Two Man Forecheck

Episode 0326: Vegas Wins; Conn Smyth; Wild Bill’s Celly; Bratt Re-signs; Severson Traded; OEL Bought Out; 4 C’s for the Caps; LeClair Brought In and More!

As the Stanley Cup has been passed around, we congratulate the Vegas Golden Knights on their victory!  The Conn Smyth was awarded to Jonathan Marchessault, but as we discuss, there were a few candidates for the accolade.  There is one name which may not get on the cup however, Robin Lehner.  We talk about whether he should be there, how it could happen, etc.  William Karlsson had a celly to remember during the Victory Party at Toshiba Park, one which had to be controlled by Caylee Allard, which she did admirably!  Jesper Bratt re-signed with the Devils, who also traded Damon Severson to the Blue Jackets.  If Matthews were to be extended, what would the impact be to the Leafs.  O.E.L. has been bought out by the Canucks, where are some potential landing spots?  We identify 3.  Washington Hockey Now identified 4 centers the Caps should check out.  We break the list down.  Finally, John LeClair has been brought in by the Flyers as Special Advisor to Hockey Operations.  Getting the band back together they are in Philly, with Briere, Jones and now LeClair.  Lots to talk about, so let us know and Enjoy the Show!

Episode 0325: Eichel Hit/Tkachuk Injury?; SCF Recap; Crazy Kaboom Trades 2; Dubois, Hellebuyck Done in WPG; Doan to Toronto & His Future and More!

The Stanley Cup Final is more than half over.  The Golden Knights are returning to Vegas up 3-1 and looking to close it out at home.  Here at the Forecheck, we are closing out another strong episode as we discuss the Eichel hit from Game 2, the fallout & fan reaction, the Tkachuk hit and possible injury.  We break down game 4 and the series up to this point.  Mike and Chris propose two more trades for teams that need to be blown up.  Pierre-Luc Dubois and Connor Hellebuyck have both stated that they would not re-up with the Winnipeg Jets, so we discuss why and potential landing spots.  Shane Doan is leaving Arizona and heading to the Maple Leafs to be an assistant to Brad Treliving.  We also talk about future possibilities for Mr. Doan.  Again a packed show to enjoy as the season winds down, so give a listen, give us some feedback and Enjoy the Show!

Episode 0324: IIHF Tournament; Lucic to Play Again?; Kaboom Trades; SCF Game 1 & Picks; Tkachuk in People; Penguins Collapse; Mike Babcock & More!

The Stanley Cup Final has begun!  Game one on Saturday night was entertaining and filled with action and physicality.  We start the show talking about another tournament...the IIHF World Championships.  The U.S. finished out of the medals after starting undefeated, at one point being 5,0,0,0.  We touched on various players for a few teams, but one in particular, Milan Lucic, wants to continue in the NHL but will he get a contract anywhere?  Mike and Chris both brought deals to the show for teams that we believe should have suffer an earth-shattering kaboom.  Which deal is more realistic and more helpful...we leave you to decide that.  We break down game one of the Final and make our pick for who will win.  Surprise...we don't agree.  Matthew Tkachuk was featured in People magazine, not to be named "Sexiest Man of the Year", but for an actual sports story about him and his career to this point.  The Two Man Forecheck then looked at the collapse of the Penguins as the result of an article in the Athletic and broke down why they really fell apart.  Finally, Mike Babcock may be making a return to the NHL as coach of the Blue Jackets.  Welcome to Cisco, the newest member of the Two Man Forecheck team.  A nine week old miniature Dachshund, he resides with Mike.  Lots to dive into during the final so give a listen and tell us what you think about the proposed trades or anything else hockey.  Enjoy the Show! 

Episode 0323: Vegas’ Closeout Issues; Jake Oettinger & Max Domi; Jordan Staal UFA; Briere & the Flyers; Toronto GM Ferris Wheel; IIHF Tourney; Joe Veleno; Joe Pa Tops; Saros Goes to the Dogs & More!

