Locked On NHL - Daily Podcast On The National Hockey League

Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid is off to a record-setting start. How good has he been? As of now, he's on pace to surpass Wayne Gretzky's all-time record for points in a season by 45. We break down his amazing start along with teammates like Evan Bouchard and Leon Draisaitl and discuss how good this team can be in the long run both offensively and overall.

As of now, no rookie is having a runaway season in the NHL and there is no clear cut candidate for the Calder Trophy. Gavin McKenna has been good, Ivar Stenberg of...

The Edmonton Oilers outduel the Carolina Hurricanes in a 6-5 shootout thriller, powered by Connor McDavid’s five-point outburst. Is McDavid setting an early pace for a historic season? Hosts Eddie Garcia and Shurki Wrights break down Edmonton’s relentless comeback with Locked On Oilers host Nick Zararis weighs in on the Edmonton's playoff credentials. Elsewhere, the Toronto Maple Leafs stage a dramatic late rally to topple the New York Rangers, the Boston Bruins ride Michael DiPietro’s emotional shutout, and the Dallas Stars continue their overtime magic behind Roope Hintz. Locked on Bruins Ian McLearn and Locked on Stars...

Dylan Larkin has expanded the list of teams he’d accept a trade to, and the pattern is obvious: contenders in the lower 48. Nick Zararis (Locked On Oilers) and Hunter Hodies (Locked On Penguins) go through the Washington Capitals, Utah Mammoth, New Jersey Devils, Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild, and the rest of the reported destinations. They look at why the Detroit Red Wings are holding out for a win-now return like the Pierre-Luc Dubois for Gabe Vilardi trade instead of picks and prospects. They also cover Detroit’s decade-long playoff drought, its struggles developing high draft picks, and how the...

With one of the most emotional game of the season to date headlining the show, Mike Asti and Alex Wiederspiel discuss everything that was Brady Tkachuk’s return to Ottawa, from the fan reaction, to his goal, to the eventual blowout win for the Senators. 

They even dive into what the trade could mean for the future of the league while also also covering a statement win for the Flyers as they look to keep rebounding after a rough start to the season.

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Ross Levitan (Locked On Senators) and Gil Martin (Locked On Islanders) discuss Brady Tkachuk returning to Ottawa as an opponent. Plus, Connor McDavid’s historic start, Edmonton Oilers’ strong season, and the Boston Bruins’ impressive performance so far.

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The Moose is loose. Mikko Rantanen's hat trick spoils a potential big night for Boston's youth movement. New Jersey writes a sentence in their story against Colorado. Los Angeles finally wins their first game. Edmonton plays well, then has to survive a Minnesota push. Montreal blows another lead in a loss to San Jose. Seattle blows a lead, but survives to maintain two points versus Detroit.

Toronto blows out Columbus in the Marchenko-Knies first showdown. Tampa blows out Vegas. The Islanders give the Ducks defense fits. St. Louis edges Winnipeg thanks to Joel Hofer and Philip Broberg...

Utah Mammoth surge to the top of the Central Division with balanced scoring across the roster—can their goaltending keep pace? Seth Toupal and JD Young spotlight breakout performances from Nick Schmaltz, Clayton Keller, and Logan Cooley, while questioning if Karel Vemelka’s .873 save percentage could jeopardize Utah’s playoff push. The duo debate trade rumors swirling around Connor Hellebuyck and which contender—Buffalo Sabres, Vegas Golden Knights, or Utah Mammoth—might pay the price to land the elite goaltender.

Ottawa Senators shake off the Brady Tkachuk trade drama, riding Tim Stutzle and Linus Ullmark’s hot starts into...

On a night Toronto’s dream scenario occurred, Mike Asti and Alex Wiederspiel discuss Auston Matthews and Gavin McKenna combing to lead the Maple Leafs to a win over the Sharks, the Rangers embarrassing the Ducks, Philadelphia showing what they’re capable of against Colorado and Utah handing Pittsburgh their fourth-straight loss. 

