Locked On Penguins - Daily Podcast On The Pittsburgh Penguins
Locked On Penguins podcast is the daily podcast that drops the puck and keeps you ahead of the game and the first to know the latest news, analysis, and insider info for the Pittsburgh Penguins and the National Hockey League. Hosted by Hunter Hodies, a staff writer for Sports Illustrated’s The Spun, and Patrick Damp, a former player, digital producer at KDKA-TV News, and author of the Penguins Perspectives column on KDKA.com, the Locked On Penguins podcast provides your daily Penguins fix with expert opinions, local analysis, and coverage of all aspects of the Pens franchise and their fi...
Penguins CRUSH the Avs in a STATEMENT WIN!
The Pittsburgh Penguins walked into Ball Arena on Monday night and hung a seven spot on them! Hunter and Patrick start the show with an overall recap of the Penguins' 7-2 win over the Avalanche and how they turned a sloppy, but successful first period into a dominant second and third period. (1:00) After that, they discuss Evgeni Malkin's return after his suspension and how great he was. (14:00) It was a CLASSIC Geno game! Finally, they break down Erik Karlsson's marvelous game and how great he has been as of late. (23:15)
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Penguins earn another MASSIVE victory in Utah as the road trip continues
Despite not playing their best game, the Pittsburgh Penguins were able to get one of their biggest wins of the year against the Utah Mammoth. Patrick and Hunter start the show talking about the Penguins' 4-3 victory over Utah. The team didn't start well, but they were able to recover from a bad first period and a 2-0 deficit to get a 4-3 win. The win was thanks to a great recovery from the fourth line, goaltending making the saves it needed to make, and much more! (0:00) Tonight, the Penguins will head to Colorado to take on the league's...
Injuries catch up with the Penguins in Vegas
The Penguins were outgunned on Thursday night against the Vegas Golden Knights, and a lot can be traced back to who they don’t have. Patrick and Hunter begin the show by knocking down some of the negativity surrounding the Penguins. (1:34) While it certainly would be preferable for the team to be winning, it is time to take a step back and realize that many key pieces are out of the lineup, and that showed against Vegas. They then discuss the game as a whole, some of the good, some of the bad, and a few players who didn’t ha...
Penguins look to get a SEASON SWEEP in Vegas!
The Penguins' 5-game road swing shifts to Las Vegas tonight, where they'll meet the Golden Knights with the chance for a season sweep! Hunter and Patrick begin the show, taking a look at a Vegas team that, while talented, is still going through its fair share of struggles. Despite a deep roster, the Golden Knights aren't getting the saves they need from their goaltenders, and that could be an opening for the Penguins. (0:00) Then, the Penguins will ice the same lineup in Vegas that they had in Carolina, with the only change being Arturs Silovs in net. After grinding...
Penguins steal a MASSIVE point against the Carolina Hurricanes
While the Penguins' shootout struggles continued for the second time in three games, getting to the shootout was enough of an effort to steal a much-needed point. Patrick and Hunter begin the show talking about the fight, heart, and determination the Penguins showed on Tuesday night in Raleigh. They were able to fight back from a late two-goal deficit, tie the game, and force overtime. However, in overtime, they were once again unable to score on a late power play or win the shootout. (0:00) Then, they talk about the behavior of Carolina Hurricanes' head coach Rod Brind'Amour and his...
Penguins looking for first win in Carolina in EIGHT YEARS
The Penguins will head off on their toughest road trip of the season, and it begins in a place they have not won since 2018. Hunter and Patrick begin the show, taking a look at the Penguins’ lineup they’ll take to Raleigh tonight to face the Carolina Hurricanes. (1:15) Without some key pieces, who needs to step up, and how can they find a win? They also get into their keys to victory for the Penguins, what they have to do to counter Carolina’s attack, and more! (10:54) Finally, they look at Carolina’s roster, which is once again incredibly deep, bu...
Penguins rally against Boston for BIGGEST WIN of the year!
