Moser, Lombardi and Kane

0:00 - Chris MacFarland has been given permission to speak to the Nashville Predators about a job. They'd have to beat GM. They'd have to make him something even better than that. Maybe that's why the end of season presser hasn't happened yet. It'd be pointless to put CMac up there in front of the media if he's leaving for Nashville anyway.15:28 - It's crazy that the Spurs are already in the NBA finals. They drafted Wemby, added some pieces around him, and made the NBA Finals in his 3rd year. Usually, teams have to lose before they can win. It's the process. You have to suffer! Feel the pain! You can't skip steps, so the old adage goes. Well, the Spurs skipped steps and made the finals pain-free. 32:14 - The Stanley Cup Final begins tonight. Can the Hurricanes do it? Can they end their 20-year cup drought and vanquish the evil Golden Knights?Also, was last year's Broncos season a fluke? Do you think they can win 14 games again, or come close? What other teams had flukey outlier-type seasons last year?

0:00 - Bill Simmons had some...STRONG words about the Nuggets and their unwillingness to spend in order to keep the roster together. Cool, man. But Bill clearly doesn't understand the intricacies of the CBA. I know we sound like a broken record, but the more you spend, the more your hands are tied. The Nuggets are very limited in what they can do this offseason especially without any good draft picks to offer up in a trade package.15:20 - Avs GM Chris MacFarland has been given permission to speak to the Nashville Predators. Could this be the end of CMac's tenure in Denver?37:50 - Oh, by the way...Yul Brynner was a total beefcake. Oh, by the way...a softball player for Texas has a very strangle superstition. She eats ladybugs for good luck. Oh, by the way...rankings have been released for all 48 teams in the World Cup. Where does the US rank?

0:00 - Ding dong, the Flop is dead! The Spurs beat the Thunder in 7, and they're heading back to the NBA Finals. Watching the WCF got Brett thinking...could the Nuggets beat either of these teams in a 7 game series when fully healthy? Even though the biggest concern is whether or not the Nuggets CAN stay healthy for a full season & playoffs. Ultimately, what do the Nuggets need to do?14:31 - Well that came out of nowhere! Some HUGE blockbuster trades went down around the NFL yesterday & over the weekend. One of them poses a direct threat to the Broncos. But thankfully, that trade could still go up in flames. 33:31 - The Stanley Cup Final begins tonight. Avs fans, will you tune in? Will you hate-watch the Golden Knights and root for the Hurricanes? Or is it too painful to tune in at all?

0:00 - Von Miller chatted with us for a few minutes this morning! Vic hosted his Von's Vision fundraiser event last night. It's not secret that the Vonster wants to return to the Broncos ASAFP. We asked him what he thinks his role would be in the already stacked Broncos defense.17:18 - The more and more Brett stews on it, the more and more Avs vs Golden Knights seems like a fluke. If you play that exact series 100 times, the Avs will probably get swept 1 time. Unfortunately, we're all alive in the timeline where they got swept. Be careful making, pardon the pun, sweeping changes to the roster/personnel because of a freak occurrence. 34:42 - It's our favorite part of the week DRUNK TAKES! We take clips from throughout the week, slow em down to half speed and it makes us sound like we're hammered.Today's edition includes: give us a good flush, armored stuffhole, what you should be aware of, she's a total [redacted], and a suspicious keys to the game.

0:00 - What's worse? Knowing what you need to do to fix your roster, but not being able to do it because of cap/CBA contraints? Or having a great roster that fell short and not knowing what you're supposed to do with it? Could we possibly be talking about 2 teams in this town?13:22 - The NBA officially approved a "solution" that's going to "fix" the tanking "issue" that's plaguing the league! Here's the thing though. It's super convoluted, bloated, and no one really understands what's going on. And again...more importantly...it STILL DOESN'T FIX THE PROBLEM! How are we still doing this??35:09 - Oh, by the way...the MLB tentatively proposed a hard salary cap and a spending floor. Unsurprisingly, the MLBPA didn't like the proposal. Strap in, y'all. There will be no baseball played in 2027. We're 1000% headed for a lockout.Oh, by the way...SEC Commissioner said the Cupcake Scheduling Week is officially over. Sorry, Alabama. You don't get to host North Arkansas Tech Community College the week before the Iron Bowl anymore.

