When Canadians were introduced to Russian hockey at the Summit series in 1972 many in the hockey world were surprised at the skill and grace the Soviet's exuded. They rarely retaliated when they were met with physical adversity. There stoic nature was amazing to watch but they were labelled as "soft". Many experts thought you couldn't win a Stanley Cup with Russians on the roster. Boy things have changed.

This summer Alex Ovechkin became the first Russian player to captain his team to the Stanley Cup. He also won the Conn Smythe trophy as playoff MVP. On this episode of the Hockey Night in Canada podcast we are talking about the evolution of the Russian hockey player in the NHL.

Alexander Mogilny became the first Russian player to defect to North America. We spoke to Former Sabres GM Gerry Meehan who was involved in a James Bond like mission to bring Mogilny to the United States.

We also caught up with Ken Holland who has been with the Red Wings for 36 years as a scout and GM. He was directly involved in scouting and drafting Russians who played an integral part in the Red Wings championships in 97, 98 and 2002.

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The national anthem of Russia performed by the Presidential Orchestra of the Russian Federation.

At only 15 years old, Alexandre Despatie took his first Olympic dive at the 2000 Games in Sydney. He placed fourth against some of the world's best, but when his excitement was met with media disappointment over a 'missed podium', Alexandre discovered that measuring up to his own standards was the most important thing. The lesson stuck with Alexandre as he went on to win two Olympic silver medals, become a nine time Commonwealth Game champion, and a 37 time Canadian National champion. Listen as he and POV host Anastasia Bucsis discuss avoiding the pitfalls of early success, overcoming disappointment, and knowing when to hang up the towel.

The Dreaded Drought blows through the Hockey Night In Canada Podcast this week. Rob Pizzo talks to Former Leafs GM Gord Stellick about the 52 (and counting) dry years for the Leafs, and broadcaster Sam Rosen is happy to reminisce about how his beloved New York Rangers escaped their 54 seasons in the doghouse. Any Canadian can list ten reasons to dislike Toronto, but if you want some sympathy for HogTown? just say 1967. The Maple Leaf's long drought turns hockey lovers maroon with pain in Toronto, but what can we learn from the lean times? And is there a glimmer of hope in that five year horizon presented by the Auston Matthews signing?

For many people hockey has a voice. It's the narrative that makes it come to life. The sound track for the story of so many great games, glorious moments and achievements. Too many to remember.

This week former Hockey Night In Canada reporter Scott Russell fills in for host Rob Pizzo. Scott talks to three legendary voices of the game.

Foster Hewitt was the pioneer?and the three people on this show have all been honoured by the Hockey Hall of Fame with the Foster Hewitt Award because of the voice they lovingly gave to hockey.

Jim Robson made everyone feel welcome as he brought us close to the Canucks way out west.

Dick Irvin delivered a sense of history and we couldn't help but be impressed by the glory of the Montreal Canadiens.

Joe Bowen is all about spirit. An unrepentant fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs. His passion is rarely rivalled and many of us have been caught up in his outright devotion to his team.

It's All-Star weekend on this week's episode of the Hockey Night In Canada podcast. The first official All-Star game was held in 1947 and became an annual tradition where the defending Stanley Cup Champions took on a group of All-Stars.

Since then there have been various format changes and some memorable moments. Gordie Howe returning to Detroit in 1980 to a very long standing ovation. Wayne Gretzky scoring 4 goals in the 3rd period of the 1983 All-Star game and Owen Nolan calling his goal vs Dominik Hasek in the 1997 All-Star game.

Former Hockey Night In Canada host Scott Russell who was part of 10 All-Star game joins us to discuss his favourite moments. Scott was the ice level reporter for many of those games. Ice Level reporter Sophia Jurksztowicz talks to San Jose Sharks president John Tortora about hosting their second All-Star game and what it means to their fan base.

In this week's episode of the Hockey Night In Canada podcast we are talking chirping. The good, bad and ugly of it. Some people call it trash talking or smack talk. Call it what you will but its been a big part of the game for some time now.

If there was a Mount Rushmore of "chirping" Matthew Barnaby would be all four faces! He was one of the all-time great trash talkers and agitators of the game. Barnaby talks candidly about his days of chirping including getting under the skin of one Eric Lindros.

Ice Level reporter Sophia Jurksztowicz has a conversation with another great chirper former Maple Leaf Darcy Tucker. Tucker opens up about a time he crossed the line with a player.

In this week's episode of the Hockey Night In Canada podcast we focus on women and the impact they have made in hockey. Women's hockey has come a long way in the last 30 years. It made its debut at the Olympics in 1998 and the gold medal game is must see TV, and because of that there are multiple professional leagues. Women are coaching, scouting, broadcasting and being inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. But more can be done.

Why not a women referee, head coach or GM in the NHL?

5-time Olympian and 4-time gold medalist Hayley Wickenheiser joins host Rob Pizzo. Wickenheiser is now the Assistant Director of Player Development for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Despite the change, she feels a lot still needs to be done.

Cheryl Pounder is a 2-time Gold medalist, and traded in her stick for a microphone at the Pyeongchang Olympics. Rob talks to her about the transition into broadcasting. Ice Level reporter Sophia Jurksztowicz has a conversation with one of the pioneers of women's hockey Manon Rheaume. She was the first woman to play in any of the major North American pro sports leagues suiting up in net for the Tampa Bay Lightning in 1992.

With the halfway point of the NHL season upon us it's time to take a look at the highs and lows of the year so far. There's been plenty to talk about since the start of the season in October. Who better to break down what's transpired than former Stanley Cup champion Glenn Healy. Rob and Glenn discuss a myriad of topics including goal scoring, Alexander Ovechkin and the favourites to win the Stanley Cup, the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Also one of the biggest surprises in the NHL season has been the Buffalo Sabres. They've gone from being the worst team in the NHL to a potential playoff team. Ice Level reporter Sophia Jurksztowicz caught up with Sabres head coach Phil Housley to find out what's been the difference this season in Buffalo.

In this week's episode of the Hockey Night in Canada podcast, we take a look back at the best interviews of 2018 including Daniel Carcillo opening up about the hazing he experienced while a member of the Sarnia Sting.

The focus of this week's Hockey Night In Canada podcast is hockey books! With Christmas just around the corner, they make for the perfect stocking stuffer.

Actor and comedian Jay Baruchel is a die-hard Canadiens fan. Rob Pizzo had the chance to chat with Baruchel about his new book Born Into It: A Fan's Life, in which Baruchel opens up about his love affair with the Habs and his relationship with his father. Rob also chats with Sportsnet broadcaster Ken Reid about his second book on hockey cards - Hockey Card Stories 2.

Ice Level reporter Sophia Jurksztowicz chats with TSN broadcaster James Duthie, who has written three books in his career, including one on legendary coach and Hockey Hall of Famer Brian Kilrea.