The Penguins flipped the script against the Boston Bruins on Sunday at PPG Paints Arena, erasing a 3-0 deficit to beat the Bruins in OT! Patrick and Hunter begin the show recapping the Penguins' first three-goal comeback without Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin since the year 2001! They talk about how Igor Chinakhov got the ball rolling with a wicked power play goal, Anthony Mantha's massive performance, and how the Penguins were able to force the Bruins to play a style they don't frequently play. (0:00) Then, they take a look at the first game of the weekend back-to-back, which was...
Penguins make depth move on trade deadline day before weekend B2B!
The Penguins only made one move on trade deadline day, and it was a minor one, but the big story of the day is goaltender interference and Evgeni Malkin. Hunter and Patrick begin the show talking about Evgeni Malkin’s impending suspension after getting ejected for swinging his stick at Rasmus Dahlin’s head. (2:00) They handicap how many games they expect Geno to be suspended, and how, as a leader and veteran, that cannot happen. Then they discuss the controversial goal call that was not overturned despite very obvious goalie interference. (7:35) Kyle Dubas was quiet on deadline day, only trad...
The Penguins take on the NHL's HOTTEST team before the trade deadline
Before the NHL trade deadline, the Penguins will take on the league's hottest team: The Buffalo Sabres. Patrick and Hunter begin the show taking a look at the league's hottest team - and this is not a typo - the Buffalo Sabres. What has led to the success of the Sabres so far this year? Well, just about everything from their forward depth to their defense, and even some great goaltending performances. (0:00) Then, they shift the focus to the Penguins, who got some good news this morning as it appears Blake Lizotte's absence is just one game and he...
Penguins get goalied in Boston AGAIN!
It wasn’t meant to be on Tuesday night at TD Garden as Jeremy Swayman shut the door on the Penguins. Hunter and Patrick talk about another boring game in Boston that saw the Bruins’ defensive system stymie the Penguins, and when it didn’t, Jeremy Swayman was there to make several big saves. (1:15) They also discuss how the Penguins made changes to counter Boston’s defensive game, and how, on most nights, that type of play will lead to wins. (12:00) Finally, it’s Wednesday, and it’s time to hand out the MVP of the week in another Warrior Helm...
Penguins head to Boston with some TRADE DEADLINE decisions looming
The Penguins' hectic March continues tonight in Boston, and with the trade deadline looming, what will the team do? Patrick and Hunter begin the show by taking a look at the confusing Boston Bruins, who, despite not being one of the deepest rosters, find themselves deep in the playoff hunt. The Penguins will have to counter the Bruins' defensive style and play a patient game. (0:00) Then, they keep the discussion going about how there will be some lineup changes in Boston, which goalie should start, and why special teams will make or break tonight's game in Boston. (13:09) Finally, with...
Penguins DOMINATE Vegas ahead of a very busy week!
The Pittsburgh Penguins got three out of a possible four points this weekend, and their win over Vegas was a dominant one. Hunter and Patrick dedicate the first two segments of the show breaking down all of the positives from this weekend (1:15), as well as a couple of negatives. They discuss how Ben Kindel continues to impress and how Arturs Silovs is making a strong case to be the Game 1 starter in the playoffs if the Penguins get in. (6:00) They also discuss Bryan Rust's consistency (21:00), why Evgeni Malkin should be re-signed, Egor Chinakhov's release, the red-hot special teams, and...
Penguins DOWN DEVILS and prepare for a weekend back-to-back
The Penguins picked up where they left off before the Olympic break, getting a massive two points against the New Jersey Devils! Patrick and Hunter begin the show recapping an up-and-down win over the Devils, which saw the Penguins start slow but find their game throughout. A lot of the effort is credited to goaltender Arturs Silovs, who made several key saves to keep the Penguins in the hunt until they found their legs in the third period. (0:00) Then, the Penguins will begin a weekend back-to-back in New York City, where they'll take on the worst team in the...
The Penguins are BACK with a BIG Metro matchup!
The Penguins return to action tonight against divisional rival New Jersey, and it’s a chance to start the back half with a win. Hunter and Patrick begin the episode by taking a look at the New Jersey Devils, who, despite being mostly healthy, are having a disappointing season. (1:00) They look into why the Devils have underperformed and identify the cause. Then, the Penguins will have some new-look lines in the absence of Sidney Crosby, so who has to step up and carry the load in the captain’s absence? (10:45) Finally, they go over some keys to victory for the...
