Locked On Penguins - Daily Podcast On The Pittsburgh Penguins - The real truth about last night's craziness...

Episode Date: April 21, 2021

The Pittsburgh Penguins are never boring, as so many have said. Hunter is back to recap the ridiculous 7-6 victory from the Penguins on Tuesday night and starts with the positives. One of them is that Evan Rodrigues continues to show that he should be a lock to play in the playoffs as his playmaking ability has been on full display. He also touches on Mike Matheson and how these last couple of weeks have been not total team chaos as we've seen from him for most of this season. After that, he goes into the real truth about what happened last night and how Tristan Jarry needs a bit of the reset. What should the goaltending rotation be for the next few games? Was Kris Letang as bad as many people said he was? All that, plus much more on this episode of Locked On Penguins.Listen to The Ultimate Mock Draft 2021 presented by Audacy and the Locked On Podcast Network. April 19th-26th. Follow the feed today! Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!BetOnline AGThere is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus.Built BarBuilt Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKED15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order.Rock AutoAmazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Your Locked-on Penguins. Your daily podcast on the Pittsburgh Penguins. Part of the Locked-on Podcast Network. Your team every day. Hello, everyone. Welcome to this late Wednesday afternoon episode of the Locked-on Penguins podcast. I'm your host, Hunter Hodes. Remember to follow me on Twitter at Hunter Hodes.

Follow the show's Twitter at L.O. underscore Penguins. Today's episode is brought to you by a lockroom. You can download the app and join me this week. tomorrow night to get in on the action. I'll be hosting something either during the second, third period of the game against New Jersey or after the game. Locker room changing the way we talk sports. So I'm just about a little bit removed from getting my first COVID-19 vaccine shot.

I got the Moderna one today. Please, if you have not been vaccinated yet, whether you're in the United States, Canada, anywhere around the world, please go and get your shot if you are able to, or both shots. I think you have to get one shot, and then four weeks later, if it's Moderna, you have to go back and get your second one and then three weeks for Pfizer. Just please do it because the sooner we get a lot more people vaccinated, the sooner we can get back to doing everything in our normal lives. But it was anything but normal last night for the Penguins.

That's a nice segue into what we're about to talk about, is the Penguins somehow miraculously escaped with a 7 to 6 victory over the New Jersey Devils. It was 6-0 after the second period. I thought, what the hell? You know, it was going to maybe go do a couple of things around the apartment and stuff. You know, as soon as I saw it was 6-3, I'm like, okay, you know, maybe I should get back to the computer here, put the stream back on. And, you know, that's when it really started to make me mad. But before I do get into the negatives about this game, and mainly the third period, let's just say that, and Tristan Jari.

Let's start with the positives. It was great to see the team played two awesome periods. That is the response that you like to see from a contending team after they got embarrassed by the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday when they lost 402. Like I said, we'll get to the 20 minutes and how that basically was all for nothing with those first 40 minutes. But still, those first two periods were two of the best periods. I think the Penguins had played all season. Scott Wedgwood had been a thorn in the penguin's side at least a couple times this season already. But it was not to be this time.

The Penguins were just peppering him with shots like it was no tomorrow. It's great to see Mike Matheson get back on the score sheet. And he's honestly been fine for the last couple weeks. I really have not been complaining much about Matheson. And I obviously have always said that he's that full chaos player. He's doing something outstanding in the offensive end, excuse me, but then he's just doing something completely stupid in the defensive end. But we have seen some awesome plays from him in the offensive zone the last couple of weeks,

but we really have not seen that other chaos zone where he has been bad in the defensive zone. So it's been a nice development in that regard when it comes to Matheson. I really liked his game lately. And then the second goal, Brian Russ, gets another goal on this season. I'm going to say it again for everyone I put to put. this tweet out yesterday. Brian Rust at 3.5 million is probably the best value contract in the league, bar none of what he is doing for the last couple of years. It's nothing short of amazing. He's been almost a point per game player, almost a goal per game player at that.

