NHL Central Division Preview (EP. 271)

NHL Central Division Preview (EP. 271)

[Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] What’s up everyone? Nick and Mac here with you on Empty the Benches. We have our Central Division preview today. Finally, time to get into the nitty-gritty, the preseason stuff that you all know and love. But before we do that, Mac, what’s going on? I know you’ve had a little bit of a a crazy couple weeks. So, how’s everything been treating you? It’s okay. I’ve I’ve definitely been better. I think um maybe a good way to put it is uh we’re going to be starting every episode off from now on uh with a segment called Max Misfortune, which uh uh on this week’s edition. On last week’s edition, you heard about my car catching on fire in the beer league parking lot. On this week’s edition, you’ll hear about how I um paid a lot of money to fix it. Still not fixed. Uh drivable. Tried to drive it down to my uncle’s uh body shop in Illinois, about an hour away from here. Got it there, was supposed to pick up a laner car from him. Um got in the laner car, drove like two blocks, and the loner car started making like the craziest noise of all time. Um, so yeah, I called my uncle, played the noise over the phone for him, and he was like, “Oh yeah, that sounds like [ __ ] You should drive it back to the shop.” So I drove it back to the shop and then proceeded to drive my car all the way back to Illinois um until he could fix the laner. And then the very next day did it all over again. And now I finally have the loner. So there’s just a whole lot of [ __ ] going on in my life right now. And uh I don’t very much appreciate it. It’s never fun, especially like I mean I feel like car pain is just been a recurring theme on the show like throughout our years. So like I know all too well what it’s like when you you’re like all right I’m going to pay to make this problem go away. It’s like that’s kind of like one of the logic logical things you do when you’re a adult human being. You know it’s like I got to pay rent. I got to buy groceries. I pay and then that problem goes away. Unfortunately with cars it is never that simple. there’s always something else. So, uh I do not envy you. That is not a fun situation to be in. Yeah. And if that wasn’t bad enough, uh this is actually some of you may have noticed this, but um I’m currently banned from Twitter. Um what? Yeah. I don’t I didn’t do anything to be clear. I wasn’t like going on some rant and like cursing people out. I like got flagged as like being a bot or something. They they like emailed me saying I’m suspended due to like inauthenticity. And I I’ve tried I’ve basically been banned for like a week. And any of you who know me know that I’m on Twitter like constantly every day. So this is this might be worse than than the car situation for me. And what’s really worse is the two of them combined because I can’t go on Twitter to complain about my car issues. Like I definitely would be doing like that’s the double whammy right there. It’s like one would have been the outlet for the other. But that’s that’s so brutal. Like why just like did they say why you were getting flagged? no explanation. And I’ve I’ve been appealing it for like a week and I’ve heard absolutely [ __ ] all back. And I also found a Reddit post of a guy saying the same thing happened to him and that they never gave him his account back. So that’s uh pretty exciting stuff. But yeah, if you’ve tried to like tweet at me or like go find my page, I didn’t uh I didn’t delete my page. I’m not I’m not intentionally off of there and I’m still trying to get back on there. So I guess stay tuned. But yeah, it’s not it’s not been great for me. However, uh I think we can use that as a nice segue to talk some hockey cuz I’m really looking forward to this episode. As you said, this is our Central Division preview episode, our first of four divisional preview episodes we’re going to be putting out over the next two weeks. Um going to start with the Central. We’re going to try and have a couple of guests maybe for some of the other divisions. Um I know we have a a Pacific division guest. We’ll probably have a metro guest. somebody to kind of focus on a little bit of uh one main team during that episode, but for Central, we’re just going to kind of grip it and rip it and u jump right in. So, shall we? Yeah, absolutely. It’s a It’s a little bit of a weird division. This one is always interesting year in and year out. Let’s go ahead and start with Chicago. They’re I mean, they’re an interesting team. They’re absolutely on the up and up. You can’t talk about this team without talking about Connor Baddard. That’s just, you know, where we’re at in this thing now. So, uh, everyone seemed to kind of get on his case a little bit last year. Obviously, there was a pretty big dip in production and, uh, you know, that team is obviously a bad hockey team. Let’s just call it what it is. They were at the bottom of that barrel. So, uh, just your initial impressions right off the bat about this Hawks team going into this year. Yeah, I mean, they make some additions. They also had some subtractions. I think that I think that the additions are better than what they lost. like I think they gained more than they lost. Um, no real big like blockbuster names that I can remember them getting. I think I feel like Burkovsky and like Lafery are probably like the technically the biggest names they landed. Um, I know Matt Grizzlick’s over there. Um, Tomminado was the other. Toninado was the other ad. Um, then they lose Joey Valeno, Victor Soderstrom, TJ Brody, and Arvid Soder Blom. So, not that important with the additions and subtractions. However, when your team isn’t that good to begin with, getting a guy like Burakovski or um, you know, a Laferty could actually, I think, make this team better than they were last year. So, it’s something. Yeah, definitely. I think it’s, you know, it’s a situation where we’re going to go by daily faceoff, which is where we’re looking right now. They have him slotted on that top line. Now, is that going to be one of the best top lines in the NHL? Absolutely not. But you and I have seen firsthand what Andre Burkovski can do when he’s got good guys getting him the puck. I mean, he does have great hands, does have a pretty decent shot, and I think he proved that when he went to both Colorado and then inevitably Seattle. So, I I agree. I think that’s a great addition for them. You know, I’ll begrudgingly admit that Frank Nazar is proving my previous prediction about him wrong. That might have just been a little bit of a Homer bias, but it is what it is. Uh it’s it’s interesting that this bottom six is very concerning for me. and that uh that uh bottom four defense pairing like I know Arty Lev is in there and I still have every like you know full belief that he’s going to be a great NHL defenseman but right now Hawks fans you just you know what you got to suffer a little bit and I think that’s not too far out of the question to ask given what you had to go through between the years of 2008 and 2016 like 16. So no that’s that’s exactly right. Um I do think Renzel will be somebody to watch this year. He should have a pretty good year. I’ve I’ve honestly heard some um some rumblings about him being like a sleeper pick for