0:00 - The Avs and the Nuggets are in different situations roster-wise. The Nuggets might know what they need to do, but don't have the cap room to do it. Meanwhile, the Avalanche don't know WHAT to do, and maybe they don't need to do anything! They're different sides of the same weird coin.15:14 - Vic hosted Von Miller's Von's Vision fundraiser last night, and he got the Vonster to give us a few minutes this morning! Von has publicly campaigned for a return to the Broncos for years now. Why? Why does he want to come back? What would his role be?32:49 - Yesterday, Claude Lemiux tragically passed away at the age of 60. RIP an Avalanche legend & an NHL legend.

0:00 - Broncos OTAs begin next week! Let's check in with our Broncos Insider, Jeff Legwold of ESPN. What does he think of Patrick Mahomes' impressive recovery timetable? Does he think the Broncos will bring back Von Miller in any capacity? How's Bo Nix's ankle looking?18:36 - We got a message on the Voice of the People (which is always there for you on the Altitude Sports Radio app, just tap the microphone at the bottom of the screen and leave me a message), and said the Avs vs Knights in the Conference final came down to one thing: desire. That feels like a bit of an oversimplification, does it not?After that, Adam Silver hopped on with Pat McAfee yesterday ask had to address the elephant in the room: flopping. He said there's an important distinction between "flopping" and "selling calls." Here's the thing...what if there's wasn't a distinction? How about allowing NONE of it?33:45 - SGA has sent a cease and desist to Underdog Sports because of the "Unethical Hoops" board game they created. While they never use SGA's name in the game, it's very clearly him. His legal team has stated that Underdog can no longer use his image and likeness, effective immediately. 

0:00 - Putting aside coaching for the moment...what are personnel needs for the Avalanche?15:11 - We've had Avalanche tunnel vision for the past month, as we should. What are some NFL stories we've missed during the Avs playoff run?33:02 - Oh, by the way...Javon Kinlaw might be the first person ever to use profanity as punctuation. Oh, by the way...a reporter asked Drake Maye is he's gotten "thiccer with two Cs." I do not think that means what you think it means. Oh, by the way...Team USA's World Cup roster is set. How many players you name off the top of your head?

0:00 - Today's mostly going to be an Avalanche Autopsy day. We've had another day to process this crushing defeat a bit more. As we look at the future and the long offseason, what changes do we need to see?15:19 - All things considered, would you rather be the Avalanche or the Nuggets right now?32:11 - First, how often does the "best" team actually win? The Avs were the best team in the regular season. They have a trophy to prove it! How do you define "best" team?Second, OTAs are underway for most NFL teams and shocker...Patrick Mahomes is on the field practicing for the Chiefs! He tore his ACL about 5 months ago. That's a quick recovery! But this shouldn't come as a shock to anyone. We knew he was going to be back when the NFL announced Broncos @ Chiefs on Monday Night Football Week 1. They showed their hand.

0:00 - Watching Colorado collapse in the conference finals broke Brett's brain. We genuinely don't know how to properly evaluate teams anymore. Everything we thought we knew about hockey? Throw it out the window.13:53 - We've been struggling to make sense of the last 4 games. Logan O'Connor summed it all up pretty succinctly after the game last night. 30:00 - We've experienced 3 heartbreaking playoff exits in a row. Which one was the most devistating? Bo Nix breaking his ankle, then the Broncos losing the AFC Championship in a snowglobe? The Nuggets getting punked and bullied by the Timberwolves en route to a first round exit? Or the Avalanche getting swept in the conference finals by the Golden Knights?

0:00 - Sean Payton hates the phrase, but who cares? The Avs aren't his hump anyway. Should the Avs "run it back" next season? What would that look like?15:43 - A lot of people have been saying "quit" and "give up" about the Avs. Did the quit last night in Game 4? Did they give up? Or did they battle til the bitter end?32:28 - The conversation surrounding Cale Makar, his injury, and his return were...curious, to say the least. We'll probably find out more about his injury in the coming weeks.

0:00 - That's all, folks. The Colorado Wagon rolled to a complete stop last night. Vegas completed the sweep of the Avalanche and ended their quest for Lord Stanley. We're stunned. Speechless. How do we begin to dissect this stupefying series?15:11 - Complete and total shock. That's what we're feeling this morning. How does it compare to the way we felt after the Broncos got obliterated in Super Bowl 48? It's gotta be comparable, right? After that, we hit the phones to see how fans throughout Avalanche Territory are feeling this morning.35:22 - A caller mentioned that Chris MacFarland should receive more criticism. Look at all the moves he made with this roster throughout the year! Come on, now. Let's not play revisionist history here. No one had any problem with this roster all season long. Heck, we weren't having these conversations one week ago!