Sidney Crosby place on IR, can the Penguins stay in the playoff race?
The Penguins announced that captain Sidney Crosby is on IR and will miss a minimum of four weeks, so can the Penguins survive this injury? Patrick and Hunter begin the show, breaking down the news that Crosby's injury will keep him out of the Penguins' lineup for around a month, and looking at who has to step up, how they can stay in the playoff race, and what head coach Dan Muse will have to do to keep this team afloat. (0:00) Then, the Penguins swung a trade yesterday for defenseman Samuel Girard. Where does he fit into the lineup...
BREAKING: Penguins trade defenseman Brett Kulak to Colorado!
The Penguins made their first post-Olympic trade, sending Brett Kulak to the Colorado Avalanche! Patrick and Hunter jump on for an emergency trade breakdown episode of Locked On Penguins, which takes a look at the trade that sent defenseman Brett Kulak to the Colorado Avalanche.Â
The full trade: Brett Kulak to Colorado in exchange for defenseman Samuel Girard and a 2028 second-round pick. They discuss the return, what the Penguins gave up, what it means for the present and the future of Kyle Dubas's rebuild/retooling, and give each team a grade.Â
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Avery Hayes is BACK, plus, how many points do the Penguins need for the playoffs?
On Monday, the Penguins recalled Avery Hayes from the AHL, and he's getting some big responsibilities right away. Hunter and Patrick begin the show by discussing a well-deserved call-up for the young forward, how he'll fit into the lineup, and how his energy level is just what the Penguins need coming off a three-week break. (1:00) They also look at the rest of the roster from Monday's practice, what Crosby's absence could mean for the next week or two, and much more. (11:15) Finally, the stretch run is about to start. How many more wins do the Penguins need to make...
The United States wins GOLD and the Penguins return this week!
For the first time since 1980, the United States men's hockey team has won gold, and the Penguins make their return this week! Patrick and Hunter begin the week by recapping an INSTANT CLASSIC gold medal game between the United States and Canada. They go over the incredible effort by the Americans, especially goalie Connor Hellebuyck, and how they were able to score their first gold medal in nearly 50 years! (0:00) Then, they turn their focus to Team Canada, specifically the absence of Sidney Crosby. Reports from Italy show that Crosby made the decision to sit out, feeling like he wasn't...
OLYMPICS SQUAD: GOLDEN: Team USA Stuns Canada as Jack Hughes and Connor Hellebuyck SECURE Historic Win
Team USA stuns Team Canada with Jack Hughes’ overtime heroics to clinch gold, marking a historic double as both U.S. men’s and women’s teams take top honors. Is this the start of a new era in international hockey, or will Canada’s depth and Connor McDavid’s star power rebound in the next Olympics?
Gil Martin, Eddie Garcia, David Morassutti, Zach Berman and Armando Velez break down the Olympic gold medal thriller, spotlighting Connor Hellebuyck’s record-setting goaltending and Canada’s struggles following Sidney Crosby’s absence. Conversation heats up with debate over the MVP selection, i...
OLYMPICS SQUAD: CLASH: USA vs. Canada SET for Gold—Who Will CONQUER the Ultimate Hockey Showdown?
USA and Canada set up a dream gold medal showdown after dominating in Olympic hockey semifinals—can Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon outduel the American stars for gold? Goaltending and blue line depth take center stage as Sidney Crosby’s possible return adds extra drama, while Brad Marchand’s leadership fuels Canada’s comeback momentum.
Gil Martin, David Morassutti, and Kyle Kjer break down Canada’s resilience, Team USA’s offensive explosion led by Jack Hughes and the Tkachuk brothers, and the impact of Zach Werenski on the American blue line. Key topics include Finland’s collapse after a hot st...
Canada survives against Finland, will Penguins captain Sidney Crosby play on Sunday?
Canada is heading to gold medal game on Sunday, but will they have the services of Sidney Crosby? Hunter and Patrick begin the show by recapping Canada’s thrilling win over Finland in the semifinals, including how unfair the Canada’s top line is (1:10). Then, with Canada set to play for gold, will Sidney Crosby return to game action, and should he risk it? (11:42) Finally, it’s Fan Take Friday, and they get a great question about whether some of the Olympic teams in the second tier could play in the NHL, and if the international hockey community should start...
