Two Man Forecheck

Episode 0227: NHL Awards So Far; Ducharme Out; Eichel Rumors; B's '15 Draft a Disaster; Torts to Seattle?; Boston Best Hockey City; TB/NYI Series Turning Point and More!

We are well into the semifinals of the NHL Playoffs and both series are very entertaining.  So is this week's show as we delve into the NHL Awards that have been handed out so far.  Dominique Ducharme  has tested positive and is missing from behind the bench for the Canadiens.  How will that affect their chances of moving forward?  We discuss all the possible moves mentioned by Pierre LeBrun in his Athletic piece.  The Bruins have acknowledged that the 2015 Draft was a complete disaster and we break it down even further to who may be responsible and what needs to happen.  Dave Grosby writes that he feels John Tortorella would be the ideal head coach for the Kraken and we deconstruct the thinking.  Boston is found to be the best hockey city by Wallethub using 21 metrics.  We look at the turning point in the Tampa Bay/N.Y. Islanders series and talk about who the surprise Washington Capital player to be exposed for the expansion draft.  Still lots of content and Mike's Kraken breakdown (link is below).  Give us some feedback for his team and enjoy the show!

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Episode 0226: NHL Awards; Zach Aston Reese; Marc-Andre Fleury; Bruin's Post Mortem; Maine Nordiques; B's Conspiracy Theory and More!

As we sit down and get ready for the semi-finals, we start looking at the NHL Awards which will be handed out during the playoffs as opposed to an awards ceremony.  We discuss the possibility of Zach Aston Reese getting nominated for an award as a bottom six forward.  Marc-Andre Fleury is fourth on the all time playoff wins list and could pass Ed Belfour in the next round.  We go into a long discussion of the Bruins, post mortem, and all the moves made by the GM, Don Sweeney.  Should he be replaced?  We say yes.  We congratulate the Maine Nordiques for winning the Eastern Conference of the NAHL.  Their playoffs start this week for the Robertson Cup.  Finally, we discuss a conspiracy theory that a couple of forwards on the B's may have been angry at the coach and management for playing the injured goaltender in game 6 rather than the healthy one.  Lots here to break down and comment on so let us know what you think.  Enjoy the Show!

Episode 0225: USA Gets Bronze; Barzal-Krejci Reaction; Scheifele Suspended; Preds May Have Moves To Make; Draft Lottery; Pelech an RFA; Connor Toms, Taya Currie, Charlie Coyle and More!

We are well into the second round of the playoffs and we are seeing some surprising results.  Here at the Two Man Forecheck we have another week of candid discussion, starting with the USA getting the Bronze medal today against the Germans in the IIHF World Championships.  We break down the Barzal/Krejci incident in game 4 of the second round series between the B's and the Islanders.  We have a frank conversation regarding the 4 game suspension of Mark Scheifele.  Should it have been less? The Preds may have to move one of their high price players after their early playoff exit in order to start some kind of rebuild in Nashville.  Should it be Duchene or Johansen?  Draft Lottery took place June 2nd, and Buffalo is in the top spot.  Detroit, once again, has fallen, as they will be picking 6th.  Adam Pelech is an RFA at the end of this season and could possibly see offer sheets from teams other than the Islanders.  Connor Toms is heading to the Soo Greyhounds, Taya Currie is heading to the Sarnia Sting, the first female drafted in the OHL Draft at 267.  Finally, we discuss how Charlie Coyle could be considered elite.  Lots to discuss and comment on, so Enjoy the Show!

Episode 0224: Series Results/Predictions; Seth Jones, Free Agent; Hall Nixed Vegas Deal; Duclair, McDonagh Incidents; Too Late for Pens; A Possible New Rule and More!

