The Aiming Five Hole Hockey Podcast

The Hellebuyck saga in Winnipeg is finally over! The Jets send their star goaltender to New Jersey for a solid return, while Nikishin's new deal with Carolina turns up the pressure on Detroit management to resolve the lingering situations with Larkin and Edvinsson.

Meanwhile, Brady Tkachuk's return to Ottawa was anything but a warm welcome! Senators fans made their feelings loud and clear, booing their former star relentlessly as Ottawa cruised past Florida.

In Toronto, the Leafs' offense came alive in a big way, powering four impressive wins and masking some familiar defensive struggles. But...

Some teams are coming out of the gate on fire, while others are already feeling the heat! On this week's episode, Phil & Ryan break down the NHL's surprising early-season success stories and the teams stumbling out of the blocks.

In Toronto, the Leafs are still searching for answers as defensive struggles continue and the hunt for the right line combinations goes on. Meanwhile, uncertainty lingers in Winnipeg and Detroit, while the Oilers appear to be finding their groove despite some early injury setbacks.

Who's the real deal, who's in trouble, and who's already hitting the...

The NHL is BACK — and apparently everyone could’ve used a few more days of training camp. With a shortened camp and reduced preseason, the rust was on full display as teams stumbled, scrambled and tried to find their early-season rhythm. This week, Phil & Ryan break down the new-look Leafs, Ryan’s already losing patience with the Habs after coming into the season with sky-high expectations, the Oilers still have some glaring issues to figure out, and somehow… things in Detroit just keep getting worse.

Overreactions after a handful of games? Maybe. But where’s the fun in waiting...

The preseason nonsense is finally over. The rosters are set, the predictions are flying, and the 2026/27 NHL season is ready to roll! After an offseason packed with big moves, new faces, and plenty of drama, it’s time to see which teams are actually ready to make a run at the Stanley Cup. Phil & Ryan break down what caught their attention, what they’re expecting this season, and — because nothing ever comes back to haunt you like a preseason prediction — make their picks for the year ahead. Who’s rising? Who’s falling? And who will still be standing when the Cup...

The NHL offseason had it all — blockbuster trades, massive signings, holdouts, surprising player moves and plenty of drama away from the rink. Phil & Ryan break down the biggest moves, the wildest storylines and everything you might have missed during a summer that reshaped the league. The puck is about to drop on 2026–27. Before it does, get caught up on all the offseason craziness with The Aiming Five-Hole Podcast!

NHL Free Agency exploded out of the gate with blockbuster signings, headline-making trades, and even a few offer sheets that shook up the league. The biggest story? The Anaheim Ducks matched the massive offer sheet for young superstar Leo Carlsson, making him the NHL's highest-paid player with an eye-popping $18 million AAV. But what does that contract mean for the rest of the league? Has the salary ceiling for elite talent been permanently reset? And with several superstars still eligible for extensions, how long will Carlsson hold the top spot? We'll break down all the biggest moves, the winners and...

The NHL offseason exploded into action during Draft Week, with blockbuster trades, superstar trade requests, players refusing destinations they don't view as contenders, and draft picks changing hands at a dizzying pace. While the days leading up to the draft delivered plenty of drama, Draft Day itself was a little more predictable, highlighted by the Toronto Maple Leafs selecting Gavin McKenna first overall and the San Jose Sharks landing two potential franchise cornerstones in the Top 10. With free agency set to open on July 1, the fireworks are far from over as teams across the league continue reshaping their rosters...

The Florida Panthers wasted no time shaking up the NHL landscape, making a blockbuster move ahead of the draft and free agency by acquiring Brady Tkachuk from the Ottawa Senators. Meanwhile, the Toronto Maple Leafs and new GM John Chayka have been busy reshaping their roster, hiring Jim Hiller as head coach and adding defenseman Darren Raddysh, with reports suggesting even more moves are on the way. Plus, the Hockey Hall of Fame has unveiled its 2026 induction class, and with the NHL Draft just days away, the offseason excitement is only getting started.

The Carolina Hurricanes are Stanley Cup champions, defeating the Vegas Golden Knights in six games and leaving Mitch Marner still searching for his first title. While it may not go down as the most technically polished Stanley Cup Final, the series delivered no shortage of drama, momentum swings, and entertainment.

