Two Man Forecheck

Episode 0168: NHL Restart, Calder Candidates Revisited, Lindblom Recovering, 'Hawks Fire McDonough, Bourque Praises Krug, Super 16 D-Men, Potential NWHL Expansion Spot, Halak Extended and More!

As we continue without any live Hockey on the horizon, we at the Two Man Forecheck continue to find the stories that can be talked about.  This week we open with a frank discussion on the NHL Restart and the Return to Play committee that has been created.  We also revisit the Calder Candidates this season and debate who should and should not receive consideration.  Oskar Lindblom was diagnosed with bone cancer back in December, but he is almost done with his treatments and could see a return to the ice soon.  We wish him all the best and hope for a speedy return.  The Blackhawks have fired their president, John McDonough, for no other reason than it appears the owner is trying to send a message, but what message is he really sending?  Ray Bourque has gone on record as saying that Torey Krug is one of the best defensemen in the NHL, so we discussed it.  NHL.com has put out a super 16 list of defensemen, and we break down the list and decide that some of the players are in the wrong spots.  We talk about another potential expansion city for the NWHL, a point raised to us by Douglas Bildhauer on Facebook.  And finally, the hockey gods have smiled on Boston as Jaro Halak has signed a one year extension to play for the Black and Gold.  Lots of content to digest and comment on so give us a listen, send us your feedback and...Enjoy the Show!

Episode 0167: NWHL Expands to Toronto, An NHL Restart Soon, Redrafting the 2003 NHL Draft, Bruins Locker Room Time Machine and so much More!

Another week and we come close to naming that which shall not be named.  The NWHL has added a sixth team, expanding over the border into Toronto, Canada.  We talk about a possible NHL restart, thanks to a story from Larry Brooks of the NY Daily News.  We close the show by talking about a Zoom conference known as the Boston Bruins Locker Room Time Machine, where the 2011 Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins get back together to talk about the team and just generally have a fun time with each other, and we the viewing public reap the benefits.  All of this is exciting, but we spend the bulk of the show doing something that has been 2 plus years in the making (and longer for Mike and Chris)...we finally redraft the 2003 NHL Draft.  Arguably the best draft class ever, we put the players where they would be or should be now, and there aren't many crossover picks between our two lists.  Have a listen, check out our picks and let us know where we are right or wrong, who you would pick and where.  So tell us what you think and Enjoy the Show!

Chris' List:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zEiN67UjNATNfcS60pB33gd31SVbGsqy/view?usp=sharing

Mike's List:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JzAKg1fcCa3kbUe_r784vZWLOxp6PoGohYhM4kjTJyc/edit

Episode 0166: Blues Signings, Korpisalo Extended, Versteeg & Markov Retire, Byfuglien a Free Agent, Twitter Polls, Movie Reviews and so much More!

For the fourth straight week we are corona free.  We talk about the week the St. Louis Blues had, extending Mackenzie MacEachern, Sammy Blais and Marco Scandella.  This leads us to talk about what may happen with Alex Pietrangelo.  Could he go somewhere else?  And what would all that mean for Torey Krug?  Kris Versteeg, a Bruin draft pick in 2004, has retired at the age of 33.  He never played for the Bruins, but has won two Stanley Cup rings with Chicago.  Also calling it a career is Andrei Markov, 36 of the Montreal Canadiens.  He seems to be more famous for the players he has been paired with over his career.  Dustin Byfuglien and the Jets have mutually agreed to terminate his contract, making him a free agent.  Where could he land next year (he can't sign anywhere this season).  We break down our 3 on 3 poll and discuss the Golden Knights poll.  All this plus some movie reviews as well.  Listen, comment and Enjoy the Show!!...and wash your hands.

Episode 0165: The Beanpot, Colby Cave, Our 3 on 3 Tournament, Torey Krug Speaks Out, Mike's New Playoff Format, Jenni Hiirikoski Greatest Women's Player and More!

