Empty The Benches

Mac and Nick are joined by Capitals insider and NHL on TNT member, Tarik El-Bashir. Tarik drops in to chat all things Caps from Ovi's retirement announcement, the offseason moves, and the young guns finding their roles in DC. The boys also chat about the hot starts by Utah, the Rangers, and Vancouver while looking at the contrasting starts from the Flyers, Flames, and Red Wings. They also discuss thePanthers injury woes and Nick has Mac blind rank hockey companies. 

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In this episode, Nick and Mac dive into the upcoming NHL season, analyzing team prospects, key players, and division predictions. They share insights on teams like the Capitals, Penguins, and Maple Leafs, offering predictions and strategic takes. They also dive into the major changes for the Florida Panthers, the defending Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes, and how the playoff dogfight will shape out in the Eastern Conference. 

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In this episode, the boys analyze the upcoming NHL season, focusing on the Pacific and Central Divisions. They discuss team rosters, key moves, and predictions for playoff contenders and sleepers, providing insights for hockey fans eager for the new season. Nick and Mac analyze the upcoming NHL season, discussing team prospects, key player movements, and division predictions. They provide insights into team strategies, player performances, and potential playoff outcomes.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:22 Introduction and episode overview
02:24 Analyzing Anaheim Ducks' Offseason and Leadership Change
02:32 Colorado Avalanche's prospects and key players
05:14 Calgary Flames' New Look and Roster Strengths
07:02 Minnesota Wild's potential and division chances
08:25 Edmonton Oilers' Season Outlook and Key Players
11:10 Los Angeles Kings' Road to Success
11:46 Winnipeg Jets' goaltending issues and management decisions
13:20 San Jose Sharks' Rebuild and Exciting Prospects
16:32 Vancouver Canucks' Expectations and Young Talent
17:31 Dallas Stars' outlook and key players
19:21 Vegas Golden Knights' Defense and Goaltending Concerns
22:04 Nashville Predators' challenges and outlook
23:11 Pacific Division Predictions and Division Winner
26:18 Seattle Kraken's Future and Purgatory Status
26:53 Division predictions and playoff outlook
29:56 Closing thoughts and final predictions
30:36 Central Division Outlook: Chicago Blackhawks and Patty Kane
33:49 Vegas Golden Knights' Playoff Chances and Outlook

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In this episode, Nick and Mac recap the 2026 NHL Draft, summarize the latest offseason trades, and preview the biggest free agency rumors. They also hit you with a killer hockey trivia, a guess the NHL player, and a this or that. 

Chapters

00:00 Heat Wave and Weekend Adventures

05:50 Nonsensical Questions of the Day

11:46 Draft Day Highlights and Reactions

17:43 Team Trades and Offseason Moves

19:46 Games and Trivia Fun

24:20 NHL Player Comparisons

26:05 Hockey History and Iconic Trades

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In this episode, Nick and Mac are joined by friend of the show and writer/creator of puckuomi.com, Anders Hall, to break down the impending NHL draft and a crazy week of trades. They also discuss the 2026 Hockey Hall of Fame class, preview the 2026 NHL Draft, and the official hiring of Mike Babcock by the Oilers.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Initial Reactions

01:47 Brady Tkachuk's Trade to Florida

04:24 NHL's Shift Towards Player Mobility

13:19 Washington Capitals' Recent Moves

24:04 Chicago Blackhawks' Trade for Bo Byram

29:28 Calgary's Trade for Simon Nemec

31:14 William Eklund's Trade to Ottawa

34:09 Mike Babcock's Controversial Hiring

39:55 Draft Predictions and Team Strategies

51:49 Hall of Fame Class of 2026

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In this episode, Nick and Mac discuss the Stanley Cup victory by the Carolina Hurricanes, the recent wedding they attended, and the latest hockey news including coaching changes and player trades. They share insights, anecdotes, and their thoughts on the league's current state and future moves.

