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Shoot the Puck
Quarter Mark Surprises
Join us for a power-packed episode of Shoot the Puck, where we unravel the unexpected twists and turns of the NHL season's first quarter! From surprising underdog stories to headline-grabbing trades, we've got it all covered.
Discover the breakout teams that have defied expectations and turned heads in the league. We break down their strategies, key players, and what's fueling their success.
In the trade talk segment, we explore the impact of the recent Zadarov trade to Vancouver, dissecting how this move will shape the team dynamics and influence the Western Conference landscape.
But the drama doesn't end there—tune in for a discussion on the NHL's peculiar stance on Marc-Andre Fleury's goalie mask, delving into the controversy surrounding one of the league's beloved netminders.
And if that's not enough, we address the recent departure of Corey Perry from the Chicago Blackhawks due to inappropriate behavior. Join us as we navigate the sensitive terrain of off-ice conduct and its implications for players and the league.
This episode is your ticket to the most captivating stories in the NHL. Subscribe now to Shoot the Puck for in-depth analysis, insider perspectives, and all the hockey buzz you crave! 🎧🏒 #NHLSurprises #NHLTrades #HockeyControversies #PodcastInsights #shootthepuck
I don't understand what the big deal is, and I think the NHL shoots themselves in the foot more often than not, and it doesn't make any sense as to why this was the issue that it, that it was. I, it just makes no sense to me. Hey everybody, welcome to this week's edition of Shoot the Puck. Here we are with another awesome episode. As usual, I'm your host, pat, and as always, Matt's on near the mic with me and we're here to bring some hockey news, some notes, some rumors, a little bit of fun, all wrapped together. Matt, my brother, how are you?
Matt:What's up Pat? How's it going, man? Yeah, episode three got some interesting stuff coming in the last week here, uh, in the NHL some very interesting news. So, uh, yeah, I'm excited to get into it. It's gonna be a lot to cover.
Pat:Let's shake and bake here a little bit, uh, and see what we can make a mess of things. So, uh, like, like you said, third episode in. So it's going pretty well so far. So we will figure, uh, to keep going until somebody, uh, tells us to stop. So, yeah, a lot, a lot going on this week. Uh, some good, some bad, some in between. Uh, but I guess we'll start with, uh, can you believe it? We are a quarter of the se, we're into the quarter of a season already,
Matt:Yeah. Quarter weight mark. Yeah.
Pat:It's insane. I just can't believe
Matt:I know.
Pat:the quarter mark already. It's absolutely insane. So there's some surprises, uh, through the quarter mark here for the 20 23, 20 24 season, uh, that we are amongst. So I guess we, uh, kind of talk about some of them see if we can and, and, and kind of give our thoughts on some of the surprises, some of the disappointments and, uh, you know, things of that nature. It's interesting, the teams that are always supposed to do well on paper never quite get out of the gates as quick as they probably should and I think we can all say that about, uh, you know, up there in Alberta in Canada. So with the Oilers, with their struggles, we, that was the first episode we did. We talked about the Oilers and how they're really struggling and they, you know, just fired their coach at the time and all those sorts of things. So you have all that talent up there. And the Oilers are, uh, I think they're like eight, 12 and one, I think. So they're not, uh, they're not doing so great. But McConney McDavid turned a corner, it seems. So I'm, I'm curious to see. they, uh, progress forward and keep going and kind of light the season on fire. I do expect them to make the playoffs. They're just too good to stay dormant and stay this bad. Uh, so, but Conor McDavid is scoring all kinds of crazy points, uh, in the
Matt:Yeah. He's been stepping it up.
Pat:crazy. Just crazy. So he's got, uh, he's got 15 points, uh, four goals in 11 assist, uh, in a five, uh, uh, five game, uh, point streak going. So he's definitely turning on the old Afterburners there. So he's, I he's definitely getting going. So expect those numbers to increase and, and climb. So, you know, hey maybe the, the, the coaching change out there, uh, from Jerry Woodcroft to, uh, to Chris Nolock really, uh, know, breathe some fresh air into the room and, uh, we'll see what happens. But they still have the fifth lowest points, uh, in the NHLI think they've, like 1717 or something like that. So, uh, interesting to see what happens there. I don't know. Do you have any thoughts on that?
Matt:Yeah, it seems like they've been improving a little bit. Slowly but surely. But yeah, I think they're still a little behind, you know? Uh, behind the eight ball here. Um, you know, I think that with, uh, McDavid stepping it up now and he's back from injury and, um, yeah, maybe like you said with the new coach, you know, they'll start get in, uh, to a better groove. But, um, yeah, I mean them and, you know, Calgary, uh. Just haven't been performing for the Canadian team so far. Uh, you know, both of those teams look pretty damn good last year. And, uh, yeah, both of those, some are starting very slowly, so, um, yeah, it'll be interesting to see, I think. Yeah, I, like you said, I think they'll make the playoffs, uh, I think they're gonna start turning it around here after the quarter way. Uh, McDavid, uh, you know, has been having some really good games lately, so, uh, I think he'll get them back in a groove. So, yeah, we'll see what happens.
Pat:Yeah, the flames are an interesting one. They're another one that was really kind of touted on paper to real, to, to really do some things. And they kind of stumbled outta the gates as well. I think most of that's to their power play. They haven't really done a whole lot on the, on the power play. I think they're, I think they're like right around the 10% mark of the power play. And they're like, Bottom half of the league, if not the bottom, uh, bottom third of the league, um, for the power play. So there's an, uh, there's an interesting dynamic going on there. And they have a bunch of unrestricted free agents that are coming up. So they have to figure out who they are, what they are, and who's, who's staying. Um, in the next, uh,
Matt:Yeah,
Pat:uh, three quarters of the year here is before that door opens and some people start to walk. So interesting to see what, uh, what, uh, Calvary does Cal Yeah, Calgary does. And, uh, kind of go from there. But, um, the other one too is a lot, lot of injuries early on, just season, like league wide, just a lot of injuries.
