The Big Show

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**The Big Show**

On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, we’ll have in-depth analysis and lively discussion about everything happening in the NHL. Whether it’s trade rumors, player development or season predictions, it has expert takes and fresh perspectives on every episode.

Latest Episodes:

Can The Red Wings Stay Atop The Atlantic Division? Dec 19, 2025

Show notes

Here's what Ryan Kennedy, Michael Traikos and betting analyst Gary Pearson discussed:

1:30: What is the confidence in the Detroit Red Wings making the playoffs this year?

4:00: Can Detroit hold onto that top spot in the Atlantic Division?

5:38: Is Craig Berube to blame for any of the Leafs' struggles?

12:22: Which team needs to reset the most in 2026: Seattle, Buffalo or Vancouver?

13:56: Is there another team that needs to reset more?

16:41: Can Seattle actually move on from coach Lane Lambert?

18:15: What are still the biggest questions surrounding Canada's Olympic team?

23:53: What are your first impressions of Canada's world juniors team this year?

29:11: How important is it for hockey fans to understand the culture they're in, including the positives and the negatives?

BetMGM Playbook: Who are the NHL's five best goaltenders this year?

32:22: Who has the best odds to win the Vezina Trophy?

33:44: What goalie are you most surprised to see on this list?

34:50: Who could be sneaking onto this list

36:15: Based on what you've seen this year, it's Game 7 of the Stanley Cup final. Which goalie are you looking to have in net?

Rapid Fire

37:54: Time to bring back the question: yay or nay for games on Christmas?

39:23: What was the best rebrand of the quarter-century?

41:48: Only three players in the NHL right now have more than 50 points. Nathan MacKinnon, Connor McDavid and Macklin Celebrini. On a scale from 1-10, how surprised are we to see Celebrini on this still list?

44:07: What quote made you think, "say whaaaat?" this week?

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Evaluating The Ceilings For Oilers' Jarry And Penguins' Skinner Dec 17, 2025

Show notes

Here's what ex-NHLer Drew Shore, Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos discussed:

01:15: Which goalie has a higher ceiling on their new team: Tristan Jarry or Stuart Skinner?

03:55: Are we seeing an angry Connor McDavid these past few games?

06:10: Are the Los Angeles Kings going to be in the market for another goalie with Darcy Kuemper injured?

10:45: Does the Sabres' new GM change your opinion of how successful the team can be this season?

17:15: Can Joseph Woll be Toronto's No. 1 goalie in the long term?

19:00: Thoughts on Auston Matthews playing to the home crowd after his equalizing goal against Chicago Tuesday night?

21:45: Does Connor Bedard's injury affect his chances for the Canadian Olympic team?

23:35: Which GM or coach do you think will get fired next?

27:00: Should Toronto look to trade Matias Maccelli?

31:30: Favorite hockey-related gift you've received?

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Will Stuart Skinner Thrive With A Change Of Scenery? Dec 15, 2025

Show notes

Here's what Ryan Kennedy, Michael Traikos and ex-goalie Devan Dubnyk discussed:

0:33: Is Quinn Hughes the missing piece for Minnesota to finally make it past the first round?

5:25: Does Minnesota have the centers to compete in their division?

9:39: Zeev Buium, Marco Rossi and Liam Ohgren were acquired by the Canucks in the trade. Did they get enough to accomplish what they wanted?

12:23: Do you think a new environment in Pittsburgh will help Stuart Skinner play to his best abilities?

15:16: Do you like this trade by Kyle Dubas, acquiring Skinner and Brett Kulak?

16:45: Are we waiting for the shoe to drop with the Islanders, or are they a playoff team?

18:44: Do the New York Islanders need to tweak where needed, or can they play with house money?

20:07: Is this finally the year the Carolina Hurricanes break through in the playoffs?

22:07: What are Dubnyk's thoughts on whether or not the Hurricanes are a true contender?

24:03: How far can the Czechs go in the Olympics?

25:47: Thoughts on how much of a difference-maker David Pastrnak can be?