He's an outstanding fit on Cindy Crosby's line. And what a move that he put on Scott Wedge with there is he basically just blew past every devil's defender off of that great pass from Crosby and then went backhand forehand and make it two nothing. That was a vintage Brian Russ goal of I've ever seen it. So that was great. Brian Dunleyn scoring goal from basically center ice that reminded me of Steve Mason, I think back in the 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs when I think the Capitals scored a goal of him. It was either from Center Ice or from the Blue Line, and he just basically fumbled a puck in and

went in. That was basically what that reminded me of. Not a good look there from Wedgwood to give that up to someone who basically does not score goals. I think that was Dumlin's only third or fourth goal on the season, but still it's always nice to see him contribute on the offensive score sheet just because you don't see it that often. And of course, you know, I had this prediction on the tip of the ice bird podcast with Nick and Nick. They basically should just rename their podcast the Nick and Nick Penguins podcast because they do a great job on there.

Please go listen to that. If you have not already, they do two episodes a week. I went on their episode yesterday. I think it's going to be coming out tomorrow. And I said, Jeff Carter will be scoring his first scoring a penguin uniform against the devil's on Tuesday night. It's actually a prediction that I got right for a change. I'm going to do a little bit of a golf clap for myself. As even though I have a lot of freezing cold takes,

that just make me look like a complete dumbass. I actually got one right there. Just a huge blast from Carter. And what do you know? It came from a prime scoring place on the ice about 15 feet out. He loves to shoot from there. If you look at his hockey Viz numbers and the heat charts and all that, and it was nice to see him finally get rewarded for his very good effort,

these last three games that he has played. And like I said, it's course he was around 65%. the expected goal share, I think it was down 67%. So the underlying numbers were great. We trusted the process, and he finally came through with his first goal in a penguin's uniform. Hopefully that's the first of many to come for the rest of the season into the Stanley Cup playoffs. And then, of course, for next season, as it looks like he is going to continue to play. As for some of the other goal scores, or I guess the two or three other goals scores,

we'll get to Sidney Crosby's goal in just a minute in the third period. But Everon Briggs, I'm going to start with him. I'm going to keep saying this. I'm going to shout this into the void. he is the perfect 12th forward for this team. I understand people did not like that he was on the Sydney Crosby line. And you know what? I agree.

I didn't like him there either, but he is what he is. He is a solid bottom six player that you can plug in your third or fourth line, and he has a good playmaking ability, and he also has a nice shot. You saw the playmaking ability firsthand when he set up Teddy Blugher in the second period. I mean, what a behind the back pass that was. Blugher has a wide open net. that was awesome to see and that's exactly why I would have ever Rodriguez in the playoff lineup over someone like redeems the horn I think it's going to come down to one of

those two players for that 12-4 when everyone gets healthy I know Kisbury captain was on the ice today at practice I assume Sam Lafferty Mark Jan Kouski one of those a couple of those other guys are going to come out once captain comes back but when it comes down to it like I said it's Rodriguez or Zohorahorna and I'm taking Rodriguez because even though he maybe doesn't score enough, his playmaking ability more than makes up for it. I'm really happy with his play the last three to four weeks. And if you look at the hockey biz charts from Micah, he does a great job on his hockey vis site. His shootingness with his even strength offense plus three percent. There's a lot of red in the middle of the dots, about 10 to 15 feet away from the net. He's firing a lot of

pucks from there. I know he's expected goals four per 60 is minus one percent, but if that goes up even a little bit, that would obviously be great for this team. And then defensively, he's not really giving anything back, basically zero with expected goals against per 60 plus 0%. There's a lot of blue in the prime scoring area. So he's good defensively. He can occasionally chip in with a goal or two. And his playmaking ability is also great for a bottom six winger as well. And people, he makes 700K. So I'm going to continue to send for Evan Rodriguez until more people join my cause. We have happy hour every Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. all you can have drinks.

So please join the Evan Rodriguez bandwagon while you still can because he definitely will be in the playoff lineup once this team clenges a playoff berth because I don't see them collapsing during these final 10 games. Teddy Bluger are kind of touched on him already. Nice to see him get on the score. He's been really good since coming back. We all know his importance to the team. I think I'm at the point now where he needs to be protected at all costs in the expansion draft.

I really do not want the Seattle Cracken taking him away from Pittsburgh. I think that would be a much bigger. or lost than some people would think it would be, just because he's a great bottom six center, good on the PK, good on the second power play unit. And his offensive game has really taken a leap this year, I've thought. So I really do think the penguins need to keep him when they decide which forwards to protect and which fords to not protect. And then, you know, let's just get to Sidney Crosby's goal.

