Jeff chats with Corey Masisak of the Denver Post about how Justus Annunen’s illness changed the series with Winnipeg, Cale Makar's case as the best defenseman in the league without winning the Norris Trophy and how impressive both Artturi Lehkonen and Valeri Nichushkin were in the first round. Later on, Producer Matt talks about Jeff’s bookshelf, Connor Hellebuyck’s season ending comments about his performance in round 1 and his ridiculous superstitions for Leaf playoff games (17:23).

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.

The Freight Train Avalanche + Connor Hellebuyck Speaks

Sportsnet insider Jeff Marek goes around the league in Sportsnet 590 The FAN’s national NHL show, airing live across the country daily from 12pm-2pm ET. Opinion, news and analysis featuring daily segments from insider Elliotte Friedman.

Sports

Hockey

Jeff kicks off the show with Brian Lawton of NHL Network as they recap last night’s Game 5 between Florida and New York. They take a behind the scenes look at how the Panthers organization operates on all fronts, before discussing the pressures of being drafted first overall and what's behind Alexis Lafrenière's breakout this season. Then, Matt Marchese joins the conversation to chat about the optimism surrounding Chris Tanev's availability tonight, the media being a important medium for former players who want to get into coaching or management, and potential names for Utah's NHL franchise (32:02). Later, NHL Network's Mike Kelly shares his analytic project on Wayne Gretzky at the Canada Cup, highlighting the dominance of the Smythe Division in the 80’s and Gretzky’s knowledge of goaltending, before diving into the the Stanley Cup Playoffs and what the numbers say about Evan Bouchard (49:56). Former first overall draft pick and Panthers analyst Ed Jovanovski wraps up today's program with his takeaways from last night’s big win for the Panthers, along with why Bill Zito’s squad blooms in the playoffs, Anton Lundell’s development, and how the Panthers can retain their pending free agents (01:20:40).

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.

Lawton on the Pressure of Being Drafted First Overall + Jovanovski Talks Panthers' Game 5 Victory

Jeff Marek and Shayna Goldman of The Athletic kick things off discussing their takeaways from last night’s Game 4 between the Stars and Oilers, Darnell Nurse’s bounce back, and Evan Bouchard’s elite play throughout the playoffs. Later on, they recap last night’s first ever PWHL Final which saw Minnesota beat Boston in Game 5! Then, newly appointed President, General Manager and Alternate Governor of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Don Waddell joins the program (32:21). They discuss his decision to join Columbus, his draft philosophy, what we can expect Rick Nash’s role to be going forward, and the players he tried to pry out of Columbus while managing in Carolina. Next up, after capturing the Walter Cup last night, PWHL Minnesota GM Natalie Darwitz looks back on her team's ‘brief’ win in Game 4, how important first overall pick Taylor Heise has been for the team, and the Sophie Jacques trade (50:09). Later on, Jeff and Matt Marchese discuss the broader impact the PWHL's growth will have on women's hockey, the future between the pipes in Columbus, the Oilers' play short-handed, and Kris Knoblauch’s tactics behind the bench (01:19:20). Jeff concludes today's episode reflecting on the life and legacy of legendary FAN590 personality and radio programmer, Bob Mackowycz Sr.

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.

Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell + PWHL Minnesota GM Natalie Darwitz Join the Show

Jeff kicks off the show with Senior Vice President of the PWHL, Jayna Hefford! The pair discuss the league's groundbreaking inaugural season, tonight's Game 5 with the Walter Cup set to be handed out for the first time, Alina Muller’s rise to stardom, what’s next for the PWHL, potential expansion, and more! Then, Alison Lukan of ROOT SPORTS joins the show to discuss the Kraken announcing Dan Bylsma as their new head coach, her takeaways from his introductory press conference, and if we should expect a promotion for Jessica Campbell with Coachella Valley (17:20). Next, Matt Marchese checks in to reflect upon some legendary fights from previous decades, before Curtis Pashelka of Bay Area News Group stops by(45:08)! He weighs in on the Sharks signing top prospect Will Smith to an entry-level contract, if San Jose winning the first overall pick helped influence Smith’s decision to turn pro, and what else we can expect from Mike Grier this off-season. Jeff and Matt wrap up today's program debating the pros and cons of both Smith and Macklin Celebrini joining the Sharks next season, along with Darnell Nurse’s ‘sour’ media scrum today.

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.

Jayna Hefford Joins the Show + Sharks Sign Top Prospect Will Smith to ELC

Jeff kicks off the show with ESPN's Greg Wyshynski with a recap of last night’s Game 4 between the Rangers and Panthers including why fans felt robbed of a penalty shot in overtime. Next, they discuss whether or not Darnell Nurse will play tonight and how he has looked throughout the series, along with what makes Edmonton such a “maddening” team to watch. Later, the pair share their takeaways from the Devils' press conference yesterday announcing Sheldon Keefe as their new head coach, before looking at some of the other candidates the team spoke too, the expectations for New Jersey's new bench boss and if his style of coaching will mesh with the established core.

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.

MvsW: A Tale of Two Teams + Will Keefe’s Coaching Style Work in New Jersey?

Jeff kicks off the show with Sportsnet’s Sam Cosentino to discuss the Memorial Cup in Saginaw. They discuss what it means for Moose Jaw to make it to Saginaw, NHL Draft eligible prospects to keep an eye out for, if London is the favourite, and Michael Misa’s play, before getting into the 2024 NHL Draft and who Chicago will take after trading up to the second overall pick. Then, fresh off of his introductory press conference, New Jersey Devils Head Coach Sheldon Keefe joins the program (19:32)! They discuss how the Devils job opportunity came to be, if he considered taking some time away from coaching, his use of analytics and how he prepares for games, the in-demand players within the Devils' roster, and his experience coaching the Maple Leafs. Later on, Matt Marchese joins the conversation to discuss what to expect from Keefe in New Jersey with the Devils' plethora of young talent (52:30). Jeff and Matt also go over what the Predators have targeted in potential trades, the big moves the Kings have made in recent years, last night's Western Conference Final and what to expect in Game 4 between the Rangers and Panthers.

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.

The Freight Train Avalanche + Connor Hellebuyck Speaks

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