28:07: Dubnyk shares his experience going to the world juniors with Team Canada.

30:34: What was the trash talk like between Russia and Canada in the 2006 world juniors gold medal game?

32:11: Over/Under 105.5 points for Macklin Celebrini this season? (He's currently on pace for 118.)

34:38: On a scale from 1 to 10, how excited are you guys for more color vs. color jersey matchups next season?

37:06: Another week, another chance to name a player who had a hot or cold week?

38:43: Holiday gift exchange: do you prefer Secret Santa, or the one where you have a draft order and can steal gifts?

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Can The Utah Mammoth Get Back On Track? Dec 12, 2025

Show notes

The Hockey News Big Show is here to discuss more big topics in the NHL and beyond.

Here's what Katie Gaus, Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos discussed:

0:36: Is this really the end of an era for Quinn Hughes in Vancouver?

2:16: Who are potential suitors for Quinn Hughes?

5:44: Are you confident Vancouver can get enough back for Hughes?

7:40: Utah has lost seven of 10, and now Logan Cooley is out for eight weeks. Are the Mammoth toast, or is there something they can do to get back on track?

11:17: If Oliver Ekman-Larsson is out for an extended amount of time, are the Leafs' chances of making a playoff spot gone?

15:11: What are the biggest Olympic roster questions left as we are now less than three weeks away from the roster submission deadline?

18:41: Which team is this year's dark horse in the world juniors?

BetMGM Breakdown

23:02: Out of the Canadian teams, whose defensive woes are you most surprised by?

24:53: The Maple Leafs, Flames and Jets rank better defensively but are still near the bottom of the league. What can they do to improve their standing?

26:33: What Canadian team or teams do you think will actually make it into the playoffs?

Rapid Fire

30:26: Yay or Nay: Tampa Bay and Boston's Stadium Series jerseys

34:15: On a scale of one to Bobby Baun... how hardcore is Charlie McAvoy returning from a broken jaw in less than a month?

35:47: Ken Dryden, Patrick Roy and Carey Price are all Montreal goaltenders who got their first NHL start and win against Pittsburgh. Thursday night, rookie Jacob Fowler joined that list with his first NHL start and win. Could this be a good omen for him?

37:28: Hurricanes rookie Brandon Bussi is the first goalie in NHL history to win 10 of his first 11 appearances. Is it time to consider moving one of Carolina's goalies?

39:13: What quote made you think, "say whaaaat?" this week?

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Could The Red Wings Win A Playoff Round This Year? Dec 10, 2025

Show notes

The Hockey News Big Show is here to discuss more big topics in the NHL and beyond.

Here's what Drew Shore, Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos discussed:

01:00: What are your expectations of the Vancouver Canucks with Thatcher Demko nearing a return from injury?

03:45: Can Dennis Hildeby keep the Toronto Maple Leafs afloat until they get one of their top two goalies back?

08:15: Can the Detroit Red Wings win a playoff round?

15:20: Can the Pittsburgh Penguins stay in the playoff race without injured center Evgeni Malkin?

20:30: What are your thoughts on the Boston Bruins' off-season moves?

26:00: How much pressure is on Canada to perform in the world juniors?

33:00: Is Finland a threat at the Olympics without Aleksander Barkov?

34:30: What's the best brother-sister hockey duo of all-time?

36:00: What's your favorite buzzer-beater goal in hockey history?

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Dissecting The Oilers' Mini Hot Streak Dec 08, 2025

Show notes

The Hockey News Big Show is here to discuss more big topics in the NHL and beyond.

Here's what ex-NHL goalie Devan Dubnyk, Michael Traikos and Andrew McInnis, discussed:

2:00: Connor McDavid scored a hat trick last week and has recorded a combined 12 shots in his past two games. Do you like his game when he shoots more? Is he more valuable as a playmaker or a scorer?

4:30: From Dubnyk's perspective, is McDavid underrated as a shooter?

6:55: Have the Oilers finally found their game?

8:05: Are too many of the losses from the Oilers blamed on the goaltending?