OLYMPICS SQUAD: THRILLER: USA Women Stun Canada in Overtime, Hilary Knight LIFTS Team, Olympic Rule CHANGE?
USA Women seize Olympic gold in dramatic overtime, stunning Team Canada and cementing a new era of rivalry. Is Canada's reign slipping with a generational shift underway? Hilary Knight’s heroic goals power Team USA, while Marie-Philip Poulin’s injury exposes Canada’s reliance on veteran stars. The squad examines whether physical contact rules in women’s Olympic hockey should evolve as skill, pace, and grit reach new heights.
Gil Martin, David Morassutti, Kyle Kjer, and Glenn Dreyfuss break down key moments, including the controversial penalty and Switzerland’s bronze medal win. Insights focus on the emergence of youth i...
Penguins captain Sidney Crosby NOT RULED OUT for semifinals
Team Canada Head Coach Jon Cooper provided an update on Sidney Crosby's status ahead of the semifinals, and it was better than we could have expected. Patrick and Hunter first begin the episode by PLAYING FREE BIRD BECAUSE THE U.S. WOMEN'S TEAM WON GOLD! They take a few minutes to recap another classic between the American and Canadian women's gold medal match. Then, they get into Jon Cooper's update on Sidney Crosby and how he isn't ruling the captain out for the semifinals. (0:00) Then, they get you set for Friday's semifinal matches between the United States and Slovakia...
EXPLOSIVE: Mitch Marner RESCUES Canada, NHL Superstars IMPACT Olympic Games, Crosby Injury FEARS
Canada and Team USA punch their tickets to the Olympic hockey semifinals after gripping overtime battles. Are NHL stars elevating the sport’s global stage and making these games must-watch? Sidney Crosby’s injury shakes up the Penguins’ playoff outlook, while Mitch Marner’s clutch heroics spark Leafs fans and ignite Twitter with debate about his legacy. Unforgettable moments abound as controversial officiating, intense trash talk, and maple syrup celebrations fuel the drama.
Gil Martin, David Morassutti, and Zach Berman dissect Canada’s narrow escape against Czechia and Team USA’s gritty win over Sweden. Key topics include the...
Penguins captain Sidney Crosby injured in Team Canada's victory
Sidney Crosby left Team Canada's win over Czechia with a lower-body injury on Wednesday, and now we wait for the diagnosis. Hunter and Patrick start the show by holding their breath, waiting for the Sidney Crosby news after he got banged up. (2:30). They also recap what was an instant classic day of hockey, with three of the four games going to overtime. Then, they dive into Team USA's overtime win over Sweden, some puzzling coaching decisions, and how Erik Karlsson and Rickard Rakell performed. (12:00) To close out the show, they go over a couple of news and notes from...
Erik Karlsson and Rickard Rakell will take on their former Penguins coach at the Olympics!
It's going to be a matchup of former teammates in the Olympic quarterfinals when Team Sweden takes on Team USA! Patrick and Hunter get you ready for the men's tournament quarterfinals, which will feature Erik Karlsson and Rickard Rakell taking on their former head coach, Mike Sullivan, and Team USA! They also recap the play-in round, Latvia's choice to not start Arturs Silovs, and so much more! (0:00) Then, they do a full preview of the quarterfinals, which will also feature Canada vs. Czechia, Finland vs. Switzerland, and Germany vs. Slovakia. (12:43) Finally, the Penguins players who are not at the...
OLYMPICS SQUAD: USA Women's Hockey DOMINATES – Can Marie-Philip Poulin and Team Canada PULL the UPSET?
USA and Canada women’s hockey set up a classic gold medal showdown, but is the lack of parity hurting the sport’s global growth? Gil Martin, Eddie Garcia, Zach Berman, and Glenn Dreyfus break down Team USA’s defensive dominance, Marie-Philip Poulin’s crucial return for Canada, and the uphill battle facing Swedish and Czech programs. The hosts debate whether dynasties boost or hinder Olympic excitement, and consider what it would mean for Canada to stage a Miracle on Ice upset.
