Empty Netters Podcast - 43. Partying with The Cup

Episode Date: June 16, 2023

The Vegas Golden Knights take down the Florida Panthers in 5 games for their first Stanley Cup Championship. Matty Tkachuk was playing with a broken sternum like an animal. The boys are joined by Jonny Lazarus as they break down their night of partying with the Stanley Cup and the Vegas Golden Knight players. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All right, squad, we are here recording our post-Stanley Cup victory podcast with Johnny Lazarus. Absolute pleasure to have you. I think we all went to bed at what, 7.30 in the morning? Yeah, I think so. Something like that. Red? It's only been in a couple hours. You know what?

It actually killed me, Johnny. Red wakes up this morning and sees your post of all of us. Dude, you got so much content up so fast. It was incredible. And Red's like this. I think I missed that photo by fucking two minutes. Did you? I legit think I missed it.

I was actually pissed. It's the best. It's pretty good. It's pretty good. Where was fucking? Outside of that McFarnegan. Yeah, yeah. I already forgot the name of the place.

Yeah, I think you had a timestamp of like, it was like $5.40. And I'm pretty sure I left to like $5.25 or something. But the funniest thing about that is I'm East Coast time. I'm in New York. So all my friends saw it. They're like, dude, I'm on my way to work right now. You're at a bar with Jack Eichael. Are you kidding me?

Dude, I got a ton of, I fired something up, and I got a bunch of DMs this morning. They were like, dude, I'm in the office. How good did it feel checking your phone this morning? Oh, so good. I haven't even gone through all of it. It was, I mean, I had a collection of, are you alive? Yeah. You know, we had so many people at the company who were like, hey, yo, how's it going?

Can we live? Dude, just let us live for five seconds. And I haven't even gone through the DM. So we'll see how that goes. So one of our boys from home, he met Will, one of our boys from home was in Vegas for work, right? So he was like, hey, where are you guys at? You guys here? And I was like, we are here.

So he got waved into everything. One of the texts I woke up to this morning was from his wife that says, where the fuck is where? the fuck is going? I was like, I don't know, dude. Yeah, I remember. I was like, where'd this guy go? You're like, I don't know. The exact answer she wants to hear.

Yeah, right? He did give us a piece out of the club. All right, well, we'll get into all the shenanigans. Can I just say, first of all, honor to be on here with you guys. Like I told you guys a couple weeks ago, like I'm a big fan of you guys. Like I've watched a lot of your shit. And following up PK Sue band is definitely a hard thing for me, but I'm going to give it my best shot. Oh, I think we're the follow-up.

A worthy follow-up. I think we're going to get into all the, I mean, what we talked about before we started recording here was we want to get into all of the behind the scenes of what we've all been through together for the last couple of weeks. And to tee that up. Tell us take a second to tell everyone what you're doing with the NHL and all that stuff. Yeah. Yeah. So I've been doing the Stanley Cup live show with the NHL. We were doing a lot of pregame stuff outside the arena, inside the arena in Florida,

interviewing celebrities, fans, former players, you know, anyone there, you name it. You know, we got to talk to like Ed Giovanovsky in Florida. Luongo came on last night. Derek England came on, which was cool. Shane Knighty. Kevin Connolly and Sean Avery were supposed to come on last night, but they got stuck in traffic. So that was kind of bummer. No way.

Yeah, they got stuck in traffic. But then like, you know, Emily Kaplan. And I'm trying to, you know, I'm trying to think of it. Do it. No, it's great. Yeah, no, I just think like, you know, all these people's personalities that you don't necessarily get to see because they're on TV and they're doing their job and sometimes it's a little bit tougher to be yourself when you're like put on a huge platform like that like

ESPN or NHL Network and whatnot and it was really cool just to have like a loose you know be yourself kind of show at this time like a final I mean like it was honestly a dream gig for me like I got to do the pregame and I got to chill the entire rest of the night dude and it was I mean I think it was I forget what round when you guys first waved us in and we did the stream with you guys I think that's right and then we came on with you guys game too what you guys are doing is exactly our vibe. It's that bring the fun, casual vibe to the NHL, make people feel like

we're just having a fun conversation and everyone loves it so much. How did you get involved with this? Honestly, it's kind of like a long story. We want it. You want the long story? So I was actually, okay, so I played college hockey

like two years at UMass, two years at Merseyerst, and I always knew I wanted to do something after playing. And I redshirted when I transferred from UMass to Merseyerst, so I couldn't travel, couldn't play. Like, literally the worst thing that could ever happen. And, you know, something I respect about Jack Iko with his injuries, like, you know,

I've been there when the game's kind of taken away from you and you don't know who you are, you don't know your identity. And that's kind of when I started doing media stuff. Like, I started a talk show at Mercier's called the Laker Effect, where I, like, interviewed. It's actually kind of a funny idea. I think you guys love it. I interviewed, like, each team across campus. And it would be like a five, ten minutes sit down with my co-host, Leah Kern, who's on the volleyball team.

And then the last part of the interview would be a challenge in their sport. So like we interviewed the basketball team, then we played them a knockout, and I actually won. Like I said, D2 basketball team. So then like we did rowing with the rowing team and like, uh,

oh dude, we interviewed the wrestling team and I literally sparred a guy and lasted seven seconds. Yeah. Just threw me on the ground. Did you wear the fucking thing? Oh yeah. So I would wear their like uniform and shit like that too. So, um,

you know, that was kind of like my break in. And then I got an internship with the otters, my senior year because they were in the same, uh, city as Erie, Pennsylvania. Yeah.

And then, dude, like COVID happened. And I just started. pushing the media stuff. And, you know, I made a relationship with Steve Mayer, who's the chief content officer at the NHL. And then, you know, last year, Steve, you know, hit me up and was like, hey, we're doing this YouTube show.

We think you'd be good for it. Like, literally a week in advance. And I was like, dude. That was a bad bad guy. That was a bad pal. That's fucking awesome. Yeah. And then this year, I just got lucky enough to be, you know, asked back to do it.

That's fucking incredible. Yeah, it's fantastic. It's good for you, by the way, because I feel like, during. COVID, everyone's got a story of like how they were passing the time, you know. Dude, best thing that ever happened to me. Yep. Obviously, you know. Yeah.

I know obviously I was a hard time, but like it kind of, I was going to keep playing. Like I was trying to play on the coast for like the ESP. Like I knew my ceiling wasn't very high, but I wanted to play pro hockey just like everyone else, you know? Like I would have done it for two, three years. And the fact that I graduated in 2020 and there was nowhere for me to play. Yep. And I couldn't skate anywhere.

So I, you know, gain 20 pounds. Yeah, yeah. Obviously, like, not going pro after like three months of doing nothing. You know, it kind of made it easier to hang them up. and like start this part of my life, you know? Yeah, I feel like having that thing that you can channel your attention into and your passion for the sport into immediately

is so, so helpful. And then yeah, we get to pack on the pounds and fucking chill. Yeah. Yeah, I ate you pasta, dude.

Yeah, it's like, well, that was the thing, man, I was like eating, like I was still playing Division One hockey. Yeah,

just, it adds up quick when you're not working out. Yeah, yeah. You're not training. You're like, oh my shit. It's lifting and skating. Yeah.

Yeah. There's nothing worse than like when you're, like, obviously, you know, I feel like most people have like a big friend group and it's like like, Dan, like that guy got fat. You know what I was like that guy for like three months and it's like that sucks.

Then you got to reel it in. Yeah. I think one of my favorite things about this, I mean, it happens all season long, but especially these last couple weeks is how tight knit this hockey group is. Like the, the influencer hockey group,

the podcast group, the media group, it's like everyone supports each other, loves each other, goes on each other's shows, has an absolute blast. Like we've been hanging by a thread for, two straight weeks here, but we're also just ripping it together the whole time.

It's so fucking fun. It's unbelievable. The funniest thing I think about that, too, is like, you know, guys like us, like, we don't blend in. Yeah, yeah. You know, and that's been like, I think a good thing, right? Definitely. Part of me was like, all right, do I, like, kind of dress the part and wear a suit or do I just, like, be myself? And, like, I think that's how you stand out, right? We're a fire jacket.

I wear a lot of jacket last night. I could find everybody find Johnny on his Twitter and look at his fucking jacket last night. Well, dude, I knew if I'm going on the ice, I'm easy to spot. Actually, when we were on the ice and I kept looking for you, I was like, just find the jacket. And I would find it through a sea of people. Yeah, there he is. But that's a real thing, though, for sure. Because I will say, like, when we walked on the ice or whatever, we get double-taked at by the media people because they're like, they are like, they're supposed to be out here?

You can sneak out here? Because it just, we're in my fucking backwards head and a hoodie or whatever in a sick jacket where they're all dressed really nice. Yeah. And I think it lightens everyone up, lights the players up. I mean, like when they see it, when we actually get to ask them questions, they're like, oh, these are just like homies instead of like, oh, this is a suit ready to fucking grill me about my four check. Yeah, but I also think it also depends on the platform.

Like, you know, there's obviously so much flexibility in what we're doing. Great call. But I think we are trending in that direction where like, you know, I think everyone should be able to flex their own style. Yeah. A hundred percent agree. Obviously. Absolutely agree.

