Mid-Ice Crisis

Are the Pittsburgh Penguins the most fascinating team to watch this summer? Retired podcaster and Penguins writer Mad Chad and I break down the Penguins' playoff performance, their options this summer, and what the future holds for Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang. 
We also talk about Connor McDavid and what is in store for him and the Edmonton Oilers.

Follow Josh Cybulski at:

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/midicecrisispod?igsh=M2V4NDljNTJlMmpo&utm_source=qr
Twitter: https://x.com/authorjcybulski?s=21
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1B7RdmkcCZ/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Buy Josh’s Book: https://www.amazon.ca/Second-Story-Work-Josh-Cybulski/dp/B08JF5M3MN/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1706931882&sr=8-1
Listen to Josh’s Audiobook Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/second-story-work-the-novel/id1712487814

Follow Mad Chad at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madchad87

#PittsburghPenguins #EvgeniMalkin #NHL #sidneycrosby #krisletang #pittsburgh #letsgopens #gopensgo #penguins

Evgeni Malkin has been part of the Pittsburgh Penguins for nearly two decades.
Three Stanley Cups. Countless clutch moments. One of the most dominant playoff performers of his generation.
But with Malkin’s future in Pittsburgh becoming less certain, Penguins fans are starting to ask a question many hoped would never come:

What happens if Geno leaves?

In this video, we break down:
Malkin’s pending UFA status
What he still brings to the Penguins
Whether Pittsburgh should re-sign him
What his departure would mean emotionally for the fanbase
How the end of the Crosby-Malkin-Letang era could reshape the franchise

Is this the beginning of the end for one of hockey’s greatest dynasties — or does Malkin still have unfinished business in Pittsburgh?

👇 Let me know in the comments:
Should the Penguins keep Malkin no matter what?

Follow Josh Cybulski at:

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/midicecrisispod?igsh=M2V4NDljNTJlMmpo&utm_source=qr
Twitter: https://x.com/authorjcybulski?s=21
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1B7RdmkcCZ/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Buy Josh’s Book: https://www.amazon.ca/Second-Story-Work-Josh-Cybulski/dp/B08JF5M3MN/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1706931882&sr=8-1
Listen to Josh’s Audiobook Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/second-story-work-the-novel/id1712487814

#PittsburghPenguins #EvgeniMalkin #NHL

Meet the chaos, and the controversy, that is NHL officiating.  This week Josh breaks down what he's observed in the first week of the NHL playoffs and asks you to tell him what you've seen as well.
Josh also predicts that a large group of former NHL fans are becoming skeptical about the direction of the NHL and whether or not everything is above board. 

-Ice Crisis is brought to you by Cwench Hydration. 
Go to:
www.cwenchhydration.ca/SECONDSTORYPOD to get a 15% discount. 
www.cwenchhydration.com/SECONDSTORYPOD in the U.S. 
Use promo code SECONDSTORYPOD at checkout

Follow Josh Cybulski at:

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/authorjoshcybulski/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorJCybulski
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jfactor12
Buy Josh’s Book: https://www.amazon.ca/Second-Story-Work-Josh-Cybulski/dp/B08JF5M3MN/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1706931882&sr=8-1
Listen to Josh’s Audiobook Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/second-story-work-the-novel/id1712487814

#nhl #nhlhockey #nhlteam #hockey #hockeynews #hockeyfans #toronto #pittsburghpenguins #gopensgo #goalieinterference #garybettman #nhlofficials #referee #nhlreferee #philadelphiaflyers #nhlplayoffs #flyers #philly #philly #Boston #bostonbruins #buffalo #buffalosabres #coloradoavalanche #losangeleskings

This week we dive deep into the incredible transformation of the Montreal Canadiens under coach Marty St. Louis. We explore how this young, exciting, fast team might go on a historic playoff run, and what it takes to build a winner in the NHL’s tightest races.
Joining the show this week as our first guest is Jonny G of Barely Onside⁩ to discuss:
● The historic rise of the Montreal Canadiens and their latest milestones
● How Marty St. Louis’s coaching is shaping a premier team culture
● Key players’ breakout seasons: Nick Suzuki, Cole Caulfield, Lane Hudson, and more
● The significance of management changes and organizational philosophy
● Predictions & strategic matchups for the 2026 NHL playoffs
● The importance of chemistry, patience, and avoiding emotional decisions in trades
● The potential for a blockbuster trade—what Montreal might do this summer

This was a fun one! Enjoy it!

