The Athletic Hockey Show - Cam Neely on his Boston Bruins, Wayne Gretzky joins TNT Sports, Connor McDavid's time will come and Florida's goalie controversy.

Episode Date: May 26, 2021

Scott and Pierre discuss TNT's official announcement on the hiring of the great one, Wayne Gretzky as their lead studio analyst for their NHL coverage. The guys take a look at the disappointing Montreal/Toronto series, the exciting Nashville/Carolina matchup and the goalie controversy in Florida with the affordable phenom Spencer Knight and the very expensive Sergei Bobrovsky.Cam Neely, the president of the Boston Bruins talks about his journey from player to the leader of the Bruins front office. Cam discusses his teams leadership group, keeping the Bruins competitive and how the Boston sports market pushes the Bruins to be better.Lebrun and Burnside wrap up the podcast with another edition of Ask the Dorks, taking your questions on the rebuild in Arizona, what to do next with the Capitals and Blues and officiating in the playoffs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hey, everybody Scott Burnside back for another edition of Two Man Advantage, the athletic hockey show. There's a lot, there are a lot of athletic hockey shows now, Pierre. Do you feel a little bit cramped? Like, do you feel the squeeze from the other athletic hockey shows, or you feel okay, feel we got enough space for Two Man Advantage? I'm Zen. I just put my head down and do my thing, brother. Hey, well, you've got that playoff mode going. And, I'm, you know, I'm. I got to tell you, and I'll ask it as a question, but I just think there's been so much compelling first-round action, that ton of overtime. And we'll talk Nashville, Carolina.

But we, so much emotion. Let's talk Nashville, Carolina, because I'm still pissed off that I drafted Peter Marazek in my media fantasy pool and he hasn't played a fucking game yet. Do you continue to send text on a daily basis to do? Don Waddell trying to fix that. No, I don't mix fantasy with work. And that would very much annoy Don Waddell. Although, of course, I mentioned it to him on our podcast last week. And the only reason now that it annoys me is that I actually, I'm in contention in our pool.

I've got a bunch of hurricanes, Jordan Stahl, with the overtime winner last night. And I also late in our draft picked up Blake Wheeler, Carolog Chubua, and Paul Stashney. Because, of course, apparently no one in the media world thought the Jets would be. be emminton. So I'm pretty happy about that tournament. That's fantasy wise. Fantasy wise. We're going to touch on Edmonton, Winnipeg as well. But I want to finish my initial question. I know. See, my problem was I meander too long and you jumped in and diverted the whole thing. And so I'm going to reset. A, we're going to talk to Kand Neely, Boston Bruins president, later in this. We're going to have asked the Dork's questions. But my question to you is,

as we get towards the end of the first round, do you think the emotion, stems from the divisional only play. Do you think that there has been a legitimate carryover from the kind of schedule that we saw with the 56 game pandemic schedule that has allowed the emotion to ramp right up in these playoffs? Or do you think I'm off base? I think we see this every year. And I think part of the hard thing about, you know, we have to try to remember every year

is we always think every year the playoffs are more physical, more emotional. if you wind back the tape and look at the opening round every year, it's like this every year. So I don't think it's any different. In fact, I would suggest the one series now that's starting to disappoint is Toronto, Montreal, from an emotion point of view. And I don't know if it's because there are no fans in the building. But I thought game four last night. It's not the least fault.

The Leafs are playing a very smart series and doing what they have to do here to probably win this series. But you wait 42 years for this, and it's not really lived up to. I guess what we at all imagine, if you know what I mean. And a lot of it, I think, is that there's no fans. Yeah. I mean, these two buildings would have been rocking for this series. And really, if you look at all the opening round series, I think both Canadian series have been hurt that way when you compare the ambiance

and environment that you're getting in the U.S. rinks with some fans allowed. Yeah, no, there's no question. And I think it's fair to say, of all the emotion, the Central Division series, both of them. So Tampa, Florida, and as you and I are chatting right now, Florida, getting up off the mat behind rookie Spencer night to force a game six in that series. And that, I don't think it's overseeing. That Carolina Nashville series has epic elements to it. Three straight overtime games now. Of course, the Preds winning two at home in double overtime. I happened to be in Nashville, so that was kind of cool. Yeah, right on, brother. But the fan, I just think the fans, to your point, it's just been so electric, even watching it on television, you know, you watch the Kaniaks fans last night. And really, I thought, you know, that's a critical win for them.

They were down late, tied in the third year. Oh, do you think? Geez, Louise. I'm watching that third period. And it's two when Nashville and the Predators are performing a 95 New Jersey doubles. on the Carolina Hurricanes by slowing down the game and seemingly having the hurricanes skate through mud to get to where they need.

The hurricanes were completely off their game for a big chunk of that game and then bang that beautiful goal. By Martin DTHA's changed everything, the wrap round. Man, that guy's been amazing. Last couple of years for those who don't watch a lot of hurricanes and they're just cluing it now. Who's this big dude?

Well, he's been doing it for a bit, but unless you're watching Carolina, you probably haven't noticed. What a wonderful young player. Yeah. What did you? And I couldn't agree more. And then, you know,

the Preds have an early power play. In overtime, you're thinking, oh my gosh, they are going to run their over T streak in this series to three, but it gets evened up and almost, you know,

shortly right after it went to four on four, Jordan Stahl. What a great, just such an inspirational guy. He's been amazing. What a great series. And been through so much, you know, on a personal level. And just he really has risen.

You know what? You know, not to draw it to him. By the way, I got him in the pool. We get an extra point for the overtime goal. I didn't even know that. I didn't read the rules when we got into this thing. Yeah. You know, and one thing I think that the hurricanes have found themselves in a series that maybe

a lot of people thought was not going to be this close is this is really the first time Carolina has entered these playoffs with expectations or at least outside expectations. They probably had internal expectations. But, you know, I picked them to go to the final. I picked Colorado to win the cup. But I picked Carolina to be there in the final with them. A lot of people are high on Carolina. I think you picked them to win the cup, right?

Correct. And there's a difference there. Psychologically, when you're a team that people are looking at saying, oh, yeah, you should breeze through this first round. Well, that's not the NHL, first of all. I mean, every round is hard. And when you have expectations, then you see teams having to deal with that over the course of time, you know,

ooh, suddenly you're expected to win. I think Carolina much, you know, they enjoyed beating Washington a couple of years ago when they were the underdog, right? Everything's gravy in those type of situations. But now you're supposed to win. So I think we're seeing a bit of that as well as Nashville pushback in this series. Yeah. Well, and to me, that's why this team is built.

