Hockey Prospectus Radio

Editor-in-Chief Timo Seppa joins newlywed Matthew Coller to preview the new Central Division, arguably the weakest Division in hockey. Take heart, Winnipeg Jets fans!

Editor-in-Chief Timo Seppa joins married-man-to-be, host Matthew Coller, for a second night in a row, this time to preview the other half of the Eastern Conference, the new Atlantic Division.

Hockey Prospectus Radio podcast is back for its third season. Host Matthew Coller discusses the new eight-team Metropolitan Division with editor-in-chief Timo Seppa, kicking off our Division previews. You might be surprised at who ranks third, and last, in hockey’s toughest division.

In the first segment, hosts Matthew Coller and Timo Seppa examine the recent firing of Rangers head coach John Tortorella and ponder the potential replacements. Then, they are joined by Hockey Prospectus author Rob Vollman to discuss the playoffs to date, and look ahead to two fantastic Conference Finals, Pittsburgh vs. Boston and Chicago vs. Los Angeles.

Hosts Matthew Coller and Timo Seppa break down the first round playoff series in the Eastern Conference before bringing in long-time Hockey Prospectus authors Rob Vollman and Jonathan Willis discuss their preview articles for the four Western Conference matchups. It’s a square table, folks. Buh-dump-bump.

Hosts Matthew Coller and Timo Seppa discuss the coaching change in Tampa Bay (no Lindy Ruff) and teams’ needs heading toward the trade deadline. They are joined for the second segment by HP’s fantasy writer Ryan Schwepfinger, who weighs in on real-life trade possibilities in the Pacific Division as well.

Matthew Coller and Timo Seppa talk about the impact of Jarmo Kekalainen taking over in Columbus, and discuss the way ahead for the Blue Jackets. The hosts wrap up by talking about the impact that unsigned RFA Ryan O’Reilly could make on a variety of teams, and the floundering Buffalo Sabres in particular.

Hosts Matthew Coller and Timo Seppa weigh in on the early season, discussing the increased power play opportunities and high PP% that is driving roughly 2x the amount of power play goals in the early season; the Rangers super first line of Rick Nash, Marian Gaborik, and Mike Richards; the “real” impacts of Zack Kassian and Cody Hodgson. Then they’re joined for a discussion of fantasy hockey with new Hockey Prospectus author Ryan Schwepfinger, who talks about his methodology in looking for favorable weekly matchups; waiver wire pickups; and the fantasy impacts of Zack Kassian and Cody Hodgson.

Hosts Timo Seppa and Matthew Coller speak with fellow authors Rob Vollman and Jonathan Willis about our new book Hockey Prospectus 2012-13. We discuss Player Usage Charts, featured in all 30 team chapters, with Rob, their innovator. Rob also lets us know why Nashville might be due for a setback, as Anaheim was in 2011-12. Jonathan weighs in on his local team, Edmonton, before helping us out to discuss a weighty issue - the current CBA negotiations. Finally, Timo, Matt, and Jon give their thoughts on the AHL, which all of them have been following closely…in the absence of NHL hockey.

Hosts Matthew Coller and Timo Seppa continue kicking off a new season of NHL hockey with the second half of our 2012-13 preview, covering the Western Conference. Hockey Prospectus author Jonathan Willis, also of Edmonton Journal, joins the guys to discuss the Northwest Division, and then the boys take it home by going through our projections of the Central and Pacific Divisions.