So the playoffs have moved on to the second round, well, for the most part.  Toronto and Montreal have not completed their first round series at this point.  We at the Two Man Forecheck are ready for all circumstances, so here we present the next installment.  We start out with Seth Jones announcing to the Blue Jackets that he will be exploring free agency at the end of his contract.  Taylor Hall always wanted to end up in Boston, but now we are reading that he actually nixed a deal sending him to the Golden Knights.  Anthony Duclair and Ryan McDonagh were both involved in incidents that could have resulted in fines or suspensions but didn't.  Mike has a new rule which could bring about some discussion. Is it too late for the Pittsburgh Penguins?  We say yes, they should have traded Malkin and/or Letang years ago.  Finally we give our predictions for the second round. So lots to discuss amongst yourselves, but let us know what you think. Enjoy the Show!

Episode 0223: Miller, Tavares Out of Hospital; Mantha Fined, Kadri Suspended; Johansson, Kucherov Injured; Green Extended; Twitter Poll Results and More!

Playoffs have started and everyone is complaining about officiating, but the hockey has been exciting.  Kevan Miller and John Tavares are both out of hospital and recovering at home. The Boston/Washington series may end sooner than 7 games.  Is Ovi hurt?  Do the Capitals look tired? Struggling on 5v5 scoring.  Mantha has been fined $5000 for hit on Rask, Orlov gets nothing for his hit on Miller.  Nasem Kadri has received an 8 game suspension for his hit on Justin Faulk.  Marcus Johansson is done for the playoffs with a broken arm.  Kucherov has suffered a knee injury.  Owen Tippett is leading the rookies in playoff points.  Travis Green has been extended by the Canucks.  We discuss our last Twitter Poll results and briefly touch on the IIHF World Championships.  Lots of content so give us a listen and your comment and...Enjoy the Show!

Episode 0222: Mailbag Comments; Point Leaves Practice; McDavid Ahead of Lemieux; Kraken First Signing; Wild Playoff Aspirations; Playoff Predictions and More!

Here we are, the second season, but wait, the first season isn't over yet.  That being said, we discuss the Dallas Stars this season and Ben Bishop's future.  We answer some comments that went unmentioned, Brayden Point leaves practice but coach says he's "nicked".  McDavid beats out a record held by Mario Lemieux with the highest percentage of points he was involved in this season.  Marchand gives out a stick to a young girl who was hit by a puck prior to game one.  The Kraken sign their first player and it has the Rangers nervous about losing one of their players.  The Wild have a goal for this year...to score more during the playoffs.  And their first round matchup appears to be favorable to them over the Golden Knights.  We discuss briefly the poll question from last week and we give our first round playoff predictions. So much here and Vancouver is still playing!  Enjoy the games, vote in our Twitter Poll (link below) and Enjoy the Show!

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Episode 0221: Battle of Florida; First Round Matchups; Torts Out; Tocchet Out; McDavid Hits 100; M. Smith for Hart; Ritchie 7th Player in Boston; Gorton Available; Twitter Poll Results and More!

First off, its Mother's Day so we hope that all the mothers out there got to enjoy the day and didn't have to lift a finger.  Its also May 9th, so the NHL season must be over...except it isn't. But that didn't stop us from discussing the first round matchups that will be taking place.  We also talked about the battle of Florida, two head coaches moving on (John Tortorella and Rick Tocchet both mutually agreed to do so) who would be ideal for Seattle and Connor McDavid hitting 100 points.  We chewed the fat over the Hart Trophy and should Mike Smith of Edmonton get consideration, as well as Brad Marchand and Adam Fox. The 7th Player Award was handed out in Boston and Nick Ritchie was the recipient.  Well deserved to be sure, but Chris wanted to see it go to Connor Clifton.  Ondrej Kase could possibly play before the playoffs but it has come with some strange reviews.  Jeff Gorton is available so we break down a few GMs that should start wiping the sweat from their respective brows.  Finally, we discuss Twitter Poll results on Zdeno Chara and we offer a bet regarding whether a Canadian team will win the cup.  First responder to take us up on this and we will donate $100 to a charity of your choice if they do win.  Lots of content this week so listen, comment and Enjoy the Show!  We will get to the recent comments next week as well.  

https://twitter.com/pucksage/status/1391557187630161921

 

Episode 0220: Hall Poll Results; Marchand for Hart; Virtanen, Drouin on Leave; NWHL Draft; Miller Retiring; Calder Trophy; Chara Poll; 7th Player and More!

