NHL @TheRink

Dan and Shawn are joined by TNT and Blackhawks TV analyst Darren Pang (15:27) to preview the Winter Classic, provide perspective on Connor Bedard’s development through 100 career games, and discuss the beginning of Anders Sorensen’s tenure in Chicago. Pang, a former Blackhawks goalie, also reminisces about his favorite Winter Classic memories and the best moments of the Blackhawks-Blues rivalry. At the start of the episode, Dan and Shawn give their thoughts on the latest news in the Atlantic Divsion, including Ottawa’s recent surge, Anthony Stolarz’s injury in Toronto, and Patrik Laine’s resurgence in Montreal. After chatting with Pang, the guys search for answers to correct the continued struggles of the New York Rangers and Buffalo Sabres. 

Dan and Shawn are joined by Mike Rupp (19:07), former NHL player and current NHL Network analyst, to discuss key storylines around the League. Rupp weighs in on whether the Pittsburgh Penguins are a true playoff contender or a potential seller ahead of the 2025 Trade Deadline. He also shares insights into the New York Rangers' locker room dynamic during Jacob Trouba's trade saga and offers his newfound respect for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Later, Dan and Shawn recap the NHL Board of Governors meeting, analyze the Los Angeles Kings’ success, and debate the Colorado Avalanche’s goaltending situation. The co-hosts close with mailbag, discussing the Winnipeg Jets and revisiting the tactics the Rangers used to facilitate Trouba's trade to the Ducks.

Dan and Shawn are joined by Tom Fitzgerald (14:14), general manager of the New Jersey Devils and assistant general manager for Team USA. Tom discusses the United States roster for the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off, touching on the selection process for the 23-man team, the importance of 200-foot players, and the impact of the USA Hockey National Team Development Program. Later, Dan and Shawn break down the 4 Nations rosters for Team USA, Canada, Sweden, and Finland. They also share their thoughts on the Rangers' struggles and the surprising success of the San Jose Sharks.

Dan and Shawn are joined by former nine-year NHL veteran and current St. Louis Blues color analyst Cam Janssen (17:28) for an in-depth discussion about Jim Montgomery’s new job as head coach of the Blues. At the start of the episode, Dan and Shawn give their thoughts on the coaching carousel and trade rumor mill, including the futures of Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba in New York and Brady Tkachuk in Ottawa. Later in the show, the duo discusses Toronto’s continued success without Auston Matthews, New Jersey’s recent hot streak, hat-trick and hat-throw etiquette, and what each host is thankful for in hockey.

Dan and Shawn are joined by Hurricanes color commentator Tripp Tracy(15:56) for an in-depth look at all things Hurricanes hockey. Tripp breaks down Martin Nečas's standout performances and their impact on the team's overall success, as well as the vital role Rod Brind'Amour plays in the organization. At the start of the episode, Dan and Shawn analyze the Boston Bruins' recent decision to part ways with head coach Jim Montgomery and the ongoing struggles of the Nashville Predators. Later in the show, the duo shifts their focus to the Jets and Panthers, dives into the mailbag to examine Connor Bedard's recent play, and explore the Capitals' outlook following Alex Ovechkin's injury.

Dan and Shawn are joined by San Jose Sharks rookie Will Smith (19:37), who shares the story behind his first NHL goal, the challenges he's faced in his first 13 games, and building connections with teammates like Macklin Celebrini and Sharks legend Joe Thornton. The hosts also dive into their Super 16 power rankings, tackle mailbag questions on the struggles of the Penguins and Rangers, and recap the Hockey Hall of Fame induction from this past weekend.

Dan and Shawn are joined by NHL.com staff writer Tom Gullitti (14:51) to discuss Alex Ovechkin's hot start, his pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s goal record, and the Washington Capitals' strong opening to the season. They also break down Logan Thompson’s 6-0-0 streak and the Hurricanes' seven-game win streak. After the interview, Dan and Shawn dive into whether Anthony Stolarz could be a No. 1 goalie for the Toronto Maple Leafs, and if there's reason to believe the Buffalo Sabres and coach Lindy Ruff when they say they're on the right track.