Chapters

00:00 Hockey Season Wrap-Up and Cup Champions

06:00 Wedding Tales and Celebrations

11:55 Stanley Cup Final Analysis

12:52 Coaching Changes and Future Prospects

14:33 Coaching Changes and Team Dynamics

17:15 Toronto Maple Leafs' Goalie Trade Dilemma

19:56 John Carlson's Future in the Eastern Conference

23:16 Predators Acquire Ross Colton: A Strategic Move

25:32 Looking Ahead: Draft and Free Agency Insights

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Nick and Mac are back to get you up to date on all the action from this crazy Stanley Cup Final. They get you ready for a pivotal game 6, discuss their Conn Smythe picks, and take a look at Carolina's goaltending situation. They also dive into the incredible atmospheres in both buildings, the Dylan Larkin trade request, and the Oilers insane move to try and hire Mike Babcock. 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates

02:58 QOTD - World Cup Fan Experience

05:49 Stanley Cup Finals Overview

11:51 Player Performances and Predictions

19:20 Controversial Goals and Officiating in Hockey

20:54 Stanley Cup Final Predictions

21:39 Dylan Larkin's Trade Request

26:47 Darnell Nurse's Situation in Edmonton

28:39 The Coaching Carousel: Mike Babcock and Others

34:29 Trivia Time: Game 7s in Stanley Cup History

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Its Stanley Cup Final time! Nick and Mac are back to get you set for the showdown between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Carolina Hurricanes. They start off the episode by naming five thing they would rather have happen than the Hurricanes winning the Cup, listing some of the greatest toys from their childhood, and the Finns capturing the World Championship in overtime. They also dive into the awkward situation with Bruce Cassidy and the Knights (sick band name), the goaltending matchup in the Cup Final, and the best storylines the series has to offer.

Chapters

00:00 Stanley Cup Final Preview

06:06 Nostalgia for Childhood Toys

11:54 Avalanche's Playoff Performance Discussion

16:58 Coaching Changes and Team Dynamics

20:54 The Cutthroat Nature of Professional Sports

23:48 Previewing the Stanley Cup Final

24:23 Analyzing Team Strengths and Weaknesses

28:04 Expectations for the Stanley Cup Final

29:59 Goaltending Matchup Insights

32:27 Storylines and Predictions for the Final

34:55 Trivia and Player Connections

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In this episode, Nick and Mac dive into the shocking 3-0 series lead for Vegas over Colorado, the continued overtime magic of the Carolina Hurricanes, and the first Walter Cup for the Montreal Victoire. They also take a look at teams to have overcome the 3-0 deficit, Vegas leading the playoffs in just about every stat category, and Evgeni Malkin's return to the Pittsburgh Penguins for next season.

Chapters

00:00 Memorial Day Weekend Reflections

03:03 NHL Team Loyalty and Future Prospects

06:00 Malkin's Contract and PWHL Expansion

08:58 Team Naming Ideas for New PWHL Teams

11:57 Stanley Cup Odds and Playoff Insights

17:02 Vegas Knights' Resilience and Colorado's Struggles

21:54 Carter Hart's Impact and Team Dynamics

26:50 Montreal's Overtime Challenges and Game Strategy

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Welcome to the Conference Finals! Nick and Mac get you set with all their takes on the final four NHL teams remaining. They break down the goaltending matchup between Andersen and Dobes, the absence of Cale Makar in game 1, and the nearly two weeks off for the Hurricanes. They also list their 3 most hated NHL teams, debate which team should be the most concerned with heir 3rd round matchup, and take a look at the incredibly close Walter Cup Finals. 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Current Sports Landscape

08:53 Montreal's Exciting Playoff Journey

14:54 Transitioning to the Conference Finals

20:57 Analyzing the Western Conference Matchup

23:31 Introduction to the Eastern Conference Playoffs

24:16 Carolina Hurricanes' Performance and Challenges

25:43 Montreal Canadiens' Momentum and Strategy

27:14 Goaltending Matchup: Key to Success

29:03 Offensive Contributions from Montreal

30:58 Predictions for the Series

34:04 Con Smythe Candidates and Team Impressions

36:37 Concerns for Remaining Teams

40:39 Trivia and Final Thoughts

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