Mid-Ice Crisis is brought to you by Cwench Hydration. 
Go to:
www.cwenchhydration.ca/SECONDSTORYPOD to get a 15% discount. 
www.cwenchhydration.com/SECONDSTORYPOD in the U.S. 
Use promo code SECONDSTORYPOD at checkout

Follow Josh Cybulski at:

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/authorjoshcybulski/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorJCybulski
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jfactor12
Buy Josh’s Book: https://www.amazon.ca/Second-Story-Work-Josh-Cybulski/dp/B08JF5M3MN/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1706931882&sr=8-1
Listen to Josh’s Audiobook Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/second-story-work-the-novel/id1712487814

Follow Jonny G at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566964983297&sk=photos
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@barelyonside
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Barely_Onside

#nhl #nhlhockey #nhlteam #hockey #hockeynews #hockeyfans #canada #habs #gohabsgo #montrealcanadiens #canadiens  

Chapters
(00:00) - The Canadiens’ explosive rise: milestones and surprises
(02:19) - Why this team is different: young talent and accelerated rebuild
(03:17) - The influence of Jeff Gordon & Jeff Gordon’s leadership magic
(06:32) - How management philosophy shapes winning teams
(08:46) - Marty St. Louis’s growth as a coach and player development
(17:28) - Can he be both a development guru and a finisher?
(22:45) - Building trust: The foundation of Montreal’s success
(24:58) - Developing young stars like Slav, Caulfield, and others
(33:00) - The blockbuster move: Montreal's summer trade targets
(35:14) - The all-important second line center: Who is the best fit?
(44:12) - NHL playoff predictions: Montreal’s path & potential outcomes (66:27) - How Montreal prepares to face favorites like Tampa, Boston
(71:33) - Surprising facts about Carolina’s style & playoff style nuances
(73:55) - Wrapping up with bold predictions & the future of Montreal hockey

In this episode, Josh Cybulski analyzes the Toronto Maple Leafs' current management situation, the potential GM candidates, and the challenges the team is facing. He explores internal and external options, team prospects, salary cap issues, and strategic directions for rebuilding or retooling the franchise.

Mid-Ice Crisis is brought to you by Cwench Hydration. 
Go to:
www.cwenchhydration.ca/SECONDSTORYPOD to get a 15% discount. 
www.cwenchhydration.com/SECONDSTORYPOD in the U.S. 
Use promo code SECONDSTORYPOD at checkout

Follow Josh Cybulski at:

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/authorjoshcybulski/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorJCybulski
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jfactor12
Buy Josh’s Book: https://www.amazon.ca/Second-Story-Work-Josh-Cybulski/dp/B08JF5M3MN/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1706931882&sr=8-1
Listen to Josh’s Audiobook Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/second-story-work-the-novel/id1712487814

#nhl #nhlhockey #goleafsgo #mapleleafs #mapleleafsnews  #nhlteam #hockey #hockeynews #hockeyfans #torontomapleleafs #toronto #tmltalk #tml #leafsnation #goleafs #austonmatthews #williamnylander #kyledubas #pittsburghpenguins 

Chapters

00:00 Pizza Review and Introduction
02:12 Toronto Maple Leafs GM Search
04:53 Analyzing the Maple Leafs' Current Situation
08:03 Potential Candidates for GM
10:50 John Chayka: A Risky Choice
13:17 Mark Hunter: The Scouting Expert
16:00 Internal Candidates and Stability
18:58 External Candidates and Market Dynamics
21:48 Final Thoughts on the GM Search

The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired general manager Brad Treliving and will begin a hunt for his replacement. Where did it go wrong for Toronto and Treliving and where do they go from here?