Dan and Shawn are joined by Minnesota Wild head coach John Hynes (20:05). They discuss Marc-Andre Fleury’s impact, Marco Rossi’s development, and the chemistry between Kirill Kaprizov and Mats Zuccarello. Hynes also shares insight into building Team USA’s roster for the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off. Shawn reports from the 2024 NHL Global Series in Finland and highlights Finnish players from the Dallas Stars and Florida Panthers. The guys also discuss Fleury’s return to Pittsburgh, the struggles of the Islanders and Bruins, and the rebuilds of the Ducks and Sharks.

Dan and Shawn are joined by Predators TV analyst Chris Mason (16:29). They discuss Nashville’s rough start to the season and their recent win against the Bruins. Mason breaks down the challenges for new Predators Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault. Later in the show the guys talk about the impressive starts from the Wild, Capitals and if the Colorado Avalanche are turning things around with wins against the Ducks, Sharks, and Kraken. They also preview the 2024 Global Series in Finland. 

Dan and Shawn are joined by NHL Network's EJ Hradek (15:14) to discuss the early highlights of the 2024 NHL season. They analyze the slow starts of the Oilers and Avalanche, while Calgary continues to surprises with a strong opening. The episode also covers Filip Gustavsson's remarkable goalie goal, the Blue Jackets' heartfelt tribute to Johnny Gaudreau, Igor Shesterkin's contract situation, and an update on their Stanley Cup predictions.

Dan and Shawn are joined by San Jose forward Macklin Celebrini (16:20) and Calgary Flames defenseman MacKenzie Weegar (40:00). Celebrini shares his excitement about preparing for his first NHL game, the challenges that come with it, and what it’s going to be like to live with Joe Thornton. Weegar discusses his trade to the Flames, the intensity of the Battle of Alberta, and his minor role in securing a new arena for the team. In addition, Dan and Shawn talk about Jessica Campbell becoming the first woman to be on an NHL bench as an assistant or head coach, make bold predictions for the upcoming season, recap Utah’s opening night, and more.

Dan and Shawn were joined by Clayton Keller (20:40) and Nathan MacKinnon (44:03).  Keller discussed getting started with the Utah Hockey Club, the journey from Arizona, the uniforms, experience so far and what the team could do this season. Before the interview with Keller, Rosen talks about his on-the-ground experience in Prague covering the Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils in the 2024 NHL Global Series. They also went in depth on the Swayman contract stalemate. MacKinnon talked about trying to build on last season, his focus and determination to try to win the Stanley Cup, and more things like having a personal chef and the benefits of that. The episode finishes with Rosen and Roarke debating the topic of preseason games versus regular season games, and if the League should play fewer preseason games and more regular season games.

Dan and Shawn are joined by Jack Hughes (15:33) and Jon Carlson (36:40). Rosen and Roarke open the show discussing the Buffalo Sabres and their European adventure. They talked about Rasmus Dahlin being named the Sabres new captain and Buffalo's chances of ending what is now a 13-year playoff drought. Auston Matthews' chances of one day owning the NHL goal record, the Capitals chances of making the playoffs, the excitement around Philadelphia Flyers rookie forward Matvei Michkov and the impact the Utah Hockey Club is already making in Salt Lake were also topics discussed.

Dan and Shawn are joined by Leon Draisaitl (14:28) and Bill Daly (40:08) for this week's episode. The guys recap the player media tour in Vegas, along with breaking down freshly signed contracts from Sidney Crosby (02:17) and Lucas Raymond (09:25). They discuss the Edmonton Oilers chances at a Stanley Cup this season (28:18). Lastly, they dive into the NHL rookie faceoff (54:02) touching on Utah's first skate and Cutter Gauthier new look with the Anaheim Ducks.

Dan and Shawn are joined by NHL.com columnist Nick Cotsonika (09:06), who is in Columbus covering the candlelight vigil in remembrance of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew Gaudreau. Nick, who recently wrote about that tragedy and its impact on hockey, shares his thoughts on the news. The conversation shifts to other hockey news, including Leon Draisaitl's eight-year, $112 million contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers and its implications for Connor McDavid and the team. They also discuss Tomas Hertl's potential impact with the Vegas Golden Knights now that he's healthy and expected to join training camp. After chatting with Nick, Dan and Shawn delve into restricted free agents, focusing on Boston Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman and what the Montreal Canadiens can expect from Patrik Laine. They also touch on Brad Marchand's recovery from injury and the ongoing talks regarding Sidney Crosby's contract extension.