The roundtable also tackles Tom Wilson’s rare Olympic fight, the fallout from Kevin Fiala’s injury, an...
Penguins captain Sidney Crosby sets a Team Canada record!
Another day, another milestone for Sidney Crosby as he now sits alone atop Team Canada scoring by an NHL player! Hunter and Patrick begin the show by discussing how Sidney Crosby surpassed Jerome Iginla for the all-time lead in Winter Olympics points among NHLers on Team Canada. (1:15). They also discuss the dominance of Canada in Italy and whether any team will be able to beat them. Then, with Latvia taking on Sweden this week in the qualifying round, can Penguins goalie Arturs Silovs be the catalyst for a massive upset? (11:22) Finally, the Baby Penguins had a rough weekend, but...
OLYMPICS SQUAD: FINLAND FLEX: Juuse Saros SHUTS DOWN Sweden
Finland shocks Sweden with a commanding 4-1 win in a fierce Nordic rivalry, as Juuse Saros rebounds with standout goaltending and Mikko Rantanen finds the scoresheet. Can Sweden bounce back after defensive lapses and an underwhelming performance from its blue line? Gil Martin, David Morasuti, and Glenn Dreyfus break down the dramatic shift in Group play, highlight William Nylander’s return from injury, and spotlight Slovakia’s narrow escape against a spirited Italy fueled by Damian Clara’s 35-save effort.
Canada flexes its offensive muscle with the McDavid-MacKinnon-Celebrini line, all scoring in a 3-goal outburst against Switzerland, with t...
A couple of Penguins struggle at the Olympics and your winter games hot takes!
The Winter Games are in full swing, and so are the Penguins who went to the Olympics, but it wasn't a great day for two Penguins' stars. Patrick and Hunter begin this Friday edition of Locked On Penguins with an Olympic-themed Fan Take Friday where they react to your Olympics hot takes, thoughts about Sid, and if the NHL, IOC, and NHLPA should consider moving the games to the summer. (0:00) Then, they recap Team USA's big opening victory over Team Latvia. The U.S. quelled some concerns with their play, but there's still a way to go in these...
OLYMPICS SQUAD: DOMINATE: Team Canada and Team USA CRUSH Opening Games—Connor McDavid and Jack Hughes LEAD
Slovakia shock Finland as Juraj Slafkovsky and Simon Nemec make a statement—could their Olympic hockey run upset the favorites? Canada assert their dominance, with Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and Macklin Celebrini igniting early, while questions linger about Finland’s goaltending and Sweden’s struggles. The hosts highlight the evolving Olympic tournament, from surprise upsets and breakout performances to fierce rivalries and roster intrigue.
Gil Martin, David Morrassuti, Zach Berman, and Ian McLaren break down key moments as Canada’s star-studded lineup dismantles Czechia and Team USA’s depth makes waves against Latvia. Insights include Switzerland and Germany’s...
Sidney Crosby does more Sidney Crosby things for Team Canada on Thursday!
Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby did his usual thing for Team Canada on Thursday, helping the team win its first Olympic game 5-0. He finished the game with two assists, and Hunter and Patrick talk about his overall performance. They also discuss why Canada showed that it was the favorite this game and why it will be tough to beat going forward. After that, they get into where the Penguins are at the Olympic break and discuss some of the numbers behind their great season. After that, they finish the show with an awesome piece on Sidney Crosby that...
Penguins' Erik Karlsson, Rickard Rakell help Team Sweden to a victory!
The opening day of the men's tournament was a wild one, and two Penguins helped their country to a victory! Patrick and Hunter begin the show discussing the near-upset of Team Sweden by Team Italy on the opening day of the men's Olympic tournament. They take a look at how Erik Karlsson and Rickard Rakell performed in Sweden's victory and how Italy's goaltending nearly stole the show. (0:00) Then, on Thursday, Sidney Crosby and Team Canada will take on Czechia. Team Latvia and possibly Penguins' goaltender Arturs Silovs will meet Team USA, as well. They preview both of those games...