Matt:yeah. Notice that too.
Pat:Yeah, the big, the big two for me is the, uh, Florida Panthers, um, playing through some crazy injuries and the, uh, Tampa Bay Lightning. So it seems to be a Florida thing. you know, they both, uh, both have some big ones. So Panthers, uh, they started their season without, you know, obviously the big guy on the back end. Aaron, Aaron bla, and then, uh, Brandon Montour, uh, as well. So they're, they're total, you know, they're, they've, uh, not been In the lineup and whatnot. And then obviously the big one in, in the Bay right,
Matt:Yeah. Tampa Bay. Yeah. The G,
Pat:yeah. Andre Eski one of the best goalies in the world to last, you know, five seasons, whatever it is. The dude just stands on his head. So, um, it's interesting that they had the, all the injury bugs early on. Uh, but still Florida's second in the division, uh, in the Atlantic and Tampa Bay has a second wildcard, uh, in the Eastern Conference. So that's, um, Interesting. And, uh, we'll see, see what happens there. But a lot, lot of injuries early on and, um, the Florida teams' really kind of get in the brunt of that.
Matt:Yeah. Um, yeah, Al's huge for, for them. And obviously VAs, Kiki, you know, for Tampa Bay, like you said, he stands on his head. I mean, he's, he's been a huge part of their success. So, um, yeah, to have, you know, two big guys like that, two, you know, main dudes that Just produce and help your team win, you know, win puck games and you know, if you don't have those guys around, it's kind of hard to fill those spots, especially at the goaltender positions. So, um, yeah, I think, I think, uh, once they start getting that back, uh, I could see Tampa Bay getting back in it. Um, and even the Panthers might turn it around, but yeah, Panthers are kind of slow and not, um, as good as, as as expected after, you know, last year's success. So, um, yeah, it'll be interesting to see when those guys come back to see if they can pick it back up again.
Pat:Yeah, for sure. And I, I just wanna point out a side note that, uh, you see the game the other night where the Panthers, uh, uh, I forget who
Matt:Oh yeah, the misconducts.
Pat:the misconducts that they
Matt:yeah. like,
Pat:there was like four people left on the bench. I was like,
Matt:yeah, they got rid of everybody. they just panned to the crowd. I was kind of looking through the, the clips and whatnot, and even though everybody in the crowd was just like, what in the hell is going on?
Pat:It was wild.
Matt:Yeah, it was awesome. Never seen anything like that.
Pat:the, the, uh, the ref was like everybody on the ice, 10 minute misconduct. I was like, wait, what do you mean to everybody on the ice? That makes
Matt:Yeah. Like, huh,
Pat:oh my
Matt:yeah, never seen that before.
Pat:oh my, that was wild. There was like four people, there was like four players per side on the bench left. After that, everyone else was in the locker room just having a snack.
Matt:Yeah. enjoying some bin time
Pat:Man, it was, the game was well over by then because the Panthers were getting beat up pretty good. But man, that was, that was pretty funny. I
Matt:Yeah, still still funny to see though. Wow.
Pat:Hilarious. Uh, yeah, so that was just a little, little side note action, uh, on that one. So, speaking of goalies, uh, and really good ones by the way. How about the old dog, uh, Jonathan Quick. gEtting a one year contract from them New York Rangers, the blue shirt's up there and he's just on a terror. He is on a terror. I, I can't believe it. I'm like, Jonathan quick. You mean like the La Kings, Jonathan Quick. That
Matt:Yeah.
Pat:is unbelievable. Man.
Matt:Yeah. I mean, he's just still doing it and it's for how long he's been doing it, which is crazy
Pat:wild.
Matt:Yeah, just, he threw Stanley cups and, you know, with the kings mainly, you know what I mean? Like, just had that great run back in 2012 and 2010 and all that. And it is just like that era. Um, it's just amazing to see that he's, he's come in for, you know, uh, shakin here and just. Uh, you know, six oh and one in eight games, and it's just like, man, you know, 1.9 goal, you know, average and, you know, 9.3 save percentage, so, and two shutouts. So yeah, he's, he's just, when everybody thought he was kind of done and maybe gonna retire after this year and signed, you know, like you said, signed the one year and it's just, he's been, you know, he's come to show why he's still, he can still play the game. It's, it's, it's incredible. It's good to see. I, I always liked Jonathan quick. I always thought he was a great goalie.
Pat:Yeah, I I agree. Great Goalie, he's 37. Coming back on the old, uh,
Matt:Yeah, I knew he was up there 36 or 37. Yeah.
Pat:on the old retirement. Tory, he's, he's coming around again, but man, yeah. What a, what a steal for the, for the rangers up there. Getting a, getting a bonafide backup goalie while they're, uh, you know, and Igor, you know, Durkin is no, is no laughing matter either. That
Matt:No. One of the best in the league. Yeah.
Pat:unbelievable. So yeah, just amazing how you can just kind of strike gold with the, uh, you know, with the backup and give the, uh, give the old guy a chance. And man, he's just, he's, he's unbelievable. So shout out to Jonathan Quick and man, just, just crazy to watch him. And I've always liked him as well. He is, seemed to be a down to earth guy, can really, can really bail a team out, you know, in front of him kind of thing. So yeah, one of the best to ever do it for sure.
Matt:Yeah if he keeps playing like this and Erkin comes back and they kind of start doing that one, two punch thing, and man, I mean, and with how good the Rangers have looked, also like offensively a man, it's just like, oof. They're, they're very scary right now. And they're very high up on my, you know, cup contender list for sure. So, yeah, if they can keep rolling with those guys, look out so.
Pat:Yeah. The blue shirt's got some tough decisions of, you know, they start, you know, quick starts to, it keeps playing like that and kin starts to come back in the room.
Matt:Mm-Hmm..Yeah. Absolutely.
