Empty Netters Podcast - Metro Division Predictions For The 2026-27 NHL Season w/ Jackson Blake

Episode Date: September 22, 2026

Jackson Blake joins the pod for his first major interview since becoming a Stanley Cup Champion! It’s perfect timing because the boys are doing their Metro Division breakdown. Will the Canes repeat as champs? Or did the Caps have such a big summer they want to send Ovi off in style? There are a lot of questions coming out of the Tri State Area as well. And we have goalie drama in the beer league hotline!  Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 04:26 - Jackson Blake Interview 1:08:58 - Metro Division Preview 1:11:44 - NY Rangers 1:21:46 - NJ Devils 1:33:33 - NY Islanders 1:44:12 - Columbus Blue Jackets 1:55:52 - Washington Capitals 2:06:23 - Philadelphia Flyers 2:14:41 - Pittsburgh Penguins 2:21:52 - Carolina Hurricanes 2:38:13 - Beer League Hotline PRESENTED by BetMGM. Download the BETMGM app and use code “NETTERS” and enjoy up to $1500 in bonus bets if you lose your first wager! Thanks to our Sponsors! BetMGM: Use bonus code NETTERS when signing up to receive up to $1500 in bonus bets if your first bet loses. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only. Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. This promotional offer is not available in New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico. Let’s eat real. Head to https://factormeals.com/netters50off and use code netters50off to get 50 percent off and 1 free breakfast item per box for 1 year, while supplies last until 10/31/2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the Empty Netters podcast. Can you believe what this has become? There was a full 48 hours where I felt like I was like literally Superman. Jumbo loves playing Fortnite, so he gets on the sticks. Did TR show you the sauna cycle, or was that all year? No, no, I invented that. Almost a year now that I haven't taken a body check. That's kind of nice.

So we are back. We are horned up, and we are going deep. Finish tonight with some chicken fingers and a few guineasas and ran into you guys. That's where this pod came to life. Ice is ready and we're back with another episode of the MT Netters podcast brought to you by BetMGM. Please subscribe to the YouTube channel, five-star reviews, Spotify, Apple, wherever you get you podcasts. Let's get into the show. I am your host, Dan Powers.

We got to switch up today and the Grantman is back on the sticks here in the other studio. We are back. Dude, I kind of, you know what, I miss this vibe in the bar a little bit. It's still cursed, very cursed. very cursed, but we're back a little bit. You know what I mean? There's actually, there's a lot of Southern fans who in the comments, especially when I do Hockey Talk Sunday,

who go, where is Grant? Yeah. Oh, really? Yeah. We miss the South. You know, the Southso rides again, right? Yeah. It rides again.

And over here to my left, per yuge, Chris Powers. As always. Great T-shirt. Thank you so much. Do you regret getting the gray one? No, I think it was the only one to get. Yeah, it's the OG. It's the OG control.

But then it's just like a boring Heather Grey T-shirt. Yeah, but when you get it, though, you're like, oh, wow. It looks like Loges and Heather Grey T-shirt. Then you realize it was a choice. Yeah, it's true. We are in the middle of our division breakdown episodes. We're doing the Metropolitan Division today. But before that, we got a nice surprise to Met fans and Carolina Hurricanes fans.

Our good friend, Jackson Blake, joins the show, Stanley Cup champion. in. We're going to waste no time. We're going to jump right into that interview with Blakey, and then we'll jump into the division breakdown. But for now, enjoy Jackson Blake. Chris, you've talked about it. Yeah, one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, 11, 12. Is it just volume low or is it like, it's like, sounds bad? Is it the chance is battery? I check. It looks pretty good. Oh, looks good. It's crazy how these all say low battery.

I know. Yeah. All right. Bye. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, twenty. Okay, now we're good. Can we redo the intro one?

Yeah, of course we can. But, ready? Yeah. Ice is ready, and we're back with another episode of the empty netters podcast brought to you by BetMGM. please subscribe to the YouTube channel, five stars, Spotify, Apple, wherever you get your podcast. Let's get on into the show. I'm your host, Dan Powers. A little switch up on the sticks and back in the bar studio.

Zach Grant joins us again. We are back. We are so, so, so back. We are so back. It's unbelievable. The southern fans miss them. They do. We get the comments all the time.

And in the hockey talks, people say, where is Grant? Well, I got news for you. Here he is. And that guy you just heard, to my left, per used, Chris Powers. As always, I love the N64 shirt. It's really solid. Gray's a choice, but it's perfect in this case. It's the OG.

We are in the middle of our division preview episodes. They're fantastic. But before we jump into the Metropolitan Division today, we've got a special surprise for Met fans and Carolina Hurricanes fans. Jackson Blake, good friend, joins the show Stanley Cup Champion. So we're going to jump into that right now and then come back with the division breakdown. So for now, enjoy Jackson Blake. We are now joined by a Fargo, North Dakota native.

God, that fires me up. A Class 2A, Minnesota State champion for Eden Prairie Eagle. Shout out EP. An NCHG rookie of the year and player of the year for UND, a world junior bronze medalist, a Clark Cup champion, the 109th overall pick of the 2021 draft by the Carolina Hurricanes. And of course, most importantly, a 26 Stanley Cup. champion Jackson Blake finally welcome to the empty numbers podcast yeah finally thanks for

having me boys oh dude it's about time pump time dude so our really good friends the brooks are from Eden Prairie so we've been several times and man we actually dude when we moved from Maine to California that was one of our stops we spent a few nights there on on the drive across like right around this time of year actually wouldn't you say like oh yeah yeah yeah and dude what a place to grow up man it's unbelievable it's the best I mean I mean, I'll never miss a summer there for sure. Obviously, I haven't been there in the winter for a long time now, but... Probably not a bad thing.

That's probably the better option is to be in North Carolina than Minnesota in the winter. But the summers, there's nothing like it, like you said. I mean, I don't know how long you would stay or whatever in EP, but yeah, no better, nowhere all the side way or want to grow up. I mean, like... We've always said Maine is similar to Minnesota, and it's like, it's such a vibe. We would be, it was like every day, dude, it would be like off to Lord Fletcher's pitchers, volleyball, and then on to Minnetonka for pure chaos. It is the same place.

Maine and Minnesota are the same place. You just swap ocean for lakes. And the people are the same. It's just like their brother states and people don't know it until you meet someone from the other. And you're like, oh, great. It's amazing. Yeah, no, I've never been to Maine, but I might have to go if you guys are saying that. The problem is you're going to have to sacrifice like a week or a weekend of your Minnesota summer to a Maine summer, but I just can't do.

I'll put my life on the line that it is worth it. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I mean, if we get longer than a month, then maybe I'll, no, two months. Yeah, yeah. I don't have the shortest summer of all time. Yeah, literally. You know what, dude, well, actually, I was going to say, I don't even want to wish this point. I was going to say, we'll have like a delayed, you'll get so good that you'll be like,

I don't come to camp anymore, I don't come to preseason. Like I just show up for regular season so we can catch a September week, you know, we'll catch you in May to September week. Then we'll get you back to Roll. There you go. That'll be perfect. That sounds great. I want to get to, we'll get to some Eden Prairie stuff, of course, but I actually just wanted

to ask first about Shattuck. I know you're only there for half a season, but it's such a, you know, lore-filled place in the hockey community. So just what was Chattuck like for the time you were there? Yeah, I mean, like you guys said, I'm from Union Prairie, so it's only 45 minutes of fair bowl there. And I was in ninth grade, so still pretty young at the time. And I don't know, I didn't really have a reason of going there.

Honestly, I just thought, you know, there's so many big names that went there and, you know, why not try for a year? My plan was always to play high school hockey, you know, because that's what you grew up dreaming of playing in the state tournament and everything like that. So that was always my plan. So to go to Shattuck for the one year and, I mean, it only ended up being half a year was, you know, it was a lot of fun. I think it was, you know, cool to go there and experience something like that. And like I said earlier, so many big names went there. And yeah, I don't know.

I liked it a lot. I lived in a dorm in ninth grade, which is, you know, it's kind of young to do that. I mean, I didn't get homesick or anything just because I was only 45 minutes away, but kind of living on your own a little bit as a 14, 15 year old or whatever it was. It's weird. And I think it helped me grow up a little bit. But around Christmas time, I decided to come back and play Bannam hockey for Eden Prairie. dude so and i've long said i think playing for your town is really special you never really get that

loyalty you know you love undd you love the canes but like you never really have that loyalty of the name on your jersey being like this is where i'm from and these are all my friends that is a really special thing so i can relate to that big time dan and i did both just like you did like hometown and prep and it's like it's a it's a really real thing so i can totally relate and i wanted to ask i think i saw when you came back when you transferred back there were athletic rules that you couldn't, like, you couldn't go right to Varsity. So you had to, like, play, like, Bannam or JV or whatever if it was. Like, were you shot on people for a few games before you got to go to varsity?

I, uh, so I came back my freshman year. This second half, I played Bannum, double A, which was what you played in ninth grade. Or, I mean, if you're good enough or big enough to play varsity guys at that. But I just played Bannums. And I went into next year, my sophomore year, just thinking, like, I was going to play on the varsity team with all my buddies and stuff like that. And I guess they hit me with a rule that I couldn't play until like February 28th or something. So I had to play like 11 or 12 JV games that year, which, you know, wasn't the most fun time of my life playing JV.

But, you know, I think I just had to go at it with a good mindset and stay positive because, you know, I was still going to be able to play at some point that year, which, you know, it sucked away. and going to the varsity games and seeing all my buddies out there and stuff like that. But yeah, it wasn't fun, but looking back on it, it could have been worse. Nightmare with the girls, dude.

He's like, I actually had the JV game. Shit. Yeah. And they're like, oh, my God. Yeah. Oh, God. A lot more people at the varsity game, that's for sure.

No student section for the JV game. Right. Oh, yeah. Well, dude, you mentioned the state tournament as we talked about you eventually, you know, youth hockey growing up in EP, and you guys were nasty. You had good teams every year, but you never really could get over that championship hump.

And then even in 19 and 20, you guys finish runner up at EP. So then you get to 21. And I know you love talking about this. So let's talk about that year. My favorite thing. Yeah. But, dude, some people don't know. You shattered your ankle that year, which was fucking insane.

What happened? How did that happen? Yeah. So, I mean, if you go way back, like, that was the year after COVID, obviously. So I went to Chicago before the high school season. And I mean, the previous year, like you stated, we got second to Hill Murray, which that sucked. And I mean, honestly, if we would have won, I don't know if I would have came back my junior year.

Oh, interesting. So it kind of was kind of nice that we didn't win that year. So I could come back. But like I said, I was in Chicago. And, you know, plan was to stay there the whole year or maybe think, about coming back and then kind of like Shattuck again. I just came back and like you guys said, you guys know playing for your hometown

and the people you grow up with your whole life or nothing beats it and we'd sit in the locker room for hours and hours after practice and it was COVID, so there's nothing really to do outside of the locker room. But yeah, we're playing Benild, St. Margaret's. And I was going into the boards and then just I got kind of buried a little bit And yeah, I broke my ankle.

I tried to play. I played two games on it. The doctor was saying that you could probably let it heal and you don't need surgery. So I went with that and I was walking down the stairs one day and just heard a crack and chattered it more and cracked it more. So then I had to get surgery and then waited two games. There was like a week. And then there was everyone telling me not to play. but I knew it was my last year there

and I wanted to play so bad so I took a week off and then right back to it. I was skating on one foot a little bit, but That's insane, dude. It's absolutely mental. How pissed were you when you were walking down those stairs and you heard that crack? Were you like, you son of a bitch?

I literally just like, I mean, it was kind of soft but I just like dropped it to tear. I was literally on the floor home alone like just crying because I was like, are you kidding me? Yeah. Like, of course this happens. Like, I don't know. Yeah, it sucks.

I don't think that's softly. Yeah, yeah. You shattered your ankle. Were you running too fast down the stairs? Like, did you fucking do this to yourself? Or were you genuinely just walking and it was bad break? Yes, you did this to yourself too. I would say a little bit of both.

Like, it probably shouldn't have happened, but like it did. Maybe I was going a little too. I was like kind of skipping down the stairs. Like I didn't really think of it. And then I just heard it. I couldn't stand up. And I don't know. I'm happy that happened now.

because I think surgery was the best option. Yeah, yeah, had to do it. Back to normal, pretty much. Yeah. And then you heal up, and then you make it to the final again against Lakeville, Lakeville South. Yeah. Double O T-1-1. You're in this game after this whole road to recovery, another year in the final.

You cannot lose this year. Then your buddy Drew Holt rips one off the goalie's pad. And you're ripping down bloody nose alley and a juicy rebound pops out. what's going through your head in that moment? I mean, that game, like, you play three games in a row. You are so tired. Like, in high school, we play so much, too. Yeah.

Like, Ray, when I saw that, I mean, thank God it went in, because, I don't know, five whole from the hash marks. Everyone's tired, so it makes sense. But I don't think a lot was going through my head, honestly. Like, I was just every chance we got to shoot the puck, we were going to do it, because you never know. And fortunately, that one went in. And, yeah, I mean, it was, like you guys said, though, if we, if we would have lost that game,

it none of it would have been worth it. So, thank goodness we won. But on that topic, it's like, obviously now with a few years removed from it, you can kind of look back on it with a little bit more clarity. How awesome. And I feel like relieving might be the word. Does it feel, you know, like making the decision to go back, you then have that injury and you're like, God damn it.

You come back from it. You end up in this game again. in overtime, you get the goal. I mean, this, even with the Stanley Cup, having just been won, that must be one of the greatest memories of your life. Oh, easily. I mean, yeah, I mean, everything worked out perfectly, except for breaking my ankle, like, other than that, like, just, just worked out perfectly.

But it almost makes the story better. Yeah, you're such a badass dude. I'm telling you. It's so cool. It makes a story better. A little bit, yeah. I mean, it wasn't as fun as maybe it could have been. But looking back on it now, yeah, I mean, it was awesome.

And to do all that, I've said this before, with all your bodies you grow up with and to lose that many times. Like we lost in Bannums too to People Grove. We lost in the championship when they had like favoring those guys too. So, you know, a lot of losing. And then to finally, you know, get it done and, you know, whether I scored or not, like it doesn't matter. You don't care at that point. But thankfully, you know, we won. And I know it's been five years now.

or whatever, I still, you know, whenever I see the video pop up, I still, like, I'm like, thank goodness. Yeah. Because that's what you dream of. Like, obviously, everyone dreams to winning the Stanley Cup and maybe a national championship or anything, but I always dreamed to win in the state tournament. I don't know why. Dude, Oshie told us the same thing.

And, like, that's not even knocking the cup, obviously. He was like, literally, dude, my dream as a kid was to win states, not even, you know, like, NHL almost feels out of reach a little bit when you're young. It's the best high school state tournament in the country. So it's, I understand the appeal of wanting to win that one. It's unbelievable. Dude, being in overtime must have been such a fucking nightmare. If you're like, I can't believe we might lose this game again.

Oh my gosh. Yeah. I mean, like our team was was so good that year too. Like we were just expected. We didn't lose a game really. And then we were in overtime. And one of our assistant coaches, Tom Gerties, like, he was just walking around and I had my legs up on the,

on the whatever, where I'm sitting, just sitting, laying on the ground like this going into second overtime. And he just comes by and is like laughing at me. I'm like, dude, this, like, it's just hilarious how like, you know, we're a serious team, but like we're so insurious. And I think that's why, you know, we won because our culture like that. Like we just get so much faith in each other. And going into overtime, like, you know, usually you think we're tense or everyone's, you know,

so tensed up, but that's just not how we are. And I think that's why we won a little bit just because we all had so much faith that we're going to win. No doubt about it. And also, shout out the run you went on because like a few months later, you're with the Chicago Steel and in game four of the Club, you score a rebound goal to win as well. You must have been like, I'm on a heater right now. This is unbelievable. Yeah, no, it was, that was a fun year. Two in two months, I think it was. So it was, yeah, that was awesome. A lot of fun. Yeah. Yeah. Unprecedented. Yeah. What did you guys do with the boys after States? Did you guys like, you know, everyone go to someone's house. You guys get a good hang in?

Oh yeah, yeah. We all, we went to Carter Batcheldery's at Lake State. He hosted us all. And yeah, that was a lot of fun. I still get the videos, obviously, every year, just see, you know, what it meant to everyone and see all the smiles on everyone's face. And, yeah, it was awesome. Yeah, that's so epic.

So, dude, then you go to college. And the, it's funny because, oh, yeah, had the similar story where it's like, ND and Minnesota are, there's not a lot of crossover there usually. But, you know, your dad went there. You had a great visit, right? I'm pretty sure you went to see them and like,

you were like, I'm going here. I know you've said like, you weren't even really going to hear other offers, but did other schools like come knocking just in case? Like, oh, maybe we can pry them out of UND? Like, how did that go? Yeah, no. And I think it was eighth grade,

St. Cloud was the first school that actually offered me. and they were on it actually and um you know i always knew like you guys said i always knew i was going to go there but it's still cool to when you're that young to see what other schools have interest in you and um i don't know who told my mom too is like i know he's going to north Dakota but a guy from minnesota i don't know who it was and told her um like he can come here too if he wants and she's like i don't think that's going to happen i don't think that a lot Yeah, so, but no, it was, did you even visit anywhere else or was it yet? You were like, no.

