The Hockey Lifers

Inside the NHL Draft process with Capitals Assistant GM Ross Mahoney

Jeff Marek welcomes former Capital Karl Alzner to reflect on the thrilling start to the Stanley Cup Final between the Golden Knights and Hurricanes. The two then revisit Jeff's interview with Washington Assistant GM Ross Mahoney, diving into his NHL Draft process from the past and where it may be headed in the future. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Erik Johnson on the Knights vs Canes Stanley Cup Final, the Avalanche's collapse & facing prime Ovi

Jeff Marek is joined by former Stanley Cup-winning defenseman and current ESPN color analyst Erik Johnson to preview the 2026 Stanley Cup Final between the Golden Knights and Hurricanes, share his thoughts on the Avalanche's collapse in the Western Conference Final, and look back on trying to stop prime Alex Ovechkin during his career. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Brent Johnson on his hockey royalty upbringing, knocking out Rick DiPietro and playing alongside Ovi & Sid

Jeff Marek welcomes in former Washington Capitals goaltender and current team analyst Brent Johnson to share stories of growing up in hockey royalty, the time he hit Islanders' Rick DiPietro with a southpaw sock and getting to share the ice with two of the all-time greats in Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Michael Farber on the magic of playoff hockey in Montreal

Jeff Marek welcomes in Hockey Hall of Fame journalist and current TSN contributor Michael Farber to dive into the new level of electricty the Canadiens' have brought to Montreal during their 2026 Stanley Cup Playoff run. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Tripp Tracy on Hurricanes' playoff dominance and his secret practice with Sergei Fedorov

Former NHL goalie and Carolina Hurricanes commentator Tripp Tracy joins Jeff Marek to talk about the Hurricanes' dominant run through the Eastern Conference playoffs. Then, Tracy tells a few stories from his playing career, featuring a crazy story about Sergei Fedorov and also hits on the Capitals-Hurricanes rivalry. 0:00 Wrap around the Stanley Cup Playoffs 4:27 Tripp Tracy Interview 6:12 Canes start Stanley Cup Playoffs 8-0 11:55 Sean Walker vs Ridly Greig’s battle in the 1st Round   15:41 Stankoven & Hall leading the way for the Canes 22:44 Carolina’s identity as the most athletic in the NHL 31:03 Why Jaccob Slavin is the best defensive d-man in the NHL  35:15 Facing Sergei Federov in a secret practice 40:20 Evolution of the Capitals – Hurricanes rivalry 44:07 Tripp’s only call-up to the NHL 53:43 Favorite story of Chad LaRose 59:39 Remembering Ernie “Punch” McLean See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].