Hockey Central @ Noon

Mark Spector joins Matt Marchese to take a closer look at the Edmonton Oilers ahead of Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals, questions the importance of depth scoring when the top line is humming like this, and takes a step back to look at how playoff hockey has drastically evolved over the years (00:17). Next up, Jonathan Davis of NHL Network Radio makes his picks for tonight's clash in Colorado, highlights the superstars on display and the player prop-bets to cash in with, before discussing Ilya Shesterkin's workload between the pipes in New York (17:06). To wrap up the show, Matt reads between the lines of the coach's chatter from Gerard Gallant, Jon Cooper and Jay Woodcroft (49:49). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Matt Marchese hosts in place of Jeff Marek and is joined by Elliotte Friedman to share their thoughts on Filip Chytil's performance on New York's "kid line", our first look at the goaltending matchup between Shesterkin and Vasilevskiy, and the effort plays made by Frank Vatrano (00:04). Later on, the guys update Darcy Kuemper's injury status, and share their expectations for backup Pavel Francouz and Edmonton's Mike Smith tonight (11:27). To wrap up, Matt and Elliotte take a closer look at Toronto's cap space and evaluate what's next for Ondřej Kaše and the rest of the roster (21:07).   The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff is joined by former NHL defenceman Mike Komisarek to talk about his new player development role with the Canucks, what his job entails and why he wanted to get back into the game after being away for a couple of years (01:17). Later on, Eric Engels weighs in on the unsurprising extension for Martin St. Louis in Montreal, if Shane Wright is locked into the first overall draft slot, and looks ahead to when the Canadiens needs to have Carey Price’s future figured out by (21:04).  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff and Greg look at Chris Kreider’s emergence as an offensive star for the Rangers, the controversy of Cale Makar’s goal in Game 1 of the Western Conference Final and the idea of getting rid of the offside rule (00:15). The guys discuss the thought of applying today’s review standards for famous goals from years past, the potential loss of Darcy Kuemper for the Avs and Colorado’s great depth (16:39). To finish up, Jeff and Greg go over expectations for the opener of the Eastern Conference Final, Rod Brind’Amour’s call for more goal scoring by his team and why the Blues’ goaltending situation is the most interesting off-season story for the club (24:28). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff and Elliotte discuss the injury to Darcy Kuemper, Cale Makar’s controversial goal and how the Oilers proved they can match pace with the Avs (00:21). Next, Elliotte gives a thought on Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final, the Hurricanes’ off-season plans and if Florida is close to making a decision on their coaching staff (12:40). To finish, Jeff and Elliotte chat about the idea of low scoring games with plenty of scoring chances (19:56). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff discusses the upcoming Eastern Conference Final matchup between the Lightning and Rangers, the importance of Anthony Cirelli to Tampa’s roster and the key role of the third line with analyst Brian Engblom (00:55). Later on, Avs' play-by-play voice Marc Moser talks about the matchup between the Colorado and Edmonton, Nathan MacKinnon’s will to win and if the second round had deeper meaning to Colorado’s core group (17:31). Cory Lavalette of the North State Journal weighs in on the disappointing end of the season for the Hurricanes, what's next for some of their impending unrestricted free agents, and what the goaltending situation looks like heading into next year (34:26). Finally, Meghan Duggan chats about her elevated role with the Devils as the new Director of Player Development, working with the younger players in the organization, and the importance of diversity in NHL front offices (51:18). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily refl