I think they're built to have a long run because they have that tremendous mix of, you know, youth and speed and size and skill, all those things, and whether it's Nietzscheschach and Andres Svetchnikov and Slavin and Pesci on the back end. But Jordan Stahl, I don't know, when I watch him in this series, I think Rod Brindamore, right? I just think, you know, does it on both sides of the puck. But he is, he's really evolved into. Yeah, he was one of the five names. One of the five names I put on my Salky ballot when I sent in my ballot last week. I'm not going to say in which order because HWA's assets not to reveal our ballots.

Agreed. He was one of the five. Yeah. Okay, quickly on the central division, I'd love that there's been so much going on in that Florida, Tampa series. you know, Keith Yandel out of the lineup, Joe Quimville using 122 different goalies. You know, but I, like to me, I could not stop watching Spencer Knight

in his first ever NHL playoff game. You know what was every time they went to a break or whatever it was? Kid gives up a goal in the first minute on the first shot he faces in the playoffs and is perfect after that. And every time they went to break, the biggest smile on the world. I was like, isn't that what this is about?

Like, who doesn't get behind that? And at some point, there's going to be some reckoning in Florida about you got $50 million worth of Sergei Bobroski left, I believe, five years at $10 million. And that's a problem for another day, I think, or do you disagree? Because right now this is Spencer's night, Spencer Knight's coming out party. And this is why the Panthers drafted him where they did.

And he's early on, very early, obviously. He's rewarding them for their faith in him. Yeah, fascinating stuff. You know, so there's a lot to chew on here, coaltending wise. The Panthers, of course, establishing the goaltending excellence department, which I think is a great idea. Yes. Roberto Luongo heading it.

But I remember when I wrote about it early in the year, it was much less about Wabroski, but more about what's coming behind him in terms of shared philosophy and development and everything else. But what do you do now? I mean, you know, you should not be paying a goalie this much money. And we've got two guys in the playoffs right now making this kind of money. Carrie Price and Sergey Braborski.

Here's the difference. One of them is living up to it. Right. You know, this is like, well, it's not sugarcoat it. It's embarrassing that Sergey Bobowski's not in that. And, you know, he has five more years left on his deal at a $10 million Aavie. in a flat cap world. Also for a team that doesn't necessarily want to be at the cap every year, I'm not sure.

So, and I can tell you this. In fact, for the next two years after this year, it's actually $12 million a year in total compensation. And then it goes down to 10 and then $6,5 and 6. So full no move clause, full no move clause. You know, and he can't block Spencer Knight. Now, here's the other alternative. There may be a world in which, you know, we've seen what's happening with Carter Hart. I'm not blaming the flyers, but, you know, young goalies you've got to be careful with.

Exactly. So there may be a world in which you try to rehabilitate Sergey Vibrovsky because you need him to be there for Spencer Knight where you need two guys and pushing each other. So that might be okay. Don't know that it's okay financially, but just on the hockey part of it, there's maybe a world where it still works for, you know, a couple years. Yeah. It's not great, though.

But anyway, I'm fascinated to see how that, you know, how it plays out. And that there has been a ton of nastiness in that series. I see Ryan McDonough is just fined. And that's, that has, that series for me has lived up to the emotion. And I agree with you on Toronto, Montreal. I think you're right. A lot of it has to do with the lack of fans. And, but boy, that Battle of Florida, however it turns out, that's good for the game, I think.

that those two teams play each other and there's such a high level of emotion in both those marketplaces. And who knows, maybe we get to see some more of that down the road. What else? What else? I want to ask you about Wayne Gretzky and his new gig with Turner Sports. Yes, made official today. Yeah.

But do you have a playoff? And we're going to, when we do ask the dorks, just so I'll let you know, we're going to talk a little Washington and St. Louis. later after we talked to Cam Neely, but anything else, you know, I don't know, Vegas Mini, anything else, you know, sort of percolating for you before, and I want to ask you about your piece on Connor McDavid. That's the other thing that we'll get to before we talk about Wayne Gratzky. Anything else before we leave the U.S. divisions? Anything else sort of? Well, the one thing I was going to bring up is that I think there was a lot of consternation

about the U.S. division and the North Division not being aligned to start the playoffs and the havoc that might cause on the schedule. And ironically, if the Leafs, if the Leafs can wrap things up at home Thursday night, the Jets have already swept them and everything's going to be back on schedule, which is the league

has to navigate a lot this year and that's a break that it could use, actually. But on the other hand, I'm sure that SportsNet would love Havs Leaf to go 7, let's be honest. Yes. Well, and you and I talked about it last week, you know, a sort of

selfishly and to our point about, you know, the, the, what's missing in those two North Division series. If there is a game, if there is a game six, there will be some fans at the Bell Center. Right. And that for itself, I mean, I think by now, we all agree the least you're going to win this series, but that would be nice to have one more half win just to see what it'd be like. Now, it's only 2,500 fans, right? Yeah, but still, it's a step. Yeah. Oh, I'm with you on that. I really enjoyed your piece on Connor McDavid and I stayed up.

I watched every second of every game 2 a.m. plus eastern time when the Jets completed the most. It's got to be one of the most unlikely improbable sweeps that I can ever remember in the playoffs. I mean, I just could not imagine in any scenario. that this would be the outcome. So I will say this. And listen, you got to be happy for the Jets. I mean, people piled on them in their final month of the season was a disaster,

but they hung in there. And, you know, when that happens to a team, there are only two results. Either that kind of adversity, you become undone and go off the rails and your season crashes. Right. But the other side of it,

and I, you know, talk to someone, you know, about this with the Jets, the other part of it is you use that adversity and realize this is how we need to play to get out of this. And that's what they've done. They were so good defensively. And listen, yes. That's why I think it's crazy. Connor McDavid didn't draw a call in that series.

Of course. But I also, you and I have been around the game for so long, I can't believe that people are still waking up to that. Like, I'm not saying I like it. I'm just saying that there comes a time after 26 years of covering the NHL where it's like, I'm going to stop fighting this. because I know that's what it is, you know? Yeah. And so let's not go down that path.