That was a vintage Cid goal from almost an impossible angle. I think that was his second point on the night. Nice to see. It looked like it was going to be the putaway goal because it was. seven to three and there was eight minutes left so it was like okay you know cindy crosby it's going to take manners and in his own hands i put the tweet out basically you know the thanos with i'm going to do it myself after age of ultron because that sets up infinity war yes i love marvel and hope some of you that listen to this podcast do as well and you know i i guess it wasn't to be because

the game was a lot closer than everyone thought it was going to be but still awesome to see cid get back on the scorchie i thought he struggled on sunday's game against the sabers but this was a much better game from him and he should be getting a lot more hard trophy love right now than he is. I honestly would have him as a finalist for the Hart Trophy with Matthews and McDavid. I'm not going to sit here and say Sidney Crosby deserves to win the Hart Trophy are for

Connor McDavid. Yes, I understand McDavid is going up against teams in his division that are not good. I mean, the senators are really bad. Vancouver is going through a lot right now. The flames under Daryl Sutter are an absolute joke. I know Winnipeg is good, but I think Montreal is

honestly not even that good either. So I understand it, but I mean, this guy still has what over 70 points in 40 something games i mean he's playing at an elite level he deserves to win the hard trophy and it's really not even close in my opinion but right now if i had a vote i would have sid third in the heart trophy voting but still it's good to walk away with two points the penguins will play this team again on thursday night i'm going to get to the goaltending talk in the next segment and a whole lot of what went wrong in that third period i'm going to give you guys a take that you may disagree with but i think it's the correct take in this case because i saw

whole lot of overreacting last night that I want to put to rest in this next event of the Locked on Penguins podcast. Please stay with me. But before I get to that, it's time to talk about a couple things. One of them being locker room is the perfect place to start or join conversations about the league. You'll find fans just like you on locker room for watch parties, debates, post-game breakdowns, and of course reacting to big news or rumors.

You'll have a chance to chat with me. It might even have a chance to be a feature on the Lockdown Penguins podcast throughout our locker room conversations. Be sure to join me this week. I'll be hosting a locker room on Thursday. Thursday tomorrow night, maybe around 8.39 o'clock, maybe a little bit after. You can go download the free Lockroom app right now. Currently available on all iOS devices. They're still working on something for Android. Be sure to create a profile. Link your Twitter and join the NHL group for

the latest league updates. Follow me at Hunter Hobees to be notified when my room goes live. I know you won't want to miss it. Like I said, I'm planning to be live on Thursday around 8, 8, 8.30, 9 o'clock. I can't wait to hear everyone's thoughts on the Penguins and see you there. Locker changing the way we talk sports. Also, we cannot forget about Bill Bar, the 18 amazing flavors, the six new ones, cookies and cream, carrot cake, apple, almond, crisp, 12 originals, I've already said that so many times. Mint, brownie, banana, bed, peanut butter, German chocolate, et cetera, et cetera. They're soft and easy to chew, and they are covered in 100% chocolate.

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I'm your host, Hunter Hoadies. Murdo, follow me on Twitter at Hunter Hodes. Follow the show's Twitter at L-O underscore Penguin. So we already touched on the first 40 minutes of this game. We touched on a lot of the positives. Yes, everyone, it is time to touch on the big negatives. And that starts with the goaltender Tristanjari played his worst period of his in in in the third period. I have no idea what he was doing, basically flopping like a fish all period wrong.

Here's a stat for you all if you did not see this. Per Moneypuck.com and per Jafresh hockey on Twitter. Tristan Jari allowed 3.9 goals above expected in that third period. So in other words, an average goalie only allows two goals in that period when you look at, where the chances and shots came from on the ice. So it was a dreadful period from Jari. The fact that, like I said, he allowed almost four goals above expected in 20 minutes of hockey. It's just flat out embarrassing.

He was way off his angles on a lot of those goals. I mean, the first one, I mean, that was just so stupid with him because he took a penalty when there was no need to. The penguins were already short-handed going into that period because Latang got his arm basically buckled. I think it was along the boards. Tang kind of retaliated and they only called that. I don't really understand why they only called that,

but Le Tang honestly still should have skated off and not retaliated. That's always been a big problem with him throughout his tenure here in Pittsburgh. It's obviously not like a big deal just because he brings so much value to the team on a nightly basis. But it's something that I wish he would stop doing, but that's just how competitive he is and stuff. And while we are on, Chris LaTang, I will say this. I'm seeing a lot of people say like, oh my God, you know, he's just as much to blame as Tristan Jari was last night in the third period. I honestly can't disagree with that enough. I'm not going to sit here and sit for Crystal Tang in that third period because he was pretty bad.

