Locked On NHL - Daily Podcast On The National Hockey League

The NHL's Western Conference Final is set as the Vegas Golden Knights advanced by defeating the Anaheim Ducks last night. We preview the upcoming battle between VGK and the Colorado Avalanche which promises to be a good one.

Plus, the Vancouver Canucks have hired the Sedin Twins for their front office as co-presidents of hockey operations and added Ryan Johnson as GM. We discuss the task ahead to rebuild the Canucks and the challenges they face.

And the Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens continue their round two series with Game 6 on Saturday. Can the Sabres...

The Montreal Canadiens rally behind rookie goalie Jakob Dobes to surge past the Buffalo Sabres in a chaotic Game 5. Can Martin St. Louis’ bold decision to stick with his rookie goalie power the Canadiens to the Eastern Conference Final? The pivotal second-period heroics from Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, and Juraj Slafkovsky’s top line shift the series momentum, while the Sabres wrestle with underperforming stars Alex Tuch and Tage Thompson.
Vegas Golden Knights cruise past the Anaheim Ducks, led by Mitch Marner’s stunning playoff resurgence and Brett Howden’s scoring spree. Discussion centers on John Tortorella’s coaching i...

The Edmonton Oilers have made a coaching change! On this Thursday edition of Locked On NHL, Nick Zararis and Hunter Hodies break down the massive news out of Edmonton. We discuss Stan Bowman’s questionable roster construction, the heavy contracts weighing the team down, the ticking clock on Connor McDavid’s extension, and the rumors surrounding Bruce Cassidy.

Plus, we look at the Colorado Avalanche's absolute dominance over the Minnesota Wild. With 16 different goal scorers in the second round alone, are they the pound-for-pound best team in the league? Finally, we preview the Vegas Golden Knights' chance to c...

The Avalanche played their worst period maybe all playoffs. It didn't matter. Colorado wins 4-3 with four unanswered goals. We talk about Colorado's path forward, Minnesota's off-season road plus preview Thursday night's biggest playoff battles.

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Ross Levitan and Gil Martin react to the Maple Leafs firing Craig Berube, discuss McAvoy’s suspension, and preview NHL playoff action including Avalanche vs. Wild and the latest from the Golden Knights, Hurricanes, and Sabres series.

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GAME NIGHT: Vegas Golden Knights Push Anaheim Ducks to the BRINK of Elimination, Buffalo Sabres PULL EVEN with Montreal Canadiens

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Colorado Avalanche dominate the West as the Minnesota Wild falter—can the Wild turn the tide in a must-win Game 5? Seth Toupal and JD Young break down Colorado’s 5-2 victory, spotlighting the Avalanche’s relentless offense and dissecting the Wild’s offensive drought, questionable playoff format, and growing pressure. Insightful analysis covers the impact of missing stars like Joel Eriksson Ek and explores how empty-net goals skewed the final margin.

Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes sit idle with up to nine days of rest after sweeping their second straight opponent. Will extended downtime help or hinder their Eastern...

Colorado gets what they need after a goalie switch. Plus, the depth scoring comes up big in a 5-2 win. Buffalo has a critical Game 4 in Montreal while Anaheim and Vegas look to break their deadlock in Game 5 in Sin City.

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The Montreal Canadiens ignite the Bell Centre crowd and overpower the Buffalo Sabres with standout performances from Alex Newhook and Cole Caufield. Can Buffalo regroup and neutralize Montreal’s surging offense as the series shifts momentum north of the border? Hosts Eddie Garcia and Shukri Wrights break down Montreal’s back-to-back playoff wins, highlighting key goals, dominant special teams play, and the electric postseason atmosphere. Locked on Canadiens shot Ian Boivert joins to offer his insights. Plus, the Anaheim Ducks battle back to even their series with the Vegas Golden Knights, sparked by power play breakthroughs and clutch goals from...

The Colorado Avalanche hold a 2-1 series lead over the Minnesota Wild but they dropped Game 3 in Minnesota.

Chris Micielli of Locked On Avalanche joins us to discuss what changed in Game 3 and they keys for the Avs to overcome the President's Trophy jinx and advance to the conference finals.

The Carolina Hurricanes became the first team to earn a berth in the Conference Finals as they completed a four-game sweep of the Philadelphia Flyers.

Zach Martin of Locked On Hurricanes discusses the team's 8-0 playoff start, the strong goaltending of Frederick Andersen...

The Carolina Hurricanes sweep the Philadelphia Flyers in dramatic OT finish—Jackson Blake nets two goals, including the series-winner, propelling the Hurricanes to their third Eastern Conference Final in four seasons. Can Frederik Andersen’s red-hot goaltending and the explosive second line maintain Carolina’s flawless playoff run? Hosts Eddie Garcia and Shukri Wrights spotlight the young Flyers’ resilience, Alex Bump’s clutch performance, and Dan Vladar’s heroics, while questioning the omission of Matvei Michkov. We get reports on both sides from Locked on Hurricanes host Zack Martin and Locked on Flyers host Rachel Donner.The Minnesota Wild’s physicality...