No, I went to North Dakota when I was like 14, not even on a visit, just to see it all. And that's when Bester was there and Joe S.D. Maybe I don't even remember who else was there. But, yeah, that's, that's when I knew. I mean, just seeing how cool the rink was and the student section and everything like that. And a guy being from Minnesota, you know, I like the student section for sure. That's why you play at that age. But yeah, it was always North Dakota.

And it's still cool to see the other schools, you know, interested like Minnesota and St. Cloud. Those were really the only two that kind of had interest at that point just because it was early on. But no, it was always, you know, North Dakota was pretty much written in the sand and stars there. Did any of the Minnesota boys chirp you like your buddies? Are they like, dude, come on.

You can't go to North Dakota. Or they knew the family died. No, they kind of knew. I mean, like, Middle stat, obviously, Luke was one of my best buddies growing up, and he committed to Minnesota, like a couple months, I think, before I committed to North Dakota. So, yeah, a little rivalry there just because of the history. It would have been cool to play with your buddies. Like, we were all talking. What if we all just went to one school? But, no, in North Dakota, I mean, so happy I went there, and it worked out perfectly.

Yeah, so, so dude, it's incredible. And like, I guess I don't know if they had like all the newest facilities they have now when you were there yet. But like when I see this shit now with like Mikey on Barstow, I'm like, bro, it looks like a professional ring. It's incredible. It's like truly it's Hogwarts now. Yeah. Yeah. It's insane.

Like going into my freshman years when they put in the new gym. Oh, okay. Sick. I had everything from my freshman year and then obviously I played two years. but yeah, it's, it's, oh my gosh, it blows out so many NHL teams. Like, it's not even close. Isn't that crazy? Yeah.

I feel like that doesn't get talked about enough, Blakey. Like, it is much better than a lot of NHL facilities. That's how elite you. Take notes, dude. It's crazy. Yeah. No, it's insane. Like, the stuff they give you, like, you can't take it for granted.

Like, you got to, I mean, I didn't. You got to realize how nice it is because I don't, gosh, I'm, I'm blanking on this too. Someone came up to me, played in the NHL, pro guy, went to North Dakota. I'm just trying to think of who it was. But he told me, he's like, man, this was during my sophomore year. He's like, you got to enjoy this because it just goes downhill once you leave for equipment-wise and everything like that. So ever since he told me that, I was like, all right.

And there's something to be said about that, dude. There's something to be said. And obviously you guys didn't have, you know, quite the national championship success that you wanted. You kind of got bouncing the semis of the NCHC and then Michigan, I think, got you in the tournament game. But even with that, any awesome highlights you remember just when you look back on that time in your life, you're like, God, dude, this was so special. Yeah, I mean, there's so many, obviously, but I just think, like, outside the rank, just everything we did and, like, going on, like, the fishing trip early on before the season starts. Is that the whole team? It's the whole team.

We just all go on, there's like five different boats. So you have like five guys on each five or six guys. And, you know, it's fun. You know, you, I don't know. But like there's so many things. Yeah, yeah. Everyone's just fishing. Just fishing.

Just fishing. Yeah, we're all fishing, just catching fish for sure. No, I don't even know. There's so many things that we do. I think it's just the culture there. Like, you know, everyone's so tight-knit. You know, you can go eat dinner with this guy and it won't be awkward. Like this guy, you know,

everyone just everyone gets in and we're all there for the same goal like you said we didn't have success as a team but like individually like what they do for you and that's why they have all that nice nice stuff because you know they want to develop you and you know build you into the the best hockey player you can be so um they do such a great job with that and um the culture there is is unbelievable was there any uh i mean you said you kind of went back to eden prairie because you hadn't won yet and i and i think we saw cutter goatea remember be like i'm not i'm gonna go back to bc one more time because we haven't quite got the success I wanted. Was there any pull to be like, God, I should stay one more year? Or was that a hard decision when you went up to Carolina after the end of that season?

Yeah, it was one of the hardest decisions I've ever made in my life. I also had a concussion while trying to make the decision. So it was like, because I tried to reverse hit Brins against Michigan, which didn't work out in my favor. I was just frustrated. But no, it was so hard. I mean, like, like you guys said, Carter had the same goal, too, going in his sophomore year and me going to my junior year. Like, I wanted to win, you know, my dad won when he was there. And he always told me stories of how great it was to win. And, you know, I always would go back and forth between signing. And then one day I would be like, no, I'm not going to sign.

And then it was really back and forth for about a week. And then finally, just made the decision to sign. obviously it worked out and I'm very grateful for it, but, you know, sometimes I do wish I could have had more than just two years there for sure. Yeah, God. Definitely worked out. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. But talking about the canes, dude, it's you guys, as you know, as well as as anyone, it's such an insanely special group there. And we've had the pleasure of having a bunch of the boys on the show with, you know, Jarvie, Slavo, Stank, and Fly. And it's unbelievable the way that you guys have all bonded so well. And I think a lot of people here,

and you can attest, it kind of starts with Rod. And it's so cool to see some of the things that have come out since winning the Cup, some of the little traditions and some of the little hype-up things that he's done to keep you guys so tight-knit. But it's also funny to hear all the stories of how he can be such an intense guy. He demands so much of all of you. It's why you're such an excellent team. But then there's also such a funny connection that you all have.

We have the funny stories with Jar of like getting yelled out for doing donuts in the parking lot. What is, what's, what's your vibe with Rod? Like, is he a guy you can joke around with? Is, like,

you know, do you guys have any inside jokes or what's going on with him? Um, yeah, no, he's definitely a very serious coach, but I feel like you have to be

at this level. Definitely. Especially if you want to win. Um, but no, I always say that it's, it's so nice to have a coach who played and who's been through it and who's won,

you know, at this level. And, um, he knows what, what you need individually, but he also knows what you need as a group. So it is nice to have that. But no, I don't really joke around too much with Roddy, but, you know, you always know you can. He's just an awesome dude. You know, he wants the best for us. And I think that's why he's so intense, too,

is just because he knows how special it is to win and going back to last year. Like, you know, he wants it for himself, but just as much for us, too. like he wants us to experience it with, with our families and, you know, everyone who's helped us get to where we are. So he knows what we want and, you know, he knows how to win, obviously. And that whole staff and Huffer too and, you know, talked about him with our group. Like, we all want to win. And, you know, it starts with him, just like you guys said. Yeah.

Going off of what you just said about how great it is to have a coach who was a player, there's also the element of he's, I mean, he was already a legend. in Carolina. Now it's even more so. But not so much speaking about the legend element of him. How cool is it? Because we talk about the size of markets in the NH all the time. Carolina is obviously a smaller market. But we've had the pleasure of being able to experience that rink and that crowd, the tailgates outside, the community. It's like it is Kane's country all over Raleigh. When you have a guy like Rod who's been so important to that culture over multiple decades now. Is that something that you guys can feel that's palpable every single day of just knowing like this, sure, you can call this a smaller market, but Keynes fans are no joke. We've built

something very, very special here. That's something the players feel every day. Oh, for sure. I mean, like you guys said, it starts with Roddy too, and that's why everyone loves them is because, you know, he's, when he got, you know, the head coaching job, like, they weren't the best team. And, you know, ever since then, you know, they've just changed it around and turned the whole organization around. And obviously it starts with him. But, you know, going to the rank too, like you speak of the Ralph in college. Like, it's just so loud in there and, you know, crazy. But, you know, the Caniacs, they're so nuts.

And they get so loud. And they're there tailgating when I'm pulling into the rank three hours or whatever. Dude, early. Early tailgating. Yeah. It's insane. It's crazy. I mean, they are so passionate and, you know, they, I mean, they're a small, we're a smaller market, but like our fans make it feel like we're a huge market just because of the energy they bring.

And, you know, I'm pretty sure a lot of teams or guys would say that Carolina is one of the hardest places to play in the league for sure. They do. I promise you they do. Also, there is no tailgate in the NHL that even sniffs. It's incredible. Outside of that. No. It's like we're spit, we're spit roasting live pigs.

in that parking lot. It's fucking mental. It's nuts. Like, we're driving in because we have like a loop or whatever, and I'm driving in the loop to get into where we park, and there's just hundreds of people going like this when you're driving by and like February game 60. And I'm like, all right, let's go.

Here we go. I didn't want to go in. Like everyone, there'd be people, there were so many people with the cop that were like, oh, I don't have a ticket. I'm staying out here. And I was like, oh, I'll stay out here. I didn't know that was an option. Me too. Sometimes I don't want to pull over and just hang out with them a little. Yeah.

that's incredible the the canes playoff history is a much talked about thing right and this is only your second year all the way through with the canes but it was like you know rod was one in 12 in conference finals and all that shit and you and you experienced some of it with the florida right like you guys dropped the first three and no one will shut up about it in the media you lose in five so here you go again last year you have another regular great regular season and there's is there chatter in the locker room about that like are you guys being like fuck like We have a bad playoff record once we get to a certain round. Are you guys, do you just ignore it or are you guys talking about that in the locker room?

No, we just, we ignore it. I mean, last year, my first year, I think we had a great team. Like the first two rounds, we played really well. And then Florida just kind of manhandled us a little bit. And last year in the playoffs, it just felt a little different. I don't know what it was. Like, you know, we had a pretty similar group. And I mean, we added some key guys like, you know, key and, you know, bus was great and fly and those guys and stuff.

And, but no, I just think last year just it felt different. And, you know, we're, I don't know what right. He would call it. We were just like a machine. Like just everyone was so connected. We were just rolling every line, every defenseman, you know, Freddie or boss, whoever it was. We just trusted each other. And no, we didn't really think about the Eastern whatever his record was going into my,

Montreal. I know people were saying stuff when we lost game one, but we also didn't play for like two weeks. So yeah, no excuse, but that didn't really help, you know, our case there. And then after that, we kind of just put the throttle down a little bit. And yeah, I don't know. No one really talked about or anything. We kind of just, you know, trusted that we were good enough to win. And, you know, fortunately, it worked out. I think you could tell that. I mean, you just mentioned it with a couple times. You guys start the playoffs and you go nuclear. Obviously, it's insane. But. But. there were some of those OT games against the Sends and the Flyers, but we were saying it every time, and I wonder if you felt this on the ice, even when you went into OT from a fan perspective watching, you guys looked so calm. I've never seen a team in OT so noticeably not grip the sticks a little bit tighter. You didn't change your game.

You just kind of went, okay, we've let them hang around. Now let's just close the door. And you did it every single time. And I think that does go into what you're saying. It's like you guys did clearly ignore all the chatter. because like through three series, nothing was phasing you. And you did mention it, yeah, sure.

You lose that first game to Montreal. People started talking, we put on the ghost hoods and all that stuff. But it's like I think in game two against Montreal, it was like, yeah, you were fine. You guys clearly hadn't played for two weeks. That's what happened in game one. You must have felt so relaxed going through those series because it looked that way on the ice. Yeah, I mean, I just like it felt. It didn't feel easy, obviously, because playoffs is so hard.

Sure, of course. It just felt like everyone was on the same page, and, you know, there wasn't one guy who was trying to do their own thing, you know? So even when we're in those overtime games, like, if we lost them, we're going to lose playing our way. You know, we're going to go out there and play the way Rod preaches and, you know, the way we know we can. So going into those, we just had that confidence in each other,

knowing that, you know, we had each other's back. So, but no, it was a lot of fun. And, you know, playoff hockey is awesome, especially when you're winning and having fun. I will say you're, I know you're never going to be the type of guy to gas yourself up, so I'll do it for you. After the first two series, you have 11 points through eight games,

where you like, this is pretty safe. And the OT winner to Clinch. I'm kind of buzz it right now. I don't know. It was just fun, you know, because me and Halsey and Stanks played together, like majority of the year, year and it just so some games wouldn't go our way and I thought we played well and then

to do that in the playoffs and to help the group win and I feel like the biggest part was we were being consistent and yeah the first two rounds yeah I thought we played great and you know it was a lot of fun and a lot of people were saying that oh they got two weeks off are they gonna continue this or is it just kind of like a couple game wonder whatever from those three and no I just no one really cared on our line what other people thought we're just going to go out there and play for each other. And, you know, playing with Stanks and Halsey in the playoffs last year was a lot of fun. Not bad.

Bro, it was insane. I was going to ask, like you finished with 20 points in 19 games, Halsey 19, Stank 16 with 11 goals. And, dude, through straight, and this is playoffs. Anybody that likes hockey knows that you need your teammates to pick you up, you kind of players go through dry spells and playoffs. But there was a lot of chatter during it about the top, your guys top line, not, like, where's Jarvie, where's Aho?

They haven't scored, blah, blah, blah. And it must have been, like, obviously you could feel it that you were like, you were like, God, we are absolutely buzzing this line. Just clicking like that. It must have felt so sick every night, just being like, let's do it again, boys, and then you would. Yeah, I mean, it was a confidence thing. I just, we had so much confidence built off from the end of the season

going into playoffs that, you know, fortunately led into that. But, I mean, speaking of Jarvie and Fishy's line and Svecci and stuff, like they were still, I mean, maybe the puck wasn't going in, but they were playing against the top line every night. and wasn't going in for the other top line. Dude, they were shutting the door so hard. That was not getting talked about enough. I think Fisci established himself as one of the best shut down top centers in the league in that playoffs.

It was remarkable what he was doing to other teams. Yeah, for sure. I mean, you said it right there. The things they do, the average fan doesn't notice because they're so worried about goals and points and stuff. But, you know, playoffs, it's all about winning. And, like, even if they weren't scoring, they're still doing a, big job and a big part to win games and

you know it was it was awesome and it was fun to watch that as well like you know you want to score and have points and stuff but you want to win in the playoffs and if that's what it takes like I do that 10-10 times easy yeah oh absolutely before Dan takes you to Vegas I just have two questions about the winning the Eastern Conference finals one did you guys

especially rod like inside the lockerer did you guys let yourself enjoy that because even though it's all we ignore it it is it was a demon, right? You're like, oh my God, we have not got through this. So did you get to enjoy that moment of like, holy shit? And then my second question is, was there a conversation after you enjoyed it of like, we're 12 and 1 in the playoffs? Like, don't think the final will be easy. You know, like, hey, we got to reset. So like, what was kind of the convos once you'd actually won the East? Yeah, no, we enjoyed it that night. Um, you know, it's, it's crazy, like, to think that you're

going to go play for the Stanley Cup or have a chance to win it. So that was really cool. And, but yeah, I mean, I remember, I don't, it was either Ghost or Halsey or something said, like, there's a little, we can max play like 20 games in the playoffs, which is absurd because to go win in under 20, I think we played 19, I think. We played 19, I think. Yeah, you did. It's different.

Under 20 games is insane. And we were thinking about that. And, I mean, no one thought it was going to be easy. like Vegas was, you know, so hard to play against. And they just swept Colorado. And, um, we didn't think that, but we definitely enjoyed it that night. And then, you know, got right back to it. And that was another one, like game one.

We, we, we didn't really play our best and kind of got, you know, Stank scored a huge goal in game too, too. So, um, you know, it was, it was fun being in Montreal and, you know, kind of having that, like thing in the back of your head, like you're, you're playing for the Stanley Cup next. series. It's so you had to enjoy it a little bit, you know. No question. Yeah, no question. We could spend an hour talking about the final. We're not going to do that. But I just want to highlight there were so many, I mean, what a series, man. It was so fun. Fly scores in 10 seconds in game one. You get a Stanley Cup final in that barn that you guys love so much. You have the OT

winner in game two coming back from down 4-0. And then obviously you guys really click in and dominate in games five and six. What were some of your favorite moments? I know a lot of it blends together because you're just battling every day, you know, taking it one game at a time, but do you have games or moments that like really stand out in your head during that final that you look back on and smile? And what did you do when Fly scored? Like what, literally, what did you do when he scored in 10 seconds? I mean, that was fucking insane. I had, I had chills the whole first shift and he scored. So they stayed there too, just looking up and seeing how loud it was. and I mean before the game two

when they brought the cup up or out on the ice like before game one I've never really seen it in person honestly so to see that was really cool but no when fly scored the place erupted like you could feel it on your bench shaking

like just 10 seconds in or whatever it was like that's insane I thought the roof was gonna fly out of place I'm not kidding I was insane I was like holy shit this is this place is going berserk Yep. It's crazy.

No, but I mean, a couple moments. Like, I would say a bad moment was me taking a penalty with like a minute or two minutes, three minutes left. I don't even remember what it was in game two when we were up by one or I think. Yeah, yeah. Yeah, yeah. We're up three, two, Jordal scored or something like that. Yeah, yeah. I took a penalty and I was just stressing in the box, like so stressed out.

And they didn't score, but then I came out there and then they scored right away. I think Stone scored or something. Yeah, he did. Going back to that and then Jarvis scoring the O.T. winner to bail me out and bailed the boys out a little bit was awesome. But, I mean, there were so many moments in that serious. Like you said, I could sit here for an hour and just talk about every game and little things like that. But I think even game six when Halsey scored, like, I don't know how he didn't, like, get more excited. He kind of just looked like just chillax in game six after he scored.