Happy Easter to Everyone!  Here we are, week 3 and no mention of…well, don’t want to spoil it here.  We start out cold with a brief discussion about the Beanpot Tournament which broadened out to creating other tournaments in the Northeast.  The hardest topic to discuss is the passing of a person, and with a great deal of sadness we discuss the passing of Colby Cave.  At 25 he was taken far too young.  We extend our prayers and deepest condolences to his wife, Emily and his family.  He will be missed!  Mike and I finally get out 3 on 3 Tourney completed, and we invite you to vote for the winner.  The link to the Twitter poll is below.  Chris’ 2 teams are:  1. Point, Nylander and Pionk and 2. Marchand, J.T. Miller and Doughty.  Mike’s two teams:  1. K. Hayes, B. Nelson and A. Fox and 2. R. Smith, Point and Slavin.  Don’t forget to vote.  We talk about Torey Krug, who decided to speak out about finishing the season among other topics and we close out the show with the greatest women’s player in the word (according to Andrew Podnieks), Jenni Hiirikoski.  Listen, participate and…Enjoy the Show!

https://twitter.com/pucksage/status/1249395856698232833

 

Episode 0164: College Free Agent Signings, Ryan Shea Opts Out, Hobey Baker and Richter Finalists, Sabres Collapse, Jones Skating, Miller "Zoombombed", 31 Team Playoff? and More!

Another week without hockey...unless you are listening to us here at the Two Man Forecheck.  This week we talk about the wave of college entry level and free agent signings taking place, and one player who chose not to sign with the team that drafted him.  Ryan Shea has chosen not to sign with Chicago, making him a free agent.  No reason given for the choice, so we talk about it and potential landing spots for the young man.  Hobey Baker is down to three finalists, one forward, one defenseman and a goaltender.  We talk about who has the best chance to win the award.  Also, the Mike Richter award has its five finalists, and this year's group is about the tightest in terms of skill level that we've seen in awhile.  We break down the Sabres collapse and what they need to turn it around.  Seth Jones is skating again, and the source is probably a good one.  We discuss the story of K'Andre Miller, Rangers prospect who was conducting a video chat on zoom when someone "individual" decided it was a good time to throw some racial slurs around.  Finally, we  digest the possibility of a 31 team playoff in the NHL, something that P.K. Subban is apparently in favor of taking place!  All this and so much more!  give us a listen and send us your comments.  Stay safe, stay healthy, wash your hands and...Enjoy the Show!

Episode 0163: Rask Could Retire, Bedard Granted Exceptional Status, Hobey Baker Finalists, Undrafted Free Agent Signings, Jack Ahcan Signs With B's, 2020 Picks Reviewed Last Year and More!

Another exciting episode, Covid free for your protection.  We talk a lot about youth and we spend time looking forward.  Tuukka Rask has implied that he may not play after his current contract expires.  What does that mean for the Bruins going forward?  The signing of Jeremy Swayman looms larger than first thought.  We touch on the 10 Hobey Baker Award Finalists (of which Swayman is one) and talk about local talent.  Connor Bedard, a 14 year old in BC Hockey, has been granted Exceptional Status and will be allowed to play in the WHL next season as a 15 year old.  This has only happened 6 times and most of the players are recognizable names in the NHL.  Could he be next?  We talk about the undrafted free agent signings of the past and the top 5 franchises in terms of games played by these signings.  In the wake of the recent signings by the Bruins and other franchises, it is possible that this new batch could have an impact in the near future.  Jack Ahcan has signed with the Bruins out of St. Cloud State in Minnesota.  Another defenseman, he is smaller in stature than Nick Wolff, at 5'8" but has potential big talent.  Finally, we review Future Considerations (large thank you to them) 2019 review of this year's potential draft picks.  No mention of Coronavirus, just hockey talk...listen, pass it along, send us thoughts and comments and...Enjoy the Show!

Episode 0162: And I Feel Fine!, Lou Will Match Barzal Offer Sheets, Questions Regarding NHL Season, Cap Won't Go Down, B's Signings, Scouting To Be Done Mid April, Youth Camps Cancelled and More!

