Locked On Penguins - Daily Podcast On The Pittsburgh Penguins

Welcome to the NHL Squad Show! Today our hosts Gil Martin (Locked On Islanders), Haley Taylor Simon (Locked On Blues) and Shukri Wrights (Locked On NHL Game Night) are here to talk about the back to back Game 7 comebacks in Round 1 of the NHL playoffs, the Sam Bennett incident vs the Maple Leafs, the upcoming second round series’, and the shock that everyone had with the New York Islanders and Utah Mammoth winning the draft lotteries!

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Matt Grzelcyk started the season pretty rough, but rebounded to the point where he set career highs, so should they bring him back? Patrick and Hunter begin the show looking back at Matt Grzelcyk's 2024-25 season and how, despite the rough start, he turned in a career season and was valuable on the power play. Then they get into the UFAs the Penguins will have heading into the summer, including Grzelcyk, and discuss who is worth bringing back and who is worth letting walk. Finally, the Penguins will have several decisions to make when it comes to RFAs. They...

Kelsey Surmacz of The Hockey News is back on the show to talk all things Penguins, including tanking, Sullivan's dismissal, and share stories from her first year on the beat. Patrick and Kelsey start the show with a discussion about how the NHL is discouraging tanking and how that actually hurt the Penguins' draft lottery luck on Monday night. They also look at what picking at 11th rather than 9th means for the timeline of this rebuild-retool. Then, they talk about how the decision was made to move on Mike Sullivan and who the Penguins could be targeting to...

The Penguins did not get the NHL Draft Lottery luck they were hoping for, moving back two spots to 11th overall in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. Patrick and Hunter start the show looking back at the rollercoaster ride that was the draft lottery and how the Penguins went from being one ball away from picking first overall to falling back to 11th overall. They also discuss how, while it was disappointing, it's not the disaster that many have made it out to be. Then, they continue their season in review series, looking back at another disappointing season for goaltender...

The NHL Draft Lottery is tonight, and the Penguins enter with the ninth-best odds to get the top pick. Hunter and Patrick discuss how the draft lottery works, what the Penguins' odds are going into tonight, and some quick thoughts on who they should pick and where. Next, Sidney Crosby is going back to the World Championships for the first time in a decade, and they talk about what it means for his relationship with Kyle Dubas and how last time he went, it kicked off a dominant two-year period of his career. Finally, the second round of the...

The Penguins have a big decision to make this offseason: keep or trade defenseman Erik Karlsson. Patrick is back on the show, and he and Hunter look back on the 2024-25 season for Karlsson as well as get into whether they should trade him or see what he can do under a new coach with a new system. Then, it's officially official, Mike Sullivan will stay in the Metropolitan Division as he was hired by the New York Rangers. They talk about the hiring and how it's put up or shut up time for the Broadway Blueshirts this season...

Welcome to the NHL Squad Show! Today our hosts Gil Martin (Locked On Islanders), Seth Toupal (Locked On Wild), Tom Callahan (Locked On Utah Hockey Club), and Ann Kimmel (Locked On Predators) are here to talk about the biggest surprises of the playoffs so far, plus the 2026 ASG is cancelled, and Vancouver needs a new coach

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It's a Marshall Thursday on Locked On Penguins as Jesse Marshall joins Hunter Hodies. Patrick Damp couldn't make this episode since he's at work and has no power at his house, but don't worry, he will be back on Friday. Hunter and Jesse start their conversation around Mike Sullivan, and Jesse gives his thoughts on the Penguins letting him go. Hunter also gets Jesse's thoughts on who could replace him going forward before they pivot to some draft talk. Jesse gives his takes on who some Kyle Dubas and Wes Clark targets could be in the draft, and the...

Shortly after announcing that the Penguins have parted ways with Mike Sullivan, Kyle Dubas spoke to reporters about his decision. Hunter and Patrick dive into Dubas's comments about the organization's decision to move on from Mike Sullivan, why they chose this offseason, and what could come next for the team. Then, they take a look back on what was a career year for forward Rickard Rakell and what could come next for him. Finally, the Penguins are bringing back an old friend in Filip Hallander after he posted a big year overseas. They discuss whether he could make the...

The Penguins made a shocking decision on Monday morning, announcing that they have parted ways with 10-year head coach Mike Sullivan. Patrick and Hunter react to the unexpected news that the Penguins made the decision to part ways with their Stanley Cup-winning head coach after nearly a decade. They look back on Sullivan's tenure as the bench boss and speculate as to why they made the decision now. Then, they dive into what could come next for both Mike Sullivan and the Penguins organization. Finally, both the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and Wheeling Nailers were eliminated from the playoffs over...