Pat:The other one too, and I know this, this is your favorite team, Matt, I, I'll mention this with a, with a smile and a, and a grin, but the capital's finding a way to, to start out the season half decent with a 10, six, and two, uh, record, but they've lost two straight. Um, but overall, I think they've been one of the surprising teams, and I think, I think their window is, is Closing. Really? I, I, So like, you know, a couple years ago they had, I mean, they were studded. I mean they obviously ovechkin is just, he, he's
Matt:Yeah. Backstrom.
Pat:Backstrom is another one. Uh, you had all these good players.
Matt:Hopi is their goaltender. He was, he was really great for a couple years.
Pat:Yep.
Matt:Yeah. They were solid.
Pat:is sort of closing now, where at least some of those guys are on the, you know, the wrong side, if you will.
Matt:Mm-Hmm.
Pat:you know, the wrong side of the age, uh, the age game that we play. Um, but yeah, Ovechkin Iss still doing it and he's, he's, man, I just can't believe how ovechkin he is. He's got 827 goals. It's just, it's insane. Like the guy
Matt:Knows how to shoot the puck.
Pat:man, he's just unbelievable. But, um, they're finding a way, uh, to win, I think. And, um. Like I said, they got that solid start going on there. They got good goal tending. Uh, I think they're like top five in goals against, the PK has been been good. Um, so that, that, you know, those combinations really kind of get, you know, steal you some wins and, uh, things of that nature. And they're winning the close games too. I think they're, they're five, one, and two in, in one goal. Games for the season, so that that really helps your numbers too. So they're, they're finding ways to win de despite being, you know, to, to me, um, kind of that, that window of, of opportunity, uh, is, is closing. Uh, just'cause the players that are in the room, but, uh, hey, you know, more power to'em and we'll see where they're at, uh, you know, maybe three quarters of the way. And, uh, closer to, uh, playoff time, we'll see, uh, see where they land.
Matt:Yeah, I mean, you know, they still got some veterans over there and, you know, kin still being, you know, the main guy over there and holding that team together. Um, yeah. But, uh, yeah, surprising that. Yeah, I thought they'd be doing off a little, a little worse, but they're hanging in there with, you know,'cause they're. They're last in the power play. Um, so, and they're just not striking well offensively together, so it's, yeah, like you said, they're winning the close games, the ones that really, you know, down to the nitty gritty there, and they're finding ways to, to get it done. Um. Despite, you know, not being able to produce as well as they were used to or are used to, I should say. So, um, yeah, we'll see if they keep, uh, hanging in there and who knows, they might sneak into a playoff spot. Uh, last year was the first time they missed in over, you know, like 10 years, like 20 13, 20 14. I think the last time was, you know, when they missed. So, you know, they've been around a long time. Ovechkin got that cup. You know, back a couple years ago, so, you know, he can still do, he can still play. So we'll see what happens there, uh, as he brings his boys together, hopefully.
Pat:Yeah, yeah, for sure. I'm interested to see where the, if the caps can do it for the long run and, uh, you know, keep it, keep it going and, and see where that, uh, See where that leads. So, I dunno. Matt, I kind of rambled on here for a bit. Do you, do you have anything that you, uh, sort of found interesting from the first, uh, first quarter, uh, way mark here?
Matt:I think some goalies are playing, like we said a little bit earlier, like, I think Cam Talbott out in LA's playing pretty well. Um, he's been kind of surprising. He's another, you know, veteran, 36-year-old goalie who's been bouncing around from team to team. I think this is like his seventh team, I wanna say. Um, something pretty high up there, but, uh, yeah, if Kings are Roland right now, and he's a big part of that success. And, uh, yeah, they're nine oh on the road and Talbot 28 of'em. So, um, it's, it's very impressive. And I'm, I'm liking the way the kings are looking on the West coast. Uh, I'm gonna keep an eye on them for sure.
Pat:For sure. Yeah. The Kings, uh, you know, speaking of, uh, uh, Jonathan Quick, uh, his former team or one of the former teams, the Kings, They found some good gold off the age waiver wire there too, in, in, in Talbott. So he's, uh, I think he's got a one year, uh, deal out there and providing
Matt:Also a one year.
Pat:room and, um, he's, he's reunited with, uh, Todd McClellan from his days with the, uh, with the Oilers there. So, uh, always, uh, always a good thing to see a familiar face and play for, uh, play for an old coach. Assuming he likes McClellan. So, uh, he's, you know, again, he's 36 and, and still, you know, doing his thing. But he's, uh, he's got some crazy good numbers and really, uh, really making it for some good hockey out there. And it's just amazing that, uh, the Kings are, they're an NHL Best nine and nine and oh on the road. I think Talbot's won at least seven or eight of them. Uh, it's, it's crazy. So he's really kind of leading from the front, um, being that rock, uh, brick wall in the back end. So, yeah, good for, good for Talbott and, uh, you know, keeping it going there. So that's, uh, always, always good to see, uh, some of the old guys come back and find some success.
Matt:Yeah, absolutely. Um, yeah, another thing that surprised me is, um, I, I didn't think they would have this much early success, but another team that's looking really good is the Canucks up in Vancouver. Um, they're playing real well, man, and if they keep rolling the way they're rolling, they're, they're gonna be a team to definitely be scared of. And I think people are kind of taking them lightly.'cause you know, they haven't had really that much success the last couple years. Uh, you know, um, so, but yeah. Uh, Quinn Hughes, you got JT Miller up there, Elias s Pederson.
Pat:Yep.
Matt:Um, and, uh, I just think those guys are really clicking right now. And, and, uh, yeah, they're, they're up there at the top of the division right behind, uh, you know, Vegas and Golden Knights, you know, at 15 and seven. So, um, yeah, I mean, look out if they're gonna keep playing the way they're playing currently right now.