Well, the Dallas Stars are proving more stubborn than we thought.  The West has still not been settled so the Panthers sit and wait for an opponent.  He at the Forecheck, we wait for no man and submit yet another exciting episode for your listening pleasure.  We start in Vegas, where they are apparently having some difficulty closing out said Stars.  Could this be a pattern of their head coach?  Jake Oettinger has been stellar in elimination games and Max Domi has proven to be a valuable dead line acquired asset.  Jordan Staal is a UFA, but where would be his best landing spot?  Daniel Briere has stated that he is open to trading the "savior" of the franchise, Carter Hart after admitting that the team is definitely in a rebuild.  Toronto has purchased their ticket to the GM Ferris Wheel and are getting back in line for multiple turns as they interview many candidates.  The IIHF Tourney is almost over and we have the updates.  Joe Veleno was suspended during the group stage for an unforgivable act and will miss the rest of the tourney.  Joe Pavelski, at 38, is the leader for post season goals scored.  Finally, Juuse Saros has raised, with the franchise's help, $50,000 for Wags and Walks Nashville.  Lots of variety this week so give a listen and tell us what's on your mind.  Enjoy the Show!

Episode 0322: Coyotes Rejected; Forsyth County; Bergy’s Disk; Crosby’s Vacation; IIHF Tourney; PHF Glow-up; Iranian Nat’l Team; Kyle Dubas; Twitter Polls & More!

With the conference finals underway, we are streaking toward the end of the season and there is still so much to talk about.  We start with the vote for the new home of the Coyotes which ended negatively for the franchise.  What do they do now and what cost them?  Is Forsyth County in Georgia the answer?  How about Salt Lake City?  Patrice Bergeron was suffering from a herniated disk which kept him out of the first four games of the playoffs.  Crosby, on vacation, made a 10 year old's year by posing for photos with the fam and paying for their meal.  The IIHF World Championships are taking place at the most opportune time, during the Stanley Cup playoffs.  The PHF has made a huge grab, signing Noora Raty out of Finland, the best goaltender in the world on the women's side.  The Iranian women's national team is putting the world on notice in the Asia & Oceania Championship.  Kyle Dubas has been fired by Toronto.  What lies next for him and the Leafs?  Finally we close with a couple of Twitter Polls (one not ours).  Lots of content to digest, so listen, let us know what you think and Enjoy the Show! 

Episode 0321: Bedard at 1?; Dubas/Keefe Done?; Landeskog Out For 23-24; Gallant Out, Who’s In?;

With the Eastern Conference settled and the West done tonight, we march on to the the next series with another episode.  Connor Bedard will most likely go number one, but we posit deals that might actually get the 'hawks to deal the first pick.  The Leafs have been ousted from the playoffs so have we seen the last of Dubas/Keefe?  Maybe not.  Landeskog will miss all of next season and Marc Methot went on Twitter to talk about the injury he suffers as Marc had the same surgery.  Gallant is out in NY, but who is in?  Mollie Walker gives us a list of candidates who could get the job.  Edmonton was eliminated in 6 games, however the big issue seemed to be with ESPN, who wouldn't move the game (not sure if they picked the start time) for more fans to watch it.  Zach Whitecloud accepted John Anderson's apology so what is the deal with Patrick Maroon and his not accepting Jack Edwards' apology?  Finally, we talk Lindy Ruff and Bruins' dev camp.  The link to our Twitter Poll regarding Connor Bedard is below, so vote, listen, comment and Enjoy the Show!

https://twitter.com/pucksage/status/1658254915750207488

 

Episode 0320: Bruins Requiem; OHL Sanctions Niagara; Gallant Out; Playoff All-Stars; Borowiecki Retires; Preds Turn 25; Clifton Out?; Marchy & Live Mics; Women’s World Para Event; Cole Knuble & More!