Jeff and Elliotte look back on the Rangers’ Game 7 victory, Rod Brind’Amour’s comments about not having elite goal scorers, and what’s next for the Hurricanes and some of their free agents (00:42). Next, the guys look into the Western Conference Final and the most intriguing storylines, the Avs' top defense pair going up against Connor McDavid’s line and if Mike Smith’s increased workload will be a cause for concern (12:17). To cap things off, Jeff and Elliotte look at the changes in the player development department in Vancouver, Doug Armstrong's desire to keep David Perron and why this off-season might feature a lot of players not getting qualifying offers (18:49). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff is joined by Hurricanes analyst Shane Willis to talk about Carolina's home success versus road failures, Rod Brind’Amour’s willingness to change up the lines and why Martin Necas hasn’t been up to par in the playoffs (00:44). Later on, Daily Faceoff's Mike McKenna discusses why goalies don’t always make good head coaches, the battle between Igor Shesterkin and Antti Raanta, if someone will take a chance on Ville Husso as their starter, and the games within the game ahead of the Oilers-Avs series (18:18). Finally, CEO of Clear Sight Analytics Steve Valiquette talks about watching Shesterkin with Henrik Lundqvist, the Rangers netminder's ability to preserve energy because of his style and why Mika Zibanejad is the most important player outside of the goalie for New York in Game 7 (47:57). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff and Elliotte weigh in on the goaltending matchup ahead in Game 7 between the Hurricanes and Rangers, the ability for Carolina to line match at home, the success of Filip Chytil on a line with Alexis Lafreniere and Kaapo Kakko, and the status of Frederik Andersen (00:07). The guys move on to discuss the off-season road map for the Flames, David Perron’s future in St. Louis and if Ville Husso might want to chase a number one goalie spot elsewhere (11:01). To finish, Jeff and Elliotte breakdown the matchups in the Western Conference Final, why they’re so excited for this series and how key depth is for both the Avalanche and Oilers (17:36). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Eric Francis joins host Matt Marchese to look back on the Battle of Alberta that came to close last night. He shares a Calgary perspective on Blake Coleman's non-goal, credits Edmonton for shutting down the Flames' top scorers, and looks ahead to what the future holds for Johnny Gaudreau (00:16). Next up, ESPN's Arda Ocal chats about the unacceptable hate Nazem Kadri received following his collision with Jordan Binnington, Nathan MacKinnon's game-changing skill, the joy of seeing another round of Connor McDavid, and the NHL's need to better market their stars (18:29). Finally, Avalanche radio play-by-play voice Conor McGahey checks in ahead of Game 6 in St. Louis and discusses if MacKinnon can top his incredible Game 5 performance, Mikko Rantanen's impact beyond the score sheet, and Cale Makar's perfect compliment in Devon Toews (47:07). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Matt Marchese fills in for Jeff Marek alongside Elliotte Friedman to share their reaction to Blake Coleman's non-goal that could have extended the series for the Flames and look back on the moments that swung the series in Edmonton's favour (00:26). Later on, they shift their attention to Carolina as the hometown 'Canes continued the series trend of only home teams winning, discuss the impact of rookie Seth Jarvis and look back on the trade that sent Mika Zibanejad to New York (10:46). To wrap up, the fellas look ahead to Game 6 between Colorado and St. Louis and what to expect from Nathan MacKinnon (18:48).   The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff chats with Sara Civian, writer for The Athletic and co-host of the Too Many Men podcast, about the Jekyll and Hyde nature of the Hurricanes, Max Domi’s fit in Carolina and if we can accurately assess Jesperi Kotkaniemi’s tenure with the club (00:24). Later on, Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli discusses the difference between the crowds in Edmonton and Calgary, what’s going on with Jacob Markström and how Connor McDavid has taken his game to another level (18:05). Andy Strickland, Blues rinkside reporter and co-host of the Cam and Strick podcast, checks in to look at the vibe in St. Louis falling their Game 5 victory, Tyler Bozak’s previous off-season and Justin Faulk’s heroics late in the game (35:02). Finally, Lightning Head Coach Jon Cooper talks about having an extended layoff after a sweep, what made them so successful against the Panthers and how the team has adjusted with bringing in new players (46:59). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not ne

