NHL @TheRink

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Martin Biron joins; Playoff Hockey Returns to Buffalo, First round storylines Apr 29, 2026

Show notes

Dan and Shawn are joined by former NHL goaltender and current MSG and TSN analyst Martin Biron (14:08) who takes the crew inside the Buffalo-Boston series, as Sabres fans experience playoff hockey for the first time in 15 years. Biron also goes in-depth on the goaltenders in the series and the role goalie body language plays in the postseason. The duo opens the show with discussion about the Western Conference playoffs and closes the show debating whether the Pittsburgh Penguins will become the next team to comeback from down 3-0 to win a playoff series, a feat accomplished by only four teams in NHL history.

Craig Button & Mike Zeisberger join; Stanley Cup Playoffs 1st Round, NJD Hires Mehta as GM Apr 22, 2026

Show notes

Dan and Shawn are joined by former NHL general manager and current TSN broadcaster Craig Button (8:14) to react to the first few games of the Stanley Cup Playoffs in the Western Conference. Later in the show, the guys shift the discussion to the Eastern Conference with NHL.com’s Toronto-based staff writer Mike Zeisberger (26:56), who is in Montreal for the series between the Canadiens and Lightning. Dan and Shawn open the show with their playoff reactions, with Dan in Minnesota following the Wild versus Stars series and Shawn in Ottawa covering the Senators and Hurricanes. The duo wraps the show with reaction to the New Jersey Devils hiring Sunny Mehta as general manager.

Cory Schneider & Tony Granato join; Playoff Preview & Predictions, Ovi’s Final NHL Game? Apr 15, 2026

Show notes

Dan and Shawn are joined by former NHL goaltender and current TV analyst Cory Schneider (7:38) to preview the Stanley Cup Playoffs from a goaltender’s perspective and for his thoughts on Jonathan Quick’s retirement. The guys are later joined by former NHL player and coach Tony Granato (28:16) for the coach’s perspective of the postseason and his opinion on a few late-season head coaching changes, including the future of Rick Bowness in Columbus following his recent comments to the media. In the open, Dan and Shawn discuss the latest on Alex Ovechkin’s future with the Washington Capitals, and the duo closes the show with Stanley Cup Playoff predictions.

Tom Gulitti joins; NYI & NJD Shuffle Deck, Ovi’s Future, Playoff Chase in the West Apr 08, 2026

Show notes

Dan and Shawn are joined by Tom Gulitti (16:58), NHL.com senior writer covering the Washington Capitals, to discuss Alex Ovechkin’s future after Capitals star announced that a decision on his playing future will be made in the summer. The duo opens the show with discussion about the surprising news out of Long Island, as the Islanders fired Patrick Roy with four games remaining in the season and hired Pete DeBoer in hopes of ending a recent skid and securing a playoff spot. The guys continue with discussion about New Jersey’s decision to part ways with general manager Tom Fitzgerald and what the future may hold for the Devils and wrap the show with thoughts on the playoff chase in the Western Conference.

Chris Pronger joins; TOR Fires Treliving, VGK Hires Tortorella, Playoff Chase, Ovi Nets 30 Again Apr 01, 2026

Show notes

Dan and Shawn are joined by Hall of Fame defenseman Chris Pronger (20:08) to discuss Toronto’s next move after the recent firing of general manager Brad Treliving, the playoff prospects for a few of Pronger’s former teams, and his new book “Earned: The True Cost of Greatness from One of Hockey’s Fiercest Competitors” which will be released on April 14. The duo opens the show with reaction to the changes in Toronto and what it means for the future of Auston Matthews, and the decision by the Vegas Golden Knights to dismiss Bruce Cassidy and hire John Tortorella midseason. After the interview, the guys discuss the playoff races in both conferences and touch on Alexander Ovechkin’s sustained success as the Washington Capitals star recently recorded the 20th 30-goal season of his illustrious career.