OLYMPICS SQUAD: HISTORIC: USA Women DOMINATE Canada 5-0, Marie-Philip Poulin Absence Exposed in Olympic ROUT
Team USA Women shock Team Canada with a dominant 5-0 victory—has the balance of power shifted in Olympic hockey? Gil Martin leads the debate with David Morassutti and Glenn Dreyfuss, spotlighting the Americans’ airtight defense, standout performances from Hannah Bilka and Laila Edwards, and the historic inclusion of three Black players in a single Olympic game. The crew questions if Team Canada can recover from this lopsided loss, debating what adjustments Marie-Philip Poulin’s return might spark and whether the U.S. could be overconfident heading toward a likely gold medal rematch. Turning to the men’s tournament, the pane...
MORE Penguins Olympic talk with a special guest!
Parker McLean from On The Fly joins the show to talk about the Penguins at the Olympics! Hunter and Patrick ask Parker about the team Latvia goaltending situation and if Arturs Silovs will get most of the starters reps since Elvis Merzlikins is also there. (1:19) They also discuss the impact that Erik Karlsson and Rickard Rakell will have for Team Sweden, and a ton more! After that, they get into what Sidney Crosby has meant for Team Canada and if he will fit in well with Mark Stone and Mitch Marner. (13:31) Finally, Hunter and Patrick get Parker's predictions for...
OLYMPICS SQUAD: SUPREMACY: Team USA, Canada COMPETE as Hilary Knight & Marie-Philip Poulin CHASE Olympic Glory
Team USA and Team Canada dominate the Olympic women’s hockey tournament—are they locked in for another gold medal showdown? Hilary Knight breaks records while Marie-Philip Poulin’s injury sparks new questions. Is Sweden or Czechia ready to crash the party and claim bronze, or is the gap still too wide?
Glenn Dreyfuss, Gil Martin, and Kyle Kjer spotlight the rivalry series, competitive edge from the PWHL, and how legendary goaltenders like Ann-Renée Desbiens are tipping the balance. Key topics include USA’s offensive surge, power play threats, and the impact of increased professional opportunities for women...
Penguins Olympians to play a BIG role in Italy!
The Penguins are sending four players to the Olympic Games, and all of them will be counted on to play a big role for their countries! The show begins on Monday with Patrick and Hunter taking a look at the roles Sidney Crosby, Erik Karlsson, Rickard Rakell, and Arturs Silovs will play for their respective countries at the Winter Olympic Games in Milan. (0:00) Then, it's time for a deep dive into Team USA. They discuss how this is still one of, if not the deepest, teams in the history of the United States at the Olympics, but it is...
Avery Hayes DAZZLES in his NHL debut as the Penguins pick up a HUGE win!
The Pittsburgh Penguins go into the Olympic break on a high note after Avery Hayes helped them to a win over the red-hot Sabres! Hunter and Patrick begin the show discussing whether or not Avery Hayes will have to wait the traditional three years to get into the Hockey Hall of Fame, or if they'll waive it for his two-goal debut! (1:00). Hayes's two goals and Kindel's two goals helped the Penguins get a massive victory over one of the NHL's hottest teams. Along with their performance, Arturs Silovs was able to bounce back after giving up a tough first...
Penguins meet the RED HOT Sabres before the Olympic break!
The Penguins will play their final game ahead of the Olympic break, and it's against the red-hot Buffalo Sabres! The Penguins head up to Buffalo for their final game before they get a few weeks off during the Olympics, and it's against a team that has been one of the hottest in the league. They take a look at Buffalo's roster, who's been driving this turnaround, and how the Penguins can get to the break on a high note. (0:00) The Penguins will head to Buffalo shorthanded as they'll be without the services of Rickard Rakell, Blake Lizotte, and possibly...
Penguins goaltending dooms them in HEARTBREAKING OT loss
The Penguins were unable to hold onto multiple leads on Long Island on Tuesday night, and now the playoff race has gotten a lot tighter. Hunter and Patrick begin the show discussing the Penguins’ overtime loss to the New York Islanders and how, for the first time in a long time, goaltending appeared to be the main issue (1:20). They also get into some of the overtime struggles, and Patrick lays down a HEATED rant about the uncalled spearing penalty (18:50). Finally, it’s Wednesday, and that means it’s time to hand out the MVP of the week in another Warrio...