Locked On NHL - Daily Podcast On The National Hockey League

On today’s episode of Locked On NHL, hosts Nick Zararis (Locked On Oilers) and Hunter Hodies (Locked On Penguins) break down the shifting power dynamics of the NHL as the playoffs approach.

In This Episode:

The Surging Sabres & Blue Jackets: Are these two young teams finally for real? We dive into the Buffalo Sabres’ lead in the Atlantic and the Columbus Blue Jackets’ incredible 16-2-4 run under Rick Bowness. Plus, why Zach Werenski is playing like a Norris Trophy winner

Dallas Stars’ Championship Window: The Stars have been one of the most consistent teams over the last five years, but with an aging core including Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin, is this their last true shot at a Stanley Cup?.

Teams in Denial: We dissect why the New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Philadelphia Flyers are in dangerous territory. From Adam Fox’s frustration in New York to the uncertainty surrounding Auston Matthews’ future in Toronto, we explain why these "retools" might not be enough

05:48 Columbus Rising in Playoff Race

08:47 "Playoff Chaos: Penguins & Stars"

11:05 "Dallas Stars' Aging Contention Window"

13:14 "Dallas Closing In on Avalanche"

19:03 Offseason Decisions & Hiring Solutions

21:53 "Teams Stuck In Denial"

24:45 Maple Leafs' Future Under Scrutiny

28:10 "Team Needs Reliable Starting Goalie"

30:47 "Locked On NHL Wrap-Up"

Buffalo Sabres & Blue Jackets are FOR REAL! + Why the Rangers & Flyers are in Denial

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The Avalanche and Stars needed a shootout. The Devils put the Rangers away. Carolina and Pittsburgh play an overtime thriller. Philadelphia avoids a collapse out west. Ovechkin makes history... and so do the St. Louis Blues.

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Ross Levitan and Mike DiStefano discuss the east playoff race, Leon Draisaitl being ruled out for the regular season, plus 3 Stars of the Week and MVP talk!

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GAME NIGHT: Montreal Canadiens WIN In BIG Atlantic Division Contest versus the Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres SHUTOUT Vegas, and Nikita Kucherov RECORDS 5 Points in MASSIVE win over the Seattle Kraken.

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World Cup of Hockey’s 2028 return sparks controversy and anticipation—is Russia making a comeback on the international stage? Seth Toupal and JD Young break down the latest World Cup news, including host cities Calgary and Prague, debate tournament structure, and analyze what Russia’s potential reinstatement could mean for NHL stars like Nikita Kucherov and Alexander Ovechkin. Could this open the door for IIHF events and reshape the global hockey power rankings?

Wild card races heat up as the San Jose Sharks, Seattle Kraken, and Los Angeles Kings battle for playoff survival in the chaotic Western Conference, while the Detroit Red Wings, Boston Bruins, and Ottawa Senators fight for the last postseason spots in the East. Plus, get a special St. Patrick’s Day power ranking: Who are the greatest Patricks in post-lockout NHL history? Don’t miss rapid-fire insight and bold predictions as teams chase a golden ticket to the playoffs.

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The Devils win an absolutely bonkers game over Boston. It's all Penguins on an off-night for the Avalanche. Utah's third period separation is helping them separate with the other Western Conference fringe teams. Plus, the Kings and Wings both win on nights when they had to have it.

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Cutter Gauthier's big moment versus Montreal propels a Ducks win in regulation. Ottawa explodes to beat San Jose. Minnesota wastes the weekend. Edmonton suffers a potential major injury in a win over Nashville. Seattle blows out Florida. The Central Division all-disappointment bowl ends in disappointment. 

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The Toronto Maple Leafs are still dealing with the fallout of the dirty hit by Radko Gutus on Auston Matthews. That includes their failure to respond to the play on the ice and the NHL Department of Player Safety's failure to adequately penalize Gudas.

David Morassutti of Locked On Leafs joins us to discuss what the incident says about the team, coach Craig Berube and the future of the Leafs roster. 

Leon Draisaitl left the Edmonton Oilers Sunday night win over the Nashville Predators after the first period and did not return. How would his potential absence impact the team's playoff hopes?

Nick Zararis of Locked On Oilers joins us to discuss that plus why the team hasn't played as well this season what the team needs to do to make a late run to the playoffs.

The Chicago Blackhawks are unlikely to make the playoffs this season but Connor Bedard and company are certainly making progress.

Jack Bushman of Locked On Blackhawks breaks down the areas of improvement including Spencer Knight's goaltending and the league's top-rated penalty kill, plus some young players who now have opportunities on the big club after the trade deadline.

All this and more on today's Locked On NHL Podcast with Gil Martin.

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The Buffalo Sabres ride an incredible 30 wins in 37 games. Can their amazing resurgence shake up the NHL postseason landscape? Meanwhile, the Dallas Stars extend their point streak to 15, pushing for the league’s top record while the Vegas Golden Knights surge to first in the Pacific. Eddie Garcia and Shukri Wrights recap a jam-packed NHL night: Locked on Bruins host Ian McLaren analyses Boston overcoming their road woes in a nine-round shootout thriller, the Carolina Hurricanes secure victory in Rod Brind’Amour’s 600th game behind the bench, and Locked on Blue Jackets host Jay Forster talks about Kirill Marchenko standout play. Key storylines include Anze Kopitar becoming the LA Kings’ all-time scorer, Macklin Celebrini powering the San Jose Sharks into a playoff spot with a report from Locked on Sharks host JD Young and tense battles in both the Wild Card and division races across the league.

00:00 – NHL Headlines & Sabres’ Streak

12:12 – Central & Wildcard Races

23:23 – Pacific Division Shakeup & Closing Recaps

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Eddie Garcia and Shukri Wrights discuss the LA Kings getting a crucial 3-2 victory over the New York Islanders as Anze Kopitar inches closer to becoming the King's all-time points leader. Could LA's aggressive, revamped style under interim coach DJ Smith spark a playoff run reminiscent of the Kings’ championship days? Locked on Oilers host Nick Zararis spotlights the Oilers’ overtime stumble against the surging St. Louis Blues, raising questions about Edmonton’s consistency and playoff hopes despite Connor McDavid’s brilliance. The fallout from Radko Gudas’s hit on Auston Matthews dominates discussion, with David Morrisuti of Locked on Maple Leafs offering insight into Toronto's leadership crisis and the league’s controversial suspension decision. The hosts dissect NHL playoff matchups, home ice battles, and looming drama in both conferences. Which teams are poised to surprise—and which are facing harsh truths?

00:00 NHL Kings, Islanders Recap

10:37 Oilers, Blues Game Analysis

19:11 Matthews Injury Fallout

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