Hockey Talk with TG

The Carolina Hurricanes are headed to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 2006 after a dominant series win over the Montreal Canadiens. What made Carolina so unstoppable, what went wrong for Montreal, and who has the edge in the Stanley Cup Final showdown against the Vegas Golden Knights? All that and more on today's episode of the Hockey Talk with TG Podcast.

Hello guys, welcome back to another episode of Hockey Talk with TG!

In this episode, I break down the Carolina Hurricanes' dominant 6-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final and how Carolina punched its ticket to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 2006. We discuss the Hurricanes' incredible playoff run, the impact of Taylor Hall, Logan Stankoven, and Jackson Blake, and why Carolina's depth, puck possession, and relentless pressure proved too much for Montreal to handle throughout the series.

I also share my biggest takeaways from Game 5, including Carolina's overwhelming first-period performance, the depth that helped win the series, and how the Hurricanes finally exorcised years of playoff heartbreak by advancing past the Conference Final. Plus, we look back at the overall series and examine why Carolina controlled play after Game 1 despite the Canadiens' impressive underdog run through the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Finally, I preview the 2026 Stanley Cup Final between the Carolina Hurricanes and Vegas Golden Knights. We break down key storylines, strengths and weaknesses, special teams, players to watch, X-factors, and what could ultimately decide the series. Can Carolina complete one of the most dominant playoff runs in recent memory, or will Vegas capture its second Stanley Cup in four years?

So sit back, relax, and enjoy the episode.

DON'T FORGET to FOLLOW the Hockey Talk with TG Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube Channel. We're with you EVERY Tuesday and Thursday from 1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., so make sure to give this podcast a follow.

Your No. 1 podcast for ALL things hockey.

Timestamps in case anyone wanted them. I know this was a long episode of the Hockey Talk with TG Podcast and there was plenty to discuss. In case you wanted to here a specific segment, here you go:

00:00 - 1:55 (Introduction)

01:55 - 17:08 (Hurricanes vs Canadiens Game 5 Recap)

17:10 - 33:35 (Key Takeaways from Game 5 of Hurricanes vs Canadiens)

33:35 - 52:07 (2026 Stanley Cup Final Preview & Predictions)

The Carolina Hurricanes are absolutely dominating the Eastern Conference Final right now, and after a commanding 4-0 shutout win over the Montreal Canadiens in Game 4, Carolina is now just ONE win away from the Stanley Cup Final.

We break down Carolina’s dominant performance, Montreal’s offensive struggles, the biggest takeaways from the Eastern Conference Final, and preview a massive Game 5 Friday night. All that and more on today’s episode of the Hockey Talk with TG Podcast.

Hello guys, welcome back to another episode of Hockey Talk with TG!

In this episode, we break down the Carolina Hurricanes’ dominant 4-0 shutout victory over the Montreal Canadiens in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Final and discuss how Carolina is now just ONE win away from reaching the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 2006. Frederik Andersen was sensational once again, recording his third shutout of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs while setting a new Hurricanes franchise record with five career playoff shutouts.

We also dive into Carolina’s complete domination throughout the game, including their relentless forecheck, overwhelming puck possession, and explosive first period that completely changed the momentum of the night. Sebastian Aho, Jordan Staal, Logan Stankoven, and Andrei Svechnikov all stepped up as the Hurricanes outshot Montreal 44-18 and continued one of the most dominant playoff stretches we’ve seen this postseason.

Plus, we discuss the biggest takeaways from Game 4, what has gone wrong for the Canadiens offensively, why Jakub Dobes deserved much better despite an incredible performance in net, and whether this series is officially over. We also preview Game 5 Friday night as Carolina looks to punch its ticket to the Stanley Cup Final.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy the episode!

DON’T FORGET to FOLLOW the Hockey Talk with TG Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeartRadio, and SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube channel for more hockey content. We’re with you EVERY Tuesday and Thursday from 1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Your No. 1 podcast for ALL things hockey.