Bryan Rust set a career-high in goals and points this year, but should that be enough to hold on to him moving forward? Hunter and Patrick continue their season in review series by discussing Rust’s career season and despite that, he doesn’t have a no-move clause anymore, so should they consider moving him? They also dive into how tonight will be a big moment for goaltending prospect Sergei Murashov who returns to Wilkes-Barre in a do-or-die situation. Finally, they check in with the Stanley Cup Playoffs and give some quick takes on the first round so far!

Our season in review series for the Pittsburgh Penguins continues on Thursday with Kris Letang and Hunter and Patrick have quite a few thoughts on his season. They discuss how it didn't go according to plan for Letang and how his skating continues to go downhill as he has gotten older. They also discuss how he probably can't handle top pairing responsibilities for next season and how they will need to bring in more help for him if they trade Erik Karlsson since he can't run the offense from the backend as well. After that, they discuss how Wheeling...

Welcome to the NHL Squad Show! Today our hosts Gil Martin (Locked On Islanders), Shukri Wrights (Locked On NHL Game Night), Erica L Ayala (Locked On Kraken), Ann Kimmel (Locked On Predators), Kyle Kjer (Locked On Ducks) and Haley Taylor Simon (Locked On Blues) are here to talk about the biggest surprises of the playoffs so far and which playoff rivalry is the best rivalry, before taking a quick look at some recently fired coaches and what’s next for those teams!

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It was a down year for Evgeni Malkin, scoring just 60 points, and now he's got one year left on his deal, so will it be his last? Patrick and Hunter begin the show by recapping his season and whether this was just a blip on the radar or if he still has some gas in the tank. Then, they dive into the future of his career. Will he finish out next season and retire, or will he try to play into his age-40 season? Finally, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins begin their playoff season tonight against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms...

In his 20th NHL season, Sidney Crosby continued to provide consistent offense, even at age 37. Patrick and Hunter begin their season in review series with the man at the top, captain Sidney Crosby. They talk about how well he played this year, once again reaching the 90-point plateau as well as setting a record along the way. Then, they provide an update on the Penguins' farm clubs, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and the Wheeling Nailers, who begin and continue their playoff journeys, respectively, on Wednesday. Finally, they take a look at what's been a pretty entertaining first couple of...

Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas spoke to the media on Monday and gave his thoughts on the season, the roster, and what the future holds for the organization. Hunter and Patrick break down the presser from all angles, starting with how he is committed to this process and what this means for next season and the season after. Then, they discuss how Dubas will build the roster for this year and why he looks to be looking at trades rather than the UFA market. After that, they talked about Erik Karlsson and some of Dubas's comments about him...

The Penguins finished the 2024-25 season with a victory over Washington in a meaningless game 82. Hunter and Patrick discuss the play of Sidney Crosby, Bryan Rust, and so many others who helped the Pens end the year on a high note. They then talk about what some of the players and staff said at locker clean-out day on Friday, as well as what the future could hold for someone like Erik Karlsson. Finally, the Stanley Cup Playoffs are here, and they give their round one picks before the puck drops!

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The Pittsburgh Penguins will end their 2024-25 season on Thursday against the Washington Capitals. Hunter and Patrick preview the final game of the season and discuss what they are looking to see from the Penguins even though their season is coming to an end. They discuss milestones that could happen tonight for the Penguins and how the Capitals play has been falling off a little bit recently. Finally, they discuss how it was a rough night for WBS and Wheeling on Wednesday and why we need to see what the young kids are made of down the stretch and...

NOTE: Recorded before the Western Conference wildcards and WC2 in the East are set

Welcome to the NHL Squad Show! Today our hosts Gil Martin (Locked On Islanders), Seth Toupal (Locked On Wild) and Shukri Wrights (Locked On NHL Game Night) are talking about the biggest surprises and disappointments of the NHL season, before talking about which first round match-ups could involve an upset…

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The Penguins announced on Wednesday morning that defenseman Kris Letang underwent successful surgery to repair a small hole in the wall of his heart. Patrick and Hunter talk about the ramifications of this surgery, why Letang picked now to have the operation done, and what it means for his career moving forward. Then, despite the NHL Penguins not making the playoffs, their two farm clubs, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and the Wheeling Nailers, will be headed to the postseason. They give you the latest for both clubs as they get ready for the first round. Finally, it's the last...