0:00 - Yesterday on the Morning Sprint, Raj said Bednar will probably lose his job UNLESS the Avs push this series to 7 games. If they lose in 4, 5, or 6, he's gone. His message in the locker room has gotten stale. Is there any truth to that? Just how hot is Bednar's seat?13:54 - Why did the tides turn against the Avs in Game 3? They had a 3-goal lead, they had momentum, heck, they even had PUCK LUCK and yet they folded after the slightest bit of so-called "adversity." Why couldn't they hang on to the lead?30:18 - Hopefully not for the last time this season...let's get Moser's keys to an Avalanche victory tonight in Game 4 vs Vegas. That spiraled into a discussion about weird meats we've eaten before. Evidently, hippo meat is pretty good. Go Avs!

0:00 - It's win or go home tonight. How will the Avs respond? Will they rise to the challenge?17:16 - Vic shared some heartfelt memories of the late great Ezio Lombardi. He truly lived the American Dream. Rest in peace a North Denver legend.After that, do we think Nathan MacKinnon will be able to rally and play tonight? Even if he plays in a very limited capacity, can a hobbled MacKinnon be a difference-maker?33:27 - Oh, by the way...do you care about combined No-Hitters at all? Oh, by the way...Bryce Harper posted a video of himself brushing his teeth, and his method for applying toothpaste is truly insane. Oh, by the way...a dog in Scottsbluff, Nebraska accidentally shot someone with a shotgun. Yeah, you read that right.

0:00 - What do you expect to see from the Avalanche tonight in Game 4? What do you want/need to see from the Avs? Do you want to see them win a game for the sake of pride? Or would you rather they just lose, head to Cancun, and start getting healthy?15:37 - For everyone who wants Bednar fired, what do you want him to do differently? WHY do you want him fired? Brett is sick of people hammering the "Fire Bednar" button. Give a specific reason why you want him out. 32:36 - First of all, the song we were jamming to was "Waffle House" by the Jonas Brothers. Long time listeners of ML&K know that banger inside and out.After that, tonight we're gonna party like it's 1999! The Knicks FINALLY made it back to the NBA Finals for the first time in 27 years. They're not just winning playoff games. They're DEMOLISHING their opponents. This is a reign of terror on the Eastern Conference. 

0:00 - Believe it or not, teams HAVE battled back from down 0-3 in the Stanley Cup Playoffs before! It's not unprecedented. Brett dug up the numbers. Improbable? Definitely. Impossible? No. 14:33 - In order to "fix" the Avs, we have to diagnose the problem. And that's where it gets weird. What's the issue with the Avs? We can't find one. Aside from the fact that, well, they're not winning. 34:52 - All day, people have been hammering Brett & Moser for not criticizing Coach Bednar more. How much responsibility does he have for the team's shortcomings? And more importantly, what do you think he could've done differently in this series? 

0:00 - The Avalanche caught whatever's plaguing the Nuggets. They lack any sort of fight and mental fortitude. They had a 3-0 lead over Vegas last night, and after Vegas scored that first goal, it seems like the tires completely popped off the Colorado Wagon. It's like the Avs just rolled over and gave up. Where's the fight? Where's the grit?16:16 - This wasn't supposed to happen to the Avs. They weren't supposed to be completely outgunned in the damn Western Conference Final. Chris MacFarland has made moves on moves on moves and reshuffled the deck so many times to put them in a position to succeed. This felt like their year. And yet, the season is all but finished. What does it come down to? Coaching? Roster deficiencies? Or have the Avs big guns failed to step up when they're needed the most?34:06 - Oh, by the way...the Enhanced Games took place this weekend. They're like the Olympics, but you're allowed to use any "banned" substance you want. Any sort of hormone, steroid, whatever, you name it, it's legal.Oh, by the way...Justin Simmons just retired from the NFL and hit a hole in one this weekend. Come on, man. That's not fair. How have lifetime golfers like Moser and Vic not hit one yet, but Justin Simmons gets one immediately? Not fair.Oh, by the way...Dillon Brooks teamed up with Underdog to create a board game about SGA called "Unethical Hoops." It's a parody of Operation. I kid you not. It's real and it's spectacular. 