The Montreal Canadiens silenced the Buffalo Sabres’ home crowd with Alex Newhook’s big performance, knotting their playoff series 1-1. Can Buffalo adjust after suffering from power play woes and struggling to match Montreal’s resilience? Eddie Garcia and Shukri Wrights dissect coaching adjustments as the series heads to the raucous Bell Centre. Locked on Canadiens host Ian Boisvet joins to offer his insight. The Vegas Golden Knights gain control against the Anaheim Ducks as Mitch Marner records his first postseason hat trick. The hosts discuss Anaheim’s defensive struggles and Carter Hart’s steady presence in net. Plus, a look ahe...

The NHL completed the draft lottery this week but is the process fair? We break down why there are issues with how the league configures the lottery and some ways that could make it fairer.

Plus, the NHL named the finalists for awards like the Adams Trophy, the Selke Trophy, the Calder Trophy and the Norris Trophy, but was Evan Bouchard snubbed for the Norris and who is likely to win these awards?

And we preview and exciting weekend of Stanley Cup playoff action ahead with seasons on the line.

All this and...

The Carolina Hurricanes overpower the Philadelphia Flyers to seize a commanding 3-0 series lead. Are the Flyers outmatched, or is a miracle comeback still possible? Eddie Garcia, Shukri Wrights are joined by Locked on Hurricanes host Zach Martin break down the Hurricanes’ relentless playoff dominance, fueled by stellar play from Frederik Andersen, Jordan Staal, and a flawless penalty kill. Key moments include Jalen Chatfield’s shorthanded dagger and a controversial hit that shifted momentum squarely in Carolina’s favor. Analysis extends to the Buffalo Sabres’ gritty depth and mobile defense as they aim to take control against the Montreal Canadien...

On today's edition of Locked On NHL, Hunter Hodies and Nick Zararis discuss three of the four second-round playoff series. They first start with the Montreal-Buffalo series and how it got off to a great start on Wednesday night. They discuss what the Sabres did to frustrate the Habs and how the Habs can try to bounce back in Game 2. After that, they dive into the Anaheim-Vegas series and how Anaheim really frustrated Vegas in Game 2. Is it time for the big guns from Vegas to show up more? Finally, they end the show discussing what the Flyers can...

Buffalo defends home ice in the highly anticipated series opener against Montreal, and did it despite an ironic shot differential. In the night cap, Anaheim also evened their series with Vegas as they head home. Mike Asti and TJ Chillot discuss everything that happened in both games and then preview Game 3 between the Hurricanes and Flyers as that series shifts to Philadelphia. 

 

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Ross Levitan and Mike DiStefano react to the Maple Leafs winning the NHL draft lottery, trade hypotheticals, and preview Habs vs. Sabres.

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With only one game on the night, Mike Asti and TJ Chillot open the show by discussing a calmer version of another Colorado win over Minnesota. Are the Avalanche just simply too good to be stopped? Did the Wild make a mistake switching goalies? 

After the game recap, they then move to preview the series opener between Buffalo and Montreal and Anaheim trying to even the series against Vegas before debating remaining franchise without a recent Stanley Cup (or one at all) is most likely to break their long title drought.

Eve...

Toronto Maple Leafs spark controversy with the hiring of John Chayka as general manager, raising eyebrows around the NHL. With just one supporter out of 20 league insiders backing the move, is Toronto poised for disaster or a dramatic turnaround? Seth Toupal and JD Young dissect Chayka’s rocky introduction, question Craig Berube’s critical role, and spotlight looming power struggles with Mats Sundin in the front office. Key assets like Auston Matthews and William Nylander face uncertain futures as speculation swirls about major trades and a painful rebuild.

Draft lottery odds heat up as Vancouver sits atop the...

GAME NIGHT: The Carolina Hurricanes ESCAPEe with OT Win versus the Philadelphia Flyers, Vegas Golden Knights TAKE Game 1 vs the Anaheim Ducks, Preview of Tuesday and Wednesday Night's Games.

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The Montreal Canadiens knock off the Tampa Bay Lightning with a gritty 2-1 Game 7 road win, advancing to face the Buffalo Sabres despite recording just nine shots—a record low for a postseason victory. Can rookie goaltender Jakob Dobes continue his clutch heroics and push Montreal deeper into the Stanley Cup Playoffs? Eddie Garcia and Mike Asti break down Montreal's win, Tampa Bay’s missed opportunities, and the emotional triumph for Martin St. Louis over his former team. The show also recaps the Colorado Avalanche’s wild 9-6 shootout over the Minnesota Wild, spotlights standout performance by Cale Makar and ex...