The annual NHLPA Players Poll was released on Tuesday afternoon, and Sidney Crosby's name is still brought up among the best in the game. Before Patrick jumps into the results of the players' poll, we discuss the organization's decision to send goaltender Sergei Murashov to the Wheeling Nailers ahead of the Kelly Cup Playoffs. He discusses why this decision might have been made and what it means moving forward. Then, it's time for the results of the players' poll. We talk about how Crosby still gets voted as one of, if not the best, players in the league, as...

Rickard Rakell has hit a career-high in goals, and now the question is, what should the Penguins do with him in the future? Before we dive into that, Patrick talks about the Penguins' comeback win over the New Jersey Devils and how they showed tremendous heart in a place and against a team that has historically given them fits. Then, we talk about how they followed that up with a no-show against the Boston Bruins. The main story out of that game is Rakell getting his career-high 35th goal. Should the Penguins look to trade him or should they...

The Pittsburgh Penguins will be without several players for the final three games and that presents an opportunity for some young players. Hunter and Patrick begin the show by discussing Friday's matchup with the New Jersey Devils and how despite the Devils being in the playoffs, there's an opportunity for the Penguins to send a message. Then, with several injuries announced on Thursday, part of the Penguins' future will be on display for the final nine days of the season. It also gives a few young players the chance to prove that they belong with the big club. Finally...

The hockey world was rocked by the news of the sudden passing of former Penguins General Manager Ray Shero on Wednesday. Patrick and Hunter begin the show discussing the legacy of Ray Shero and how so much of what he did after being hired by the team in 2006 completely transformed the direction of the franchise. Then, the Penguins have recalled three forwards from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton: Vasily Ponomarev, Emil Bemstrom, and Valterri Puustinen. They talk about the impact these three could have and how it's likely put-up or shut-up time for Puustinen. Finally, they close the show by having a...

Welcome to the NHL Squad Show! Today our hosts Gil Martin (Locked On Islanders), Jess Belmosto (Locked On Flames), Kyle Kjer (Locked On Ducks) and Shukri Wrights (Locked On NHL Game Night) are talking about the playoffs! What are the ideal playoff match-ups this year? Should the format change to 1-8, or keep the Wildcards? Plus, if you could only choose one player to start your franchise with, who do you choose?

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The Pittsburgh Penguins blew out the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday night and Hunter and Patrick are here to discuss it. They start with Sidney Crosby getting another goal and how he is closing in on 90 points for the season. They then discuss Ville Koivunen's performance and how he continues to have great vision on the ice, especially on the power play goal. After that, they look at the performances of Kris Letang, Tristan Jarry, and Kevin Hayes before diving into a deeper discussion about the kids. Finally, they give their picks for Warrior Helmet Wednesday.

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With the Penguins officially eliminated from the postseason for the third straight season, it's time to look to the future and how they can get back. Patrick and Hunter begin the show discussing Tuesday night's matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks as they look to bounce back from Sunday's 3-1 loss. Then, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins signed a trio of free agents. They talked about the difference they could make and what this means for the future of the organization's prospect pool. Finally, the Penguins did have some highlights this season with players reaching career-highs and historic milestones, and while...

Well, it's official: The Pittsburgh Penguins will miss the playoffs for a third straight season after falling to the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday. Before Hunter and Patrick discuss that game, they recap Saturday's 5-3 wild win over the Dallas Stars. They discuss how Sidney Crosby was once again the best player on the piece, scoring a hat trick and compiling four points in the win. They discuss how his play continues to fly under the radar nationally before discussing how the kids continue to impress in these games. They look at how their game sense continues to shine before...

The future is here! Despite the overtime loss to the Blues, Rutger McGroarty and Villie Koivunen got on the board! To start the show, Hunter joins Patrick from the airport to discuss a loss that felt an awful lot like a win. Rutger McGroarty scored his first NHL goal in a massive, clutch moment, and Villie Koivunen was the primary assist. They then talk about some of the issues surrounding the Penguins, including how Kris Letang has been struggling massively lately. Then, after Hunter heads to the plane, Patrick gets you set for a weekend back-to-back. It begins in...

The last time the St. Louis Blues lost a hockey game, it was to the Pittsburgh Penguins and they'll see them tonight! To begin the show, Patrick and Hunter are joined by Haley Simon of Locked On Blues to get an idea of what has made the Blues the hottest team in the league over the last 10 games. They get her thoughts on what's working, who to watch, and more! Then, Patrick and Hunter talk about the lines at practice for the Penguins, what they need to see out of the young guys tonight in St. Louis, and how...