I'm like, dude, like, you were up one zero. I don't know. Yeah. And then. Just a regular game in October. You know what, though? I, it's crazy that you say that. When he scored that goal, he scored that right in front of us. Yeah, yeah.

And I remember, like, looking at his face and he did, he almost like gave you guys a nod of like, all right, here we go. But it did feel like it was you guys were just in flow state. And we said coming into that game, we were like, if the boys score first, it's over. Yeah. And he scored and we were like, oh, fuck. Like, they got it. This is like, here we go. Go time.

Like, it was unbelievable. Because I was scared the whole game. It was the longest game ever. Like, even when we, our line scored again, like just, I was like, two zero. All right, that's a little insurance. But come on. Like, the third period, I'm just like taking 35, 40 second shifts, just trying not to turn the puck over and doing whatever I can. And then, I mean, the biggest moment I think was just when Fly sported that empty-nighter and everyone realized a minute left, like, they're not going to score three goals.

Okay, so I wanted to ask when and be honest. Like, is that truly you didn't believe till then? or was there was there a few minutes before that even before the empty netter where you like dude i think we're going to do it honestly like i'd never thought that once in my head of just because i didn't want to jinks it or whatever i just always thought like you know they have all these big guns like ikel and marner and all these guys and you know they can score two goals in a minute probably like they're that good and they have that skilled of of a lineup to do that and i think ikele at the cross bar something like that that all that old

Oh my gosh. And it was the net was nude. Yeah. Like truly nude. Yeah. And he was like, oh my God. I don't know what happened there. Maybe Bussie, I think someone was saying Bussie got to save it or something to hit the crossbar or something.

I don't know. I'd have to watch it again. But like that scared me a little bit. And then no, it was just when fly scored, then it's just, you know, we all knew at that point. And we were celebrating on the bench. And I wish I could go back and hopefully we do it again this year. you know and because those it's the greatest moment i would play nine months just for that moment again like just yeah doing that with and seeing everyone and then yeah i don't know it was it was probably

when fly scored when i when i realized so awesome dude and then um did you guys make were there any adjustments made because it felt like you started to get to carter hard a little bit like in the first few games it was like oh man not that you weren't scoring you came back from four nothing in game three but was there any adjustments you were there any adjustments made or were you just like no wear them down? Because I think Florida's pitch has always been like, we'll just wear you down. We're not changing anything. We're just going to eventually be better than you. Was that that or did you guys switch anything up? No, we just tried to shoot every opportunity we got. I mean, and obviously get traffic and, you know,

in the playoffs, your best players usually got to be your goalie, right? And, you know, goalies can win it for you. Like Bossie pretty much did in game six there. And Freddie was great the whole playoffs too obviously but phenomenal um no we didn't i don't think we really changed anything like we we knew our system could work you know it might not work game one it might not work game two or three but by you know the tail end of it like five six and if it goes to seven um we trust in our game and we know if we if we shoot 40 shots you know maybe we'll get three or three or four on them or two or three whatever you know wins wins the game but um no we didn't we didn't really change anything we just tried to stick what what worked all year and um fortunately it did okay yeah it's

amazing and bussy what a fucking story bussy that was like the coolest thing i've ever seen in my life such a legend yeah oh he's yeah he's the greatest dude no one deserves it more than him to just yeah man it's unbelievable yeah so after after you win it you know Vegas if you're gonna win it on the road it's always sick to win it home but if you're going to win it on the road Vegas is probably the place probably the place to do it so we end up at We ended up at Omnia for a pretty good shin dig. And you know what's fucked? Massive shout out Jane, by the way, because we got there and we, you guys were in

like a bus. I forget how you guys got there, but we got there on our own. And you're in already. And Jane's in line, like getting in front of us. And we're kind of like around the back. And I'm like, God, I'm going to have to wait in this for so long. And Jane's like this actually there with us. And I was like, thank you.

So huge shout out, Jane. We get inside. You're on the tables. You got the goggles on. Dude, the cup was like being waved around more so than I've seen. You know, like, fans were like getting in the world. Yeah, yeah. Friends and family were getting sessions with the cup.

I'm always like, I'm not trying to touch it, so I'm like, holy shit, dude. But Grant, Grant kissed the fucking thing, dude. It was chaos. So the, there was, there were too many beers to count. So I don't recall, personally, I don't recall all the details, but how unreal was that night for you from from the parts that you remember yeah it was it was nuts i mean like you said there's probably no greater place to win other than home um to do it in Vegas was pretty cool very special and omnia was that was a lot of fun i mean like i don't we went to someplace before i forgot where we

went but with like our families and stuff and then you know to go there and you know have you know you guys were there and just so many people were there it was it was awesome and I mean you know everyone was was drinking so the the cup was definitely you know maybe a little lighter to some guys than it it should have been or we're just passing that thing around like it was nothing but um no I mean no one really care just because you just won and you know fulfilled a lifelong dream so um it was awesome and you know Vegas was a super cool place to win it for sure and you know I would love to do that again. That was awesome. Yeah. Yeah. I can't believe, dude, after, I mean, I guess to Halsey's point, 19 games is pretty impressive, but you know, you guys have just been

through the ringer. Playoffs are such a grind. You just bagged the hardest 60 minutes of your life. I don't think you got off the table the whole time, dude. Like you, your core and your legs till 4 a.m. I was like, date, I don't understand how you are not gassed. The craziest part is I don't think I saw a single one of you go to the bathroom. Yeah. Like, you were just fucking chill. We were probably just peeing our pants. We just Yeah, yeah. I didn't care, but no, I know I was standing, we were standing on that thing forever, and I mean, time was flying by.

And, yeah, I didn't, I was so tired after the game. And then, you know, I was at 2, 3, 4 a.m., whatever, I was wide awake again. And, you know, I didn't, I didn't want to go to the bathroom just because I didn't want to miss anything. You know, you never know. Yeah, you catch that second win, dude. We always joke by the end of it. I am like, I know you guys are tired. You've played an entire NHL season and then playoffs, but like, I'm flying.

commercial back and forth these places. I was like, I'm going to get the fuck home, dude. It's awful. That's a long flight too, dude. Oh, bro. It's insane. Even on the PJ, like, it's so, so far. How are we not there yet? Before we get into some fun stuff, I do just want to say, I love that you brought the cup back to EP.

How fun was that day? You follow in Nick Letty's footsteps, bringing it back there. But that must have been unbelievable with the friends, family, guys you grew up playing with being an EP in the summer with the cup. Unbelievable. Oh, I mean, it. it was it was a perfect day like you know we we had a plan set and you know that was to go to the community center like letty did um and you know i don't know how many people exactly were there

but people were saying it was like 12 to 1,300 like just lined up outside EP community center and yeah i mean to see the the kids faces and the smiles and for them to see the stanley cup and stuff like that was a lot of fun and um because i know that was me as a kid too when letty want it to see that and to know that you know maybe they can do it too right if they work hard enough so yeah um but no and then i we had a party bus that was awesome um just had some close friends and family on that one and then that brought us to our like place on minotonka and was we're we're pretty much there for the whole day until like seven or eight o'clock um just carrying that thing around, which was so heavy. I was sweating so hard. Like, oh my gosh, I was leaking.

Of course. Which I, I don't know. I didn't work out that morning, but I think that counts. Yeah. Oh, 100% dude. Did you eat or drink anything special out of it? Or was it just typical stuff? Just gas on. Yeah, I was thinking of it. And I don't know, like it was, there's so many people there. And I, I had, I love summer shandy. Like, it's, yeah. Oh, yeah. There you go. It's so good. Summer Shandy. So that was my drink of choice out of that, out of the cup. Lining Coogh's Summer Shandy. There you go. That's a good one. That's awesome. Was it ever, was the cup ever in danger out on the lake there? You know, you drop it in the pool, you can get it out. You drop it in the lake. It's fucking see you later, dude. Was it ever

in danger? Well, we were debating. I don't know if they even want to let me. Like, I have a wake boat, so we're going to see if they would let me surf with that thing. But probably wasn't worth it, honestly, just because if I dropped that in there, they're going to have to get a crane or something. And God, that's That actually would have been the story of the summer, dude. Like trying to get the bottom of Lake Minnetonka. Dude, it would be harder to get that thing out than the Titanic if you lost that thing at the bottom of Minnetonka.

Oh, for sure. Nightmare. It would have been crazy. But, no, it was great day. And then we went to Maynard's, place on Maynard's. Oh, Maineers is incredible, dude. Mainards is awesome. Yeah, you guys have been there, right?

Oh, yeah. The walleye and the Kurds at Maynards are like, crack. Burry me, bury me in the Kurds, dude. Literally. Like, it's fine. It's fine. Saturday night Maynard's. Maynard's just unreal, dude.

It's awesome. You know, that was the one place where it got spooky. We brought my dad's boat there and we like pushed it through the top thing and like I was wobbling a little bit and it could have fallen over. But no, it was good. Yeah, yeah. One little weight shift, dude. Yeah, the late shift at Maynard.

It's seven to close or eight to close or whatever it was. That is a fucking great, dude. Perfect day. I'm still here. Cups. Cups still good. All right, Blakey. We're going to get you into some fun stuff here.

First thing we're going to do is the Netters Speed Run. So we're going to ask you some quick hitter questions. You don't need to be super fast with the answers, but we want your knee-jerk answer to some of these fun things. So are you ready to rock here? Yeah, let's do it. All right, Jackson Blake doing the Netters Speed Run. Start them off.

What is your death row dinner? Just kind of like the main entree. You don't need to give me the whole meal. But like, you know, your last entree, last main on Earth. probably raising canes. Whoa, awesome answer. Dude, shout out raising games. What's the order?

There it is. Extra bread instead of coleslaw right there. Yep. Unbelievable. Tremendous. You have to name that after you now. Yeah. The Blake combo now.

I love that. Okay, what is your favorite place in the world? I think I know the answer to this. Even Prairie, Minnesota. Yep. Fantastic. All day. Man, it's not, I'm kidding.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Maynard's at 11 p.m. On Saturday. I mean, hey, I would accept that answer. That's pretty special. What is your go-to cocktail? Oh, gosh. I'm not, I don't, I don't know.

I mean, I'm just a summer shandy guy. I'll allow summer shandy. All right. Summer shandy, though. Yeah. Summer shandy, yeah. Okay, what is the best type of shoe? Probably just like a Nike dunk.

Yeah. That's good. Is that what you're talking about? Yeah, yeah. You can pick any shoe you want, but Nike Dunk has been a fan favorite with these. It's a special sneak. Yeah, I love it. What is your favorite comfort movie?

Like, it doesn't have to be your favorite movie on Earth, but just the movie you're always like, oh, man, easy. Put that on and I'm happy. Okay. Maybe like grown-ups. Oh, sick. Who said that? Someone else said that.

I think, was it neighbors? Maybe. Yeah. But, I mean. Shout out the Sandman. I feel like people are sleeping on grown-ups. Grownips is fun. Also, it makes, I mean, like, there's so much of a, of a Lake Minnetonka vibe in the grownups movie. It's, I understand why that's your comfort movie.

Yeah. Okay, what is the perfect amount of people to go to dinner with? Probably, let's go with five. Odd number. Yeah. Not too long. Yeah. I'll be sure.

Blake, I think that's our first odd number. It is our first odd number. That's a great answer. And I like it. Yeah, yeah. It's a car. It's a full car. It's a full car.

You know, that makes sense. Good point. I like that. There you go. It's a full car. Okay, what is the best holiday? Boy, I mean, I'll, I'll, got to say Christmas, but Fourth of July is a good one, too. You might say Fourth.

You can say Fourth if you want, I mean, I'll just say the Fourth of July just because it's in the summer, and that's like the middle of the summer and everyone. Yeah. I'll go with the Fort. And we're on the lake, baby. I absolutely love it. Okay, what is your favorite article of clothing? Oh, boy.

I don't know. I don't know. What do most guys say? Well, you can say like, no, but it doesn't need to be a specific one. You can be like a hat, a jacket, a shoe. I wear a lot of hats. I was going to say just like a nice hoodie. That's a great answer too.

Hoodies a great answer. Like a nice hoodie and like on a summer night, nothing beats that. I feel like around a fire. Like I don't go with a hoodie. Little fire smoke in it after, you know, it smells like the fire pit. It just smells like it for a couple days. Like, yeah. That's my favorite thing ever, dude.

That's perfect. And good news is, Now with that answer, we're going to send you one of the new Netters hoodies for that. Yeah. So that's correct. Yeah. Okay. I'm glad I said that then.

Yeah. Okay. What's the best ever video game? Bornite, for sure. Yeah. Granted that during COVID. Yeah, exactly. All right.

And finally, what is the best thing that you can cook? Um, probably, honestly, probably just, I don't know. I'm not the best cook. I can whip up some good scrambled eggs. Like they're, I mean, I know it sounds not great. No. My scrambled eggs are pretty, they're pretty good. I like that confidence.

Me too. Scramble eggs aren't easy, dude. Sometimes people, if people just think you cook them to a finish, it's fine. You can mess them out for sure. Definitely, dude. People who make them too dry and it looks like dog kibble, those are shitty scrambled eggs. I know that's why I take them off right when I know they're ready, right away. Yep.

I like that answer. That is a great answer. Perfect. I love it. Is it true? Svetch, uh, Svecchi loves cookout? Yeah, loves it.

Oh, yeah. I cannot believe that that man puts cookout in his body. It looks like he does, but I am extremely jealous. He has a sweet to it, but yeah, he's, I mean, he's jacked, but he's, yeah, I don't know. Cookout is a special place. I love cookout, dude. It's incredible. Incredible.

It is good. It's great, actually. I love that place. All right, Blakey, now we're going to get you into pass shoot score to close you out here. This is our ranking system game here. We're going to give you three things that we know are special to you. You got to rank them pass shoot score. Pass is nice.

shoot, get in the puck on nets, obviously a little bit better, and then score is the ultimate goal. So score is going to be your highest ranking. We're going to start you off, pass shoot score with friends' characters. And I'm going to give you the boys. Pass shoot score, Ross, Chandler, Joey. Oh, gosh. I mean, I love the Ross and Rachel thing, but like, I don't know, pass, shoot, score. I mean, I'm going to have to pass Ross.

Wow. I don't want to. But like Matthew Perry, like, I'm not going to pass Matthew Perry. And I'm like, and then, actually, no, let's go. I don't know. I'm going to have to pass Chandler. I'm going to shoot Joey and then I'll score Ross. What a swing for Ross.

Wait, wait, hold on. Did Ross just win? Yeah, because I'm thinking of Ross and Rachel, and that's my favorite part of the show. Like, and then, I don't know, they're all, they're all pretty even to me, though. Like, they all bring their, they bring their, you know, their own thing. Like, I don't know. It's a hard. It's a hard one.

Yeah. Who do you think you are the most? Phoebe. Probably. I would say Chandler a little bit. There you go. I love that. Maybe Joey's smartness a little bit.

I don't know. You're all three. You're all three. Yeah. I like to tell you. I told Jane that, actually. I'm all three of all. That's what she told me, dude.

She goes, he thinks he's all three. I mean, it's, that's a fantastic thing. Dude, I told you in Raleigh that I've like never watched, and I'm a huge movie and TV guy. I really watched it. And since then, I've started watching it more. And so I understand the struggle. Dude, Ross is like kind of a villain.

Really? But I love their relationship as well. But, like, dude, he's just like manipulating her boss to like not give her a promotion to like stay with him and then he's like fucking up their relationship again and like cheating on her and it's just like the guy's out of control damn that's that's that's where why i was thinking of passing him just because he he did that stuff but he's always like he's such a good guy like he's always there for all of them and i don't know he does love her yeah i don't know he's yeah i don't i don't know i don't know how to do that ranking on it's the hardest one

it's the hardest one you're going to get the one follow up i have for you. I know we know that you're a summer I turn pretty guy. You like a lot of these. You like a lot of, are you. I was just going to ask. Are you team Jeremiah carndad? Me too, dude. Jeremiah people are insane. You got to check yourself. You're not my friend anymore, Frank. I do have to ask you, though, because we love these types of shows, too. Have you checked out Sterling Point yet? Yeah, I just watched it last week with my mom, actually. There you go. I'm glad to hear it. Yeah. Did you finish or you just started? Yeah, no, we just finished it last night, actually. incredible incredible timing very lake life dude very lake life absolutely that's another great one i mean i would

definitely not put it above the summer i turn pretty but you know it's it's a great show yeah it's up there fantastic it's up there i've been banging the drum so hard for you and jane to watch the oc she says it's on the list but okay you you are going to love it dude it's the greatest it's the greatest show in that sphere of all time it's not close you have to try it yeah you will you will down i need some shows so yeah yeah yeah it's a long easy baby. Dude, that's the other thing. Like, Blake, like, this was like the early 2000s of TV shows.