0:00 - For people who speak into a microphone for a living, we were rendered speechless last night. That was such a monumental and meteoric collapse by the Avalanche to all but doom their season. Unbelievable. We know they're only down 0-3 and the season isn't over yet, but man it feels like it's over today. What the heck happened to this team??15:48 - After Game 2, Coach Bednar said it's Cale's decision when he wants to return to play. He doubled down on it Saturday morning. What do we make of that?Next, who's to blame for the collapse? There's plenty of blame to go around, for sure. How much of it, if any, is on Bednar's shoulders? Or is it more on the players?34:05 - We still can't believe the Avs blew that game last night. How are they down 0-3 in this series?? This is unbelievable. We wouldn't have predicted this outcome in 1000 years. Not a team this good. The Avs had no fight when the going go the tiniest bit tough.

0:00 - Cale Makar is on the ice at morning skate? How's he looking? DMac is down there at Ball Arena. Let's get him on the horn for some live updates on Makar's status.16:05 - We jokingly gave a morbid keys to the game in the last segment. So NOW, let's get the real Keys to an Avalanche victory tonight in Game 2. 31:27 - It's our favorite part of the week, DRUNK TAKES! We take clips from throughout the week, slow em down to half speed and it makes us sound like we're hammered.

0:00 - On Spittin Chiclets the other day, Biz said the Avalanche are done for without Cale Makar. Erik Johnson joined Pat McAfee and said missing Cale Makar is like missing prime LeBron James. Can the Avalanche still win this series without him in the lineup?15:32 - We cold-called Mark Rycroft, and he answered the phone LIVE from his toilet! That's the kind of unfettered access we get here at Altitude Sports Radio! How's Ryker feeling about the Avs heading into tonight's game?31:57 - Oh, by the way...turns out, Zach Agnos is fantastic as a starting pitcher and terrible as a bullpen pitcher. It's Rockies Freaky Friday out here!Oh, by the way...Eagles linebacker Nolan Smith was arrested from driving 135 mph in a 70 mph zone. When was the last time you drove a vehicle over 100 mph? Oh, and take a guess where he played his college ball.Oh, by the way...the NY Football Giants just signed their GM Joe Schoen to a multi-year extension. There's no universe where this move makes any sense.

0:00 - It's finally GAME DAY! Avs vs Golden Knights Game 2. Western Conference Final. Ball Arena. Makar or no Makar, we're excited, but it's a chance for the Avs to really prove themselves.14:38 - We're not panicking about the Avs. You heard us say it all day yesterday. But you know who else isn't panicked? The team! If you listen to everything Bedsie and the players said postgame after the Game 1 loss, they sounded calm. They didn't sound dejected or worried.Also yesterday, Vic Lombardi violated a cardinal sin of our radio show. Court is in session!32:50 - It seemed like the Avs were playing with "hesitancy" in Game 1. They need to pick up the pace and be more decisive tonight.

0:00 - Nathan MacKinnon said it like 5 times postgame: they Avs didn't execute. They stuck to the plan for a good majority of the game, but you need to play a full 60 min to beat Vegas. ESPECIALLY in the playoffs. Why did their gameplan falter at times?13:57 - This Avalanche squad knows how to respond to adversity. Coach Bednar said it himself after the game. Look at how they've responded all season long. Moser also had an example from last season...and managed to get basically everything wrong. But, what did he mean?31:57 - Nothing about last night's Avs loss makes Brett think there are any chinks in the armor. No cracks in the foundation. They're still solid. There's a LONG way to go before we start to panic.

0:00 - Last night's Avs loss stings. Losing to Vegas is never fun, especially at home in Game 1 of the Western Conference Final. But the Avs did a lot of things right. There are PLENTY of positive takeaways. They need to tighten up their execution, put more pressure on Carter Hart, and figure out their line combos without Makar. But make no mistake. They WILL respond and win Game 2. 12:32 - Are you panicking about the Avs right now? Hop on a flight on Moser Airlines. He'll be your flight attendant for today. He'll guide you through these turbulent skies.30:56 - Oh, by the way...Aaron Rodgers officially announced that 2026 will be his final season in the NFL. Brace yourself for the upcoming retirement tour. Oh, by the way...Bill Barnwell wrote a list of every team's best and worst offseason moves so far. What did he choose for the Broncos? Oh, by the way...the Avalanche set out playoff t-shirts for their fans to wear at last night's game. And no one worse them. Why are the Avs a pom pom fanbase but not a t-shirt fanbase?

