Welcome to a new week of The Hockey News Big Show, where we explore some of the biggest NHL and hockey topics.

Here’s what Katie Gaus, Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos discussed in this episode:

0:59: The battle for first in the Atlantic Division is tight. Which team needs first place the most? 

3:19: Would Matthew Tkachuk actually want to play against his brother, Brady Tkachuk, if the Florida Panthers and Ottawa Senators meet in the first round?

4:19: Which team do you think will ultimately earn the top spot in the Atlantic division?

6:43: The Blue Jackets announced Monday they activated Sean Monahan and Erik Gubranson off injured reserve. How will their returns affec the Blue Jackets’ playoff push?

9:16: The New York Islanders’ potential game-winning goal was disallowed because of goaltender interference. Was there interference or not?

11:29: Since the 4 Nations Face-Off, the top scorers are Roope Hintz, Sidney Crosby, Nick Suzuki, Robert Thomas and Connor McDavid. Who has been the MVP for their team most during this run?

14:01: McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are unlikely to play in any of the Edmonton Oilers’ three games this week. Can the Oilers prove they are more than a two-man team?

16:43: Montreal Canadiens defenseman Kaiden Guhle is travelling with the team on their four-game road trip. If Guhle comes in, who should the Canadiens take out?

19:20: The Pittsburgh Penguins' latest hot streak has kept them out of a guaranteed top-five draft pick. Has this "hot streak" actually done more harm than good for the Penguins?

21:56: Which team needs to change coaches?

25:25: Speculation has circulated for a while connecting Gavin McKenna - the consensus No. 1 pick for the 2026 NHL draft - to the University of Michigan. The rumor on the street is that Michigan could be offering something upwards of $100,000 annually for him to join them. How would McKenna making this move reshape the future of junior and college hockey?

30:21: The NCAA men’s hockey tournament begins on Thursday. The top four teams are No. 1 Boston College, No. 2 Michigan State, No. 3 Maine and No. 4 Western Michigan. Is the national champion in this top four? Who is your pick? 

32:51: The Washington Capitals re-signed D-man Jakob Chychrun to an eight-year extension worth $9 million per season. Good or bad deal?

34:31: Gavin McKenna closed out his draft-minus-1 season with 129 points in 56 games. Sidney Crosby is the only CHL player to score more in a D-minus-1 season. Could McKenna be the best prospect since Sidney Crosby? 

36:42: ESPN’s Emily Kaplan reported that billionaire Dan Friedkin has gotten into the mix as an ownership option focused on bringing the NHL to Houston. Yay or nay to an NHL team in Houston? 

38:53: The referees robbed us all of a goalie fight between Darcy Kuemper and Jeremy Swayman on Sunday. Yes or no: should refs try to stop goalie fights to prevent injuries?

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