And I do, you're both saying it. it's there's no question that the players especially with things like media day and then like last night in the ice when they see that casual both look and approach there's so much more open to to you know letting it fly and having fun rather than giving that PR trained answer that we're also used to hearing from all these NHL guys so it's just so awesome that you get to relate to them on a personal note it's that makes it the best um i want to get into the game a little bit okay so yeah let's do a little on the game but before we even do that per red i want to talk about like the dream of game five that that that's that's that's kind of the the segue into this so I know you had a similar feeling to this so okay I'm ready in getting into breaking down this game five which was a shit show I mean it was a oh my god there's really no need for us we talked about before we started recording there's no need for us to to break down the game because it was just like the game started for maybe six minutes it was like pretty good up and down hockey, but the second Kachuk was

out of the lineup. We were like, oh, this is going to go poorly. And then it was like, boom, shorty by Mark Stone, boom, another goal. It got two one in the second period, but then it was like, goal, goal. And I was just like, okay, this game is it felt like a beer league game. Honestly, midway through the second period, he got through a beer,

felt like a beer league game. But for us, dude, obviously. And this is obvious. I wanted to be very clear. You want seven game series. Like you want more hockey. hockey is the best. It's so much fun. With us traveling and on the road and going back and forth from Vegas to Florida, there was a part of us that was like,

damn, dude. It would be kind of nice if we got to see Vegas win their first ever cup in Vegas and not have to do that by going back to Florida and then back to Vegas. So the dream for us was like, it would be pretty sweet to see it happen right now. I want to know how you were feeling, because you haven't been home yet You have been on the road the whole time.

We got to stop back in L.A. for like a day and a half. You have not been home since all of this started. Yeah, I told you guys, once it was too nothing, I booked my flight back to New York. I'm like, there's no way Florida comes back. I saw him do it. I saw him do it. And then I think Florida scored like maybe two minutes later.

Dude, I was going to say. I was like, no way, dude. Like, this is not happening. Like, I need to go home. You were all talking, red. You too. You guys were all, we were talking about what we were doing after. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Which club we're going to tonight? Where's the cup going to be? He's like, oh, we got the whole thing set up already. The shirts are being brought out. And I'm like, it's a 2-1 game in the second. I was looking at you guys, and I was going, stop. I was like, guys, we got a lot of game love. Let's not jinx this shit.

And obviously, that turned to do a shit show. But when it turned to, you were like this, dude, I just booked my flight home. And then it was like, bang, 2-1. I looked at all of you. And I was like, this is what happens, dude. When we get cocky, this is what happens. Wait, can I also say one thing? Just back to the Kachuk thing.

I, is there a stat to see like the spike in Fandul and Draft Kings like once that was announced? Like how do they ran? Right. I mean like, if you didn't bet Vegas money line after that announcement last night, like you just hate money. Dude, did you see, uh, do you watch Succession? No. Oh, really? You should watch Succession.

Yeah. Well, I guess I don't want to spoil it for you. I'm not good with shows. Yeah. I'm like very particular with TV shows. Yeah. I like really watch like Dave. Dude, Succession is the best TV show of all the time.

Yeah, yeah. You guys know I love a little bit. Yeah, you do love it. Uh, well, I won't spoil it. because you should watch it, but there's a moment in the last season where something happens that affects the stock of their company.

And it's like you can see on the stock graph, it's like, and you're like, oh, there's, there it is. Like, I want to see that fan dual thing with Kachuk,

like the Kachuk announcement. It's like, here's the betting lines, and it's like Kachoo. Yep. Everyone on Vegas. We can talk about that now. We,

when we all met up in the, in the ring before the game, it would, it had come out recently. I think it was what, like 40 minutes before Puck drop when we, when we found, you know,

it was like Kchuk, not playing and you had some inside info before i mean the second that game end maris went in and did his presser and was like broken sternum cracked ribs so kachuk broke his sternum in game three and played in game four yeah finished game three first of all yeah you can't slam what the sternum is because i didn't realize where it was literally right here dude like like straight down the middle of the front of your edge dude yeah broken and like what's fucking crazy to me dude is and we talk about this, but the jack hit, like Jack got popped into it and then Maddie got popped in game three. The jacket looked worse.

Oh yeah. And it was fucking fine. And Maddie, it ruined the series. But isn't that always how it happens, right? Like injuries like look somewhat innocent. Dude, dude, like the patcheretti injury this year when he re-heard himself. Oh my God. He was just like standing there.

Yeah, literally standing there. You know, like, that's always happens. We talk about it with Bergeron all the time. He played in that 80 second game of the fucking season against Montreal and like gotten a weird collision and herni eats his disc. Yeah. It's like, well, okay, that's it. Yeah.

But, We always talk about, at the end of playoffs, every year you hear about all these crazy injuries that these guys play through. Cichuk breaking his sternum, finishing that game, scoring the game tying goal, and then suiting up for game. And we found out in all the press conferences, he had to get helped putting his gear on. Yeah. That is insane. Well, we were joking like, he's obviously going to play at game five. They were like, oh, his status is unclear.

I didn't think there was a shot in hell. He wasn't going to dress. Yeah. And then right for the game, we were in the rink. Sometimes we talk about this lot, but one of the weird things about like being there is you miss some shit. Like I don't have like the announcer. I can't hear anything. I don't see anything.

So I was just in the rink like, yeah, he's playing obviously. And then I heard someone be like, could chuck's out, kachsa. And then I'm on Twitter. And I was like, wait, can chuck is it out? Dude. And then you knew. As soon as I heard that, I was like, oh, it's fucking bad. It's over and his injury is bad.

Like it's not like, oh, my fucking shoulder sore. I was like, oh, he's, I think it's actually crazy. Looking at the way that that game went, it's why. wild to see how much of an effect he has on the ice, both with his play and clearly his leadership. Yeah, my God. I'm telling you guys, there was something about, we went into this game thinking, this is probably over.

Vegas is just the better team. Yeah. They are, they established themselves as such a dominant team in this series, as they have been all through playoffs. So we went in being like, I think Vegas is going to win. But the second Kachuk was out of the lineup, you could just see. see it on the ice. It was truly like that Panthers team came out

and they were like, we've lost our emotional leader, we've lost our best player, and they put up a decent fight in the beginning, but Vegas just stepped on the throat pretty quick. And it honestly was a, I said it before, it felt like a beerling game. Yeah. As they were just pumping in goals.

Like Vegas, I didn't think was having fun at the end. They're like, dude, let's end this game. Yeah. Johnny, I think with like seven minutes left, everyone that ice was like run the clock both sides it sucks yeah yeah getting smoked obviously no one wants but even smoking a team is like never fun i don't who scored that last one was it roy yeah yeah like yeah like that night like bob was back in no cell like see on the cup clinching game yeah that's like pop one in yeah casual yeah whatever the uh memory though tell the kids who shoveled in that that

one where uh petro was like standing on top of the goal dude that was the greatest sellie ever yeah we were standing right in that corner and you just see like a scrum and all of sudden petro's like hands up yeah both arms up yeah No one had any clue. They honestly were just playing shiny out there. It was a clown show. Dude, you joke about Johnny booking his flight after 2-0. But even at 2-1, we were even saying,

it didn't even feel like Florida was even close, even at 2-1. You're right. It was like, they scored and it was like, I don't think this matters. There was one shift that was like probably two minutes hemmed in the defensive zone. It was 7 to 1.

Dude, I remember that. And then they scored at the end of it. And I was like, this is fucking. It was crazy, man. I can't remember. the last time, if ever. You see, the nuggets is a great example. It was like when the nuggets just

one in five, you see it all the time in basketball when it's like, you can't come back. And a team inbounds the ball and the other team's like, oh, they're not going to foul. And you just dribble out the clock. They literally skated out the clock for the last 20 seconds of that game in a Stanley Cup winning game.

Yeah. You know what had been hilarious. The Golden Knights, they started coming off the bench with like seven seconds left. Riffs like call it too many. I think I want to doubt it Like just just for shit You know Too badie

My Panthers fans are already complaining Like we've gotten shafted By the calls They got another one to worry about You know Runei just blows the worst things like this Too many guys That is so good

That is so good Okay well actually I want to ask you something Or I want you to tell everyone something So the I would say That rank is awesome Team Mobile suite Yeah yeah

But and the location is fucking sick You walk from the hotel You're right in the strip everything The Florida location sucks But I I love like that Florida rink. I love that.

And in fact, I like it more than T-Mobile for us. Like, there's more places to stand, one place to watch the game. More places to sneak into. More places to sneak into.

We're security. That's how we're gonna? No one cares about us in that. They let us go anywhere. Yeah. Vegas can fucking lock down, dude. So here,

we were watching a lot of that game. Yeah. Like in standing, lower bowl, just like standing room behind, you know, like people just sitting down and we're like, hey, don't mind us.

And they kind of just let us sit there. And luckily, we spent the second period together there when they really popped off. And I was like, oh, okay, this is game over. Yeah. But talk to, talk to everybody about, like, being in the TNT booth and, like, some of the shit you got to do before, before you come and met us.

That was, well, I was in there for the full game for game too. Yeah. Which was unbelievable. Last night security obviously cracked down a little more, you know, it's a clinching game. Yeah. And just being in there, like, you know, I'll talk about game too because that was more than a real experience. My good buddy jazz, you guys have met.

Yeah. Is the researcher for TNT. And he was like, dude. And I work a bleach report a little bit so I can, like, somewhat fit in there. That's not a lie. Yeah, like, you know, I'm not like fully just sneaking in. Like I, you know, get paid by Bleacher. Yeah.

