32 Thoughts: The Podcast - The House Always Sweeps

Episode Date: May 27, 2026

In this edition of 32 Thoughts, Kyle Bukauskas and Elliotte Friedman react to the Vegas Golden Knights sweeping the Colorado Avalanche in four games while crowning themselves as Western Conference Champs in the process. They focus their attention on the Eastern Conference Final between the Canadiens and Hurricanes ahead of Game 4 on Thursday (22:00). The guys switch their focus to news around the league, including the Penguins re-singing Evgeni Malkin to a 1-year deal (40:30). They talk about the Marlies as Toronto begins their Conference Final series in the Calder Cup Playoffs (45:00), before zeroing in on the IIHF Worlds and potential players that have earned themselves an NHL opportunity in 2026-27 (48:07). The guys give their flowers to the Montreal Victoire for winning the PWHL's Walter Cup (53:00). The podcast ends with Elliotte's shoutouts (54:00). Listen to all the 32 Thoughts music here. Email the podcast at [e-mail] 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

Did you see the video of Bryce Harper brushing his teeth? I saw something about it, but I didn't actually watch the video. Oh, you should go watch the video. Oh, I don't want to tell you. You have to witness it for yourself. Yeah, yeah, look it up. Okay, so I'm watching. It gets it wet.

Oh, my God. What? What? Why does he do that? Welcome to 32 Thoughts, the podcast, presented by your Canadian Toyota dealers and the 2026 Tacoma. Get yours before red tag days are over. Dom, Elliott, and Kyle are with you once again here. And Fridge, it happened.

The sweep happened in the Western Conference final. The Vegas Golden Knights brought their pillows, the avalanche, the President's trophy, the pillows not only won out. They did so in four straight. A stunner sends Vegas back to the Stanley Cup final for the third time in nine years since they came into the National Hockey League. Where would you like to start for a series no one saw coming? The result was one thing, but four straight. Even Mark Stone in the post game, Elliot, saying, we're as surprised as anyone. Kyle, if this was the WWE instead of the NHL, I would say it was a loaded pillow Vegas brought to the playoffs.

They took it and they put a brick inside or some brass knuckles or a roll of coins, something like that. Yeah, I'm right with you. I'm not surprised Vegas won the series, but I am absolutely gobsmacked, shocked that they swept them. I certainly didn't see that coming at all. And no matter what comes out of here, injury-wise, for the avalanche, we cannot let that take any credit away from Vegas. And I like the fact that Jared Bednar was asked about that postgame when he said, look, Joe Sackack and Chris McFarland will tell you that over the next couple of days,

but everybody deals with it. I think we're all curious to see exactly what they had there. you could tell on our broadcast that Luke Gadsdick has some theories but didn't want to get into them. I have some theories too. I think McCar is a pretty significant shoulder injury. And I think some people have wondered if he might miss the start of next season because of it. We'll see if that's true or what that is. But it doesn't take away at all from what Vegas did in this series.

They won it, they earned it, they dominated it. And they deserve all the credit in the world. A perfect plan was put together and they executed it brilliantly. So certainly credit goes to John Tortorella and coming on board late in the conversation here and not reinventing the wheel by any stretch, but even by how he described it, just guidance here and there, but also understanding when to get out of the way, a veteran team that can run the room there and a different voice that seemed to be coming in

at the perfect time for that team. I just wonder in hindsight, because so much of this year, Elliot, we looked at Vegas and went, they should be much better than this. They should be way better than this. And maybe now we're seeing it. I really liked, and they touched on it on our broadcast

on Tuesday night, Ryan Strom's theory of getting through Utah getting through Anaheim, they learned how to deal with fast teams and how to beat them. And it almost made them all the more powerful in facing the most power yet in Colorado in round number three. What was the biggest problem they had all year? We've talked about it ad nauseum on this podcast, Kyle. They were 28th and save percentage. If you look at Vegas all season, especially right before Bruce Cassidy got fired,

their underlying numbers were really good. That was never the issue. You never looked at them and said, this is a bad team, but they weren't getting saves. And what's Alvinio's old line? If your goaler is better than my goaler, you win. If my goaler is better than your goaler, I win. And that's one of the major reasons that it's turned around for Vegas. And they're getting saves that they weren't getting in the regular season.

That is a huge difference. but, and this is another thing too, and this is where I do agree with Ryan also, Vegas has shown that they can nullify speed. They have a discipline system. They play to it. They gum up the ice. They make it hard for you to get by them.

