Hopeless Sports Guy

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This is a Hopeless Sports Guy, I’m your host John Ott. On the show we’ll discuss video games, technology, sports and everything in between. Being from Michigan I’ll profile the Red Wings, Tigers, Pistons and Lions... being a journalist I’ll bring these sp

John Ott


    • Feb 24, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 45m AVG DURATION
    • 564 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Hopeless Sports Guy

    “Juggernaut Week” San Antonio Spurs (40-16) vs. Detroit Pistons (42-13)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2026 93:56


    We take a local look this week as the Detroit Pistons have a trio of Nationally Televised games on Peacock and ESPN (twice). First up, it's Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs. 

    “Immortality” Instant Classic: Men's

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2026 189:23


    Forty-six years from the "Miracle on Ice" (and the birthday of George Washington) Thanks to Alec for that factoid. This game is an instant classic along with one of the best goaltending performances I've ever seen. Join in with us for all the analysis, reactions and unbelievable play right here.

    Men's Olympic

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2026 88:27


    The United States knew coming into this game that Canada would be the opponent waiting for them in a potential Gold Medal contest. They have to take care of Slovakia first. Listen here.

    Olympics Men's Hockey Instant Classic: "Wild Finishes In The Quarterfinals" SWI-FIN and CZE-CAN w/John Ott & Ian Genge P-B-P/Color 2-18-26

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2026 101:49


    It was a wild day in the Men's Olympic Hockey Quarterfinals. Alongside Ian Genge, we covered the complete game of Switzerland and Finland... as well as another epic close between Czechia and Canada. This was a heart racing call.

    "Eruption" Men's Playoff Qualification Olympic Hockey: Czechia (1-1-1) vs. Denmark (1-2-0) w/ John Ott & Ian Genge 2-17-26

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2026 119:23


    What started as a very lethargic first period... quickly exploded into a goal-scoring display. All told it ended up being a pretty good game.

    "Business-Like" 2026 Olympic Men's

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2026 83:25


    Sometimes you just appreciate the ability of a team that understands the task at hand. Canada began Group A play during Day 2 of this tournament and looked every bit the favorite they're expected to be.

    "A Moment You'll Remember Forever" Olympics Men's

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2026 85:18


    Heroes are needed on the biggest stage during the height of competition. One of them may have been born before our very eyes.

    "Reminder" Colorado Avalanche (35-8-9) vs. Detroit Red Wings (32-17-6) NHL P-B-P 1-31-26

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2026 94:11


    Even though the Red Wings will meet the Avalanche again on Monday... my question I wonder is what will change?

    "Road Game Execution" Los Angeles Kings (21-16-13) vs. Detroit Red Wings (32-16-5) NHL P-B-P/Color 1-27-26

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2026 93:03


    The Los Angeles Kings haven't exactly been a wagon... but they showcased how to execute on the road against a dangerous Detroit team.

    "Metro Clash" New York Islanders (27-19-5) vs. Philadelphia Flyers (24-17-9) NHL P-B-P/Color 1-26-26

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2026 81:38


    The third seed in the Metro might be the only spot in the playoffs available for the Islanders and Flyers. Catch the action here.

    “Youth Movement” Montreal Canadiens (26-14-7) vs. Buffalo Sabres (25-16-4)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2026 109:13


    It was fun to watch two of the youngest teams in the league take flight in the Atlantic Division!

    “A Tribute to 91” Carolina Hurricanes (28-14-3) vs. Detroit Red Wings (27-15-4) NHL P-B-P/Color 1-12-26

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2026 165:00


    It was finally time for the Detroit Red Wings to retire just the ninth jersey in franchise history. Number "91" Sergei Fedorov was one of the best players (and most complete) in NHL history. Dynamic from five different skater positions.Included is the full ceremony, as well as a excellent game between two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. What a special night!

    "It's Been Since 2012" WJC Gold Medal Game: Sweden (6-0-0) vs. Czechia (5-1-0) IIHF P-B-P/Color 1-5-26

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2026 78:09


     CZE looking for the first WJC gold in 25 years. SWE looking for just it's second in 45 years! We put a bow on the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championships!

    "Breaking Tradition" 2026 IIHF WJC Semis Instant Classic: Sweden (5-0-0) vs. Finland (3-1-1) P-B-P/Color 1-4-26

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2026 102:08


    *This is an all-time game in the World Junior Championships Tournament history*To-Know: SWE has lost four-straight semis. FIN has made four-straight. All-time matchup numbers are 21 wins for SWE and 20 for Finland. Enjoy!

