NHL @TheRink

Nick Cotsonika joins the podcast (18:11) to discuss the Blue Jackets playoff hopes, Zach Werenski’s Hart Trophy candidacy, and Kirill Marchenko’s breakout season. He also shares thoughts on the Red Wings’ strong start under Todd McLellan and whether it’s sustainable. Rosen and Roarke open the episode with trade deadline chatter surrounding the Rangers and Bruins and preview the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off, including Canada’s goalie decisions and the Finland-Sweden rivalry.

Dan and Shawn are joined by former NHL defenseman Jason Demers (18:12) to discuss the Central Division race and why he sees the Colorado Avalanche as the team to beat despite sitting behind the Winnipeg Jets, Minnesota Wild, and Dallas Stars. Demers also weighs in on the Wild’s surprising success and injury challenges. The hosts open the episode talking about Alex Ovechkin’s pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record and newly announced outdoor games in Florida for the 2026 Winter Classic and Stadium Series. They also share their midseason award favorites, and highlight Team USA’s gold medal win at the 2025 World Junior Championship.

In the first episode of 2025, Dan and Shawn are joined by Vegas Golden Knights broadcaster Daren Millard (23:28) to discuss the team’s ascent to the top of the Pacific Division standings and Jack Eichel’s case for the Hart Trophy. At the start of the episode, the hosts recap their trip to the Winter Classic, including Chicago’s persistent struggles and whether the St. Louis Blues will make the playoffs this season. The guys also discuss Colorado’s recent success and the front office’s decision to ink Mackenzie Blackwood to a long-term deal. After the interview, Dan and Shawn dissect Carolina’s recent slide and debate whether Auston Matthews should play in the 4 Nations Face-Off, despite his injury.

In the final episode of 2024, Dan and Shawn are joined by Mike Zeisberger (19:20), NHL.com [http://NHL.com]’s Toronto-based staff writer, to discuss the Maple Leafs and break down how the team has found success under first-year head coach Craig Berube. Zeisberger also gives his thoughts on Ottawa’s recent surge and the continued freefall by the New York Rangers. At the start of the show, Dan and Shawn preview the upcoming Winter Classic and the IIHF World Junior Championships that begin this week in Ottawa. Later on, the guys give their immediate reaction to the breaking news out of Detroit, as the Red Wings announce the firing of Derek Lalonde and the hiring of Todd McLellan as head coach. Dan and Shawn end the calendar year by giving their New Year’s resolutions for the podcast in 2025.

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.