0:00 - The Avs lost to Vegas last night in Game 1 of the Western Conference Final. Oh boy. Here we go again. But the boys aren't panicking this morning! The Avalanche played a solid game last night, but couldn't execute in key moments. It was a razor thin margin. The final score doesn't do justice how close the game actually was.Do you agree with Brett & Moser? Or are you hitting the panic button today?14:23 - What were the three biggest components of the Avs loss, according to Kaner?32:48 - Why is everyone acting like the sky is falling? The Avalanche lost their 2nd game of the entire postseason! Even the best teams lose, and the Avs played really well for the majority of the game? And yet, a large chunk of Avs fans are acting like we're completely and totally doomed!

0:00 - Brett says the Avs vs Golden Knights series will come down to 3 things. 16:09 - Coach Bednar spoke with us earlier today, and he said this team is HUNGRY right now. They had a similar hunger in 2022. They were fueled by their early exit in 2021 when the fell flat on their faces vs these same Golden Knights and got bounced in the 2nd round.33:33 - Moser left early. Vic left early. So instead of making Brett do a bonus Appetizer Hour segment, let's head to the bullpen. Coach and Springer (in for Raj) joined us LIVE from the Penalty Box in Ball Arena! They're hanging out there all morning, and we hope none of the Avs spend time there. What are Coach and Springer seeing up close and personal at ice level?

0:00 - How's Coach feeling before the Western Conference Final begins tonight? Will he give us a concrete injury update? Are his boys ready to roll?17:30 - Both Moser and Vic have to leave the show early today. Doesn't anyone WORK around here?? Brett's the only one holding it down. So before Moser leaves, let's get a Keys to the Game: Western Conference Final edition. Can he incorporate more Star Trek references?34:09 - Oh, by the way...Nolan Arenado hit a Grand Slam on the 6th pitch of the 1st inning. That's damn near impossible. Has anyone ever hit a Grand Slam on the 6th pitch of a ballgame before? Oh, by the way...Rashee Rice recently had a clean-up procedure on his knee to remove loose debris that was causing inflamation. He'll have plenty of time to recover in jail, where he'll be spending 30 days for violating parole. Oh by the way...our coworkers Arsenal won the Premier League for the first time in 2022 years! The Rams, Avalanche, Nuggets, Mammoth (Colorado, not Utah, the REAL Mammoth team), and now Arsenal have all won championships since 2020. Not bad for the extended Kroenke Family of Teams.

0:00 - It's finally here. The Colorado Hockey Avalanche will play a hockey game tonight. How are we feeling, Avalanche Territory?17:02 - Are you nervous about Avs vs Golden Knights Game 1? Do you still have residual trauma from 2021? It's understandable if you do, but let's compare the rosters. The 2026 Avs are COMPLETELY different from the 2021 Avs that collapsed in the 2nd round vs Vegas.Speaking of trauma and collapse, the Cleveland Cavaliers choked away a MASSIVE lead over the Knicks in the 4Q of the Eastern Conference Final Game 1 yesterday. Serious, that was a legendary all-time choke job. Hard to believe. 32:43 - Brett Kulak joined PHD yesterday and they asked him what surprised him about this Avs team after he was traded. This is a guy who just played in 2 consecutive Cup Finals with Edmonton. Think he knows what it takes to make a deep run?Also, Nathan MacKinnon spoke to the media yesterday, and said Brent Burns is basically a bear because he sleeps all day.

0:00 - What are the biggest advantages and biggest weaknesses the Avs have in their upcoming series with the Golden Knights?15:19 - OKC isn't a team that knows how to handle adversity. Look at last season. The team that played them the hardest in the playoffs was a Nuggets team with like 5.5 healthy dudes. THAT team pushed OKC to 7 games! This core isn't tested for tough times. Game 1 of the WCF proved it. The Spurs have OKC's number, and they don't know how to respond.31:07 - Speaking of teams that haven't been tested, the Avs NEED to put pressure on Carter Hart. He hasn't faced a high profile offense like Colorado's in the playoffs. Throw shots on him early and often. See what he's really made of.