Jeff and Elliotte start things off remarking over the fact that Jon Cooper hasn’t won a Jack Adams Trophy, what it must be like to coach the Lightning and how the team got to this point (00:54). Next, the guys talk about the Blues’ comebacks against the Avalanche, Barry Trotz’s future in the NHL and Tom Wilson’s ACL injury (09:29). To finish, Jeff and Elliotte look ahead to Game 5 of the Battle of Alberta, what Calgary can do to slow down Connor McDavid and the need for much-improved play from Jacob Markstrom (17:47). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff is joined by former Oiler and current analyst Luke Gazdic to discuss Ryan Nugent-Hopkins’ tenure in Edmonton, if Evander Kane has been the best mid-season acquisition across the league and the subtleties of Connor McDavid’s game (00:20). To wrap up today, Producer Matt weighs in with his takeaways from Game 4 of the Battle of Alberta (16:47)! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff and Greg take a closer look at why the Conn Smythe Trophy needs to be awarded to someone playing in the final, before considering if that and the Hart Trophy could use a definition change (01:21). Next, the guys discuss Nathan MacKinnon and the importance of winning when stacked up against the all-time greats, and ask if the 2021/22 Rangers are ahead of schedule (11:35). Further along in the conversation, Jeff and Greg look at the future of Joe Thornton, if Claude Giroux is a luxury or necessity in Florida, what the missing ingredient might be for the Panthers and if Andrew Brunette will remain as Head Coach (28:25). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff and Elliotte kick off the segment looking back at the Rangers' Game 4 victory, why the Hurricanes aren’t adjusting well to the speed of the series and the impact of New York’s trade deadline acquisitions (00:30). Next, the guys look back on a great night from Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and reflect on the myriad of different coaches he's played for (08:34). Finally, Jeff and Elliotte share their thoughts on Ville Husso’s play against the Avalanche and their expectations for Game 5 (16:31). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff chats with The Athletic's Joe Smith about Andrei Vasilievskiy’s ranking among the modern goaltending greats, what the biggest surprise was in the series with the Panthers and when Brayden Point could be back in the lineup (02:18). Later on, NHL Network analyst Mike Rupp discusses what impact Chris Tanev would have on the Battle of Alberta, Connor McDavid’s ability to be “sudden” and how Tampa dismantled the Panthers in round two (17:34). Finally, Kelly Hrudey weighs in on Vasilevskiy’s performance against Florida, the level that McDavid is playing on right now and what Nazem Kadri has had to endure over the last few days (46:42). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff and Elliotte look back on the Lightning’s series win over the Panthers, where Andrei Vasilevskiy ranks among greatest goaltenders of recent memory, and what the future holds for Claude Giroux (00:13). Next, the guys discuss Nazem Kadri’s incredible performance in Game 4 and some of the Blues players' interest in revenge rather than winning (14:56). To finish, Jeff and Elliotte chat about the Battle of Alberta and how some believe the Flames can slow down Connor McDavid (23:05). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Matt Marchese moves to the host's chair and welcomes in Flames' radio voice Derek Wills to look back on Jacob Markstrom's series so far, what went wrong during Game 3 in Edmonton, and projects Chris Tanev's potential return and Calgary's needed adjustments for Game 4 (00:18). Next up, Leafs Nation's own Gord Stellick checks in to chat about Mark Giordano's freshly minted 2-year deal, who could be the odd-one-out on the Leafs' blue line, Nick Paul's influence on Tampa's series with Florida, and his takeaways from the Rangers' duel with Carolina and St. Louis' clash with Colorado (15:54). To wrap up today, Matt sorts through the numbers of the newest contracts signed today and discusses those still in search of a deal, before we hear postgame audio from Jay Woodcroft, Darryl Sutter and Nazem Kadri (48:49). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

On today's Victoria Day edition, Matt Marchese welcomes in Elliotte Friedman to discuss how the Oilers' turned the Battle of Alberta in their favour, the effectiveness of loading up the top line, Connor McDavid's unworldly stretch of play and Evander Kane's resurgence with Edmonton (00:35). The pair then revisit Milan Lucic's collision with Mike Smith that led to a game misconduct, and shift their attention South as Tampa closed to within one game from the conference finals with Corey Perry still playing his brand of hockey (11:20). To wrap up, Matt and Elliotte look back on Rick Bowness' tenure with the Stars and ask what's next, before sharing their thoughts on Brian Rust & Mark Giordano's new deals (21:34).   The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.