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:

Which NHL Playoff Team Should Be Most Worried Right Now? Dec 13, 2024

Show notes

Get a look around some of the biggest NHL topics with The Hockey News Big Show.

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

0:45: Should Tim Stutzle have been the first-overall pick in 2020?

5:42: Was Dennis Hildeby the right choice for the Toronto Maple Leafs to call up with Anthony Stolarz out day-to-day?

10:01: Will the return of Thatcher Demko and J.T. Miller make the Vancouver Canucks a legitimate contender, or are there still issues?

14:03: Is ownership really the problem with the Buffalo Sabres, or have there been other issues?

19:13:Which NHL team currently in a playoff spot should be the most worried right now?

21:49: Is the Eastern Conference playoff picture practically set despite the tight standings?

24:04: What's the division with the tightest race to get a playoff spot?

26:03: As the NHL released another popular hockey commercial, what was one of the best hockey commercials you remember?

29:47: Is Ottawa Senators right winger Drake Batherson underrated?

31:30: What's a bigger surprise on Thursday: the Pittsburgh Penguins scoring nine goals on the Montreal Canadiens or Scott Laughton scoring four goals for the Philadelphia Flyers?

33:39: Who had the best performance in the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off ad?

35:24: The San Jose Sharks made a Holiday Inflatables Christmas rap. Was it bad, or was it so bad that it's actually amazing?

37:50: What's the best hockey-related Christmas gift you got as a kid?

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Soft Tampering, Goalie Swaps, Marner's Next Contract And More Dec 10, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to The Hockey News Big Show, covering some of the biggest topics in the NHL and hockey right now.

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

So Hot Right Now

0:33: Have the Colorado Avalanche solved their goaltending problem by trading Alexandar Georgiev to the San Jose Sharks for Mackenzie Blackwood? Who won the full trade?

5:22: The Brady Tkachuk-Rangers rumor drama escalated when Senators owner Michael Andlauer suggested there was "soft tampering," which the Rangers called an irresponsible accusation.

10:40: Matthew Tkachuk has 13 points in his last four games. Does his play style make him a bit of a unicorn?

High Stakes

13:52: Was Jacob Trouba really the biggest problem for Rangers?

17:32: When players underperform, is it all on them, or should the coach also take responsibility?

20:37 Mitch Marner has 36 points in 25 games. Is he pricing himself above William Nylander's $11.5-million cap hit? Will he still make free agency next summer?

Hockey Dudes Rock

23:27: Tom Wilson took a puck to the face, returned and scored twice. What's another absolute nails hockey moment you remember?

26:35: Should Anaheim Ducks prospect Beckett Sennecke have been invited to Team Canada's world juniors camp all along? Why do you think he was passed over initially?

Rapid Fire

30:02: What do you think the next largest NHL contract will be worth, and who will get it?

31:47: Who is in greater danger of getting fired between Detroit Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde and Nashville Predators coach Andre Brunette?

33:00: Should Boston Bruins center Trent Frederic stay or go?

35:17: Name another NHL coach, past or present, with press conferences and interviews like John Tortorella.

37:39: Say something nice about Buffalo to help out Sabres GM Kevyn Adams attract free agents.

39:30: Is Happy Gilmore a hockey movie?

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Reacting To Blackhawks' Firing, 4 Nations Rosters And More Dec 06, 2024

Show notes

Kickstart the weekend with The Hockey News Big Show, featuring some of the biggest topics in the NHL and hockey right now.

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

0:39: The Chicago Blackhawks fired coach Luke Richardson. Is this the right move? How much is the development and success of Connor Bedard a factor?

5:48: Are we ready to pull the plug on the Nashville Predators? Which players are the most realistic trade pieces?

9:41: Name one NHL player whose name you feel like you haven't seen or heard at all this season.

12:33: The biggest surprise player to eithermake or not make a 4 Nations Face-Off team

17:42: Why did Team Canada prioritize taking "role players" over more skilled players?

19:00: Which teammates-turned-opponents are you most excited to watch at the 4 Nations Face-Off?

21:35: Are NHL coaches using the "healthy scratch card" more often as a way to spark a player and team?

25:51: After Ottawa Senators fans gave Dany Heatley an ovation on Thursday, could that ever happen with John Tavares and the New York Islanders?

28:29: Over/Under: What is the sweet spot for Matthew Knies' next contract term? Over or under three years?

30:37: Sam Bennett was named to Team Canada over his teammate Carter Verhaeghe. Who would you have chosen?

31:39: Jacob Middleton is becoming a folk hero with the Minnesota Wild. Over/Under 30.5 points this season for him?

33:34: Who will be the next European-born NHL head coach?

35:14: Where does the 'Pizza Line' rank among the best nicknames for lines in hockey history?

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What Is The Best NHL Team In The East Right Now? Dec 03, 2024

Show notes

The Hockey News Big Show is here to tackle some more of the biggest NHL and hockey topics.

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

0:40: What are realistic offensive numbers for Auston Matthews this season?