So I could be in there a little bit. But. Yeah, yeah. So jazz is like, dude, come to sit in the suite. And I'm like, okay, sounds good. So I'm like standing there like behind the set. And then, you know, they finish up, biz comes down, dapp up biz. I never met him in person.

But like, we like followed each other and stuff. So I was like, dude, great to me. Like, honestly, like he's, he's the guy who started all this. Yeah. Like there's no us without biz. I feel like. So I just like said like, dude, love you. Like, not going to pump your tie.

too much, but thank you for doing what you do. Like, yeah, you know, um, which obviously helped me chill in there a little bit more too. Yeah, yeah. Warm up a little bit. Uh, but I'm like sitting in the seats and it's me, jazz, empty seat, Rick Tocket, Wayne Gretzky, biz. Anson, Liam, like, just, and Hank, behind us. Watching a Stanley Cup game to the Stanley Cup final. Like, Jesus.

If you told me two years ago, like, first of all, I'd be in Vegas. This is my first time in Vegas also. Yeah. Watching the Stanley and final in a suite with those guys, I, I don't even know, like, what I would say. When you were getting pinned in seven seconds I'm going to be in this booth. I really hope I make the Pensacola ice flyers.

No offense to them. Great program. Great, great, great, great. Great team. Yeah. But I got to pause real quick and just say when Hank walked into the club last night, it honestly felt like a slow motion movie.

Like he came in with his leather jacket on in Vegas, by the way. Guy doesn't sweat. Doesn't sweat. Hair looks perfect. And he walked in and there were a lot of people in that club who had no idea what hockey was or the Vegas Golden Knights. but every single person at that club looked in.

We talked about that, right? Everyone was like, who the fuck is this? Even us, we're like, uh, we're in the right place. Yeah, yeah. Yeah, yeah. That was funny. Good stuff going on. Yeah, but I was going to say like, he is, uh, like a very calm, cool, collected kind of guy.

Like, even when he watches the game, he has, like, headphones in. I think he's, like, truly just, like, studying and watching the game, like, watching what the goaltenders do. Yeah, yeah. He's turning around to watch the replay because it's, like, delayed 30 seconds. Um, so I saw him standing in the first period, like, on the balcony, like, where this, uh, the set is and I was like all right I'm gonna stand there for the second period chances are he's gonna come come back yeah you know um gotta get a picture with Hank right like oh of course and that's the thing too like some guy tweeted me last night like like I kind of want to can I read it yeah yeah yeah hell yeah

it's actually hilarious uh because I couldn't believe dude when I guess that must have been I don't know what you posted that but when I saw you guys tweeted me yeah I saw you guys tweeted me you had that picture okay you would heck so this guy I won't say his Twitter name but he tweets I like Lazarus a bunch but he's somewhat crinsworthy since getting national media like dude was posting pictures with Hank Lunkwis, like, now I can die in peace. Relax. But I guess it comes with the territory. As if this guy would not ask Henrik Lenkis for a phone.

Dude. Are that the most important picture you've ever taken to? Ever. Yeah. Ever. It's, and you know what's so funny is if you do it in a respectful way, I feel like these guys love being like, yeah, of course I'll take a photo. And some people don't.

And they'll tell you it straight up. But it's, I always laugh at the people who are like, oh, dude, you're such a loser for asking for that picture. And I'm like, why? Yeah. And also, why? it's it's first of all it's fucking hang like us dude I would like a picture

of course give me a break also like one thing I'll say about us too like I feel like we align here I don't want to speak for you guys but now that we're like in the mix I think it's so important to like not lose your fandom right like a lot of people say like take the fan hat off and like be professional and you know I think it's it's an okay balance to do both right like there's certain times

where you got to show your passionate like I grew up a huge New York Rangers fan like if the Rangers were in the cup final right now and that was last night Madison Square Garden like I'm crying We were talking about that about the Bruins too. Like if this had been the Bruins, right? Like it's a different experience. And I totally agree, man. I think that's our whole schick really is like I'm not a wit and I'm not.

I wasn't in the NHL. I don't bring that perspective. I love chicklets. They do that. I'm a fan. That's it. That's my POV. So I think that's so important to keep that.

Yeah. And you know, I like to, the way I like pitch myself, I guess is that, you know, I played at a pretty competitive level. Like I know a lot of the guys in the league, but, you know, I never got to play in or go to a camp or do any of that stuff. So I'm genuinely just like so curious and have so many questions and interests about what they do day to day. Like dude,

hanging out with Jack last night? Like like how many things do you learn about like their day to day? Crazy. Yeah. It's wild to think like, you know, obviously we all played hockey at a pretty high level. But like the further you advance just obviously the harder it gets, but also like the lifestyle just changes. Yep.

You know, like so many kids like me dream of playing division one hockey that like never believe they'll make the NHL. So like you don't train the same way. You kind of just like live your life. And I guess I would say you're more of a kid who plays hockey. than a hockey player. Yeah. That's kind of what I was.

Like, I truly just loved hockey. Like, I never wanted to prove that I was the best. Like, I just never wanted to stop playing. Yeah,

right. You know, I think it's so cool. That's such a good point. Like, you learn so much when you talk to these guys, but it never ceases to amaze me how every time you do talk to them, they're just so normal.

Yeah. They're just, NHL players are the elite of the elite athletes. And obviously, they train out of control. But when you just talk to them on a human level, they're just guys, man.

Yeah. And it's just so, unbelievable. I was blown away with Red, you called out really well. We're in that arena last night. The barn was going nuts. Which,

which, I said if Vegas wins, I hope they just fucking do it so the rink can like really get rocking. And obviously it was a blowout the whole time. So that place was going on. Place was shaking. Yeah.

And then they kept showing on the JumboTron the plaza outside. Oh yeah. There had to have been 20, 25,000 people out there. Absolute scenes out there. So we were in there being like, I was getting to the classic text from my mom.

You know, there was just like this, be safe today. And I was actually, I said it to you, Red. I was like, I actually think we should be safe. Yeah, right. We're in Vegas. They're winning their first championship in professional sports ever. This is the first team that they had. Now they have two.

They're about to have three. And I was like, this might be mayhem. We found out pretty quick in a city like this that's so big with so many unreal options. It was wild how it felt like. underwhelming, right? Underwhelming. Yeah. Like an hour after, maybe a little bit more.

We went out on the ice. We talked to some of the players. Once we finally went outside, there weren't a lot of people around. It was like, everyone clearly was just like, all right, let's go party. But there's 30,000 places to go party. So everyone just dispersed. And it was like, oh, shit. Dude, and I was saying this.

I was expecting more. I don't know if I was talking to you guys. It might have been, who was I talking to? But I was saying, like, I might be the only person on the planet that had like 10 times more fun in Fort Lauderdale than I did in Vegas. Dude, no, I hear it's because there's two options. Yeah, but I also love like, you know, I'm a dive bar kind of guy. And everyone went to the same place, elbow room.

Like, it's three, four nights in a row. Everyone congregated in the same area. Whereas Vegas, like you said, there's so many different options to bounce around from. Yeah. And that's like not what I'm like, I just love like, give me like a load of Corona, a table to sit at outdoors, live music. I'm sad. And I, you know what? We'll get into this.

But we got lucky last night. But I was thinking it. We got a shout out Robbie. Oh, we will shout out Robbie. Holy fuck. God, dude. The biggest hero ever. Of the Stanley Cup final, dude.

I can't believe that guy. Well, I guess this will tee it out perfectly. I didn't want to interrupt me. No, this will tee up perfectly. I was going to say, if someone wins it in Miami or in Fort Lauderdale, I was like, we're kind of fuck because like where do they, where will they go? Like, are they going to take the cup to Miami? I'm going to take it to elbow room, maybe.

And actually, if they had gone to elbow room, it would have been lit. But I just, like, didn't know if they were going to do that. And I was like, Vegas were money because they're just going to go outside. They're going to be walking the strip. That did not happen. Like, they were going somewhere. And if not for Robbie, our boy did. We were fucked.

And actually, what happened? Like, next thing I know I'm down on, like, ice level talking to you and Robbie, like, where we were standing. How did that even happen? How did we get invited? Yeah, like, how did Robbie come down? How did you start talking to him? Well, Robbie's the mayor of Vegas, apparently. That guy knows everyone.

He was, like, in the locker room. Like, yeah. And dude, dude, that is no lie. Like, he is dialed in. Johnny, you get a billion points for this because you have the connection to Robbie. But, like, I got a shout Jeff. So my friend, you guys met him in Florida. You know, he's pretty, he's worked in the hockey world for a long time.

And he actually comes out here a lot. He's boys with Robbie. And he introduced me. I forgot the name. He introduced me to one of the owners of the Golden Knights at Elbow Room. And I was like so trashed this night. And I was like, hey, I'm Johnny. I heard you really rich, you know.

So I had like, yeah. So I had like good rapport with the biggest guys like from that. Because it's like what schmuck goes up and says that to somebody. But Jeff, like, sends me Robbie's number. And he's like, this is the guy to talk to if you want to go out in Vegas. now, yeah. And like I said,

like games one and two, like I had fun. Like I went to excess for Kaigo which was like, which was fun. But like, uh,

you know, I was like, you know, I haven't had that Vegas feel yet. Yeah. And so I was like, Robbie, like game five cups in the building.

Like where am I going tonight? Whether, win or lose. Yeah, yeah. I'm here. I want to have a good time. And he was like, don't worry,

dude, I got you. You know, we'll make it happen. He said, he said out loud, you haven't had fun in Vegas yet because you didn't have my number.