Rob Ray & Derek Van Diest join; Surging Sabres, Pacific pillow fight, Playoff races Mar 25, 2026

Show notes

Dan and Shawn are joined by former Sabre and current broadcaster Rob Ray (12:07) to talk about the reasons why the Sabres have sustained their success this season and are in first place in the Atlantic Division, almost guaranteeing at this point that they will reach the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in 15 years. He touched on leadership and coaching, on the play of defenseman Rasmus Dahlin, the character in the room, goalie Alex Lyon having 20 wins and the impact forwards Ryan McLeod and Josh Doan have made since they arrived in Buffalo. NHL.com staff writer Derek Van Diest also joined the episode to talk about the Oilers (32:25). Van Diest specifically addressed Connor McDavid’s recent comments on the Pacific Division race (he called it a “pillow fight”) and if there is a frayed relationship between Edmonton’s captain and coach Kris Knoblauch. In addition, the guys dove into the playoff races in both conferences, offering their thoughts on the rise of the Nashville Predators, Columbus Blue Jackets and Ottawa Senators. The episode ends with a special tribute to and remembrance of Jessi Pierce.

Don Waddell joins; Playoff races, Draisaitl injury, GM Meetings Mar 18, 2026

Show notes

Dan and Shawn are joined by Columbus Blue Jackets General Manager Don Waddell (23:30) to talk about hiring Rick Bowness, the Blue Jackets rise under the coach, why he acquired forward Conor Garland before the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline, and some thoughts on the items being discussed at the NHL General Managers’ meetings. In addition, the guys breakdown the playoff races in both conferences, detail the impact of Leon Draisaitl’s lower-body injury that will keep him out of the Edmonton Oilers lineup for the remainder of the regular season, discuss some of the storylines coming out of the NHL General Managers’ meetings and go over Matthew Schaefer’s successful first game in Toronto in front of a large gathering of friends and family.

Dan Bylsma joins; Deadline additions, What's the Sabres ceiling? Trophy Tracker: Hart race Mar 11, 2026

Show notes

Dan and Shawn are joined by former NHL coach Dan Bylsma to talk about the Avalanche adding Kadri, the Hart Trophy race and the process of integrating and welcoming new players to a team. Plus, he looks at the likely first round matchup between the Minnesota Wild and the Dallas and the unique challenge of finishing out a season while keeping your on the playoffs. The guys started the episode talking about the Sabres ceiling and the Islanders spunk. They wrap up with a look at the Trophy Tracker, including the very tight Hart race and why Jon Cooper should be the Jack Adams winner.

E.J. Hradek joins; Trade Deadline, Buyers & Sellers, Rumor mill, Kings coaching change Mar 04, 2026

Show notes

Dan and Shawn are joined by NHL Network's E.J. Hradek (8:05) to talk about the looming Trade Deadline and what may be coming down the pipe for the Oilers, Blues, Panthers, Hurricanes, Wild, Golden Knights and Rangers. They dissect potential deals and take a deep dive into the trade market. The guys start he episode with a look at the Toronto Maple Leafs and Buffalo Sabres and how each team should approach the Deadline. They wrap up with a look and debate about the top of their power rankings and analyze the odd timing around the Kings making a coaching change.

Digesting the Olympics, Team USA's legacy, Restart storylines, Trade Deadline looms Feb 25, 2026

Show notes

Back from Milan, Dan and Shawn digest the Olympic tournament and the impact of it, including taking a look at the legacies of Connor Hellebuyck, Jack Hughes and Auston Matthews, and how they’re forever changed by what they did with Team USA.
They discuss the lasting impact of Team USA winning gold and Hughes’ golden goal.
The also talk about why Team Canada couldn’t get the extra goal in the gold medal game. They also move on to the NHL season restarting Wednesday with Stanley Cup Playoff races heating up and the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline coming into focus....

Some topics discussed and debated:

* Will the New Jersey Devils and Winnipeg Jets be able to climb the standings with players like Jack Hughes and goalie Jacob Markstrom for New Jersey, and Hellebuyck for the Jets coming back with confidence?

* Is it realistic given the injuries and number of players coming back from the Olympics for the Florida Panthers to get on a run to make the playoffs?

* Are the Detroit Red Wings and Buffalo Sabres going to end long playoff droughts? And does the hockey world now fully understand the value of Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin and Sabres forward Tage Thompson based on their performances at the Olympics for Team USA?

* What is the impact of Sidney Crosby’s injury on the Penguins?

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