But, you know, I think the Jets are now using what they went through in April to come out on the other side of better team. And so it's a marvelous story. And now, I will say not all sweeps are created equal. If you look at the underlying numbers and everything else, those were four really close games. Like, it could easily be 2-2 and we're talking about a game 5 now, to be honest. But that's not how it is sometimes, right? Yeah. So, yeah, it's a, you know, I'm not shocked that the Jets beat the Oilers,

no, even though almost no one picked them. But four straight, I would never have that on my big one card, never. Yeah. I got to tell you, and to go back to your piece, which was finally crafted, and I thought really important context, when you look back some of the, you know, the game's greatest players and what happened to them before they had the ultimate success. And in history, sometimes, you know, you don't think of Steve Eisenman, you know, an automatic Hall of Famer when he retired,

multiple cup champion. Oh, all that's right. But people forget. Ten greatest players ever in my books. Yeah, sure. But people forget that it was a struggle, that he played for a long time in Detroit.

And even when the wings got good, you know, I remember them getting swept by the devils in the final in 95. They were pounded. Offset by the Leafs in 93. Right. Losing the conference final, 96.

Losing the San Jose, losing the San Jose, right. Is my memory right on that one? Yes, they did in Game 7, I believe. Yeah. No, you're banging on. That's why I had that reference in there because, you know, we're playing, we're talking about a player of Connor McDavid's Hill called Steve Eisenman was, was, I mean,

there was one year where a lot of people were starting to have the Eisenman versus Mario conversation. He was so good. But there were people ready to trade Steve Isman in Detroit, right? And the fan base after some of these playoff, the askos, The fact, you remember the offseason of the really heavy Ottawa trade rumors. Yes, I was going to say it wasn't, it wasn't just fans, right? Like, I think the wings, the wings, if you, you know, I think he's talked about it,

but I think Jimmy Devalano has talked about, you know, I mean, they had to, they had to explore because they had to ask themselves, could we, you know, can we win? Can we continue to go down this path? And the other person, just before you get, I want to hear your take on the whole Connor McDavid thing, but, you know, Mary Lemieux, what, five years? before they made the playoffs in Pittsburgh. And so it doesn't happen overnight, but maybe it's just the way social media, but everything needs to be immediate.

It's like, okay, so. Right. And I thought Connor McDavid was for the most part exceptional in that series, right? There were some lapses, you know, he was part of the play that led to the triple overtime game winner for the Jets. You know, but I thought he was really good. and he still has so little to show for his time in the NHL in terms of team success. But maybe that's just, that is how it happens sometimes.

At least that's part of what I took from your piece. Yeah. And, you know, going back to Steve Eisenman, just to wrap that up and it ties to McDavid, Steve Eisenman dug in. And it's what made Steve Eisenman, this unbelievable player, is that through all that, through all the angst, and is this guy going to get us over the hump? That's exactly what he did. After disappointment,

a disappointment and disappointment, he ends up lifting that franchise to one of the great modern-day sports franchises that we've had in pro sports by his sheer will and determination. And that's what the greats do. And we saw what Mario ends up doing with the penguins. Joe Sackick didn't make the playoffs

until his fifth year with the Quebec Nordic. Paul Korea missed the playoffs six of his first eight years. Hall of Famer. By the way, this whole point was raised by Ray Sher. on my piece who studied it and brought it up with a lot of young players over years as a GM in this league. Because the point is, Sidney Crosby is the exception to the rule. Right. You know, everyone wants to come in and be Cid.

And of course, the Crosby-McBadie comparisons in particular. But the reality is not everyone gets to be Tays and Cain and Crosby and Melvin. Most superstars, because when they're drafted first or second overall, go to bad teams. there's a long journey and this is the journey Connor McDavid is on and as Ray Sherro pointed out to me hey at least McDavid's

had a taste of the three out of six years they've been in the tournament three out of six years now you can asterix the play in the loss of Chicago in the plan but they were in the bubble a lot of these guys we just talked about weren't even getting a taste in their first three four years

right I mean Nathan McKinnon only one playoff appearance in his first four years Stamcoast and Tavaris only one and five. So if you can give that the context that you need here, now you understand that McDavid's not an outlier. Right. Yeah. That's the point. Yeah. Now, I will say this. And I think it's going to be fascinating, you know, what happens with GM Kenny Holland. I'm, you know, I know, Dave Tippett's, uh, if I understand the sort of the exit process that he's not worried. He has one more year left. He's not worried about an extension. Listen, Dave Tippett can do

whatever he wants. So I have, that's not a story as far as I'm concerned. If Dave Tippett wants to keep coaching there, I'm sure he can at some point if they want to make a change, then I'm sure Dave Tippett's going to be okay with that too. But this is at the heart of this though, and what is I think must be concerning for fans is that two years in a row, there were, you know, that Chicago playing series, man, team would, didn't look good and not ready to play. And this, in this series, it was different. because the games, as you point out, were very close, but they could not find a way. And honestly, when it wasn't being done for the most part by Connor McDavid and Leon Dreys Idol,

it didn't get done. And so there's a challenge because it's not like these teams are being beaten by Stanley Cup, with all due respect to Winnipeg, maybe Winnipeg wins a cup. But they're not being beaten by better teams, I guess, at least on paper. Agree or disagree. I mean, certainly, in the case with Chicago last year, for sure, I think you've got to be careful with Winnipeg because before they crashed and burned,

people were winding up there with the best team in Canada. So I think Winnipeg, Eminton was actually, we're going to look back and say that was a toss-up. Okay. So now, I don't think Edmonton or Winnipeg we're going to win the Cup this year, though. You know, I think the only Canadian team that has a legit chance is Toronto if they get over their demons and so far so good.

But so, but I guess what I would say is I don't feel like Edmonton, I don't believe in the upset angle here, really, other than the Orler has had a much more consistent regular season, right? Yeah. But that's just me. You obviously disagree. I want to put a wrap on your Dave Tippett point, which was excellent, Scotty. I think people may make the mistake of reading into the fact that Dave Tippett doesn't get extended this summer going into the final year of his deal as a red flag.

It's quite the opposite. Agreed. This is about what Dave Tippett wants, not what Ken Allen wants in my mind. Yeah. And I think, you know, I think people forget, Dave Tippett went to Seattle and worked the management for a while to help the expansion team get off the ground. And I think really enjoyed that experience. And quite frankly, I think for a while we wondered if Dave Tipett would coach again. And then the opportunity was too good to pass up, comes back to Eminton.

But Dave Tippett, a really smart business guy, has had some good investments over the years. He does not need the grind out for the rest of his life, the eye on a bench. No, he does not. So I think he told the media yesterday, we'll take this year to year. I think that's exactly what he's going to do. I think he's going to see where they are at the end of next year. And maybe it's like, ooh, we're one step closer. Maybe he comes back for another year.