fantasy. So, if you’re playing fantasy this year, keep your eye on a guy like Sam Rinszel, defenseman for uh for the Hawks. Could be a uh kind of a sneaky pick that pans out pretty well. I the problem for me with the Blackhawks and I’m sure Blackhawks fans are annoyed about this. Um, if you look at the teams like them and San Jose and like Anaheim who have all been bad for like a good while. You could even argue that the Blackhawks have been bad for longer I feel like than those two teams. Um, they’re they’re going to be worse than both of those teams this year. I think for sure the Ducks, maybe the Sharks. I think the Sharks will be better than the Hawks this year. I think the Sharks added a lot more and a lot more like valuable pieces. I mean, the Sharks I mean, you could literally just narrow that and we’ll get into this in the Pacific, but you could just say Demetri Orof right there and boom, the Sharks win. Yeah. I just think it’s it’s probably frustrating for Blackhawks fans cuz they’re like, why is this taking us so long, you know, but other teams it’s not taking them nearly as long to like rebuild. So, I I get that, but also like you said, like shut up. You guys had some serious glory for quite a while there. So, I don’t really feel bad. Exactly. I mean, it’ll be interesting to what see what BL can do going in there behind the bench this year, but I think we’re kind of in Can we say group consensus? This team is going to finish eighth in this division. Yeah, I think I think so. I also think as we go through each team here, why don’t we why don’t we say let’s not say necessarily where we think they’re going to finish, but let’s say uh playoff team or nonplayoff team. I think you and I will both agree Blackhawks nonplayoff team. Um and then at the very end of the rankings, we can give our prediction for the division winner. Cool. All right, I like that. Let’s do it. Uh let’s go ahead and move on then to Colorado. So totally sunnier skies out in Colorado. Uh definitely not going to ever be a bad situation when you’re going into a hockey season with Nathan McKinnon and Kale Mar in your lineup. Uh some pretty big ads for them. They get Brock Nelson who comes over at the deadline last year. Uh Charlie Coyle, Ryan Lingren, M Blackwood. Uh out the door they lose a couple guys you know that trade with the Islanders. They send Callum Richie and Oliver Schillington back out. Gorgiev goes to San Jose. Uh Middlestat to the Bruins. But I don’t necessarily think they lost anything. I think my thing with these guys is they had some problems on the back end last year. Like stopping the puck and keeping the puck out of their own net, I think we can agree was a problem last year. So is the name of the game for them this year just stop the puck and everything will be fine, or do you see some other issues in this lineup? Um, I think that’s probably like their biggest issue if I had to pick one. Like particularly, and again, like don’t crucify us if we’re getting some of these lineups wrong because we’re going off daily face off and it’s still two weeks before the season. So, we know there are going to be guys that that don’t make the team or do make the team that aren’t on here, etc., etc. But going off of what this could look like, they definitely have some depth D issues. Pretty strong on the right side. If it does end up being Macar Manson Burns, I like that. But on the other side, you know, if it does end up shaking out this way as Taves, Sam Molinsky, and then Katon Middleton, some guys that are going to need to prove themselves for for sure. I also think like the bottom six, it’s it’s decent. I mean, honestly, the third line is pretty good. I probably shouldn’t even say the bottom six. Really, just the fourth line is where they’re going to have a little bit more um proving themselves to do as well. But I’d say those are the biggest weaknesses. My question about this team is do you think Mack Blackwood has a good year? Cuz he’s he’s going to need to. I think the woodshed in total is going to need a good year this year. They’re going to need it from both of them. I think he has a better season than he did last year. I think, you know, maybe stakes out that claim a little bit more as like more of the one as opposed to the 1A. Yeah, I could see a bounce back year for him. I know that’s what what ABS fans are hoping for. I do anticipate a pretty heavy split between those two guys, though. Yeah, I would say so. I think the big thing for this team is no matter how your regular season goes, your successes are going to be judged, you know, with Nathan McKinnon and with Kale Mar and the lineup. It’s how you do in the postseason. I mean, they’ve already done it. They’ve been to the Stanley Cup final. They’ve won a Stanley Cup, you know. So, last year when they get I mean, one of the craziest first round matchups we’ve ever seen with the Dallas Stars that go seven games, obviously, they don’t end up getting that done. I think that’s just going to be something for them this year. They need to get out of the first round. It’s getting harder and harder in that Western Conference. Uh it was sort of crazy like that with the East. Now we’re seeing that shift over to the West. So, uh what do you think is like the the ceiling for these guys going into the postseason? Is this a second round playoff team? I certainly think they could be. I mean, I think we’re both in agreement this is a playoff team. Um, which that that in of itself is is it’s saying a lot honestly because the Central division, you mentioned it at the beginning, it’s a weird division and when you think about, you know, only for for certain three teams are going to make it, maybe as many as five, there’s even if even if there’s five teams from this division that make it, there’s going to be a good team that doesn’t make it because I think that six of these teams are pretty darn good hockey teams going into this year. I agree. And five of them made it last year. Uh the ABS just broke that 100 point barrier. They were third in this division with 102 points. Yeah, I I think ABS will make it. Um obviously, you know, we it’s it’s a cop out to say it just depends who they’ll match up against about whether they get out of the first round or not, but I do I do think this should be a second round or greater playoff hockey team come next spring. Who’s the X factor for them? Who is like, you know, someone you’re looking at on in this roster going, “Hey, like if they wake up, this could be a completely different story.” I mean, I I genuinely think if the woodshed and particularly if Mackenzie Blackwood has a good year, they could win the division. I think that I think that like could be their ceiling. If if he’s that good, um that could turn this team into the the top team in the division. Um, but I also think if you want me to pick a roster guy, I want to see a good year from like Victor Olivesson, um, Arturi Lechin, Brock Nelson. Those guys, the the middle six guys, those guys are going to make or break how good this team actually is. I think it’s it’s Nelson for me because there was so much hype when he came over and it didn’t click right away. Yeah. But that’s someone who you and I both wanted the Capitals to make a huge push for. And especially with this team now, you know, they used to have their uh C1 and C2. It