Two Man Forecheck

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!

Episode 0158: Toffoli, Martinez Moved, B's Acquire Kase, Thanks to Backes, Kane/Julien Comments, Women's NHL in Seattle, Lauzon Fights and More!

The trade deadline approaches but we have seen much movement already in the NHL that deadline day could potentially be anticlimactic.  Toffoli to Vancouver, Martinez to Vegas, have we seen all the moves the Kings are willing to make?  The Bruins get their winger, but it isn't the expected player.  Ondrej Kase is now the latest player to wear number 28 for Boston, taking it off the back of Paul Carey.  Their have been other moves as well, Blake Coleman to Tampa for one.  We want to thank David Backes for his time here in Boston.  He is a consummate professional and the Bruins may not have made the deep run they enjoyed last season.  Evander Kane put out a statement on Twitter and we discuss the implications and what should take place based on the statement.  Claude Julien has been fined $10,000 for speaking his mind as well.  We discuss the opportunity and the desire in Seattle to have a women's NHL team.  This is something that the NHL really needs to be looking into for the future.  Finally, Jeremy Lauzon has his first NHL fight with Matthew Tkachuk.  Enjoyable to watch.  Give us a listen, wish Mike a fun, safe vacation and...Enjoy the Show!

Episode 0157: Beanpot Review, Bouwmeester Recovering, Boudreau Fired, Another Krug Milestone, Kane & Lauzon Suspended, Sharks & Wings Issues and So Much More!

This week's episode is completely packed with topics for open discussion so without further ado here we go...

We start with a Beanpot review of the consolation and championship games.  We move on to a quick comment on Jay Bouwmeester and his recovery from a cardiac episode.  Torey Krug has hit yet another milestone with the Bruins.  Tenth defenseman in team history to have 5+ years of 8+ goals.  Five of the players on that list are in the hall of fame and one will go in when he retires.  By the way, Krug remains unsigned after this season.  Jeremy Lauzon and Evander Kane have received suspensions for questionable hits.  We break down San Jose as they are clearly having issues this season beyond goaltending.  Geoff Ward is the interim head coach in Calgary.  We discuss what it might take to have the interim tag removed.  Bruce Boudreau has been fired by the Wild, but Guerin hasn't stopped there.  He has also dealt Zucker to the Pens and has stated that if players don't show effort, then there could be more moves. Helene St. James wrote an article for the Detroit Free Press regarding what the Wings should do at the deadline.  One of the moves may be more controversial than we think.  Finally, the Sedins have had their jerseys retired.  A packed show to be sure so talk amongst yourselves, share with friends, let us know what you think and...Enjoy the Show!

Episode 0156: Our ECHL Experience, Beanpot Tournament, Lauzon Hit & Hearing, L.A./Toronto Trade, Elvis For Calder, Add One and More!

UPDATE!  The correct podcast recording from February 9th has been added.  Our apologies to all our listeners and thanks to those that noticed the incorrect recording and let us know.  As always, Enjoy the Show!

The Two Man Forecheck Hockey Tour continues as we discuss both the opening games of the Beanpot Tournament and our experience with the ECHL.  We break down the first two games with BU being the surprise winner in game two of the tournament.  Ashton Abel, BU goaltender is an early leader for tournament MVP.  The Worcester Railers and Atlanta Gladiators met for the first time ever in Worcester, Mass for an ECHL tilt.  Neither team is having a stellar season at this point and we talk about the entertainment factor for this game.  Jeremy Lauzon was given a match penalty for his hit on Derek Stepan and is scheduled to receive a phone call from the league offices today.  Was his hit worthy of suspension?  Let us know what you think.  Los Angeles and Toronto made a deal that got the Leafs a goaltender, but is it enough?  Robin Lehner gives an interview in which he discusses goalie stats that may allow for better goalie comparisons across the league.  Elvis has entered the building and may leave it at the end of the season with the Calder Trophy.  We talk about the lack of a GM in New Jersey and close with a fan favorite segment...Add One!  Give us a listen, share and Enjoy the Show!  Oh yeah, and vote in the Twitter Poll below!

 https://twitter.com/pucksage/status/1226566487273504768

 

 

Episode 0155: B's Post All Star Break, Ovi Ties Pasta (Briefly), Coyotes Being Investigated, Hertl Out For Season, Seattle Q & A, Beanpot Preview, Gibson's Mask and More!

As we emerge from the All Star Break, some teams may find themselves a bit rusty, be we at the Two Man Forecheck are still at the top of our game.  This week we start with a brief discussion about the Bruins first two games post All Star Game and how they have fared.  Ovechkin has caught Pastrnak for the league lead in goals, until tonight when Pasta pulled ahead again.  The Coyotes are being investigated for giving prospects fitness tests prior to the combine, something that is frowned upon by the NHL.  Why are they being singled out?  Tell us what you think.  Tomas Hertl is out for the season after injuring his knee.  He will be having surgery on Monday to repair both ACL and MCL damage.  How does this affect the Sharks going forward?  We talk about the new franchise in Seattle, break down some Q&A and discuss the leak of their potential new name.  The Beanpot Tournament in Boston will take place on the next two mondays and we will be present to get you a firsthand account of the action.  We preview it here.  Finally, John Gibson pays tribute to Kobe Bryant and the individuals who passed away last weekend with a goalie mask that has to be seen.  Give us a listen and Enjoy the Show!

 

 

Episode 0154: All Star Weekend, Revisiting Boston/Minnesota Trade, Toronto/Buffalo Issues, Lindblom Back on the Ice, Twitter Poll, Over/Under and More!

All Star Weekend has happened and we briefly touch on the results.  We re-visit the Coyle/Donato trade from last year.  We look into the issues with both Buffalo and Toronto as make or break teams.  Guess which way we vote.  Oskar Lindblom, diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma is back on the ice in Philly.  Not anywhere near game ready, but skating is a very good sign.  All positive thoughts and prayers go to him and his family.  We delve into the latest Twitter Poll results and reveal who we would vote into the hall of fame from this list.  We close this week's show with another rousing rendition of Over/Under with a trade deadline theme.  All this and so much more!  Give us a listen, share your thoughts and opinions and...Enjoy the Show!