But this is not a guy that needs a three-year extension. No, agreed. Yeah, no, that's, it's absolutely true. Anyway, I'm fascinated to see what happens in the off season because I think they're, you know, I mean, this. And I don't want to lead the oiler thing with this. And it just, I was reading about this morning, God, it just, I was so. I'm just so angry and disappointed and, you know, reports that people were making racial comments and threatening Ethan Bear after, you know, it was a difficult series for him.

He was on the, he was part of that, the series deciding goal. And honestly, you know, when I hear that, Pierre, I just, it makes me furious. Oh, it's just, you know what, like whoever said that, you know what, stay the fuck away from the game. Don't come. Yeah. Don't watch. Stay away. And that just, I just feel so, that kid is heart and soul wants to get better.

Listen, you know, the mistakes, I get the passion of it. But God, you know what? It's so wrong. It's so wrong. And, you know, I don't want to say something I'm going to regret. So, uh, all lift up Ethan Bair together if we can. Yeah. No, I'm, he did, yes, no one deserves that.

No one. And, uh, those people aren't fans and they don't know anything about the game. So. Piss off. All right. Well put. All right. I want to, I was so, uh, we've dropped two, we dropped two F bombs in this podcast so far. Our producer, our producer Jeff is just having that.

What is going on? He's like, he's like, he's like keeling over right now. What am I going to do with this? He's got, you know what? I feel it might be a little pandemic anger seeping into me. I got, I got a little juice in me. I hope Kim, I hope Cam Neely's ready. You know, I might, I might call him out.

I don't know. So. No, you're not. I'm not going to do that. Then he's just, then he's just, then he's going to put. the hockey jersey over your head. That's right.

Ragged all me. Speaking of Hall of Famers, and earlier, we talked to some of the greats of all time, but the greatest, Wayne Gretzky coming to television screens, at least in my country, pal, in not too distant future, formally announced a little while before you and I taped this, and of course you knew beforehand that Wayne Gretzky is joining Turner Sports and their new NHL broadcasts and Richard Dites and I are fine media columnist, chatted about this on a podcast last night, a breaking news podcast. But I'm curious about, you know, how you think Wayne fits and why you talk about people who don't need to do things they don't want to do. My sense is this is something

that Wayne will really embrace and that this is going to be really important to him. Yeah, and he would have put a lot of time into this. You know, Wayne has to do things. without really thinking things through. And I think he's excited by this. And, you know, I think he wants to take a chance on this. It's, you know, he's, it's not something that he doesn't do without risk, right? But, but that's him. I mean, he's sat behind an HL bench for a couple of years.

I mean, he's, he has always been willing to try new things. And, you know, I know people are already saying, well, you know, not been the most controversial guy over the years. I understand that, but I will tell you something else because I've had the privilege of having a lot of conversations with the guy on the years. I've never met a bigger hockey nerd. It might be, you know, 1A, 1B, one is Wayne Gretzky, and then it's Cindy Grosby next. It's true. In terms of their love for the game, but also their love for knowing what's going on with other teams and this and that. It's amazing. And so the stories that he can tell and the amount of hockey that he watches, I mean,

I actually think he's got a lot to bring to the table. And I hope people realize that about him. But yeah, we'll see. And, you know, great hires with Eddie O and Kenny Albert also announced. We had heard that, of course, but Turner making it all official on this day. Pretty good start for Turner, I'd say. It means you're going to have to come to Atlanta. Eddie O and I've already, you know, I think my sense is they're going to do the, you know, the big shows here.

Right. That's where Turner Sports. Like in your closet or? Well, yeah. No, that's just the podcast. That's just a podcast. I can move some stuff around if Eddie O's coming over to come into the closet. But I actually did more mention just having a glass of wine on the porch, which he seemed more enthusiastic about it than sitting in the closet.

But anyway, I'm not saying this in a bad way because, you know, I love you like a brother. But you better upgrade your wine purchasing if you're having any over for some wine. You may want to call me before that happens. I might have to take my camera to my local Kroger and get some advice. But I'm with you on Wayne. And here's the, and I hope this is, this is going to be fascinating for me on how Turner Sports approaches this because you have this. It's like building a team, right? You've got this incredible asset.

All right. Make sure you use it. Right. Because you're right. Like Wayne's not coming out. He's not going to call for George Peros to be fired probably. He's not going to be calling for heads to roll or he's not going to be like Charles Barkley, who will be, you know, if I recall correctly. on the NBA broadcast, talked about how much better the NHL playoffs were.

Wayne's not doing that. But I'm with you, Pierre. And I really hope that this is what happens, is that his institutional knowledge, his knowledge as the greatest player of all time, and how it relates to whether it's Alex Olvechkin or Sidney Crosby or Connor McDavid or, you know, Jack Hughes, whoever it is, he's going to be able to share an incredible amount of knowledge, tell great stories. and educate people about how the game is played and what they should be watching for. I just, I think the sky's the limit.

So, but, but it has to be done the right way or else you're right. I mean, you know, if you're expecting him to be the round peg in the square hole, well, then it probably isn't going to work out. And, and listen, I, obviously I do television for living as well on TSN, so I understand it, you know, there are time constraints and there's a style of telling stories and TV's different than being on a podcast. But we've had Wayne on our podcast a couple of times. And just the stories he was telling us a year ago about the 87 Canada Cup, for example.

Yes. I mean, he's got a million of those. And I think there will be a time for that. And yeah, I'm really looking forward to it. Yeah. Okay. Before we bring in Cam Neely, I mean, you make a good point. I sometimes forget that you're on TV all the time and that that was really, you know, like, no, but it became your second career.

And you, you know, you have to learn a, you know, there's a skill. And there will be a skill set for Wayne Graskey who's never done this kind of work before. And, you know, it's great. You know, we've had Ed at Wolleck on this podcast and Keith Jones and people who have so successfully made that transition. Do you ever think back to when you first started in TV and you were like, okay, well, what the lessons that you learned? Yeah, I remember how terrible I was. I started at the score. And with a, it's funny.

There's so many of us who, who did. the score in Toronto, which no longer exists on television. They have a nap still, but they, but they were sold. The station itself was sold to SportsNet years ago as part of the, you know, I don't want to get it all mixed up about what I'm saying. But I was at the score, my first, well, early 2000s, boy, who was there? and I was Steve Culeas and I used to do a hit together. Sid and Tim were there. Of course, Elliot Freeman, Sarah Oleski, James Zabalski.