He literally said that out loud, quote unquote. And I was like, oh, shit, dude. We knew we were for a good time there, huh? Holy fuck. And, you know, Robbie also, like, plays men's league, like. With the boys, dude. Like, with the guys in the Knights. We could say that, right?

Yeah, yeah, yeah. He was saying that, like, Logan Thompson was his goalie for men's league. And he was like, Logan has a harder time playing men's league because he doesn't know where they're shooting the puck. Yeah, because they were all against is like an eight. He said Lokes was like, dude, I can't stop the puck with these plugs. Because I don't know, like, they're looking top shelf and then it goes with floor cheese. You fucking losers.

So funny. But yeah, Robbie just kind of said, like, I got you and whoever is with you, just find me at the door and we'll let you in. Cups going to Omnia at 1 a.m.

Yeah. And dude, boy, did he get us. Oh, yeah. I mean, Robbie, this, so this guy comes down, meets us where we're watching the game, watches essentially the whole game with us, telling us the funniest stories

like that Logan Thompson one. And then we go down for media after the cup has been won. And Robbie just blows right past us and goes straight on the ice. And I was like, what the fuck? No credential.

Yeah. No good. No nothing. Then we go out on the ice. Robbie's doing his thing. And then as we're like getting ready to go out, get some food, get a couple drinks and then go to the club. Robbie's just sending us videos of the boys in the locker of gas and beers. And I was like, who is this guy, dude?

And then we get to Omnia. And yeah, he waves us in with 10 dudes, by the way. Yeah. Horrible ratio. The worst possible ratio. No issue at all. I was like, this is going to be, this is a disaster. We're dropping at least like three days.

Yes. No issue. at all. And dude, maybe it's the L.A. or whatever, but I'm so used to people just being full of shit. Like, everyone's like, dude, I'm, I'm dialed. I got you covered. Or not even got you covered. Like, oh, I'm cool. I'm tight with the team. And I was like, I do that. Yeah, same. I'm completely full shit. I just hope for the best. I have a gigantic bag of shit. I was telling the stories and I'm like, sick, dude. I was like, you know, we'll see about that. And then he's literally like in the locker. And I was like, oh, this guy is the, he's, he underplayed it. Like, he's more dial than he was letting on. Johnny. Johnny, you said he's literally the mayor of Vass.

Oh, yeah. It was insane. Shaking hands, kissing babies. Holy fuck. How wild was it to be in that? First of all, we got to give our shout out to Biz. Yeah. So we get into Omnia where this club is enormous. There's a billion people in there.

And as we're kind of sardined in the crowd, Biz waves us in. Well, actually, yeah, yeah, tell that story. Well, we're kind of like, all right, let's figure out a way to make this happen. Yeah. We're standing there for like an hour at this point. Without even being sure. If the cup's coming. Like, we were like, oh, maybe.

Obviously, yeah, yeah. See, the Oki's playing. Yeah. Yeah, so I was like, yeah, right. And I was like, obviously, this is sick. We're in Omnia for free. And, like, Robbie waved his end dope. Great, great night no matter what.

But where's the cup? But I was like, remember, dude, it was like, it was late. It was almost, we said out loud, we were like, 233. We should be like, let's fucking leave. Yeah. If they're not here by then, they're not coming. Also, like, you know, I got to thank you guys, too. Because there were so many times where I turned to you.

And I'm like, guys, I'm gas. Like, this is 2 a.m. Yeah. It's 5 a.m. Eastern time. I'm still like, you know, my internal clock is all fucked up right now. Like I have no, like, dude, I'm going home tomorrow and I'm going to be a mess. But we were like, we waited out, dude. Yeah, you guys were literally like, you're in Vegas once.

They just won the cup. Like, you can't have a bet. And I guess we got to Greenlelly soon. But like, yeah, Jazz walks over to Biz. Biz then, like, within two seconds, looks at us, waves us over. And, you know, Pasha's in there. Merles is in there. Connelly, uh, Hank.

Yeah, Witt was there for a bit. Yeah. We just, like, climbed over the couch, started chilling, made our way next to Steve Yoki, like we had the prime spot. Bro. Yeah. Truly. It was crazy was you guys were, like, we were all kind of like standing by the bar or whatever. And with Ham went up to like get a better like view of the fucking concert or something.

So I kind of like walked behind Ham. Oh yeah, you guys. You guys, I saw you go all like immediate. You guys mobilized like in a like an accelerated way. Biz, lock dies with us and was like, yo, get over here. And we were. We didn't even think about you guys. Oh yes. Yeah. Yeah. And I saw you guys move like. So true. Right. I was like, ah,

It was militaristic. I was like, yep, let's go, dude. I was like, don't find this. It wasn't a wander. Like, I saw you guys like snap to that I was like, where the fuck? I mean, you guys were done the same. I grabbed a ham shirt and I was like, hey, hey, because I was like, come on, dude, I don't know where they're going, but something's happening. Ripped behind you guys.

And they just started jumping a couch. And I was, the fuck is going on. Dude, but from there, it was, it was the boys. Yeah. Like we were hanging, like we said, we were hanging with this great group that's this great group, rather, that's, you know, always so inclusive and welcoming. And it was in that moment, we were already. having the best night of our lives. It's switched.

It's switched so fast. Yeah, yeah. It's like literally get me home. I'm out till 6 a ham. And then what a moment it was, like I said, we're behind the DJ booth that Steve and like literally touching it. Always putting on an unbelievable show. And like a true oasis in a desert.

Yeah. We could just see the shine of the Stanley Cup through the crowd. And we're like, oh, they're here. Cups here. Yeah. But I could not believe the lack of a. attention that they were getting from the masses was, you know, it wasn't shocking because like we always talk about this. Like, you know, they're not the most recognizable professional

athletes. But seeing all of these Gen Z dorks just staring at Steve Aoki when the entire Vegas Golden Knights Stanley Cup champion championship winning team is right behind them with the cup. I was like, turn around, dude. Look at these guys. It was insane. I could not believe it. I also like couldn't see it all. Like what was going on on their team. table like I couldn't I didn't have that way across right yeah I had no idea what they were doing but it was sick to you and like Aden hill and Petrangelo and Hay and who else was with them stone like they all came up so the DJ booths and got on stage and they were sitting it right in front of us we have a couple sick picks of that we'll post today but that was it was awesome watching them

you know they're on this little catwalk of the stage and everyone when they were getting it and going up to the edge of the stage so nervous you could see every you know they were a little little buzz. They're all like, do not fall. I'm surprised one of them didn't fly. I completely agree.

I completely agree. And you know what? Actually, this is one of my favorite stories of that whole thing. Stoner, such a captain, was the guy.

Like, he stayed by the stage and was like helping everybody. Like everyone was coming up and Stone's like, I got you, I got you. And I was like, what a fucking G,

dude. That was so good. And then the G appearance was great. This is what changed the whole night. Changed the whole night. Grenel, after the game,

I guess, went home back to his hotel room to take a quick power now. Yep. Classic mistake. When we were in the club, you were talking to biz, Pasha, all the guys were like, where's G? And they were like, I have no idea. I have no idea. And I was just hammered tech. I was like, where are you?

Where are you? Where are you? And then probably at 3.30 in the morning. Was it that late? I think it was that late. Yes. Yes. I get a text from G that was like, dude, what's the deal? Where are you? And I was like, come to Omnia right now. You idiot. I don't know how we got in. Truly. I don't know what you're moron. But dude, he walked in and we were like, I was like, Robbie must have waived him.

Oh, yeah, but I was like, how did you get in? He was like, I don't know. And like, he was just there and picking him up onto that couch and like, I grabbed biz and turned him around and he looked at Gene was like, what the fuck? How did you make it out? But thinking about the fact that that was like 3.30 in the morning and wasn't even cloaked to the end of our day was just, that's the Stanley Cup. Dude, so we, that was sick, right?

We were posted up in that booth. They came through. They lifted the cup. It's pretty awesome. and then, I mean, obviously the place is open all night, I think. Like, there's not like going to be kicking us out. But we, how did we hear it, right? Jack, it was Jack.

You guys were talking to Jack. Jack was just talking to. We all left Omnia. Okay. And we were outside of. Not with them. Not with them. I think we were going home.

That's what I'm saying. We were going home. We were just out in like the open floor of Caesars. Yeah. And then they all came out. And like Jack, we started talking to Jack. and then, you know, Hague and Colossar were there, and everyone was just like, where are we going next?

And just kind of like under his breath, Jack was like, dude, McMillans, it's the only option. So we just like a bunch of clowns were like this Uber to McMillan's. And like you looked up, where's McMillans in Vegas? Well, I feel like, because you were next to me, right? Yeah, yeah. I feel like I heard it. And I was like, we got to go to McMullens. I know, didn't go to.

I know. And I was like, we got to go to McMillans. And I was like, it's an hour walk or a 30-minute Uber or something like that. These guys are also shit canned right now. Like, are they really going to this place? They're just talking to like... And keep in mind, the sun is up. Dude, so that's what I was going to say.

It's fucking day. And I'm like, we're going to McMillan's. And like, you guys were like, dude, what the fuck is that thing? I was getting this fucking cat. No, you were like the ringleader of this trip for sure. And I don't even know what McMillons is, dude. So I get there. Well, even before that, the Uber was just like pissed off.