Pat:Yeah, a hundred percent. Yeah. I think Conex are, are really doing some things, uh, well, uh, up there. Hey. Shout out to Rick Ett for, for getting the most outta his guys up there, uh, north of the old border. So rick has been, Rick has been around for a long time and, uh, he was, I think he was with Arizona there for a while, coaching Arizona. And obviously in the desert it's tough to push and sell hockey in the desert, but, he's really doing well with the, with the Canucks up there and, and is really getting the most outta his guys. congrats to the old coach there and see what the Canucks can do, the, uh, you know, the rest of the way. So, um, the other thing too, and I think, we'll, uh, I think this is the last one from me, so last episode, um, we talked about some coaching changes. Uh, so who's potentially in the hot seat? Um, you know, as we kind of come into the Quarterway, uh, March, and I, the one guy I said was, uh, Dean Evanson out in Minnesota, and he was one of the first ones to go so. Interesting enough, uh, our, our, you know, our little, uh, you know, prediction if you will, kinda came true. So that's interesting as well. It's a tough world. Uh, it's, it's a tough sport to, you know, to kind of grind day in and day out and, and really get the best outta your guys. And like I think we talked about before, Minnesota just kind of, kind of seems to be the epitome of, you know. The mushy middle, I think we called it right? So they just never seemed to like do anything. They just kind of seemed to exist, do well enough, but not really make any sort of, any sort of noise and, um, you know, things of that nature. And then they have the, uh, you know, the goalies out there, Gustafson and, and your boy, uh, mark Andre Flury,
Matt:flurry. Yeah.
Pat:that kind of thing. So. Uh, that was always, uh, you know, interesting and they just can't seem to ever kind of get it, um, together. And I think they fired an assistant out there as well. Um, I don't remember the guy's name, but, uh, I think, uh, Evison and, um, an assistant went as, uh, you know, lost their job, um, was shown the door. And then John Hines is now, um, in charge and he, uh.
Matt:Yeah, that's interesting.
Pat:S see what happens. Yeah, he was with the Devils I think, for a while, and I think he was with Nashville, if I'm not mistaken as well. Um, for, for a couple of years. I'm curious to see what, uh, what John Hinz does in, in sort of a, uh, you know, in fresh face, fresh city, you know, kind of thing. But, uh, big, big hockey state out there in Minnesota, you really gotta, you know, kind of, you know, stretch your stuff and see if you can get the most outta your guys. And, um, we, we'll, we'll see what happens.
Matt:Yeah, I was kind of surprised that they, you know, pulled the trigger that early. I thought maybe they would've gave him a little bit, uh, a leadway, you know, maybe see if he could turn it around a little bit longer. But, uh, just kind of guess they thought it was time and, you know, time to move on and, uh, I mean, yeah, I mean it's kind of hard'cause they did a real 180 from last year. Um, you know. They just real shoddy defense and goal tending has not been great from Flurry and Guston. So when you have all that factoring in and then you know, defense isn't playing well at all, that doesn't help out your goalie at all if he's not playing well either. So you kind of have to have either a one or two, you know what I mean? You gotta have a goalie that's standing on his head if your defense isn't showing up or vice versa. You know what I mean? So, and if you're not getting either one of those, then you know. Yeah, I mean, I just see here they're allowing four goals a game. So second worst than the NHL. So yeah, it's just not getting it done.
Pat:Yeah, no, I, I agree. And then kind of flip into that, um, to the next sort of topic or something else we wanted to kind of touch about is it just feels weird to me that we're arguing about this, but it's the controversy that Mark Andre Furry's mask brought to the game the other, uh, the other day,
Matt:Yeah, I did see that. Yeah.
Pat:makes no sense. I don't understand what the big deal is, and I think, I think the NHL shoots themselves in the foot more often than not, and it doesn't make any sense as to why this was the issue that it, that it was. I, it just makes no sense to me. And I think in order to grow the game, you have to kinda let the game You have to let the game grow, um, organically and, but every time there seems to be something for the good, the NHL comes in and takes a squash on it, and then it's like, no wonder they're the fourth sport outta the four major sports here in the us. Like they just can never seem to get outta their own way. And I guess. I, I guess the, the gist of it is Mark Andre Flurry had a warmup mask on, um,
Matt:correct.
Pat:was des that was designed, um, to honor his, uh, his wife is, is, is, uh, is Indian, right?
Matt:Native Yes. Correct. Indigenous. Yep.
Pat:and, uh, it was, it was meant to honor her and, and the fam and her family's ancestry.
Matt:ancestry and stuff right.
Pat:Yeah, like, it was literally like, it was literally a hanging curve ball for the NHL to like be like, yeah, this is great, blah, blah, blah. You know, that kind of thing. And as we know, mark Andre Flury has been one of the best goalies in the last, you know, 10, 15 years in the league. Like, it just, and,
Matt:Yeah. and, yeah.
Pat:to come in and just be like, Hey, you can't do that. And just kind of stomp on it. Like, it just, it makes no sense. I, I don't understand the whole deal with it. I, I really don't.
Matt:Yeah, I mean, I don't get it either. Especially me, like I know a lot about Mark Andre Flurry.'cause you know, being a Penns fan and he's put up, you know, plenty of good things around the city that he did for Pittsburgh as well when he was playing there. I mean, just with, you know, all the, you know, the foundations and stuff like stuff like this that he does, you know what I mean? It's just like, he's just an overall good guy. He's, he's like a funny prankster guy in the locker room too. He's just an overall, like good human being. Um, you know, from what I know about him and all the interviews and stuff that I've seen. So it's just like. And there's nothing like egregious about it. It was a nice little simple, and it was like gonna just be for warmups. I don't get
Pat:Right.
Matt:and it's for his wife and for Like a movement and you know, like, I just don't understand. Yeah. I just don't understand. I'm like baffled at why they just keep doing stuff like this where people are just like, really? You know what I mean? It's like, it kinda reminds me of like the n uh, the NFL with like the cleats. Like guys can't wear cleats of like, I'm like really? Like if they wanna wear pink cleats, like who? Caress. You know what I mean? Like, it's not that big a deal. Like honestly, if anything, you're gonna get more. kids and people involved who are gonna wanna buy that product. So like, you know what I mean? It would, it'd be better for everybody. So I, I, yeah. I'm, who knows what they're thinking with this, but yeah, they're, they're fumbling left and right here with stuff like this. I just, who knows? Huh?