was like no-brainer who that was going to be. And then, you know, Rantin goes away and then Landisk gets hurt and then it was like, oh crap, we’ve got one great line and then no one to center anything else. So, I think it kind of comes down to Brock Nelson for me this season. Well, and this is what their first full year theoretically with Landisk, too. So, that’s like another uh since since what two years ago. It’s been two two years now since they’ve had a full year of him. So, that’s that’s a big deal that that’s also going to give them a big push. It should. Anyway, he didn’t waste any time shedding the mits in that preseason game either. Awesome. Uh Colorado, we’re agreeing playoff team, right? to Dallas. Yep. Okay. Dallas. I was thinking about this earlier, you know, as we’re sort of like planning out when we’re going to do the previews for each of these divisions. I think Dallas is one of two maybe three teams this year where it it is like, okay, enough is enough. You got to put up or shut up because we have been talking about this for what, four years now? Five years now. I mean, and I think the thing that really bugs me about this, and I’m not even necessarily a Stars fan. I I do tend to pick them a lot because I think, you know, this roster is loaded. How are you not winning with a roster like this? You get even better last year with going to get Mo Ranton. I know they had some injury issues with Hasten and missing a decent amount of time, but I mean, Jesus Christ, this team, this team needs to do something this year, you know? It’s kind of like the the poking stick emoji. Like, come on, do something. Like I I don’t really have another way to describe it other than that. Yeah. I this Let me know if you think this is a fair comparison. I’m going to do a I’m going to do a hockey to football analogy. In a way, the Stars this season kind of feel like like the same amount of pressure that I think is on the Baltimore Ravens this year where it’s like that’s we know you’re a good team. You’ve you’ve been a good team for several years in a row. You’ve got some seriously promising young guys. You’ve got some seriously uh like tenured established veterans in the lineup too that should still be able to compete and help your team. Um so why is it that you can’t put it all together in the playoffs and it yeah like you said it’s it’s time to to do it or or or not this year. So I think that’s kind of how I look at the stars this year. Um, Ager, you know, he should have a good year. I’m not too worried about that. It’s more like um some of the depth guys on offense. Like I I Jamie Ben is such a big question mark to me every season because you just don’t know if you’re going to get this like like actually effective like 25 to 30 goal scorer um or if he’s just going to be like kind of lazy and and people are going to be saying why is he still on this team blah blah blah like I it it seems like it switches off every year like even throughout the year but um I mean a third line of Jamie Ben, Matt Duchain, and Tyler Sean should be pretty good. That should be a pretty good third line in the NHL. That should be a top three third line in the NHL. That could be that could be Chicago’s first line. Let’s call it what it is. But Oh, absolutely. That could be a lot of teams first line. Absolutely. I totally agree with you. We’ve talked about the Ben thing at length over the over the seasons, and I think we’ve all kind of been at the point where we’re like, “Okay, get this guy off the team. Oh, wait, now he’s trying again. It looks great.” You know? So if it’s something where we get, you know, postseason Jamie Ben where he had like what it was like four goals in five games throughout like I think to start the postseason last year or something insane like that. Yes, that’s obviously great. I don’t know how sustainable that is for an 82 game season at this point in his career. No offense, just kind of where we’re at right now. But I think the big thing for me is you could say these guys lost a decent amount. you know, Granland goes to Anaheim, you got Cece who goes over to the Kings, and then you got Dadnov going to the Devils. I think, you know, not to knock those players in any way. Male Granland had an unbelievable postseason when coming over to the Dallas Stars, but I think these guys that they’re losing, I don’t know if that’s necessarily hurting them all that much. Like, that roster is so deep that it is sort of next man up mentality. And I think one of the best things about this Stars team is they’re young guys. They really contribute right off the bat. Yeah. And I I think too like if you look at their decor guys like Essendell and Thomas Harley a year I’d say for sure two years ago even one year ago a lot of guys would look at those two defenseman on paper and be like h those are like two of your top four defenders. Not this year. I think both of those guys are have very clearly established their names as like some of the top defenders in the league. And I fully expect them to do that even more this this season. I think Harley I think Harley is one of the best defenseman in the league. I I genuinely believe that. Yeah, last season was like the biggest coming out party I think we’ve seen in a long time from him. I mean it kind of started with the four nations and it just it shows what that does to a young defenseman’s confidence. So I mean if he can keep that going I mean it’s kind of scary to think that that guy and Miro Hkin are both on the same defense core. I mean, that should pretty much terrify any Central team night in and night out, the fact that they’re going to have to play these guys that many times. Yep. And when you look at their like top nine forwards, whatever, you know, whoever knows, regardless of what guy is going to be on what line, just knowing that somewhere in your top nine, you’ve got hints, Rantin, Robertson, Johnston, Jamie, Ben, Matthew, Shane, Tyler say. Like it’s just it’s a it’s it’s ridiculous to expect this team to not be able to win the Stanley Cup. It it it’s really gotten to that point. And again, it feels like that with the Ravens, too. I It’s like you look at their their team on paper and you’re like, dude, there’s tons of Allstars here. Like, what are we doing? Great question. And I know that’s that’s fresh in both of our minds after the incident that will be referred to as the Lions game, but Jesus Christ. Uh yeah, that that’s exactly like sort of where my frustration was when I opened this thing up. It’s like this team needs to do something. So I know we’ve been saying, you know, for two years now that it’s cup or bust for McDavid and the Oilers. I’ll ask you this. Is it cup or bust for the Dallas Stars or is another third round or, you know, potentially Stanley Cup final appearance satisfactory for this fan base? No, I think I think it’s not satisfactory at this point. I I think it wasn’t even really satisfactory the last year or two, but I think to do that again this year would just be such a punch in the teeth. And I I think maybe a full year of Rantin now is something that could get them over that hump. I mean, we saw how how much he turned it on once he did turn it on in the postseason. I’m excited to watch him for an entire season in in Dallas. Yeah, couldn’t agree more. I I think this team like not to say