And he couldn't find us for 15 minutes. It was a disaster. Chris went running into like the tunnel. Yeah. I was like, yeah. I was really in a Vegas tunnel I was like what the fuck is that Holy shit dude

I think there was a tunnel here I was like car in the outside out right now Oh is that what it was? I think so But I was like where is this kid And then finally we get in it We show up at McMullen's and McMillan's dude

Dead Respect to that place But it is like dead and a dive In the middle of fucking nowhere It is an off strip Irish bar That by the way The fact that we entered there At five in the morning

And there were five people in there Yeah I was like, oh my God. Dude, it was really a movie scene. We opened the door and all foreheads just turned towards us. And we're like, we're just looking at each other. We're like, well, they're not here. And these guys are like, what are we doing?

And then we're like, what are these guys doing at fucking four or five in the morning? Dude, one of them was a security guard. Oh, really? Who was like, he turned and saw us and looked pissed. And I was like, oh, Jesus Christ. But then he started talking to us and he was like, dude, I, because we, were like, what are you doing here? Yeah. And he was like, I've been working security all night long for, for the, for the

cup. And I like, finally got a break and I was like, I need a fucking beer. I was like, I don't blame you. I probably would have gone to sleep, but respect. You were like, I got to get in. I was looking for any way out. Yeah. I was so dead. You were at the end of your. I was so dad. But I said, I was like, we're doing a friend beer. Because I was like, we get into there's fucking creatures in there. Yeah. I ordered that. What did? What did you? I was like some reds. Dude. Oh, yeah, you go. You were like, The rest of the headlights. You were like,

well, dude, this is exactly what happened. First of all, great, great memory on the friend beer. It was us, it was us for,

we were giving up on the night. It's over, dude. One friend beer we had. It was us for in G. And we get to the bar, none of the, the night's players are there.

So we're like, we're already here. We're doing one friend beer. And we were all like, we're all like, it's got to be the lightest beer possible. Like we just need a light beer

right now. And then, yeah, I thought it was like a cider beer. You were looking at the tab And Johnny thinks it's like a cider. She was like, uh, this, this beer. And then this guy brings five of the darkest stout beers I've ever seen in my entire life.

But Johnny goes, let me get five of those. Because it was us for and G. Let me get five of those. And the guy goes, no problem. Phil's the first one. Slides and Johnny starts filling the second one. And Johnny goes, great. Actually, can the Lex three be above?

I need you. I mean, you took the fucking heavy boy. I had to. I mean, I recommend it. Oh, God. That's true. That's true. That's true.

It's true. brutal. So anyway, we're sitting there drinking our fucking stout, friend beer day, it's the middle of the fucking day and I'm like whatever, dude, hell of a night, dude. Hell of a night. And them, dude. And then. The door creaks open. Creeks open and the fucking boys

walk in, dude. And I fucking looked at you guys and I was like, I told you. I fucking told you. And dude, Jack was last two. Like it was hey, who walked in? It was like, hey, Colisar. A couple of their buddies. And I was like sick. The guys are here. I'm so glad we're here 100%. But like, whatever. And it was kind of like a little pause. And that it was And then Jack.

I was like, dude, all time moment. Also, it was great, too. Look, they walked in and Haig looked at me and he was like, let's go.

Like, they were like, you guys made it. Yeah. Also, didn't Jack, like, walk in and say something

about the shrimp cocktail? Yes, he did, right? Yeah. He's dialed on the shrimp cocktail. Like he, you guys are forever shrimp guys.

Yeah, we are shrimp guys. So like, truly, which I don't know if I love. Yeah. He said, what was great is like,

he saw us and he was like, are we doing the shrimp right now? And I was like, oh, dude, I would literally die. Yeah. Imagine the shrimp at, imagine the shrimp at McMorland's. Like, yeah. Like, no thanks.

Talk about at the bar, they have like old school computerized like blackjack. Dude. Yeah. Grinnell's ripping blackjack. He was like, he was like, he's like,

damn it. I was like, dude, what are you playing blackjack? Yeah, like, he's like, I'm getting killed.

But I was like, stop playing computer blackjack. It's so easy not to play. Uh, dude, I mean, obviously, one of the great nights ever

but I do want to address quickly it is crazy the grind that this was like we not gonna lie guys we're doing a great job breaking this night down this is like a movie script I'm very impressive

yeah the movie yeah it's the movie is Johnny wanting to go home three separate times and it just kept getting pushed and pushed super good yeah

I will say this that you know red you bounce It's so terrific. We all got back. Get me home. We got the Uber back to the MGM, right? Yeah, yeah.

And G walked to the... Yeah, we walked all the way back. Yeah, that's right. Me and this... Broad Daylight, like, people running by us, like, their morning jock? Dude, me and this psychopath are walking through the MGM to get up to the room and Chris sees a craps table and was like, we got to do it for a little bit. Murdered it. Murdered.

It was awful. Which is how you... Which is what you always get murdered. Yeah. I've actually never played crafts. I know we get to do it. It's a great game. It's a great game.

Yeah. It goes without. saying this this these last two weeks have been unbelievable dream like truly a dream come true best time of our lives like i can't waste time on this podcast thanking the amount of people we have to thank but uh there's just so much appreciation for everyone who helped us get here and and allowed us to do all of these things one thing that two things stand out to me though one the the tough part it is a grind yeah and i i was laughing feeling how much babies we felt like the the travel of just doing what we do

compared to these guys playing in all four four rounds of this shit going back and forth back and forth this was only five games I think about the seven game series that some of these guys went to six game series whatever uh holy shit it is insane so the appreciation that I have for you know across sports but especially we know how grueling hockey is yeah These guys doing this, unbelievable. The other thing that has been such a childlike jubilence feeling for me is the summer camp vibe that it's felt like with all of us. I said that last night, right? Yeah.

Like I legitimately. Yeah. I feel like I'm going to have actual separation anxiety. We got to write letters. From all of you guys, from G. From Emily, from Rebecca, like all of our friends in the league. And across all these other platforms, we've just been together for fucking 15 straight days. And it's like, I actually feel like summer camp is ending.

I know. Because like I feel like every day, one of us sends a text back and forth and goes, where are you at? You know, like every, every morning, like once I get my shit together, I'm like, we are where you at? And then we come, we go meet up. And it's going to be weird being like, anyway, I see you. Yeah. Well, guess what, boys. I feel like this is the beginning, you know?

Hell yeah. A lot of good things coming up, I think, you know? 100%. And it's like, you know, strictly on a front of like, you know, we've, you know, we've, You've got to do way more stuff together. It's also, you know, you get out to L.A. a lot. Now it's like when you come to L.A., I'm like, you're coming straight to us. Yeah.

Flugged right in the social pipeline. Hell, yeah. Dude, I was dying when you said, I think we were in Florida still. And you were like, bro, I'm out of clothes. Like, I only packed a certain amount of clothes. Like, what does one do here? It's so real. This is my last pair of shorts.

I threw. I also, like, I worked out once, I think, the last 13 days because I didn't want to sweat through my clothes. Yep. But I did throw out two pairs of underwear and the bathtub soaked them, let them dry. Yep. That's the grind. That's the grind. That's the grind.

I've also been sweating my ass off doing these shows outside. Dude, it's hot up there. Oh my shit. I was dying when we did that with you. And Red was at the fucking gym because we went to the gym in Miami, but he was like, I don't have a change of clothes. Yeah. So he was red was doing curls as slow as possible. He's like, just don't sweat.

Don't sweat. Don't sweat. It's so true. Well, how do you pack for three weeks? Dude, it's insane. It's insane. Yeah. And you're not going to be that person with the gigantic suitcase.

It's like, no, you got to be a. on the run. Yeah, it's pretty big. That's good. No, that's good. That's good. That's a little big. I mean, listen, it's 15 days. It's a lot of time. How do you guys feel? Like, what are your closing thoughts on this season, dude? Like, it's actually, that's something that I didn't even process until this morning. I was like, yeah, fair. We're in our routine, right? Of like, okay, this is what I got to do every week because there's games. Then then in the playoffs, it was like, you know, we got a game every

day. And then as it whittles down, it's like, all right, every two days. now I'm like, fuck, the season's over. Like I just kind of like thought about that for the first time today. Well, I actually will reference your guys episode with PK. I watched the clip this morning of what he said about how great Vegas winning is for the NHL. Yeah. Dude.

Also, there's a lot of youth hockey around this area, like in Summerland, like, or Summerland. Yeah, yeah. You know, I know a couple kids who grew up played in Vegas that, you know, played at the division one level. And I think this will spark it a little bit more. But to have the Golden Knights be the first team in Vegas to win a championship is so sick. Like, and Bo, I was actually with Heat Daddy and Bo Bennett last night. Oh, yeah.

And Bo was like, dude, this is going to be the best Tuesday night in the history of mankind. Yeah. And I was spot on. Yeah. And it was. Unbelievable. Yeah, it was. But I think just, I think P.K said, like, it's great that the NBA is coming here, the MLB is coming here.

The NFL's here already. And had the NHL be that first one, like the true to its core, or Vegas brand to win. Yeah. It's so great for the game. It's amazing. I actually randomly standing in the airport yesterday. I just had this thought. We were at baggage claim, and I looked it up, and Vegas has now tied the Flyers as the fastest team to win a cup since joining the NHL.

Wow. Which is awesome. I think it's such a cool stat. But I said to you yesterday, while we were watching them lift the cup, I could not agree more. I love that they won first. It's like the fact that they were here first and they got the first championship, I think solidified. Like, they got the Raiders. They're about to have the A's.