The Minnesota Wild fell in a thrilling, back and forth Game 1 in their second round series against the Colorado Avalanche.

Seth Toupal of Locked On Wild discusses what went wrong for the Wild defensively and what the keys are to them winning this series against the team with the league's best record.

The Buffalo Sabres have advanced to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs after dispatching the Boston Bruins in six games. Joe DiBiase of Locked On Sabres discusses how the Sabres overcame the Bruins, how the goaltending stepped up and what it...

The Carolina Hurricanes dominate the Philadelphia Flyers as Logan Stankoven stays red hot and Frederik Andersen posts another shutout, as the Hurricanes win the opening game of Round 2. Can any team slow down this surging Carolina squad, who haven’t trailed once in five playoff games? Eddie Garcia, Mike Asti, and Locked on Hurricanes host Zach Martin break down Stankoven’s record-breaking playoff performance, Fredrick Andersen being dominant in goal and why the post-trade momentum might finally push Carolina past their conference finals hurdle. The episode also previews the dramatic Game 7 showdown between the Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Ligh...

Andrei Vasilevskiy leads the Lighting in a thrilling 1-0 overtime win in Montreal forcing the Canadiens to play a Game 7 in Tampa. Locked on Canadiens co-host Laura Saba joins to discuss the Habs challenge ahead. The Buffalo Sabres clinch their first playoff series win in 19 years after a dominant Game 6 victory over the Boston Bruins. Locked on Sabres host Joe DiBiase and Locked on Bruins host Ian McLaren join to give their perspectives. Hosts Eddie Garcia and Shukri Wrights break down why experience matters, how Mitch Marner helped propel the Vegas Golden Knights past the Utah Mammoth, and examine...

The Edmonton Oilers saw their season end in round 1 after falling to the Anaheim Ducks in six games. What does this mean for the future of Connor McDavid and the Oilers team? Is it time to break up the core or was this team just unlucky with injuries and other fixable issues? 

Plus, the NHL announces the finalists for the Lady Byng Trophy and the Vezina Trophy but did they get it right and who is most likely to win it? And can history be made as assistant coach Jessica Campbell parts ways with the Seattle Kraken t...

The Minnesota Wild finally advance out of the first-round, eliminating the Dallas Stars behind Quinn Hughes’ electric three-point performance. Can Minnesota’s bold trade for Hughes fuel a deeper Stanley Cup Playoff push? Eddie Garcia, Shukri Wrights and Locked on Wild host Seth Toupal break down the Wild’s big win, Jesper Wallstedt’s standout goaltending and what this means for Dallas after a disappointing early exit. Discussion heats up around Bill Guerin’s aggressive roster moves and the upcoming second-round clash with the Colorado Avalanche. The Anaheim Ducks surge past the Edmonton Oilers, advancing for the first time since 2017...

In this Thursday edition of Locked On NHL, Nick Zararis (Locked On Oilers) and Hunter Hodies (Locked On Penguins) break down a catastrophic night in Pittsburgh and look ahead to two pivotal Game 6s. Hunter explains why the depth scoring from Anthony Mantha and others completely dried up when it mattered most. With several UFAs like Mantha and Stuart Skinner likely out, what does "rebuilding on the fly" actually look like this summer? Hunter and Nick also discuss how Rick Tocchet’s 1-1-3 system neutralized the Penguins and why it might be a recipe for disaster against the Hu...

GAME NIGHT: The Philadelphia Flyers FINISH off their in-state rivals, the Pittsburgh Penguins, Pavel Dorofeyev nets a hat-trick as Brett Howden gets the game winner in double-overtime to take Vegas out to a 3-2 series lead, and the Montreal Canadiens Hatty NOT ENOUGH For Vegas vs Utah, and the Montreal Canadies TAKE Game 5 versus the Tampa Bay Lightning.

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Ross Levitan and Mike DiStefano break down pivotal NHL first-round playoff games, discuss surprises and breakout stars, and debate which teams have the edge.

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GAME NIGHT: The Boston Bruins FORCE a game six with a win over the Buffalo Sabres, the Minnesota Wild DIM the Dallas Stars, and the Edmonton Oilers HUGE first period is enough to survive versus Anaheim Ducks.

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Oilers fans roar for answers after a controversial goal call helps the Anaheim Ducks seize a 3-1 series lead—did the puck really cross the line? Seth Toupal and JD Young break down the chaotic playoff finish, scrutinizing referee decisions, goaltending woes in Edmonton, and Anaheim’s surge powered by Cutter Gauthier and Lucas Dostal’s stability in net. Can Connor McDavid rally the Oilers, or is a Ducks series clincher inevitable?