So season one is like 27 episodes. So you're golden. That's perfect. I need that. Like, I started entourage. I've never watched that before. Oh, wow. And I've watched the first, like, eight episodes, and I like it so far.

It's great. It's phenomenal. Okay, here's your next one. Dude, this next category is summer day activities. Golfing, a day on the boat. wake surfing or going to a country concert with your friends. Oh my gosh. They're like the perfect three, honestly.

He's like literally by three favorite things on earth. Literally are the three favorite. Oh, gosh. I mean, just in general, I'll probably pass a country concert. I mean, I don't know how I would do that, though. Like, no, I can't. I literally can't do that. No, no, I'll give you a teaser.

You can be. because you're going to get a little bit of redemption with your next one with country. So don't worry. You can pass that if you need to. Okay, I'll pass it even though, like, there's literally nothing better. Yeah. But, like, just every day I golf and go on the boat.

So, I mean, I'll probably shoot golf and then score going on the lake. Like, there's nothing better than Friday after you work out and skate and just go to the lake. That is true. It's literally the greatest weekend. Yeah, yeah. Oh, with a late day is fucking all time. Everybody out, you get the tunes. The tunes are going so hard, dude.

The neighbors are, yeah. Yeah. Yeah. But yeah, I mean, that's just as hard as the friends one. I mean, you guys have, these are good. I like these. These are good. Okay.

All right, your next one, like I said, we're going to go back to country. It's going to be country artists. So pass shoot score, Zach Brian, Morgan Wallin, Old Dominion. Oh, my gosh, dude. My three favorite. Those are my three favorite. Honestly, like, if we're ranking, if we're going off, like, I've been to their concerts. So I actually went to Zach Brian in Dallas this summer with my buddy Mason.

We went, we left at 10 a.m. and got back at 8 a.m. the next morning. So it was a day. But I'll probably, I'm going to. That's insane, by the way. Got back to the next morning. I thought I missed heard that for a second. I was like, what the hell happened? Yeah.

No, we got there at like one. and left at our flight was at 6 a night the next morning so it was a crazy day but um I don't know like old dominion like so I went to them at they're at the state fair Minnesota State Fair not this past

summer the summer before and I went like not thinking I was going to know a lot and I knew every single song and ever since then I've just they've been my favorite um so dude I actually love when that happens when you go to a show and you're like wait a minute do I know like every song that's happened to me a few times I think it just makes you

like it way more than action. Absolutely. Definitely. I ranked that my number one concert, but like, I don't know how I have, I can put them ahead of Zach Brian and Morgan Wall and though, like, those two are, they've been my favorite. So I'll probably pass Old Dominion. I'll, I'll shoot Zach Brian,

and I'll score Morgan Wall. And I mean, they're all like one A, one B and one C for me, though, for sure. I think that's a great ranking. Yeah, that's what I do. Yep, well done. Really good, really good. You said Old Dominion's your favorite concert.

What's your favorite golf course? That I've ever played. Yeah, yeah. I mean, I've played some good ones, but I think I just nothing beats like playing at your home course. I mean, it's called Bear Path. Me and all my buddies have been members or my parents, I shouldn't say me, but have been members there for pretty much our whole life. So I'll go with Bear Path, golf and country club. That's where we're, it's an EP.

tremendous. Have you, when you guys come next time, we'll go play. I haven't. No, but Luke's brother, Casey,

mental stats out there. Yeah. So I know some guys, but no, I haven't. There's some good ones, though. I'm going to,

like, Olympic Hills is in Eden Prairie 2. That one's really nice. And then Spring Hill is also in Minnesota. That one's really nice. I've played that.

That's awesome. Yeah. We got next summer. Yeah. We were talking with Mikey Anderson, and we were trying to get out this summer,

but it was too busy, but I think I first see myself spending a lot of time in Minnesota next summer. You guys got to come. We'll go golf and then we'll go to Maynardt. Yes, dude. And I haven't wake surf, so you've got to get me up on the boat. That's a huge dream.

We're going to golf and then we're going to do those three things that you guys talked about. Yeah, yeah, we'll do them all. Literally sounds like the best time of my life. I love it. Okay. Your last one, Blakey, is pass you'd score your favorite rinks.

Lenovo, the Ralph, and the E. EP Community Center, Rink 1. I don't know. I actually don't know. This one's kind of mean. I don't think we can make it do this. I mean, I grew up an EP and like, I feel like that's where it all started. So I don't know. I feel like I have to score that wrong.

I can't believe that's the name of the rink, by the way. Yeah, the EP Community Center. It needs to be called something. You've got to name it something. It's crazy. I don't know. Yeah, that's not the greatest name, but it's good. Probably the Ralph and Lenovo, though, like, they're so similar with the fans and stuff.

Gosh. How do you? Oh, my gosh. I don't even know. Actually, I'm going to change my answer again. And it's crazy that I did this with Ross, too. But I'm going to pass EP, rank one. Like, I'm going to have to.

Like, the Lenovo and the Ralph are insane. Like, just. I'm going to score I'm going to score I'm going to shoot Lenovo and I'm going to score the Ralph. Ralph's a vibe dude. The Ralph is number one.

I think it's the best, the greatest rank on her, honestly. There you go. Incredible. You know what? I'm proud of you. Me too.

I was not sure you were going to be able to do that. Me too, dude. Those were really hard. I mean, I really do. But I have to with Ralph. Hey, once you, when you win, next time you win the cup, win it at Lenovo.

And then it can, then it will be score. that memory. But until then, we'll keep the route. Yeah. Yeah. It's unbelievable work. Blakey, we love you, dude. We could talk to you for 10 hours, but we know you got to get off to do some fun stuff. Before we cut you loose, is there anything you want to shout out, anything you want to say what's up to? The floor is yours. No, I mean, shout out you guys. Thanks for having me on. It's been a long time coming, and, you know, I know we have similar interests with shows and stuff. So we'll definitely have to stay in touch.

And if you guys have any good racks for me or anything, it's a lot of downtown, or downtown, downtown during the season. So give me some. Yeah, we'll be sending you shit all season. I promise you that. Yeah, exactly. I'm going to need it because it's a long year. So, but no, no, I appreciate you guys.

This was a lot of fun. Absolutely, dude. Anytime. I wish we could have Blakey on every episode. Sometimes I just think it was. be fun if he retired at 23 or whatever he is and then said, I hang out with you guys now. That'd be great for us. All the time.

And we just summer on the lake. He is the most stereotypical we guy in the history of hockey. Yep. I literally try to go, you were buzzing in the playoffs. And he goes, ah, I don't like to talk about it. Remember you could have won Con Smythe? And he's like this, no, I don't. I am only a part of a team.

I remember we won the cup, and that's my only memory of the entire summer. He's unbelievable. He's the greatest. Shout out Minnesota. Dude, shout out EP. Shout out Minnesota. And shout out Keynes. Dude, we said when the season ended, I haven't seen a team, I guess, except Florida,

which was also very recently. But this Kane's team is in a really good spot to make a proper run at it. Very hard to repeat, but this Kane's team is in a great spot. We're going to get into it right now. Or you know what, why don't we take an ad break and then we can get into it? But yes, it is awesome looking at the shape up of this division. So, thank you, Blakey. Thank you, Blakey. You're the man.

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It's time to get into the Metropolitan Division preview and breakdown. Absolute bloodbath of a division. We thought the Atlantic was hard. Now all of a sudden, we've got one team at the top. You all know who it is. And then we've got seven teams that are like exactly the same. Every division is actually hard. When I'm looking at it, everyone's like, oh, this is easy.

Don't say that because I can't have that. I'm stressing out about the Atlantic. Now I'm going to be shitting my britches. over here. There's no less. And you know what's funny, bro? The Met has, there are teams, I told everyone I was taking swings in the Atlantic

and I intended to take some swings in the Met and I certainly take a few, but there are teams in the Met that I find that I just can't do it to sometimes. Almost more so than any other division, even though that makes no sense. Why do I have weird Met loyalties? But I just do.

So then my whole predictions get all fucked and I've humiliated myself yet again. Yeah. And that's my life. You're ready to get, you're going to have a horse picked by A-high at the end of the again. Actually, no, I'm not. Yeah, you are.

No, I'm not. What do you mean? We can't switch up now. No, we are going to do that. We're just not going to do it that way. Why? Because I... You have to discuss these things with me first.

Nope. I brought a hat and I have eight team names that would be drawn out of a hat because a lot of comments, Dan, said, hey, fellas, did we seriously need to wipe out an entire forest so you guys could pick your random teams. pick out of a hat like the good Lord intended, and I said that's actually a great... It's a great one. You reverted back to the old way of destroying forests by writing it on paper. It's one tree versus a thousand trees.

Are we honestly worried about that? Let's see what the comments say about the hat. Let's see what the comments say about the hat. Guys, you're right. My one enter on this is killing forest because no one else on the earth is using it. You did write a novel into the thing. That doesn't change anything. Each token, Dan. Each token, every please kills another fucking rainforest. I, you could have said random team, uh, Atlantic, enter, enter, and that would have been much better.

Well, here's the thing. Just to revolt, I'm going to hit enter anyway. No. Yeah. Now I'm going to do it twice. Just because of the people bitching. You think I'm killing for us? That's ridiculous. Well, unfortunately, I've already killed this one, so we need to do it. Yeah. And then we will, then we'll do it. We'll do it anyway. That's bullshit. See what they say. This is going to be a blood bath. All of these teams are good. All of them got better. Look at this. Well, no, some of them got worse. I don't think any team, I'm being a dead ass. Not a single team on this board got worse. That's what's crazy about the Met.

They all got better. Maybe one. One got worse. Maybe one. Let's start it off, be our Sherpa. We're going from eighth to first. Begin. Metro Division.

First up, the New York Rangers. The blue shirts. Last year, the rags went 34, 39, and 9 for 77 points, finished eighth and missed. the playoffs. I'll go first, as in slightly before you. Yes. Are you ready? Yep. This year, they will finish. Three, two, one, eighth, seventh. Ooh. Wow, who do you have down there? That is going to be fascinating. Listen to me. That is going to be fascinating. I hated doing this with the Atlantic because I am, we are a positivity podcast. I'm Danny positivity. All we're doing is gassing up and

stroken off teams this year. I love the Ranger. You love their summer. I love the Rangers summer. Yeah. Yeah. I love what they've done. I'm very excited. I'm very excited about this Rangers team. And let me tell you one clear thing. Their defense got very good. And Shisterkin is maybe the best goaltender in the national hockey. Yep. Everyone forgets last year. Obviously, they had a bad year. They had a down season. But they ever. Everyone forgets about Chesty. Forgets the fact that he signed a long-term ticket. He ain't going nowhere.

Forgets the fact that he's young as shit. Yeah. Chesty's amazing. And now, in front of him, he's got Gavie and Fox. He's got Pedersen and Dersie. That's a huge pickup. Actually, that's not the most excited about it. That is a huge pick.

And Matthew Robo and Brayden Schneider, being your third pair, that's pretty damn good. I love their defense. I think they've got a lot of work to do on offense. and I think we're waiting to see some young guys really pop off. Big jumps. Pop off. They got score of FeeF. This is what I'm most excited about.

I just think the Ranger might be something different. I think people are counting the Rangers out. And I know Rangers fans, we've had our differences. We have. But I'm here to say, I loved your summer. I love your D. You got a hot D, a good-looking D on the Rangers. Six inches, six-inchers.

Six strong inches. Flaxit. This is a very good decor. I think this is one of the best decors in the Met, maybe in the East. Interesting. I think we're going to see a big bounce back from Foxy. I think he's a little pissed. Yep. I just like the Rangers what they've done. There's a lot of things to fix. I have them seventh shore, but I think this team's going to compete. I think second to eighth is going to be a bloodbath this entire season with these teams. So I, in the Atlantic, said, I believe, I'm going to pick someone seven, I'm going to pick someone one through eight,

because that's the rules of the game. That's how you play. But I believe that seven teams in the Atlantic could make the playoffs. My eighth team was the Red Wings and I don't think they could make the playoffs. Yep. In the Met, I'm being dead ass.

All eight teams could make the playoffs. This is why I said to you, 14 teams of the, or I think I said like 14 of the 16, each teams are all making playoffs. And that's, That's why, because every team in the Met has a, it's like a statistics graph where there's your dot, but then there's like the bars. Yeah. And every team's statistic thought on the Met, all of them enter three.

Like literally, every team could finish as high as three. I mean, 100% serious. Without question. Yep. If this, if the New York Rangers finish third, I like, I like this. Me too. Yeah. I like that I got the mic on me.

I can move. I'm mobile. Yeah. You can hear me no matter where I am. You like dancing and prancing? If they're in third, I feel like dancing, yeah. If they're in third, if they're in third, if they're in third, if they're in third, if they're in third, if they're in third, if they're in third, I'm not surprised. I'm not surprised about any of them if they're in second.

Yeah, fair actually. Yeah. Maybe the third might be the Rangers seal. I actually think so too, Dan. But I will say that wouldn't surprise me at all. Me neither. If the Rangers finish third and make the playoffs, I will not be shocked. Me neither.

This, it's, we called the Pacific last year. mid-off. This is not going to be a mid-off. This is going to be a, truly, from here to here, is going to be a pretty damn good off. Um, the, uh, yes, I think this is, I think it's going to be a pretty damn good off. Maybe we could say from third to eighth is going to be a pretty damn good off. I think there's a chance that the second place team, whoever it is, is quite good. But it's going to be a pretty damn good off. The Rangers have, you know how they give you expected stuff now, expected goals or whatever. Yeah. The range. Rangers have my least, my lowest expected finish.

Like, you're right, I have them up as high as three. But of all the team's averages, the Rangers is just the lowest for me. So I went eighth. But I really also like their summer. I think score of Fiev. Dan, sometimes you get a fucking Russian in the Big Apple. Sometimes you let a Russian loose in the Big Apple. And they start feeling Moscow.

We thought St. Petersburg, St. Paul was happening. year, it turns out it's big Macintosh. That's an apple, right? Yeah. Yeah. Well, I guess I made it double New York. Yes. Moscow. We got to be better about knowing areas of New York City. I know. Oh, yes. You got to do this. Flat iron. What about meat packing? Yeah, Moscow packing. What about, we can, we'll get there. We'll get that. We got Soho. We got meat packing. We got the fine I. Moscow. No, that's terrible. Don't make that face. That was bad.

It was better than Moscow. Moscow? I didn't say Moscow packing. I did. I thought I- That was bad, too. But you didn't say, I said Moscow packing, you unfazed. And then I said Moscow-ho. That was bad.

Sometimes things are so bad that they don't register in my brain. I thought that must have been a slip of the tongue. There's no way that was a legitimate suggestion from you. Okay, we'll get there. We'll get there. Yeah. But anyway, you let a rush and lose. I'm excited.

excited about what they've done. I just think it's a tight, it's a competitive division. It's competitive out there. It is. And Chesterty's great, but they've had Chesdy this whole time. You know, like, it's not. Well, they've had injuries. They've had things going on, but they've got Chesty and Corpian Net. That's a good little duo. I love the defense. Defense, low-key young, too. Gavi at 30 is the oldest member of that decor along with Marcus Pedersen. And then, like, We're going to see Gabe step up here. We're going to see Noah Labba step up here. I really, really, we love Cooley, obviously.

The big one is, obviously, you put a lot of financial investment in Skorafiev, and I think that was a great decision. Panarin out, Scorofiav in. You need a big-time, flashy, offensively gifted Russian in New York City. You have that. It's just a little down the middle to me. Like, Ziba, who I really like, everyone. hates when you say that. I know, which is why I keep saying it. He was great last year,

I thought. I think everybody thought. But he came into last year being like, he's gone and they're dead. And then he was like, actually, I figured it out. I mean, he quietly was essentially point per game. Yeah. 78 points, 34 goals. If that goes back to what everyone expected it to be, you're in trouble. Then you're asking a lot of J.T. Miller, and then Gabe, who we love, needs to, you know, have a great, great year. Like, Gabe, I mean, this is the daily face-off lines, you know, but Gabe, Mika Zabinajad, and Laffey. Yeah.

I'm like, what? Well, I mean, we want to talk about people who had a quiet, good year. Laugh. He did. What do you have? Lexi Laffin Year. 82 games, 24 goals, 57 points. Like, he's a, you know, he's, we're getting 60.

Yeah. Which is what we always said. He went 57, 45. 60. And you know what I love about him? Played 82 games. Yeah, me too. But I'm just saying, guys available. In a competitive division, if I go, what's, I go like this.

Do everyone tell me your first line right now? Well, yeah. First line, first line, first line. That's why we both have them pretty low, but I've got nothing but positivity for the New York Ranger. I will agree with that. I also, I do want to take an opportunity and say this, J.T. Miller, there's been a lot of negativity around J.T. Miller.