Pat:Yeah, it just, it makes no sense to me as far as why that's, like I said, why that's even a thing. I guess from what I understand he wanted to wear it the NHL told him that he couldn't wear the masks. They threatened to find him, uh, threatened to find the wild as well. Uh, and then Flurry basically flipped him. The bird basically said, you know, um,
Matt:Yeah. Screw off. Yeah.
Pat:Yeah. And he wore it anyway, which, you know,
Matt:Mm-Hmm?.good for him. Yeah.
Pat:whatever. Um, and then, you know, uh. Basically then the, the league. Basically cowered and, didn't do anything to him. So I don't understand, like he didn't find him, he didn't do anything. So what was this stink about that makes his absolutely no sense to me. I just, I don't understand how this is that hard of a thing to be like, Hey, this is, this is looked at in a, in a negative light. It was almost like the thing with the, uh, with the rainbow Uh, tape a few, a few months ago for, for for pride
Matt:Yeah. Yeah. And some, some guys were against it,
Pat:Yeah. Like I just, I don't understand what the whole, what the whole deal is. If they want to do the tape, let'em do the tape. And if they don't want to, that's fine too, but it just.
Matt:right?
Pat:This just seemed egregious, especially because they threatened him with a, with a fine and a, and a repercussion, and then he did it anyway and nothing ever happened. So you made all this stink for nothing.
Matt:Called their, yeah, he called their bluff. Yeah, he called their bluff and they, and yeah, it's just like, yeah, and if you're gonna stick with something, stick with it, then find em. I'm sure he would've been fine with that.
Pat:Brutal.
Matt:it's just dumb. It's just really stupid when it's. like for such a good cause, and you know, and like you said, if people are with it, they're with it, great. If they're not, they're not, then it's fine. It's nothing egregious. It's nothing.
Pat:right?
Matt:Crazy where you're gonna get a lot of backlash. Like it's, yeah, it's none of that. So, yeah, I don't know. But yeah, good for him for, uh, sticking to his guns and, and saying, yeah, screw you. I'm gonna keep wearing it. because Yeah, That's awesome.
Pat:yeah. Have at it. So, uh, just another bumble by the NFL that, yeah. NFL. The NHL that just can't seem to get out of their, uh, their own way, especially with one of the better guys in the league. Um. Yeah, I don't know. So we'll see what next. Uh, the next blunder that they, uh, that they seem to have. And it, it, that train's never late. It usually comes every couple of months. So we'll see.
Matt:Yeah. We'll see what the next thing is. Yeah.
Pat:That's it. Uh, kind of circling back to the Canucks'cause we're already doing well enough, uh, up there. Um, they pulled off a big, uh, trade today.
Matt:Yeah, I was gonna mention that earlier. Forgot, but yeah,
Pat:they sent, uh, they sent Zorra, I should
Matt:Ra. Yeah.
Pat:Calgary Flames sent Zor off and now he is part of the Canucks. I think it's a good move. I think there may have been some issues in the locker room with Sidor off and the, the flames. So I don't know if they just tried to move him for, just get'em out of the room. Um, I don't know what they got. I, I'd have to look on what they actually got for'em. Uh, you know, either money-wise or, uh, compensation wise. Um, uh, but yeah, it, it seemed like a no brainer to just kind of get'em moving along. But I think, uh, I think Zorro fits well over there in Vancouver. Um, just, you know, being a big body on the, you know, on the backend, uh, kind of thing. So, um, you know, he's averaging like 18 and a half minutes of ice time per game, which is
Matt:Mm-Hmm.
Pat:So see what happens with there, I guess. Uh, Canucks are, are banged up on the, on the back end, on the blue line, so he'll fit right in there and give them some, some help with the, uh, with the big bodies. Uh, so it's, uh, interesting to see, um, what happens there. And, uh, so they, I, I, if I'm not mistaken, uh, Vancouver, uh, Traded, uh, Anthony, um, what's his name? Um.
Matt:Belvedere
Pat:uh, uh, Bolivia.
Matt:Re, sorry. Belvedere. Jesus
Pat:that's
Matt:saved by the Bell
Pat:but so yeah, they, they traded him to Chicago and then they basically pulled up Said, Hey, we want Zorro and Calgary, uh, made it happen. Again, he's a big strong, you know, two-way defenseman. And, you know, like I said, they, they like the physicality stuff up there in, in, uh, in Canucks land. So he fits right in, uh, you know, with, with that. So, uh, I think it's a good, uh, a good trade for both ends. Canucks get a good player, uh, for their backend. And Calgary gets a, I think it's a third round pick. Um,
Matt:Yeah, they got a third round and a fifth round selection in the 2024 NHL draft at Vancouver initially acquired from Chicago. So they have that. So they have that too. So yeah, too. Yeah. Not bad. I mean, hey,
Pat:No, not bad. And, uh, the flames get, you know, get rid of the guy that, you know, was potentially a, uh,
Matt:causing trouble, yeah. Yeah.
Pat:Good for them. New, uh, new blood. Right. Can't, can't help that. So, yeah, that's an interesting one. Curious to see how he fits in up there and, uh, seeing some, banging some bodies, so you can't, uh, can't argue that.
Matt:Yeah. I mean, they need to move. I need, they needed to get somebody,'cause you know, they had some, uh, defensemen that were injured, so I think that's why they went after him. And, uh, Calgary's just looking to unload him, like you said, with Maybe some potential locker room trouble. So either way, you know, both are kind of happy with the, with what they got. So, um, yeah, if they're gonna shift some things around, you know, in Canucks land, uh, that's a, that's a good move for them, um, especially with how, well, you know, like we mentioned how well they're playing. So we'll see if you can add in and even add more to success, uh, you know, up there in Vancouver. Yeah, it'll be interesting to, uh, see because they, sorry, uh, they play,;uh, the flames on Saturday, so.