    "Knockout Stage" IIHF 2026 Instant Classic WJC's QF: USA (3-1-0) vs. Finland (2-1-1)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2026 88:29


    In 41 meetings, both the United States and Finland have each defeated each other 20 times. And eight of the last 10 meetings have been decided by one goal. So, now that you know what to expect.... listen in on this instant classic.

    "More Than A Game" 2026 WJC's Day 2: United States (1-0-0) vs. Switzerland (0-0-0) IIHF P-B-P/Color 12-27-25

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 28, 2025 92:07


    Cole Hutson took a puck the head in this contest and now everyone is wondering what's next for USA Hockey. This was a defensive battle.

    2026 WJC's Opening Night: Czechia vs. Canada IIHF P-B-P/Color 12-26-25

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 27, 2025 82:29


    This was a pretty good opening night, a high-scoring fun contest... and familiar rivals who both have gotten the best of each other in the past.

    "McDavid Delivers Christmas Gifts" Calgary Flames (15-17-4) vs. Edmonton Oilers (18-13-6) w/John Ott & Cooper Hopkins 12-23-25

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2025 150:58


    In a pre-Christmas battle of Alberta... Connor McDavid had another typical night. Crazy stuff.

    "Ready to Work" Vegas Golden Knights (16-6-10) vs. Calgary Flames (14-17-4) w/Cooper Hopkins

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2025 156:44


    Cooper Hopkins is back in the driver's seat with me for the first time since we opened the season with a Flames comeback against the Oilers. Now they look to take down another tough Pacific Division opponent. And keep our combined broadcast record on a torrid pace!

    “Navigation” Seattle Kraken (12-13-6) vs. Calgary Flames (13-17-4)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025 100:26


    One of these teams is locked inside a major struggle and it isn't quite who you think. I'm going to save those notes for the next broadcast with Cooper, but until then.... enjoy a pretty good hockey game.

    "Storylines" Edmonton Oilers (15-12-6) vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (14-8-9) w/Alec Nava 12-16-25

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2025 161:37


    Lots of history making aspects were on the table during this broadcast and Alec Nava and I return to the booth to guide you through it.

    "McDavid's Magic, Skinner's Last Game at Rogers" Detroit Red Wings (17-11-3) vs. Edmonton Oilers (13-11-6)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2025 99:18


    Nothing surprising in Connor McDavid making more magic on the ice... but this would be the last game for Stuart Skinner in an Edmonton uniform.

    "Jump Scare" Detroit Red Wings (16-11-3) vs. Calgary Flames (12-15-4) NHL P-B-P 12-10-25

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2025 135:17


    If you really want to win a game in today's NHL, you have to compete for a full 60 minutes. This contest ended up being pretty insane!

    NBA on Peacock: Chicago Bulls (9-10) vs. Orlando Magic (12-8)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2025 127:10


    It wasn't a bad game all told... and it came down to the wire.

    "60-Minute Effort" Seattle Kraken (9-5-5) vs. Chicago Blackhawks (10-5-4)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2025 134:31


    Two upstart teams that are near a playoff spot just prior to American Thanksgiving. But the most important thing to remember is that a full 60 minutes are required to get the victory more often than not.

    “A Milestone For Kadri” Columbus Blue Jackets (7-5-0) vs. Calgary Flames (3-9-2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2025 98:29


    A Stanley Cup Champion in 2022 hits another milestone. It's 1000 NHL games played for Nazem Kadri. What a special night this was at the Saddledome.

    “Back To The Emerald City” Edmonton Oilers (4-3-1) vs. Seattle Kraken (4-2-2) NHL P-B-P 10-25-25

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2025 128:30


    The Seattle Kraken finally return to home ice after a 2-2-2 road stand. This ended up being a pretty solid nightcap during ""Hockey Night in Canada."

    "By Any Means Necessary" Carolina Hurricanes (5-1-0) vs. Colorado Avalanche (5-0-2) NHL P-B-P 10-23-25

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2025 103:21


    Gutsy is one way to accurately describe this game... but to also call it lunacy would fit too.

    "World Series Dreams" ALCS Game 7: Seattle Mariners (90-72, 6-5) vs. Toronto Blue Jays (94-68, 6-4) w/John Ott & Alec Nava 10-20-25

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2025 184:51


    Find out who is moving on to play the Dodgers in this epic conclusion to the ALDS.