6:13: Could Quinn Hughes end up as the greatest Vancouver Canucks D-man of all-time?

9:12: What will it cost a team to land John Gibson from the Anaheim Ducks?

14:00: What is the best team in the Eastern Conference right now?

15:54: What's the bigger concern for the New York Rangers: goaltending or the team's play as a group?

19:32: Will the Winnipeg Jets win the Central Division?

24:04: Who should make Team USA's 4 Nations squad: Clayton Keller or Chris Kreider?

24:40: Canada: Shea Theodore or Owen Power?

25:13: Sweden: Rasmus Andersson or Hampus Lindholm?

26:18: Does Matias Maccelli deserve to make Team Finland?

27:45: Team USA and Team Canada released 2025 World Junior Championship camp rosters. Which looks more dangerous on paper?

32:42: Was Jack Hughes trying to embarrass Sheshterkin's "Instagram hockey" move on his breakaway?

34:10: Whose first two months of their NHL careers were better: Connor Bedard or Macklin Celebrini?

35:14: NHL teams are rocking unique helmets these days, so which do you like more, matte (Tampa Bay and Los Angeles) or chrome (Los Angeles and Vegas)?

37:15: Who has been the best music performer at an NHL event?

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Early 4 Nations Face-Off And Quarter-Mark NHL Predictions Nov 29, 2024

Show notes

Enjoy the NHL action with The Hockey News Big Show.

Katie Gaus, Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos discuss some of the biggest topics in the NHL. Here's today's episode:

0:50: Does Connor Bedard fit on Team Canada?

4:00: For Team USA, would you rather: Clayton Keller or Cole Caufield?

5:51: Which 4 Nations Face-Off squad has the worst goaltending options?

9:05: Does Oliver Ekman-Larsson deserve to be on Team Sweden?

12:00: Who is the underdog of the 4 Nations Face-Off?

14:58: Who is your pick to win the 4 Nations?

18:26: Will Auston Matthews' return really solve the Maple Leafs' scoring issues?

21:24: Which NHL teams who are currently on the outside looking in will be in the post-season when all is said and done?

26:00: Which older player still chasing a Cup on a non-contending team is most likely to be on the move to try and finally win?

29:29: Filip Gustavsson or Connor Hellebuyck: who is your pick to win the Vezina Trophy?

31:31: Does Jack Eichel deserve to be in the Hart Trophy conversation?

33:51: Who will have the bigger new coaching bump: Boston or St. Louis?

36:55: Offense or defense? Which will be the theme of the 4 Nations Face-Off?

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Bad Things Come In Threes After Two Coach Firings Nov 26, 2024

Show notes

The Hockey News Big Show is here to tackle some of the biggest topics in the NHL and hockey right now, with a new Tuesday and Friday schedule.

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

0:45: The Rangers have made it clear they are interested in making moves and shaking up their roster. What moves do you think they need to make? What should be their top priority?

5:50: What has been the most impressive part of the Toronto Maple Leafs' play during this stretch?

9:40: "Bad things come in threes." With two recent coach firings by the Bruins and Blues, could we see Mike Sullivan as third?

13:38: Which team not currently in the playoff picture at the Thanksgiving marker is most likely to go on a run?

16:35: Carter Verhaeghe is a minus-18, Steven Stamkos is a minus-15, and Mika Zibanejad is a minus-13. Which player is the biggest surprise?

18:50: What's a bigger surprise: the Buffalo Sabres' three-game win streak or the Florida Panthers' four-game losing streak?

22:23: The Utah Hockey Club had to walk to the arena in Toronto because traffic was so bad with the Santa Claus parade. What's your worst getting-to-the-rink story?

26:02: The CHL USA Prospects Challenge kicks off Tuesday - who you got? Which top prospects are you watching closely?

29:29: Who needs a goalie more: the Carolina Hurricanes or Colorado Avalanche?

32:30: Nico Hischier's natural hat trick on Monday brings him up to 13 goals in 24 games. Will he get over or under 35 goals?

34:05: Does MacKenzie Weegar deserve a look for Team Canada's 4 Nations Face-Off squad?

36:00: Brandon Hagel had five assists against Colorado on Monday. Will he get more or fewer than 75 points?

38:06: What food is the best part of a Thanksgiving meal?

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How Should The Capitals, Hurricanes And Avalanche Address Injuries? Nov 22, 2024

Show notes

Cap off the week with The Hockey News Big Show.

Katie Gaus, Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos discuss some of the biggest topics in the NHL and hockey. Here's what they discussed in this episode:

0:56: What's going on with Bedard this season? Why is he struggling? Do we like the Chicago Blackhawks moving him to the wing?

5:06: Who are some of the biggest surprise players through the quarter-mark of the season?

7:57: Joey Daccord is being considered for Team Canada despite being American-born. Is he in your top three Canadian netminders?

10:45: Alex Ovechkin is out for four to six weeks. How does this affect his goal record chase and the Capitals?