A lot of bullshit. I think he, we found out he's a great golf. Incredible golfer. And he's a very funny time. Yeah, yeah. We always knew that. Well, I just think more people have seen it. And I think that's great. I think people know that a guy like JT who can be rough and gruff has shown a nice side of comedy. And I think comedy goes a long way. Classic comedy. Classic comedy, crazy characters. Situational comedy. And I'm excited to see maybe a more of a cheeky J.T. Miller, maybe get back up into that. 90 point range. Well, curb your enthusiasm because... I just think we have really extended the age range of what we think is capable. Him and Mika are only 33. Well, that's dinosaur, Dan. They are literal dinosaurs. Absolutely not. I think the Rangers could surprise a lot of people this year. I like the idea of maybe a new vibe. Me too. It is fun when the Rangers are competitive. Unfortunately, they're not going to be competitive this year.

I think a Rangers ticket is going to be a fun time this year. You know what sucks, too, is just because I think this, now if the Rangers are the three-seed, I'm going to be getting, I mean, it's not like you're much better, you said seven, but it's like, all of a sudden it's, I hate the Rangers, and I'm like, no, dude, I just didn't think they were going to be that good. Yeah, yeah, I'm sorry. Sure. Their predictions.

Okay, 8-7. Yep. Not bad. Next up is the New Jersey Devils who finished six. seventh last year. So last year, the Devils went 42, 37, and 3 for 87 points, finished 7th, and missed the playoffs. Yeah. You're going first. Are you ready? I do not feel very ready. Yeah, I know, I know. I know. I actually did math wrong earlier, and I just realized what I now have to do to one team, and I can't believe it. So I've

been begging for forgiveness already. I just, yeah. Yeah, I think I'm ready. Okay. I think I'm ready. I think I am. I think I am. Who says that? I think I can. I think I can. Thomas. Thomas. Thomas. Thomas. I think I can't. Thomas. Thomas. Thomas. The take I can't. I think I can't. Thomas. Thomas. Thomas. The take engine. Are they not the same? No. I think a lot of people think they are the same engine. But in fact, those are two different trains, which is interesting. That's the little engine that could. By a naughty, pipe. I'm not too. Shout out Wadi. Yeah. Okay. I am ready for the New Jersey. New Jersey Devils. I'm first. The Devils on New Jersey. I am first. This year, they will finish. Three, two, one, one, third. With a caveat. With a caveat. Dude, the devils, the devils are my leaps. The devils are my leaps. The devils are my leaps. No, no, no. Every year, every year I go, we did it. We did it. I'm the only one who believes. Me and Pasha. We're the only one. We're the only one. only ones who believe. No, no, no. And then lately, they've been shoving it up my hoop. I picked them in seven against the Rangers in the first round a couple years ago, and I was right, and everyone said, you did it. And since then, I've been riding their cock, and since then, they've been taking said cock and slapping my face with it. Yeah. Here's the deal. I'm on the devils.

Nope, too bad. I haven't three. You better hope you pull the devil's out of that fucking hat, pal. I said with a caveat. Okay. I said with a caveat. I think the devils are going to embrace their namesake this year. Okay. Has this not been super obvious? I mean, I don't want to like hop on this, but I feel like the devil's totally being Hughes Boys

feels like the way, no? What do you mean being used boys? You want all the Hughes Boys to get there? I think this is their destiny. Me too. I don't mean to cut you off, Dan, but I really do. No, no, I want you to. to cut me off with stuff like that, that is fucking juice.

I like juice like that. Yeah. You just made a lot of Devils fans very happy. That's who they should be. That's what it is. That's the whole state of the franchise. And that is where they should be. Okay.

I love this Devils team. Me too. And I think that the injury bug has plagued them for too long. For way too long. The caveat that I said is the, golden. That is the fear. Everyone knows. The only reason, I think that this,

you know where I think this devil's team could be honest to God? This year? Right there. In the one seed. One or two. I really do. Hold on. Among other things, because you just picked them four? Yes. Yeah. I don't believe. I do

not believe that there is any way that with what Sunny has done and pulled off, with the great contracts he has, We're talking Jack Hughes at $8 million until 2031. Yes, Jesper Brought, 7.8. Heeshire, 11.7 starting next year. So only 7.2 this year.

Quinn, 12, starting next year. There you go. That's incredible. I think with what he's done and the shape of this team and how good their defense is, there's no way that they are planning to go into this season, the full season, with Nico Dawes, Jake Allen, and Dave Riddick. And Devils fans would tell you that they are.

Every time I bring this up, everyone's like, shut the fuck up. Do they say shut up? Yes. And I'm like, the devils don't have any goalies. And they're like, how could you say that? And I'm like, why are they so mad? I don't know. I think we both see a big ceiling with Nico Daz. He's very young.

He could be very, very good. I just, I feel like, I don't know what the plan is with Riddick. Like, I don't know how much he's going to be up and down. but I feel like Alan and Dawes are the guys. And Nico Dawes is 25 years old. He could be special. But I just have to believe that Conoralebuck is someone they're looking at.

I have to believe it. How did they not have him already? I have to believe it. I have to believe that you are looking at a team like the Minnesota Wild. They've got a lot of things dealing with the Minnesota Wild. But like, are we going to live in a world where Gus and Walshead are just on the same team forever? I don't think that's possible. Yeah.

I need to believe that. that they are looking at a goal-tender situation. And if they're not, I still believe they are four-three. The only reason they are not firmly three for me is that. And I'm not doubting DOS. I'm not. I just don't know. So since I don't know, I can't confidently put them higher,

but I love everything about this team. And I think we are finally. Finally. I want music swelling right now. I want horns. the horns of Mordor to be playing behind me right now. Truly.

From the gates of hell, I think we're finally going to get a heart memorial trophy, Jack Hughes. Dude. I think the way Jack Hughes played in that Olympics, the way he won a gold medal, the way he lost teeth and blood

and spittle for his country, and then came back into the NHL after that, that's what people forget. No, everyone's listening to this right now going, yeah, we know. We know he played great. Canadians fans are so annoyed. They're like, yeah, we saw it. But what you might not have paid attention to is how good he was when he came back into the

NHL after the Olympics. He was one of the best players in the league. Most points in the league after the Olympics. And Jack Hughes hears all the bullshit. He hears all the haters. He went through a breakup this summer. Yeah, this is the most important part. I was about to say, I was waiting for you to bring this up.

The most important part of the Jack Hughes experience is the fact that a woman like Tate McCray is now gone. Could deem him unworthy. And from what we've heard, it was a very amicable. Yeah, I'm sure it was. And mature, watch your fucking mouth. Watch your fucking mouth. Hey, watch your hundred points.

You got a hundred points season, Jack? Watch your fucking mouth. From what we've heard, that was an amical and mature breakup. And I believe it. And it's that maturity that's going to make him play 82 games. and that maturity that's going to keep plastic utensils in his hands, and that maturity that's going to see over 100 points this year. And if we get an 82 game healthy, Jack Hughes,

this team could go as high as number one. They are back to where they were a few years ago when they made the playoffs and beat the Rangers in the first round. They are back. Everyone is healthy. They know that they got to make some noise to get Quinn to go, yeah, I will leave Minnesota and join this team. The time is now. It has to be. It has to be now.

I believe. I'm with you, dude, and everyone's been pointing, including you at the end of the season. Look at after Olympics. Look at after Olympics. Recall this. Last year, the devil started the season 16, 8, and 1, ahead of the canes. And dude, 16, 8 and 1, we joke that you can kind of tell who's going to make playoffs after 10 games. Forget about 20 games. There's stats after 20 games. Whoever's in playoffs makes playoffs like 90% of the time or something. The devils were 20 fucking 5 games. into the season in the one seed and Jack had 20 points in 17 games well on their way to winning this division and then he sliced his hand off and they by the time he came back they were in the second wildcard and already dead can I blow your cock clean off your body yep last year okay

last season everyone was talking about oh the injury oh this oh that second highest point production he's ever had in his career people forget that tied for second most goals he's ever scored in his career. 61 games, 77 points. He's sick and tired, damn. 50 apples, dude. I'm telling you. 50 apples. Heart Memorial Trophy Jack Hughes is coming for that fucking ass this year. He's sick and tired. I can't believe you went four. He is going to come out. He's a bat from fucking hell. He is a literal devil. A bat out of hell. He's coming to this season. 82 game Jack. He's coming for that ass and he's going to spank cheeks this year. Every team that comes up against the devils, you're going to get your cheeks spanked by one Jack Hughes.

Yep. Career year, 100 points, and they're going to be gunning for the top spot of this division. If they get gold-term... And if they get goaltending, that could be in the form of DOS. It could be in the form of a trade. It needs to be a trade. It needs to be a trade for Hellibu. It could be both. It needs to be a trade for Hellabuck.

Could be one of the two. You know those biker shorts people wear that has extra padding on the butt? Yes. I need every team... Every time you go to the Devils. What was that ring called again? Prue. The Peru?

Every time, anytime you guys go to the Peru, news flash every NHL team when you visit the Pruey. Cover your cheeks. Make sure you wear bikers padded shorts. Cover your cheeks. Because Jack will not let you leave. One time. We don't let you leave without the paddle.

One time when we were young, when we would misbehave when we were bad boys. Grant, you're going to want to hear this. I am fully listening. I've been locked in every single moment of this. I still very much I want to bring to the point that yes, like, Husey is going to, he's going to smack cheeks all the abs of up. It's because of the absence of his clapping of cheeks.

Yeah. When you go through a breakup like that. She's no longer clapping cheeks, so he needs someone's cheeks to clap. Exactly. That's so true. Cheaping cannot be created or destroyed. He needs to clap cheeks. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

And the good news is there's the entire team and fan base of every single time he steps on the ice to clap cheeks. Yeah. So when we were young and we were misbehaving little boys, my mom used to spank us. when you're young, and we're like 16. We're born in the 80s, dude. And you get spanked. You get spanked if you're born in the 80s, great.

That was a misbehaving little boys, and you made eye contact with me. That was a very... We used to get spanked. And one time, I did something bad, and I knew I was going to get spanked. So I grabbed a National Geographic magazine. Those things are thick.

Yeah. It's like a phone book. Yeah, those are good. And I stuck it down my pants and covered my cheeks, and my mom came to spank me and almost broke her hand. Because he had a book down there. She was like, Jesus Christ! I was like, that's a book.

what you get. So my advice to you, every team in the Met, every team in the league, when you go up against the Devils, put a Nat Geo over your cheeks because they're going to get spanked by Jack Hughes. If you want to be able to get in the plane on the way home. If you want to be able to sit down without a inflatable donut. That's what Danny's got to do with Gabo around too. Get a Nat Geo. New Jersey Devils. So do you believe, we believe in this team. I'm in three. I'm auto in, dude. You made them for, you made them work for it. I'm their auto in for me. And I think, I mean, we got Lucie with 35 points last year. Yep.

I need Lukey healthy. Everyone healthy. They've been bit too long. You bit. You bit. Now you, vampire bats, from hell, start biting. Yep. Stay healthy.

Start biting. Okay. This now gets interesting. This one's going to suck. For me. That's what's going to suck. Yes. New York Islanders.

This one's going to be terrible. Last year, the aisles went 43, 34, and 5 for 91 points. Incredible. Finished sixth. miss the playoffs. This is one that I know I'm wrong. Like I know for a fact I'm wrong. Yeah.

But I have a silver lining and then I have a lot of excuses is what I have down. I know I'm wrong. I'm going to fucking hear about it. And I, you know, it is what it is, dude. I got to, I'll make it up to you. That's all I'm going to say about that. Okay.

I'm going first. Ready? Yeah. Actually, I might change my pick. I might actually change my pick. I can go first if you need me to. My pick into something so rogue. No, I can't.

Okay. Ready? Mm-hmm. I'm my numbers first. Yep. This year, they will finish. Three, two, one, seven, fifth. Ouch.

And to be fair to me... And I want... Before you even say that, I want to say this to Islanders fans, don't turn this off. Yeah. Because I've got a lot of good things to say. Frankly, so do I. which is crazy. Hilariously, the Islanders, nothing happened this offseason.

And part of the reason I have them low is because of what they're going to do next year. Like they're going to have so much money next year and then really make a run. They have so much. To the point that I'm like, this year, Islanders fans, I know this sucks to hear. And dude, by the way, fucking, how fun was that last year that run? I hope you catch the exact same amount of lightning and go on another run again. With Matthew Schaefer, anything is possible. Iles fans, listen up. After next year, off your books is Pilots 6 million.

Palmeri's 4.7, Holmstrom's 3.625. Sizucus is 2.5. Machelli's 2.2. Emil Heineman's 1.1, but he's going to resign. He's fucking elite. You also get Varlamov's 2.7. Bannichek's 1 million. you have a carryover overage of 3.5 that's going to clear as well. And the cap's going up. You've got so much money. And it is the house that Schaefer built.

People want to go to that house. They want to go to that house. It's a house that good snacks. The house that Kelly Cheesman built. Yes. You're going to want to go to that house. I think this year, I like five. I should have put them six, but I'll tell you why later.

As we said, dude, three to eight is it's a, it's a fuck. We're playing dungeons and draft. and roll in the die. Oh, yeah. This team is a, last year was so fun, exceeded a lot of expectations. I think this year is a, if you can stomach it, and I think Isles fans can, because they have, they have ironed stomachs. They're ironed more. Yeah, correct. They've talked about that. Yeah, yeah. They are truly the Iron Islands. They have iron stomachs. They can handle it. If they miss playoffs this year again, they can handle it because next year is Valhalla. Next year, you will be reborn from the salt and sea, and you will come out shiny and chrome. Next year is where

you strike. And if you make playoffs this year, amazing. But it's all about next year. So don't get down if you miss this year. Exactly right. I want them to get in for the experience because we've seen over and over how much, even a quick first round exit. I'm going to see Matthew Schaefer and playoffs. It's why I wanted the sharks to get in last year. Just see it, you know. So I want that for them for that reason, but truly, I know this sucks, but truly, if you're an Islandist fan and you aren't that good this year, as in, you're definitely going to be in the mixer, by the way. The season is going to be fun no matter what, because you were going to be in the hunt. But if you don't make playoffs again, if I'm right, and you said five so they could make it.

If you finish six or seven where it's kind of where I have them, it doesn't matter at all. At all. You are so good coming up. And it's still going to be no one, some of these teams aren't going anywhere. I'm not saying you have a freebie to win a million metros, but I'm saying you're, your playoff run streak is is on the horizon you get on the top you get on the lighthouse and you look out and you can see it right there boom playoffs playoff streak of 10 years it's okay it might even be this year it might even be this year i don't think so it's right there but it is

coming and with sorokin and schaefer truly anything you can do anything this year i believe in you i love you it'll be so fun but i am a little worried about some other teams jumps like you when you look at this last year and you go, the Islanders finished out of the playoffs, and the Caps and the Devils did two. And we haven't got to the Caps yet, but I think you and I are like, yo, the Caps and the Devils are really good. So now think about all the teams you've got to knock out to get the Islanders back in. I just don't think it's this year yet. It's not this year yet. You just got, you know, Shen, Pilate, JG, they're like 35, 35, 33. Guys they rely on heavily you got Palmy

35 coming back from the ACL. Yeah, good for him. But you've got really good defense. You got a really good fucking goaltender. A really good goal tender. Yeah, ever heard of her. Ever fucking heard of him? And his team's going to be super competitive.

They're going to be fighting night in and night out and they might do something crazy again. They might sneak in. Dude, they could fuck around, especially, you know. But there's just the future is so bright. It is the light. It's the light in the lighthouse. It's that bright.

It'll blind you if you look it at the wrong time. And then the house that Chaffir built. you got Captain Bo. Everything is pointing up for this team. Everything. This might be just a funky year where it's not quite timing. And there's some other teams

who are fighting a little bit. Yeah. And they're in those eras, right? Dan, like the era we're talking about for the Islanders, you kind of just look at the teams ahead of you in a way, where I go, those guys

are just a couple years ahead of your journey. So that's why they're going to make it ahead of you. You know, you're right behind them. It's fine. And I had to kill them here, dude, because you were right there, Iron Island, dead may never die, so I have to kill them now so that they may never die.

Yeah. And then be back. I think this team, I mean, we need, Barzell is hurt right now. Neat cap injury. So we'll see, I think it was the 16th. He was shut down for two weeks, so he's going to miss the start of the season. But we talk about this all the time. It's like, Bedard, do it now.

Yes, yep. Shut it down right now, come back after at most 10 games and just be completely healthy. But with Matthew Schaefer and with what this team's doing with their front office, with their bench, with things like the fan design jersey. Yeah. I'm looking at this team. I forgot about that. Let's look to the NFL real quick. That should have been worth a few points.

Let's look to the NFL real quick. Yeah. You ever heard of a guy named Patrick Mahomes? No. You remember when Patrick Mahomes got picked up by the chiefs and showed up and he played that first year? Everyone went. well everyone what the hell's happening here yeah and now we talk about fucking arrowhead we talk about what he does night in and night out how loud that field is i'm looking at the

new york islanders and looking at matthew shaffer exactly that way you'd say they were a sleeping giant i'm saying that they are that with what they have in shafer and what i think they have once lou gets out of there and darsh can really do his thing yeah i think that there's a world where this team is about to become a fucking serious problem and a place where a lot of people are going to want to go. It will be really cool if we find ourselves back in the 80s and the islanders are a powerhouse. I think there's something cool about being the team from the island.