Round One is in the rear view and the second round is underway.  The playoffs continue to surprise with the two number one seeds out.  We keep the puck moving here with another edition of the Two Man Forecheck.  We start with a requiem for the Bruins and a break down of the second round matchups.  The OHL has hit the Niagara Ice Dogs with sanctions that just don't do enough.  Gerard Gallant is out in New York after two years.  Mike and Chris come up with playoff all stars of the first round.  Mark Borowiecki retires at 33.  The Predators turn 25 and Mike compliments Gary Bettman.  Connor Clifton may be out in Boston.  Brad Marchand doesn't like live microphones on the benches.  Women's World Para Ice Hockey Tournament will be taking place in August.  We talk Cole Knuble and Chris reminisces about high school.  Go Warriors!  Enjoy the Show!

Episode 0319: Playoff Recap; Hughes Interview; Cogliano Out; Slim JD Hand Pass?; Twitter Poll; Dubas & Bolts Fans; Colton Orr Extended; B’s/Panthers Series; Bowness Comments and More!

With the first round almost complete, we discuss those situations that have taken place so far, opening with a brief playoff recap.  Jack Hughes has shown that he belongs, not only with his play on the ice but in his interviews at the end of games.  Andrew Cogliano is ruled out for game 7 as he has reportedly suffered a broken neck after being hit by Jordan Eberle.  Jake DeBrusk's "hand pass" causes the B's to lose a goal scored in game 6, but should it have?  We go over Twitter Poll results indicating that the Rangers have more to lose if they were to be eliminated.  Kyle Dubas has a reaction to Bolts fans after a hit by O'Reilly on Point.  Colton Orr has been extended for another year as coach of the Connecticut Whale.  Will we see him behind an NHL bench at some point?  We take a deep dive into the Bruins/Panthers series and finally talk about Rick Bowness' comments after the Jets were eliminated. Still a lot to digest here so have a seat and listen before the final game 7s of the first round.  Enjoy the Show!

Episode 0318: Playoff Recaps; Roope Hintz; Josh Morrissey; Penguins Leadership; Jordan Kyrou; Bergeron’s 2nd Career; Twitter Poll Results (Laviolette); McAvoy’s Crutch and More!

The NHL Playoffs are in full swing and we continue driving toward the net.  We start with playoff recaps of all the matchups currently taking place.  The common thread among this year's playoffs has been the nastiness that is happening on the ice.  We discuss certain players that are having an impact on their respective matchups, such as Roope Hintz.  Josh Morrissey will miss the remainder of the first round after being hit.  We take a look at the leadership of the Pittsburgh Penguins and what it may mean for their future.  The Blues held a presser at which they talked about Jordan Kyrou needing to be more committed to winning.  Odd to be sure, we discuss how this may affect the team as a whole and Kyrou as an individual.  Patrice Bergeron has been out for the first 4 games but he is still involved as he has been texting with the coaching staff his observations.  Does he have a second career as a coach?  We look at our Twitter Poll results regarding Peter Laviolette and finish up with a frank discussion regarding Charlie McAvoy and his need for Matt Grzelcyk to be his linemate for success.  Give a listen, a comment and Enjoy the Show!

Episode 0317: Toews No Longer a ’Hawk; IIHF Women; Panthers Trolling; St. Louis/Armstrong; Coaching Carousel Turns; Playoff Matchups; Prospect Game BM & PB Best Buddies and More!

As we are on the cusp of the NHL Playoffs, we delve into the format the NHL got right.  Jonathan Toews has been told by the Chicago staff that they will not be re-signing him at the end of the season.  What does that mean for the 3 time cup winner?  The IIHF Women's World Championship final is tonight (04/16).  It is a familiar matchup between the U.S. and Canada.  The Panthers appear to be trolling the B's with their "mini mic" segment on Twitter (link below).  The Blues and Doug Armstrong can't seem to get themselves right now that the season is over.  Worried about captains and Doug stating that he doesn't relate to the younger players leaves us worried for the St. Louis franchise.  We discuss the coaches that have been fired since the season ended.  We also take a deeper dive into the matchups and identify what each time needs to do to be successful in their first round.  The Top Prospect game for next year has already been scheduled and we recommend a read from the NHL website talking about the relationship between Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand.  Lots of content to keep us busy (and a poll question below) until puck drop so give a listen and Enjoy the Show!

https://twitter.com/FlaPanthers/status/1647315237652119553

https://twitter.com/pucksage/status/1647616416219123712