A Couple of Goons

The boys are back at your favorite semi-annual hockey podcast, talking about an exciting summer, high expectations, and what's bound to be a great year for hockey. We've got metrics, we've got Utah talk, we've got cup picks, we've got a… guest!? That's right, the goons are joined by none other than the brilliant Gare Joyce , of How to Succeed in Sportswriting (without Really Trying) and several books! You should check him out: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goons.substack.com

We're back, for one night only, at your favorite semi-annual hockey podcast. We talk the playoffs so far, an inauspicious wager, Florida vs. Edmonton, the prospect of busting a Canadian curse, the furthest-flying finals of any(??) sports league and then the Arizona fiasco coming to a conclusion.Walt can be found at Numlock.com, Sherwood.news, and his new book You Are What You Watch is available wherever books are sold. Neil can be found at ESPN, Neil's Substack, and more!Missed you! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goons.substack.com

Welcome back to A Couple of Goons, here for your pre-finals look at the postseason and these last several games. Neil and Walt talk about what to expect in this most unexpected Stanley Cup final. Neil makes the case for both Vegas and Florida winning the Stanley Cup, and Walt makes an emotional case for one team in particular Be sure to check out and of course the new podcast about NASCAR called ! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goons.substack.com

What a first round!We talk:* Rangers season over :(* Dang, Bruins* Neil and Walt describe their pathological needs to have offhand comments from several weeks ago bear out in totality.* A whole lot of upsets! A whole lot of game sevens. A whole lot of large disappointed big cities.* Toronto broke a curse! And started? A? New one?* ROUND TWO is on!!Here's Neil on Numlock talking NASCAR: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goons.substack.com

It's your favorite hockey podcast back to talk the end of the season and, far more importantly, the beginning of the postseason!We talk:* Bruins! The elephant in the room. Those are some high chances!* The PATH Train Series* The Toronto Maple Leafs, and how it's absolutely their year* The Rest of the West* Which teams that missed the playoffs we still think might be good next year. Thanks for listening, enjoy the games! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goons.substack.com

We're back! Neil and Walt assess the regular season as it nears its conclusion, including:* Which teams are really looking great right now* The bubble teams that we're watching* The trade deadline and what it meant* CANADA MINUTE: Eyes to the North* The Devils you know and the Devils you don't* Playoff predictions Be sure to check out neat stuff like and This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goons.substack.com

We're back! Neil and Walt assess the season at its midpoint, and in the spirit of the season give gifts to the players and teams that surprised and disappointed us, including:* The teams that surprised us* The player that most surprised us* Barbecue!* A nice round number is hit and a record is potentially in contention* A player familiarizes oneself with a bench* The beginning of year predictions that have already failed* The Kraken* The juggernaut in Boston* A referendum on a team approaches This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goons.substack.com

Welcome back to A Couple of Goons, an inexplicably extant hockey podcast. This week on Goons:* How was your summer?* Walter jokes about his mic being much worse without actually realizing his mic sounds like crud this episode because he used crappy headphones instead of his Mac* Neil's most interesting teams of the offseason* Who do you like?* Okay but what team does Neil think is Interesting if not precisely good* We pick our (other) favorite teams* Couple of Goons Sherlock Fanfic This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goons.substack.com

We assess the season!Welcome back!A begrudging, contractually mandated preview of the Eastern conference championLightning vs. Avalanche!The Stanley Cup, on paperHockey in 2021-22: Seems Pretty Good!Here's the article Neil wrote: https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/weve-been-waiting-33-years-for-a-stanley-cup-matchup-this-good/Neil is on twitter @neil_paine, Walt is @WaltHickey, and this podcast is @GoonsPod.We are now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, find us there, and consider throwing us a rating. Neil's official FiveThirtyEight hockey forecast can be found at githubdotcomslashneilpainefivethreeeight.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goons.substack.com

Neil and Walt are ready for the playoffs, so they decided to do a show TOGETHER, IN-PERSON!!!! We break down the whole first round, presenting theories of the case for each team, and talk about the probability of every upset — which, as it turns out in hockey, is surprisingly large most of the time. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goons.substack.com

We assess the season!RETURN OF THE FEATURE: our #30 of the weekTEAM OF THE BI-WEEKThe one remaining regular season narrativeHockey is very good right nowAll sports are very good right now?Is this the vibe shift?Queer comic recommendations with WaltNeil is on twitter @neil_paine, Walt is @WaltHickey, and this podcast is @GoonsPod.We are now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, find us there, and consider throwing us a rating. Neil's official FiveThirtyEight hockey forecast can be found at githubdotcomslashneilpainefivethreeeight.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goons.substack.com