0:00 - Lots of people in the NHL World are saying that Nathan MacKinnon is on some sort of revenge tour right now because of the Olympics loss. His silver medal and that stoat plushie are fueling him on a reign of terror through the NHL playoffs. Brett says that narrative is false. MacKinnon is motivated because he's MacKinnon. If he won a gold medal with Canada, you're saying he'd be less motivated to win Lord Stanley again?16:02 - The Nuggets are probably going to let Valanciunas go. They STILL need a backup center. Or...do they? If they keep going through backup center candidates year after year and can't find a viable option, maybe that's because they don't need one. Their Jokic-based system doesn't require one. 32:35 - Oh, by the way...Jaxon Smith-Njigba received his Offensive Player of the Year award in the mail, and it was riddled with errors. The NFL doesn't proofread, I guess. Oh, by the way...Seattle is investing MILLIONS of dollars in solar-powered bathrooms around the city for the World Cup. Oh, by the way...Brett got got! Or he almost got got, depending on who you ask.

0:00 - Best two words in sports: Game 7. Buffalo vs Montreal was, as the Scorsese meme goes, Absolute Cinema. Shoutout former Av Alex Newhook for the OT game winner! He's scored 2 Game 7 game-winning goals in the same playoff series. Speaking of absolute cinema, how about Wemby carving up the Thunder on the road in Game 1 of the WCF? Wemby has been just as good as advertised, if not better. He's only 22 years old. Strap in, y'all. He's gonna be a problem for a LONG time.16:23 - Let's preview tomorrow's Avs vs Golden Knights WCF Game 1 by the numbers. Moser actually hit the books and did some research! 33:42 - Last week, Colin Cowherd said the NFL intentionally gave the Broncos a ridiculously though schedule in Weeks 1-6 because they don't like Sean Payton. They're trying to stick it to him publicly. We see Colin's mouth moving...but it's Sean Payton's word coming out.(And for what it's worth, the song I bumped back with is "All Downhill From Here" by New Found Glory)

0:00 - Winning a championship is a GRIND. It may have seemed like the Avs cruised to a Cup in 2022 with their impressive 16-4 record, but don't let that fool you. It was tough as hell. Coach Bednar said so himself. Heck, after the Nuggets won the title, Jokic was relieved more than anything. It's a relief to be done with the long climb.13:19 - Vic's beautiful baby boy graduated law school this past weekend! They threw a graduation party for him, and at that party, Vic checked something off his bucket list.After that, the Timberwolves got BOAT RACED by the Spurs in Game 6. Why is that? Brett says Minnesota's not a GOOD team, but they're a TOUGH team. There's a difference.31:14 - Is giving up a shorthanded goal the most embarrassing thing you can do late in a game? Is there a MORE embarrassing way to lose?

0:00 - The Avs are facing the Golden Knights in the Western Conference Final. They won't just have the support of Avs fans. They'll have the support of the entire NHL World. Since Vegas entered the league almost 10 years ago, they've consistently rubbed everyone the wrong way. No one outside the state of Nevada wants to see them succeed ever again.17:51 - The Cavaliers beat the Pistons in Game 7 to advance to the ECF yesterday. Cavs owner Dan Gilbert bought 1200 tickets and 25 buses to send a bunch of Cavs fans the game in Detriot. If you remember, Steve Ballmer did the same thing to the Nuggets last year! He bought a bunch of tickets and flew Clippers fans to Game 7 in Denver. That feels weird, right? That shouldn't be allowed. But how would you begin to police that? 34:14 - Oh, by the way...The Rockies are struggling again. Big time. But the GOOD news is, they actually have a tradable asset in the bullpen now! Oh, by the way...a high school track & field team was disqualified from winning their 5th-straight state championship because of a "taunting" gesture. Oh, by the way...Ronda Rousey fought Gina Carano this weekend and won in less than 15 seconds. Rousey's decisive victory in her return to fighting seemed almost too good to be true. Internet conspiracies abound!

0:00 - Coach Bednar spoke over the weekend about why the Stanley Cup is the hardest trophy to win in all of sports. It takes SO MANY factors to win. Some of them are in your control, and a lot of them aren't. Let's have Vic write down the full list of factors, so we're all on the same page. You ready, Vic?16:32 - SGA won his 2nd-straight NBA MVP over the weekend and it got Brett thinking...Jokic isn't very involved in Nuggets roster decisions. At least not publicly. Should he be more involved? He's the 3x MVP who's about to sign a super duper max extension. Maybe he SHOULD be more vocal with the front office. 35:34 - The NBA on Amazon Prime broadcast was pefectly primed to announce the NBA MVP in prime time (pardon the puns). Then, Shams tweeted out the announcement at 7:50am MT. Why would he do that? Did he have ulterior motives for spoiling the MVP announcement like 12 hours early?