11:30: The Jets have now lost seven of their last nine games. Can the Jets do enough to put themselves in a playoff spot until Hellebuyck can return? Who must step up?

18:00: The Utah Mammoth sit fourth in the Central Division and in a second wild-card spot. Does this team have enough to stay in the mix with Logan Cooley out indefinitely? And who will finish higher in the standings: the Chicago Blackhawks or Utah Mammoth?

22:37: The Washington Capitals will be without their rookie winger, Ryan Leonard, after taking a massive blow from Jacob Trouba. Thoughts about the hit?

28:03: Are players noticing that Trouba didn't fight with Tom Wilson? Is it a respect issue?

30:20: Quinn Hughes said he's aware that "things like" having his name in trade talks between the Canucks and Devils could happen. But he added that if there was a call, he wasn't involved in it. How likely is it that Hughes will be on the Canucks by next fall?

32:34: Do the Devils start working on a trade package to get Quinn Hughes?

35:06: Which center would you pick to build your franchise around: Macklin Celebrini, Connor Bedard or Leo Carlsson?

37:03: Another week, another chance to name a player who had a hot or cold week.

39:22: The Winnipeg Jets host the 2026 Heritage Classic against the Canadiens. The Jets took to X and asked fans for jersey help. What jersey should the Jets wear?

40:36: What is Dubnyk's favorite moment from the outdoor game he played in?

42:54: Favorite Heritage Classic matchup?

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Could A Potential Injury Derail The Maple Leafs' Momentum? Dec 05, 2025

Show notes

The Hockey News Big Show is here to discuss more big topics in the NHL and beyond.

Here's what Katie Gaus, Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos discussed:

1:25: While there seems to be some tangible improvement the Toronto Maple Leafs, could an injury to Joseph Woll derail all that?

5:26: The Washington Capitals have now won six in a row and sit at the top of the Metropolitan Division. Are they Cup contenders?

9:34: The Tampa Bay Lightning signed Ryan McDonagh to a three-year, $12.3-million extension. Thoughts on this extension and them having most of their core signed long-term?

14:00: Ryan O'Reilly and Steven Stamkos continue to pop up in trade speculation. What teams could/should be interested in either? What are the chances of a Stamkos-Tampa Bay Lightning reunion?

18:25: If the Blues continue to struggle and remain near the bottom of the Central, do we think Jordan Binnington could be on the move? If so, where?

BetMGM Playbook

23:36: Best long shots to win the Eastern Conference final: Ottawa Senators (+1800) and Pittsburgh Penguins (+10000). Out of these two teams, which one do you pick to advance to the Cup final?

26:13: Western Conference finals odds: Anaheim Ducks (+2200) and Minnesota Wild (+2000). Out of these two teams, which do you think could win the conference final?

28:05 Which conference is the toughest to win?

Rapid Fire

31:55: Best story so far this season?

34:38: How concerned are you about the rink situation at the Olympics?

37:23: Who has caught Ryan's eye in the prospects world this past week?

39:03: And what quote made you think, "say whaaaat?" this week?

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Should Avs' Cale Makar Win The Hart Trophy? Dec 03, 2025

Show notes

Here's what Ryan Kennedy, Michael Traikos and Andrew McInnis discussed:

01:50: Reacting to reports the Olympic hockey rink will be smaller than a standard NHL rink

07:40: What would a comparison to this Olympic rink news be in another sport?

09:30: What do you think the U.S. Thanksgiving benchmark means for teams like the Maple Leafs and Panthers?

18:00: What are your thoughts on Sheldon Keefe's comments about the fights between the Devils and Blue Jackets?

22:30: What do you think is causing the abnormal amount of fights this year?

26:50: If Cale Makar scores 100 points, should he win the Hart Trophy?

31:30: How does Sidney Crosby's play this year impact what Dubas may do with the Penguins’ roster?

34:30: What do you think Mark and Dale Hunter have in store for this year’s world junior teams?

37:35: Will a team hire Pete DeBoer this year?