Let's be real. That was not the Crystal Tang that we have grown accustomed to seeing on a gamely basis to season, someone who probably should be on the Norris radar if it weren't for Adam Fox and Charlie McAvoy and Cal McCar. And I honestly thought he played the Sheringovich goal as best he could. It was just a nice move by Sharon Govich on him. And then, you know, Jari was just way off his angle there. I don't even know how that puck slipped short side. but I wanted to clear that up.

They did not almost lose that game last night because of Chris LaTang. Was he good in that third period? Probably not. But it was also outstanding in those first 40 minutes. So I'm not going to put 60, 70% of the blame or even like 40% of the blame on Latang that night. I'm probably going to put 90% of that period on Tristan Jari. And you want to know why? The Devils only had 11 shots on net in that third period.

The Penguins also had 11 shots on net. If Jari just makes the saves that we have grown accustomed to see, of him in that third period. This is probably a 6-1, 16, maybe even a 6-3 game, and no one is really talking about this right now. It's like, oh my God, like, what do you do with Tristan Jari? Or, you know, is this a big problem

for the penguins moving forward? Are they going to continue to have periods like this? You know, no one is really talking about that because Jari coming into this was playing some damn good hockey. I mean, I know he had that bad star just a few weeks ago after he came back from his injury, where against the Rangers, he basically got lit up for, what,

four goals in the first period that ended up being pulled. If you go back even before that, the last time he had a nine, less than a 900% percentage, excuse me, in a game besides that game and besides this game, you have to go to March 6th of this year. I don't remember who it was against. I might be against Philadelphia, it might have been the island or something like that. But he has been on a really strong heater these last 6 to 7 weeks. So obviously this was very uncharacteristic from him. And you probably will not see that again.

But in any case, excuse me, I would. would still have him be benched for tomorrow night's game. I would put Casey to Smith out there. Then I would start to Smith again against the Devils on Saturday. And then while Jari works on his kings during that, throw him to the wolves on Sunday against Boston. That is one of your biggest games of the season. It's at home. The Bruins have won five in row, especially since Taylor Hall came over. They only trail you by three points in the standings. They only trail first place, Washington and the Islanders by four points. It's actually crazy how first through fourth place in this division is only separated by four points.

This race is going to come down to the wire. And yes, the Islanders and the capitals do play each other three times during the next week. But that is what I would do with the goaltending. He needs to get right. We need to make sure that this is not going to be something that lasts long term or even in the short term. And I don't think it will. People in the Penguins fan base need to utterly chill the fuck out. Yes, I understand that third period was pretty bad last night.

that a lot of the skaters basically just took the period off. It looked like they were just out at the beach drinking for 20 minutes, well, 45 total minutes, just because the period went like 45, 50 minutes. But like I said, if Tristan Jari does not allow basically four goals above expecting in that period, this is a 6 to 2 win, basically, and we're not talking about any of this right now. But because of that happened, we're now having a whole bunch of discussions like, oh my God, is this going to continue for the penguins? My answer, no, it's not.

You're probably going to see a much different team on Thursday. night. I understand the devils always play the penguins hard. I get that. You know, none of the penguins wins against New Jersey have been easy this year. They're four and one and one. But that's a team that they play their ass off every night. They've always done that this season. I know they've lost seven a row, but in a few of the games that they lost to the Rangers during the seven game losing streak, I think they were down in one of them four nothing. They came back and made it four three. Another one they were down three nothing came back to tie it at three three. This team has a lot of fight and they have a lot of good young players that, you know, they're playing for

pride right now. They're playing for contracts next season. It's so fun to watch Jack Hughes and Sarangovich and got Nico Heeshire's back, which is a lot of fun. I know he scored last night. But these players are just not going to roll over and just collapse on the ice and say like, okay, you know, here's a free one. They're going to fight to the end. I know maybe not as many teams are going to come nearly close to coming back from a 6-0 deficit with 20 minutes to go. The Penguins definitely have to lock up defensively a bit better in the third period. And usually they are one of the best defensive teams in the third period and also in the league this season. If you look at hockey vision, you look at the Penguins as a whole, you go down to the Pittsburgh's

5E5 defense. They're expected goals for per 60 in about almost 2,300 minutes this year. 2.26, which is minus 10%. I mean, that's pretty damn good. There's not a lot of red on the ice. Where the red is most prevalent is up by the points. They're defending the front of the net a lot better recently. there's a whole lot of blue in the slot area. Like I said, this is a team that is really good at defending the season.