Yes. It was quite the crew in those years. And man, my first couple times, like that red light goes on and you're like, what? But you get the hang of it after all. And the score was a tremendous place to break into TV because you could say outlandish things and be a little out there and we were. you know, it was a lot of fun.

So yeah, and then obviously that translated into Ghana can't affirm you for me for six years and then TSN. But it is. It's obviously it's not as easy just going on and talking hockey. It's something you got to get used to. And still to this day, I have producers who are no doubt listening to this podcast, producers of TSN who wish I would go shorter in certain segments because I tend to go on. The editors of the athletic field, that every time I file a story, my friend. So just before we talk to Cam Neely, I will, you know, I did a fair amount of television

early on when Leif's TV first broke on to the airwaves. And John Shannon was running that show in downtown Toronto. And you talk about knowing nothing. And every once in a while, in fact, I just did a podcast with one of the producers, There's Chris Clark who was there when I was at the very beginning. And he called me up out of the blue. And he still remembers I was, and I did everything. I panel stuff.

I did stuff down at least skates and post game. And I, uh, I remember being at the Air Canada Center at a morning skate. And Chris came in my earpiece and he said, okay, we're going to need you to go for about three more minutes and then we'll go to break. And I was like, okay. And then he's like, uh, you don't have to answer me because you're on TV. And I'm like, okay. And somewhere I'm sure there is a tape of me just.

Apropos of nothing. Okay. Okay. Anyway, that was my... There you go. Don't talk back to the guy in your I-FB, buddy. Don't do that. Yeah, I learned that. All right, my friend. Okay, don't go away. Hold on. Let me tell you one more story. We got time. It's a podcast. Yeah. So Eric DeHocchek, so when I was on the hot stove, Hognite Canada, Eric DeHawcich and I were on for a couple of the same years on the hot stove. Right.

And it must have been my first year, I think. So still very green. And back in those days, hot stove was stopped for commercial break. And Eric and I had talked before the show. It was award season and it was post-trade headlines. So you're finding different things to talk about in hot stove. And I remember telling him that I was going to vote for Joe Thornton for the heart, which he ended up winning that year.

And he was going to take Jagger. And just before we go to break, Eric, without. but alerting me decides to jump on Joe Thornton as this pick has a change of heart before I get to door Thornt. And so, so, so, Eric, and so then I thought we were going to break. And, you know, we weren't. We were, in fact, what was happening is I think we were welcoming another market into, this is how it was back then, another market into hot stove. I thought you're a break. And I start berating Eric thinking we were off air. Now, luckily, I didn't use any foul language. But I was like, I cannot believe that you pick Jumbo.

And then next thing you know, I was like, someone in my ears like, we're still alive. Yeah. That's glorious. Now, if you were on a podcast, you could have sworn it, Eric, and he would have been okay. But, all right. Oh, that's glorious. I love to hear that. I can't wait to ask Eric about it.

All right, everybody. As promised, Pierre and I've got our swearing out of our system from the first segment just in time for Boston Bruins, President and Hall of Famer, Cam Neely, to join us. I just want you to know neither Pierre nor I will be swearing at you or around you during this segment. So I know, I just want you to put you at ease as you join us. That's good because I hate foul language. Well, you would never have heard any and you probably never used any during your career.

And as president, you probably never used any while watching the Bruins. You know, so that's good. Anyway, but so I want to start in. I'm just curious what these days. are like, you know, Boston waiting to see who their East Division opponent will be in the second round after beating Washington in five games. Look, are you taking notes? Will you be watching Pittsburgh Islanders tonight, game six?

Will you take notes? Do you watch it that way? And then do you got, you know, do you have a discussion with the rest of the management team with the coaching staff? Or what's it like for you in between series? Well, I certainly will be watching, you know, like I do with every game, you know, I, you know, I noticed little things that happen throughout the course of a game or a series, for that matter. But I've got to tell you, the coaching staff did an amazing job preparing the players for the Washington series.

So I anticipate the same type of preparation that they're going to have for the players for the next series regardless of we face. Yeah, I was going to get the Bruce Cassidy, Cam. And I think the appreciation continues to grow around the league for what he's done since you guys put him in that position. and again, out a great first-round series, if you were to describe what you see day in and day out from Bruce, I mean, I mean,

what would you say about your coach? Well, very well prepared. And, you know, with Bruce, he has a certain style. He wants us to play.

It's very up-tempo, and that was noticeable from practice one when he took over, was the pace of our practice went up considerably. And, you know, that's how we play the game. He likes to play with pace. You know, with him, too, he's, he's, uh, I don't think there's really any gray area.

So the players know what the expectations are from, from him. Um, I believe he's a, a fairly good communicator. Um, and, you know, and rightfully so, I think he relies on our leadership group. And these guys have been around for a while, had success, not only in the regular season, but also playoff. So, um, you know, I think Bruce has learned a great deal since he, you know, coached in Washington and he had some success in Providence with us. So he's put his time in and he's paid his dues and it's showing right now. Cam, we were talking just before he hit the record button about having fans come into the building.

Can you update Pierre and I on what's going on in Boston in terms of the number of fans and how important it is? I mean, you played for a long time. You understand the emotion that comes with having people in the building. and players playing in front of them. Where are you at? And how important is it as we move forward that this is hopefully the trend moving forward? Yeah, fortunately, the state and the city have allowed us to get to, you know, as close to capacity as possible, depending on, you know, obviously the protocols that the league

has set forth. You know, so we've gone from 2,200 fans, which was amazing. even that little of a number made a big impact of how the atmosphere was in the building. And then our last few games have been close to 45 or 4,600. So now it looks like we're going to get close to 17,000 plus, which is massive, especially for playoff hockey. It's going to be very, very exciting in the building. I can't imagine the pent-up energy that our fan base has to watch some live hockey.