I mean this is just part of the Stanley Cup playoffs. They’ve had some of the craziest first and second round matchups we have ever seen in the last two years. That is true. That’s fair. You know they had what like what two years ago it was Vegas in the first round and then they get Colorado in the first round this past season. I mean that was wild. Speaking of wild. Yeah. Let’s go ahead and do mini. So also Dallas Stars playoff team obviously 100% playoff team. Uh I think it it with them it doesn’t even matter regular season. just get in and you’ll you’ll be okay. Uh Minnie, all right, we have to start with the big issue right now and that is that Krill like Carrill Capriov blah is not signed or is he’s due for a contract here. So I know the media is kind of you know doing what it usually does and they’re like oh my god where is he going to end up? So, how strongly do you feel that he will be wearing a Wild uniform? Um, like next year or like for the foreseeable future or both? Uh, I don’t I don’t feel I think it’s hard to feel strongly that he will. I know that he just had a press conference after. So, first of all, if you don’t know what we’re talking about, he was offered what? A contract that would have made him the highest paid player in the league. Yes. And he denied it. Correct. And so it’s kind of like why would you say no to that unless you don’t want to play in Minnesota? That’s the only plausible reason most people can think of for denying a contract like that. However, he just had a press conference. I didn’t watch the whole thing, but wasn’t part of his quote like, “Come on, guys. You know, I love it here. I love it in Minnesota.” Like he said something like that and everyone was like, “Right.” But yeah. So what was all that word? Like come on. So then it’s literally the Squidward like you guys know I was just kidding. I was just kidding. Right. Yeah. Exactly. Like I Yeah. I don’t know. It’s It’s interesting. I mean maybe he didn’t want that much term. That’s really the only thing I can think of. But I did try saying that to one of my wild friends to kind of talk him down from the ledge a little bit. But I was like, “Okay, and maybe he just didn’t.” Yeah, maybe he wanted a shorter term. I mean, to be fair, that is kind of a plausible explanation because the cap is going up a bunch. It’s going to continue to go up. There are players I don’t know if you saw the um The Athletic just released their um annual like anonymous player poll where they they poll players about all kinds of different things. One of the uh recurring themes in a lot of the questions that were asked this year was about like um questions like would you be more willing to sign a shorter term contract um like in the next couple years as opposed to a longer one. And like an overwhelming amount of players were like, “Yes, I am now more open to shorter term than I ever have been.” Because because previously guys want stability for their families, for their sure kids that are in school and just for themselves. It’s, you know, it’s shitty to pack up and move and everyone wants to be a beloved player on a on a franchise for a long period of time if they can do that. But um it’s going to be interesting because I one of the not to not to go off on too much of a tangent here, but one of the cool things about the NHL when you compare it to um like the NBA or the NFL is players stick around on one franchise for a lot longer in general, I think, than they do in the NBA or the NFL. Um and the the MLB, too. Uh but it’ll be interesting to see what happens with that like moving forward. Like obviously we’ve got the era you got that that we grew up in with Ovetchkin and Crosby. Those guys lifers on the Capitals and Penguins probably. Crosby probably. Uh anyway, I I’m just getting at it’ll be interesting to see what guys like McDavid and Capriov and some of the next generation of superstars do. Will they bounce around to two or three teams just cuz they can get a new deal every three or four years instead of signing that big 9-year deal or sevenyear deal or whatever it is, you know? Yeah. I think that the other thing too is like Minnesota probably just walked into that only ever going to offer him eight years because that’s all they know how to do is do long-term max contracts. So I don’t know if he maybe got a little bit scared off after looking how it went for Pereiz and Sudter and I know you could blame injuries for that one too but I mean you know maybe not the smartest moves by that franchise back then you know new GM now and everything so we totally get that but uh you know there is it is obviously a little bit of a bigger picture other than just Carell Capri off uh you know guys like Terara Senko Baldi Ericson Mojo Ryan Hartman Marcus Felino this team does have like a a gritty side to them. Yeah, they’ve got depth. It’s a good team. Terasenko, the big the big uh ad this year, right? Definitely. And then I think the back end is really interesting this season. I think it’ll be really cool to see where Zeve Buouham lines up in this team. Yes. Coming out of camp, uh young guy, you know, could potentially be paired up with Brock Faber. That would be one of the more exciting young player uh D pairings in the league. And then I think the X factor for me with this team is Jared Spurgeon. Like where are we healthwise? And unfortunately that’s kind of been the MMO for them in the regular season the last couple years. I mean talk about a guy you really just want to see have like a solid 82 because that guy is just he’s one of the best out there for sure. Yep. I’ll give you another uh I I’ll try to do this for most of the teams. I’ll give you another sleeper pick for fantasy on this team. Jacob Middleton. That guy is going to block a ridiculous amount of shots. He’s going to get assists. He’s going to probably he might play some power plays, some short-handed minutes as well. Underrated player in general. So, um, keep your eye out for him. But yeah, this is this is a good hockey team. They were really good last year. I think it’s safe to say Capri off was literally like one of the best players in the entire league last year. I I I expect that to be the same or better this year, especially with the whole contract situation. Um so this this should be another exciting year for Wild fans, I would say. How do we feel about the goalending here? So obviously, you know, it was kind of like flowers sent off last year. Gustoson kind of takes over in net. Um what is just like the gut reaction going into the season? Do you think he keeps that up or are you looking for maybe another step forward? Um, I think Gustoson has showed signs of being a pretty competent goalender. I think he’s definitely lacked consistency throughout his full tenure, but I I believe that he can be their their 1A starter without question if he has the year that he’s capable of having. I know I’m not really saying a lot with that. I guess if you want an actual prediction, I think he will have a good year this season. I think Gustiffson will have a solid year for the Wild. I don’t think he’s gonna like win the VZNA or anything, but I think he will be serviceable. I don’t expect him to be an issue. Playoff team. Yes, playoff team. Minnesota Wild by the skin of their teeth. Playoff team. Okay. Yeah. I I think there’s going