It's also theirs. Dude, it's the only thing. That is what I was going to say. I think, you know, they're about to have the A's. They'll get an NBA team eventually. I think it is so cool that they won first and that they were first because I think forever Vegas will be a hockey town. Yeah, I agree.

They'll get all these teams and they'll pack the stadiums, yes. But I think the true sports fans in this city will be like, we're knights. We're nights. They were here first and they did it first. And watching them lift the cup, I turned to you. And I was like, dude, this fan. Bandbase is already real. I love these people.

We interviewed this woman on the street last night, and she had made a replica cut. She just decked out head to toe in fan gear. And she said almost with tears in her eyes, she was like, I've been waiting six years for this. And I kind of laughed. I was like, that is not long at all. But it wasn't ironic at all. And hearing the passion in her voice, I was like, yeah, you've been a ride or die since day one.

And by the way, they've been fucking close. You know, that hurts as a fan. I know it sounds greedy when you're like, you're on the fucking semis every year, but like being that close and never getting it, wears on you, you know? So like they felt like six years,

they've been right there. For sure. Yeah. Also, oh, can I just say one thing? Yeah, yeah, absolutely. So every person we interviewed on the Vegas side on our show, the one thing they said,

like we asked like, what is the identity of the fan base, right? Because everyone, like, you know, people say Ranger fans are like the suit, the corporate, you know, they show up for the playoffs, but regular season, just people who don't care about hockey.

Yeah. Saying in the Loribol, like, that's, you know, our narrative as Rangers fans. 100% All the, that was the same answer every time. It was like,

this is like, Vegas born for a reason, right? Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Like, everyone comes to our city as a tourist and they want to do touristy things. This is the one thing that we all have as a bond together. And I thought that was like,

so cool. I agree. And it's devastating, but, you know, the shooting and the Vegas strong element of it too, watching how they rallied around this team and the team rallied around the community. You're so right, man. It is like,

well, I didn't say it. It was all though. It's good to point out It's true, man, and you can feel it I think it's amazing, but the thing for me was watching them lift the cup It's already a destination.

Vegas is already a destination that players want to come to. We see the coach turnaround over, you know, it's what is it, three or four coaches in six years Like that's pretty crazy. But players are still coming. You see Alex DeBrinke it recently was like, I don't want to resign in Ottawa and he listed Vegas as a possible team he'd like to come to.

It's like the best players in the league. Well, now he's a frontrunner. Yeah, yeah, yeah. the best players in the league want to come here. And you've already got that. Now you also have a championship identity. And that is so important. And they're not going anywhere.

No. It is like really amazing that it's like, this is a great place to live. It's a great place to play. It's one of the best barns in the league. They've got an unbelievable team. And now also they're a championship winning team. There's championship winning culture here.

And that is to go into what Piquet was saying. It is so good for the league. It's so good for the NHL. so good for hockey that this team just won and it's you're right dude it's this is just the beginning for Vegas I will say the one thing they're missing a goal song it's the only thing oh good one dude only thing wow I'm also like I think the Rangers goal song is the best thing in hockey like rather than you know in the hockey but I think it's them or hawks the hawks yeah unbelievable the fire's had to go one for a bit back in the day it was like do do do do do do that was like

old school how do you not just go Viva Las Vegas? I feel like that would be. It's not like a, it's their win song. It's their win song. Yeah. They played it right after. Yeah, yeah,

yeah, yeah, yeah, you're right. We get that like, pump up in the moment. You need something like in unison. We get to crowdsource this. This is, this is a great.

Yeah. Yeah, they need a great song. Clip the shit out of this. Yeah. I've been saying for a long time. Their shame thing is good for the penalty. I like that a lot.

I like that a lot. The way they lean into like the medieval, oh, it's great. Times? Pop culture stuff. You know, Minimal times.

Like, you know, they put like the clips of like Game of Thrones shit up there and like a Knight's Tale stuff. It's, it's so fun. But you're right. And I've said for long, the Bruins need a new goal song. Yeah. Fucking they need. I love theirs. You don't like it?

I hate it. Really? It's like, it's like, for me, it was cool for a while. But I just think, think about all of the Boston type songs you could play that I, you got to, dude, you got to, dude, marky mark and the funky bunch, dude, blast that after a goal. That would get people gone. Our UMass film was pretty solid. Well, like, speaking of Boston.

It was like the classic, like, uh, I'm blanking on the name, but it was like, Hey, you suck. Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. And then I was like, fuck him up, fuck him up. Go, you mess. That's great. That's awesome. Yeah, it's a good one.

Every team needs one. Yes, dude, it's a staple. You need it. You need it. Such a great call about you. I didn't even notice that. They don't have a goal song. I don't know Florida did either.

Oh, no, Florida, the players picked their own goal song. Six. Like, for Hage, you scored in overtime. And it was like, hop up out of bed, turn my swag. Yeah, it was so sick. That is, that is actually cool. It's like a walk-up song. Yeah, it was a pretty far.

But then again, it's also like tough in a sense for the fans to like, yeah, like, know what to be saying. Yeah. Like, if Verhegey scores, though, like, oh, this song's about coming on. I was going to say about Vegas. I love how much parody there is in the NHL, right? Like, you can see eight seeds win. I love a good Cinderella story.

Florida was so, obviously, it was at the expense of my bees, but that was an awesome story this year. But part of me does like what a great team just fucking wins. Yeah. And I thought a ton of credit to Vegas for that because they started the year. just as hot as the Bruins. And I think Stoner got hurt and they dipped for a second there and really got slept on.

Like the Oilers got so hot in the second half, but Vegas was fucking nasty, wire to wire. Well, also, dude, the whole narrative around the NHL was everyone's talking about

this dog fight in the East. Yeah. No one was even paying attention to the West. Fantastic point. And same thing, you know, last year with Colorado,

right? Like they sweep the first round. I think the second round is six games against St. Louis, maybe. Then they sweep in the conference final. The Oilers,

yeah. So they get to the final, like, you know, maybe with like three or four losses. Whereas like Tampa Bay, you know, they play a tough seven game series against Toronto. They play,

they sweep Florida in the second round. They play a tough six game series against the Rangers. They were more battle tested. Yeah. Like the Eastern Conference was pretty similar, even though Florida obviously swept in the conference final, but like that Bruin series was tough. Toronto wasn't an easy five games.

No, yeah. And neither was the heart came. Like it was a sweep, like I keep making fun of Britchmore for it, but it was a sweep, but it wasn't, you know, like fucking brutal,

brutal, brutal four games. Dude, it's funny, I have a couple things to say about that. One, this, seeing the way Vegas handled Florida really, we talked about it last night.

Quote Jack too, Jack was like, how many game sevens we play? How many games sevens are? Yeah, yeah, that's true. We know what to close it out. Yeah, dude, that is so swaggy, actually. You can't tell a ton of stories about Jack,

but Jack was on his bullshit last night. It was fucking awesome. I think it shows how good Edmonton is. Yeah, I mean, like, Edmonton really is the only team that gave Vegas a test, truly. Can I say one quick thing just in regards to Jack before you move on? Please.

I'll be honest here. Did you guys know that players call it the mud I had no idea. No, straight up. That was, that was a first time for me. Same. Me too.

And actually, it went over my head at first. And then he said it a couple more times. He said it like, oh, that's, he said it like 17. Yeah, he was like, one mug,

I mean, he said it a couple more times and then I got it. I was like, oh, okay, okay, okay. I got a mug. Yeah. That was fucking beautiful. But, um, we got to get that going.

Yeah. We did a, we made a video like, I think before the playoffs even started. Just like one of the classic empty netters, Friday beer style tracking video. that was about like the winners coming out of the East

and everyone agreed with it and the amount of DMs we got last night that were just like can you believe someone from the East didn't win this cup and I think it's what we were just talking about they just beat the shit out of each other and take nothing away from Vegas like Vegas Florida beat all of them all the Vegas is so so so good

and let's say it was the Bruins the Maple Leafs or the Rangers or something like that Oh the Rangers we got in smoke I would have lost in three Yeah I actually agree but um yeah I mean, like Vegas is amazing, but it was, you know, people kind of called it. It's like the East, these teams might just beat the shit out of each other and they get to the cup and be like, we're dead, dude.

Yeah. Even Florida, dude, they were just trying to, Paul Marie said it. Like, we're being like too physical. Yeah. Like, we're overhitting. Yeah. Like, you don't have to exert that much energy on the opponent. Like, just separate them from the puck and get the puck.

Get the puck. That's all we need. We just need the puck. Yeah. We just need the fuck. Dude, like honestly, I don't, uh, no, Vegas didn't score. But ECBless penalty last night was so evident. Like the first penalty of the game.

Yes. Cucks nowhere near him. He's just trying to finish a hit like three seconds late. Dude, chill. Totally agree. Yeah. No, that's true. Johnny,

do you have a favorite or a couple favorite moments, memories from your whole playoff run? Because you've been on the fucking grind this whole time, really. You can do the cup finals if you want to. Yeah. Yeah. What do you got? I mean, Patty Kane's goal in round one against the devils was sick.

Sick. Yeah. Because I was, uh, you know, I don't want to do too much Rangers, but like, the whole narrative around the Rangers was like, we need another elite winger. Like everyone complains that we don't have a pure goal score. Yeah. So you bring in Patty Kane, that everyone's like, oh, he's not good defensively.

And like, you know, so seeing him score that goal, great defensive play, individual effort, backhand, shell, shelf, celly. Oh my God. Sick, vintage patty came. That was awesome. That was, I'm in the press box. It was so vintage. I was in the press box.