Yeah, me too. I think it's really sexy. And again, Lou, get out. Get your stink out of here and let us go. But I'm very, very happy about the future of this team. I felt bad that the internet bullied Collinsworth so much that he couldn't compliment Patrick Mahomes during the game last night. Yeah. It happens.

That may be sad. Yeah. Well, here's a guy. Here's a guy who can't even do his job anymore. Here's a guy that... Look, I will say, they had to have one bad year in order to... Yeah. You know what I mean?

It's kind of the nature of the game. When you go to that many bowls in a row, you need to have something happen to give you a chip on the shoulder. Exactly. But it wasn't until they were good again that Chris... But weird about it. I'm sure he heard the chirping back when they were bad last year. And then this year he was like, okay. They're good again.

Everybody got on my ass. Now I got to do it. And he looked in the mirror a little bit and that's what happened. I think once the full stink of Lou is gone, no offense, Lou. Yep. Well, some offense. But once the full stink, and by that, I mean, you know, some of his contract, some of that stuff, once Lou is really gone and it's truly Darsh's fucking Lamborghini to drive,

we might be talking something serious on the island. I like it. So five, seven. They need a little fight. Islanders fans is going to be a fun year, I promise you that. They need to fight.

It's a fun year. They need to fight. Would those battles not be the sexy as hell too? I mean, they were, in the 80s, they were fun, right? Yeah. Oh, yeah. God.

Yes. They were like, I feel like just having that like cross town, cross island, I guess cross island, cross island, right away back would be so nice. Dude, if the Rangers and Islanders

could really, you know, become the cream of the Met again. It will be fun. And I'm telling you, there is just, there's something about what, they're, they're re-branding themselves. Yes. In everything that they're doing. I call that guy, dude, that logo guy. Oh yeah, he's the man. He's the man. Pete, not Summers, that's fucking Hurls. That is Earls. He's a sick design guy. He didn't even need him. They got the fans do. You're right. Yeah, the fans are doing it. Shout out Pete Summers. The island. Shout out Pete.

Shout out, Pete Summers. Everybody should go. Shout out my boy. Listen to Pete Summers. Yeah, go listen to Pete Summers. Shout out of my boy, Kyle, too, who's a big eye on his. He's going to be fuming mad with me when he hears this. Well, I feel clutter's going to cut my head off. Yeah.

Amongst other things. Yeah. But as I said, I think it's going to be a fight. It's okay. We're talking, I'm talking. I am an investor, dude, the diamond hands. I'm holding my Islander stock. Everybody settle down.

I'm telling you, Daddy Schaefe, all of my, all of my, all of my shrewbucks are in Daddy Shakesh. I bet I'm picking the Islanders to finish second or third in this exact episode next year. Yeah, I mean, he's different. That takes us to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Last year, the jackets went 40, 30, and 12 for 92 points, finished fifth, and missed the playoffs. Do you know? Yeah.

Okay, you're first, I think. This year, they will finish. three, two, one, eight, six. So that's where you went eight. I almost bumped them to seven to put the Islander six. And I was like, I don't know if I can do that. Basically, here's what happened to me. I want to know what happened to you.

I don't like what I've done. I don't feel good about what I've done. And I can, I'm not using this as a cop out. I genuinely, passionately believe two and a half to three to eight is a complete toss-up. These teams are going to be separated by a matter of like, it's eight points. Yep, me too. The Columbus Blue Jackets are going to be good next year. They're going to be a good hockey team.

So here's what happened to me. They, for obvious reasons, feel so much like the devils, the Red Wings. Yeah. Where every year, I feel like they're right there. The wings kind of go the reverse. The wings are in and then just fall out every year. And the blue jackets are out. And then they're like, whoa.

And I'm like, oh, my God, they're going to get in. And they kind of don't. I guess they did fall out that one year, right? Like they'd been in all year. But anyway, they seem to just miss. the playoffs every year. And every year that I go, oh my God, how did that happen? I kind of go, this is right where you should be, though, when I look at your team. You're not that good. You're not that bad, but you're not that good. And they're really kind of stuck in this purgatory.

I feel everything the time they come up, and I know it's over and over and over again, I feel like they would be much closer. You know what I mean? Oh my God, dude. It's insane. I actually get really mad when people get mad about their roster management. when I'm like a massive tragedy struck a family and a franchise. Exactly. So I always feel like it's, I don't know, every single time they're brought up to me, I feel like it's fair to mention, you know, I think the outcome would be very different as that tragedy not occurred.

Absolutely. So as currently constructed, I go, they're kind of right on the bubble. For the wings, for me, it was easy this year to go, the Dylan Larkin thing has imploded, and I'm not chirping Dillon at all. I'm just saying the situation with Dylan Larkin has made the wings success. this year unsustainable. I'm happy to pick them to be eight. The Blue Jackets, Werensky has gone, I want to be here. I have said on this show many times, I don't believe Werenski will stay in Columbus because I just think he's eventually going to go. He's going to do exactly what

happened to Dylan. He's going to go, I tried, dude, and then now I want to leap. If that happens this year, which is possible, according to me, the blue jacket starts so slow and so bad that by the deadline or even before that, Werenski goes, yo, I take it back. Obviously, Dan, I think we agree on this with all the we need to have a talk, which obviously the result of that talk was like, I'm saying, in my opinion, that we need to have a talk. Certainly it came up. Like, I am not that happy here until things get figured out. So if there's a version of the Blue Jackets, already this year, Orwansky goes, never mind. And in that case, I am all in on eight. But I just want to give them the benefit of the doubt of one year where they finish sixth again. And then he's going to leave.

So I have them six. It sucks. My son is on that team. I love a lot of guys on this team. I just don't, I don't see it. I don't, you don't have it. Yeah. There's one of the huge factors about this team that I actually love. And I think more players need to be considering this team. Remember when I brought up krill for Larkin?

Krill is a huge thing, dude. Yeah, yeah. The most points on your team last year was Z. And that's also the Norris Trophy winner. So that's not like it's a, oh, that's so bad. He had damn near 100 points. Yeah, yeah. Z is unbelievable.

Nasty. But after that, it's Murchenko. And this guy's not coming back. He's gone. So that sucks, and we'll see what happens with it. I think that's something that's going to hurt. I'm not saying the Z stuff was a distraction, but it's certainly deflating,

and you wonder what it does. Can they rally around it and be fine? Absolutely. I don't think that that's out of question at all. I think Monaghan, I think Fants, I think Kent Johnson could take a big jump for sure. They brought in Val in the Shushkin. That's going to be... I actually like that a lot, too. Yeah, I mean, if Val stays mind right. Yeah, he's getting

mind right. No Nate to say, shoot puck in goal. Yeah. But if there's someone else who can get him mind right, maybe Zee. If Val stays mind right, you know, I think that the reality is, is the snow in Colorado is a lot better than in Columbus. So he'll probably be okay, mind right. And at the end of the day... I don't know, dude. Columbus is not the shady tart. A couple shady parts of town, I bet there's a blizzard, dude. There's Ohio State's right around the corner, dude. It's a fucking problem. But if he stays mind right, I think that's a phenomenal.

I mean, people talk about it all the time, Val's insane. Yeah. He is a fucking brick shit house. Yep. I think this team is actually way better than people think, and Jet Greaves is nasty. Well, you know, I got his shit on for that, too, where I'm like, go get over. Jet grieves is nasty. People are like this, what are they doing in a net?

What are you talking about? They have their answer in that. He had a 908, say, percentage in 2.6 goals against last year. that's phenomenal. With what that team did, like Jet Greaves is your starter. He is a very good goal. And that part of the reason

for all the Jet Greaves fucking support club out there who don't get mad at them for supporting their gun. No, no. Fuck you. Think about if people were uneducated, which you were

and they were talking about sway that way. I wasn't, no, but here's the problem. No, answer that question. If someone was talking about sway in the way that you just implied I was talking about Jet, then yes, I would come back. I said, get heli.

I wasn't like, oh, Jet sucks. I was like, do whatever you need to do to get Connor Hellenob. And they were like, what we have Jack Brze? And I was like, I think we can agree that Conner Helbuck's a very good goaltender. That's maybe all CP was safe. Anyway, because of him, to all the support club, who I'm now on your side, I can't wait until I pulled the blue jackets out of this fucking hat, because of Jet is why I couldn't go lower than six.

Yeah. I was just like, okay, if this kid's as good as everyone's saying and you got Z, I'm like, okay, then you're not going to finish eighth. Yeah. Yeah. I think Jets's amazing. Like I said, I didn't like having to do this. I don't want to do this. And I will continue to revert back to the caveat of genuinely two, three, through eight, is anyone's game. I will not be surprised at all if Columbus is up there. Same. I do. I worry about the Marchenko thing. I worry about if the Z stuff has any. I don't think it will. I actually think Z is going to stay. I know you do. Z, to me, is way too stand-up of a guy to be like, I am committed to, and I'm not putting that on. I was going to say, it's not that, though, because that's exactly what Dylan said, and he's a stand-up guy. Yeah, he is, he is.

But Dylan, all Dylan did was sign a contract. Dylan did then- No, he said, I would like to be here. Yeah, but that's no shit. That when you sign that contract, that's what happened, but then years went by and things changed. Z right now was like, I'm sorry for all that distraction, I want to be here. And he has the out of, if more bad things happen. And the team, because it could be the team that's like, dude, we are not, we have not done a good job building around you, we're going to move you. Then he's in the clear. I think Z's staying. So I would bet there's no distraction. I just think that maybe the reality is if you lose and when you lose Marchenko as well. Because you already lost Jenner, you lost Marchman, who didn't have the best time with you guys. But it's like, you know,

I just think if you lose Marchanko 2, maybe this battle royale might be a little too Yeah, yeah. Too much. Yeah. Okay, let's take an ad break and we'll be right back. This summer has been a blood bath with travel, weddings, my routine getting thrown up in the air. And when I like to stay on my grind, eating good meals, staying fit, factor is huge for me. Factor meals are going to make sure that you stay in a great rhythm of eating well all the time and not having to think about it at all. We're talking about dietitian designed chef quality meals every single day at the ready for you. Do not waste time worrying about getting out of your rhythm and your routine because factors taking care of it for you. They have so many unbelievable options. They got salmon burgers, they got shredded pork, collared greens, so, so much more. They've even got pumpkin

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Last year, the Caps went 43, 30, and 9 for 95 points, finished fourth, and missed the playoffs. I think I'm first. Yeah. Are you ready? This year, they will finish. Three, two, one. Second.

Wow, that's our first team we've agreed on in any run, I think. No, no, we had one or two. Oh, maybe the wings. We had wings at eight, and then I think we both had. Wait, no, I think that we've... Yeah, we've looked everything else. This team just got a lot better. This team, Dan, they pushed the chips in.

They went fucking full Doyle Bruns. They said, oh, you want to check raise me? Bitch, I'm all in. Fuck you. 30 sheets. Three stacks of high society. Blow me. They pushed the chips all the way in.

They've got hopefully more, but at least one more year of O. Yep. This could be it, though. This could be it. I want people to understand that. He came on the show this summer. We talked about it and he was like, it was a thought. Yep. You know? Had to think about it.

Had to think if I still had the blood flow into the netheres to play hockey. And he did. So, this team added Alex Tuck, they added Jordan Kairu, they added Boone Jenner. They have just like continued to pump in. They've got Dairnay. They've got Hall in here. They lost some good players, but I think objectively, they added better pieces. They got better.

They just missed playoffs. They've got a Vesna level goal tender in net. They've got Oback. They've got a huge ad, in my opinion, of just another year under his belt and more ice time in our boy, the hamburger. Yeah. Cole Hudson. I am like pretty, pretty confident this team is going to be a problem. In the, I don't want to reveal it, but we both like a team a lot at the top.

top of this, we've said a ton of times in this episode, two through fucking eight, could be any one of them. And I said about the Rangers, my expected value was the lowest. Every time I run the simulation and the Rangers are finishing three and then they're eight and then the boom, Rangers had the lowest expected value. Yeah. The caps had my highest expected value of the seven remaining teams. Yeah. And it's because of Cole, it's because of LT, and it's because if you add, how often do you add 70 goals to your top six in one summer? You're like, oh, dude, poof. And let's not even talk about, I mean, Ryan Leonard is going to be way better. Great one, dude. Ryan Leonard's going to be

way fucking better. Like they have a forward and defenseman, really young forward and offensemen, who are going to take steps, who are going to be awesome for you next year. No question. And you have a motivated, oh, dude, like not that he ever isn't, but you're going to, you know, you're going to You're like, what if this is his last run? And he said, when he came on the show, he went, I looked at what the team did, the pieces that we added. And I was like, this is a good shot to make him in the run. And you know what's funny? He was listed today, not practicing day to day with an injury.

Yeah. Lower body. Heavy dick. Yeah. Good. Don't fucking play until February. Yep. Legitimately.

Yep. They got guys like Justin Sordiff who they just gave a contract. Obviously, Leno got his contract. But you got Alex Tuck, you got Jordan Kairu, you got Protas, you got Willie, the fucking Terminator in there. Most handsome dude in the league. PL's doing his thing. Boone Jenner is added to this group. You've got a great fucking defense with Jacob Chikrin.

You've got, as we talked about, Cole Hudson, Matt Roy back there. This team is like fucking good. Yeah. They're fucking good. Here's a question. And I just think a lot of these guys have a chance, Lenno in particular, to blow people's Hairback. I think Leno, what was he? What do we say? 20, what do we say? But 20, 25, is that what he had last year? Looked that up. I think he might have more than that. Lano is just going to be a guy. He's going to be a star. He's going to be a star for this team. He had, yeah, 2025. 2025 last year. And I mean, fucking A man. Like, it's just this, this team healthy. They've got good D in front of LT. Absolutely they're going to be. What do you think about this? Because, there's when teams

win the cup like so often you know there's always a gritty fourth line you know that happens a lot we brought that up about Boston we brought that about the Panthers recently but I usually find it's a great third line it's a luxury third line and right now

it's again daily face off but it has Tuck PLD Tom Wilson O Strom Leno which means Kair is on your third line and if frankly if you're like Tom Wilson, O. Leno, Cairo, that's five wings for four spots. And it's interesting for me because you either, that either turns into a really luxury third line. Like, wow, great job. You have one of those guys in your third line. Or you're kind of like, man, you got Jordan Cairo who scored like 37 last

year or something. You, I got news for you. You can't score 37 goals on the third line. You can't. I don't think you can either. I don't think there's any world. I don't, I don't know where you're seeing that. I'm on the same website and I'm not seeing it. Yeah. That's so funny. Here's a completely different. Yeah, yeah. And I don't think there's any world that they put Jordan Kairu on the third. Yeah. There's just no way. So it's interesting. Who's on the third line for years, though? Because one of them has to be. Oh, Jenner and Leno. Oh, both of them are on Leno and O are on third line. Interesting. Yeah. And I don't think that's what's going to be.

Yeah. On my whole point, it will be interesting to see which high score. wing, you put on the third line to kind of ask them to make a sacrifice and go, hey, you're not going to get your goal totals, but you are going to be very important rules. If Ryan Leonard is playing third line for this team after 20 games, I will fucking beer monster a Celsius through my shirt on this show. So, so put Cairo down then? I don't fucking care who they put down, Chris. It's not one or the other.

No, it's not. There's plenty of wings that he's going to play other sides. The only person who's stuck to one side is, oh, on the left wing. After that, they can fucking play all over the place. I promise you, there's a world, you shithead, where Leno and Jordan Kairu are both not on the third line. I promise when that happens, I get to mash a pumpkin pie in your face. If all five of these wings, which is what I asked you,

if all five of these wings are playing in the four wings, I just mentioned two. I just mentioned two, and you went, oh, if one is up, then the other asks to go down. I said, I said which one goes down? I just said to you five wings. And I didn't pick one. I just said both of those two.

can be up. So I actually think now that if any of these wings is on the third line, I get to pumpkin pie your face because you said it couldn't possibly happen. So you, by simple way. Why don't you rewind the tape, you fucking fat, fattier dip shit. You were about to get a pie in your face. What did I say? All I said was Ryan Leonard will not be on the third line. And then I said, okay, wow, which one will go down? Speaking about him and Kyro, and I said, both can exist not on the third line. That's all that I have said. So the only thing, the only pying that will happen here is if at one point during the season, just one, neither of them are on the third line, then everything I said is correct. Okay. And then who of the five wings I presented is on the

third line? I'm rejecting to answer that. Okay. Fine. So that means an automatic pie. No. Because I never made any claim about the other wings. And now you're trying to put words in my mouth like pie in my mouth. No, no. I'm not trying to put words. I'm trying to ask. I'm asking for words. And I just said that I don't know and I'm not going to answer. If I had answered and said something dumb, then fine, you could pie me. But I didn't. So I get pied? You don't have to get pied, but I'm just saying if you're going to fight me on those two. No, I wasn't funny. I was just saying, by simple math, someone, one of these five wings has to play on the third line. And the only thing that I said was two. Okay. So you are, your five conversation is correct. And I don't

know who it's going to be, but I know it's not going to be those two. Okay, that's my point. Caps second. Not after long. I think it's going to be Caps second. I'm really curious about sort of. I want to see where he plays. Oh. Because that's a great contract and he had a very good year last year. Well, there is no room for him to play anywhere except the bench. You imagine being as dumb as you and thinking that you're investing that much money into a player to sit on the bench. Well, some people have to sit on the bench stand isn't a whole thing. They're paying that guy $6.35 million starting next season. What were his minutes last night, or last night, last year?