    ALDS Game 5 Instant Classic: "Marathon to the ALCS" Detroit Tigers (87-75, 4-3) vs. Seattle Mariners (90-72, 2-2) MLB P-B-P/Color 10-10-25

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2025 211:02


    Probably the hardest game I will ever have to call. But I am proud of my team and I imagine both Detroit and Seattle fans feel the same way!

    "Can't Put Out The Fire" NHL 25-26 Season Opener Instant Classic: Calgary Flames vs. Edmonton Oilers P-B-P/Color w/Cooper Hopkins 10-8-25

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2025 187:43


    If there was ever a doubt of Cooper and I having a good time watching the Flames in a brand new campaign of hockey... this would have been the time to have one. And no that would never happen! So, what followed must have been very memorable right?Check out our intermission content for some important news around the league and some personal updates from us!

    ALDS G2: Seattle Mariners (90-72, 1-1) vs. Detroit Tigers (87-75, 3-2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2025 164:48


    When push comes to shove you can see (and hear) that the Mariners are just a better baseball team. But can what Detroit did in the late innings spring hope for Game 4? Join Alec Nava and I on the call.

    "Jake Rogers Look-a-like Day" Kansas City Royals (66-63) vs. Detroit Tigers (77-53) MLB P-B-P w/ John Ott & Ian Genge 8-23-25

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2025 116:40


    This is a critical matchup in the AL Central for the Kansas City Royals who are aiming to keep pace in the American League Wild Card. For Detroit, it's about making sure Paddack can be a viable mix (or not) for the postseason rotation.

    "NL Central Powerhouses" Milwaukee Brewers (79-47) vs. Chicago Cubs (72-54) MLB P-B-P w/John Ott & Ian Genge 8-20-25

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2025 119:35


    What you hope for in a meeting between two excellent teams in the same division is a great game with a lot of intrigue. Both the Brewers and Cubs provided just that.

    "Walking In Runs, MLB Wrap-Around" San Diego Padres (69-53) vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (69-53) MLB P-B-P w/ John Ott & Ian Genge 8-16-25

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2025 139:30


    Since the game between the Padres and Dodgers got out hand quickly we took an MLB wraparound look on this Saturday. Join in for the game and crosstalk.

    Ichiro's Banner Night: “51” Tampa Bay Rays (57-60) vs. Seattle Mariners (64-53) ⚾️

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2025 144:13


    On a special night at T-Mobile Park "51" will forever be immortalized for Ichiro Suzuki. The Mariners are on fire and are hunting an improving position in the AL West everyday. This was pretty fun, and Ian and discuss the news around the league and our teams.

    "Geno Returns, Good Vibes Only!" Texas Rangers (57-52) vs. Seattle Mariners (57-52) MLB P-B-P/Deadline Talk w/John Ott, Cooper Hopkins & Ian Genge 7-31-25

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2025 162:29


    One of the biggest movers at the MLB Trade Deadline was Seattle GM Jerry Dipoto doing work to re-acquire Eugenio Suarez. This was about as good as it gets and the boys are here with me to break it all down.

    NHL Free Agency Frenzy 2025 Edition (Moves, Storylines & Predictions)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2025 101:57


    Another 2025 NHL Free Agency Frenzy w/Cooper Hopkins! All of the details can be read up on and listened to in the link below!https://tinyurl.com/4s3u23aw

    2025 State of the Union Address: The Outlook of Detroit Sports 7-22-25

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2025 97:05


    In certain instances most of these teams are starting to look really good. But I'm back (alongside Ian Genge) to let you know my thoughts and hopefully spark a few ideas about what the outlook should be and maybe after some steps ahead into the future.

    "Repeat" Stanley Cup Finals Game 6: Edmonton Oilers (48-29-5, 14-7) vs. Florida Panthers (47-31-4, 15-7) w/John Ott & Alec Nava 6-17-25

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2025 197:30


    The Florida Panthers were able to celebrate on home ice again. To be honest, this could be one of the best all-time teams we will discuss throughout NHL history.

    "Steel Trap" Stanley Cup Finals Game 5: Florida Panthers (47-31-4, 14-7) vs. Edmonton Oilers (48-29-5, 14-6) w/John Ott, Alec Nava & Ian Genge 6-14-25

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2025 168:54


    If you want game tape on how to win a game in the Stanley Cup Finals... this is how the Florida Panthers get the job done. What a business-like performance.

    "Shake it Off" Stanley Cup Finals Game 4: Edmonton Oilers (48-29-5, 13-6) vs. Florida Panthers (47-31-4, 14-6) w/John Ott, Alec Nava & Ian Genge 6-12-25

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2025 213:40


    Games can certainly get out of hand, but to see wild runs like this against two of the very best in NHL history is certainly shocking. Now the million-dollar question is what comes next.