I was like, oh, yeah, yeah. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry, everybody. Yeah, got excited. So that was definitely a standout for me. Yeah. But second, third round, I was in the studio, like, doing our Stanley Cup Central show, which was,

which was cool, but also, like, you know, you're watching the game, but you're not watching the game because you know we're talking to cool gas and stuff um you know obviously having all you like getting to know all you like through the computer and whatnot yeah yeah we just got text from robie oh oh really it's the mug what do you just said boys great to meet you and it's just a picture of the mug what a beauty what a beauty what a legend um um those are great ones i uh Seattle was huge for me Seattle was super fun the spunk was obviously so fun but watching them beat Colorado was just nothing against Colorado was just like this expansion team the first time the playoffs beating the, you know,

champs of last year. That was insane. It ripped my fucking heart up, but Florida beating Boston was under. That is an iconic moment, dude. Like that'll live in Stanley Cup playoff history forever. I will say my maybe favorite, like hockey moment, specifically was game three Florida.

We're all in the suite. Like we know they're tied in this game, right? I was just about to say this. Yeah. That was awesome, dude. Shout to the hockey guys also because they hooked us up to Sousy and sweet. Those boys are,

dude, 100% agree. We've made this joke a couple times, but you get caught up with the fans, right? When we were here for games one and two, I'm like, go, go Vegas. And you get to Florida, I'm like, go, go, go Panthers. So we were in that suite. And at the time, I guess the dream was kind of alive for a suite. But at the time, I was like, I kind of want more hockey.

I want the series to be exciting. And being in that suite all together, watching Maddie Kachuk with a fucking broken sternum, tie the, being, clutch all playoffs, tie that game with whatever, a minute left. And then seeing a home team win in the OT Stanley Cup game in person. Six seats too. Dude, I will remember that forever. Like, that was just, you know, like, I have never felt more like a Panther fan when that went in. Because I was like, we all jumped.

Yeah, we were all hyped. Dude, we were so hyped. All time memory. Panther fan and also just a hockey fan. Like, that was such a cool moment of, we were in a suite with people who fucking love hockey. Yeah. And, like, that was just such a cool moment. Yeah, that was unreal.

But, dude, what a, what a run. I have one more story I want to tell, too. So we were doing, we were, we get on the, actually, I'll, I'll, I'll, I'll wind it all the way back. We're like a few minutes left. We are media passes. Do not get us ice level during the game. But yours do.

So we're like, we're kind of watching the game and like Red's trying to get like, he's like, I got to get the, you know, them jumping and shit. Like we're trying to get in the right position. The game's over. It's fucking a billion nothing.

And Johnny's like, Johnny's like, where should you go? And I was like, dude, you can go down. And Johnny goes, do you guys mind if I bail? I was like,

no, go, dude, go. So you had, right down. What did you do right away? Were you just like up against the glass? Where were you from like the touchdown? No, so I went down and everyone was around the glass so I couldn't even see. So I sprinted right back up. Oh really? And I just walked into like some random section and it was on the opposite end, but I still got like the too many men penalty. But I was able to just record that quick. Then I ran down out in the media room. So I didn't see like the initial like hugs and stuff. Yeah. But I got to the glass like for the presentation of the trophy. But it was kind of on the other

side. It was hard to see. So I was kind of looking up at the screen. but once they started skating around actually funny story so we went out there to do our like last hit our final show is on the ice like saying like thank you all for watching yeah we did uh I could show you guys after but um it was like you know great series like what an atmosphere what a game like thank you all for watching

it was so fun New Hampshire Navakka we love you blah blah um and we're doing it by the net they all start skating their lap with the cup Oh my into us you were right there into us so our producers like get off get off get off so we sprint to the door get off the ice They skate by.

I have a video of them skating by like, you know, us at the door. And then we run right back out. But I was like, oh my God, we're going to get trampled right now by that. Yeah, seriously.

Dude, quick tangent. Look at this, Johnny. I didn't know they did this. But we were down there like waiting for you. While you find that. Yeah.

It's right here. Dude, this guy is like zapping the net off. That was so cool. Yeah. I thought they do it. They don't do it. I guess not.

I don't know. But I was like, oh, interesting. And does this go to like the hall? or like, who gets this? I thought they, like, put it under their hat and like, or is that just college maybe?

I think that's college, yeah. But like, like, it's a cool look though. It could go straight to Toronto. Yeah, yeah, and I think they just take, they send it to the hall. And I was like, oh, sick, dude. Yeah, they're pretty dope. I'd never seen that.

We had, that was, I would want to keep that. Like, maybe I agree. I agree. That we had a funny moment when we went down to ice level. We were, like, standing there waiting for the guys to come off the ice. And I was just looking at this sign that showed what the credentials got you.

And I was looking at these two And I was like, guys, we can go in the other. And they were like, no way. There, no way. I tried earlier. Yeah, yeah. And I got snubbed. But I just saw on the sign.

It was like before team photo after team. And I was like, it's after the team photo. And they were like, no way. And I was like, I'm going on the guys. And I just walked on the ice. And I was like, and this woman was like this, watch your step. And I was like, oh, I thought she was going to say no. She thought she was like, watch your step.

And I was like, thank you. I'm so happy you did that though. That's such a surreal moment for like all of us being like hockey fans and stuff, being on the ice with the cup. Dude, that's like, if you guys watch, I watched a little bit this morning, NHL Network did like the recap, like in the corner there. We're like in the background,

a couple parts, like just die and laugh at. Like, oh, dude, we like couldn't stand out more in like my dumb ass jacket. I'm like, oh God.

We, so many people sent us photos. They're like, look at the other, like we're watching ESPN right now. These guys are getting interviews. It's just us cracking up in the background. Well, dude,

my favorite part was I feel like you. Oh, God. Because you were out there already. I was also like, so many points like, where's the cup? Like, I just having so much fun.

Yeah, my favorite part was you reacted. Dude, you were literally on the ice. The cup has won. The cup is out there. All the nights are out there. And you're surrounded by all of them. And you saw us and you go, oh,

you know, you reacted bigger that we were out there. I love you guys, I feel like I've known you guys forever. My bunkmates. We are lifelong friends because of summer camp. So we're on the ice. Also, yeah.

Sorry, let's just talk about how we got to clear the air here on how bad our initial Dap up was on Media Day. Was it a good dab? Not a good dab. Oh, I remember? Yeah. Oh, yeah.

Yeah, it was awful. Yeah. You were like shooting and we were trying to like jump in and we were like, it was a nervous interaction. Yeah, and it was a fucking disaster.

There was a lot of weird thing. Thank God. Thank God there's no footage. And look at us now, dude. Sorry, I need to cut you up. No, it's so good. So we're on the eyes.

It's fucking awesome. We're like trying to talk to people but it's like, they're all like, they're all their families out there. We get a quick dab up with Jack actually, which was sick. That's cool.

And we're doing our thing. You're staying out and we got to get the fan stuff, right? It's like a lot. That's a lot of our job. So we're like, yo, we got a role. We're going to get fan interviews, charge up, and then we'll meet you. So we come back here, me, Dan and Red, get the phones plugged in, upload our videos. And we're like, okay, let's go.

And you were at Cosmo first. Yeah, yeah, yeah. So we got to go meet you at Cosmo. And it's kind of like snuck out. I was like, oh, we went to see him and sell. Oh, we saw Solie. Solie was here again. Soli was back.

Sully was back, dialed, fucking front row right behind the net. Stoner's pointing at him the whole time, winning the cup. Goes back to Best Friend. We love Best Friend, by the way, six spot out here. Everybody check that out. I haven't heard of that one. Oh, it's in Park MGM. Yeah, yeah, in Park MGM, right?

So anyway, six spots. See Sully, see Ham. Get to Cosmo to see you. You guys weren't drinking with me in Cosmo, right? Well, no. I wasn't that drunk. I just actually. Yeah, yeah.

We had one because you were drinking with the boys, some of those guys. So we were like, let's do one here. Yes. And then we'll roll. So we get there. And when we go to get a drink, we walk by and some guy near your table is like, yo, empty debtors. Oh, no way. And we're like, yeah, what's up?

And we turn around. And it's Chris Rooney, the ref. Oh, yeah. That was sick. That was so sick. Rooney goes, I saw your, my kids, my kids like your guys podcast. They showed me the clip because we, I, at Media Day, I tripped Montor for getting very, yeah, that was 60 minutes. And he goes, my kids showed me, showed me your clip.

And I was like, oh, that's amazing. So he was incredibly nice. I was going to say, I talked to him for a while. Well, people talk about players being beauties. I mean, Chris Rooney is as big of a beauty that exists. He was so nice, so cool. Had so many awesome things to say. Stud.

And I'm saying it to you right now. Hot guy. Hot guy. Yeah, hot dude. Same with Cassie. I don't realize. Yeah, yeah. But I'm saying it right now, Rune, if your kids are watching, you guys show this to your dad.

You're coming on the podcast. Yeah. Like, he would be so good and people would eat it up. But dude, he's just such an awesome guy. He told us this. He goes, he goes, his kids. Oh, he did, he refed Winter Classic, which is sick, right? So he was at Fenway, and they give us, they give them an hour on the ice, like, but the day before.

Oh, yeah. This was around. I might take the kids out. So he goes, my kids are on the ice at Fenway Park, dude. And everyone's there. And, you know, a ton of the influence was there. Swaggy P and Zach Bell and Reagan. Everybody was out there.