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The Colorado Avalanche are off to a strong start this season as they try to get back to the playoffs after last season's disappointing exit in the conference finals.

Chris Micielli of Locked On Avalanche joins us to discuss the strong start by Nathan MacKinnon and how the Avalanche will handle the pressure that comes with needing playoff success.

The Carolina Hurricanes are showing no signs of a Stanley Cup hangover as they are off to a strong start to the new season.

Zach Martin of Locked On Carolina Hurricanes discusses the keys...

The Wild are all business in a win over Columbus. Is there too much pressure on the Jackets? Could there be an alternative to Dylan Larkin for Minnesota? Calgary has had a tough year, but Devin Cooley's best performance propels them over a tired Carolina team. Plus, Alex Wiederspiel's rant on the analytics trap. And Mike Asti posits why Connor McDavid doesn't need to validate himself by winning the Stanley Cup. 

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The Florida Panthers rewrite NHL history with back-to-back-to-back natural hat tricks, with Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Bennett each scoring 3 goals in an 8-3 rout of the Seattle Kraken. Are the Panthers finally unlocking their offensive powerhouse form? The episode also spotlights the surging Carolina Hurricanes, riding a seven-game win streak despite injuries. Eddie Garcia and Shukri Wrights are joined by Locked On locan experts to cover the Philadelphia Flyers’ emotional first win, Connor McDavid’s five-point masterpiece for the Edmonton Oilers, and the Vegas Golden Knights dominating the Pacific. Key storylines include Cole Caufield’s Saturday overtime magic for the Mo...

The Colorado Avalanche rally past the Pittsburgh Penguins with a five-goal comeback, powered by Nathan MacKinnon’s four-point night and Artturi Lehkonen’s clutch scoring. Can the Avalanche’s explosive offense carry them to the top of the Western Conference? Eddie Garcia and Shukri Wrights break down Colorado’s high-octane rally, analyze the Penguins’ defensive collapses, and spotlight rookie TJ Hughes’ first NHL goal. The episode also covers the Boston Bruins’ special teams masterclass in their victory over the Anaheim Ducks, featuring standout performances from David Pastrnak and goaltender Michael DiPietro. Plus, which teams are the NHL’s biggest surprises—good a...

Florida Panthers forward Brady Tkachuk is red-hot as he tallied his second consecutive natural hat trick. Patrick Kane hits a major milestone for an American-born player and the Toronto Maple Leafs sit Gavin McKenna and lose John Tavares to injury.

Plus the Central Division standings have been a major surprise with Utah and Winnipeg off to great starts and Dallas struggling early but will this last?

And we preview an exciting Saturday-heavy weekend of NHL action.

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

Eddie Garcia, Shukri Wrights and a host of Locked on local team experts recap an eventful night in the NHL. Brady Tkachuk notching back-to-back natural hat tricks, a feat not seen since the mid-’80s. The Toronto Maple Leafs collapse late against the Buffalo Sabres despite Kirill Marchenko’s highlight-reel hat trick, while the Philadelphia Flyers remain winless, fueling speculation about Rick Tocchet’s job security. The Ottawa Senators shock the league by seizing the Atlantic Division’s top spot as Linus Ullmark boasts Vezina-caliber numbers. The Vegas Golden Knights solidify their NHL dominance with Mark Stone’s third-period hat trick...

It's been a crazy two weeks in the NHL, and to start the show, hosts Nick Zararis and Hunter Hodies dive into Philadelphia’s historically sluggish offense, a -21 goal differential, and whether Rick Tocchet’s low-scoring system combined with Dan Vladar’s heavy workload is sustainable. After that, they dive into the Seattle Kraken's fast start and what's fueling it, despite some shady underlying numbers. Finally, they discuss the Alex DeBrincat extension, the Frozen Frenzy, and so much more!

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With only two games on the night, Mike Asti and Alex Wiederspiel are able to fully unpack what went on in two epic battles between likely contenders. 

