Nick Cotsonika joins the podcast (18:11) to discuss the Blue Jackets playoff hopes, Zach Werenski’s Hart Trophy candidacy, and Kirill Marchenko’s breakout season. He also shares thoughts on the Red Wings’ strong start under Todd McLellan and whether it’s sustainable. Rosen and Roarke open the episode with trade deadline chatter surrounding the Rangers and Bruins and preview the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off, including Canada’s goalie decisions and the Finland-Sweden rivalry.

Dan and Shawn are joined by former NHL defenseman Jason Demers (18:12) to discuss the Central Division race and why he sees the Colorado Avalanche as the team to beat despite sitting behind the Winnipeg Jets, Minnesota Wild, and Dallas Stars. Demers also weighs in on the Wild’s surprising success and injury challenges.

The hosts open the episode talking about Alex Ovechkin’s pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record and newly announced outdoor games in Florida for the 2026 Winter Classic and Stadium Series. They also share their midseason award favorites, and highlight Team USA’s gold medal win at the 2025 World Junior Championship.

In the first episode of 2025, Dan and Shawn are joined by Vegas Golden Knights broadcaster Daren Millard (23:28) to discuss the team’s ascent to the top of the Pacific Division standings and Jack Eichel’s case for the Hart Trophy. At the start of the episode, the hosts recap their trip to the Winter Classic, including Chicago’s persistent struggles and whether the St. Louis Blues will make the playoffs this season. The guys also discuss Colorado’s recent success and the front office’s decision to ink Mackenzie Blackwood to a long-term deal. After the interview, Dan and Shawn dissect Carolina’s recent slide and debate whether Auston Matthews should play in the 4 Nations Face-Off, despite his injury.

In the final episode of 2024, Dan and Shawn are joined by Mike Zeisberger (19:20), NHL.com’s Toronto-based staff writer, to discuss the Maple Leafs and break down how the team has found success under first-year head coach Craig Berube. Zeisberger also gives his thoughts on Ottawa’s recent surge and the continued freefall by the New York Rangers. At the start of the show, Dan and Shawn preview the upcoming Winter Classic and the IIHF World Junior Championships that begin this week in Ottawa. Later on, the guys give their immediate reaction to the breaking news out of Detroit, as the Red Wings announce the firing of Derek Lalonde and the hiring of Todd McLellan as head coach. Dan and Shawn end the calendar year by giving their New Year’s resolutions for the podcast in 2025.

Dan and Shawn are joined by TNT and Blackhawks TV analyst Darren Pang (15:27) to preview the Winter Classic, provide perspective on Connor Bedard’s development through 100 career games, and discuss the beginning of Anders Sorensen’s tenure in Chicago. Pang, a former Blackhawks goalie, also reminisces about his favorite Winter Classic memories and the best moments of the Blackhawks-Blues rivalry. At the start of the episode, Dan and Shawn give their thoughts on the latest news in the Atlantic Divsion, including Ottawa’s recent surge, Anthony Stolarz’s injury in Toronto, and Patrik Laine’s resurgence in Montreal. After chatting with Pang, the guys search for answers to correct the continued struggles of the New York Rangers and Buffalo Sabres. 

Dan and Shawn are joined by Mike Rupp (19:07), former NHL player and current NHL Network analyst, to discuss key storylines around the League. Rupp weighs in on whether the Pittsburgh Penguins are a true playoff contender or a potential seller ahead of the 2025 Trade Deadline. He also shares insights into the New York Rangers' locker room dynamic during Jacob Trouba's trade saga and offers his newfound respect for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Later, Dan and Shawn recap the NHL Board of Governors meeting, analyze the Los Angeles Kings’ success, and debate the Colorado Avalanche’s goaltending situation. The co-hosts close with mailbag, discussing the Winnipeg Jets and revisiting the tactics the Rangers used to facilitate Trouba's trade to the Ducks.

Dan and Shawn are joined by Tom Fitzgerald (14:14), general manager of the New Jersey Devils and assistant general manager for Team USA. Tom discusses the United States roster for the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off, touching on the selection process for the 23-man team, the importance of 200-foot players, and the impact of the USA Hockey National Team Development Program. Later, Dan and Shawn break down the 4 Nations rosters for Team USA, Canada, Sweden, and Finland. They also share their thoughts on the Rangers' struggles and the surprising success of the San Jose Sharks.

Dan and Shawn are joined by former nine-year NHL veteran and current St. Louis Blues color analyst Cam Janssen (17:28) for an in-depth discussion about Jim Montgomery’s new job as head coach of the Blues. At the start of the episode, Dan and Shawn give their thoughts on the coaching carousel and trade rumor mill, including the futures of Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba in New York and Brady Tkachuk in Ottawa. Later in the show, the duo discusses Toronto’s continued success without Auston Matthews, New Jersey’s recent hot streak, hat-trick and hat-throw etiquette, and what each host is thankful for in hockey.

Dan and Shawn are joined by Hurricanes color commentator Tripp Tracy(15:56) for an in-depth look at all things Hurricanes hockey. Tripp breaks down Martin Nečas's standout performances and their impact on the team's overall success, as well as the vital role Rod Brind'Amour plays in the organization. At the start of the episode, Dan and Shawn analyze the Boston Bruins' recent decision to part ways with head coach Jim Montgomery and the ongoing struggles of the Nashville Predators. Later in the show, the duo shifts their focus to the Jets and Panthers, dives into the mailbag to examine Connor Bedard's recent play, and explore the Capitals' outlook following Alex Ovechkin's injury.

Dan and Shawn are joined by San Jose Sharks rookie Will Smith (19:37), who shares the story behind his first NHL goal, the challenges he's faced in his first 13 games, and building connections with teammates like Macklin Celebrini and Sharks legend Joe Thornton. The hosts also dive into their Super 16 power rankings, tackle mailbag questions on the struggles of the Penguins and Rangers, and recap the Hockey Hall of Fame induction from this past weekend.