to be a little bit of a shakeup coming their way this I think it might be a little bit harder than it was last season, but I think they just get over the line. I think maybe it’s a game 82. Fair enough. Okay. Wow. Speaking of shakeups and a team that could really use one after last season, you’ve got the tarp on. Nashville, what what do we think is going on here? Um, it’s it’s so bizarre. This is such a bizarre franchise right now that’s just in like complete limbo. I feel like um they there’s there’s really no reason that they should be like bad. They’ve got they’ve got Philip Forsberg, Steven Samos, Jonathan Marsheso. They’ve got some really promising young guys from the Admirals like Luke Evangelista, um Zachary Laroo, uh Federkov, uh oh, I didn’t even mention they’ve also got Ryan O’Reilly obviously. And then I mean Roman Yosi still great defenseman in this league. Um Brady Shay good player. I think their their defense is a little bit uh lackluster. That’s probably their biggest weakness I would say besides like Yosi. Um but there’s not a there’s not besides like a little bit of a weaker D. Don’t look at this team and say like oh they suck. You know what I mean? But last year they were horrible. They were one of, if not the worst teams in the NHL for a solid portion of the season. I mean, look at this PP1. Forsber, O’Reilly, Marchos, Stamos, Yosi. I mean, I understand if we’re talking about like if we’re talking like three or four years ago, that’s elite. I mean, it’s still good now. Should be like a top 10 power play in the league easily. Like maybe even closer to top five if they’re like actually all performing as as well as they can. I mean, those guys are not old men. Like, I know some of them are getting up there a little bit, but like nobody’s like 40. Like, they’re not like old dudes, right? And then, you know, between the pipes, you got Sorrowos. I mean, that’s never anything to be upset about. Yeah. And he kind of had like an off year last year, but so did the whole team. So, like, you can’t really blame him. And also, I think we’ve seen him regress a little bit just due to that that kind of weaker decor that they have. I I would really like to see this team um like make a trade for a defenseman or or or figure something out back then back there because I feel like if they could even add like one more solid like second pair D that could really elevate this team to like a B+ instead of like a C minus if that makes sense. I like that. I think I mean they they brought in guys like Nick Hey and Nick Pervix. Those it’s like if one of those guys can take a huge step and just really evolve into like that like sort of solid second pair defense guy like you were just saying. Yeah, I think for them I’m not so convinced about Pervix. I think Hey was a good move for them, but I I I guess I would have rather them go after somebody a little bit better than Pervix for that second Yeah. pairing or wherever he’s going to end up. I hear what you’re saying. I think this is you you nailed it at the beginning. This is just such like an anomaly of a hockey team. It’s just so weird. You like I everything when you’re looking this lineup up and down should be like all right solid wild card playoff team. But everything we saw last season leads me to believe the polar opposite. I mean part of me is like it can’t be that bad again, right? Like surely it can’t. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, I mean I guess when you look at the the subtractions compared to the additions, like if we start on D, they lose Lison and Luke Shen and they replace him with Pervix and Hig. I I think that’s close to like as good as what they had, but I think it’s a little worse. Personally, I’d rather I’d rather have Luke Shen and Jeremy Lison than Nick Hagen, Nick Pervix. And even if it’s just for the experience that Luke Shen has that guy’s been here, done that won Stanley Cups, been to the Stanley Cup finals. So, I mean, just to have that in the room, but I think they also have plenty of that. They’ve got O’Reilly, they’ve got Stamco. So, uh, you know, Marcho has been there, done that, too. So, um, I am going to go ahead and say not a playoff team. Yeah. And honestly, I do think they will be there’s, like you said, it’s it’s hard to imagine them being as bad as they were last year. feel like that was somewhat of a fluke. Um, but I just think the com the competitiveness in this division is too insane for me to confidently say this team’s going to make the playoffs because if I say they do, I’m not sure who the [ __ ] else to say doesn’t. That like it’s already going to be hard enough for me to choose who doesn’t. So, it’s the conference, too. Like, I mean, there’s going to be teams from the Pacific that I think that they’re going to have to battle out. Exactly. Yeah. And I think some teams over there got a little bit better than these guys did in the offseason. Well, you said it like last year it was it was the Central that sent five teams to the playoffs, right? I don’t think we’re I I’m not sure we’re going to see that again. I could see a four and four situation potentially or or I don’t know. It could swing it. It could swing five and three. I guess we’ll have to find out. I do expect Blockbuster Barry to make some moves this season though. Yeah. if I I mean he he’s the type of guy that I feel like he’s not going to go quietly into another dead season. Like he’s going to kind of have his finger on the trigger pretty early, I would expect for this year. Yeah, he’s going to not like he’s not just going to sit there and let that happen. Like if if he needs to move someone to do it, he you and I both know he will do that. So, uh yeah, that’s going to be wild to see. Uh let’s move on to the St. Lewis Blues. These guys were really interesting. I think they gave us one of the most, if not the craziest game seven we have ever seen with Winnipeg last season. So that alone I think was worth the price of admission for Blues fans. I was just like itching for hockey the other day so bad that I like watched like the full like 20 minute highlight video of that of that game seven just just for fun. It it just reminded me how freaking sick that was. That was one of the most insane sequences I’ve ever seen because I remember our group chat during that game was insane. Like it like the Jets go out to like a two-nil lead. We’re like or the Blues go out to a two-nil lead and we’re like, “Oh my god, like get Hella Buck out of there. This is terrible. Sucks.” Like and like he stands on his head for the rest of the game. They tie it with what, like two seconds to go. Send it to overtime. I mean, yeah, that that was just wild. But, uh, yeah, these guys, I mean, I I do think some guys on this team need to have some bounceback seasons. I think they had a couple guys have some off years last year. Really excited to see what they can do with a full season of Jimmy Snugaroo. I thought he looked great as soon as he got there when he was done with the Gophers last year. Uh, they bring in a guy like Nick Bad to anchor that fourthline center role. I think in the central that’s just a good move because he’s built like a house and to be able to just park his huge ass out there for, you know, PK or shutdown guys in the corners I think is is just such a a valuable asset to have on a team