    "Destruction Derby" Stanley Cup Finals Game 3: Edmonton Oilers (48-29-5, 13-5) vs. Florida Panthers (47-31-4, 13-6) w/ John Ott, Alec Nava & Cooper Hopkins 6-9-25

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2025 185:38


    The score line may have looked exactly like some pervious rounds, but to see "The Cats" put up this level of dominance on this stage in a game that matters so much... was pretty damn remarkable. Join the trio for this call, that was epic at times... physical, nasty and included some series talking points in intermission.

    "Greatest Game Ever?!" Stanley Cup Finals Game 2 Instant Classic: Florida Panthers (47-31-4, 12-6) vs. Edmonton Oilers (48-29-5, 13-4) w/ John Ott & Alec Nava 6-6-25

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2025 241:09


    Look there are no words to describe what even happened in the first period alone. But we have taken an absolute cinema of Game 1 and crushed the expectations for that here tonight. This is the best game I have ever had the privilege of calling. Join Alec and I for the memories.

    "The Rematch Begins" Stanley Cup Finals Game 1 Instant Classic: Florida Panthers (47-31-4, 12-5) vs. Edmonton Oilers (48-29-5, 12-4) w/John Ott & Alec Nava 6-4-25

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025 218:02


    We got something in Game 1 of the 2025 rematch that we didn't get at all last year! Don't miss this one.

    Stanley Cup Finals Preview Show: FLA-EDM 2025 Edition!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 45:24


    Get caught up before the big event with all the stats, stories and predictions you need to know! Yes, I've begrudgingly made my pick with analysis and not the heart! Still hope "The Cats" can do it again, PLEASE! (: Follow Our Live Broadcasts: On X, YouTube and Twitch. (@DatYinzerAlec, @JohnRyanOtt, @CooperHopkins) Replays via Podcasts: Hopeless Sports Guy & “Yinzer on the Mic. Written Coverage After The Game: Hopeless Sports Guy.  FLA-EDM Series Schedule (All TV Times Begin 8 p.m. EST, On-Air around 8:10)  TNT/truTV/Max (Not ABC, ESPN) Stateside Coverage This Season, Canada: CBC/Sportsnet.   Game 1: Wednesday, June 4 (Rogers Place) Game 2: Friday, June 6 (Rogers Place) Game 3: Monday, June 9 (Amerant Bank Arena) Game 4: Thursday, June 12 (Amerant Bank Arena) Game 5: Saturday, June 14 (Rogers Place) *if nec.* Game 6:  Tuesday, June 17 (Amerant Bank Arena) Game 7: Friday, June 20 (Rogers Place) 

    SC Playoffs WCF Game 5: "Unfinished Business" Edmonton Oilers (48-29-5, 11-4) vs. Dallas Stars (50-26-6, 9-8) w/John Ott, Alec Nava, Cooper Hopkins & Ian Genge 5-29-25

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 163:33


    The entire gang is back together for this pivotal matchup. If the Oilers win tonight... it sets up a Stanley Cup Finals rematch with the Panthers next week.

    "New Territory" NBA ECF Game 4: New York Knicks (51-31, 9-6) vs. Indiana Pacers (50-32, 10-3) (IND Leads 2-1)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 98:03


    This Pacers team is a machine and Tyrese Haliburton just made NBA history with his stat line.

    "92 Years in the Making" World Championship Gold Medal Game Instant Classic: Switzerland (8-0-1) vs. United States (8-1-0) IIHF P-B-P/Color 5-25-25

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2025 115:12


    This was a defensive battle. The last time these two teams met in the preliminaries it was Switzerland who came away from a 3-0 victory. Leonardo Genoni has been unbeatable and what would take place would be an instant classic.

    "Clinical" Stanley Cup Playoffs ECF Florida Panthers (47-31-4, 9-4) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (47-30-5, 8-3) w/John Ott & Ian Genge 5-22-25

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 138:04


    Join Ian Genge and I for this call... as we shared some harsh truths and discussed other topics too.

    "Self-Inflicted" Stanley Cup Playoffs WCF Game 1: Edmonton Oilers (48-29-5, 8-3) vs. Dallas Stars (50-26-6, 8-5) NHL P-B-P w/John Ott & Alec Nava 5-21-25

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 180:21


    When it comes down to winning games consistently in the playoffs, it takes a full 60 minutes. Let this be a lesson to everyone. Holy cow, what a turnaround!

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