We assess the season!TRADE DEADLINE: What does it mean?Who is done for the year?The playoff pictureRangers!Who disappointed us the most this yearWho un-disappointed us the mostThe INTENSITY to comeNeil is on twitter @neil_paine, Walt is @WaltHickey, and this podcast is @GoonsPod.We are now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, find us there, and consider throwing us a rating. Neil's official FiveThirtyEight hockey forecast can be found at githubdotcomslashneilpainefivethreeeight.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goons.substack.com

You miss us?Welcome back to A COUPLE OF GOONSThe year thus farThe one no three no five teams of the yearThe Montreal ScrewjobKraken upThe New Viewing Experience!In Memoriam: NBC Sports NetworkStanley Cup Logo review: lay it on me what do we thinkUBS Arena review!Neil is on twitter @neil_paine, Walt is @WaltHickey, and this podcast is @GoonsPod.We are now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, find us there, and consider throwing us a rating. Neil's Github is at github.com/neilpaine538. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goons.substack.com

Seattle stole a bunch of players! Joining us this week is Jake Lahut!(Expansion) Team of the weekHow'd Seattle do?Great moments in Expansion Draft historyThe only team capable of keeping their traps shutHAKASJake is on Twitter @JakeLahut, Neil is on twitter @neil_paine, Walt is @WaltHickey, and this podcast is @GoonsPod. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goons.substack.com

The end of the season!Team of the Wee— no. Team of the year.The WWE Style Fandom Belt Moves On#26Neil called it!What's next for HockeyWhat's next for GOONSNeil is on twitter @neil_paine, Walt is @WaltHickey, and this podcast is @GoonsPod.We are now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, find us there, and consider throwing us a rating. Neil's Github is at github.com/neilpaine538, or, our new convenient website located at http://githubdotcomslashneilpainefivethreeeight.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goons.substack.com

Things are coming to an end soon:Team of the Week3-1 #25What happens after someone wins the Stanley Cup95%Advanced Sabermetrics with Scott SteinerNeil is on twitter @neil_paine, Walt is @WaltHickey, and this podcast is @GoonsPod.We are now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, find us there, and consider throwing us a rating. Neil's Github is at github.com/neilpaine538, or, our new convenient website located at http://githubdotcomslashneilpainefivethreeeight.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goons.substack.com

The Stanley CupAll the conclusions we can draw from one game!Team of the Week#24Awards Season!Neil is on twitter @neil_paine, Walt is @WaltHickey, and this podcast is @GoonsPod.We are now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, find us there, and consider throwing us a rating. Neil's Github is at github.com/neilpaine538, or, our new convenient website located at http://githubdotcomslashneilpainefivethreeeight.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goons.substack.com

The last week of the semifinals! Also, if last week sounded bad, I fixed it, so just go re-download it again the mix was rough.Team of the WeekA nuanced discussion of Elo weighting and model development#23I mean damn, the Habs are really goodLike, whoaYeah the Islanders shutout that was rough but likeDang, Montreal.Neil is on twitter @neil_paine, Walt is @WaltHickey, and this podcast is @GoonsPod.We are now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, find us there, and consider throwing us a rating. Neil's Github is at github.com/neilpaine538, or, our new convenient website located at http://githubdotcomslashneilpainefivethreeeight.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goons.substack.com

UPDATE: Now with new Synced Audio!Joining us for this episode again is Emily Scherer!CinderellasTeam of the SIKEthere is no team of the week#22: GOON OFFS.L.I.P.P.E.R.We make a new bet!Neil is on twitter @neil_paine, Emily is @_schem, Walt is @WaltHickey, and this podcast is @GoonsPod.We are now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, find us there, and consider throwing us a rating. Neil's Github is at github.com/neilpaine538, or, our new convenient website located at http://githubdotcomslashneilpainefivethreeeight.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goons.substack.com

The second round begins to wind down! Topics of conversation includePlayoff hockey is greatTeam(s!) of the week#21, the postage stampHow would one construct an optimal stat block for a hockey player within the confines of Dungeons & Dragons Fifth EditionDouble sweep! Canes concludeProfessor Oak sent Nikita KucherovAnd the nominees areNeil is on twitter @neil_paine, Walt is @WaltHickey, and this podcast is @GoonsPod.We are now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, find us there, and consider throwing us a rating. Neil's Github is at github.com/neilpaine538, or, our new convenient website located at http://githubdotcomslashneilpainefivethreeeight.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goons.substack.com