And the other difference in this series, Kyle was against Utah and against Anaheim, they dominated as the series continued. The later those series got, the better they got. And there was a separation between them and the other team. they were playing. They started this one on time. They were, they were outstanding from the

beginning and, you know, they won't have home ice advantage in the Stanley Cup final, no matter who they play, Carolina or Montreal, they'll start on the road. But there's going to be a lot of people picking them, no matter who it is. There's going to be a lot of people who say, you know what, after what I just saw in that takedown of the avalanche, I'm going with them. You know, I want to talk a little bit more about Tortorella. Tortorella has a chance to become, I think the fourth coach ever, Kyle,

to win a Stanley Cup with two different teams, and the first since Scotty Bowman, if I remember it correctly. And that is an incredible potential accomplishment. And I think you really have to look at this. go back a year and remember how it ended for him in Toronto. And I say in Toronto because that was the last game, Philadelphia in Toronto. And, you know, he admits his frustration post game about the difference in coaching a team where you're trying to win as opposed to where you're trying to build them.

comments that he has always maintained were not accurately, contextually explained. There was also a confrontation in the dressing room that night with Cam York. Like it was, it was a tough exit. And, you know, people were one,

people were writing them off. And I remember texting him last summer in the job cycle and saying, you know, do you want to coach again? Are you retired? And he goes, I'm definitely not retired. I'd love to coach again.

But I don't know if anybody saw it. And now he gets the chance. And the amazing thing about this, Kyle, is, and again, I've said this several times, I am not convinced the Vegas Golden Knights plan was to have Tortorella coach next year. I think there's better than even odds that they saw him as finishing this year. And Ryan Craig, who's got a long history with Kelly McCrimmon, who coaches their American hockey league team. and Henderson taking over the team next year.

I think that was a possibility or is a possibility. I don't even know what to say about it anymore. But now what do you do here? And also, you know, Tortorello's contract is up on June 30th. If Vegas isn't extending him, then are some of the, like, we know Edmonton's waiting. and I suggested this to Bob Stauffer a week ago and Bob kind of laughed at me maybe it's not the Oilers

but somebody's going to be looking at this and saying hey if Vegas doesn't want him we'll gladly take him Tortorella this is it's like Phoenix rising from the ashes I don't know how many people thought he would get another job

and not only has he gotten another job but he's he hasn't just hit it into the fifth deck, he's hit it over the street outside the stadium. Someone's going to look at him and say, if they don't keep him, we'll gladly take him. And the stars have kind of a line two for him, wouldn't you say, just because the situation in Vegas, he comes in late, the team knows it's going to the playoffs, and you just get right into a first round series effectively after a few games at the end of the regular season.

You didn't have to go through the 82 game grind, where the messaging can wear on certain guys or what have you. But I wonder if it's more so teams that would be looking at that. Teams that are in, I want to say a similar situation to Vegas, but definitely in win now mode as opposed to one that's in a different stage of their cycle. Because it seems pretty clear right now, yes, at this stage of Torterella's career, coaching teams in that mode seems to line up with with his style and philosophies and what gets him excited as opposed to the alternative. The other thing I wanted to make a couple of things I wanted to mention about Vegas.

I think we'll break down Colorado a bit more over the next couple of pause, but there are a few things I want to say. The Marner thing. It's going to be a wild storyline. As someone texted me watching Sean McKenzie interview Mitch Marner postgame, The sweep crew, by the way, Bartlett, Galley, and McKenzie. Yes. The sweepsters, all three of their series, sweeps. But as someone texted me watching McKenzie interview Marner, he said,

it's always about the Leafs. I'm happy for Marner. I don't care if people don't like that. I'm happy for them. I'd like to see people do well. You know, last year, you know, Marner, I think, had decided that he was going to go west. It was the right move.

And I don't think that's an insignificant part of this. You know, people can have their own theories. I think the decreased intensity of the spotlight. is a huge thing. I think the fact that he joined a team with a number of battle tested and playoff successful players is another factor.

He obviously fits in so well with Stone, Eichel, since William Carlson's come back, and all the role players who know what it takes to win, I think that's a huge thing. But I think the distance he put between himself

and his home base was another huge factor in this and one that should not be underestimated. But, you know, he's got a shot here not only to win the Stanley Cup, but also win the Con Smythe Trophy. And I was reminded, Kyle, during this game, that last summer I was a golf tournament, and there was a relatively recent NHL, retired NHL player,

and his father was at the tournament. And in the Q&A after the father was asked of this former NHL player was asked about Marner, who by this time had already been traded to Vegas. And he said that he felt that Mitch Marner was going to be the next Larry Murphy and or Phil Kessel, a player, a talented player who left Toronto and, one somewhere else. Now, I don't know if that father, and I'm going to reach out to him, thought it was going to be this season, but he's right there. He's got a chance right there. And like we said, Kyle, they're not going to have home ice advantage, but they're going

to be a lot of people's favorites. Well, I mean, you use those two examples, as you'll remember, Larry Murphy was traded in season from Toronto to Detroit, won a Stanley Cup immediately, won two Stanley Cups in Detroit immediately. I mean, he of course had won previously in Pittsburgh. And then Phil Kessel traded in the offseason of 2015 and immediately goes and wins back-to-back Stanley Cups

with the Penguins in 16 and 17. So it would be following that trend if the first year after leaving Toronto, Mitch Marner gets his hand on the Stanley Cup in reference to those two. Lees are going to have a bunch of guys asking for trades. But that's thing.

As you know, there's players in this league, good players in this league, or just every player in this league is good. Top end players in this league, role players in this league, that regardless of market, spotlight, whatever, play the same, but others, it can be different.