I don't know, but I know he scored 15 tucks, and I think about 20-something assists. That's so gas. He played, wow, 15 minutes a game. That's awesome. Yeah. Yeah, so that's probably been the third line. I think he's going to be a bottom six guy. He, third line, yeah.

See, there's no room. This is the biggest problem. There's no, they actually win a good player. But I think Florida has shown that that's not a problem. Yeah. You can have a third line of an A2, a Brad Marchand, and a baby barcault. and they all go, I'm fine. Sounds good.

Because I'm playing with nasty players. I don't need to score 100 points. I need to lift a Stanley Cup. Yeah, that's all that matters. Could you fucking imagine if O? It would be special. If O wins one more. In his last year.

I would have to imagine that's that. If he tried to come back after the cup, I would kneecap him myself. I would legitimately call Vladimir Putinem myself and go, hey, Putin, get him back to Russia. because we, that would be one of the most epic swan songs in the history of sports. If O comes back after breaking the all-time goal record, comes back for one more year, they load up, go all in, he lifts one more cup, and then goes, good day. Yeah. I'd come.

Straight to the Rangers with all the Russians. I always knew you had Vladimir Poon on Speeddow. Come on now. You know how big reveal here. You know, like, there's Palm Beach Pete. He's like the fucking Jeffery. Yeah. I have Vladislav Putnam.

Vladislav Putin. He's the fake Vladimir Putin. He's in my phone. But it is him. Never know. That's what you said. I don't even know. You've been to Mascar.

Next up is the Philadelphia Flyers. Last year, the Flyers, unbelievably, went 43, 27 and 12 for 98 points, finished third, and made the playoffs. What a world. I think your numbers first this time? that that is correct. Do you know what you have? I sure do. This year, they will finish. Three, two, one, third. And they are my devils. Yeah, yeah. I think that there is this year, there's going to be a civil war. This might have been crazy too, but go on. There's going to be a civil war between this team, this team, and this team. Yeah, me too. That is going to be like every time the devils

Flyers and Penguins play any of each other. Clearly, those are our three. They need to be like, we must win this game. Yeah. Oh, actually. Like, in division battles for this division specifically and those teams. You have to include them, I think, if you have them five. I do. I do include them. Yeah.

Yeah. But I'm with you because clearly now these are my three, four, five. But again, like, if we're buying futures on this team or that team. Yeah. I'm sorry, I'm buying a future in the island. 100%. So, like, for me, I'm like, this year. Yeah. It's going to be a civil

fucking war. Can I make a shameless plug real quick? Please. Please. All of those odds up there are current with the BetMGM odds that they have available on their website. Nothing shameless about that. So if we're going to talk a little bit of futures, just know, as you guys

see out all that stuff and the, you know, your teams and who you want to kind of throw some money on this year. That's all accurate. And theoretically, it would be just for arguments, 8th, 7th, and then they would be six. Yeah. Yeah.

Which is where I think, if I have math, you have them. And then... Don't. Spoilers. What the fuck? Think about our... Five... Think about our audio listeners right now.

Think about what you're doing to them. Yeah, that's... Well, dude, get on YouTube and give me a fucking white, please. Please. Please. Please. So I actually, coming into this preview, I was so ready to have the flyers be the team that I unceremoniously punted.

and being like, sorry, there's always big changes. But then you thought about it. Well, dude, and it's this. I said this when it happened. It's literally Joe Wall. I think Joe Wall is so good and was good the whole time in Toronto, and everyone ignored it. Him and Stolars won the Jennings,

and everybody, like, forgot that he, and all of their asking you to do is tandem with Vlodar. Like, I actually think the Flyers' goaltending they're going to get is going to be insane. And I was reading an article that Vlidar was the best by a mile. Shootouts. Shootouts, and so is Z on the other side. you're just stealing so many points

when these games go to shootouts with those guys that for God, I mean I could I should have put them fifth but it's just awesome I think they're gonna be they're gonna be feisty again It is so fucking cool to be that second shootouts Yeah like Z-hop's over the boards and he goes I'm scoring I'm going to score again I'm obviously fucking scoring

It's unbelievable Vladar being as good as he is was such A bastion for them Such a win it was just a oh my god What a what a fucking win. And again, in an era where we're paying players 20 fucking sheets per year, this is another insanely well-crafted team. Insanely well-crafted. I mean, Z is making 9.1 highest paid forward on the team until 2031. You've got Kene, Kootz, Tippett, DeVorek, Kates, Forrester, all locked up

for at least three years at these numbers. You've got Drysdale, Sanheim, and Yorkie, all locked up under seven. Yeah. And you've got Vlodar, too. Vlodar signed for 5.5 until 2032. Yeah. So it's like they, the flyers have fucking 13 sheets.

And it's like, they're another team that I'm like, go trade for Dillam market. Yeah, go get somebody. Because I think Martone is so good. I have a certain thing Mitchcock is nasty. The only, honestly,

my only fear of the Flyers is last year, I actually kind of took the flyers sneaky high, I think. I would pay Mitchcock. Mitchkov, right fucking now. Me too. Do not take, and I am sure that his camp is like, we're not signing until he pops off. Yeah.

I would take zero risks on him all of a sudden being like, sup, I am disgusting. Yeah. And I would just give him a deal right now and blink and go, oh, we got Mitchcoff at under eight for five years. I would give him a deal yesterday. It would be amazing. And I had said the flyers last year could actually be okay

because of first year talk. But unfortunately, that is no longer first year talk and that can go away and, you know, it no longer gels for whatever reason. Do you fear second year talk? Yes, I do. This Flyers team is the type of city and team that I think can fuck with talk. So I'm like, okay. But a little bit, like, and it didn't really happen with Egress, but it's like a little bit of Mitchcoff struggles I put on talk. And I'm kind of like, let them go, dude.

You know, that's my only fear. I went four. I'll live with it. But there's, there's, I love the squad. I love the squad, but there's some question marks. I think it's a very well-balanced squad. No one, they're not top-heavy at all. Noll Chari pick up. Love, North Maine boy. Yep. I, I, they're not top heavy at all. They've just got a bunch of dudes doing it. Yeah. And there's a world where a guy like Z and a guy like Martone and frankly a guy like Mitchcoff do pop off. But I just think that they're so well-balanced. I think they're all kind of fucking pulling the sled the same direction. They're all fucking eating the same. same Philly cheese steaks every single day getting ready. They're not getting seasonal depression because they like the seasons. They enjoy and thrive on the seasons. And this Flyers team is just

they're all of a sudden a Philly squad. They don't need fucking superstars. They don't need anyone shining above the rest. They're a bunch of down and dirty fucking coal miners. They're their blue collar fuckers who like bringing the lunch pail in and they're just fucking going to work every goddamn day and they have a Sith Lord in net in Darth Lidar. And I think, there's a chance, C.P., that they swerve second year talk because he's back home. Yeah. He didn't know what he was doing in Vancouver. Yeah, dude, do you think he belongs in Vancouver? He got up to Vancouver and they popped off year one. That's awesome. But then he was like, where am I? Yeah. Am I in Vancouver? What's the conversion race? Yeah. And now he's back in Philly. He's eating

cheese steaks. He's bringing the lunch pail. I feel like this is old school Philly shit going on with the Flyers. I think this team is good. And I don't think yes, last year was fluky at all. I think everyone's kind of vibe it in the right direction. Can you fucking imagine if Mitchcoff is disgusting? That's what I want to happen. Maybe comes in in shape. No. Dude, no, no chance.

Order some factor meals. Yeah. Get healthy. Yeah. And you know what the big thing for me is, Grant? What is that? Lox. Yeah.

Locks always wins. Lox always wins. Gagin always wins. Gagin always wins. It doesn't make sense. Wait, wait, wait, wait. If we're going to talk about locks, we got a shameless plug over ear, on our side. If you are interested in football

at all, please go migrate over to hold the phone. And then the other thing... Hey, hey, hey, don't migrate. Dabble over to hold the phone. Let's get some pics in. Dazzle over to hold the phone, get a little, get a couple of picks in. But fucking, good God almighty, dude. He's just like... Five and no in prime time. Five and one now.

It's a Philly team. Yeah. He always wins. He always wins. Flyers are going to win. And then he'll the Eagles will win the Super Bowl. Well, actually Mahomes will win the Super Bowl, which is what he actually wants. And then the Flyers will win, and the Dodgers will win, the World Series, which is what he actually wants. Yep. Yep.

And then the Flyers will win the Stanley Cop. And the Sixers were obviously winning because they have LeBron. Yep. I forgot about that. Yeah. Players are fucking disgusting. If that happens, if Mahomes wins the Super Bowl here in Los Angeles as we are here, we will be in a wonderful time.

Mahomes, Othani, LeBron, Zegris is Locke's Mount Rushmore. Locks always here. There we go. So congratulations, Fires. Congratulations Fires. You made the playoffs. You're disgusting. Next up, the Pittsburgh Penguins. Last year, the Penns went 41, 25, and 16 for 98 points, finished second, and made the playoffs. You know your number?

I'm first. This year, they will finish. Three. Wait. Yeah. Three, two. One. Sixth.

You killed them, Dan. No, I didn't. Yes, you did. You mathematically killed them. I did not. I did not. You literally did. The numbers mean nothing.

Three to eight means nothing. Okay, okay. Three to eight means nothing. Three to eight could be any number. Yeah. If I say eight, it could be three. If I say three, it could be eight. If I say six, it could be four.

Yep. They mean nothing. The penguins are absolutely going to be in it. They're going to be fucking in it. I don't know what to say. So here's what I'll say. I am saddened that you, you lose an archery. A guy I just said, you lose a Manta.

They brought in Kuzzi. Who we both love and I think can be really productive on this team. Don't forget, Coozy has over 70 points in the NFL season. Yeah, yeah, he can be really productive on this team. Really funny guy. Especially on the power play if he gets out there. Yeah, hilarious dude. God, we had some good times.

God, what is his fucking winsong? Yeah, what is? But anyway, point is this team was surprising to all of us last year. All year. It was like, oh my God, the penguins in the playoffs. This is incredible. Are they gonna hang on? They're gonna hang on.

They had the dip. They went up, they dip, they went up, they were like dipping dots. I don't know why dots is good and dip is bad, but that's what I'm saying. And it was really awesome. And this year, I don't look at their roster and go, oh my God, they're way better. When you said every team in this board got better, Chris, and then you said, actually maybe except one. I presume this is the one you were talking about. I was talking about maybe them and Columbus.

Okay. I'm not entirely sure I would say that Columbus got better. Me neither, I guess. So maybe those are the two. But I don't think you can look at Pittsburgh right now and be like, oh, they're, they've improved, especially with everyone getting older. I know that doesn't matter to Sid, but it does matter to the other guys. Yeah. So this one, they're an incredibly Russian team. Yeah, which I love. This one is hard for me to go, oh, yeah, they can shock us again. You're going to get a great year from Sid. I know it. We all know it. But I just, it's hard for me to think that they can be bad. for a two seed again. We put out that vid about Sid for a reason. Anytime Sid is alive, whatever team he's on is in it. That's why they'll be in it.

That's why I did not kill them. The numbers mean nothing. Yeah. Fake. I think they maybe got worse, but I don't think so either. I think they're pretty much the same. It's fucked at the two seed. We have five and seven.

Or would you say six? You said six. But I think it's because other teams are a little bit younger and are made better moves. Yeah, totally. I have to believe while, I mean, she loves, we love. We love she loves. So I don't think that there's an issue for that.

I don't really have a question mark for them in that. We kind of do, though, right? They were so much better team defensively last year, which was amazing. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. So I want that again, because they were perennially, like the most goals against every fucking year. I know it's awful. And it's not like they went out and got nasty goals.

ending to fix that. They just played better in front of their goalies. So I love She-Laws, but I don't think you can go, there's no question mark in net for Pittsburgh when that's their guy. Look at me. I can't. But that's me, CP, going, I believe in She-Lawfs. Yeah, yeah. If there's a defensive problem, then okay. But I actually don't think that after this year they're going to go, She-Lovs is not the guy. I think they're going to go, he is the guy. Yeah. He's a Latvian spider, and we love that. We love that. I, well, Crosby can play till he's 50. I have to imagine we need to be realistic that a, not cliff, but a slight downhill.

We're not walking on an incline in the gym. We are maybe walking on a decline. Yeah. Which who would ever do that? Yeah, that sounds crazy. That would just be devastating for your knees. Fuck your knees, yeah. That Malkin, Carlson, and Tanger will maybe start to see that.

But I don't know, maybe if you're around Sid. his pharamones keep old people young. So maybe they'll be fine. Okay. But then it's like, I love Raquel on this team. I think... We need a big year from Raquel. We really loved the Novak trade.

I think he's a good fit on this team. I think Chinikov surprised people, perfect hockey player, 21 and 21 last year. And I mean, Rutger, we think, is going to be a big player for this team. I love Rutger, dude. Right? The future. We need them.

So that's why the six means nothing to me. The six is a three. The six is a three. The six is the three. Pittsburgh is... Congratulations you made to us. I don't want any... I don't want any Penns fans in here listening to this being like,

ah, Dan doesn't think they... Like, I... This is... This division is a fucking house of horrors in that it is going to be a bloodbath every night. This is a playoff. team too without question like I do think I think they're fucking gritty I think they're I think they are disciples of the church of Sid just like us on our knees praising sorry praising Allah

aka Sidna and they're they're just gonna do it every now I don't I don't think it's possible to play with Sidney Crosby and not fight with your fucking life every single night and they're gonna do that. This team can beat anyone. It's like Hunt and Nicky Lauda when they needed each other. The Penns and the Caps got old and were both falling out of the playoffs. And remember the Caps and Pens Molfes' Pals for the first time in a total of fucking years. And then the Caps shocked everyone and made playoffs, even though they stunk and then got murdered in the first round. But they made playoffs. No, they beat the fucking wheels off of Montreal in the first round. No, no, no. When that Caps team stunk and made playoffs and got murdered. And everyone said, please God, don't let the caps get in

and ruin playoffs for everybody. And then they got in. And then it pissed off the penguins so much that that created this resurgence. And then this is now happening in reverse to the caps. Like the caps have pushed their chips in to be like, what's happening here? The penguins made it and we did it. The penguins were a two seed and we missed playoffs. So then the capitals rioted. I do think the caps being as good as they are this year will drive the penguins to be, to be competitive. I think so too. I actually think that.

I do think that. But what's, I feel like that happened to the caps last year, which is why the caps got better. So is it, are we now in a world where one cannot exist? Maybe. With the other. We're in full Voldemort. That's the fear. Maybe.

Okay. That brings us to the Carolina Hurricanes. Last year, the Keynes went 53, 22, and 7 for 130. points, finished first, had the best record in the East, and won the Stanley Cup. Year first. This year, they will finish. Three, two, one, first. Talk about doing nothing in the off season. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Dude, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. This is literally the biggest case of it if it ain't broke, don't fix it I've ever seen. Yes, and it's very much shades of the Florida Panthers, right? I mean, it's truly, the Florida Panthers won back-to-back Cups, and everyone was like, they're going to lose all these plays. They brought everyone back. Let's just stay the same team. This team didn't really have any huge decisions to make other than Freddie, which we'll get to.

But they went, yeah, it clicked, it finally worked. We fucking cruised to a Stanley Cup. What did they lose? Three fucking games in the playoffs. Yeah, yeah. Insane. Three fucking games. They lost in the playoffs.

And they clapped cheeks. And here they are. And they were like, yeah, we're running it right back. And as you just heard, Blake, he's on. they obviously had an amazing summer felt short, but at the same time, if you were going to repeat, as we talk about all the time, they had demons that they couldn't go that deep. This isn't a Florida situation where they've been to the finals or the conference finals every single year. It's like they've been in the conference finals and left pretty quickly.

Yeah. And then, yeah, it's about as good as you can do it, folks. You lost three games in these playoffs. So I think this team's going to be fresh. They're super young. They're as well structured as anyone can be. They're going to have Jarvie missing some time in the beginning after the surgery. That's great. He'll come back fully healthy after a surgery. That's amazing. As we saw, dude, is there a team with a better defense than this group? Is there a team better coached than this group right now? The only question, literally only question is, can you do what you did with Freddie and Bussie, tandeming through the season, with Bussie and Cachetcoff?

That is the only question. And I, And this isn't even a knock against Freddie because you'll hear I'm very high on Freddie when we get to the Pacific previews. But I think you can because I'm so high on Bussie. How many games did Bussy play last year? Bussy last year played, this is insane. Played 39 games, 131 of them. However, he had an 8-9-4-4-5 goals against. So that's a good goal against. Save percentage he wants a little bit up. But at the same time, everyone saw what he did. in playoffs, no one gives a fuck. He's unbelievable. And he doesn't even have to get that up to 60. He already played, you said 39. He already played 39 games. I'm just going, give me 49, dude. Well, yeah. Freddie played 35. Yeah. And was 16, 14, and 5 with an 8-7-4 and a 305. Part of me is like, how was this team so good when neither goalie had over 9-19-0-0.

