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:

Canadiens' Top Forwards Heating Up At The Right Time May 15, 2026

Show notes

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

0:59: Is the Montreal Canadiens' top line heating up at just the right time?

1:50: Thoughts on how Ivan Demidov has performed so far?

3:19: What does Buffalo have to do to avoid being eliminated, especially at the Bell Centre?

6:41: Who do you expect to start for Buffalo in net for Game 6?

9:00: Who were the difference-makers for the Vegas Golden Knights in this series against the Anaheim Ducks?

11:50: The Golden Knights will take on the No. 1-seeded Colorado Avalanche in the West final. Expectations for how this series will go?

15:01: Do you think Vegas has proven enough based on the previous teams they faced?

17:01: What's next for the Anaheim Ducks?

19:30: Would Jordan Kyrou be a good fit for the Ottawa Senators? Would it be worth him waiving his no-trade clause? Should the Senators trade their 2027 or 2028 first-round picks this off-season?

23:03: Should the Jets even consider the possibility of trading Connor Hellebuyck? If so, what is he worth in the trade market?

BetMGM Playbook

27:24: What are the odds saying about the Stanley Cup final matchup?

30:54: Dark-horse pick for which two teams meet up in the Stanley Cup final?

32:25: What will it take for any of these teams to beat the Avalanche or Carolina Hurricanes?

Rapid Fire

35:38: Was it the right decision for Macklin Celebrini to remain Canada's captain for the men's World Championship?

37:24: Who has been more valuable to their team in these playoffs: Mitch Marner or Frederik Andersen?

39:09: Will Elias Pettersson get over or under 80 points next season?

40:45: What's the weirdest coach firing you've seen?

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Are The Avalanche And Hurricanes On A Crash Course? May 13, 2026

Show notes

Here's what former NHLer Drew Shore, Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos discussed in this episode:

1:00: Is there a team with an edge going into the rest of the Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens series?

2:20: Thoughts on the Sabres getting a goal allowed and then disallowed after two reviews in Tuesday's game?

3:30: What is the explanation for Cole Caufield's lack of 5-on-5 production?

5:00: Are these two teams just competing for who gets to lose to the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference final?

6:40: Where does Pavel Dorofeyev rank among the top goal-scorers?

8:10: Thoughts on Brayden McNabb's hit and ejection?

10:00: What are the Anaheim Ducks' chances to come back in this series?

11:40: What are the chances the Colorado Avalanche close out the Minnesota Wild in Game 5?

12:50: Are Colorado and Carolina on a crash course toward each other?

16:50: How important is Carter Hart to the Vegas Golden Knights going deep in the playoffs?

19:30: Who are the Toronto Maple Leafs going to go after now that Berube is fired?

23:30: Where do you think Craig Berube ends up?

26:20: Thoughts on Vegas potentially blocking Bruce Cassidy from interviewing with the Oilers?

28:15: Is Kris Knoblauch on the chopping block?

30:10: Where does Tage Thompson's goal rank in your memory of weird playoff goals?

32:10: Thoughts on the Kitchener Rangers' OHL championship win?

37:00: Thoughts on the suspension given to Charlie McAvoy?

39:00: How surprised are you that Crosby is going to the World Championship?

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Who Must Step Up For The Buffalo Sabres? May 11, 2026

Show notes

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

1:15: How have the Montreal Canadiens' defense and goaltending given them an edge in this series?

4:00: Have the Canadiens' big guns started to get going?

5:52: Who needs to step up for the Buffalo Sabres in Game 4?

7:55: Who should start in the net for the Sabres?

10:55: Will we ever see a goalie tandem rotate starts in the playoffs?

12:30: Does the Anaheim Ducks' power play change the series?

15:00: Can we officially say Mitch Marner is a playoff performer? How different has he looked in Vegas?

20:14: Where did the Minnesota Wild go right in their Game 3 win? What did they change?

21:52: Has Jesper Wallstedt proven he can be The Guy for Minnesota in this series?

24:14: Are you confident in Scott Wedgewood? Will the Colorado Avalanche go to Mackenzie Blackwood?

26:37: What do you think of the Carolina Hurricanes' attack so far?

28:43: As a goaltender, what's the optimal amount of time for rest?

31:30: What do the Philadelphia Flyers need to do to take the next step next season?

33:14: On a scale of 1-to-Ridly Greig, how bad was Josh Norris' sucker punch in Game 3?

35:00: Do you think these playoffs have shown a change in how to win?

37:25: Macklin Celebrini named captain of Team Canada at Worlds: Do we like it?

39:08: From this weekend, name a player who was hot or cold.