The Vegas Golden Knights are headed back to the Stanley Cup Final after completing a shocking sweep of the Colorado Avalanche! I break down how Vegas dominated the Presidents’ Trophy winners, why John Tortorella has completely transformed this team, and what went wrong for Nathan MacKinnon and Colorado.

Plus, can the Montreal Canadiens bounce back and even their series against the Carolina Hurricanes in a pivotal Game 4? All that and more on today’s episode of the Hockey Talk with TG Podcast.

Hello guys, welcome back to another episode of Hockey Talk with TG!

In this episode, I break down the Vegas Golden Knights completing a shocking series sweep over the Colorado Avalanche after a huge 2-1 win in Game 4. We discuss how Vegas advanced to the Stanley Cup Final for the third time in franchise history, why John Tortorella has completely changed the identity of this team since taking over behind the bench, and how the Golden Knights controlled the style of play throughout the entire series. I also dive into the Presidents’ Trophy curse continuing, Colorado’s injury struggles, and why Vegas’ depth overwhelmed the Avalanche from top to bottom.

We also talk about key performances from Mark Stone, Carter Hart, Cole Smith, and Gabriel Landeskog, while discussing what went wrong for Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and the Avalanche despite entering the playoffs as one of the favorites to win the Stanley Cup. Plus, I give my biggest takeaways from the series and explain why Vegas suddenly looks like the most complete team remaining in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Later in the episode, I preview a massive Game 4 matchup between the Carolina Hurricanes and Montreal Canadiens with Carolina leading the series 2-1. I break down the biggest keys for Montreal heading into tonight’s game, including why the Canadiens must regain their playoff identity, generate more offensive-zone time, and get bigger performances from stars like Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky, and Ivan Demidov if they want to even the series at home against a relentless Hurricanes team.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy the episode!

DON’T FORGET to FOLLOW the Hockey Talk with TG Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeartRadio, and SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube channel! We’re with you EVERY Tuesday and Thursday from 1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. bringing you the latest NHL news, Stanley Cup Playoff coverage, hockey analysis, game breakdowns, rumors, and more.

Your No. 1 podcast for ALL things hockey.

The Vegas Golden Knights storm back from a 3-0 deficit and now have the Colorado Avalanche on the brink of elimination. Are the Avs officially cooked, or can they pull off one of the greatest comeback stories in NHL history?

Plus, the Carolina Hurricanes win another overtime thriller against the Canadiens and are starting to look like one of the most dangerous teams left in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. All that and more on today’s episode of the Hockey Talk with TG Podcast.

Hello guys, welcome back to another episode of Hockey Talk with TG!

In today’s episode, we break down the Vegas Golden Knights’ INSANE 5-3 comeback win over the Colorado Avalanche in Game 3 of the Western Conference Final as VGK now leads the series 3-0. After trailing 3-0 early, Vegas stormed back with five unanswered goals as Tomas Hertl delivered the highlight-reel game-winning goal and the Golden Knights moved one win away from returning to the Stanley Cup Final for the second time in four years.

We also dive deep into the biggest question surrounding this series right now: Are the Avalanche cooked? Colorado entered the playoffs as the Presidents’ Trophy winners and Stanley Cup favorites, but now find themselves facing elimination heading into a must-win Game 4. We discuss what has gone wrong for the Avs, how the absence of Cale Makar impacted the first two games, why Vegas has completely controlled the biggest moments of the series, and whether Nathan MacKinnon and Colorado still have a realistic path to becoming just the fifth team in NHL history to come back from a 3-0 series deficit.

Plus, we recap the Carolina Hurricanes’ 3-2 overtime win over the Montreal Canadiens in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final as Andrei Svechnikov scored the OT game-winner to give Carolina back-to-back overtime victories and a 2-1 series lead. We talk about how the Hurricanes are finally starting to look like themselves again with dominant puck possession, relentless forechecking, and complete control of the pace through the last two games of the series.