0:00 - Well, we were TRYING to discuss the Broncos schedule, which was released yesterday. But instead, we devolved into something we've now dubbed the Marc Moser Hat Trick. 15:55 - Alright, back to sports! God forbid. This Vegas Golden Knights team is a problem! The Avs will still match up well with them, but VGK is battle tested in the postseason. This franchise has made the playoffs almsot every single season they've existed.33:14 - It's our favorite part of the week DRUNK TAKES! We take clips from throughout the week, slow em down to half speed and it makes us sound like we're hammered. 

0:00 - Yesterday, all NFL teams released their full schedules, which means...it's time for everyone's annual tradition. Let's have Marc Moser go through the Broncos schedule game by game and make his official predictions! Big time win! Du-uuuuubbbb! Last year, Mose had the Broncos going 11-6 overall, and 3-3 within the division. What's in store for the Broncos this year?16:22 - Starting on Wednesday, the Avalanche will face the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference Final. During the 2nd round, everyone said the Wild are probably the toughest opponent the Avs will face in the playoffs. That Avs vs Wild would be the defacto Stanley Cup Final. If that's true, then Vegas has to be an "easier" opponent, right? So, how tough will this series be? How good is this VGK team under Torts?32:19 - Oh, by the way...The PGA Championship is ROUGH so far. These golfers are getting demolished. Oh, by the way...The LA Chargers had an epic schedule release video again. Man, that social team is consistent. Oh, by the way...you can bring a Ziploc gallon bag full of homemade spaghetti into more than half of MLB stadiums, Coors Field included. Do with this information what you will. 

0:00 - It's official: the Avalanche will face the Golden Knights in the Western Conference Final. How do we like the matchup? Do we want Moser to interview Vegas' stupidly insanely loud in-arena PA announcer? That guy's already on The List, along with Mark Stone's Face and the LTIR.14:55 - Happy NFL Schedule Release Day! (yesterday) What did we think of the Broncos schedule release video? How about the schedule itself? The first 6 weeks of the season are a friggin GAUNTLET. 30:30 - Brett saw the trailer for the new Will Ferrell Netflix show "Hawk" about a washed up golfer attempting to make a comeback. It got Brett thinking...are new comedies just plain bad these days? Are there not many good movies anymore? Or is Brett just getting old?

0:00 - We love a good bench cam! It captured the pure joy of the Avalanche bench when Brett Kulak scored the OT winner and sent Colorado onto the Western Conference Final. The thrill of victory.13:09 - Let's take a BRIEF break from Avalanche revelry to get a Broncos/NFL update with our Insider, ESPN's Jeff Legwold. What does Leggy think about the Broncos starting the season on MNF at Kansas City? How about all these international games? How far does Leggy think the NFL wants to expand? Is the values of RBs finally increasing again? Is the Bell Cow Back in vogue again?32:58 - Ryker was on the call last night with Conor McGahey. And Ryker's screams of pure sports joy reminded us of other famous screams throughout history.

0:00 - Nathan MacKinnon caught up with the TNT crew after the game and answered the two burning questions on everyone's minds: how's his nose, and why was he swimming in a hotel pool with flippers?11:49 - Cale Makar got a bit banged up during the game last night, but he returned. But it looked like his arm/shoulder area was still bothering him. In his postgame presser, Coach Bednar said "Cale's is...okay." All the internet detectives are analyzing his tone of voice to try and determine if Cale truly IS okay. I guess we're playing this Zapruder film game again.Also in his postgame presser, Bedsie was asked about the Cup or Bust expectations with this team. He said it puts a lot of pressure on the team, but he wouldn't have it any other way.29:58 - Oh, by the way...we already have the NFL Thanksgiving slate. In addition to packed Turkey Day lineup, it looks like the NFL is scheduling games on Thanksgiving Eve (Wednesday) AND Black Friday. Oh, by the way...Golfer Garrick Higgo was late to his tee time at the PGA Championship and received a two stroke penalty for it. Amateur hour! Oh, by the way...De'Von Achane just got PAID. Does this start to reset the RB market a bit? 