like this. Yeah. No, this is u it’s it’s an another interesting team. I think that uh you nailed it. There’s there’s a couple guys that like especially I’ll go back to fantasy. There’s a couple guys on this team that you should be able to re rely on pretty heavily as like fantasy studs like Kyu and Thomas are are the big ones that come to mind and they were kind of just okay kind of just like nothing special last year I feel like need those guys to to step back up and be like the best like you know two of the best players on this team like they should be. And you know, you mentioned Kyu. He’s kind of been one of those guys, like one of those three or four guys that just like every trade deadline that name comes up and it gets circled every off season. And I think now that Eers has been moved, he’s probably going to be the guy every deadline where they’re, you know, he’s like 1 A or 1B for uh guys that could get moved there. Yeah. What do you think of the defense on this team? I thought Cam Fowler shut everyone up last year. He had a fantastic season and an even better postseason. I mean, he was unbelievable out there. So, uh, you want to talk about fantasy steals, if that guy can keep up what he did last year and just eat 22 to 24 minutes a night, I I think there’s a legitimate chance that he eats a lot of guy. Other than that, Faulk, Broberg, Pareo, Fowler, Tyler Tucker, Logan Meu, if that’s what they end up going with, top four is great in my opinion. I mean, good, not great. Let’s go with good. Yeah, good. Uh Fowler Pareo is a good top pair. I think a lot of teams would kill to have that. Broberg, Faulk is okay. If Broberg can step up with letting that elephant gun go from the point, yeah, they could be in business. Faulk has also the last couple years just kind of regressed into like a non like I mean that guy used to be one of the like most talked about defenseman every year I feel like. And he’s not bad, but he’s just kind of a you know just a normal defenseman now it seems like. Yeah, I will say the thing I think these guys do have going for them this season is Bennington did kind of get that resurgence after the Four Nations and I think he kind of heard maybe me being like this this guy’s done or I’m so sick of talking about this but well I was going to say you know why I think he has another good year this year Olympics. Yes. I I genuinely think we’ve seen that this guy is fueled by his uh his his country like that. And I mean it I I have never seen a guy so locked in a guy that I did not believe in whatsoever uh as he was in that Four Nations. I I I ate my words. I was I think I said it on the next episode too. I was like I owe Bennington an apology because I did not think he was capable of doing that. But he shut me right up and I I do think he’ll have another good year because of uh the Olympics coming up. That’s a fantastic point. I think a lot of guys on that roster are going to be vying for team Canada spots. I know Bob Tom is probably up there. Kyru is probably trying to get onto that team. So here’s here’s a question. It’ll be interesting. Is Tory Krug dead? Is that guy alive? That is a fantastic question. I sincerely hope he’s alive. I think at this point it’s it’s over, right? I have no idea what his like injury status is. I just know he hasn’t played and yeah and been effective in like four. being something that he was like done. But oh yeah, done. He said uh someone said he had career-ending surgery and then he said it’s not the end. So interesting. Okay. So are we going to put him in with like like uh Robin Lane or Thatcher Demco like where in the world are they kind of like saga. That’s that’s just another one where it’s like even if he does come back, what are we looking at? because we’re I like I love the guy, you know, Sparty Legend, but we’re probably looking at He’s not old. A good year and a half away from competitive hockey, right? Is he in his 20s still? He’s got to be. I feel like there’s no chance he’s 30 or more. What do you want to set the line at? I’m going to say he’s like 27. He is 34 years old. Are you [ __ ] kidding me? Yeah. What in the world? Why do I feel like he has not even been in the league all that long? Yeah. All right, he can be done then. Never mind. That’s fair. That’s a That’s like a normalish retiring age. Never mind. So, would you say that for these guys pushing the Winnipeg Jets to game seven last year, that was a massive like win for that franchise? Were they overachieving a little little bit? Definitely thought so. I’m not even sure that they expected to be in the playoffs. So, yeah, I think that’s a great point. I mean, it kind of was like that for nations thing and Bennington was like, “Oh, wait. I can just continue doing this.” Yeah. Like, maybe maybe I am good. Yeah. um playoff team or not, I will be I will be saying no. Unfortunately, I don’t think they replicate what they did last year. I’m not saying they’re going to be I’m not going to say they’re going to be bad, but I just again the competition I’ve got I’ve got somebody else in instead of them. Okay, we’ll get there. I think maybe this is another one that like you know sort of like what I was saying about Minnie like sneaks in. I think it if so it’s definitely a wild card thing. I don’t necessarily see these guys being top three. Yeah, I think we know who’s one, two, three in this division, but uh yeah, crazier things have happened, that’s for sure. Uh let’s do uh the Mammoth. They now have a name. They now have a logo on their sweater that’s not just writing. So, what do we think for the the first season for uh Manny and the Mammoths? Exciting stuff. Uh even if it wasn’t necessarily the logo or the color, whatever that everyone wanted, it’s exciting that they finally have their own identity. Um, I’m excited to to see some some fresh tarps on the ice. I know that. Um, yeah, big additions for them. JJ Purka, they get in a trade from the Buffalo Sabres. They also signed Brandon Tanv. Love the Nick uh the Nate Schmidt signing. That was awesome. Um, Brian Dumlin, interesting one, acquired via trade from the Kraken. And Robbie Fabri acquired via trade from the Wings. They also lose Castle Ring, Josh Don, Jason Zucker, Matt Dumba, and Troy Stcher. So, lot of lot of lot of stuff going in and out the door in Utah. This is kind of a fresh team. Um, but still got that that core of, you know, [ __ ] and Keller and McBain and Schmaltz. Those guys really uh kind of taking steps forward every year, it seems. Yeah, I think uh a guy that they can look at that I think needs to show a little bit more consistency this season is going to be Dylan Gunther. We know what that guy has in terms of a shot. That’s one of the most valuable weapons in the National Hockey League. I think that guy, you know, we need to do something where that needs to not just be five goals in 10 games to start the year and then nothing for 25 like that that November to January range. There needs to be consistent production. So, uh, like love the guy. Would love to see him rip it up out there. I think that would be fantastic. And then the Purka move. I’m like, Buffalo, what the hell are we doing? Like, like, have we not learned to not give away all the toys that he’s been given? Like, did we not learn with O’Reilly and then Eel and then Reinhardt? Like, like, what