And so they meet, his kids meet Zach Bell and his kids meet biz. And but then Sid is there and Wayne's there. So Rooney's like, you know, hey kids, like, this is Sidney Crosby. This is Wayne Gretzky. And he's like, we're driving home. And I was like, hey, guys, what was your favorite moment? What's your favorite memory of the day? And they're like this meeting Zach Bell and Biz.

And he's like, oh shit. Zach Bell and Biz. Zach Bell is a beauty, though. Gretzky and Sidney Crosby. It's a new date. I'm telling you, man. Like, I think I argued with Grenel and our Stanley Cup Central. I was like, who gets recognized more in the streets of like Chicago?

Yeah. Random City, Wayne and Biz walking down the street. Who is it? And he, well, he said Chicago, Wayne, but like, maybe like, Dallas or something. Yeah, $100%. 100%. So I was dying.

That was such a good story. The kids loved the influencers more. Wait, can I ask you guys a question? Yeah. We can all weird brag here for a second. How weird is it? This was like the first time for me maybe where like people I haven't met yet in media

came up and introduced themselves to me. Yeah. And that was like, whoa. Awesome, dude. Dude, it is, I mean, I mean, we talk about it all the time. It's the coolest thing in the world to be able to do this.

And the first time we started getting recognized by fans is such a, surreal moment because you know you work really hard to do this type of stuff and when people appreciate it's it's the most gratifying feeling in the world and everyone's just so nice in the community but when it turns into like when Chris Rooney coming yeah that's what's up to me like hey what's up dude I was like holy shit like I know exactly who you are of course and hearing it from the other way is it's wild boys I'll pump your tires for a sec I was shocked it was by how many people came up to you guys like it was amazing and you guys did such a good job of like

talking to everyone and like having a genuine connection with everyone every time it's i get annoyed because i just want to go i was saying i was getting annoyed how when people were coming up this trip he was like all right i was like i get it i'm the third guy it's fine well i want to i want to pump too like you guys in these in these chairs is who you guys are in real life yeah that's what's dope and also like um i told you guys i think when i first met you not many people like you know there are some podcasts out there that do it but the consistent clips that you guys are posting and putting your face behind your opinion. Like anyone can type on Twitter and you guys got to get more on Twitter.

I'm telling you guys. But you're doing. Yeah. Snap. Snap. Snap. But you know what I mean? Like it's a, it's a tough thing to do at first, right?

Like you're not getting any likes or any like interactions, but you continue to do it. And it just like it feels like overnight something clicks. Yep. But like putting yourself out there and like obviously like our boys made fun of us like, dude, like you have like 10 followers. Why are you talking? about hockey, no one gives a shit. Yep. But then, like, if you just stick to it and put yourself out there, like, I mean,

we're saying like, I'm fine, you know, like, so anyone watching, if you're, like, you know, posting clips of yourself and you're not getting the interaction you think, like, you know, this didn't happen in one week. It takes four years, you know? Keep it up if you love doing it. Because it is, it's scary, right? I know that sounds ridiculous, but like, it's scary because I'm like, I don't want to say something stupid.

Yeah. Like forgetting Quinn Hughes? Yeah, yeah. If I forget who Quinn Hughes. And everyone's like, what the fuck? The Canucks suck. But, you know, like, we want to. We won't dive in.

When Quinn gets on a good team, I'll start putting him in the conversation. You know, your face is out there. And then you're like, you know, everyone, the internet's can be a mean place. You know, it's a real thing. But you too, you know, it's awesome, like watching you. I think we said this on the second time we came on your show. But I was like, I love that this exists. Like you guys are doing what you're doing.

We're doing. And it's just this other outlet for people to talk about hockey, you know? Hockey fans like talking about hockey. I always say that. It's the best. And I think the biggest thing, too, like when you start out, right? Like you obviously have idols in media, right? Like my favorite media person, I would say, is Big Cat.

Like I just, so I'm a huge, like, NBA fan. And, you know, I've listened to part of my take a ton. Like, I'm actually good friends with Jake Marsh on that show. Oh, sick. Yeah. But, like, I just, I love his approach, right? Like, sports are just always about fun. Yep.

At the end of the day. But then again, like, I don't try to emulate him. Like, I try to, like, take a little bit of what he does and put it into my own, like, taste, I guess, I guess. For sure. Right. Right. And I think that's the biggest thing, too.

If we're, like, just giving media advice and whatnot, like, don't try to be something you're not, right? Like, there's nothing worse than when I, like, listen to another podcast and, like, the guys are like, oh, not a big deal. Like, that's just like, that's chicklets is thing. Yeah, yeah. Or, you know, like, everyone has their own thing. Like, fella, that's missing curfew. Yeah. You know, like, you don't have to force your own thing, but like, just be authentic. And I think that's how you truly rise. Perfect word. Perfect word. I think, um, one, you know, we do, we talk to fans and also like internally, right? Like, we often was got a boss. Like, we talk to our company about what we're doing.

We're hitting so many different points right now. This has been so fun. One of the biggest feedback things we ever get is like it's not a schick. Like I'm not, like you just said, I'm not doing a character. Like this is just, even though you look like one. Dude, you're straight out of a movie. You literally said that last night, Johnny. He said that last night, right?

He's walking around. What's Chris's deal? Like Henley, like a Henley buttoned out shirt, like jeans like cuffed up, backwards hat. At the same thing I find out of the guys. This guy's unbelievable. And then Dan commenting like, Chris walks like an idiot. I just watched it walk in a minute.

I was like, he kind of does fucking idiot. So weirdly. But yeah, that's the thing, right? And you guys too. Like, I think it's,

we are literally exactly what I say on the air is exactly what I think. Yeah, yeah. And I think that's what makes it so fun doing all this with you guys. Yeah.

So it's fucking great. All right, we'll wrap it up by saying, we've gone way longer than I think we. No, this is perfect. You guys got a flight and like what? Yeah,

yeah, yeah, yeah, like two hours. But, what a season, man. I mean,

This has just been, it's the best game in the world. It's the best sport in the world. And it's been so fun. And thank you, Johnny, for coming on. Thank you guys. And truly, man, this, I think this is the, just the tip of the iceberg of the stuff that we can do together, which is going to be exciting. You know, it's going to be funny for me when I watch your guys like future episodes. Like, I'll know how you guys are going to react to what the guest says.

Like, I, like, I, like, you know. Yeah. Oh, for sure. It's understanding how you guys operate. Yep. Like, I feel like I'm in the chair still. Yeah, yeah. You'll be in it many more times.

I guarantee that. That's for sure. I guarantee you that. Who's your way too early pick for Cup Champ next year? It was crazy. I said Vegas last year, apparently. Did you? I went on.

Yeah. Whoa, but like every prediction I've had. Dig that up immediately. Every prediction I've had in current time has been wrong. Yeah. I had Florida in the Under last night. My pre-season.

The Under-Dun. The Under-12 goals was started. The Under lost twice. Yeah. Yeah. Dude, they doubled it. That is so fucking funny. Did Vin had the Under 2?

Vin had the Under 2. The Under 1. Twice. My way too early. Wow, wow, wow. Go Leaves. Edmonton is the good. Would you got, Bill?

I said, go Leaves. The Leafs. Yeah, fucking right, dude. Vegas could run it back, boys. They could. I truly think Vegas could run it. But if Aiden Hill is Aiden Hill, they could easily run it back. I don't know if they're going to pay them, though.

I know, they have to. Didn't someone say last night he has two years left? Yeah. Thank you. Oh, he does? Yeah. I don't hate Carolina, by the way. If they get hell.

I don't believe in them. They need to clean up their eastern con. in conference bullshit but yeah and they're gonna get their goalie situations a nightmare too I know actually good point yeah that's trouble um all right I actually hate Carolinene

never mind that's missing the place immediately grit that's a terrible pick until they win the cup next year and I'm fucking clipping this when I just said I like them and that's oh shit

I think like a sleeper honestly dude I really I kind of believes in Dallas dude I almost I really I actually like that man yeah he's only getting better yeah he's so good devils but the devils are on the up

they need a goalie. They're in a brutal division, but the kings are going to make noise, dude, I'm telling you right now. Yeah, dude, the Pacific. Let's see what they do with their goalie situation going to be. I don't know. It's, I think Phoenix, they're going to ride with Phoenix at least tandem. How old is he? He's young. He's young. Yeah. 24. I think so.

But they might bring Corpi back. I don't know. Yeah. We'll see. All right, we got to wrap it up. We all got flights to catch, but Johnny again. Yeah. Hey, I love you guys. Love you, too. I'm a time. I'm a death. I'm a death. Yeah. Fucking great stuff. Hell of a time. All right, guys, that's it for us today. We'll see you.

Yeah. I mean, you'll see us next week, but that's it for the season. Hey, congrats to Vegas. I wouldn't want to wrap it up with anyone else. No, this has been truly, like, so fun. Johnny, actually, when we asked him to come on, he goes, shut up, we got to end this. I was like, yes, I do.

That is perfect. Yeah, that is true. You were like, you want, I didn't know following up PKK. You just had P. P.C. Sue, man. Like, what the fuck am I? I'm just happy you guys didn't bring up my elite prospects. I forgot who I tripped.

Me too. All my teammates were texting me after that. They're like, I get, look, you got buried. I was like, I know. I didn't even know you guys yet. I felt so bad about that. I apologize, like, right after that. Yeah, yeah, it was awesome.

I felt so bad. Incredible. All right, guys, that's it. Later.