The playoffs continueL'équipe de la semaine !Meet #20The worst collapse we've seen on CNBC since DogecoinCursesComing soon to Amazon Prime Video!Other divisionsLooking forwardNeil is on twitter @neil_paine, Walt is @WaltHickey, and this podcast is @GoonsPod.We are now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, find us there, and consider throwing us a rating. Neil's Github is at github.com/neilpaine538, or, our new convenient website located at http://githubdotcomslashneilpainefivethreeeight.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goons.substack.com

It's the playoffs babyyyyTeam of the Week!Your #19Walt gives Neil a present from his travelsThe Teams We've LostWar is peace. Freedom is slavery. I have always supported the Winnipeg JetsThe Battle of FloridaThe East goes exactly as plannedNeil mentions The KissNeil is on twitter @neil_paine, Walt is @WaltHickey, and this podcast is @GoonsPod.We are now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, find us there, and consider throwing us a rating. Neil's Github is at github.com/neilpaine538, or, our new convenient website located at http://githubdotcomslashneilpainefivethreeeight.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goons.substack.com

Walt is on vacation, but somehow we've got 50% more goons than usual. Neil is joined by GoonsPod alums Emily Scherer of FiveThirtyEight and Tyler Lauletta of Insider. Here's what we talked about:Team of the Week! (Not based on Elo ratings, for once.)“Concussions are bad” — TylerEpisode No. 18 commemorative Spin-O-Rama editionWhat we like about the playoffs so far… the Battle of Florida is GOODBest Hockey Playoff Traditions with EmilyWe recall that 5-overtime Flyers game where the players ate pizza mid-OTNeil is on twitter @neil_paine, Emily is @_schem , Tyler is @tylerlauletta and this podcast is @GoonsPod.We are now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, find us there, and consider throwing us a rating. Neil's Github is at github.com/neilpaine538. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goons.substack.com

We've finally made it to the end of the regular season (unless you're in the North Division — sorry Canada), and Walt is ready for his inaugural Hockey Guy Playoffs. Topics of conversation include:I, for one, welcome our new soundboard overlordTeam of the Week! (Sorta)The #17North Division: Can the Leafs be stopped?East Division: Caps-Bruins is going to be LITCentral Division: Prepare for the Battle of FloridaWest Division: Give us Golden Knights vs. Avs already!Let's grow our playoff beardsHere's former Atlanta Thrasher Patrik Stefan giving us the most humiliating fail in hockey history:Neil is on twitter @neil_paine, Walt is @WaltHickey, and this podcast is @GoonsPod.We are now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, find us there, and consider throwing us a rating. Neil's Github is at github.com/neilpaine538. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goons.substack.com

We're finally talking about it. Topics of conversation include:Would You Look At This Ludicrous DisplayTeam of the Week!The #15Ancient FightingThe Era of the GoonModern Warfare The Chivalric Practises of Goon-on-Goon duelingThe Fall of the GoonNeil is on twitter @neil_paine, Walt is @WaltHickey, and this podcast is @GoonsPod.We are now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, find us there, and consider throwing us a rating. Neil's Github is at github.com/neilpaine538. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goons.substack.com

Madness reigns: Neil's out this week, Walt is joined by Insider's Tyler Lauletta and FiveThirtyEight's Emily Scherer to talk about hockey broadcasting and the bold new future for the sport as they leave NBC for ESPN and TNT. Team of the Week, as sent in by Neil, as “interpreted” by WaltHow Tyler became A Hockey GuyThe new NHL deal and how it was announced in literally the funniest possible way at every single stage in this processTHE FOXTRAX: https://www.ebay.com/itm/274773882850How hockey innovations can boldy influence other sportsPlaying hockey for the cars All your favorite players have 5G Hey can we talk about Mecum real quickTirico, what's the vibe?TNT is building a whole broadcast booth here is how they can not screw it up, according to EmilyEmily can be found @_schem, Tyler can be found @tylerlauletta. Neil is on twitter @neil_paine, Walt is @WaltHickey, and this podcast is @GoonsPod. We are now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, find us there, and consider throwing us a rating. Neil's Github is at github.com/neilpaine538. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goons.substack.com

It's time. Topics of conversation include:Team of the Week!Wayne GretzkyThis is the first of what we increasingly realize is a multipart series on the works of Wayne Gretzky. Consider this an initial overview of his accomplishments and influence. Here's that video of the fight Neil talks about:Neil is on twitter @neil_paine, Walt is @WaltHickey, and this podcast is @GoonsPod.We are now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, find us there, and consider throwing us a rating. Neil's Github is at github.com/neilpaine538. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goons.substack.com

