Hopeless Sports Guy

I had said that upsets could be 2-for-2 in respective conference finals. This was a phenomenal first period between Carolina and Montreal. What took place at the end of the game was shocking. But MTL is becoming quickly one of my favorite teams to watch.

This was a heck of a Game 1 on the road at Ball Arena. No Cale Makar or Mark Stone. Maybe we will get the series that everyone was hoping for.

This started off in one direction and ended up being a game in which a team tried to nurse a lead a bit too quickly. Still... this contest was worth the wait! Enjoy, and see you Wednesday for the start of the conference finals.

When you have the horses, it probably means you have the advantage over a young team. Vegas showcased supreme skill and their experience was too much for Anaheim to handle. Still a fun broadcast... and now it's going to be a Avalanche and Golden Knights next week.

This supposed to be a very dynamic series, and in my first look (alongside many) to see Buffalo in the playoffs... they just didn't have it tonight.

I think from what I've seen from the Anaheim Ducks for the first time this season... they look to be a legitimate threat to make the Western Conference Finals. This was a responsible and very impressive defensive game against the Vegas Golden Knights.

The Colorado Avalanche have been rolling, and I'm on record saying that this team is giving me the same vibes from 2022. If the Minnesota Wild can't win this game after dropping that 9-6 opener... then they are in serious trouble. Join Alec Nava, Ian Genge and I for the call.

Will this be yet another one-goal game? It's been a crazy series. Join in. Series Recap:  Game 1: MTL wins 4-3 (OT) Ten total powerplays as teams combine 5-for-10! The shots were just 23-19 for TB. Juraj Slafkovsky lands a powerplay hat trick and that is the game-winner. Branson Hagel scores twice for TB. Dobes gets the win stopping just 20 of 23 while Vasilevskiy has a rough outing in the 15-for-19 OT loss. Game 2: TB wins 3-2 (OT) Seven powerplays MTL is the only to score on it. That's four already. Kucherov 12:33 in the third ties the game at 2-2. J.J. Moser wins it before the halfway mark.    Vasilevskiy 25 of 27 and plays much better. Lightning activity level increases as Dobes stops 31 of 34 in the loss.  Game 3: MTL wins 3-2 (OT) Nine powerplays and TB is the only to score.  Texier and Point in the first. Hagel and Kirby Dach in the second, before a scoreless third period. Lane Hutson gets he game-winner as the MTL depth combines for seven points outside of the Hutson superstar goal. Lightning can only manage 15 of 17 on Dobes in the loss. Vasilevskiy records a 26 of 29 effort (another sub .900). Game 4: TB wins 3-2. First regulation win of the series. A staggering 13 powerplays TB (1-for-7) MTL (1-for-6) and TB holds the shot board in the victory 20-18. Despite being outhit 50-28 and losing the faceoff battle 37-20! They also had 15 giveaways to just four for MTL! Canadiens lead 2-0 after a scoreless first behind Bolduc and Caufield who get their first of the playoffs. Guentzel responds for his first. Then Hagel adds a pair (his sixth of the series!) as TB completes the comeback in the third scoring twice. Sub .900 save percentages were enough in this game as “The Big Cat” stops 16 of 18 in the victory. Dobes was 17 for 20 in the loss.     

This ended up being a very good, near end of season game and broadcast. Join in.

Can the counter attacking style of Denver be enough to hold off Wisconsin?

This was one of the better college hockey games that you will ever see. The winner of this game faces the Wisconsin Badgers on Saturday.

Two teams that should be playoff participants in 2026. Lots of homeruns to speak of tonight. Thank you to Ian Genge for joining in.

Venezuela was looking for their first ever World Baseball Classic title in their first ever appearance. Team USA is looking to avoid a second-straight loss on the grandest stage. Feel the emotions and listen to the call here.

The Calgary Flames didn't make this easy for the heavily-injured Detroit Red Wings... but a vintage performance turned out to prove the difference. I outline alongside Ian Genge, what's ahead for the "Winged Wheel."

These are two teams in the Atlantic that needs points badly. But Detroit is entering the month of March... and on the mend.

This game ended up being very fun, it went down to the wire... and better yet is a lesson that the game is never over!

The Dallas Stars are rolling right now and looking to pick up another win on a back-to-back. Even with so many players out currently, they can still make the game look easy.

This was a heroic effort from the Oklahoma City Thunder. They were down eight players! It ended going down to the wire. Pistons needed to take care of business.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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!

 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!

*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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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 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.

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."

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

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

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!

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!

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.

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.