Elsewhere around the league, the Edmonton Oilers’ coaching search continues to resemble a circus, while fresh controversy emerges as the NHL opens an investigation into the situation surrounding Mike Babcock's departure in Columbus. With the NHL Draft just over a week away, all eyes turn to the To...

The first three games of the Stanley Cup Final have felt like we’ve entered the hockey bizarro world. Massive momentum swings, multi-goal comebacks, dramatic overtime finishes, and some downright bizarre goals — this series may not be the cleanest or highest-level hockey we’ve ever seen on the biggest stage, but it’s been absolutely impossible to look away from. Meanwhile, around the league, the NHL Awards are starting to roll in, bringing a few surprising results, and while this year’s free agent class may not be especially deep, trade rumors are already heating up. With notable names like Dylan...

The Knights are on a roll and have the Avs on the brink of elimination. Are Makar and MacKinnon healthy enough turn their play around and pull off a miracle come from a 3-0 deficit, or is the President's Trophy curse going to live on! In the East the Habs woes on home ice continue as they drop game 3 and the Canes take a 2-1 series lead!

The Habs outlasted the Sabres in overtime of Game 7, securing their spot in the Eastern Conference Final where they will face the well-rested Hurricanes. In the Western Conference, the Avs swiftly defeated the Wild and will now compete against the Knights, who eliminated the Ducks to advance. Off the ice, it has been a busy week with coaching changes in Toronto and Edmonton. Additionally, Tortorella's actions following Game 6 of the series with Anaheim have cost the Knights a second-round pick in the 2026 draft due to issues related to media availability.

It was an eventful week both on and off the ice in Leaf Nation! The week began with the announcement of John Chayka as the new GM, a move that sparked controversy and led to a heated press conference where the media scrutinized the decision. Just two days later, the Leafs celebrated winning the NHL Draft lottery. On the ice, the Hurricanes continued their impressive performance, making history by becoming the first team since 1985 to start the playoffs with eight straight wins, easily defeating the Flyers. Meanwhile, Montreal found their offensive rhythm, taking a 2-1 series lead over the...

The first round of the playoffs has concluded, and the Montreal Canadiens advance to the second round as the only Canadian team remaining! Notably, the Minnesota Wild are moving on to the second round for the first time in 11 years, while the Buffalo Sabres make their return to this stage for the first time since 2007. In other matchups, the Knights narrowly defeated the Mammoth, and the Flyers eliminated Crosby and the Penguins. The most significant upset of the round came from the Ducks, who knocked off McDavid and the Oilers.

The first round of the NHL Playoffs continues to deliver excitement this year. We've witnessed two sweeps: Colorado eliminated the Kings, sending Kopitar into retirement, while the Hurricanes dispatched Tkachuk and his Senators to summer holidays. In other matchups, the Stars vs. Wild and Lightning vs. Habs are tied at two games each and the Sabres have the Bruins on the ropes. Meanwhile, the youthful exuberance of the Mammoth, Ducks, and Flyers is creating challenges for the Knights, Oilers, and Penguins. The competition is fierce, and the drama is palpable as teams battle to advance.

We've reached the second season as the NHL Playoffs kick off. Phil and Ryan share their outlook, analysis, and predictions for each series. Additionally, we wrap up the exciting storylines that emerged from the last week of the regular season, highlighting key moments from player and manager season-ending press conferences.

As we approach the NHL Playoffs, the excitement builds with only a few spots remaining open and playoff positioning still in flux. The Habs are on a roll, with several players reaching significant milestones. Meanwhile, the Leafs have found a way to tank in order to safeguard their 1st round pick. On the other hand, Detroit completed an epic collapse this season, marking their 10th consecutive year of missing the playoffs. The future of Yzerman remains uncertain.

In a surprising turn of events, the New York Islanders fired Patrick Roy with just four games left in the season, appointing Pete Deboer as his replacement. The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing turmoil both on and off the ice following the firing of GM Brad Treliving and a challenging press conference by MLSE CEO Keith Pelley. On a more positive note, the Montreal Canadiens are pushing to secure the Atlantic Division title, while the Edmonton Oilers, despite being without Leon Draisaitl, are on a winning streak that has them sharing the lead in the Pacific Division. With only...

