Hockey Central @ Noon

Jeff chats with Penguins play-by-play voice Josh Getzoff about Kris Letang’s return to the lineup just 12 days after suffering a stroke, Sidney Crosby’s MVP-like season and what the club in Pittsburgh might be looking to add. Later on, Sportsnet's Cassie Campbell-Pascall discusses being a nominee for Hockey Canada’s Board of Directors, Montreal’s season to this point, and the new found trust in Dan Vladar (18:53). Finally, Matthew DeFranks of the Dallas Morning News looks at the Stars’ rebuild on the fly, what the future holds for Joe Pavelski, and Jason Robertson’s steal of a deal (51:43). 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 start things off reacting to the news about Hockey Canada’s nominees for their Board of Directors openings (05:00). Next, they set up the upcoming topics at the Board of Governors' meetings, while also looking back on the legacy of Gary Bettman following the 30th anniversary of his tenure with the league (10:00). To wrap up, they look at Eeli Tolvanen being placed on waivers, if Clayton Keller is untouchable in Arizona, and Wade Redden’s career ahead of being added to the Senators’ ring of honour (20:00). 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 NHLer Brent Thompson to talk about his son Tage’s incredible performance earlier in the week, what he has seen in his development, and his rise to elite status. Sportsnet 960's Pat Steinberg looks at the big storylines surrounding the Flames, Matthew Phillips getting the call up to the big club, and if there could be a goaltending controversy coming up (19:38). The Athletic's Shayna Goldman weighs in on which Devils’ defensive pair reigns supreme, if the pair of Ryan Lindgren and Adam Fox get enough credit, and why Tage Thompson is must-see TV (39:18). We wrap up with Producer Matt, who hops on for the Week in Review (56:14)! 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 react to comments made by Zdeno Chara about the 2011 Cup Final, the hatred in that series and why it has continued to this day (05:00). Next, they talk about who the best Canadian teams are right now, if the Jets might look to add pieces, and comments made by Craig Berube after another loss (12:00). To finish up, Jeff and Elliotte look at the Florida Panthers thus far and why they might have a tough time trying to add to their defensive unit (23:00). 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 off the top by Mike Rupp of the NHL Network to discuss Tage Thompson’s ice time in what could have been a record-breaking night, the on-ice relationship between Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, as well as the duo of Taylor Hall and Charlie Coyle (05:00). Next up, Buffalo News reporter Lance Lysowski talks about the evolution of Thompson, Jeff Skinner’s turnaround under Don Granato, and the Sabres' current goaltending situation (31:32). Later on, Producer Matt asks the question of the day: Who is must watch outside of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl? (50:00) 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 wax poetic about some of the better third lines in the league, Adam Ruzicka’s impact with the Flames, and how having your minor league affiliate close to home puts the spotlight on younger players. Next, the guys discuss Tage Thompson’s incredible performance last night tallying five goals and why the Buffalo Sabres limited his ice time while chasing an NHL record (08:00). To wrap, Jeff and Elliotte talk about the Canucks getting to .500, how the team weighs their playoff chances versus trading players like Bo Horvat and Brock Boeser, and go over some interesting issues for the L.A. Kings (22:00). 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 Tampa Bay Lighting forward Steven Stamkos to talk about reaching the 1,000 point plateau, the Lightning's standard for success, and how the players have managed roster turnover every year. We wrap up with Producer Matt, who talks about Marie-Philip Poulin winning the Northern Star Award given to Canada’s top athlete of the year, and the biggest “what ifs” in Sidney Crosby's career (18:41). 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 debate whether or not “The Dishigan” should actually be called “The Zegras”, and why Sonny Milano is not the Marty Jannetty of the play. Next, the guys discuss the pickup in physicality across the league, the impact of players like Tom Wilson and why teams are looking for tougher players in the draft (04:00). Moving on, Jeff and Greg chat about if momentum really exists, New Jersey's Chico Resch “Take On Me” video, and how much the Devils’ fan base loves Vitek Vanecek (15:00). To wrap, they talk about Jack Hughes’ defensive improvement, how good Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg’s two-way games were, and thoughts on the Colorado Avalanche with their injury situation (25:00). 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 talking about Shane Wright’s storybook first goal against the Canadiens, Matt Murray’s performance against the Stars, and a surprisingly good defensive pair in New Jersey (07:00). Next, they talk about the great video made by the Devils featuring Chico Resch, and Sidney Crosby’s chase for another 100-point season (19:00). To finish, Jeff and Elliotte discuss Steven Stamkos' success story (28:00). 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 Ken Wiebe to chat about Paul Maurice’s return to Winnipeg, what he meant to the organization, and which players Rick Bowness has made a impact on since taking the helm. Later, Jason Bukala weighs in on the amount of teams that put an emphasis on physicality in the draft, why we are seeing so many lead changes early in the season, and why NHL teams should look to Europe for coaches (15:20). Finally, Thomas Drance weighs in on the “everything bagel” of a game between Vancouver and Montreal, what Bo Horvat could fetch in a trade, and how the Canucks' fan base feels about Bruce Boudreau (47:58). 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 affiliate