Can the Avalanche pull off a miracle comeback? Are the Golden Knights destined for another Stanley Cup Final appearance? And are the Hurricanes beginning to take over the Eastern Conference Final? We break down all the biggest storylines, key moments, and overall takeaways from both conference finals matchups.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy the episode!

DON’T FORGET to FOLLOW the Hockey Talk with TG Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeartRadio, and SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube channel. We’re with you EVERY Tuesday and Thursday from 1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Your No. 1 podcast for ALL things hockey.

The Golden Knights take Game 1 in Denver behind composure and strong goaltending from Carter Hart, while Juraj Slafkovsky delivers a statement performance in Raleigh as both Conference Finals heat up early. Plus, we break down the latest on Cale Makar’s status heading into Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals tonight between the Golden Knights and Avalanche. All that and more on today’s episode of the Hockey Talk with TG Podcast.

Welcome back to another episode of Hockey Talk with TG!

In this episode, we break down the Vegas Golden Knights stealing Game 1 in Denver with a huge 4-2 win over the Colorado Avalanche and what this result could mean for the rest of the Western Conference Final. We discuss Carter Hart’s massive performance in net, Vegas’ disciplined defensive structure under John Tortorella, and whether Colorado’s dominance in possession numbers actually tells a different story than the final score.

We also dive into the impact of Cale Makar’s absence, why the Avalanche still controlled large portions of the game despite the loss, and what adjustments Colorado needs to make heading into a massive Game 2. Plus, can Vegas continue winning this style of playoff hockey without needing to dominate territorially?

Then we shift over to the Eastern Conference Final as the Montreal Canadiens shocked the Carolina Hurricanes 6-2 in Raleigh to take Game 1. We talk about Montreal’s explosive first period, the dominance of the Canadiens’ young core led by Juraj Slafkovsky, Nick Suzuki, and Cole Caufield, and whether Carolina’s long layoff may have played a role in the loss.

We also discuss what the Hurricanes need to clean up defensively, whether Montreal’s underdog playoff run is becoming impossible to ignore, and what to expect heading into Game 2 of both conference final matchups. Plus, we give quick thoughts on the NHL being named League of the Year by Sports Business Journal and congratulate the Montreal Victoire on winning the PWHL Cup.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy the episode!

DON’T FORGET to FOLLOW the Hockey Talk with TG Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube channel. We’re with you EVERY Tuesday and Thursday from 1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. for all the latest NHL news, Stanley Cup Playoff coverage, analysis, reactions, and more.

Your No. 1 podcast for ALL things hockey.

Alex Newhook comes up clutch yet again in Game 7 as the Canadiens advance to the Eastern Conference Finals, while the Sabres’ magical playoff run comes to a heartbreaking end. Plus, the new Mid-South pro hockey team officially reveals its identity as the Mid-South Monarchs. We also give full breakdowns and predictions for both 2026 NHL Conference Finals matchups. All that and more on today’s episode of the Hockey Talk with TG Podcast.

Hello guys, welcome back to another episode of Hockey Talk with TG!

In today’s episode, we break down the Montreal Canadiens’ thrilling 3-2 overtime Game 7 win over the Buffalo Sabres as Alex Newhook delivers another clutch playoff moment to send Montreal to the Eastern Conference Finals. We discuss Newhook’s game-winning goal, Jakub Dobes stepping up in net, the controversial disallowed Sabres goal, and why this series turned into one of the best matchups of the entire Stanley Cup Playoffs.

We also take a deep dive into the Buffalo Sabres’ incredible turnaround season after missing the playoffs for 14 straight years. From their dominant second-half surge to Rasmus Dahlin’s leadership, Buffalo proved they are no longer an easy team to overlook. Even after the heartbreaking Game 7 loss, we discuss why the future is still bright for the Sabres and what they need to improve if they want to become true Stanley Cup contenders moving forward.

Plus, we react to the HUGE announcement of the new Mid-South Monarchs professional hockey team coming to the Memphis/Mid-South region. We talk about the Monarchs’ branding, logo, purple-and-gold color scheme, the return of pro hockey to the area for the first time since the RiverKings era, and why this could be a massive moment for hockey growth in the South.