It's actually been really funny to see the penguins go from that high-octane offense. And, you know, they still have that to a degree. I think they have the second most goal scored overall in the NHL this season. I think they only trail Washington in that regard. So the offense is still there, but it's still funny. We've seen them go from that high-octane offense in 2016 and 2017 and, you know, average defensive play to now where they kind of struggle to generate some offense. if you look at Hockey viz, Pittsburgh's 5V-5 offense,

their expected goals for per 60 is only 2.21. They generate most of their offense from the point. There's a whole lot of blue around the slot area, and the high danger areas. They need to be a lot better in that regard. It's actually minus 12% for their expected goals for per 60. It's definitely unacceptable with how deep this team is, but also, I mean, this team has been missing if you're going to be Malkin for the last, what, month now.

Captain is the same thing, and then TNAV has been injured a lot lately as well. So I think those numbers are going to, improve, especially when these players come back, but it still need to be better. I just, I wanted to throw that out there just because it's been so funny to see the transition from these last periods when the team was not so good defensively till now, where it's one of the best defensive teams in the league. But overall, you know, my thoughts on that third period last night. It was mainly on Tristan Jari, you know, that Sharon Govich goal,

Sharingovic goal, excuse me, that one can't go in. The one I think that made it six, seven to four, excuse me, after Crosby made it seven, three. I don't know what Jari was doing there just with his blocker. He gave up so much room on that one. And then this was the one that really bugged me. I understand when a goalie wants to go for a goal. I get it.

You know, it's something that you don't really see on a nightly basis. Or on the NHL, you know, only a handful of goalies overall. I've basically done it throughout the league's history. But when it's a 7-5 game and you're obviously just looking to get to the locker room and hold a two-gole lead for 40 seconds, why are you coming out of your net, trying to stop the puck and then shoot it down? That was just so stupid and foolish Anjari. We know he's been terrible at playing the puck these last few weeks.

I mean, he's honestly been turning into Mark Andre Fleury from 2012 to 2014. These last three to four weeks with playing the puck, it scares the devil out of me. Every time he goes out there and tries to play it, I really don't get why he's so insistent on doing it. That's, I think, the big part of his game that he needs to work on before the playoff start. Yes, he still should be the number one goalie come playoff time, and I think this period is going to be a huge anomaly. but like I said, that is one area that he has to 1,000% work on in practice and, you know, of course, in game as well. But overall, like I said, start Casey Smith on Thursday, start him again on Saturday, and then

throw Jari to the Wolves against Boston and see what he's made of in that game and then start him again against Boston on Tuesday. I know those are two of the biggest games of the season, and I know the penguins play Washington and Philly after that, and the penguins are obviously going to need Jari, especially against Washington, because that might be for the division next week. I think they play Saturday and Monday, May. was it May 1st and May 3rd, if I'm not mistaken, I think that's what it is. So, yeah, the Penguins will definitely need Jari for that.

But those are my overall thoughts on what happened in the third period and with Tristan Jari going into the next game. I hope you all like them and agree with them. And if you don't agree with them, let me know what your take is. Tweet me, message me at Hunter Hodes, or you can tweet or message me at the podcast Twitter account at L-O-U-U underswere Penguins. And we still have a little more to get to for the next segment of the Lockdown Penguins podcast. But before we do that, it's time to talk about best.

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You can head to the website or use your mobile device to sign up today and receive your 50% off welcome bonus on your first deposit. That's better online, your online sportsbook experts with the promo code locked on. All right, welcome back to this. episode of the Locked-on Penguins podcast. I'm your host, Hunter Hodes. Remember to follow me on

Twitter at Hunter Hodes. Follow the show's Twitter at L.O.S.Penuins. So the Penguins did make some history last night, though. If you look at the NHL Public Relations account, they are the first team in NHL history to win a game despite allowing six goals in the third period, regular season or playoffs. Clubs own an all-time record of 0.135 and 2 under that criteria entering Tuesday's game. So the Penguins on the right side of history, on that one, as they have been so many times before with so many things. The fact that it was 0.135 and 2 is absolutely nuts. There's another stat, I think, from ESPN stats and info.