13:47: There's still no update on Gabriel Landeskog. How long can the Avalanche keep "hoping" for his return? Should they consider naming someone else as the captain?

19:36: Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen is getting a procedure on his knee. Should they consider finding another goalie to support Kochetkov besides Spencer Martin?

23:23: The NHL Department of Player Safety released an "educational video" for everyone explaining why the Whitecloud hit on Knies was not a suspension. Why do you think they chose this specific instance to release a video?

27:30: Which players are still on the bubble fighting for a few spots on Team Canada's 4 Nations Face-Off squad?

32:01: What is the most confusing team right now?

34:41: Will Devon Levi play more or fewer than 12.5 games this season? He has played seven and just got sent to the AHL.

36:20: Will Dustin Wolf win over or under 23.5 games this year in Calgary?

37:56: Who wins the NHL 'Cy Young' this year?

39:27: The PWHL unveils its "No Escape Rule." Is this another win or a gimmick? Should the NHL adopt it?

41:49: In honor of this being the final weekend of Taylor Swift in Toronto - what's your favorite Taylor Swift song?

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Which NHL Team Must Add To Be A True Stanley Cup Threat? Nov 18, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to The Hockey News Big Show, whichtackles some of the biggest NHL and hockey topics.

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

0:36: Who and what has stepped up most for the Toronto Maple Leafs without Auston Matthews?

6:33: Three goalies got shutouts Saturday night, including a 5-0 win for the Florida Panthers over the league-leading Winnipeg Jets. Which was most impressive?

11:14: How should the NHL approach suspensions to hold offenders more accountable and protect players?

20:29: Which team still needs to add a piece or two to be a true Stanley Cup threat?

24:38: With reports the NHL's salary cap increase could be higher than expected next season, how big a difference does a possible extra $4 million to $5 million per team really make?

27:39: Which division is more likely to get five teams in the playoffs: the Atlantic or the Metropolitan?

29:40: Alex Ovechkin is on fire and is just 29 goals from breaking the NHL goals record. Does anyone want to change their prediction?

32:08: Are we starting to see the best out of Jack Eichel? With 28 points in 18 games, he's on pace for 127 points.

34:14: Who's the early Calder favorite: Matvei Michkov or Logan Stankoven?

36:10: The PWHL announced a handful of neutral site games.

38:51: In honor of the big fight this past weekend, who would win in a fight between Mike Tyson and Matt Rempe?

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Will The Bruins Or Penguins Shake Things Up First? Nov 15, 2024

Show notes

Cap off the week with some of the biggest topics in the NHL on The Hockey News Big Show.

Here's what Emma Lingan, Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos discussed in this episode:

0:37: Should everyone now believe in the Winnipeg Jets?

5:08: Do we truly believe Sidney Crosby will be with the Pittsburgh Penguins for the rest of his career?

8:07: With the Boston Bruins and Penguins struggling, which do we believe will make a big move to address struggles first

12:30: Mikko Rantanen is a UFA after this season - why hasn't he been extended yet, and what is a realistic number for him?

16:47: Could Martin Necas be the "game-breaker" the Carolina Hurricanes have been missing to make them a true playoff contender?

21:03: Do we really think the Nashville Predators can climb out of the basement?

26:00: Over the last five years, which GM has impressed you the most?

30:23: Roberto Luongo revealed that he turned down an offer sheet from the Detroit Red Wings immediately after being traded to the Vancouver Canucks in 2006: did he make the right decision?

32:23: Auston Matthews versus the field: who wins the Rocket Richard Trophy this year?

34:19: Who reaches 1,000 points first: Nikita Kucherov (897) or Leon Draisaitl (872)?

36:30: Whose seat is the hottest: Jim Montgomery, Mike Sullivan or Andre Brunette?

38:19: Has Claude Giroux done enough to be considered for the Hockey Hall of Fame?

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Which NHL Players Are Impressing The Most With New Teams? Nov 08, 2024

Show notes

Wrap up your week with The Hockey News Big Show, featuring some of the biggest topics in the NHL and hockey world.

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

0:46: Which "under-the-radar" off-season acquisition duos have impressed the most with their new teams?

4:32: What other "under-the-radar" off-season acquisition has impressed the most?

6:00: Could Nathan MacKinnon be the next player to win back-to-back Hart Trophies?

11:05: What player has been the biggest disappointment so far this season?

14:33: How should a GM decide when to become "sellers?" What should the biggest factors be in deciding when it's time to "focus on the future?"

19:10: Should the New York Islanders cut bait and sell off some veterans?

24:00: Jeremy Roenick will be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame this weekend. Should he have been inducted sooner? Where does he rank among the greatest American players of all-time?

27:30: Name players who did something you'll never forget - that wasn't based on outstanding goals and points.

31:03: Who has the best PWHL jersey?

33:40: Which other country would you want to see added to the 4 Nations Face-Off?

35:42: The Washington Capitals wore their epic eagle jerseys. Name another team that should go back to wearing an old jersey.

38:10: What is your favorite goalie nickname?

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