38:40 How many games will Carter Hart start this season?

40:00: Jordan Binnington appeared to have some words for Jim Montgomery after being pulled in the Blues’ 4-1 loss to the Anaheim Ducks. Whose reaction was more justified?

42:00: With Tyler Seguin likely out for the season due to an ACL injury, who might the Stars pick up with that cap space?

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How Important Is Mike Matheson To The Canadiens? Dec 01, 2025

Show notes

Here's what former NHL goalie Devan Dubnyk, Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos discussed:

0:36: The Tampa Bay Lightning extended their winning streak to seven games. What can you attribute to their success?

2:30: Will the Bolts be able to sustain this?

5:43: Connor Bedard capped off a four-point night against Anaheim by chirping the Ducks' bench. These two teams play again on Sunday – can we expect any fireworks?

7:40: Is it exciting to see the Hawks and Ducks play meaningful games?

9:53: Mike Matheson signed a five-year, $30-million contract with the Montreal Canadiens on Friday. Thoughts on this signing for Montreal?

11:50: What is the importance of Matheson's presence for the Canadiens?

14:35: Jakob Chychrun now leads all NHL defensemen with 10 goals – Washington teammate Charlie Lindgren says the Canadian should be at the Olympics. Do you agree?

19:09: Carter Hart was recalled from his conditioning loan with AHL Henderson. As of Monday, he is eligible to be in the lineup. What do we see as Carter Hart's role with the team?

23:43: For Dubnyk, what's it like playing in the AHL as a goalie versus the NHL?

26:10: New York Islanders winger Kyle Palmieri tore the ACL in his left knee and will be out for six to eight months. Do the Islanders have enough to stay in the hunt while banged up?

30:03: The New York Rangers placed Adam Fox on injured reserve, and he's week to week. Will they still be in the playoff race by the time Fox returns?

33:16: Out of the top 10 NHL point leaders, who is the most surprising player on the list?

35:34: Another week, another chance to name a player who had a hot or cold week.

37:05: Who has the best third jersey this season?

39:15: QMJHL Victoriaville wore jerseys that looked like farmers' overalls recently. Did Dubnyk ever wear a novelty jersey in your career?

41:04: Dubnyk's favorite jersey he's ever worn

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Should The Flames, Canucks And Predators Rebuild? Nov 28, 2025

Show notes

The Hockey News Big Show is here to discuss more big topics in the NHL and beyond.

Here’s what Katie Gaus, Michael Traikos and Ryan Kennedy discussed:

0:50: Could this year's Colorado Avalanche become the best regular-season team ever? And what is the key factor making them such a force this season?

5:13: To rebuild or not to rebuild? That's the question surrounding the Calgary Flames, Nashville Predators and Vancouver Canucks. Let's answer the question for each of them.

9:34: The Anaheim Ducks are finally starting to see some payoff from their rebuild. Should they take advantage of a strong start to get upgrades in the trade market right now?

12:49: The Flyers are sitting just outside a wild-card spot right now. Do the Flyers have enough to help push themselves up in the standings?

17:08: Kevin Weekes reported that Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry is one of the goalies drawing significant interest as an option for the Edmonton Oilers. Is Jarry a good solution to the Oilers' goalie struggles? Who else do we think they could be targeting?

22:47: The Montreal Canadiens have claimed forward Sammy Blais off waivers from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Thoughts on this move by Montreal?

BetMGM Playbook

26:19: Odds for the five most likely Stanley Cup finalists. We share the five odds of what teams will play in the Stanley Cup final. Out of these matchups, which one is the most likely to actually happen?

27:35: Which of the matchups would be the most exciting to watch?

30:50: What matchup is your personal pick for the Stanley Cup final?

Rapid Fire

33:46: Which team has the most to be thankful for right now?

35:36: What do you like more: afternoon games or evening games?

38:47: The next NHL expansion team will cost $2 billion. If you had $2 billion lying around, would you pay that? And where would you want the team to be?

40:38: Yay or nay: a player shouldn't have fun the night after a loss

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