And Mitch, it's been a different story for him in Vegas and certainly through these playoffs because through all the depth and the options they have there, as you said, he's not been a passenger. He is absolutely a front runner for the cons might through three rounds. He's been very dynamic and has his fingerprints have been all over this for Vegas. So, I mean, he looks happy. He seems to be in a great place, and he's playing deeper into the season

that he's never experienced before in his NHL career. So good on him. Like, he's been full value for Vegas. Like, both things can be true, right? Like, it can be, you look back, and it was some tough, tough history, spring after spring in Toronto, and it's been a great spring for him in Vegas so far.

Yep. Can't argue with any of that. One of the things, by the way, that someone told me was really noticeable in the building was the difference in the two benches, Kyle. They said that the Colorado bench was very quiet. The Vegas bench was very animated. And he explained that as just the judge. general shock that the avalanche were in. This is somebody who had a good view of it, and he said you could see it.

They were in shock on that Colorado bench. I was talking to this person, I was saying, you know, what could they have done? And, you know, one of the things we kind of talked about was, you know, Parker Kelly, who had a great season, could you have moved him up and tried something like that? but just generally, Vegas was such a steamroller in this series. Like, that's a band-aid on the cut, right?

Like, it just, they beat them. Their best players beat Colorado's best players. And I thought Blackwood played great. Yes. I thought Blackwood gave them a chance. That could have been 5-0 before Colorado scored,

but Blackwood was making some incredible say. Is Brock Nelson? I mean, how many chances did he have? and just couldn't buy one. Last two games. But what this guy told me was it was, you could just tell looking at the benches,

it was noticeable how different it was and how the attitudes were dissimilar between the avalanche and the Golden Knights. And I think, too, they'll probably take a couple days. I think you always understand you can lose. I don't think you ever expect to lose like that, particularly when you have their talent. And I remember Joe Sackick, he was really disappointed last year,

really disappointed last year when they lost to Dallas in the first round. So I'm curious to hear what he's going to have to say this year. I mean, there's a lot of speculation about Bednar. You know what? I understand why that happens after a series like this one, but I don't think there's a lot of coaches who are better than him. The only reason I think you'd even consider it is if you feel that it's just time for a fresh start. But there's a better than zero chance that you let him go and you don't get as good a replacement.

And I know where a lot of this is going to go. I think, you know, David Carl, we know Toronto, David Carl are doing a little bit of a slow waltz right now to see where both of them are. I think the kings have looked at that one a little bit too. But, you know, if he's going to go anywhere, I think a lot of people are wondering if it would be Colorado. But again, you know, Bednar has been,

been hugely successful there. And I think any time if you're considering moving on from a coach, you better make sure you have a better option than you have. And even though all of Colorado was reeling right now, that guy's a really good

coach who has never gotten his Jack Adams do. Should have it more than he does. So Bednar, someone just sent me a clip When Tortorella finished his media conference, he got up and walked out. And I don't know who he was looking at, but he said, get off Bedsie's ass. I really respected in the moment of your celebration, you take pains to pump up the other guy or show some support to the other guy.

I just think, Kyle, when you lose like this, there's a lot of talk about what could happen here. Yeah, I agree with you. I mean, he's the second longest tenured coach among the active ones. Only John Cooper's held the position longer down in Tampa, of course. It's, and I also wonder when the dust does settle, and if a whole laundry list comes out, Elliot,

of just the injuries that they have, for dealing with. Will that change the narrative at all in terms of the buzz around Bednar? You know, because it's, they have been a threat for a last, since however many years. Since 2020,

it was a bit of an odd one going into the bubble. I don't have only won one cup through that, but a lot of teams would love to say they've won one. And if it was ease so easy, Kyle, everyone would win them. Yeah, no question. And he's been the constant calming influence back there through all of it. So, yeah, I would be, I'd be hesitant to reach for a different option,

unless you were so confident that it was going to be a leg up because it's going to be tricky to find. Let's just say, for argument's sake, the avalanche did move on from Bednar. I think he'd be unemployed for however long he wanted to be unemployed. And one other thing for Colorado, Kyle, now we find out if Nashville asked for permission to talk to Chris McFarland. Yes. Yes. Because I think they will, if they haven't already tried, and we're told not in season.

now I think they do and remember I believe he has at least another year under contract so the road to get him goes through the avalanche and as we pointed out last pod when Anaheim was interested in him during the Pat Verbeek process

Joe Sackick said no and promoted him and I think Joe Sackick knows exactly how important McFarland is to him. We'll see. So a suddenly shocking end for the Colorado avalanche. They are done in the Western Conference final. The Vegas Golden Knights will,

they know they'll start the Stanley Cup final on the road and await to see who they will play as they now have a bit of time to be home and cooled awaiting the beginning of the Stanley Cup final. I don't think they're going to be that cooled. It's Vegas. that's true and you know the other thing too here Kyle is that if this Montreal's if Montreal comes back and makes this a longer series they're going to have a similar rest not quite as long as Carolina

but they're going to have a break yes and could end up being a very tight turnaround from the end of the eastern conference final the beginning of the Stanley Cup final but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it if we need to so we will have a bit of a bit of a bit of of news that we'll get to in later block of the show. But before that, it's the final thought which is presented by your Canadian Toyota dealers and that brings us here

to the East, Elliot, where we are in Montreal. Three games into the Canadians and Hurricanes. Carolina won back-to-back games in overtime. Andre Svechnikov, the hero in game number three here on Monday night. And suddenly this is

turning into a series, Elliot, where yes, it's taken overtime for Carolina to win both of its games, but in watching, you feel like they have had much greater control of things. And now everybody is wondering, how does Montreal just flat out generate a little more by way of shots to say nothing of more goals and another win or two here? Mike Matheson, after game number three, said we're two shots away from being up three nothing, but it doesn't feel like that. You know, I heard nothing about what he said. is wrong, but none of it feels right.