Mid-Ice Crisis is brought to you by Cwench Hydration. 
Go to:
www.cwenchhydration.ca/SECONDSTORYPOD to get a 15% discount. 
www.cwenchhydration.com/SECONDSTORYPOD in the U.S. 
Use promo code SECONDSTORYPOD at checkout

Follow Josh Cybulski at:

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/authorjoshcybulski/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorJCybulski
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jfactor12
Buy Josh’s Book: https://www.amazon.ca/Second-Story-Work-Josh-Cybulski/dp/B08JF5M3MN/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1706931882&sr=8-1
Listen to Josh’s Audiobook Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/second-story-work-the-novel/id1712487814

#nhl #nhlhockey #goleafsgo #mapleleafs #mapleleafsnews  #nhlteam #hockey #hockeynews #hockeyfans #torontomapleleafs #toronto #tmltalk #tml #leafsnation #goleafs #austonmatthews #williamnylander #kyledubas #pittsburghpenguins 

Meet the chaos, the controversy, and the outright madness of NHL's goalie interference calls. If you've ever doubted that rules can be weaponized, buckle up — because what you're about to hear is a fiery revelation that will make you question everything about hockey's integrity. In this episode, we rip apart the NHL’s so-called "rule book" — or what’s left of it — exposing how goalie interference is now a vibe, a guess, and a political game. We dive into real game clips, reveal the crooked dance between league officials, and ask: are they making the rules or just rolling dice? Plus, we get into the slippery subjectivity that’s crushing the spirit of hockey and turning electric goals into endless reviews and frustrated fans.

-Ice Crisis is brought to you by Cwench Hydration. 
Go to:
www.cwenchhydration.ca/SECONDSTORYPOD to get a 15% discount. 
www.cwenchhydration.com/SECONDSTORYPOD in the U.S. 
Use promo code SECONDSTORYPOD at checkout

Follow Josh Cybulski at:

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/authorjoshcybulski/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorJCybulski
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jfactor12
Buy Josh’s Book: https://www.amazon.ca/Second-Story-Work-Josh-Cybulski/dp/B08JF5M3MN/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1706931882&sr=8-1
Listen to Josh’s Audiobook Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/second-story-work-the-novel/id1712487814

#nhl #nhlhockey #nhlteam #hockey #hockeynews #hockeyfans #toronto #pittsburghpenguins #gopensgo #goalieinterference #garybettman #nhlofficials #referee #nhlreferee

Chapters
00:00 - The chaos of goalie interference: Why goals are no longer safe 00:36 - The NHL’s confusing narrative: Goals for fun, interpretation for profit 
01:06 - Who’s interpreting? A deep dive into subjective calls 
01:36 - The controversy’s true purpose: Attention over accuracy 
02:20 - Penguins challenges and the streak of blown calls 
02:48 - How inconsistent rules can decide games prematurely 
03:11 - The devastating impact of invalidated goals on teams’ minds 
03:30 - Welcome back! The puck, the controversy, and the mess 
03:47 - The league’s s
ilence and the transparency illusion 
04:23 - How rules, like liberals and conservatives, are applied selectively 05:06 - The hypocrisy of NHL’s law enforcement and the Penguins’ plight 06:24 - The core issue: Goalie interference isn’t a rule anymore, it’s a vibe 07:03 - The art of vibing: NHL’s inconsistent and reckless logic 
07:54 - The threat to playoff integrity and momentum killers 
08:23 - The loss of fan trust and the game’s legitimacy in peril 
09:06 - The league’s shifting standards and hypocritical calls 
09:49 - The league’s desire for controversy: Bettman’s dirty secret? 
10:30 - The dangerous game of short-term attention vs long-term reputation 
11:02 - Inside the league: Elliott Friedman’s candid insights 
12:10 - The inside scoop on NHL reviews and behind-the-scenes decisions 13:01 - Play breakdown: Controversy around a goal challenged by the Penguins 
15:03 - Breaking down Carlson’s play: Momentum, contact, and rules 
16:14 - The play by play: How momentum and intent are misunderstood 17:26 - The misinterpretation of initial contact vs. reality 
18:42 - The NHL’s twisted logic on player momentum and on-ice judgment 20:10 - The grand illusion: The rule book vs. the league’s actual practice 22:24 - Cracking the NHL’s confusing interference rule — what it really says 25:37 - The challenge that overturned a good goal: What does that tell us? 26:52 - The importance of puck location and contact in defining a goal 29:45 - The case of Lee’s goal: A lesson in inconsistency 
32:14 - The NHL's real priorities: Controversy, engagement, and $$$ 

The Toronto Maple Leafs have imploded this season and face major decisions in the coming months. Do they retain GM Brad Treliving? Do they keep Auston Matthews? Do they trade William Nylander? Is a rebuild in order or can they retool the way the Pittsburgh Penguins have?
Speaking of the Penguins, in this episode, Josh Cybulski breaks down the crossroads that Pittsburgh faces with team legend Evgeni Malkin. He also discusses the decline of Kris Letang and the rise of Erik Karlsson. 

