In this episode of 32 Thoughts, Kyle Bukauskas and Elliotte Friedman open with the Pittsburgh Penguins returning to the playoffs and the strong coaching impact of Dan Muse, while the Utah Mammoth also clinch a postseason berth (12:00). They discuss Cole Caufield reaching the 50-goal mark (17:00), the Islanders picking up their first win under Peter DeBoer (29:00) and the tightening Eastern Conference race, including Buffalo finally ending their playoff drought (38:00). The guys also look ahead to a physical Dallas–Minnesota first-round matchup (45:30), break down the Western Conference race (48:00), and touch on the future of Alex Ovechkin (51:00). They also cover the Maple Leafs hiring a firm to assist in their GM search (57:00), the Devils parting ways with Tom Fitzgerald (1:00:30), evolving conversations around data-driven front offices (1:04:00), and Ron Francis stepping down in Seattle (1:19:00). The Final Thought focuses on the USHL adopting a standard player development agreement (1:28:30)

Kyle and Elliotte answer listener questions in the Thoughtline (1:34:32)

In the final segment Kyle Bukauskas talks to recently retired 13 year NHL veteran Ryan Johansen (2:10:21).

This week we highlight Vancouver's pop-psych band Groove Saloon and their track Look At Me. Check their music out here.

Listen to all the 32 Thoughts music here.

Email the podcast at [email protected] or call the Thought Line at 1-833-311-3232 and leave us a voicemail.

This podcast was produced and mixed by Dominic Sramaty and hosted by Elliotte Friedman & Kyle Bukauskas.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates