NHL from growing up just outside the Arctic Circle, to playing in the AHL, and ultimately his NHL career. He also shares insights into his current role with the Caps broadcasting crew and gives some incredible motivation that kept him going through his career. The boys spend the rest of the eppy getting you caught up on the Stanley Cup Playoffs, running through some of their favorite guests, and finishing up with a trivia about playoff hat tricks. 

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The boys are joined by Washington Capitals radio host and content director Katie Florio! Katie shares her journey from Clemson University, to the AHL, and to her current role with the Caps. She gives some great insight into the day to day of her roles, the prep that goes into running multiple shows, and how to maintain relationships with the team. Nick and Mac also break down the Red Wings falloff, the major milestones for Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki, and the legendary career of Jonathan Quick. 

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The boys are joined by Leo Calvo of Chuckin' Fists to break down both the east and west playoff races. Leo gives his thoughts on why his Penguins ha a resurgence under Dan Muse, why the Flyers should scare anyone in the east, and what went wrong for the Red Wings in the last couple weeks. Nick and Mac also break down the upcoming Frozen Four matchups, the Washington Capitals calling up Ilya Protas, and the PWHL selling out Madison Square Garden.

Chapters

00:14 Intro and approaching 300 episodes

01:38 QOTD - memorable playoff series

05:00 PWHL sells out MSG

12:36 Playoff race with Leo Calvo of Chuckin' Fists

43:37 The Weekly ReCap

49:15 Frozen Four preview

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In this episode, Nick and Mac are joined by Penn State starts Danica Maynard and Grace Outwater. They share their experiences following an amazing season for the Nittany Lions, their outdoor game at Beaver Stadium, and their paths to choosing college hockey. The boys also discuss the men's and women's NCAA hockey tournaments, the recent ups and downs of the Washington Capitals, and the shock front office moves made by the Leafs and Knights. BONUS: Mac discusses his major career change. 

00:00 Weather Woes and Hockey Life

03:04 Joining a New Beer League

05:57 A New Path: Going Back to Dental School

08:52 Hockey Management Shakeups

11:57 College Hockey Highlights and Upsets

14:47 Women’s Hockey Championship and Men’s Frozen Four Preview

19:51 Interview with Penn State Hockey Players

21:45 Caps' Playoff Hopes and Recent Games

26:17 Refereeing Controversies in Hockey

29:44 Debuts and Expectations for New Players

31:51 Trivia Time: NHL's Most Productive Wingers

36:14 Mackane's New Journey in Dental School

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In this episode, we unravel the latest in NHL playoff races, from the wild card chaos in the East to the strange standings in the West, plus a deep dive into the Detroit Red Wings' push to the postseason. Our guest, Ryan Lott, producer of the Athletes podcast and a die-hard Wings enthusiast, shares insider insights on key players like Dylan Larkin’s injury update, the goaltending evolution with Jon Gibson, and the surprising rise of young prospects such as Edvinson and Cossa. Ryan also breaks down how Detroit can navigate the tricky matchups ahead, and reveals what makes Tampa Bay a constant threat — plus predictions on who’s going all the way.

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In this episode Nick and Mac break down the USA sled hockey team capping off the Gold Medal sweep, Cole Hutson signing with the Capitals, and the recently announced 2028 World Cup of Hockey. They also dive into what the Caps future core could look like and wrap up with two wild trivia questions. 

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In this episode, hosts Nick and Mac discuss the latest in sports, including trade deadline reactions, memorable hockey games, and an insightful interview with Eva Erickson, a survivor and hockey player. They analyze team surprises, trade deals, and share personal insights, making it a must-listen for hockey fans. Eva Erickson shares her unique journey from Minnesota high school hockey to Survivor, highlighting how her sports background influenced her gameplay and her efforts to make hockey more inclusive.

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In this episode of the Empty the Benches podcast, hosts Nick Mannella and Mackane Vogel welcome Tyler Madarasz, co-host and producer of NHL Morning Skate on SiriusXM. The conversation dives into the excitement surrounding the NHL trade deadline, reflecting on Olympic hockey, and discussing various teams' needs and potential player movements. The trio explores the struggles of the Toronto Maple Leafs, the fit of certain players on different teams, and the potential for significant trades as the deadline approaches. With insights on key players like Robert Thomas, Vincent Trocheck, and Evander Kane, the episode captures the anticipation and chaos that often accompanies the trade deadline in the NHL.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Olympic Reflections

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