Chris bookends the episode by mentioning two major career changes for dear colleagues, and the opportunity to call Puck Cancer, a charity hockey game raising money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Also on the docket this episode: MLB All-Star Week, highlighted by a swing-off that may have taken an MVP award away from a more deserving candidate, as well as a stunning tribute to Hank Aaron and a dumpworthy Home Run Derby (in the best way possible).

Chris breaks down the end what is actually a 150+ year wait for Thunder fans (explanation forthcoming), the historical significance of SGA’s performance, and why Tyrese Haliburton’s game seven injury might not have impacted the series’ result. He also discusses the impact of the NBA’s improved parity and the remarkably coincidental timing of Kevin Durant’s move to Houston. Speaking of which, this week’s episode mentions the effects the Desmond Bane deal brought to the trade market, including a Celtic team whose championship window may be narrowing. Also on the docket, Chris holds a difficult conversation about fans’ attitudes toward athletes, most recently Ketel Marte. Finally, this week marks the announcement of a stacked Hockey Hall of Fame class including one long overdue inductee.

Chris recaps his weekend calling Pace University baseball and takes us through his second round NBA picks, including which series he thinks will feature the eventual champion regardless of victor. He also breaks down round two of the Stanley Cup Playoffs while claiming only one team will use home ice to their advantage. Listen for this, thoughts on Gregg Popovich’s legacy, and more.

Chris feels overjoyed after calling his first Iona softball game for ESPN+. He then expresses his excitement over the first week of the Stanley Cup & NBA Playoffs, including playing “I Told You So” regarding the Warriors’ and Timberwolves’ fortunes, and how the NHL TV partners will fare. Finally, Chris takes on an NFL Draft highlighted by the historic slide of Shedeur Sanders.

Chris discusses the reasons for his extended absence, including three consecutive working Wednesdays, a month-long sickness, and his first (and hopefully last) panic attack. In the midst of all this came another year covering the Frozen Finals. Chris also discusses the extensive number of games he covered in hockey and otherwise as he moves toward the summer season. On the professional front, Chris makes picks for the established first round NBA & NHL series, highlights the MLB’s efforts to celebrate Jackie Robinson Day, and recaps Tyron Smith & Logan Couture’s underrated careers.

Chris makes his triumphant return by echoing a thrilling announcement by the Eastern Hockey League. He also offers his Super Bowl (not getting sued for saying it) prediction and a surprising take on the Dončić-AD trade. So don’t be a Pat Hoberg and gamble everything away, listen to the episode.

Chris’ NFL week recap features Bo Nix’s case for Offensive ROY, the Chargers passing the eye test for a Super Bowl contender, and the Jets and Cowboys continuing to tumble into oblivion. It also discusses why the Brady-Manning trajectory favors Josh Allen right now, and how the Steelers continue to defy logic. This week’s episode features a full breakdown of FBS standings and a way for Army to defy continued disrespect. Chris breaks down the early NBA Cup Action, the start of MLB Awards Week, and a seemingly premature firing in Boston.

Chris recaps the roads to the League Championship Series and his picks for the Fall Classic. He explains why Buck Showalter still deserves some credit for the Mets’ success and how Jazz Chisholm has unknowingly hurt the Yankees this postseason. Chris breaks down the NFL week and the recurring trend for almost every winning team, while also taking three teams to task, most notably Jerry Jones’ Dallas Cowboys. Lastly, this week also features several heartwarming tributes to the Gaudreau family as the Blue Jackets take home ice for the first time this season.

Chris picks the winners of the Wild Card Series, breaks down Aaron Judge & Shohei Ohtani’s historic seasons, and lists the hypocrisies that have kept Pete Rose out of the Hall of Fame. This NFL week featured multiple blown calls in primetime, perhaps the most legitimate Commanders win of the year, and a Bronco win despite going under 100 passing yards. Chris also breaks down a league-altering Karl-Anthony Towns trade and how Dikembe Mutombo became so beloved.

Chris breaks down the NFL week by ripping into the Cincinnati Bengals defense more than Jaylen Daniels did, highlighting the impact of Mercury Morris despite the Dolphins’ off-kilter week, and encapsulating the joy of New Yorkers. He skims a college week including big wins for Michigan and Tennessee, and a divisive move by UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka. Lastly, the MLB postseason is nearing and many teams have locked up spots, but Chris offers self-righteousness for the suffering people of Oakland.