Pat:Oh
Matt:Um, you know, I'm not sure if it'll, you know, everything will be moved around and those guys will be playing, but it'd be interesting to see, you know, when those two face off. See how that goes, see if there's any bad blood or anything.
Pat:Always like that. Always like that. Uh, you know, players visit their old barns and
Matt:yeah. Quickly, shortly after. Yeah, it's always interesting.
Pat:Yep, for sure. Uh, the one thing I wanted to mention, the old Patty Kane watch is, is come to an end.
Matt:Yeah. Finally. Yeah.
Pat:He has signed with an original six team, uh, the old, uh, Detroit Red Wings. Seems to fit in there. I think that Detroit is on, it's definitely, they're, they're definitely on the upswing. I think they're a fun team to watch. They, they kind of went through a longer rebuild over the last couple of years, but I think they're on the upswing. I think he brings some veteran presence to that, uh, to that locker room. And I think he, uh, I think he's a good fit. Um, but I think they said, I think they said he could play like next week, like Tuesday or Wednesday. Uh, uh, next week.
Matt:Yeah, seven to 10 days or something, they're average, you know, thinking around there somewhere. So, yeah, sometime next week, uh, I would assume.
Pat:he should be able to fit in there quite nicely and, uh, see what happens, uh, over there. But yeah, Patty Kane headed to, uh, to hockey town. So I, I,
Matt:Tam. Yeah.
Pat:I think the NHL is a better league when Detroit is good.'cause they just have that,
Matt:It's such a market. Yeah,
Pat:they're It's a good market. It's an original six team,
Matt:right. They have such a diehard fan base.
Pat:They have such a diehard, it's incr. It's crazy how
Matt:Yeah, those people bleed right up there for the Red Wings,
Pat:unbelievable. It's unbelievable. And like, I know they're in a new, they're in a new stadium now, but like, you know, the old like Joe Lewis Arena, like just the it. It was just a cool, like, it was just a cool thing. And so I, I really, I really do think the league is better because, you know, when, or I should say when the, the Red Wings, you know, do well. Uh, and there is a couple squads like that that I think the league is better when they do well. Red Wings is definitely one of them. I think the Rangers is another one.
Matt:Boston.
Pat:Uh, Boston. Um, in some situations like the flyers,'cause that's, that's a big hockey market here too. So there you just have those core teams that, like the league does better because certain teams are, are, are good right?
Matt:Yeah. Yeah. Bigger market brings more TV time and, you know, more, more eyes on it, so Yeah. Yeah, absolutely.
Pat:Yep. Yep. So that, that'll be good to see where, uh, where what Patty Kane does for, you know, three quarters of a season now that he's found a home. So we'll see what, uh, see what happens there. I think it's a good, uh, I think it's a good sign.
Matt:Yeah, I was kind of surprised a little bit'cause I didn't think he would go to the Red Wings. I thought he would've maybe went with more of like, alright, you know, he's like on the back end of his career and who knows how he's gonna play, you know, coming off the hip, you know, surgery and whatnot. So I was thinking maybe he, you know,'cause I know he had like, you know, in talks with Boston and, and Florida and I was thinking maybe he'd sign somewhere kind of more playoff run ish team, you know what I mean? And not.Detroit, that's kind of in my eyes, like in rebuild mode. But you know, they got some good young players, so maybe he just saw, you know, um, The talent there that's like up and rising and he kind of wants to be the veteran older coach, you know? Um, and we'll see if, you know, I mean, he only signed a one year deal, so we'll see what happens. Uh, but um, yeah, I mean he was playing with the PRCA back in Chicago and they got along really well. I. And, uh, and then, you know, Dylan Lakin, I think he's a pretty good up and coming, uh, player. Um, he, he's been having some real good success. So yeah, it'd be interesting to see what happens with those guys. I'd like to see Detroit, you know what I mean? Um, pick it up again'cause I know they've been kind of dead in the water the last couple, last couple years.
Pat:Yeah, for sure. So I'm interested to see what happens there. And I always try to tune into our, we into our Red Wings game when I can get it on ESPN plus. Shout out to ESPN Plus,'cause it's, it's much better this year than it was last year.
Matt:Yeah, I think they got some backlash. Yeah. Yeah.
Pat:Oh, it was terrible.
Matt:Yeah.
Pat:Um, it's just terrible.
Matt:yeah. Last year I think.'cause you know, they, a couple years ago they signed that big deal and people thought that was gonna bring more recognition, you know, myself included.'cause I got ESPN plus for, you know, hockey. So I was like, all right, cool. And then like, you know, anything's like blocked out or like games just aren't. Televised. And you're like, what the hell, man? Like, I thought you guys were gonna bring more eyes to this and more people, and here you are not showing anything or very little of it. And, um, I think they, uh, I think they said like viewership was down like 35%, 40% on it, and they were just getting a ton of backlash. So I think that's where people, you know, the people were, were speaking as they say, you know, and we're like, Hey, let's do something about this. Put some goddamn games on
Pat:Yeah. Yeah, people certainly talk with their wallets. That's for sure. Uh, that's the way it's, it's, it's the way it's always been. So, yeah. I, I don't have cable here, so I can't get, I can't get my flyers'cause everything's blacked out. But,
Matt:Yeah. Same thing here with pens.
Pat:The blackout is so terrible. I'm like,
Matt:Yeah. It stinks.
Pat:why? Like, why, what is the point? Um, but yeah I try to tune into a couple games on ESPN Plus and kind of get a fresh take of the league and watching some other teams and, and whatnot that you don't normally get to see. So, um, yeah, shout out to ESPN Plus for really stepping up the game this year and, and, uh. Getting some, getting some good stuff in there and, and bringing more eyes. So hopefully that's a step in the right direction and we got more to come.