In a surprising turn of events, the Las Vegas Knights have fired Bruce Cassidy and brought in John Tortorella in hopes of energizing the team. Questions around the league are being raised about the Toronto Maple Leafs' strategy, particularly why they are not opting for a tank mode similar to the Florida Panthers to safeguard their first-round pick. Additionally, as the playoffs approach, which of the three potential first-round matchups would the Montreal Canadiens prefer: Buffalo, Tampa Bay, or Carolina? The answer to this question could significantly impact the teams' future in the postseason.

We've reached the final stretch of the NHL season, and the playoff races are intensifying. In the Metro division, the Columbus Blue Jackets have emerged as contenders for a top three spot, while the Detroit Red Wings have struggled to keep pace due to key injuries. In the Western Conference, three or four teams are competing for the two Wild Card positions, with the Predators working to fend off the LA Kings. Additionally, another week brings another controversial short suspension, continuing to cast a negative light on the NHL Player Safety Department!

There is a growing consensus that it's time to re-evaluate the Player Safety discipline process after the unacceptable 5-game suspension given to Gudas for his dirty knee-on-knee hit on Matthews last week. This incident highlights the Leafs' season, showcasing their embarrassing responses to their captain's injury from such a blatant hit. As we approach the final stretch of the season, the Habs must focus on cleaning up their game during critical moments to avoid slipping into a wild card position before the playoffs. In other news, Kopitar has made history by becoming the Kings' all-time leading points leader, surpassing...

Following a somewhat lackluster trade deadline, the Leafs failed to make significant moves to restock their cupboards. The Habs stood pat, while the rest of the league continues to chase Colorado. Don't look now, but Buffalo has gone from the bottom of the East to leading the Atlantic division. After beating the Lightning twice this week, they could be considered the class of the Eastern Division. For some teams, it's the mad dash to the Stanley Cup playoffs, while for others, it's time to focus on solidifying draft positioning.

The NHL season has resumed, but it seems the Leafs missed the memo, delivering three lackluster performances right out of the gate. This raises the question: Are Berube's days numbered? How many players will they move this week? On a brighter note, the Buffalo Sabres their impressive streak, securing three significant wins against Eastern Division rivals. As the NHL Trade Deadline approaches, Canada's Stanley Cup hopes are on Montreal—will they make any moves to bolster their Cup aspirations? Additionally, can Edmonton navigate their salary cap challenges to enhance their defense and or scoring depth issues? With the trade de...

Congratulations to the US Men's and Women's Hockey teams on their gold medal wins. We always knew they'd eventually win a big one over the Canadians, we just hoped it wasn't going to be this time! What an epic couple of gold medal games, that can only help grow the game of hockey! Ok, back to the NHL as the season resumes on Wednesday night and the sprint to the playoffs begins! With the trade deadline only 12 days away, who will be buyers and who will be sellers in an effort to strengthen their team for the push to...

The Olympic hockey tournament has wrapped up the round robin stage, revealing some unexpected outcomes in pool play. Team Canada and Team US have emerged as the top two seeds, setting the stage for a potential showdown and rematch in the final. As we look ahead, the NHL trade deadline is just two weeks away. It's a crucial time for teams, particularly the Leafs and Habs, as they consider their strategies and moves before the deadline.

The Leafs have had a challenging week and it may be time for them to consider becoming sellers. Questions arise about the leadership within the team. In contrast, the Habs secured significant wins against the Knights and Avs, strengthening their position in the playoff standings. While Matthews and Nylander appear to be lacking in leadership, Celebrini is demonstrating why he is destined to become the next face of the NHL.

It was a challenging week for both the Leafs and Habs, leading Phil and Ryan to seek solace on the therapy couch. Meanwhile, the Sabres continue to surge up the standings, and Roy is once again showcasing his unorthodox coaching strategies. Injuries are impacting several Olympic Hockey rosters, with team Sweden facing the most significant challenges!

The Leafs celebrated a big win against Colorado, but faced an emotional game against the Knights, where they blew four two-goal leads. Meanwhile, the Habs have had a decent record over the past 10 games, yet their inconsistent play is frustrating Ryan. The trade market is heating up as the Knights acquire Andersson from the Flames, while the Rangers inform Panarin he'll be on the move. Additionally, the Canucks have officially entered their rebuild phase. Injuries to key Olympic players have sparked discussions about potential replacements.