So we're really excited about it. I know the state and the city has done a really good job here in Massachusetts and Boston. And our building has done a great job of making sure that we're doing everything possible to protect the fans when they do come in the building. Wow, that is unreal, 17,000. I tell you what, Cam, we've come along away since wondering if there might be some outdoor games at Fenway about six months ago. Absolutely. I mean, you know, we, you know, like everybody, it's been, it's been a challenge in 15 months for everybody, not just in sport, but, you know, thankfully patience has paid off and, you know, things are looking like they're going to change and get somewhat normal again. Can I ask you to the wrap up the Washington series? I thought the handshake line, which is always special in our sport. I mean, I think we have that all rea. every other sport and just seeing your captain Patrick Spurs run and, you know,

Chero's in the other line. And I just think that's what sets hockey apart. What were you thinking at that moment watching the handshake line and, you know, the moments that you've had with Big Z over the years? Well, it just shows a type of respect that he's earned. You know, and, you know, you look at Patrice, Brad, Tuka, David Kretchi, you know, those guys in particular played a lot of years with Zadano and went through a lot of battles together, a lot of ups and downs together. You know, it was weird seeing Zadano in a different uniform when we started playing Washington.

And, you know, he kind of felt like whoever won that series, you know, was going to be bittersweet for someone. Fortunately, our guys were very well prepared and got through that series where we can get a few extra days of rest, which is important at this time of year, especially with the compressed schedule that we've had this year. I'm curious. I'm with Pierre. I always watch the handshake line covering a game. I never like to leave until the end of it. As a player, was there ever a moment in a handshake line that you sort of remember or do the players hate it? I wonder if it's as important or meaningful for the players as it is, you know, for the fans or the media who are watching to see how it unfolds. I think it is. I think it, you know, it just shows some level of respect that, okay, we went, you know, we went to battle against each other and, you know, one team comes out on top. I think the toughest part is, you know, the losing team in the finals is probably more difficult than any other series.

Right. And then, you know, obviously, you know, when you play, you know, seven-game series against a team that you may have some battles with one or two players that you don't particularly like. And that's a little awkward at times in the handshake line. I was going to say, I was going to say, I'm not bringing up Milan Luchich and a certain handshake line with the haps years ago because I think we've spent enough time on that story over the years.

But I do want to ask you about Tugarask, who I thought was sensational in that series. And he's been an intriguing sort of player in Boston all these years, Cam. You know, I think, I don't know, you correct me, almost polarizing at times where I think people appreciate what he's brought. And then sometimes people quick to criticize him in your market. But I thought he was amazing. Obviously, he's a free agent at the end of the year. But what's your viewpoint of what Tuka has done? Well, he's an elite goaltender.

You know, now he's not only the most. wins in regular season for the franchise, but also now playoff. So it says something about his ability to perform and how long he's been here. One of the things about Tuka that he's probably a little misunderstood is, you know, I think he's really learned how to control his emotions. I don't know if anybody remembers when he was playing in Providence and he lost his marbles. So I think he's really learned how to control his emotions. and maybe he, you know, some of his quotes come across as, as he doesn't really care as much, but this man cares. He wants to win. He's got a huge desire to win. But I think from a goalie's

perspective, I think, you know, being, you know, try to stay as calm and neutral as possible, I think has really helped him become a better goalie. Yeah, no doubt. Pierre mentioned Dukarask, of course, potential UFA. But there's some other, And you mentioned some of the core pieces of this Bruins team that have, you know, have been such an important part of, you know, a couple win and being a contender. Whether it's David Kretchi, Yaroslav Halak, who's been probably, you know, people don't get how important he's been to the Bruins in terms of that one-two punch and goal. And then he's a new Bruin, but he's been an impactful one. And Taylor Hall also potential UFA. I always think the Bruins have done a nice job, Cam, of, you know, straddling that line between.

having to take a step back from being a contender and, you know, really rebuilding or retooling. And but also evolving and changing. And I wonder, you know, what that's been like with, you know, for you and Don Sweeney to walk that path. And, you know, whether you, what that's been like because not every team can do it. No, it's challenging at a time, especially now that, you know, the cap is flat and it's going to remain flat. You know, you go into years where you, you know, you plan for future years. And, you know, this year we plan for, let's just see how the season plays out. It was going to be an unusual year.

We knew that. We're going to have a compressed schedule. We knew that. So we just talked about, okay, let's see how the season plays out and how the performance is. and we can address those UFAs at the end of the year. Well, all the players that you mentioned, you know, certainly knew that, you know, let's just table everything until the season is over.

You know, Tuka's always talked about he wants to remain a Bruin. He wants to retire of Bruin. You know, David Kretche's is this is the only franchise as well. So we'll see where that goes in the offseason, see how the rest of the season goes. and Taylor, we just acquired him as everybody knows it's deadline, so he seems to fit in really well playing with Cretchi.

He's been a nice addition to our club. It helps balance our scoring. And you're born on Yarrow, I give him a great deal of credit. He has come in here and done everything we've asked with him. He's such a great guy, great teammate. You know, and last year, you know, when Tuka had to go back home, and deal with family while we're in the bubble. He kind of got thrown into the fire without really any preparation.

So, you know, I give him credit for that because, you know, goaltenders are goaltenders. And I think they need a little bit more prep than some players do. But he's been a great teammate and a great Boston Bruin. I know it's a little challenging for him now. He's not a backup, but he's out there every day with the taxi squad working hard. And I think, you know, he's just. he's been a great addition for us. There's no question.

And I think, Cam, coming back to Scott, his question about your organization's philosophy, I think that you, I know it's hard to, I mean, this isn't granular and perhaps it's a little philosophical, but I feel like you guys have been at the forefront of changing the way in a cap environment that, you know, we used to always say, this team's all in now, or this teams rebuilding. And there were two realities. And I feel like you guys have done a really good job saying, you know what? Yes, we want to win every year. We're not going to have Bergeron forever, et cetera. But we also have to have, can't trade away all the draft picks. So I feel like you guys are trying to keep a long-term and short-term view. And I know it sounds

almost too big coming out of my mouth. But there really was a time where everyone was saying, okay, the next three years, all in, all. And I don't know that that can be really as true anymore the way that the cap system keeps evolving. Yeah, it is a challenge, Pierre. There's no question. I mean, you know, you start trading first round picks on a regular basis because you, quote unquote, you're going all in. You know, you're sacrificing your future. And, you know, as much as you want to, you want to, you know, do that for your current roster, you also have to be smart and understand that, you know, we've, we've traded first round picks a number of times, you know, these past 10 years or so. So, you know, it's,

you know, your prospect pool is not going to be as thick as you'd like it. And you just hope that you're making these deals that you're going to get deep runs out of it. But there's no guarantee. I mean, the competitive balance for the teams that you see in the playoffs, you see all these overtime and double overtime games, even a triple overtime game, see how close these teams are. You know, we were fortunate enough to add some really good pieces where We didn't have to give up a first round pick this year.