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Is This Year Different For The Hurricanes? May 08, 2026

Show notes

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

1:07: Does this year feel different for the Carolina Hurricanes? Will they finally be able to get past the Eastern Conference final?

2:30: Will the Hurricanes actually face a test in the conference finals?

5:19: Are the Philadelphia Flyers just happy to be here, getting experience?

9:00: What are your expectations for Game 2? Are you confident Montreal can bounce back?

11:41: How has this series against the Anaheim Ducks and Vegas Golden Knights matched up in terms of coaching?

14:39: Is there something specific that Vegas is doing to shut down the Ducks' power play?

17:11 What could extra rest do for the Minnesota Wild?

20:15: Will Mackenzie Blackwood play at some point in the playoffs?

BetMGM Playbook

23:17: If a goalie had a chance to win the Conn Smythe, which goalie do you like in the East?

28:32: Who is a dark horse pick from the goalies?

30:04: Will Jesper Wallstedt take back the net for the Minnesota Wild?

Rapid Fire

32:18: Who deserves the Hart Trophy?

34:58: Do the Toronto Maple Leafs try to go get a second top-five pick?

36:55: Which prospect could be drafted higher than their expected range?

39:02: What is the motivation behind the CHL allowing 16-year-old imports?

40:14: Which player in these playoffs has seen their stock rise the most in the playoffs?

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Can The Avalanche Go On An All-Time Playoff Run? May 06, 2026

Show notes

Here's what former NHLer Drew Shore, Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos discussed in this episode:

1:20: Initial reaction to the Toronto Maple Leafs winning the draft lottery?

4:00: Will Auston Matthews have an impact on who Toronto selects?

7:50: How dangerous will the San Jose Sharks be with the pick they got?

9:50: Can the Colorado Avalanche enter all-time best playoff run talks?

14:50: Thoughts on the performance of Nathan MacKinnon so far?

16:10: Is this season a sign of things to come in terms of new blood in the playoffs?

19:20: Should Canadian hockey fans jump on the Montreal bandwagon?

22:05: Thoughts on the PWHL expanding to Detroit?

25:10: Biggest winner and loser from the draft lottery?

28:20: Who should win the Selke Trophy?

30:10: Yay or nay: Mats Sundin should face the media more often than John Chayka?

32:30: What should the Vancouver Canucks look forward to after the lottery?

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Breaking Down Sabres And Canadiens' Goalie Matchup May 04, 2026

Show notes

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

1:12: What did you see in game one of Colorado Avalanche vs Minnesota Wild?

4:00: The Wild played without top centre Joel Eriksson Ek and key defenceman Jonas Brodin, both injured. How will this affect the wild as the series continues?

6:30: Logan Stankoven brings his post-season goal tally to six through just five games. Do you see him slowing down anytime soon?

8:15: What can the Flyers do to avoid letting this series get out of control?

10:23: What do the Anaheim ducks need to do to win the series?

13:08: What do you see in this Vegas Golden Knights team, how will they handle the Ducks?

15:26: What did you see from Montreal’s rookie goaltender Jakub Dobes?

18:34: What do you see in Buffalo goalie Alex Lyon, is this an even goalie match up?

19:45: What is the x factor for this series between Montreal and Buffalo?

22:22: Is the window closing for the Tampa Bay Lightning?

25:14: Are overreacting to the Tampa Bay fourth first round exit?

28:51: Like or Dislike: Toronto Maple Leafs Hiring Mats Sundin and John Chayka?

30:58: Can the Toronto Maple Leafs use their goaltending to bolster potential trade?

33:30: What should Charlie McAvoy receive as punishment for slashing Buffalo forward Zach Benson?

35:35: Who deserves to win the draft lottery tomorrow?

38:47: From this weekend, name a player who was hot or cold?

40:07: Yay or Nay: Philly and Wawa have teamed up for a "Gritty Smoothie"

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Quinn Hughes Makes The Difference For The Wild May 01, 2026

Show notes

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

0:41: Did the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild series live up to expectations?

2:05: How different would this series have looked for Minnesota without Quinn Hughes?

3:39: What are the expectations for the second-round matchup between the Colorado Avalanche and the Wild?

6:40: What went wrong for the Stars in this series?

8:47: Is the Edmonton Oilers' championship window closing?

14:06: What are some things that excite and concern you about the Anaheim Ducks?

17:20: Previewing Game 6 between the Vegas Golden Knights and Utah Mammoth

18:29: Previewing Game 6 between the Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning

19:51: Can Josh Norris make a difference for the Buffalo Sabres in Game 6?

22:25: What is an X-factor for the Philadelphia Flyers to make their series interesting against the Carolina Hurricanes?