Another week without hockey, but we are still here talking about it!  Lou Lamoriello has tweeted out that he will match any offer sheets that are tendered for Matthew Barzal.  The Bruins have signed two college players to their entry level contracts...Nick Wolff of Minnesota Duluth and Jeremy Swayman of UMaine.  Unforturtunately US Hockey has cancelled some upcoming camps and tryouts however camps scheduled for the end of June and early July are still tentatively going to happen.  We spend a lot of the show discussing questions surrounding the current NHL season and the future of the league going forward.  Finally, we bring your attention to an article from Greg Wyshynski regarding how to get your hockey fix when there is no hockey to watch.  The link is below.  Also, in non-hockey news, R.E.M. is back on the charts but not with a new song.  "Its the End of the Word As We Know it...And I Feel Fine" is at number 65.  Enjoy at your leisure!  We keep on going and hope that everyone is healthy and safe.  Give us a listen, share your opinions with us and...Enjoy the Show!  We Feel Fine

https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/28923607/your-hockey-week-week-there-no-hockey

 

Episode 0161: Coronavirus and its Ongoing Effects on Sport, ECHL Cancels its Season, Sabres Goaltending to Blame, Boston 7th Player Award, Non-sports Personnel Affected and More!

With all of the major sports around the United States in some form of suspension, we are still talking hockey.  Coronavirus and its effects on sport, how should the leagues proceed, where do we go from here.  The ECHL, in a bold move, has cancelled the remainder of its season and the playoffs.  The Buffalo Sabres are struggling again this season, and Anthony Sciandra of Die By The Blade has a possible reason for this...the goaltending.  Boston has a player voted award, the 7th Player, and we break down potential winners this season.  We also delve into the non-player personnel who are affected by this virus and the players/teams that are doing something about it.  Everyone should take necessary precautions, wash your hands, find a hobby and listen to the Two Man Forecheck!  We will get through this and get back to our favorite sport soon.  Tell us what you think and Enjoy the Show!

Episode 0160: GM Meeting Recap, Mika Gets 5, Tuukka To Blame?, Mailbag, Coronavirus and Sports, B's 100 Point Players, Top 3 UFAs, Boychuk Update and More!

Five weeks until the playoffs start, but we are already in playoff form here at the Forecheck.  Today we recap the GM Meeting in Florida.  The big news...an upgrade on the offside rule!  Mika Zibanejad scores 5 goals against the Washington Capitals, impressive to be sure.  Is Tuukka to blame for anything in Boston?  Last night he was, allowing some questionable goals.  We answer a couple mailbag questions from Mark Brooks regarding the pending free agents Torey Krug and Matt Grzelcyk and what is wrong with the referees this season.  We touch on the coronavirus issue and how it is affecting sports in America and the NHL.  The Bruins have one and potentially two players who could hit the 100 point plateau this season.  We talk about our top 3 pending UFAs this year and we have a couple crossovers on our lists.  Mike tells us why he thinks we could have a triple crown winner this season, and he isn't talking horse racing.  Finally, we want to wish Johnny Boychuk a speedy recovery after being cut by a skate on March 4th.  Give us a listen, send us your thoughts and...Enjoy the Show!  Hey, we're now on Spotify!

Episode 0159: Trade Deadline Recap, Winners and Losers, B's Deals, 'Yotes Tanking?, New Seattle Training Facility, David Ayres Card, Tweak or Trash and More!

The trade deadline has come and gone, and Mike is back so let the mirth and mayhem commence!  We talk deadline deals, surprises, winners and losers around the NHL.  Who do you think did the best job?  The Bruins made two deals, one good and one we're not sure about.  This year's deadline saw more deals than last season, but Mike feels that it was a dull day...we discuss.  An article by Brett Cullen on Howlin' Hockey indicates that the Coyotes should tank the rest of the season.  We disagree.  Give a listen and hear why.  Seattle Hockey is happening.  This week they broke ground on a new training facility.  Get ready folks...unleash the...ok we'll avoid that cliché.  David Ayres, the EBUG from the Toronto/Carolina game has had a whirlwind week.  Now he will be immortalized on cardboard.  Upper Deck has announced a hockey card for the back up 'tender.  Finally we bring back Tweak or Trash for a fun round of who should be saved or skewered.  All this and so much more.  Give us a listen, let us know what is on your mind and...Enjoy the Show!