And finally, we preview BOTH 2026 NHL Conference Finals matchups:

• Colorado Avalanche vs Vegas Golden Knights
• Carolina Hurricanes vs Montreal Canadiens

Can Vegas slow down Colorado’s elite speed and transition game? Will Carolina’s long rest hurt their momentum against a battle-tested Canadiens squad? We break down the biggest storylines, X-factors, playoff performances, goaltending matchups, and give our full Conference Finals predictions and early Stanley Cup Final picks.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy the episode!

DON’T FORGET to FOLLOW the Hockey Talk with TG Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeartRadio, and SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube channel for more hockey content every Tuesday and Thursday. Your No. 1 podcast for ALL things hockey.

Hello guys, welcome back to another episode of Hockey Talk with TG!

In this episode, I take you inside the growing hockey scene in the Mid-South, breaking down the Adult Hockey League at Mid-South Ice House in Olive Branch, Mississippi. Hockey might not be the first sport that comes to mind in places like Memphis, but the game is quickly gaining traction—and this league is proof that hockey is thriving in the South.

We dive into how the league operates, from its structured divisions (novice, intermediate, and advanced) to the wide range of talent on the ice. Whether you’re a complete beginner learning to skate or a former high-level player, this league truly has something for everyone. I also break down what makes the competition unique, including the high skill level in the advanced division and how the league continues to grow year after year.

Another key focus of this episode is the strong sense of community built through Sunday night games. With over 325 registered players, the league brings together locals, University of Memphis students, and hockey lovers from up North who are now calling the Mid-South home. I also share my personal experience playing in the league and why it’s such a great opportunity for anyone looking to get into hockey.

We also touch on the bigger picture—because hockey in the Mid-South is only getting started. With professional hockey officially returning to the Memphis area in October 2026 as part of the Federal Prospects Hockey League, the growth of leagues like this is happening at the perfect time. A new team based out of the Landers Center will bring pro hockey back to the region after nearly a decade, showing that the demand for hockey in the South is stronger than ever.

If you’ve ever thought about playing hockey—or just want to see how the sport is expanding into new regions—this episode is for you. From accessibility and affordability to the passion behind the players, we cover what makes this league special and why hockey continues to grow beyond its traditional markets.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy the episode.

DON’T FORGET to FOLLOW the Hockey Talk with TG Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, and SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube Channel. We’re with you EVERY Tuesday and Thursday from 1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., so make sure to give this podcast a follow.

Your No. 1 podcast for ALL things hockey.

The Avalanche take Game 2 over the Wild. The Toronto Maple Leafs shock the hockey world and win the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery. All that and more on today’s episode of the Hockey Talk with TG Podcast.

Hello guys. Welcome back to another episode of Hockey Talk with TG.

In this episode, I break down the Colorado Avalanche taking Game 2 against the Minnesota Wild and react to the shocking results of the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery.

The Avalanche stay red-hot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, taking a 2-0 series lead behind a dominant performance from Nathan MacKinnon. But this series is a lot closer than it looks. I dive into what Minnesota is doing right, why they’re still very much in this matchup, and the biggest keys heading into a crucial Game 3 that could shift the entire series.

I also react to the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery, where the Toronto Maple Leafs shock the hockey world by landing the No. 1 overall pick. I break down what this means for the franchise, the decision between Gavin McKenna and Ivan Stenberg, and how this pick could impact the future of Auston Matthews and the direction of the team moving forward.

Plus, I preview Game 1 between the Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres, a highly anticipated second-round matchup featuring two evenly matched teams. I go over key players to watch, the importance of goaltending, and why this series could turn into one of the most exciting battles of the playoffs.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy the episode.

DON'T FORGET to FOLLOW the Hockey Talk with TG Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, and SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube Channel. We're with you EVERY Tuesday and Thursday from 1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. so make sure to give this podcast a follow.

Your No. 1 podcast for ALL things hockey.