That was very important for us not to give up a first round pick again this year. Cam, I'm curious. I was looking at it. I'd have to get my notes here to make sure I'm right. But I think you became president in June of 2010. And, of course, won a Stanley Cup a year later. And maybe at that time, you know, not every team had someone like you in that kind of position. But we talk about it a lot, Pierre and I am on this show.

And that it's important to have somebody like you in the fold or a guy like John Davidson or, you know, go down the list. I'm curious what you feel you've learned since being president. And if your role has changed, if you, you know, if you were like, okay, I didn't know, I would, I'm glad I do more of this now than I used to or what that evolution has been like for you. you as a president of the Boston Bruins? Well, first and foremost, you know, the first three years I got with a team, I really, you know, I sat in on every meeting, both on the hockeyoff side and the business side. I really wanted to understand, you know, both sides of our sport and our organization. So I was really kind of trying to be a sponge as much as possible, listening to, you know,

whether it was general managers and Peter Shirelli or on the business. business side, you know, really understanding, sitting down with our CFO and really understanding, you know, the business side of things. And then I, I just looked at the whole organization as a team, not just a team on the ice, not just the team in the locker room. I wanted everybody to feel like they were part of the Boston Bruins. And we are a team. And, you know, one thing that I, I recognized early on is I can't be a micromanager. I have no interest in being a micro manager. You know, there's people in place do their jobs for a reason. And, and, you know, it's not for me to do their jobs. It's for me to tell, you know, to have expectations of their jobs.

But it's up for it's up to them to perform in those jobs. I mean, I will be a support system. I, I have an open door policy. And I love talking hockey with our general manager and Don and our hockey ops group, our scouts. You know, you can always learn. There's, There's no age limit on when you stop learning. So it's interesting for me to hear other people's opinions. I strongly welcome opinions. I don't want everybody to have the same opinion. Then what's the point of having that many people around?

So for me, it's just about listening, learning, given my advice when I can, and letting people do their jobs. And if their jobs aren't as good as I like, then that's a different story. I remember sitting down with you, Cam, early in the 2019 Cup final for a Q&A that we did for the athletic. And one of the things that we talked about, but I want to bring up again here, is your market in terms of sports. It's pretty much unlike any other. But I feel, I mean, is it fair to say it pushes every team in your market, all the winning that's happened the last 30 years in all those sports that I feel like it pushes everyone to try to bring their A game, right? I mean, do you feel like that?

There's no question, Pierre, no question. I mean, you know, the pads kicked it off. You know, they started winning. And Red Sox won a few times. And then, you know, the Celtics, it's like, okay, we've got to get it going here. You know, as you know, we're a small city, comparatively speaking, but a big market. And, you know, there's only so many entertainment dollars, right? So, you know, if you're not performing.

forming. If you're not exciting, you know, a fan base will have other things to do, you know, whether it's going to Pat's game, Celtics game, Red Sox game, there's all kinds of college hockey and college sports in the Boston area. So, you know, it is a market that I think it does push each other and quite frankly the teams support each other, which is great to the teams and the players. Has that changed, Cam, over the years? Like, is your, is the Bruins relationship different or stronger with the paths or the Celtics or the Red Sox than it was? Is that an evolutionary thing or is it always been the case, do you think? You know, it's hard for me to tell on this side of it.

I could speak to it when I was a player in the 80s and 90s. I was friendly with some Red Sox players. You know, Celts, you know, we shared the same building. So, you know, Kevin McHale was a huge hockey fan. Danny Aege to see him around a lot. that's probably not so much back then. But from my perspective now, I mean, I have a lot of conversations with Sam Kennedy, who's the president of the Red Sox and Jonathan Kraft,

because we had that outdoor game at Gillette, so a lot of conversations there. I mean, you know, the support that I think all teams get from each other, whether it's the players or executives. I think it's a good, healthy relationship, even though we all do kind of compete for entertainment dollars. Yeah, there's no question. And the last question for me, Cam, is, you know, we've had a unique year, a divisional only play,

and it's going to be that way until the final four. But in particular, when you talk about original six rivalries, we've not had Bruins' Leaps or Bruins-Habs. You know, and as much as I think, you know, the league has made the best out of what the situation was this year. I'm guessing you're looking forward to going back to some normalcy that way, too, to, you know, to spread the schedule it. I agree. I mean, and you're right. The league, I think, did a really good job under the circumstances.

You know, the fact that the Canadian teams don't have fans or aren't going to, you know, I think Montreal, if I'm not mistaken, and it's going to have some fans their next game. But, you know, going into those buildings with no fans, that rivalry probably isn't quite the same. But we also introduced an original six team, but we don't see all that often in the Rangers. One thing I did like about the schedule, to be honest with you, was, you know, maybe I know, probably can't do it for next year,

but something I think the league should really consider are two game sets. Right. I think it's better for the players, you know, less travel. I think it might be better hockey where you know you're going to face the same team maybe two days or two games in three days or something like that. And I think the players really liked it. I don't know about a three game set, but a two game set I think certainly works. Totally agree with that.

And one more for me, Cam. Pierre and I were talking about the announcement this morning. Wayne Gretzky is going to join the Turner Sports and their new broadcast. adventure with the NHL in the fall. I'm curious, did you do much television or rainy television after you retired and before you took on your current role with the Bruins? Was that something that intrigued you or did you get a taste of it at all? I did get a taste of it at the time. I didn't really like it because I was doing it for Nesson.

So it was more of a in-between period and analyst. And we weren't at games live. I was watching it on TV, so it wasn't the same for me. So I didn't really enjoy it as much as I probably would have if I was watching games live. But early on, I just kind of felt it wasn't really for me. But that was probably 15 years ago or so. So I don't know if I'd feel differently if I got introduced it recently. But back then it didn't really, it didn't really.

appeal to me as much and probably because we weren't watching the game live. I don't know why I don't remember that about your stint at Nesson, but I certainly I certainly do remember you in a couple of movies game. That's for sure. All right. Well, it's great stuff. It's always great to catch up, Cam. And I know I can speak for Pierre. And I hope that at some point we catch up in a real arena in person sooner than later. But thanks for taking the time. And good luck to the Bruins as they prepare for the second round and whatever follows after that. But thanks for you. Yeah, I appreciate it, Scott.

And I know how challenging it's been for reporters last, you know, 15 months or so. Not being able to ask questions live is challenging not only from your guys' perspective, but just on the other end of it, it's not great either. So I know how you guys have had to slog through all that. And, you know, I appreciate the coverage you guys give to our sport. Well, it's great to have. Oh, that's great, Cam. Thanks, man.