Jeff and Elliotte react to the news about Kris Letang being back on the ice, the chaos from last night's Canucks-Canadiens game, and the value of players like Jacob Trouba and Luke Schenn (06:34). Next, they discuss Nathan MacKinnon’s injury, if the Colorado Avalanche are going to try and add a forward sooner rather than later, and Bruce Cassidy’s return to Boston (13:30). To finish, Jeff and Elliotte look at another loss for the St. Louis Blues, how Doug Armstrong might view his team, and if the Flames should give Matthew Phillips a call-up (23:16). 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 affiliate

Jeff is joined by Jimmy Murphy of Boston Hockey Now to talk about Bruce Cassidy being back in Boston for the first time, his tenure in the city, and Jim Montgomery’s impact on the Bruins’ great start (1:57). Later, Sportsnet’s David Amber discusses tonight’s Oilers-Capitals matchup, Brady Tkachuk becoming his father, and Washington’s roster construction with Alex Ovechkin chasing Wayne Gretzky’s record (19:09). We wrap up with Producer Matt, who weighs in on Mitch Marner’s streak, Jacob Trouba’s body checks, and Patrick Kane’s legacy (47:13).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.

Elliotte entertains Jeff’s thoughts on Mitch Marner’s consecutive point streak potentially not being the “actual” Maple Leafs’ record (05:00). Next, they look into Jakub Voracek's recent injury, Bruce Cassidy’s return to Boston, and Brock Boeser's situation in Vancouver (15:00). To finish, Jeff and Elliotte wonder about how aggressive Bill Guerin will be in the trade market, Calgary turning to Dan Vladar once again, and the dominance of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in Edmonton (22:00).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 Winnipeg Jets analyst Sara Orlesky to talk about the keys to success for the Jets, the impact of Rick Bowness on the group, and the turnaround for Mark Scheifele. Later on, voice of the Seattle Kraken John Forslund looks at the biggest differences between this year’s edition of the Kraken and last year’s team, the trajectory for Matty Beniers, and Daniel Sprong’s versatility (19:12). Sportsnet's John Bartlett discusses the most interesting trend in the league for him thus far, Erik Karlsson heading back to Ottawa in a Hockey Night in Canada matchup, and the Senators’ up and down year (36:29). To wrap up, Jeff and Producer Matt look at the toughest and most skilled front offices around the league (52:05). 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.

Jeff and Elliotte open things up talking about how hard the game is on goalies today, if we need to re-evaluate how we determine what an elite goalie is, and Jack Campbell's struggles early on this season (05:14). Next, they look at what could happen in Philadelphia amidst their recent skid, how competitive the Western Conference playoff race will be, and what's behind Seattle’s resurgence (16:47). To finish, Jeff and Elliotte look ahead to the battle between Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning on Hockey Night in Canada (27:19). 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 Sportsnet's Luke Fox about Mitch Marner’s impressive hot streak, how the team has played with a battered blueline and if Kyle Dubas will get any credit for the team’s recent success. 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 start off reflecting on Canada’s performance at the World Cup after the team's elimination today. The guys then move onto the impressive play of the Maple Leafs, Cal Petersen hitting the waiver wire in a surprise move, and an increase in the appetite for goal-scoring across the league (04:23). To finish up, Jeff and Elliotte discuss the Alex Formenton situation, the terrible news on Kris Letang, and the latest surrounding the Philadelphia Flyers (16:08). 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 Vince Mercogliano, Rangers reporter for USA Today Sports, about New York’s early struggles, Igor Shesterkin’s critique of his own game, and who their best player has been so far this season. We wrap up with Producer Matt, who weighs in on Jeff’s conversation with Greg Wyshynski and fight night between the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Islanders (16:22). 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 start off with their thoughts on the World Cup and discuss the long-time belief that soccer would pass hockey in popularity in the United States. Next, the guys react to the breaking news of Kris Letang suffering a stroke that will keep him sidelined indefinitely (06:13). Moving on, they discuss the high-scoring game between the Seattle Kraken and L.A. Kings, Jaden Schwartz’s baffling stat line, and why it’s harder to defend in today’s game (10:39). Jeff then offers up a theory on why the Selke Trophy is a bizarre award for a league that wants an increase in offence (17:25). To finish up, the guys chat about no leads being safe in today’s game, if there needs to be more former goaltenders monitoring the current crop of netminders, and more (25:06)! 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 start off discussing the latest news on a new arena for the Coyotes, why Gary Bettman continues to fight to keep the team in Arizona, and what's causing opposition to the NHL's plan. Next, the guys look back on Winnipeg’s win over the Colorado Avalanche, Matthew Tkachuk’s return to Calgary, and the Florida Panthers' identity crisis (09:25). To wrap, Jeff and Elliotte reflect on the barn burner between the Seattle Kraken and L.A. Kings, the rise of third period lead changes this season, and why the league is in favour of the recent scoring spike (15:41). 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.