Matt:Yeah. Yeah. I think they stepped it up big time this year. I've been noticing a lot'cause I've been watching a lot more, you know what I mean? Like, every time I kind of flick on ESPN, it's like, oh shit, there's a hockey game on. Cool. You know? And, uh, and just overall it's just stuff that they're covering, you know, they're just bringing more analysts on and you could really tell that they're trying to put their effort in this year. Um, and it's just, it's, it's awesome to see,'cause I, you know, love hockey. So more eyes like we've talked about before, more eyes the better. So.
Pat:Yeah, for sure. And I guess we'll, uh, we'll end on this one. There seems to be quite the rumor mill around a certain Chicago player,
Matt:Yeah.
Pat:out there, man, that like, man, just looking on Twitter and stuff and people just, or I should say X, that's what they call it now. Um, it was just crazy of like the rumor mill that was going and whatnot. So, uh, Corey Perry released a statement,
Matt:statement. Yeah.
Pat:and it sounds to be, um, alcohol related.
Matt:Mm-Hmm. Yeah.
Pat:who knows, who knows what the actual real reason
Matt:Yeah.
Pat:They basically said, here's the door and, and, you know, don't come back, sort of thing. So I'm, I'm very interested to see if anything You know, kind of leaks outta there and what the real reason was. Now obviously the rumor, uh, out there, I, I won't repeat it, but, uh, you know, if you look hard enough you can find it. But, um, but that's very, uh, interesting and it does, uh, it does seem to be alcohol related. Now, if anything, I'm sure some, he did something. Based on his alcohol abuse or his struggles with alcohol. So I, you know, who knows? But, uh, hopefully he can get the, um, you know, the help that he, that he needs. And, uh, yeah. But the Blackhawks, uh, the Black Hawks had to handle this one, uh, better than they handled the last one. like the Black Hawks
Matt:Yeah.
Pat:Department or PR department has been terrible in the last
Matt:Mm-Hmm.
Pat:with what they've let go on, you know, in those, uh, behind the closed doors in the last, uh, couple years, they really had to do this one. Right. And, uh,
Matt:Yeah, absolutely.
Pat:we'll see if anything happens.
Matt:Yeah, it's, it was like, I don't know, it's just a weird, it was kind of a weird thing. And like you said, pat, it kind of, the rumor started, you know, you heard something a little bit of trickling last week when he was scratched randomly. And players didn't know what was on going on. Coaches didn't really know what was going on. Everybody was kind of like left in the dark and everybody was like, huh? Like what? What? This is weird. You know what I mean? Like, something's brewing and it ain't right. And uh, yeah. And then he releases that today. And then, you know, they had some coaching talk the other day and, and, and kind of squashed the rumors and were like, it had nothing to do with, um, anybody's family members or, you know, anything like that. It was, uh, yeah, some kind of, uh, uh, from my, from what I understand, it was at some kind of, from what I get, like some kind of Blackhawks event that took place and, but he was like one of, like one, or if not the only person there and Yeah, I don't know if I'm, yeah, I'm not really sure. He, obviously, he said in his statement that it was alcohol related, so I'm not sure if things got outta hand with that in involvement. I knew it was with another staff member of the Chicago Blackhawks. Just not really sure where, like what department or anything, um, that I'm aware of. But um, yeah, it just seemed kind of weird because yeah, like Black hawks have covered up some really shady things in the past and did, like you said, did not handle it well. So I think everybody here is also like, oh, the Black hawk's in a scandal again. Huh? How, How, strange. You know what I mean? Like, uh, we've heard this before, like I. So, yeah, you know, same, you know, they've dealt with a bunch of that things. Um, so yeah, just, I don't know if we're gonna get the full truth. Maybe some things will trickle down the line in the next couple weeks. Um, you know, maybe some mouths will start talking when they shouldn't be. But we'll see what maybe the real story was, but if not, if it, I. Just was kind of alcohol related and Cory Perry just didn't act appropriately or however they found necessary to be in the team's eyes. Um, being, you know, especially being a veteran guy, he's supposed to be leading by example, right? So if he's not doing it, who should be, you know what I mean? So, you know, and you got connor Bedard there as a young guy, and they're really trying to put all their money and, and power into him with his talent. So yeah, you kind of gotta be setting a good example and if you're out there kind of acting a mess and, and acting a fool, then yeah, I guess they're just gonna, especially with the, you know, the recent stuff they've had go on in the past couple years, they're just trying to nip things in the but and just keep moving forward and not backwards. So yeah, it'll be interesting to see if anything else comes out from this.
Pat:Yeah, yeah. I, yeah, I, I agree. Let's, uh, see what, uh, see what shakes out, or, I, I don't know if he just got, if he just got loaded and mouthed off to the wrong person or i,
Matt:Yeah.
Pat:did something that was like a major red flag and they kind of have that like Yeah, we have a stain on our reputation to begin with. We gotta, you know, we gotta nip this in the bud sort of mentality. I, yeah, it's, it's very interesting to see what, um, you know, what's gonna transpire here. So,
Matt:yeah.'cause usually, uh, yeah.'cause usually into piggyback on that, like usually, you know, guys that have like substance abuse problems or something, like, they get them in a program and they kind of let them try to turn a turn. A new leaf, as you wanna say. You know what I mean? Like, and they usually give guys a second chance with stuff like that. So, yeah, it just, it, the whole situation just seems kind of very odd for, you know, like, I, I don't think we're getting the full truth, and I'm not, like I said, I'm not sure if we ever will'cause uh, they don't want that, you know, reputation out there still. So, um, yeah, who knows? But yeah, I don't think, I don't think the whole story's out there, but, we'll, you know, we'll see.
Pat:I think you know Corey Perry being 38, I think this is his last rodeo, and he was an absolute staple in Anaheim for the vast majority of his career. Almost 15 years out there in, in Anaheim doing his thing. And
Matt:Yeah. Very good.