First, the Capitals left the arena smiling after a big win over Montreal. How important is Alex Tuch? Does Washington now have a legitimate backup goalie?

And then out West, the Stars got their revenge against Colorado, but do one or both teams now have a goalie controversy brewing? 

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Mike DiStefano and Gil Martin of the Locked On NHL Podcast go around the horn on teh latest topics around the NHL. First, they break down the Alex DeBrincat $13M AAV contract with Detroit a nd question when the Red Wings will get their other business done. Then they ponder is Rick Bowness' days are numbered in Columbus and discuss the biggest suprises starts to the Season.

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Colorado and Dallas gets a little heated in a 3-2 Colorado win. Good news! They're back at it on Wednesday. The Tkachuks went wild in a 7-3 Panthers win over Columbus. Montreal does everything right, but sweats out a 4-3 win over pesky Buffalo. Andrei Svechnikov's hot start propels the Hurricanes 4-2 win over Washington. Utah survived a Toronto rally to win 5-4. Alexis Lafreniere's seven goals in eight games leads the Rangers, while Dylan Garand outplays Andrei Vasilevskiy. Edmonton gets great goaltending from Devon Levi to keep the Kings winless. The Flyers are also still winless despite their...

Igor Shesterkin’s season-ending injury throws the New York Rangers’ playoff hopes into turmoil. Can rising stars like Alexei Lafreniere and a reshuffled goaltender rotation keep the Blueshirts in contention, or is a major trade for a replacement—like Jordan Binnington or Samuel Montembeault—on the horizon? Seth Toupal and JD Young break down the ripple effects of this crushing blow, weigh potential roster moves, and debate the smartest strategy for GM Chris Drury.

As Connor Bedard gears up for his return, the Chicago Blackhawks face tough questions about their rebuild. Will Bedard’s star power spark a turnarou...

As the NHL continues to wait for the Florida Panthers to gel and look like the super team they were labeled to be, Mike Asti and Alex Wiederspiel discuss a Monday with only three games. 

They wonder if the Sabres were overlooked entering the season and what’s going on with Florida. How much time will the Panthers need to gel? Can the Senators keep this up and how much of a statement did Minnesota make in their win over Vegas?

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The New York Rangers suffered a huge loss when goalie Igor Shesterkin was lost for the season with an injury. 

Jon Chik of Locked On NY Rangers discusses how the Rangers will handle the loss of their star goalie and how they can sustain their surprisingly strong start to the season.

The Utah Mammoth are off to a strong start as they look to build on last year's success and compete in the top-heavy Central Division.

Tom Callahan of Locked On Mammoth joins us to discuss the reasons for the team's strong start, t...

The Carolina Hurricanes continue to make Philadelphia fans boo. They've won five straight to improve to 5-1-1. The Flyers are off to their worst start in franchise history. Is this it for Rick Tocchet? The Rangers first game after the devastating Igor Shesterkin injury was a good one, and the team rallied around their new young netminder Dylan Garand. For Washington, what seemed like a scheduled win for them with Seattle traveling across the country turned out very differently. The Kraken are off to a nice start. 

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Connor McDavid continues his scorching start as the Edmonton Oilers outlast the San Jose Sharks, while Kirill Kaprizov’s hat trick powers the Minnesota Wild to a nice win in Florida. Are the Ottawa Senators—sparked by Tim Stützle —2024’s biggest surprise team so far? The podcast spotlights the Boston Bruins’ dominant performance without Charlie McAvoy, the Philadelphia Flyers’ early-season struggles, and a gritty Maple Leafs comeback led by William Nylander’s five-point night in Colorado. The conversation focused on key matchups across the NHL, including the Hurricanes’ clinical victory in Chicago and the Vegas Golden Knights’ overtime thriller against th...