A packed week to be sure...Here we go!  Taylor Hall has 10 points in 11 games.  Poll question regarding re-signing him is answered.  Marchand for Hart consideration?  Virtanen has been placed on leave by the Canucks for legal issues and Johnathan Drouin has taken a leave from the Canadiens for personal reasons non-injury related.  We talk about Tim Stutzle's shooting percentage and the Calder Trophy candidates.  The NWHL is holding their draft on June 29th and will show it on Twitch.  Their rules for draftees are a topic of discussion.  Amy Jones (@AmyJones_3) has tweeted out a picture of Seth wearing the "A" on his jersey.  Cole Caulfield scored his first and it was memorable.  Ryan Miller is retiring at the end of the season.  Halak is being pushed out in Boston.  The IIHF U18 Tournament continues tomorrow.  We put up a poll question regarding Zdeno Chara (link below) and discuss the 7th Player Award for the Boston Bruins.  A lot of content this week so be sure to let us know what you think.  Enjoy the Show!

https://twitter.com/pucksage/status/1388913223341068288

 

 

Episode 0219: 3Teams Clinch; Judd Serrat on Eichel; Pat O'Neill hits 3000 Games; NWHL Awards; Lyle Signs; Willie O'Ree; U!8's Captain; Marchand Stats; Larionov for Relegation and More!

We cover a broad spectrum in this show so the description will be more of a list today.  Vegas, Colorado and Minnesota clinch playoff berths.  Judd Serrat talks about Jack Eichel complaining of his getting a second opinion.  Pat O'Neill, equipment manager for the Canucks has been around for 3000 games.  The NWHL will be handing out their awards this wednesday the 28th.  Brady Lyle signed with the Bruins.  Willie O'Ree has been considered for the Congressional Gold Medal, and act that needs to be passed by congress.  The link is below.  The US U18 team has named a captain. We send our condolences to the Pembroke, Mass hockey team, family and friends of Billy Hickey and Joey Birolini.  We break down the future of Brad Marchand and his stats as well as his combined short handed stats with Patrice Bergeron.  Will Pasta achieve scoring greatness with the B's? We get into the NHL Draft prospects and talk about Igor Larionov Jr.'s statement that the NHL should go to a promotion/relegation scenario.  So much going on this week so listen, comment and Enjoy the Show!

https://www.nhl.com/bruins/community/willieforthegold

 

Episode 0218: Extended NHL Season; Best UFA and RFA Available; Grades For All Teams at Deadline; Milestones; Leighton Accardo Honored and More!

We are about one week past the NHL Trade Deadline and the end is on the horizon...or is it?  We start with some frank discussion about the NHL extending the regular season to May 19th to accommodate all games that have been missed so that all teams can play 56.  J.T. Miller for one doesn't believe what the NHL is doing is fair to the Canucks.  We start to look ahead at the best UFA and RFA available at the end of the season, Dougie Hamilton and Kevin Fiala respectively.  Even though its tough to see either moving, we talk about where they could end up and other possible free agents at the end of the season.  An article on ESPN+ by Emily Kaplan and Greg Wyshynski give grades to all 31 teams post trade deadline.  We both believe that the grades are slightly off and possibly should be incompletes due to the limited number of deals and their outcomes still up in the air.  We hand out some congratulations to Milan Lucic (1000 games), Patrick Marleau (tying Gordie Howe for most games played) and Tuukka Rask (300 wins).  Finally, we talk about the actions of the Arizona Coyotes last night honoring Leighton Accardo by putting her name and number in the ring of honor next to Jeremy Roenick and the impact that actions like this have on the fan base now and in the future.  An enjoyable show to be sure, so give it a listen and tell us what you think.  Enjoy the Show!!