Dan and Shawn discuss a potpourri of offseason moves and start by talking about the splash made by the Nashville Predators, who signed Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault and Brady Skjei on July 1. Does this make the Predators the best team in the Central Division and a real Stanley Cup threat? They wonder why the Lightning did not re-sign Stamkos, instead opting to sign Jake Guentzel. They hit on the Maple Leafs and their main moves, including signing Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson to bolster their defense. Does it make the Maple Leafs better? If so, how much better? They discuss the Boston Bruins signing Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov, and why both are perfect fits. They also talk about the Carolina Hurricanes and the hit they took on July 1. They banter about Jake DeBrusk's seven-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks and the Seattle Kraken hiring Jessica Campbell to be the first female assistant coach on the bench.

Dan and Shawn are joined by NHL.com's own draft guru, Mike Morreale (16:18), who is the NHL.com Senior Draft Writer and co-host of the "NHL Draft Class" podcast. Morreale answers questions about Celebrini, the projected No. 1 pick to the San Jose Sharks. He discusses what makes him special, his rehab from shoulder surgery he had five months before beginning this season as a freshman at Boston University, and why we should expect to see him in the NHL with the Sharks as soon as a few months from now. In addition, Morreale talks about the other players in the draft, reasons why he thinks defenseman Artyom Levshunov from Michigan State University should be the No. 2 pick to the Chicago Blackhawks. He also touches on forward Tij Iginla from Kelowna in the Western Hockey League potentially being the player who steals the draft if he's selected by the Calgary Flames. Prior to chatting with Morreale, Rosen and Roarke breakdown the Panthers winning the Stanley Cup, how Game 7 played out, the viewership and the impact of that 2-1 win.  They also talk about the future of the Panthers, who have 11 pending unrestricted free agents and what will come of the Edmonton Oilers now that they need a new general manager and should be trying to sign forward Leon Draisaitl to a contract extension. Following the interview with Morreale, Rosen and Roarke dive into some of the bigger names that could make it to the free-agent market Monday, including Steven Stamkos, Jake Guentzel, Jonthan Marchessault and Patrick Kane. They close with their thoughts on the Hockey Hall of Fame's Class of 2024, with some differences of opinion on if Jeremy Roenick and Shea Weber should be included in the class.

Dan and Shawn are joined by NHL.com's Derek Van Diest (12:22) and Tom Gulitti (29:47) to cover all the angles of the Stanley Cup Final and discuss how the Oilers seemingly flipped the script on the Panthers. What will Game 6 bring ? In this series, it's anybody's guess, but both Derek and Tom provide their opinions on the series as they have been covering it from the start. The guys wrap the episode talking about the most recent happenings in the NHL, including the Devils trading for goalie Jacob Markstrom and the LA Kings shipping Pierre-Luc Dubois to the Washington Capitals in a stunning move. 

Dan and Shawn look back at a thorough Florida Panthers Game 2 win over the Edmonton Oilers. They look ahead to game 3 and try to figure out what the Oilers have to do to generate more offense. Plus, they look at some of the injuries that the Oilers are dealing with and discuss the importance of Aleksander Barkov for Florida as Shawn calls him the best defensive forward in the sport. They also dive into some NHL News, including the Capitals acquiring Cap Friendly, Jim Nill winning the Jim Gregory Award and some former NHL coaches that have taken assistant coaching positions across the NHL. 

Dan and Shawn are joined by ESPN analyst Ryan Callahan (17:26) to preview the Stanley Cup Final between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers. Callahan looks at the series from every angle, including the Oilers defensive growth under Kris Knoblauch and Stuart Skinner's emergence as the goalie the Oilers have needed in years past. Plus, he breaks down the coaching matchup, as he looks at Paul Maurice's experience vs. Knoblauch's inexperience. They wrap up the episode looking at Joe Pavelski's Hall of Fame candidacy, Blake Wheeler's future in the NHL and how the Devils plan to get a bonified goalie by trading the Devils first round pick in this year's NHL Draft.