The Hurricanes extend their series lead behind another clutch performance, while the Golden Knights open theirs with a controversial game-winning goal. Meanwhile, the rest of the Stanley Cup Playoffs continue to heat up with high-intensity matchups. All that and more on today’s episode of the Hockey Talk with TG Podcast.

Hello guys. Welcome back to another episode of Hockey Talk with TG.

In this episode, I break down the latest from the Stanley Cup Playoffs, including the Carolina Hurricanes storming to a 2-0 series lead over the Philadelphia Flyers after a dramatic overtime win.

We dive into Taylor Hall’s clutch performance, Carolina’s dominant postseason run, and why this series may not be over just yet despite the early deficit.I also analyze how the Flyers responded in Game 2, making key adjustments offensively and turning it into a much more competitive matchup. Can Philadelphia carry that momentum back home for Games 3 and 4? Plus, what they must fix defensively and how this series could shift moving forward.

Then, we get into the Vegas Golden Knights’ Game 1 win over the Anaheim Ducks, highlighted by Ivan Barbashev’s controversial game-winning goal. Was it the right call or did the Ducks get robbed? I break down the full sequence, the reaction, and what it means for the series going forward.

We also preview Game 2 between the Minnesota Wild and Colorado Avalanche following their high-scoring Game 1, and discuss the NHL Draft Lottery happening tonight with major implications for teams like the Chicago Blackhawks.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy the episode.

DON'T FORGET to FOLLOW the Hockey Talk with TG Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube Channel. We're with you EVERY Tuesday and Thursday from 1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. so make sure to give this podcast a follow.

Your No. 1 podcast for ALL things hockey.

The second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs is underway, and we already have some exciting matchups, including Avalanche vs. Wild and Sabres vs. Canadiens. We break down matchup previews for all four series, highlight what to watch for, and give out our full predictions. All that and more on today’s episode of the Hockey Talk with TG Podcast.

Hello guys. Welcome back to another episode of Hockey Talk with TG.

In this episode, I break down the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs Second Round matchups, going series-by-series through each matchup and discussing how every team got here, what the matchups look like, and what to expect as the second round unfolds.

We start with a breakdown of Buffalo Sabres vs. Montreal Canadiens, an 8th all-time playoff meeting and their first matchup since 1998. I go over how both teams advanced in the first round, their regular season meetings, and why this series is shaping up to be extremely competitive based on how close every game was during the season. I also discuss the different styles each team brings into the matchup, along with the key players and goaltending situations that could play a major role in how this series plays out.

Next, we move into Anaheim Ducks vs. Vegas Golden Knights, a first-ever postseason meeting between the two teams. I break down how both teams got here after strong first-round performances, Vegas’ experience advantage in deep playoff runs, and Anaheim’s confidence coming off a strong upset series. I also look at their season matchup history, team styles, and what each side will need to focus on to compete in this series.

Then we shift to the Minnesota Wild vs. Colorado Avalanche, one of the most anticipated matchups of the second round. I go over how both teams advanced, their regular season series split, and the different strengths both sides bring into this matchup — including Colorado’s top-end star power and Minnesota’s depth and balanced attack. I also break down how Game 1 set the tone and what that means for the rest of the series, along with key areas like defense, goaltending, and momentum swings.

Finally, we look at Carolina Hurricanes vs. Philadelphia Flyers, where Carolina has taken early control of the series. I discuss Carolina’s strong start to the playoffs, their structured defensive system, and how they’ve been able to dictate play early in games. On the Flyers’ side, I go over what needs to change moving forward, especially in terms of forechecking and generating offense against a structured opponent.

Across all four series, I highlight the biggest playoff themes so far — tight matchups, momentum swings, star performances, and which teams are finding ways to control games in key moments.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy the episode.

DON’T FORGET to FOLLOW the Hockey Talk with TG Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube Channel. We’re with you EVERY Tuesday and Thursday from 1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. so make sure to give this podcast a follow.

Your No. 1 podcast for ALL things hockey.