It was funny. He said that, and I was like, hmm, he's right, but boy, it feels pretty lobsided out there. Well, you know, first of all, credit to Carolina. They said that was as garbage as we could play in game number one, and we're not going to do that again. And so far, they've proven it. You know, Rod Brindamore talked about something they, they

emphasized that they did better. You know, asking the Montreal players about it, they basically said that, you that they could tell it was better decisions in the neutral zone and don't let their best players get behind you. And for the most part, the hurricanes have done that except when they let Hudson find Suzuki go on a breakaway at the beginning of overtime in game number three. I can only imagine how much regret Suzuki has for that chance that missed.

You know, the interesting thing, Marty San Luis had a couple of, sometimes he just tells you what he's thinking or gives you hints with these little sayings. And he said, you know, the game tells you what to do. And he talked about sometimes you have to give up the puck to get the puck. That first goal, by the way, that Vegas scored against Colorado in game number four, that flip pass that sent Stone in on the breakaway, I can't help but wonder if that's the kind of thing that's San Luis talking about. create races more on the forecheck that's what we're going to have to do i mean this is a little bit

old school but stone looked like tim brown the hall of fame wide receiver catching a pass from jeff ostettler there uh maybe that's what montreal has to try um that was the kind of play when I saw that goal, I said, that's the kind of thing Montreal is going to have to try, because right now they are just getting caved in by Carolina's forecheck. And if you look at the shot totals when guys are on the ice, Kyle, Montreal's top line is doing okay. They're fine. But the other three lines are really getting caved in.

And those are the ones where even more you're probably thinking about creating races as opposed to carrying the puck. Yeah, no question. And we talked about it the last couple of days here, Elliot. I mean, for all you can hang your hat on, well, maybe we're spending a lot of time in our zone, but we feel we're defending well. We're not giving up a ton of chances from the key areas of the ice. I still think if that's where the majority of your energy is being spent,

like you've got nothing left to go play offense after that. You're just doing enough to get out of your zone and survive and get off the ice. and then it's being ram down your throat again. And we saw that time and time again here in game number three to the point where, I mean, what, Montreal iced the puck seven times and overtime? They had more icings in game three than shots on goal. And I don't think that was because of poor decision making per se.

It was just because of how relentless the hurricanes were. What was the line that Gossus Bear gave you after the game? Oh, yes. Shin Gossus Bear is just an outstanding quote. He said, we drag them into the deep water. And I said, who came up with that one? And he goes, he didn't say who. He said, ah, kind of all of us.

It's a team saying. And I go, what does that mean exactly? And he goes, you can't tread water forever. I was like, I like this and I'm stealing with it. And he laughed. And he also said, he talked about Svachnikov and the scrum. And he said, he said, you know, Svachnikov is the strongest player on the ice.

We want him to play like an animal smartly. And I said, you have all the good sayings. I'm going to be leaching right next to you and all your future scrubs. And he was kind of laughing, but I love dragged them into the deep water. And you look at Montreal, first period, took them four and a half minutes to get a shot. Second period, 248, third period, 1008, and overtime, 732. They went, you know, they went 25 minutes with one shot, basically. And you can't win like that.

You just can't. Right. And through all of that, I mean, gosh, it all happened so fast. But if Coffield was able to drag the blade of his skate just an extra three, four inches behind them, it's three, two at that point, Montreal. And who knows how the rest of the third period plays out. maybe they didn't even need overtime for a chance to be one shot away of being up in this series. I think this is a team where, look, they haven't been in the spot really that often in these playoffs.

I know they lost the opening game to Buffalo in the second round, but otherwise they hadn't trailed in a series. And the situation they're facing here now, it's easy to forget this is the youngest roster in the Stanley Cup playoffs. I just am watching how I get it. Each game is kind of they take on a life of its own and teams are making adjustments where they see fit. If Carolina is going to continue to play at the level they know they're capable of and we've seen here through much of game two and game three,