Topics of conversation include:Team of the Week!Who did good trades and who did the bad trades?Your #13!A flawless segue into the next sectionThe Shootout!DekesDangles The perverse incentives in Hockey game points and Neil Paine's modest proposal to fix that.Neil is on twitter @neil_paine, Walt is @WaltHickey, and this podcast is @GoonsPod.We are now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, find us there, and consider throwing us a rating. Neil's Github is at github.com/neilpaine538. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goons.substack.com

Topics of conversation include:Hockey history lesson from… walt???TEAM OF THE WEEKYour #12Vancouver is in a bad way right nowTHE TRADE DEADLINEWhat's the post-Trade XP situation?Which players evolve after trading?Who's getting traded?The good game of the week is on IMMINANTLY if you download the podcast right nowNeil is on twitter @neil_paine, Walt is @WaltHickey, and this podcast is @GoonsPod.We are now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, find us there, and consider throwing us a rating. Neil's Github is at github.com/neilpaine538. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goons.substack.com

Welcome back to Emily Scherer of FiveThirtyEight!Topics of conversation include:The Isobel Cup!Settling Bets with Fudgies the WhaleTeam of the Week!Your #11The Pledge The sartorial aesthetics of hockeyYo which hockey jersey is the good one though reallySublimation and YOUThe TurnNeil attempts to sell Walt on a credit cardThe top five jerseys in the NHL according to a robust algorithmThe PrestigeNeil is on twitter @neil_paine, Emily can be found @_schem, Walt is @WaltHickey, and this podcast is @GoonsPod. We are now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, find us there, and consider throwing us a rating. Neil's Github is at github.com/neilpaine538. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goons.substack.com

Welcome back to Emily Scherer of FiveThirtyEight, where this week we talk all about the Isobel Cup and this weekend's NWHL Championship!Topics of conversation include: Team of the Week!#10 A referee got sent to the penalty box!Just kidding, he got very fired. Hockey refs, the most athletic refsWho would win, the least athletic NHL ref or the most athletic MLB ump?The Isobel cup is this weekend!We pick teams and place betsBoston Pride uniforms, rankedYo hold up let's talk about CappyLike really address CappyThe Handle Hastily Removed From The Isobel Cup Following An Incident With The Other Handle, Tumblr OfNeil is on twitter @neil_paine, Walt is @WaltHickey, and this podcast is @GoonsPod. Emily can be found @_schem.We are now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, find us there, and consider throwing us a rating. Neil's Github is at github.com/neilpaine538. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goons.substack.com

This is the ninth episode of A Couple of Goons. This week, with Neil's Flyers playing Walt's Rangers, the goons look at RIVALRIES. Topics of conversation include:Team of the WeekLet's Talk About A #9The Original Six and enmities so ancient they must not be crossedLocal Crosstown Rivals: when bridge v. tunnelThe greatest of enemies: Genuine Beef in the NHLDenver and Detroit, or, a hockey fight with its own Wikipedia pagePittsburgh - WashingtonVegas - San JoseThe future of rivalries: is this another cool thing killed by Bettman?Neil checks the Rangers-Flyers ScoreNeil is on twitter @neil_paine, Walt is @WaltHickey, and this podcast is @GoonsPod.We are now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, find us there, and consider throwing us a rating. Neil's Github is at github.com/neilpaine538. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goons.substack.com

This is the eighth episode of A Couple of Goons. This week, the goons look at the state of the league as we approach the halfway mark, and Rangers fan Walt begins kicking the tires on the lifeboats. That and more this week, on A Couple of Goons!Topics of conversation include:Team of the WeekRatatouille on IceThe Central questionSeveral incredibly nice things said about the Capitals in no way intended to jinx themLook to the WestCanadaRookies in makingSo let's say hypothetically there's this guy and his team doesn't look so hot and he wants something to watch in the playoffs what should he do NeilNeil is on twitter @neil_paine, Walt is @WaltHickey, and this podcast is @GoonsPod.We are now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, find us there, and consider throwing us a rating. Neil's Github is at github.com/neilpaine538. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goons.substack.com