Pat:And then he jumped around for a couple years. He was with Tampa, uh, a couple years. They won, uh, you know, down there in the cup years. Um, and now he's with Chicago and now he's kind of been shown the door. I think he's done and it just kind of tarnishes his, you know, career that he's had. So, uh, I think he's one of the better, better guys, um, you know, in the last, uh, uh, definitely the last, uh, 15, 10, 15 years to, to really, um, you know, to really play. So, uh, to have that kind of tarnish is, uh, is very interesting. Uh, sad, I guess you wanna call it, but, uh, yeah, we'll, we'll see what happens. It's
Matt:Yeah, I mean, I, I mean, who knows, you know, maybe he gets himself cleaned up and comes back and tries it one more time and, you know, he's definitely a good enough player. I think he's still, he's still got some skill, obviously. Um, so yeah, it'd be a shame if this is kind of like his last hurrah. You know, you don't, you don't really wanna see anybody kind of go out on, on such a scandal. Weird. You know, thing or you know, mental health issue or whatever it is that he's dealing with. But yeah. Yeah, I think if he gets himself cleaned up and hopefully he does for himself and his family and, you know, he, he released a good apology and a statement and took ownership and that's all you can ask for. So yeah, I'd like, I'd like to see him back'cause I always liked Cory Perry. I.
Pat:Yeah. Yep. So we'll see what happens. So, uh, on that, I think we'll, uh, I think we'll get outta here. Matt, you got anything else that you, uh, wanted to, uh, speak to the people?
Matt:Yeah, no, uh, nothing right now. Yeah. Like we, you know, uh, hinted on earlier, the quarter weighs here, so I'm really excited to see what, you know, the second half or, you know, almost the second half will bring, you know, this kind of, uh. There's a lot of good teams, a lot of, like we talked about earlier, a lot of, a lot of teams that are, I don't think are getting enough credit right now that are kind of sneaky good. And, uh, Canucks being one of'em, you know, um, I think Toronto's turning, you know, up, up a little bit. I know, you know, everybody expects them with Austin Matthews and whatnot, but I think, you know, I think they can make some real noise and, uh, yeah, we'll see. Obviously, you know, powerhouses, you know, rangers in Boston, they're kind of. Just they're in the last couple years. They always will be. They're just really good teams right now. They just have really good franchises. So, yeah. But I'm excited. Um, hopefully my pens can kind of get it going here'cause their power plays struggling. Um, but your flyers aren't looking too bad, so that's, that's a good positive for you.
Pat:They're okay for now. So we'll see what happens. And I think they're one of the better starts and I don't expect them to be all that great in setting the world on fire. But, uh, you know, the word the, the R word was used multiple times and now they got brier and, and jonesie at the, at the helm there of the hockey operations and GM and all that kind of stuff. So, uh, they got some folks that, that can, that can play some roles and. I think Mishka and cargo are coming next year. Uh, hopefully they'll both be here next year. So, uh, that rebuild's coming. But, uh, hey, if they can hang, if they can, uh, you know, if they can compete, uh, in, you know, night in and night out with the torts behind the bench, uh, cracking his whip, I think, uh, think they'll be all right. So, yeah, we'll see what, uh, see what happens. And then my favorite time of the year is coming the old Winter Classic that's right around the corner. So
Matt:Yeah, jerseys were released like what, last week, pat? Somewhere around there with vegas and Kraken. The, yeah, the jerseys look really neat this year. I like both. They look, they both look sick, but, uh, I think I like the Krakens a little bit more. The krakens just really pop, but, um, so does Vegas is they're, yeah, they're both good. So, yeah, it'll be interesting to see, hopefully, you know, good weather.'cause that that's always a big, you know, a factor in it. So hopefully that plays out.
Pat:Sure, sure. Yeah. We'll get you coverage on the, on the winter classic stuff. Just our couple of hot takes. So, uh, awesome, awesome as always. So, all right everybody, thanks for joining, uh, this week. Uh, we appreciate you hanging out and,
Matt:Yes, sir.
Pat:a shot with us. Really, uh, appreciate you hanging. So, uh, make sure you follow us on, uh, socials. Uh, we have a Twitter instagram or@shootthepuckpod. Uh, we have a YouTube channel that we do all this, uh, video stuff on too. So we're, we're over on YouTube. Um,
Matt:Yep. Give us a shout.
Pat:you can get a podcast, uh, Spotify, uh, apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, all that kind of stuff, uh, in the process of getting a website up, up and running. So for those of you that like, uh, to read or need a transcript, uh, that, that'll be on our website as well. So, uh, I'd like to, Do a shout out to those folks, uh, as well. So, um, yeah, anything that, uh, comes along we'll throw on our website and try to get some more guests through, or I should say some guests through here. And, uh, whoever wants to come and chat with us for, uh, for a couple of minutes, we're always welcome to have, uh, whoever wants to come. So, uh, if you, um, uh, you want to be on the show or, or, uh, you got something to say, uh, certainly hit us up on, uh, like I said, one of our socials or Um, shoot the puck pod@gmail.com. That, that's up there now as well. We're covering all of our angles, so come hang out. Uh, again, thanks for, thanks for joining. Uh, talk to everybody next week. Matt, I will talk to you, uh, as well and we'll see what, uh, see what the fluttering next week in the world of hockey. So.
Matt:Yeah. Yeah. Sounds good, pat. Yeah, we'll catch base, uh, you know, sometime in, in the next week and, and do another one and keep everybody, keep well try and keep everybody, you know, updated and whatnot. And yeah, like you said, if anybody's got any questions or wants to come on or just, you know, shoot some topics or whatever what's rumbling in the league or whatever. If we didn't, you know, get a touch on something big or whatever. Wanna come on and ask us, and yeah, we'd love to keep talking hockey and, uh, sharing the, sharing the news with everybody. So, yeah, keep us posted. Appreciate everybody. Hit the subscribe button and uh, yeah, give us a follow, give us a shout
Pat:All right guys, boys and girls, we'll see you next week.
Matt:later.