I'm just not sure if as damned as Montreal tries to counter it, if it's going to be enough here. like Carolina suddenly is a veteran group. You think about that core and how many years they've been at it now. Jordan Stahl is still an impactful guy. Taylor Hall is playing some really valuable minutes here. It's they look like a very, a very poised group

that had a bad first period to begin this series because they were off for so long. And as Hall said after the game, like we've shaken the rust. stuff now. The game is slowing down again for us, and it's just a, that's a concerning thing for the Canadians. A couple of other things. The Canadians are going to have to run some interference in front of Lane Hudson. I know that it's not exactly sporting of me to say, but he's getting pounded, and they have to protect him a bit. Clearly, I love Matthew Kachuk's line. He talked about in his podcast with Brady, like you figure out who on the other team is the head of the snake and you try to take them out of the series,

well, the head of the snake for the Montreal Canadiens is Lane Hudson. And they're going after him hard, and he's taking an absolute pounding out there. The Canadians have to do, even if you just run blatant picks in front of them, you almost have to do it from time to time, so that he can be protected because he's a gamer and he's playing incredibly well,

and he's not going to back down from anyone, but he's getting hit hard. A couple of other things, Kyle, that really stood out to me. You were in the media room on the off day. Frederick Anderson was kind of asked about his route here and his travels here. He looked like he got a little bit emotional thinking about it. And then he kind of stopped and everybody moved on. Did you get that impression too?

A little bit. He, uh, I spoke with him a little bit. little bit before the series. And as I'm sure you know Elliot and we'll remember, I mean, that that shortened season in Toronto, the last one in Toronto for him, like that was very, the bubble. It was very hard on him. The Canadian, not the bubble, the Canadian division. Yes. Because that was the best team Toronto had, I really thought. Yeah. And I just think the situation of our world at that time and the tough ending for the team that I just think that that, that, really wore on him and he

was of the mind of it needs something different now and he's found that in Carolina I know it hasn't been perfect the whole way there's still the injury bug is following him at certain times you know they've they've gone deep in the playoffs it hasn't always worked out

but he's continued to sign to re-up there there's just something about obviously the team the way they play and just the whole set up there in North Carolina that he seems to really enjoy and I think really appreciates at the stage of his career.

So I saw a little bit of that too. I agree with you. And it's funny, just a coincidence. So Claude Lemieux brought in the torch in game three. He represents Anderson. So. Oh, right. He brings in the torch and his client is in the other net.

The other one was, we had a funny conversation. I wanted to mention to everybody with Nick Eelers. And so one of the Jets told me that one of the reasons that Eelers, that they felt that Eelers wanted to go into the Eastern Conference because he just thought it was the travel was better and it would be better for his body. And that was one of the reasons he wanted to go to the Eastern Conference. And I mentioned this to Eelers and he looked at me like I sprouted a third eye on my forehead.

And you were witness to this. You saw it. Yes, it's true. And so he was like, burden that source. So it was pretty funny. I got a good laugh out of it. But it was pretty interesting what he talked about. First of all, he said that the travel is actually even worse or a bit, I shouldn't say

worse, but more annoying in Carolina was what he said. Because in Winnipeg, you would go on the road or you'd be at home and you'd be at home for nine or ten days and you'd be on the road for nine or ten days. So they were true homestands or road trips. In Carolina, which is, I guess, a little more remote for the Eastern Conference, he says you come home for one, then you're on the road. He just seems you're always going in and out. He actually said it's a little bit more annoying.

But, you know, basically he said that he was interested in Carolina. He thought they were a good team. He liked the way they played. They were interested in him. But I thought it was really fascinating that he said, he wanted to play with another Danish player. And obviously that guy is Anderson. And Anderson, if you'll remember, he didn't sign on the first day of free agency.

So, you know, Anderson said he did talk to him and he would know if to worry about busting anyone for tampering here. But I thought that was really interesting that he came out. First of all, and I said this to Eilers, I think someday Eilers will be great on TV. Like Ryan Strom was back for us on, as you mentioned, for game four of the Vegas series, and he's a natural. But I think Eilers would be great on television. But just hearing him talk about wanting to play with another Danish player, I thought that was interesting. And he also cleared up something we did.

After he scored his first of two goals in game number two, he stared at Dobish. And I asked him, were you staring him down? because I wondered when I saw the replay. And he said, I wasn't staring him down, but I wanted to see if he reacted with any emotion. He was scouting Dober's to see if he was frustrated or not the same. I just thought that was really fascinating. Elers has always struck me as a really sharp guy.

And he's another guy, I think, would be great on TV. He's not demonstrative. He's not loud, but he's hugely perceptive and he's very thoughtful. I thought it was fascinating that he said that. Yes. And I also noticed, so after Sean Walker ran Doebush in game three, and Doebusch kind of left his crease afterwards to skate around the zone to kind of collect himself. Kandre Miller was doing the same thing.

He was looking? He was looking at Doebus going, how is he handling this now? So there was another test from Carolina. But to go to the Danish angle, I remember when he. The Jets came through Ottawa, and it wasn't Madge Sildegard's first NHL start, but it was one of his first starts in the NHL with the senators. And Eilers, of course, was still with the Jets. And he talked about afterwards, like, how big of a deal that was for him to play against

another Danish goalie. Obviously, he would have done that against Anderson and other points of his career to that point. But seeing another Danish goalie make it to the NHL, like, he felt that was really cool. And then he said at the end, like, he's, he's bought. into his hometown team in Almore. He says he owns it now. Yeah.

Yeah. Yeah. So he takes such great pride in Danish hockey and kind of where he came from. And, you know, he's clearly invested in where it's going. Yeah. He's a great talker. Great talker. Awesome.