And, dude, how, we'll say again, it baffles me that when we were doing our playoff predictions. We were talking about the strengths of Bussie as Carolina was going into game one against the senators. We weren't even saying, who will stop? Is it a question? We were just, it was so not even a question that Bussie would be your game one started. It's some of the best, coaching that has ever fucking existed in the NHL. Again, but Brandon Bussie last year started more games than Freddie. He started 39 and 1, 31 of them. Like you literally win every game Bussie plays and Rod the ball went like this. Freddie. We're starting Freddie and we're literally going to rip off 12 and 1. 12 and 1. 12 and 1.

He won. Literally he went 12 and 1 with Freddie and Nett. It's the best coaching I've ever fucking seen in my life. Unbelievable. It's ridiculous. I really think they do. I totally believe in Bussy, and they don't even need that much, right? Like, if he's as good as we think he is, which isn't even, I'm not even saying he's elite, elite 1A.

I'm just saying if he's the guy we think he is, then they're level. They're getting the exact same goalie play. So it's completely fine. And, I mean, I guess this doesn't even matter because this is a MET preview and not an East preview. But they have really done well against their division in this core team in playoffs,

especially except for the Rangers, but the Rangers, I think, are in one of the worth spots. So it's like they, they are in a good spot to can comfortably win this division, and that is, there's benefits to that. There's benefits of having home ice.

There's benefits of, you know, not needing to grind where the last month of the season feels like playoffs. We both had the caps too. I think the cap's going to be pretty good. But man, the canes could be humming along again this year. Can you fucking imagine

if they trade for Connor Hellibuck? Can you imagine? Dude, and they could. Isn't that nuts? They have 8.1 million cap space right now. They can literally fit him right now as we're speaking. Is he 8.5 or is he 8? I think he is a, isn't he 7.5?

Didn't he sign the exact same fucking thing? Shifley shine? Let me look. I got it. I'm right here. I'm fucking dialed. I'm moving and grooving. He is on, no, it's 8.5.

I'm not fucking moving and grooving. Fuck! They can make that work, though. Well, whoever you're going to trade, you would obviously clear it anyway. They can do it without even fucking trading someone. And what I think, like, they've got their first round pick this year. They've got their first round pick and Dallas's first round pick next year. Just give them all three of those first round picks and get Connor Hullabuck for fucking pennies.

And make it work on the cap right now. And then you run it back and everyone goes like this. Oh, the Florida Panthers. The water under the Golden Gate is freezing because Brady Kachuk joined the Florida Panthers. And you go like this. Well, we got Connor Hennelbub. Fuck you. So eat my ass.

That's what they can do. Dude, it could really be on the brink of dynasty shit. Because legitimately, dude, he. And I know the Keynes. thing. It's kind of been that we don't have these flat. We can make it work with good goalie play, and they just proved it can work. But if Connor Hellowuck was making 12 million, I get it. They don't really have any contracts like that. He's making nothing for the level of player he is. It must be so cool, too, when you have won a Stanley Cup and you go like this, man, that was awesome.

And obviously, let us say again, Freddie was obviously incredibly important, and they did lose him, and that sucks. However, you win a Stanley Cup, you all get your cup days, you rip it up all summer, just going, I'm my lifelong dream. The one thing, the ultimate goal in my profession I have done. These guys are not even fucking 40-year-old, and they did it already. Oh, my God. And then they come back in next season, and they look around the locker and go, hold on, waiting for that. Then they come back from into this next season, they come into the locker and they go like this. We're all here.

Yeah, and then they go, you're all back. Who's that guy? And they go, that's Connor. His name is Connor Hellamuff. Okay, don't. That might happen. It could happen. But it hasn't happened yet.

And I'm saying that even if that doesn't happen, they spin around that lot. Not a single nameplate is different. Yeah, everyone's there. They just go like this. You're all here? You're all back? God, dude, it's so good. Just never.

People cry leaving sports teams because they go, not even sadly we lost. I'm just sad. This group will never be together again. And then this group is just together again. They're just, they're together. Go win the cup. They're back. Will they have the drive, Dan?

Yeah. Well, here's the question. Here's the question. Okay, I think I have an answer. I love them very, very deeply. I appreciate all of the wonderful time we were able to spend with them. I do have, and I was just fun to see the Cains win the cup. But do you have the Justin Herbert?

I'm calling him Herbert. I'm not calling him his real name. Yeah. Do you have that effect of Miss Madison beer? and do you get a little lost in the sight after taking a dub like that? It happens a lot to these winning teams. It's very, very hard to repeat. And could you, you know, Miss Beer has clearly caught in the eyes of Justin.

He's completely forgotten how to play football. She's ruined a life. She's ruined a life. She's ruined a franchise. Can that happen with the hurricanes and can they get so distracted because they never won before? I think the genuinely, dude. The only reason why I think I can confidently say no is Rod. I think he is probably, if you were to, let's say they didn't win,

and you were to put a gun to everyone's head and say, who is the number one coach in the NHL that would not let a team get complacent because they won a Stanley Cup? I think we would all say Rod. I agree with that. The thing, though, that I'm slightly on your side. I'm not saying they're not ready to repeat they are, but the factor that even they can't comprehend is,

Grant, it wasn't just like they were a team that wanted to win the cup like every team is. It was actually like we are the most clowned on team because all we do is say, we're so good. So their rage to win that cup can literally never be duplicated because now they are no longer this complete clown show team that the internet makes fun of every time. So as hard as they will go, which is hard, they just literally, the human body cannot do that. And it's also one of those things too. Including for Ron. They made big moves last year getting fly, getting Kiyanra, and there was a big, this is it.

We are there now. And guys took jumps. Obviously, a guy like Blakey too coming in being a fucking weapon. That's a huge factor. They did that. It all worked. So many of these guys are young as fuck and only getting better. And like we just said, every team in the league looks at them next year and they go, they're all still there.

It's not like they sold the farm, grabbed one year rentals, and it worked out. and now they lost all those guys, it's the same fucking team. If you're a team in the Met, if you're a team in the East and you're coming up against these guys every other night, you're like, that team is disgusting. Dude, sneaky take, I actually think, as cool as it is to keep your group together, I actually think you do need to add a guy who's never won. Like the Panthers added Brady, and now they want to win more than they've ever wanted because they're like, well, now it would be sick if the brothers could do it together

because Brady doesn't have one. If the Keynes had just added one dude, like they should have got Brent Burns back and been like, we have to win that. True. Dude, it's Hellabuck. Yeah, that's what I mean. So you get caught up. As much as we keep saying the devils, we keep saying Buffalo, dude, and it would be everyone like bitches and moans about the Florida's in the Vegas. It's like they always go out and they trade for this guy, that guy, whatever. Make the move, dude. And especially after getting fly from them, that was a UFA, obviously. But like, that's a good

reason for him to go, oh yeah, I'll come there. If you get Hellebuck, he's now playing in front of Slavo, the Allfather. Yeah. That would be like the Grinch smile that Dundon would be able to do and be like this, we do it too. Yeah. And you're all, you're all in big, big trouble.

I would feel bad for Bussie, but they would be the heavy thing. I don't think that you would because truly Hellebuck was little knock last year. The big thing with him has always been. The Jets ride him way too fucking hard. With Bussie, you get to look at Hellebuck and go, hey dude, play 35 games.

games. Play 40 games. He would get to play, so just playoffs. Haleigh Al Buck would be like, you will never touch the ice again. Yes, that is true. But I bet, I mean, as Blakey said, like not a better, couldn't have that cup and that run couldn't have happened to a better guy. Bussie seems like the type of guy that he'd be like this, fine with me. We got my mug. Yeah. I got my mug. I'm the fuck, I will never pay for a fucking drink and rolling. Yeah, I was the man, dude. Nothing's going to change that. That is so true. Yeah. And also, you know, if you go with Heli and then they start in the playoffs and he struggles, like his playoff demons show up, you go like this, we have Bussing. We have Bussing.

bussy, dude. This is like, this is almost ironclad. You have to do this. Carolina, what are you doing? I can't believe it's taking this long. He's just sprended in Winnipeg. Like, just get him to camp. Dude, also, I think we can't go into Hellebuck, but missing camp is also going to fuck his season up. Like somebody fucking employ Connor Hellebuck that he wants to play for. You got to do it right. I have Cains, Caps, Devils, Flyers, Penguins, Blue Jackets, Islanders, Rangers. have, I feel like I'm in the way. You're not. I have Cains, Caps.

Flyers, devils, islanders, Pittsburgh, Rangers, blue jackets. And eight, hey, Columbus, eight is three. Eight is three. Every fan base, who's not five or higher, the numbers mean nothing. Eight is three. It's the ESPN fantasy football rankings. Yes, yes, exactly. You get it.

You get it. You get it. Before we go into our Beer League hotline, that's our Metro preview. Tell me everything. Tell me everything that's wrong. Tell me everything in the comments. Oh, wait, no. Oh, yeah, we gotta pick our teams.

I'm still doing the air. Dan, don't you burn it down. Fuck the environment. You're telling me if I hit Enter on this, I'm killing trees. Dan, let's just see what the people say about the hat. I don't like hat pulls. Why, it's so real. That's so real.

It feels like this... Oh, the AI that we would use. But the AI feels like it's actually not in my control. No, but it does because it knows who you are and who... And it was listening to us the whole time. How do you think I got the Sabres? I killed the Sabres and it immediately gave me the Sabres.

You're telling me that I shouldn't hit Enter right now. If you hit Enter, I will personally kill you. Don't do it? No, we'll walk away. I will get up, we'll walk out. We'll never do a podcast again. I'm deleting it. I'm not going to do it.

Look at that paper. Look how hard he works. Yeah. I think we got a poll at the same time. Oh, interesting. Okay. I just want them there that wrestling. Okay. Ready, Dan? Put it right here.

Oh. Is your eyes close? Just look at me. Oh, okay. You can go. Okay. You can go. This, I have a bad feeling about this. I have mine. Me too. How should we do this?

You read yours first. Okay. I knew it. Please be New York. New York Rangers, baby. We're fucking doing it this year. We're fucking doing it. New York City, I'm fucking coming for you.

I'm on the fucking wagon. Don't you dare worry. And I told you I like it. I loved their summer. Oh my God. I fucking like what we're doing. That is too good, Dan. That is too fucking...

I need to commemorate this fucking moment. That is incredible. Dude, unbelievable. I'm so... I'm happy about this. So you are currently a... Look at that selfie. Who did you get again on the other side?

Oh, Florida. The Panthers. Wow. So you got Florida in New York. Have you not looked? No. Well, you know one it's not. Yep.

You got Florida and the rags, and I can't wait for that Eastern Carmen's final. I have the Sabres and... Wow. Special. The Penguins. You're telling me that that's random. That feels more rigged than anything that's ever happened on Earth. And that was a dead-ass hat pole, dude.

Penn's, sorry I put you five. We're going right to the top. Sid is doing it. Just like I always knew he would, I should have taken them second again. This is, they'll be the easiest thing I've ever had to do. Sabres and pens, unbelievable. I am absolutely thrilled. Unbelievable.

Rangers, we've been through a lot and we're about to go through more. It's amazing. That is our MET preview. Before we get to our Beer League Hotline, if you're a fan of Almost Friday Media, we have a new show coming out today as you're listening to this, Tuesday the 22nd, called Petty Cases, hosted by our boys Willie and Steve. It's these guys just going to take. town on literally the pediest cases of all time, and it is hilarious.

Episode one is Chappelle Lacey as the guest judge, which is amazing. Unbelievable content. Are you serious? Yeah. Do you not remember when we were talking about fucking stand-up comedians, and I gave a shout out to Chappelle that I was like, Chappelle is one of the funniest fucking comedians going right now, so that's a great reason to watch. Well, there you go, Dan.

Bang. And we'll have the show links on our episode. Go subscribe to the petty cases on YouTube, wherever you get your podcast. It's super snappy, super ridiculous. So, so, so fun. Bert Keischer's on the next one. It's like, you know, it's an awesome lineup. Great stuff.

Petty cases. Check it out. Now, Grant, it's time for a Beer League hotline. Are you ready? Oh, yeah. So excited. Before we jump into this Beer League hotline, I do want to say, our buddy, Bobby Ryan, texted me.

He's got a pal named Howie Jennings who made a Beer League song. And it's up on YouTube. It's like a whole music video. They, like, shot this awesome music video. The song is fucking hilarious. So if you play Beer League, go on YouTube, Howie Jennings, Beer League. We should put the link up. It's just a great song.

Yeah, put the link in the dots. Yeah, yeah, yeah. It's fantastic. Okay, Grant, give us our Beer League holiday. All righty, we're back. Here we go. We have a nasty goalie who didn't hit the required game for playoffs this year. Our filling goalie played most of the season, and he isn't as good, and he knows it.

But the championship game, filling goalie suggested we let our nasty, signed in as him. Our front desk doesn't recognize us or check ID, and he gave our nasty goalie his gear to wear so the other team wouldn't notice. Nasty golly played incredibly, incredibly, oh my goodness, we won the ship, and he left his helmet on during the eye celebration.

Phil and goalie met us in the parking lot after for beers like the hero he is. I don't think the other team will ever realize it was us if you use this as a beer league hotline, and even if they do, we will deny it until they die. But do you guys think we broke Beer League code? 100%.

Do I think? I mean, like, do I think? Absolutely. Do I have a single problem with this? Absolutely not. You know why? Because I have a fundamental issue with the whole games played bullshit.

Yeah. We've talked about this. We've talked about this on Beer League Hotline a number of times. If you have a player who signed up for your team at the beginning of the season, who has paid dues, now maybe the goalies don't pay dues in this league, but that doesn't matter. If this guy was signed up and played for you all year, it does not fucking matter. You are on the team.

He should have been able to play from the jump. So in fact, what you're doing is you're giving this league a case of stick it to the moniosis, and you're sticking it to the man. Because he should have been able to play no matter what. I fucking love this. And I'll tell you who the real fucking hero here is, is Phil and goalie. Wait, no. Yes. Is Phil and Goli a nasty Goli same person?

No, no. Phil and Goli is a legitimate hero. Phil and Goli going, yeah, dude, take my gear. I know you're better. Take my gear, play. Nasty Goli shows up and plays lights out. And they win. And then Phil and Goli is gas and fucking bruise

in the parking lot with them. This guy is a hero. And glue guy hall of man. Glue. Glue. And presumably, since he said the other team would notice the gear, the nasty guy. goal, he couldn't even take it off his helmet. Presumably they know what fill-in goalie looks

like too. Yeah. Which means he couldn't even attend the game. He couldn't even show up and watch in the bleachers because other team would be like, that's who should be their goalie. Sure. Which means he literally had to sit outside in his car. For an hour. I hope he came in disguise. Full-on Unabomber and watched was the one person sitting up in the stands watching this game. But I will say this to this. these fine fellows, again, I have nothing wrong. There's nothing wrong with what you did. You did break Beer League code, but you broke it for a good reason. Yeah. 100% your league knows about this now. Because I assure you, there were a couple of guys on that team in that locker room,

licking their wounds of that championship loss going, I swear to God, that was the other goalie playing for them. I can't prove it, but I swear to God. And now this Beer League hotline comes out and they are going to hear it and they're going to go, I knew it. They still can't prove it, but now they know. Denied till you die, as they said. Denied till you die, boys. I don't think in the game anyone was going, I swear to God, that's the other goal. But I do think they were going, oh, that's what I'm saying is in the locker room. They were going, I promise you. A couple of those dudes on that team, at least one, we're going, I swear that was the other goal. Yeah. I promise you. I wonder if he just like, I would have skipped the handcheck line. I would have been like,

I'm taking my gear off on the bench. But yeah, but I bet, I was going to say, I bet during the game, they were all going, God, this kid is playing unconscious. Yeah. Like, because they all know who he is. is, you know, and he's okay, but he's not that good. They must have been in the locker. I'm like, damn, we caught such a hot hand from that fucking kid. And then now, they hear this and they go, that's interesting. Sometimes you need to rebel. You do. Sometimes you need to rebel, and this is what these fellas have done here. Again, it's a stupid rule. If you sign up and if you pay dues, you are on the team. Does not matter how many games you play. The gear switch. I have not heard a single good argument in my life for anything against that. It's, it is what it is. This guy should

have been able to play. He did play. You won and you deserved it. And you think, it out because the gear switch is all time. All time. Great move. Great episode. That is the Metropolitan Rankings. That's a Jackson Blake interview. Absolutely love it. Can't wait to keep ripping these. We've got some awesome more interviews coming for you in these episode coming up. We've got that season coming around the bend here. And also, we're going to be pumping some awesome picks for you. Get ready to get the fucking gambling going because we're going heavy this season. It's going to be unbelievable. We'll see you later this week until we do. Skate hard.

Thank you.