are we doing? But fantastic move for the Mammoth. I I think he’s absolutely going to rip it up there. Yeah, I I I think this is going to be a fun team to watch this year. I think they’re lacking a little bit in like I don’t know how I feel about the center depth in terms of like being a team that keeps the puck out of their their own net. I’m not saying those guys don’t all have like offensive flashy talent. Yeah, should be a good over team. Although I actually I’ve been reading again, here’s another fantasy uh tidbit here. I think Vamela could be a good pick once again this year. And I’m not saying maybe as your number one goalie on your team, but I think he could be a steal as like your number two or three guy. Um I I think he’ll play a lot of games. I know they have Vanichek now, so I’m not totally sure like what’s going to happen with that, but I would expect Vala to get the lion share. Um so that’s really interesting. I I like their D a lot. I don’t know how you feel about their D. I think it’s a really well-rounded group of six guys. I think with Cole and with Mada, you’re probably looking at maybe some durability concerns now. Cole just with age. Ma obviously has a ton of injury problems in the past. Uh I know you could say that about Nate Schmidt, too. But I agree. I like this Dor. Uh key for them is going to be Cirachev. If he can stay healthy, that’s going to be the X factor for them. Yeah. And I like Shawn Dury back there, too. Yeah. And I know he had some pretty serious injury issues last year, too. So if those guys stay healthy, I think they’ll be in a little bit of a better position cuz I do think what you mentioned about the center depth is a great point. Yeah, I mean it’s Logan [ __ ] Bar Hayden McBain and Stemland. Again, I know they they can all score goals and and do cool stuff on the ice, but I’m just uh I don’t think it’s like necessarily the most like shut down group of like two-way centers. 100%. Better than what Chicago’s got, that’s for sure. Oh my god. Yeah. How do we feel about them losing a guy like Matias Machelli? So, he ends up in Toronto. That was obviously a guy that I think uh you know was a great fantasy player last year. Had some really big bright spots for this team. But, uh do you think that that hole is going to be something that they’re noticing or do you think bringing in Purka kind of like smooths that over? I think um Purka is a good replacement. He’s a great player. I think he’ll shine on this lineup, but I don’t think that it’s the same. I think it’s a little bit different. Um, Machelli was he was a force and I feel like he fit, excuse me, he fit in real well with all of those like young guys that I mentioned before on this team. Like that he was part of that like identity. Like I I really just think of like you know the Kellers, the like Keller, Kulie, Gunther, um, Michelli like Krauss, all those guys I feel like kind of came up together like in that system and so a lot of them were in Zona together too. Yes. Exactly. That’s what I That’s what I’m saying. And I think like maybe that does something to it just just from like a that was my buddy situation perspective. Uh but I think like in terms of offensive production like Purka should be a good enough replacement for that. Like I I think he’s an excellent playoff team. I want to say yes so bad but just not yet. I I don’t think they’ll be able to get in yet. I think the I almost kind of look at them as like the ducks of this division where like they’re going to they’re going to fight and and I don’t think they’re going to be an easy team to beat on any given night. Like no one’s going to be like, “Oh, nice. We’ve got Utah today.” You know, like they’re they’re not a team you’re going to want to play, but I just don’t think I don’t think they’ll win enough games to get in. I agree. I you know, I think we’re probably a year or two away. I mean, it would be so cool if these guys got hot stretch and then were like, “Hey, let let’s buy.” Like, why not go for it? And you know, the you know, the ownership group would 100% do that. But, um, yeah, I I think we’re just a couple years away right now. Do you think there is a chance that VTEC steals the cage? There’s a chance for sure. I think Famela, he he was hotter down the stretch cuz he had to be because um, right, uh, what’s his name? Uh uh Ingram was injured for a lot of last year. Um so Vamela kind of had to start like a shitload of games uh down the stretch and um I think it’ll be it’ll be something to keep your eye on. I don’t I don’t I know I said Vala could be a steal in fantasy, but I I wouldn’t pick him high. I would definitely go after your other goalie or goalies first and then just keep a close eye on the Utah situation in net because one of those guys could be a good like second or third goalie option if you’re if you’re totally agree. Uh another guy just real quick I know he just got hurt the other day and he’s weak to Alex Keroot if he can provide a little bit of you know like veteran leadership and stability. Obviously, he’s been on some great teams before with those ABS teams and everything. So, uh that would be interesting to see what he can do there. All right, let’s go ahead and wrap up with maybe the heaviest hitter in this division. They won the President’s Trophy last season. They kind of took the league by storm. Uh the Winnipeg Jets. Just initial impressions for this team going into this season. What is the expectation? Um, it’s not all that dissimilar from what we were talking about with Dallas and the Ravens and all that. I I don’t think it’s quite there and I can’t totally explain why because I feel like they’ve also been equally knocking on the door like for equally as long and still haven’t done [ __ ] Um, I don’t know. I you look at this team on paper, I think they’re excellent. I think this is a fantastic hockey team and I fully expect them to, like I said with the Stars or the Ravens, I fully expect them to have another excellent season, maybe win their division, definitely make the playoffs, and then who [ __ ] knows. Like, I just don’t I don’t know. Everyone The reason I compared Dallas to the Ravens is cuz everyone that asked me, “So, what do you think about your Ravens this year?” like right before the season started, I would say something along the lines of like, “Oh, I think they’ll have a really good uh season once again.” And then everyone was like, “What about the playoffs?” And I was like, “I have no [ __ ] idea. I don’t you no one has a clue what’s going to happen.” One of my friends was making a comparison for this Winnipeg team the other day. They were like, I kind of feel like this Winnipeg team is getting to where the Washington Capitals were in like 1516 when you like you have Braden Holby arguably at his peak. So then you could relate that to Connor Hobok. You guys got like you know Connor and Shiffley and stuff like that. Yes, it it is definitely deep enough. I don’t know if it’s as deep as Dallas is, but then again, I don’t know many sports teams that are that deep. It feels deep in like a different way. Yeah. Like Dallas is deep on like a like a household name basis. Like their top nine every single guy casual hockey fans know who all of those guys are. They should. This is close, but like I think you’ll find some casuals that that aren’t as