So we talked about this last pod. I feel it's worth revisiting. Is it Brendan Gallagher time for Montreal? in game four. I mean, I would do it. I would. I don't know how San Luis feels, but I would.

You? Yeah, the guy can help with a forecheck. And again, you're probably not playing him a ton of minutes. That's okay. But for a guy, the style that he's played, his whole career, the odds that over six, seven minutes of ice time, somewhere in there, the chances of him doing something impactful, even in that small window, I could see it happening. I would take those odds.

We will see what the morning skate looks like. Yeah. mostly be optional, I'm sure. But there'll be some clues to look for, no question. I wonder if beyond the top line... The next thing is around. Yeah, I wonder. We'll see.

He really hasn't done that much during the playoffs. A couple tweaks here and there. But coming off of 12 shots on goal, 13 shots on goal, now would be the time, Elliot. Not disagreeing. Okay, that's been a fun series to watch. It's been tight. And we'll see if it can get any snugger, any more snug in game four and the rest of the way here between Montreal and Carolina, game four going later tonight.

That was the final thought. By the way, Kyle, before you wrap up the final thought, the Vegas Golden Knights just tweeted, guess the pillows were filled with bricks. find your own material, guys. Don't steal my stuff. Have they found a way to listen to this recording in real time? I can't think of a worse punishment. No kidding. My goodness. Bill Foley, he's got people listening everywhere.

Dom, we need to check our security systems. That's incredible. Somehow I see Dom's computer completely filled was spyware. Pop-ups. I can't even look at a window. Things just keep popping up in front of me. It's amazing.

He's able to edit this thing every week. Oh, sorry, Dom. Okay, that was the final thought. Presented by your Canadian Toyota dealers. We'll take a quick break. No thought line this episode. But when we come back, we'll get to some other news and notes. You're listening to 32 Thoughts the podcast back after this.

Elliot, bingo, Evgeny Malkin is staying in Pittsburgh. A one-year deal to remain with the Penguins, five and a half million, could be as much as nine if he hits all of his bonuses. There's some trade protection there as well. You remember there was a time Malkin admitted he considered, he at least thought about the idea, of going elsewhere and being the guy somewhere

not in penguins' colors. But with how he carried on, certainly the latter stages of this season, and now that this deal is done, this is a player that only sees himself as a member of the penguins, and it's going to stay that way. We've talked about this before.

Sometimes I think Malkin just says things to see if he can just create brush fires and I'm convinced that half the time he walks back into the private areas, the dress room and says, guess what I told these guys this time? And they all kind of laugh about it. But the one thing that was obvious is that Kyle Dubus and J.P. Barry, who represents Malkin,

they weren't letting what happened last time happened this time. And last time, the penguins were determined to move on. and Ron Hextall was hired to do that. And then when push came to shove and the tidal wave of a motion hit, ownership back down. So they weren't doing that this time. And they got it done well in advance. And it was obvious to me that it was going to be a one-year deal if it was going to happen.

And that's what occurred. Look, if Pittsburgh, if Pittsburgh pays him $9 million, It's because he plays, I think, three quarters of the season and they win the Stanley Cup. You will gladly pay $9 million if all of that happens. And they have a ton of cap room anyway. You know, the other thing, too, is that, you know, Malkin is, it says to me that they had a conversation about his role. He was a winger at the end of the year. I think there's an understanding.

He's probably not going to play 82 games. But the smart thing here was that they got it done early. There was no chance for this to snowball in any controversy. And the fact that it got done now said to me there was, if anything, there was only the slightest, tiniest hurdle that this was going to happen. It's just, it's obvious that everyone was pretty much on the same page. And they got it done. I don't think anybody's surprised. And I bet the Penguins fans are happy.

I don't see why they wouldn't be. No question. Especially coming off. I mean, the team had a great year. He had a great year, 61 points in 52 games. And I just went back and looked just to refresh my memory kind of where he sits on the all-time list in franchise history for a couple of different categories. I mean, he's second only to Crosby, of course, in games played. I don't think he's going to catch Lemieux in points or goals or assists.

But to be there in the top three of all of those categories, firmly entrenched. I think only further cements, not that there was ever any question, and where he factors into the legacy of that franchise and among the very greats in the whole league. So it's neat that it'll continue there so long as he wants to continue playing that it's going to be in Pittsburgh. It feels like the right ending here. It's the way it should be. It really should be nothing else aside from that zero. He's a penguin and he should always be a penguin.

Okay. So shifting over to the Calder Cup playoffs, Elliot. So the conference finals begin actually. later tonight with the Toronto Marleys and the Wilkesbury Scranton penguins in the east. Colorado Eagles and Chicago Wolves are in the West. They're underway on Thursday. So the Marleys are in the third round. Archer Aktyamov, who played a little bit with the Leafs this year,

but is on a really great run with the Marleys. So you couple that with Dennis Hildaby, of course, who played very well for Toronto this year. and then you've got the two main guys that remain under contract and Joseph Wohl and Anthony Stolars. Starting next season, Hildami, will not be waivers exempt. So the performance that Akhtiama is putting forth here in the Calder Cup playoffs, how many eyeballs do you think that's getting? A lot of people are noticing around the league,

just in some of the conversations I was having on Wednesday, Kyle. And the NHL Combine begins this week. weekend in Buffalo. And everybody's going to be there. And I think this is where the conversations are really going to begin. And I think Toronto's going to be asked, you know, what they're thinking and goal. They've got four guys. You mentioned the two in the American Hockey League.