The New York Rangers are holding their breath after star goalie Igor Shesterkin was lost to an injury. Can rookie Dylan Garand steady the net, or will GM Chris Drury have to make a move? Eddie Garcia and Shukri Wrights are joined by Locked on Rangers host Jon Chik to discuss. Locked on Capitals host Dan Holi focuses on the Capitals win over the Rangers. NHL Game Night features in-depth breakdowns of the Blue Jackets’ shootout triumph over the Penguins with Locked on Blue Jackets host Jay Forester.  The Anaheim Ducks get depth-scoring in Winnipeg, while a stunning second-period col...

The NHL season has gotten off to an exciting start. Jake Oettinger of the Dallas Stars recorded back-to-back shutouts, the Florida Panthers are dealing with injuries to both Aleksander Barkov and Brad Marchand, we have the latest, and the Detroit Red Wings trade rumors concerning Simon Edvinsson.

Plus, what impact has the shortened preseason and training camps had on the quality of play early in the season? And what impact will the change by Western Canadian provinces to switch to permanent daylight savings time have on teams like the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames?

And...

The Boston Bruins roll over the Utah Mammoth behind David Pastrnak's four-point night. Eddie Garcia and Shukri Wrights break down Thursday’s packed NHL slate, spotlighting Logan Stankoven’s natural hat trick for the surging Carolina Hurricanes, Dennis Hildeby’s surprise win in net for Tampa Bay, and the Flyers’ winless woes despite strong goaltending. Key moments include Mikko Rantanen driving the Dallas Stars’ turnaround, the Avalanche’s relentless offense against the Flames, and Vegas Golden Knights staging a dramatic comeback over Toronto. Can the Montreal Canadiens handle the pressure after a hot playoff run? Which stars are setting the pace for...

Two weeks into the 2026–27 NHL regular season, sample sizes are growing and early trends are demanding attention. Hosts Nick Zararis and Hunter Hodies break down the true weight of banking early points versus pacing for the postseason. They analyze how established heavyweights coast early while fringe playoff contenders cannot afford a slow start.

The crew spotlights the league's biggest early surprises, starting with the New York Rangers' four-game winning streak powered by Igor Shesterkin and Alexis Lafreniere. They also dive into the Winnipeg Jets leading the Central Division behind Stuart Skinner and Kyle Connor despite offseason adversity. Pl...

Mike Asti is joined by Tom Callahan on this episode of LockedOn NHL Game Night. With only three games, Tom Wilson stepped up to lead the Capitals to a win in the latest chapter of Sidney Crosby vs. Alexander Ovechkin rivalry. Winnipeg continued to show they can compete by handing the Cup-favorite Avalanche their first loss. Edmonton then capped off the night by storming back from an early deficit to blowout the Ducks in a playoff rematch. 

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The Toronto Maple Leafs rallied on the back of huge performances from Auston Matthews and Gavin McKenna (it's about time). The Sabres young core proves the front office right for another night. The Florida Panthers finally lead in a game and win in regulation. The Rangers lockdown the Islanders in the third period to win 5-2. The Canes cause leaks in the Habs defense. Dylan Larkin and Detroit have a nice night. Utah's power play surges in New Jersey. Jack Eichel goes bonkers as Vegas blasts Seattle. Chicago wins on Patrick Kane night.

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Detroit Red Wings spiral deeper into crisis as a front office void, the Dylan Larkin trade drama, and Simon Edvinsson’s contract standoff spark outrage among fans. Is the “biggest mess in sports” about to cost Detroit its best assets? Seth Toupal and JD Young break down the dysfunction, from owner Chris Ilitch’s tone-deaf outreach to a powerless interim GM and a fanbase teetering on revolt.

Philadelphia Flyers’ offensive drought raises big questions after just five goals in four games, while Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers, and Los Angeles Kings wrestle with chaotic starts. Can the Flyers’ of...

Winnipeg steals one from Pittsburgh in the closest game of the night, a couple longtime contenders send a message to newer blood and Ottawa shows up in a big game. Mike Asti and Alex Wiederspiel guide you through a four-pack of games on this edition of LockedOn NHL Game Night and even mix in a game about possible overreactions as well. 