familiar with like a few of the guys in the top nine for um for Winnipeg. I I think this this I feel like I’ve said this before. This could be their year. This could be the year for the Winnipeg Jets. I really Canadian Cup drought is over. Maybe. I don’t know. I don’t know. I guess if I had to point out a weakness, the main thing is like we don’t know what the hell is going on with Hellabuck in the playoffs. And so that’s just still a question mark for some [ __ ] reason. And then um actually never mind their D is good. I don’t have anything I don’t have anything bad to say about it. It for me it’s health. It’s Morrisy needs to stay healthy and not Morrisy needs to stay healthy during the regular season. And it’s Morris he needs to stay healthy in the playoffs because we saw firsthand last season that when he goes down it there’s just a clear hole there and especially if you’re going to get into overtime games which this team did you’re going to run out of steam because you need a guy that can play well over 30 minutes a night in the postseason. I mean, it’s almost like Morrisy is like, you know, it’s like he’s on a double-decker bus and somebody crashed into it and and that’s why he keeps getting injured or uh you know, he’s he’s so worried about this light that will never go out. Uh and and that’s why he can’t stay healthy. I don’t I don’t know. It’s something like that. But something, you know, uh yeah. What do we think about Johnny Taves on this team? He’s coming home. you know, he’s been away from the game for a long time. I don’t know if, you know, we saw Gabe Landisk come back, but I feel like Johnny’s been away for a lot longer than that. So, I mean, what do you think is going to happen there? I think um, you know, I’m not saying Jonathan Ta is going to be like a 30 goal scorer, but I think that he can make a difference on this Jets team, and I think that he uh, he is for sure going to be somebody to watch this year for the Jets. I agree. And you know, I could not be happier for the guy. I’m so glad that he went back. I mean, the road he had to go through. I don’t know if you saw like those posts about him doing like the induced vomiting and all that stuff. That just sounds awful. I mean, I think I had a couple nights like that in college, but I don’t ne necessarily think it was induced, nor was it healthy. Uh, question for you. I don’t necessarily know that Nick Eer’s leaving this team is as big a hole as a lot of people think. Don’t get me wrong, he’s incredibly skilled. He’s incredibly fast, but I think you and I both saw in the postseason last year, he does kind of become a very one-dimensional player. Well, it’s just like you look at this team and you don’t really see that hole. Like I don’t see a hole in their forward group. And now I know that like yes, they added Taz. Yes, they added Nyquist and Tanner Pearson. I’m not saying any of those guys are going to replace what Eers did like barrel for barrel, but I do think as a whole their forward group is fine with the way it looks. Yeah, I agree. All right, so playoff team. Playoff team for sure. Okay, you agree? Winning the division maybe? Um, yeah, it’s time to pick the division winner. I am going to say my division winner is the Dallas Stars. It is. Okay. I’m going to have to agree with you. I think these guys are a very close second. I think we get like a dog fight in like the last 20 games for who takes this division. Yeah. And I expect Colorado to be like in the mix, too. I really think those will be the top three teams. Um and then I think many will get in after them. But I think those are the only four teams making it from the Central this year. That’s that’s my official prediction. Yeah, I said no to Mini. Um I think maybe St. Louis gets in there takes that spot, but I would agree. I I think we’re in consensus that like Mammoth probably not. PRS, who knows? And then the Blackhawks absolutely no chance in hell. Yes. Uh yeah. Any other like things excite you about the Central Division this year uh before we wrap up? It should be fun. I I know uh you and I are talking about going to a uh Blackhawks game. Uh which this is this is probably a good time to announce that uh you’re going to be in Milwaukee soon, too. I am. Um so yeah, coming up the pilgrimage in indeed. You should see some um some some stuff on our socials about this. You won’t see it on Twitter for me because I’m not allowed to go there. Uh but you will see it from our account hopefully. Um and you’ll see it on our Instagram and all that good stuff. So, uh, big party at Lwoods pregame and postgame for the Milwaukee Admirals home opener. Um, we’re going to be doing a lot more this year with AHL, with college hockey, kind of expanding our horizons into different leagues, not just those two as well. We’re going to be doing some stuff with uh some other leagues abroad as well. So, that’ll be exciting. But, for now, going to do a big launch for uh for some coverage of the AHL. And um while while Nick is in town, we’re talking about going to a Blackhawks Conucks game um in Chicago. So that’s to answer your question. Other things I’m excited about regarding the Central Division. One of those is going to that Blackhawks game soon. Yeah, I’m pumped. I I haven’t seen a game at the United Center. I know we did that Blackhawks preseason game at five serve last season and that was awesome. So uh I I feel like I mean seeing one at the United Center would just be electric. And then I mean cool match up with the town. You got Baddard going up against Quinn Hughes and everything and all that entails. So can’t really say no to something like that. It’s going to be awesome. Yes. Yep. Yep. I can’t wait. So uh I guess besides that just you know this is like I said before first real episode of the season, first episode of our four division preview episodes. So, if you’re finishing this episode up in real time, you shouldn’t have to wait long for our Pacific Division uh preview episode, which will be coming up next. And if you listen to this, I don’t know, a day or two after we dropped it, well then the Pacific one is probably already out. So, go find it and check it out. [Applause] [Music] [Applause]

#nhl #chicagoblackhawks #winnipegjets

In this episode, Nick and Mac dive into the NHL Central Division, discussing each team’s prospects for the upcoming season. They share personal anecdotes, introduce a new segment called ‘Max Misfortune,’ and analyze the Chicago Blackhawks’ rebuilding phase, the Colorado Avalanche’s playoff potential, the Dallas Stars’ need to prove themselves, the Minnesota Wild’s playoff hopes, the Nashville Predators’ state of limbo, the St. Louis Blues’ need for bounce-back seasons, and the Winnipeg Jets’ solid roster. The episode concludes with thoughts on Jonathan Toews’ return and the competitive nature of the Central Division.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
02:55 Central Division Preview: Chicago Blackhawks
06:09 Central Division Preview: Colorado Avalanche
12:04 Central Division Preview: Dallas Stars
20:45 Central Division Preview: Minnesota Wild
27:48 Central Division Preview: Nashville Predators
30:47 Assessing Team Performance and Player Potential
34:50 St. Louis Blues: Bounce Back or Decline?
40:47 Winnipeg Jets: A Year of Expectations
48:56 The Newcomers: Mammoth’s Fresh Identity