And they obviously have the two guys in the NHL with wool and stolars. Now, Akhti Amov has a 2.17 goals against average and a 922 save percentage. Toronto has done better than I think a lot of people in the American Hockey League expected. I don't know how many people expected them to beat LaValle, and I don't know how many people expected them to beat Cleveland, but they have, and he's a major, major part of that. And I have heard from some people who've been talking to the Toronto people around the American Hockey League team that the organization is watching this

and believing Akhtiyamov is for real. So I don't know if they expect that he can play NHL games next year, but they definitely believe that he has an NHL future. And it's going to be interesting to see if that affects any of Toronto's decision-making in net this off-season because people are looking for goalies and they have a surplus. And as you mentioned, they have to basically decide, are they going to have Hilda B be their backup next year or risk losing him on waivers? So that will be something to watch for sure.

I had a few people tell me about that on Wednesday. If anyone watched any of Hill to be this year, I think it would be zero chance that guy sneaks through waivers, especially in a growing salary cap environment. Someone's going to make room if that situation persists. So I can understand why now all of a sudden, start to circle and go, What do you think in here?

What do you think with this guy? What do you do with that guy? You can only have so many here. That's an interesting one here for Toronto. With everything else they've got going on this offseason to try to sort out. Goaltending and not just who their 1A guy is is a big part of it too. Okay. So the Cal to Cup playoffs are going on.

So too are the world championships. And it seems every year there's a player or two. that may be playing professionally over in Europe, that maybe has been under the radar, that teams suddenly have grown an interest in? Is that the case this year with the world's over in Switzerland? Yeah, so there's a couple of names that people told me that some NHL teams are looking into.

One scored against Canada for Norway. His name is Eskilled Baca Olson. As a matter of fact, his goal for Norway against Canada it was the first time the Canadians who went perfect in the round robin and will play the USA, actually trailed in the entire tournament. He's a 24-year-old center. He played in Sweden. He's a right-hand shot.

I don't know if they're talking about one-way deals or two-way deals or what they're talking about here, but I've heard there's a couple of teams looking at them. Someone said to me, there is a Canadian team looking at him, too, so you better do your homework, so I will. and the other guy is actually a Canadian-born player who plays for Switzerland, Theo Rochette. He was born in Quebec. He played five years in the Quebec Junior League and won the 2023 Memorial Cup with the Quebec Ramparts. He's playing for Switzerland.

He's a 24-year-old center. He's a left-hand shot. And, you know, I had some guys telling me that he might need HL. But, again, he's another guy that a few teams are looking at over there. and depending on the offer, does he want to stay playing overseas in Switzerland or does he want to come back to North America since he is North American born? But I did have a couple people tell me they were looking at him. A couple of other things, I just wanted to go run through a couple of other situations. You know, Vancouver, I still think they're negotiating with Malhotra and we'll see where that takes us.

Oilers, I think they're waiting to see what happens with Cassidy or anybody else that shakes loose. L.A., I think, like Toronto, they're another team that's looked at Carl, gauging his interest. I think Toronto is starting to do a few more interviews here. You know, we mentioned Nashville, where they asked about Chris McFarland now in Colorado. And again, I don't know that they're even going to get permission to talk to him. but I think a lot of people are wondering, what happens if the answer is no for Nashville right now on McFarland? Where do they go?

Because they've got some people kind of hanging around. They haven't been told they're out. And some people are wondering, is there any chance the predators wait and say, we're going to keep the status quo for now? So to keep Trots calling the shots, for the time being yeah

like now before anybody goes insane because it could come down to do they think they could get someone else in a year so

before anyone goes insane that's just a theory that's been thrown around don't go insane for a lot of different reasons you know there's another name too I just kind of wanted to mention out there um

so So we've kind of talked about there could be some changes in the Boston front office, like Jamie Langebrenner has permission to talk to other teams. One of the things we've credited the Bruins for was really good pro scouting last year. I had a couple teams tell me that there's been some interest in the Bruins' head of pro scouting. That's Dennis Bonvey. And I'm never going to say anything bad about that guy because he used to rack up 500 minutes and penalties in the American Hockey League every season.

So only nice things get said about him by me. Yeah. Wow. Really profound of you to decide that's the route you're going to take. If you have 500 penalty minutes a year, I am only going to say nice things about you. See, 422 for the Cape Breton Oilers in 94, 95, 522 in 96, 97. and 2005-06, 431 for Wilkesbury Scranton, and he was 33 years old at the time.