BetMGM Playbook

26:26: What are the updated Western candidates' odds for the Conn Smythe Trophy?

29:30: Who are some candidates from the East for the Conn Smythe Trophy?

33:04: Who is your super dark horse pick for the Conn Smythe?

Rapid Fire

34:29: Like or Dislike: Misha Donskov as Canada's next Men's World Championship and world juniors coach

36:09: Yes or No: Kris Knoblauch stays with the Oilers?

37:10: Who do you think could win the Jack Adams Award?

38:47: Which player has impressed you the most so far in the first round of playoffs?

40:16: Which player has underperformed in the playoffs so far?

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Are The Flyers Handling Michkov The Right Way? Apr 29, 2026

Show notes

Here's what former NHLer Drew Shore, Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos discussed in this episode:

1:10: Can the Boston Bruins' overtime goal lead to a series comeback?

3:30: What do you think of Jeremy Swayman's bounce-back game?

7:10: How has Matt Boldy changed his view of him since the Olympics?

9:30: How underrated has Matt Boldy been his whole career?

10:45: What do the Dallas Stars need to do to generate offense?

13:00: Was Connor McDavid being listed as a game-time decision a mind game by the Oilers?

15:55: What did you think of Lukas Dostal's quick hook in Game 5?

18:00: Thoughts on Ridly Greig's sucker punch, and what will be the supplementary discipline?

20:00: Could Greig become marked around the league for this move?

23:30: How are the Philadelphia Flyers handling Matvei Michkov?

29:50: Who is the best goalie still in the playoffs?

31:00: Which teams still trailing are the most likely to come back?

33:10: Where will Bruce Cassidy coach next?

34:50: Reaction to the Vezina finalists?

37:40: Reaction to Latvia defeating Team USA in the U-18 World Championship?

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Did The Refs And NHL Handle The Ducks' OT Goal Review Well? Apr 27, 2026

Show notes

Here's what former NHL goalie Devan Dubnyk, Ryan Kennedy and Andrew McInnis discussed:

0:59: Did the officials in the Edmonton Oilers and Anaheim Ducks game make the right decision to call the overtime goal a goal on the ice?

6:25: Should that puck have gotten through Oilers goalie Tristan Jarry to begin with?

8:00: Can the Edmonton Oilers battle back and win this series?

10:22: How would you assess the goaltending so far for the Edmonton Oilers?

15:37: Between the Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning, which team has the edge heading into Game 5?

20:35: What impact would it make for Montreal to have Noah Dobson back, possibly in Games 5 or 6?

22:20: What led to the Buffalo Sabres' strong start to Game 4?

23:45: What do the Boston Bruins need to do to keep their playoff hopes alive?

25:00 Thoughts on Jermany Swayman's reaction to being pulled?

26:34: Are the Stars' struggles at even strength a concern moving forward?

29:50: What went wrong for the Ottawa Senators?

33:36: Logan Stankoven, Jackson Blake and Taylor Hall were difference-makers for the Carolina Hurricanes. What was your impression of the team?

35:33: What has to change for the Kings in the coming years?

36:58: Have we seen any weak points with the Colorado Avalanche yet?

38:58: Has D.J. Smith shown enough to be the permanent Kings coach?

40:28: Should the San Jose Sharks name Macklin Celebrini captain?

41:20: Who was hot or cold this past week?

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What To Expect As The Canadiens-Lightning Series Arrives In Montreal Apr 24, 2026

Show notes

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

1:09: The Buffalo Sabres got the win in Game 3, but is the power play a concern for them moving forward?

4:10: What has been your breakdown of the Boston Bruins through the first three games?

6:57: What's the feeling for the Ottawa Senators after Game 3, and where do they stand?

11:27: What do the Los Angeles Kings have to do to avoid being swept?

15:09: What's the expectation for Game 3 of Tampa Bay Lightning versus the Montreal Canadiens?

18:44: How will the series between the Edmonton Oilers and Anaheim Ducks progress?

22:28: What is going on with the Pittsburgh Penguins' inability to generate meaningful offense?

BetMGM Playbook

27:04: Tell us about how the odds are so far for the Conn Smythe Trophy?

28:30: Who's one player not from the odds above that could be a dark horse pick?

31:15: From the odds listed, which player do you think will win it?

Rapid Fire

34:00: Out of potential GM candidates, which one would be the best fit for the Maple Leafs?

36:56: Over/Under: $12-million cap hit on Jason Robertson's next contract?

39:15: How many "better players" do the Red Wings need to be a contending team?

40:39: Both Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon have had embellishment calls against them in these playoffs. Whose embellishment was worse?

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