Loser Thinking
Digest
The podcast begins with a discussion about the NHL draft combine, highlighting the impressive personalities of prospects like Zeev Buim, Tejig Yenla, and Zane Perrek. The hosts then delve into the Vancouver Canucks' offseason plans, speculating on the potential signings of Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov. The conversation shifts to the impact of Egor Shusterkin's contract on the goaltending market, particularly for Juuse Saros. The hosts also discuss the departure of Kevin Wilson from the Nashville Predators and Rick Ball from Sportsnet. The podcast concludes with a preview of the Stanley Cup Final, with the hosts predicting a close series between the Oilers and Panthers, emphasizing the importance of Stuart Skinner's performance for Edmonton.
Outlines
NHL Draft Combine Impressions
This Chapter discusses the NHL draft combine, highlighting the impressive personalities of prospects like Zeev Buim, Tejig Yenla, and Zane Perrek. The hosts also discuss the upcoming draft and the potential for a run on defensemen after Macklin Celebrini is selected first overall. They also mention a special event in Florida for overseas prospects.
Montana's Thought Line: Jersey Tradition
This Chapter features a listener question about the history of fans wearing jerseys to hockey games. The hosts discuss how the trend started in the 1980s, with the Miracle on Ice game playing a significant role in popularizing hockey merchandise. They also discuss the evolution of hockey arenas, noting the absence of rinkboard advertising in older photographs.
Stanley Cup Final Preview
This Chapter focuses on the upcoming Stanley Cup Final between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers. The hosts discuss the key players and storylines to watch for in the series, highlighting the importance of Stuart Skinner's performance for Edmonton. They also analyze the Panthers' maturity and experience from last year's final.
Keywords
NHL Draft Combine
An annual event where NHL teams evaluate and interview potential draft prospects. It includes physical testing, interviews, and medical examinations. The combine is a crucial part of the draft process, helping teams assess players' skills, athleticism, and potential.
Stanley Cup Final
The championship series of the National Hockey League (NHL) playoffs. It is a best-of-seven series between the winners of the Eastern Conference and Western Conference playoffs. The Stanley Cup is awarded to the winning team, representing the highest honor in professional hockey.
Edmonton Oilers
A professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They are a member of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the NHL. The Oilers have won five Stanley Cup championships, most notably in the 1980s with Wayne Gretzky.
Florida Panthers
A professional ice hockey team based in Sunrise, Florida. They are a member of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the NHL. The Panthers have won one Stanley Cup championship, in 1996.
Stuart Skinner
A Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Edmonton Oilers in the NHL. He was drafted by the Oilers in the third round of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. Skinner is known for his athleticism and ability to make big saves.
Sergei Bobrovsky
A Russian professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Florida Panthers in the NHL. He is a two-time Stanley Cup champion, having won with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2019 and the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2021. Bobrovsky is known for his acrobatic style and ability to steal games.
Connor McDavid
A Canadian professional ice hockey center currently playing for the Edmonton Oilers in the NHL. He is widely considered to be one of the best players in the world. McDavid has won two Art Ross Trophies as the NHL's leading scorer and two Hart Memorial Trophies as the NHL's most valuable player.
Egor Shusterkin
A Russian professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the New York Rangers in the NHL. He was drafted by the Rangers in the second round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Shusterkin is known for his size, athleticism, and ability to make difficult saves.
Juuse Saros
A Finnish professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Nashville Predators in the NHL. He was drafted by the Predators in the fourth round of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. Saros is known for his calm demeanor and ability to make timely saves.
Kevin Wilson
A former NHL player who worked in the communications department for the Nashville Predators. He is known for his professionalism and dedication to the team.
Q&A
What are some of the key storylines to watch for in the Stanley Cup Final between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers?
The hosts highlight the importance of Stuart Skinner's performance for the Oilers, as well as the Panthers' maturity and experience from last year's final. They also discuss the potential for a close series, with both teams expected to play with intensity.
How did the tradition of fans wearing jerseys to hockey games start?
The hosts believe that the trend started in the 1980s, with the Miracle on Ice game playing a significant role in popularizing hockey merchandise. They also note that football and baseball fans started wearing jerseys earlier, in the 1970s.
What is the NHL's policy on fighting during games?
The hosts explain that linesmen are responsible for breaking up fights, and they often intervene if they feel it's a mismatch or if the situation is getting out of control. They also mention that teams used to have designated tough guys, but that's less common now.
Has the NHL ever awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy to a player whose team didn't reach the Stanley Cup Final?
The hosts confirm that it has never happened, and they discuss the hypothetical scenario of a player leading the playoffs in scoring but losing in the conference final.
What is the significance of Egor Shusterkin's contract for the goaltending market?
The hosts believe that Shusterkin's contract will have a significant impact on the goaltending market, particularly for players like Juuse Saros. They discuss the potential for a bidding war for goaltenders, as teams seek to secure top talent.
Show Notes
In this edition of 32 Thoughts, Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman get into a heated argument about the best course of action for Macklin Celebrini: Go back to BU or turn pro and join the San Jose Sharks? Then, Jeff takes time to highlight a few prospects he spoke with at the combine that really impressed him (11:28 ). Afterward, Jeff and Elliotte delve into the latest around Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov (18:54 ). Elliotte also provides the latest regarding the future of Jeremy Colliton (24:17 ). The fellas then turn their attention to Jake Guentzel and what the Canes are asking for his negotiating rights (27:49 ). Elliotte unveils that Buffalo's 11th overall pick is available (32:00 ) and the guys discuss how Igor Shesterkin's new deal will impact Juuse Saros (33:00 ). Jeff and Elliotte end the opening segment by congratulating Rick Ball on his new play by play position with the Chicago Blackhawks (41:41 ).
The guys answer your questions in the Montana’s Thought Line (46:13 ).
Jeff and Elliotte end the podcast with a quick preview of the Stanley Cup Final between Edmonton and Florida (56:26 )
Email the podcast at 32thoughts@sportsnet.ca or call the Montana's Thought Line at 1-833-311-3232 and leave us a voicemail
This podcast was produced and mixed by Dominic Sramaty and hosted by Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
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