And none of those minutes, I doubt, were very easy. We're in a lot of tripping miners. No, no, especially in that league at that time. Full of heavyweights, full of heavy weights down in the American League. Wow. All right. So actually, before I get to your shout-outs, Elliot, because I don't think we mentioned it last pod,

and my bad for missing it, but we should congratulate the Montreal Victoire on capturing the Walter Cup, the first for them in franchise history, and also wanted to shout out, friend of the pod, Aaron Ambrose specifically with the victoire. And so the team, of course, was all,

they were all in the building on Monday night for game three of the Canadians and hurricanes. They were honored on the video board. It was a huge ovation when they were shown there. Understandably so. They've got a parade coming up on Saturday here in the city, which is very cool. And Aaron was kind enough to come say hi to us during the night.

So really happy for her. And congrats to that team. And the Walter Cup north of the border for the first time is really neat to see too. I wanted to shout out a couple of her teammates who were there too, Caitlin Willoughby and Jay Downey Landry. Got a chance to meet with them. And I took a picture with the three of them and the Walter Cup. And Kyle, just like the Stanley Cup, I did not touch it.

Yep. Same thing here. Aaron said I could, but I was like, nope. Touching it is for the winners. And I didn't win it. And so I was not going to touch it. But yes, I'm glad you shut it out, Aaron, because it was great to see it. and great to meet a couple of her teammates.

Awesome. And they look like they're having a really fun celebration. Yes. They're having a good time. 100%. You win, you celebrate. That's part of the deal. That's the perk of the job.

Yes. So I have to tell you, I was walking through the crowd to get to our section during game three. And someone comes up behind me and goes, are you Elliot Friedman? And I'm just, I turn around going, yes, sir, and it's Amber. He thought it was the funniest thing.

As he described, you turned around with like such your chest was puffed out, like, yes, I am. And it was Dave. Seven levels of exaggeration on this. But it was funny. He did get me good. I couldn't write them all down. We met so many people.

I could not write them all down. down. Please don't be offended. But, you know, first of all, it seemed like everyone, it seemed like that night there were no people left in Prince Edward Island. Everybody from PEI had migrated to the arena because it was every, it seemed like every person we met was from there. And so there were a lot, P.EI represent in game number three, absolutely.

So I wanted to show to a few other people. Noah and Gabby visiting Montreal from Vancouver. Gabby's sister had graduated from McGill. There was Tyler and Jenna P.I. Habs fans that we saw on the street. There was, I think their names were Donnie and Daniel from Newfoundland. They dragged me into a line, like a concession line to take a picture with them. Pretty hilarious. Steve had some petros who does the schedule matrix for the NHL.

I took a picture with his son at the game. Steve wears the best white shoes. I didn't notice if his son was wearing them, but it was his kid. There was a guy who flew in from Edmonton for game number three. His name was Phil. A buddy of mine, Oshin, took a couple of clients. Ryan, Emily, and Connor had a chance to meet his clients.

Option, if I got you any business, I'm demanding 5% of this transaction. I want you to know. And by the way, we were talking about shorthanded goals last pod and the question about short-handed goals winning series. I got a note from Dan Ruzanowski, the Hall of Fame broadcaster from the San Jose Sharks, and he sent me the following. Hi, Elliot. listening to 32 thoughts and all the great info on important short-handed goals in the playoffs,

this one didn't decide a series, but it has a connection to the present. Thomas Hurtle scored shorthanded in double overtime for San Jose at Vegas in game six of the 2019 first round series. Had he not done that, the legendary Game 7 comeback from the three-gold deficit with Barclay Goodrow getting the game-winning goal would not have been possible. an interesting note given that hurdle now plays for Vegas. Thank you, Dan. I knew it was sharks related to the moment I saw his name,

but your shark's expertise made this podcast better. Beautiful. Thanks for that one, Dan. That's great. What's the temperature in your room right now? Ah. So I like it reading Fahrenheit. I get 69.6. What's your say? I can't even see it, but I am sweating. I am ready for bed. Oof. That's disgusting.

I'm keeping this in. I hope you know. That's fine. I got no problem. Listeners of this podcast know I like a hot room. Yes. And we didn't. We did some R&R here on the off day, Elliot. Oh, yes. Kyle took me to his luxury spa. We did some saunas. Elliot eventually dipped himself in the cold plunge.

I was proud of him for doing that. I did cold plunge for a while. I really hate it. I still hate it, but I did it. Yeah. You progressed. Hot tubs laid outside. It was good.

Much needed over this long run. To try to keep us. upright for these. Dom, sonas. Did you go to Elliot's room? No, this was off-site. Yes. Yeah. Well, he mixed it up. For once for Elliot. Okay. R&R's done.

Shoutouts done. Only thing left is to wrap this thing up. And we will do that after another short break on 32 Thoughts, the podcast. All right. So just one series remains here, this third round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Game number four between Carolina and Montreal, as they continue to duke it out, however long it will go,

for the right to play Vegas in the Stanley Cup final. The Hockey Central Pregame show is on the air at 7.30 Eastern, 430 Pacific Time. Look forward to have Ryan Strom on the panel again here tonight, and puck drop will be a little after 8ET on Sportsnet and CBC. That'll do it for this edition of 32 Thoughts, the podcast, Thank you so much for listening. There are only so many hours in the day, and we appreciate you spending one of them here with us.

We will talk to you again on Friday. Hope you're having yourselves a great week.