If I can just find that real quick. Of course, ESPN is going to be the primary rights holder of the NHL TV package. As soon as next season, it will be in October. Here is this from ESPN stats and info. Penguins are also the first human initial history to win a game in which they were outscored by five goals. in the third period. So not only that they were the first team to win a game when allowing six goals in the third period,

they're also the first team in the league's history to win a game in which they're outscored by five goals in the third period, and this continues. Entering that game, and the actual teams, excuse me, were 0 and 270 and O in the regular season, and 0 and 9 in the postseason when they were outscored by five plus goals in the third period. So again, the Penguins on the right side of history, all you can do is basically laugh at I mean, someone I think put a tweet sitting in the NHL record by almost having the most embarrassing collapse in NHL history. Yes, whoever tweeted this, that is 1,000% correct.

It wouldn't be nearly as bad as what the Maple Leaf did to the senators early this season when they blew a four goal lead, I think, in the third period, and then lost in overtime. But Penguins on the right side of history in both stats. So you absolutely love to see that. Like I said, the Penguins will be back in action on Thursday night, 7 p.m. Eastern Stark. And then on Saturday, I think that's the NHL Network Showcase. I think I believe that's a 1230 game. Let me just double check that here on the NHL app just to be sure.

Yes, that is the 1230 game on Saturday, NHL Network Showcase. And then it'll be the nationally televised game against Boston on Sunday, which will just be a monstrous game for the Penguins, especially with how the standings look and all the Bruins of 1-5 in row. As I said, for tonight, no one really plays tonight in the East Division, Nashville, Chicago, Minnesota, Arizona, San Jose, Vegas, Montreal, Edmonton. It is pretty crazy that we are now, what, basically two and a half weeks away from the regular season ending for all of the U.S.-based divisions.

I know the Canucks are going to be playing well into May when I think a lot of the U.S.-based divisions are doing the Stanley Cup playoffs. But we're basically done when it comes to playoff races. I mean, I think in the East Division, the Penguins are now nine points up on the Rangers. Both teams have 10 games to go. The Bruins are also six points up with how the Bruins are playing right now. I really don't see how the Rangers are going to take out one of these four teams to make the playoffs. that basically is all set in stone. We just have to see how the seeding sorts out,

excuse me, because that's definitely going to be changing a lot over these next couple weeks. In the North Division, Toronto, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Montreal, I think is basically locked in. I know the Canucks have won a couple games, but I still don't see them getting in. The Central though is a bit interesting. Carolina, Florida, Tampa are all getting in,

but the battle for that last seed, that's actually one of the two playoff races in the league this year. Nashville with Dallas. I'm probably going to go Dallas with that, just because they still have two games in hand, and they're playing some really good hockey right now. The fact that they are 19 and 26 and are one point out of the playoff spot

is just absolutely hilarious to me. You know, they have 12 loser points, everyone. If you have not checked the standings, yes. They are being benefited because they have 12 loser points, and that still equates them to a 19 and 26 record as opposed to National, who are 25 and 22. So the fact that Dallas may get in over that is just hilarious to me.

Then the West Division, Vegas, Colorado, Minnesota are all getting in. And then the battle is between Arizona, San Jose, well, Arizona and St. Louis, mainly. I think the Blues will probably get in. I don't think San Jose or L.A. are going to get in there. As regards to the Penguins, I don't really have much else. Like I said, it was nice to see Kasperi Captain back at practice today. Tomorrow will mark 10 days since Ron Hextall said that basically, I think he said the timetable would be 10 to 14 days. since last Monday will be when Captain returned.

So he could return as early as tomorrow. I don't think that's going to happen. It's only been one full contact practice. He didn't do a full participant in line rushes and stuff. He did do some power play work, though. I assume Captain will probably be back Saturday or Sunday, and then we'll have to wait and see when I'm getting Malkin comes back. They did say they have a soft target return date in mind for him.

I think I read it from Rod Rossi about a week and a half ago that they're thinking he may want to come back against the Buffalo Sabres in the final couple of games. of the regular season, but you know, maybe he comes back against Washington or Philadelphia before then. So help is on the way. Just brush this third period off. This is probably never going to happen again for the rest of the season. This is still a damn good team.

And we'll have to see how they play Thursday night against the Devils. Thank you all so much for listening to this episode. I'll have another one probably after the game tomorrow, after I do the locker room. So look for that then and then Friday all of another episode previewing not only the Saturday game against the Devils, but mainly previewing the Sunday game against Boston. And is that, like I said, that is one of their biggest games left of the regular season. So hope you all had fun listening to this one, and I will talk to you all tomorrow night.