Thanks to a strong ten-game stretch, the Leafs have positioned themselves back into playoff contention. Meanwhile, the Habs faced challenges against a resurgent John Gibson and the Wings, but Ryan remains confident in their performance and the potential for the second half of the NHL season. In the West, Canadian teams are struggling, while McDavid continues to impress with a record-setting points pace that promises to be exciting to watch.

Austin Matthews seems to have awakened, raising questions about whether it is too little too late for the Leafs to mount a second-half run. Meanwhile, the Canadiens have maintained their strong performance over the holiday season and are focused on keeping pace with other Cup contenders as the season progresses. With the Olympics just over a month away, rosters are being announced and analyzed, adding another layer of excitement to the hockey landscape.

The recent road trip for the Leafs has been extremely disappointing, prompting Berube to express his frustration with the team's performance and leadership. In contrast, the Canadiens, despite facing injuries and fatigue, have managed to maintain their strong overall play. With Hughes now traded, the question arises: which team will make the next significant move? Will the trade floodgates open after the roster freeze lifts and before the Olympic break? The next month could be pivotal for teams looking to strengthen their rosters.

Trade winds blow through the Western conference which results in Quinn Hughes going to the Minnesota Wild making the Central division more competitive than it already was! In a move that was highly expected, the Oilers swap goalies with the Penguins. The Leafs continue to struggle with giveaways resulting in their leadership being called out! Meanwhile the Habs are searching for consistency but finish the week on a high note beating the Oilers.

The Jekyll & Hyde Canadiens are in search of consistency, having defeated the Leafs one night only to struggle against the Blues the next. Meanwhile, the NJ Devils are faltering and seeking solutions, while the Capitals and Wild are maintaining their momentum thanks to strong goaltending. As the Christmas holiday trade embargo approaches, trade winds are starting to pick up steam. Additionally, there are questions surrounding the situation in Italy and whether the Olympic hockey tournament should be relocated.

We've reached the quarter mark of the NHL season, prompting an examination of whether the Thanksgiving Playoff Theory will hold true. Currently, only one Canadian team is in a playoff position, while several teams are exceeding expectations. Will this dynamic shift, or will it be up to the Montréal Canadiens to bring the Cup back to Canada

Ryan gloats as The Toronto Maple Leafs faced a terrible loss against the Montreal Canadiens, placing them at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings! In contrast, teams like the Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers, New York Islanders, and Anaheim Ducks are showcasing unexpected success early in the season. Additionally, injuries to key players are becoming a growing concern across the league.

Quick ignites a bench clearing skirmish following yet another home loss for the Rangers, underscoring the mounting pressure on the team to perform in front of their fans. Binnington's position as the starting goaltender for Team Canada is under threat from Logan Thompson, and the Oilers need to find an answer to their goaltending wows before it's too late. On a more positive note, the Canadiens are showing signs of breaking free from their recent struggles, while the Maple Leafs continue to underperform suggesting a shakeup may be necessary to prevent the season from slipping away.

After a challenging weekend, it may be time to hit the panic button in Leaf land! While Hall of Fame Weekend celebrated the achievements of inductees, it was not a joyful time for the Leafs. On the other hand, Suzuki and Caufield are showcasing their skills with a strong start to the season for the Canadiens, positioning themselves as potential candidates for their countries' Olympic team rosters. Meanwhile, the New York Rangers are struggling at home, unable to score a goal on home ice and facing difficulties winning in front of their fans at Madison Square Garden.

It's early in the season, and every team in the Eastern Conference is above .500 and within a point of a playoff spot. This raises the question: have we reached parity, or are a few teams' slow starts keeping others in the mix? The Leafs are displaying inconsistent play, which makes it challenging for Phil to completely remove himself from the doctor's couch. On the other hand, the Habs continue to shine, despite experiencing some third-period letdowns. Additionally, there is discussions around the league how some of the up-and-coming stars are potentially playing their way onto Olympic rosters.

With the Leafs struggling, it's time for Phil to take a moment on the couch for some reflection. Meanwhile, the Habs are maintaining their strong performance. Additionally, teams like Utah, Chicago, and the Penguins are surprising experts with their impressive starts to the season.

The Canadiens have begun the season on a strong note, while the Leafs' goalie is calling out his team's effort in an attempt to ignite a fire under them. Injuries to key players remain a concern, and the Oilers are facing yet another slow start to the season. Leafs fans don't look now but Marner and the Knights look good early!