Elsewhere, the Pittsburgh Penguins threaten a dramatic comeback after clawing back from a 3-0 deficit against the Flyers, while Buffalo Sabres target a long-awaited series win ov...

Jack Eichel's three assist night powers Vegas in a bananas 5-4 overtime win over Utah. Meanwhile, the Penguins in survival mode are pretty good. They also get a little puck luck in a 3-2 win over Philadelphia to avoid elimination again. Plus a look ahead at two elimination games Tuesday night and a monster Game 5. 

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Anaheim puts Edmonton on the brink in controversial fashion. Colorado finishes off a sweep, ending the career of NHL royalty in the process. The Sabres roll over the Bruins to take a commanding 3-1 series lead. Tampa Bay mounts an epic comeback to even their series with Montreal.

Mike Asti and Alex Wiederspiel discuss an eventful Sunday while honoring Anze Kopitar in this Stanley Cup Playoffs edition of LockedOn NHL Game Night.

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The Montreal Canadiens lost a heartbreaker in Game 4 to the Tampa Bay Lightning after holding an early 2-0 lead.

Laura Saba of Locked On Canadiens joins us to discuss why this was the Habs shakiest performance of the playoffs so far and what they need to do to defeat the Bolts to win the series.

The Utah Mammoth are ahead in their opening round playoff series against the Vegas Golden Knights 2 games to 1. 

Robyn Leano of Locked On Mammoth joins us to discuss the reasons for the Mammoth's series lead and the historical i...

The Carolina Hurricanes complete a first-round sweep of the Ottawa Senators behind Frederik Andersen’s stellar goaltending. Eddie Garcia, Shukri Wright break down Carolina’s eighth straight first-round series win with help from Locked on Hurricanes host Zach Martin. Plus, discussion of Ottawa’s failed power play and the disappearing acts of Tim Stutzle and Brady Tkachuk.

Elsewhere, the Pittsburgh Penguins stave off elimination with a gritty performance from Sidney Crosby, denying the Philadelphia Flyers a sweep. The drama continues as the Minnesota Wild even their series against the Dallas Stars, highlighted by Matt Boldy’s overtime heroics...

The Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning go overtime for a third straight game with the Habs grabbing a 2-1 series lead thanks to Lane Hudson’s OT game winner and gritty fourth-line heroics. Can the Habs’ young core shake up the Stanley Cup Playoffs with newfound confidence? Eddie Garcia and Shukri Wrights break down high-scoring fireworks in Anaheim as the Ducks overwhelm the Oilers and the Utah Mammoth make history with their first playoff game and win in Salt Lake City. Spirited local reports dissect defensive struggles, goaltending controversies, and the playoff atmospheres shaking up the league. Don’t miss...

How should the NHL handle the head shot by Taylor Hall of the Carolina Hurricanes on the Ottawa Senators Jake Sanderson? Should playoff discipline be consistent or different than regular season discipline handed out by the NHL Department of Player Safety?

Plus, which of the three 3-0 playoff series has been the most entertaining and which ones have been too one-sided. We also preview every series this weekend was some teams try to stave off elimination.

All this and more on today's Locked On NHL Podcast with Rachel Donner and Gil Martin.

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GAME NIGHT: Carolina Hurricanes and Colorado Avalanche Push Their Opponents to the BRINK of elimination, while the Buffalo Sabres BEST the Boston Bruins to take a 2-1 series lead. 

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In this Thursday edition of Locked on NHL, Nick Zararis (Locked On Oilers) and Hunter Hodies (Locked On Penguins) break down every single first-round series with an authoritative, stats-heavy lens. We start with the Pittsburgh Penguins, who find themselves in a 3-0 hole against a Philadelphia Flyers team playing a suffocating system. Can Crosby find his 100% health, or is this series over? Plus, we dive into the Edmonton Oilers' 1-1 tie with Anaheim, where a visibly "limp" Connor McDavid and an abysmal penalty kill have alarm bells ringing in Alberta.

02:15 Penguins struggle against Philly

04:56 Improving...

The Minnesota Wild miss a big opportunity with a double overtime loss to the Dallas Stars. Can Kirill Kaprizov and the Wild rebound after letting special teams struggles haunt them again? Eddie Garcia and Alex Wiederspill break down the Wild going 1-7 on the power play.

Elsewhere, the Anaheim Ducks outgun the Edmonton Oilers 6-4, raising alarms about Connor McDavid’s health and Edmonton’s suddenly dormant power play. Philadelphia Flyers push the Pittsburgh Penguins to the brink with a commanding 3-0 series lead, led by Dan Vladar’s stellar goaltending and Rick Tocchet’s strategic edge. Key topi...