This is the seventh episode of A Couple of Goons. This week, the goons have on Insider's Jake Lahut, and explore an immortal question: where do hockey players come from?That and more this week, in Episode seven of A Couple of Goons!Topics of conversation include:Whatup Jake?The Once and Future Wings 0.0%Team of the WeekA Global tour of hockey developmentJunior hockeyIs Canada OK?College hockeyAn innocent question about hockey yet again touches on a complicated geopolitical questionThe NHL Draft honors the old ways Neil Talks About Some Guys: #7Jake can be found at Insider and on Twitter at @JakeLahut. Neil is on twitter @neil_paine, Walt is @WaltHickey, and this podcast is @GoonsPod.We are now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, find us there, and consider throwing us a rating. Neil's Github is at github.com/neilpaine538. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goons.substack.com

This is the fifth episode of A Couple of Goons. This week, the goons tackle Russia and the geopolitics of hockey, and also Neil explains how exactly he feels about Gary Bettman. That and more this week, in Episode Six of A Couple of Goons!Topics of conversation include:CORRECTING THE RECORD: The MessierTeam of the WeekNevada is a cursed yet beautiful stateNeil Talks About Some Guys: #6 Phil HousleyRussians and HockeyWho is Gary Bettman?Neil finishes explaining why fans dislike Gary BettmanWait, no, he forgot some stuffAnd another thing!We have to wrap for the week but we'll actually get back to this later.Neil is on twitter @neil_paine, Walt is @WaltHickey, and this podcast is @GoonsPod. We are now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, find us there, and consider throwing us a rating. Neil's Github is at github.com/neilpaine538. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goons.substack.com

This is the fifth episode of A Couple of Goons. This week we have on inaugural guest Emily Scherer of FiveThirtyEight for the episode you have all been waiting for: we assign tiers all of the awards given out to hockey players for participating in hockey in one form or another. There are like thirty!That and more this week, in Episode Five of A Couple of Goons!Topics of conversation include:Hello Emily!Team of the WeekHockey: why are people doing it? Awards: How much do people want them, the aesthetics of prizes, drinkability.Assorted CursesThe Stanley CupNeil is on twitter @neil_paine, Walt is @WaltHickey, and this podcast is @GoonsPod. Emily can be found @_schem.We are now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, find us there, and consider throwing us a rating. Neil's Github is at github.com/neilpaine538. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goons.substack.com

This is the fourth episode of A Couple of Goons. This week we get down to fundamentals: ice. Somehow Neil makes this topic fascinating. That and more this week, in Episode Four of A Couple of Goons!Topics of conversation include:Team of the WeekIce is important for hockeyIce is also used to keep viruses aliveAh crapThe Great Canadian Title DroughtFighting: fine. Grabbing the puck: the worst possible thing you can do. We lay the groundwork for the best game of all timeNeil is on twitter @neil_paine, Walt is @WaltHickey, and this podcast is @GoonsPod. We are now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, find us there, and consider throwing us a rating. Neil's Github is at github.com/neilpaine538. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goons.substack.com

This is the third episode of A Couple of Goons. Walt sees a first goal and Neil is surprised it didn't already happen, this week, in Episode Three of A Couple of Goons!Topics of conversation include:Walt hypes up Neil's GitHubBottom five and top fiveWhy Boston really deserves nice things to happen to them in sports after all that they have been through. Team of the WeekCrusader Kings 3: How To Construct A Dynasty Tutorial Speed Run by Neil PaineWEIRD RULE OF THE WEEK: Overtime!WE DROP THE GLOVESNeil is on twitter @neil_paine, Walt is @WaltHickey, and this podcast is @GoonsPod. We are now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, find us there, and consider throwing us a rating. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goons.substack.com

This is the second episode of A Couple of Goons. Walt Hickey's journey into hockey continues led by the inimitable Neil Paine as we hit week two of A Couple of Goons!Topics of conversation include:Peacock and You: How to cope with the forthcoming death of a pretty good television networkDallas is really good! The Montreal-Columbus trade, or, why centers are good.A Bunch of Lines, With WaltMailbagOffsides: Why Does That Occur?EndgameWe plug our GithubsNeil is on twitter @neil_paine, Walt is @WaltHickey, and this podcast is @GoonsPod. We are now on Apple Podcasts, find us there, and consider throwing us a rating. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goons.substack.com

This is the first episode of A Couple of Goons. Walt and a few friends are trying to get into hockey during The Plague Year. Neil has been obsessed with hockey for decades and took the liberty of preparing a number of projections for this forthcoming season. Today, these journeys converge into A COUPLE OF GOONS: EPISODE 0001. Yes, we are aware of how ambitious that title is.Topics of conversation include:Hockey: Why?Did Walter Make A Mistake By Just Becoming A Rangers Fan Because He Lives Near ThemWhat's weird this year?Division rankings!THIS WEEK IN WEIRD HOCKEY RULES: Icing. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goons.substack.com