A Great Day for Hockey Talk

Latest Episodes:

Episode 8: Memories, Milestones, and a Miracle with Mark Johnson Mar 20, 2019

Show notes

Mark Johnson is an American Sports Legend. His last name is synonymous with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Ten years before his father, Badger Bob Johnson, became coach of the Penguins, Mark joined the Penguins as a player. He came to Pittsburgh with a shiny gold medal after turning in an MVP performance for United States “Miracle On Ice“ Olympic Team at Lake Placid.

Highlights include:

-Mark recounts his incredible Olympic experience , particularly his two goal effort against the Soviets.

-He talks about his famous father and the rivalry he had with the man who coached Mark and his Olympic teammates, Herb Brooks.

-He also recalls his early days with the Penguins

-Mark is now the coach of the University of Wisconsin Women’s Hockey team and he shares his thoughts on the growth of women's hockey.

-He also expresses what it means to have his Dad’s famous saying “ It’s A Great For Hockey” continue to be the Penguins slogan for all these years

Episode 7: Bench Boss, Broadcasting, and a Brave Battle with Eddie Olczyk Feb 15, 2019

Show notes

Eddie Olczyk joins Paul Steigerwald on this week's edition of A Great Day for Hockey Talk.

Highlights include:
-Edzo reflecting back on his time as a player in Pittsburgh
-Talking about his introduction to broadcasting
-Reminiscing about his time behind the bench as head coach of the Penguins
-Discussing his upcoming book
-How fortunate he has been to work with Mike Lange, Doc Emrick, and Pat Foley
-His battle with colon cancer and his new mission to educate

Episode 6: Remembering the remarkable '09 Stanley Cup Run with Rob Scuderi and Hal Gill Dec 26, 2018

Show notes

Hal "Skillsy" Gill, and Rob "The Piece" Scuderi, or bits and pieces as they referred to themselves, were a vital defensive tandem for the 2009 Stanley Cup Champions. Each of them talks about what it was like to be on the ice in those final dramatic seconds of Game 7 when the Penguins won the Stanley Cup on June 12th, 2009. Other highlights include: -Hal’s humorous recollection of his interactions with Sidney Crosby -Rob’s big save in game six of the Stanley Cup final -Hal talks about how Dan Bylsma gave him a chance to make an impact after Michel Therrien has made him healthy scratch -Both players talk about the thrill of winning and celebrating with fans of Pittsburgh -Hal talks about how his days as a high school quarterback shaped him as a confident leader on the ice -Rob reflects on his early days in Wilkes-Barre shaped him into the durable workhorse that he became at the NHL level -Hal and Rob discuss how they earned their respective nicknames -Hal recalls the Stanley Cup celebration in Mario’s swimming pool

Episode 5: Penguins' Past and Present with Pierre McGuire Nov 19, 2018

Show notes

Pierre McGuire joins Paul Steigerwald on this week's edition of A Great Day for Hockey Talk. Pierre reveals how he met Scotty Bowman how he was hired by the Penguins in 1990. He also discusses what it was like to work for the triumvirate of Craig Patrick , Bob Johnson and Bowman, and he details his role as a Penguins scout and how he transitioned into coaching in 1991-92.

Episode 4: Cups, Call-ups, and Coaches with Colby Armstrong and Max Talbot Nov 02, 2018

Show notes

Colby Armstrong and Max Talbot join Paul Steigerwald on this week's edition of A Great Day for Hockey Talk. The guys talk about what it was like playing under former Penguins coach Michel Therrien, explain what it was like for Colby's first call-up to the NHL, and memories from playing in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Max also talks about being the 2009 Stanley Cup Hero and what it's like living in Russia.

Episode 3: Looking Back with Lemieux's Linemates Oct 18, 2018

Show notes

It’s been 30 years since Mario Lemieux scored a career-high 199 points in 1988-1989, the most remarkable statistical season in Penguins history. So it’s only appropriate that this week’s version of the “It’s A Great Day For Hockey Talk” podcast checks in with both of Mario’s linemates from that season – left wing Bob Errey, currently a Penguins TV analyst with AT&T SportsNet, and right wing Rob Brown, a radio analyst for the Edmonton Oilers. Host Paul Steigerwald also chats briefly with Hall of Fame defenseman Paul Coffey, another dynamic force from the 1988-89 team. All three players had a unique-ice level view as Mario tore through the NHL with 85 goals and 114 assists in 76 games, leading the Penguins to the playoffs for the first time in seven years. “Just an amazing year, looking back,” Errey said. “Mario was unbelievable, virtually unstoppable.” Brown ranked second on the team in scoring with 49 goals and 66 assists for 115 points in 68 games. Errey, who was expected to be the line’s defensive presence. still checked in with 25 goals and 32 assists for 58 points in 76 games while posting a plus-40 rating (second only to Mario’s plus-41). One of the most remarkable statistical footnotes is that Errey had 25 goals without playing on the power play.

Episode 2: Hockey Strategy and Stories with Scotty Bowman Oct 06, 2018

Show notes

Hockey legend Scotty Bowman joins Paul Steigerwald on the second episode of A Great Day for Hockey Talk. Scotty and Steigy talk about a variety of topics, including some of Scotty's favorite stories from when he was a NHL general manager, the growth of hockey in Pittsburgh, and watching NHL greats like Mario Lemieux and Sidney Crosby play when they were still teenagers.

Episode 1: Summer and Sports Stars with Sidney Crosby Sep 28, 2018

Show notes

Sidney Crosby joins Paul Steigerwald on the inaugural episode of A Great Day for Hockey Talk. Sid discusses how the game has evolved over the years, his summer travels around the world, and how he stays on top of his game.

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