Welcome to the NHL Squad Show! Today our hosts Gil Martin (Locked On Islanders), Tom Callahan (Locked On Utah Hockey Club) and Armando Velez (Locked On Panthers) are here to discuss the playoff races in the East and West, whether there are any teams that can make a surprise push, if the wildcard race in the West is set, and whether Ottawa and Montreal can hold on in the East!

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Kelsey Surmacz of The Hockey News joins the show once again to discuss the near and long-term future of the Pittsburgh Penguins! With Hunter on vacation, Kelsey joins Patrick for another episode of Locked On Penguins, and they begin the show discussing the debut of Villie Koivunen and the return of Rutger McGroarty, and what the expectations are for both of them inside the organization moving forward. They then discuss a couple of NCAA free agents that Kyle Dubas and the Penguins could and probably should have their eye on. After that, with so many goaltending prospects in the...

The Penguins announced two of their team awards on Monday, and to no one's surprise, Sidney Crosby is the team MVP! Patrick and Hunter start the show discussing, once again, the greatness of Sidney Crosby as well as discussing how the players voted forward Noel Acciari as the players' player. Down on the farm, Taylor Gauthier was named the ECHL Goaltender of the Week and the Baby Penguins signed a forward out of Maine to an amateur tryout contract. Finally, they take a look at the week ahead that will see the Penguins take on the St. Louis Blues...

Sidney Crosby plays the role of hero once again with an overtime winner, and the young guns impressed in a victory over the Senators! Patrick and Hunter begin the show discussing the Penguins' 1-0 overtime win over Ottawa and how Sidney Crosby simply cannot be stopped. Then, they get into what we're all here for: the return of Rutger McGroarty and the debut of Villie Koivunen. Both of the young players turned in solid performances while being thrust into top-six action, a hopefully positive sign for the future of the team. Finally, the end the show with some talk...

Sidney Crosby now sits alone atop the leaderboard for consecutive point-per-game seasons, passing Wayne Gretzky with 20! Hunter and Patrick begin the show with the good before getting into the bad. They start with Crosby's historic goal, which clinched him a 20th consecutive point-per-game season. Then, it's time for the bad. They talk about the absolutely unacceptable effort by the Penguins against the Sabres on Thursday night after getting embarrassed by the Lightning. Then, in a surprising move, the Penguins have recalled prospects Villie Koivunen and Rutger McGroarty to the big club. They dive into what this means for the...

The Pittsburgh Penguins are back in action tonight against the Buffalo Sabres and Hunter and Patrick are here to preview the game. They discuss how potent Buffalo is offensively since they have a good crop of young forwards and discuss what the Penguins will need to do in order to get the win. They also analyze Sidney Crosby's chances of making history tonight before moving on to discuss the WBS Penguins making the AHL Playoffs. They break down the OT winner from Avery Hayes and why he could be a dark-horse to make the team next season, considering how...

The Penguins were beaten in every aspect of the game on Tuesday, losing 6-1 to Tampa. Hunter and Patrick look back on what was a truly forgettable night for the Penguins in Tampa Bay. They discuss how they got outclassed and how nobody played well in this game. They also analyze why there was no pushback from the team before getting into Bryan Rust. They discuss his lone goal and how he continues to have one of the best seasons of his career. They also analyze how he has turned into quite a leader for this team before ending...

The Penguins will meet their old friend Jake Guentzel and a resurgent Tampa Bay Lightning team on Tuesday night in Florida. Patrick and Hunter get you ready for what should be an exciting game between two teams who have quite a shared history. Despite the Penguins' struggles the past couple of seasons, they continue to play a great Tampa team very tough, and they get into how they can find a win down south. Then, Sidney Crosby continues to laugh at the aging curve. They break down some numbers that put into perspective how truly great the captain has...

The Pittsburgh Penguins got three out of a possible four points over the weekend and Hunter and Pat are here to break it all down. They start with the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets and how the Penguins played their butts off for the entire 60 minutes. They discuss how all four lines contributed to the win and how Alex Nedeljkovic had his best start since the 4 Nations break. They look at some of the saves he made before discussing Boko Imama and his impact, Sidney Crosby's brilliance, Geno's performance, and so much more. After that, they recap the...

The Penguins are heading into the weekend with some new-look lines and new-look defensive pairings. Patrick and Hunter begin the show getting you set for tonight's matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets, who the Penguins have yet to beat this season. They dive into how the Penguins can get a win against their divisional rival and their roster of young upstarts. Then, we saw some shuffling of the forward lines and defensive pairings on Thursday at practice, and they discuss how while some players have earned a promotion, others likely haven't deserved a demotion. Finally, the Pens head to...