Locked On NHL - Daily Podcast On The National Hockey League

Seth Toupal and Rachel Donner break down the NHL's early season surprises and struggles through a buy-or-sell analysis. They examine whether the Montreal Canadiens' hot start is sustainable, crediting their patient rebuild, stellar goaltending from Jakob Dobeš, and the chemistry of their top line. The Anaheim Ducks' resurgence gets cautious optimism, though concerns linger about their history of mid-season collapses. 

On the flip side, the St. Louis Blues' offensive drought and aging blue line raise red flags, while the Washington Capitals' four-game skid appears more like a temporary lull than a crisis. 

The episode also covers the 2027 Stadium Series announcement for Dallas and Brad Marchand's emotional return after supporting a friend through tragedy, showcasing hockey's human side beyond the rink.

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It was a night of comebacks in the NHL. The Leafs get a much needed win with a big third period, the Blues snap their ugly losing skid with a comeback, the Canucks and Preds go OT after a Nashville rally. That and more on this edition of Locked on NHL Game Night.

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The Boston Bruins have surprised people with their fast start as David Pastrnak continues to lead this team with outstanding performances nearly every night.

Ian McLaren of Locked On Boston Bruins joins us to discuss the reasons for the B's fast start and what they need to do to keep on competing for a playoff spot in the tough Atlantic Division. 

The San Jose Sharks are showing signs of definite improvement after finishing with the worst record in the NHL the last two seasons.

J.D. Young of Locked On Sharks joins us to discuss the dynamic play of Macklin Celebrini, the improvement from Will Smith and William Eklund and what it will take for the Sharks to continue to make progress this season.

And the New Jersey Devils have struggled for consistency lately after a very fast start.

Zach Berman of Locked On New Jersey Devils joins us to discuss what it will take for Jack Hughes and company to overcome injuries and get back on track this season.

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

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Tampa takes down Utah with a Jake Guentzel third period goal. Islanders comeback part of historic night for rookie Matthew Schaefer. Plus, the Ducks look really, really fast in a win over the New Jersey Devils. 

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Ivan Demidov sees the play steps ahead of everyone else as the Habs winning formula lifts them over Ottawa. The Rangers abrupt personality change from offense-first, power play mavens to five-on-five defensive stalwarts earns them a 3-1-0 west coast road trip. Plus, Columbus ascends as the Blues look lost for two teams going in opposite directions. 

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Programming Note: The PWHL Seattle announcement of a press conference for November 6th to likely reveal team branding occurred after recording of this episode.

On today’s Women’s Hockey Report, Erica L. Ayala & Rachel Donner look at issues surrounding a potential new arena for the Ottawa Charge that would reduce capacity for the PWHL fans in Canada’s Capital. Then we look at the Minnesota Frost’s new jerseys celebrating their two PWHL Walter Cup Championships. Are they appropriate?

The USA vs Canada Rivalry Series is around the corner. What do we know about the participants thus far and how are players approaching the games that start next week. We hear from Team USA’s Hilary Knight about how she approaches the series. Finally we look at PWHL Vancouver’s most recent signings of draft picks along with their potential to make the team.

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Erica L Ayala

Rachel Donner

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We had a battle of two of the best in the West in an early matinee game in Las Vegas, a former Ducks goalie heads back to Anaheim looking to beat his old team and the Great 8 goes for #900 against a team he scored a record breaking goals against last season. Details coming up on this Halloween edition of Locked on NHL Game Night. 

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Today we are joined by former NHL player and Stanley Cup winner Daniel Carcillo. He discusses his road to the NHL, what it was like being an NHL enforcer, and how he worked through some of the health issues he had after he retired. 

He also discusses how he has become an advocate and through his work with Experience Onward which helps former athletes and people from all walks of life deal with brain trauma, depression, post concussion syndrome and many other conditions.

All this and more on today's special episode of the Locked On NHL Podcast with Rachel Donner and Gil Martin.

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Are the Bolts back on track? We had a crazy finish in LA. Are the Penguins for real? And a big Flyers off season addition comes up big. Details coming up on this Frozen Frenzy edition of Locked on NHL Game Night. 

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Is the NHL better than ever or just filled with parity and mediocrity? Nick Zararis (Locked On Oilers) and Hunter Hodies (Locked On Penguins) break down Pierre LeBrun’s latest column on the state of the league, debating which teams are true Stanley Cup contenders in 2025 and which ones are already past their peak. In this episode, the guys examine the five to seven real contenders across the NHL this season and question whether powerhouse teams like the Oilers, Lightning, and Avalanche are nearing the end of their competitive windows. They also explore why emerging teams such as Utah, Montreal, and New Jersey are poised to take over the league and what truly separates contenders from mere competitors in today’s NHL. From front-office strategy and goaltending depth to roster construction and timing, Nick and Hunter dig into what it really takes to build — and sustain — a Stanley Cup-caliber team.

2:25 Five to seven true contenders debate 

7:49 NHL playoff format is terrible 

10:30 Window of contention reality check 

14:47 Franchise players are the foundation 

18:34 GMs balancing self-interest versus team success 

21:39 Buffalo, Ottawa, Anaheim struggling to progress 

26:09 Montreal, New Jersey, Utah breaking through 

29:49 Rebuilds shouldn't take eight years 
 

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