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The Florida Panthers placed Aleksander Barkov on LTIR on Saturday but Brad Marchand returned to action Sunday night. 

Armando Velez of Locked On Florida Panthers discusses the latest news on Barkov's timetable to return, and who will need to step up to replace him in his absence and how the return of Marchand helps the team.

The Edmonton Oilers are scoring a lot of goals to open the season despite injuries to some key forwards with Evan Bouchard and Connor McDavid leading the way but they're also giving up a lot of goals as well.

The New York Rangers vibes are... good!? New York wins their third straight, 4-2, over explosive Utah Mammoth. Jets power play surges in win over Detroit. Anaheim gets big contributions from Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier in win over Barkov-less Panthers. Vegas closes out a pesky Vancouver team. Dare we say: Vancouver's vibes are also improved!? Plus, Seattle wants to play the Calgary Flames every night, it seems.

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San Jose Sharks and Los Angeles Kings renew their rivalry with brilliance from Igor Chernyshov and Quinton Byfield. The Senators and Islanders both make statements in their wins. Carolina finally gets their first win, and Philadelphia starts 0-1-2 against their first three opponents, all of whom are in the Metropolitan. Are their reasons to be concerned about Dallas? Is Chicago already preparing to fall short of the baby step forward in expectations this season? Buffalo's young stars emerge again. Plus, the Oilers defense finally comes to life, the Mammoth look like NHL giants, Rick Bowness goes off (again...

A night that started with a now former captain being booed at home ended with some statement wins. On this episode of LockedOn NHL Game Night, Mike Asti and Shukri Wrights debate the Dylan Larkin situation getting worse, which Eastern Conference winner of the night made a loud statement and if there’s any reason for concern about a pair of Western Conference contenders. 

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The Florida Panthers got some bad news Thursday night when Aleksander Barkov left the game in the 2nd period with an apparent lower-body injury. We discuss the impact this could have on the team as they fight to return to the playoffs. Plus, Victor Hedman returns to the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Detroit Red Wings still haven't signed restricted free agent Simon Edvinsson and the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks have a 9-7 shootout. Meanwhile, Igor Shesterkin recorded a first in New York Rangers history.

Plus, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman weighs in on the way some players...

Macklin Celebrini's brilliance emerges early in a 4-3 OT win over Florida. The Panthers wait with baited breath on news of captain Alex Barkov.  The Devils finally solve Joseph Woll thanks to Jack Hughes in a 3-2 OT win. The Rangers get a brilliant night from Igor Shesterkin, including his first career goalie goal in a 5-1 win over a rusty Tampa Bay team. The Blue Jackets and newcomer Matthew Knies explode in a 6-3 win over Buffalo. It was absolute bedlam in British Columbia as Vancouver nearly came back from trailing 8-2 in a sloppy 9-7 Edmonton Oilers w...

The NHL is officially back, and the opening slate of games did not disappoint. Hunter Hodies and Nick Zararis are back with another episode, where they discuss what really matters at the start of the season and whether teams can avoid slow starts because of the shortened training camp and preseason. After that, they dive into a couple of the games we've seen so far, including Carolina-Florida and Edmonton-Vancouver. They also discuss the Penguins' 7-0 blitzing of the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday night before looking at whether or not the Rangers have scoring problems again this season. All that...

All 32 NHL teams enter. Only one will be the last team standing. In Episode 3 of Locked On NHL: Last Team Standing, the final cuts are made and the last team standing is crowned. Watch the eliminations, then tell us in the comments which team you think will win it all. Follow Locked On NHL for the rest of the series, part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.

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All 32 NHL teams enter. Only one will be the last team standing. In Episode 2 of Locked On NHL: Last Team Standing, we continue the elimination series and make another round of cuts. Which teams have a case to survive, and which ones are out before the competition heats up? Watch the opening eliminations, then tell us in the comments which team you think will win it all. Follow Locked On NHL for the rest of the series, part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.

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