Yeah, thanks for dropping by. Okay, my pleasure. You didn't mention dumb and dumber, but you alluded to it. So that was good. C-Bass. No, great to catch up with Cam. And that Bruin team is, listen, I picked the caps. I don't know why.

But that brewing team is going to be a handful, whoever they play. Yeah. I wasn't sure about them going into this year just because in the pandemic here, I was wondering how some of the veteran teams were going to sort of deal with the compressed schedule and the unique set of circumstances. But when in doubt, trust the culture, man. Like that outfit has been so consistent for so long.

And you know what? Hard not to think they won't win the next series regardless of who they're playing at this point. Although the Allender's just fine away, don't they? But it is, boy, 17,000 fans? Man, is that going to be fun again? listening to that playoff crowd in Boston. And by the way, you know, not every team president in the league would have the thought of talking about what he thinks it's like for the media the last 15 months and just shows you, you know, what Cam Neely's about. And, you know, thinking about that, obviously got a lot of media covering his team.

And we all look forward to things getting back to normal. That's for sure. True that. All right, my friend, a couple of questions here before we wrap up this edition of two-man. advantage, the podcast. This one from Matthew Jackson. I knew we were going to deal with this, so I didn't mention it up top. But disappointing end for two recent Cup winners, of course, the Blues winners in 19. Good segue from Cam Neely, whose team lost in Game 7 at home, swept by a powerful Colorado club, Colorado club. And the caps losing to the Bruins in five,

lots of turmoil going on and lots of injuries around. on the caps. But Matthew's question, you know, what happens to those recent Cup winners? Is it time for drastic change to either organization, do you think? I don't know about drastic change for sure. In fact, the timing, unfortunately, I'm literally about to speak with Brian McClellan, the GM of the Capitals for a call I'm going to work on. But, you know, I think both those organizations have a lot of tremendous talent to work with. It's why they were Cup champs in 18 and 19, respectively. But change is needed.

And, of course, they've got UFAs. They've got decisions to make about all that. And you got two GMs who are aggressive. Ryan McCollin, Doug Armstrong, unafraid. So, you know, I don't think drastic, but I would say tangible. Let's put it that way, I think, for both teams in this off season. Yeah. I'm curious to see what Doug Armstrong does, you know,

and I haven't seen anything, whether he's committed to having Craig Burrubi come back or not. But two pretty disappointing playoff losses. in the first round for the blues in successive years just didn't really look in sync. So I'll be curious to see there. But you're right. And, you know, it's hard. It just tells you how hard it is, right?

I think those are two good teams. And they just, it's been a struggle since winning the cup for both of them. Well, at some point, we're going to have to really, I think the problem is for those of us who have been too long. Losing in the first round used to mean that you lost in a 20. 21 team league you were out. And I think the harder part is we, you know, Seattle's making it 32. It's actually going to become we're making the playoffs. You should put a pennant in your rink like other sports.

No, seriously. No, true. So losing the first round means that, you know, you made the playoffs, which is an achievement, but you fell short of the expectation. But I think it's going to, as time goes on here, it's going to have a different connotation. I mean, getting to the final eight in a 32 team league is quite something. as time it was on here. Yeah.

How about this one from Stevie, Mrs. Tower Records? How will the signing of Jess Solomon by the Anaheim Ducks impact both the Ducks and Jeff Solomon's former employers, the L.A. Kings, you would know, because you spent so much time around the Kings, Jeff Solomon was a big part of that front office as the Kings won Cupson in 12 and 14. And to go down the road to the Ducks, I thought that was really interesting move for, for Anaheimus, they try and get up off the mat in that marketplace. Yeah, Jeff Solomon, a former agent, of course,

and I think it was Dean Lombardi who brought him in, if memory serves, I might be wrong about that. But Jeff Solomon, at the heart of all the contractual decisions that Kings did during all those copiers and CBA knowledge, and he would negotiate. He really would, he did a lot of the negotiating ahead of Dean Lombardi in some of those situations, and Dean would get involved in times. But sort of a behind the scenes,

a cerebral guy that had a lot to do with some of that success in LA. Kind of interesting to go cross down to the rivals. But of course, you know, David and McNatt retired, right? Correct. I think a week or two ago. And so the time, you know, all makes sense in that perspective. But yeah, that was one I did not see coming. Interesting.

Yeah, good stuff. All right. Finally, from Greg Meal. Question on the Arizona Coyotes. How much of a tear down is GM Bill Armstrong in his first. off season as GM for the coyotes, going to perform for the coyotes? Is there a chance he gets in on any top players by a trade, especially a center, with the cap space?

And I'll point out just as you ponder this, the coyotes have a ton of UFAs. Like there's, Bill Armstrong's got lots of decisions, but also there's some things that he could do there. And with the flat cap, there may be some UFAs or players under contract who teams might need to move because of the Seattle expansion draft or whatever. Like there's, I think there's some options there for. Well, I don't see him going after top players. I think that the mantra there is about getting, about rebuilding, right?

I mean, they're an old team. They don't have a lot in the pipeline. Of course, they were stripped away some top draft picks because of the draft shenanigans last year. So really, it's about acquiring Young Town is what this is going to be about, whether that comes in the form of draft picks or other teams' profits. or other team's prospects. I think that's going to be the route here as Bill Armstrong

resets this roster. Good stuff. All right, my friend, as always good work by you. What else we got going on? Don Granado. I love Don Granado. I hope he gets a real shot in Buffalo. Interim head coach of the Buffalo Sabres is with Craig Custance and Sean Gentilly

on the Tuesday Athletic Show, American Content Only. So you can check in with that. Ian Mende, I'm just joking there, but Ian Mendez and Sean McIndow have the Hockey, the Athletic Show Thursday at The Athletic. And you should check out our comments section for each podcast episode at The Athletic app. And rate and subscribe to the athletic hockey show on Apple. If you aren't already a subscriber, go to theathletic.com slash hockey show and receive a subscription for just $3.99 per month. Outstanding value. just as you always bring outstanding value to this podcast, my friend.

Good job and can't wait for next week and what transpires between here and there. Right on, right on. This The Athletic Hockey Show Brief is presented by BetMGM, the King of Sportsbooks. I'm Scott Burnside along with Pierre Lebrun. In three, two, one. All right, everybody, thanks for listening. The Athletic is the world. fastest growing sports media publication.

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