Mid-Ice Crisis is brought to you by Cwench Hydration. 
Go to:
www.cwenchhydration.ca/SECONDSTORYPOD to get a 15% discount. 
www.cwenchhydration.com/SECONDSTORYPOD in the U.S. 
Use promo code SECONDSTORYPOD at checkout

Follow Josh Cybulski at:

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/authorjoshcybulski/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorJCybulski
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jfactor12
Buy Josh’s Book: https://www.amazon.ca/Second-Story-Work-Josh-Cybulski/dp/B08JF5M3MN/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1706931882&sr=8-1
Listen to Josh’s Audiobook Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/second-story-work-the-novel/id1712487814

#nhl #nhlhockey #goleafsgo #mapleleafs #mapleleafsnews  #nhlteam #hockey #hockeynews #hockeyfans #torontomapleleafs #toronto #tmltalk #tml #leafsnation #goleafs #austonmatthews #williamnylander #kyledubas #pittsburghpenguins #erikkarlsson #krisletang

Josh reacts to the snoozefest that was NHL Trade Deadline.

Mid-Ice Crisis is brought to you by Cwench Hydration. 
Go to:
www.cwenchhydration.ca/SECONDSTORYPOD to get a 15% discount. 
www.cwenchhydration.com/SECONDSTORYPOD in the U.S. 
Use promo code SECONDSTORYPOD at checkout

Follow Josh Cybulski at:

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/authorjoshcybulski/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorJCybulski
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jfactor12
Buy Josh’s Book: https://www.amazon.ca/Second-Story-Work-Josh-Cybulski/dp/B08JF5M3MN/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1706931882&sr=8-1
Listen to Josh’s Audiobook Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/second-story-work-the-novel/id1712487814

#nhl #nhlhockey #nhlteam #hockey #hockeynews #hockeyfans #canada #leafsnation #leafs #tradedeadline #nhltradedeadline #nhltrades #nhltrade

n this episode of Mid-Ice Crisis, host Josh Cybulski reflects on the recent Olympic hockey experience, discussing the unity felt among Canadians during the games, the disappointment of losing to the Americans, and the implications for Canadian hockey's identity. 
He also discusses what the win meant for American hockey as well as the good and bad that came from their celebration.
Josh finally explores Canadians' cultural mindset, addressing the 'loser mentality' that has emerged and the need for meaningful change in hockey programs to reclaim Canada's status as a hockey superpower. The episode culminates in a call for introspection and action to ensure a brighter future for Canadian hockey.

Mid-Ice Crisis is brought to you by Cwench Hydration. 
Go to:
www.cwenchhydration.ca/SECONDSTORYPOD to get a 15% discount. 
www.cwenchhydration.com/SECONDSTORYPOD in the U.S. 
Use promo code SECONDSTORYPOD at checkout

Follow Josh Cybulski at:

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/authorjoshcybulski/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorJCybulski
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jfactor12
Buy Josh’s Book: https://www.amazon.ca/Second-Story-Work-Josh-Cybulski/dp/B08JF5M3MN/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1706931882&sr=8-1
Listen to Josh’s Audiobook Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/second-story-work-the-novel/id1712487814

#nhl #nhlhockey #nhlteam #hockey #hockeynews #hockeyfans #canada #canadahockey #hockeycanada #olympichockey #olympics #goldmedal #america #usahockey #usa #hockeylife 
Chapters

00:00 The Olympic Experience: Unity and Disappointment
04:30 The State of Canadian Hockey: A Crisis of Identity
08:22 Loser Mentality: A Cultural Reflection
13:19 The Overtime Heartbreak: Analyzing the Final Moments
16:10 The Future of Hockey: A Call for Change