0:00 - What a comeback for the Avs! They immediately went down 3-0 in the first period, tied it late in the 3rd period with quick back-to-back goals, forced OT, when won it in OT. My goodness. That game was anything but pretty, but all that matters is the final score. Happy Trails, Minnesota Wild! The Western Conference Final awaits.17:04 - Makar got dinged up in that game, and even though he came back, his arm looked like it was bothering him. Should we be concerned? Coach Bednar was asked about it after the game and gave a short answer.Also, Blackwood got shelled for 3 early goals. So Bedsie swapped him for Wedgewood and it calmed things down. That pretty much solidifies it. It's Wedgewood's from here on out. We're done with the carousel, right?33:56 - Colorado's depth is insane. You got goals from Parker Kelly, Jack Drury, and Brett Kulak?? That's ridiculous! After the game, Coach Bednar praised Kulak for his reliability and versatility.

0:00 - Moser left a little early this morning because he has to GET TO SKATE! But before he left, he didn't give us his Keys. So, let's give him a call and get the Keys to Avs vs Wild Game 5 live from Moser's car en route to Ball Arena! Last game, he went with a Star Trek quote. What will he use today?14:39 - We already know the Broncos defense is elite, but we have yet another stat to prove it. After that, the Avs need to STAY OUT OF THE BOX tonight. Cut down on the penalties, boys. But Vic says a few penalties are acceptable, depending on which penalties they are. Not all penalties are created equal.33:29 - Why do all athletes go to Gemany to get mysterious medical procedures? Turkey is for hair replacement, Germany is for sports medicine I guess? What's in the water over there?

0:00 - Huge game 5 coming up tonight between the Avs and Wild. Avalanche Head Coach Jared Bednar joined us this morning to preview the action.What did Coach think of the Manson - McCarron "butt ending" scuffle? How's Nathan MacKinnon doing after taking a puck in the schnozz last game? Why did Coach start Blackwood in net in Game 4 instead of going back to Wedgewood? Will Coach divulge any injury updates? 16:18 - Nothing Coach said was particularly surprising. He told us all season long that the 2 goalie rotation is the key to success, so why would he change that during the playoffs? And he's stayed true to his word. What kind of game are we expecting tonight? Another wide-open barn burner like Game 1? Or a tighter, grittier, low-scoring game like a 3-1 slugfest?32:56 - Oh, by the way...someone did the math of how many miles each NFL team will travel this season. Where do the Broncos stack up? Oh, by the way...a jackwagon tourist in Hawai'i got what was coming to him. A classic case of instant karma. Oh, by the way...the 76ers fired Daryl Morey. I guess we no longer trust the process.

0:00 - Here we are 2 days later, and Brett still can't that Michael McCarron did what he did in Game 4. Hockey is the only sport in the WORLD where the players are not only allowed to police themselves, but it's encourages and ALLOWED. And yet, he spent the whole game flopping and yapping at the refs. That's certianly a choice.15:58 - The Broncos will start the year by playing the Chiefs on Monday Night Football...on the road...in KC. Is that a disrespectful move? The Broncos were within spitting distance of the Super Bowl, and yet they didn't earn a home game in Week 1? That doesn't feel right.After that, the Rockies an into an immovable object last night named Paul Skenes. That guy is unbelievable.33:36 - Chris MacFarland has been nominated for GM of the Year. Well deserved. He absolutely should win. Every single mid-season acquisition the Avs picked us is contributing in the playoffs. And he does this every year. Remember last year when he swapped Mikko for Marty Nachos? How's Nachos been?

0:00 - Hockey hits are truly different than any other sport. You're not just colliding with other humans. You're getting slammed full force into immovable planks of solid wood, by huge humans moving at high speeds. There's no other sport like it.Also, we were critical of Jared Bednar yesterday for sticking with MacKenzie Blackwood in net for Game 4. It seemed like a solution in search of a problem. And today, we're here to eat crow. Clearly Bedsie knows that goalie room better than anyone else, and that's all that matters. But now, here's where it gets really interesting...who starts in net tomorrow for Game 5?17:05 - Josh Manson clearly got in Michael McCarron's head last night. Manson is a pest. He plays right on that line, but he doesn't cross the line. Every team needs a player like that. Josh Manson is doing to the Wild what Jaden McDaniels did to the Nuggets.32:39 - Some final odds and ends here...The Broncos probably need to a get a restraining order against Von Miller. What happened to Cal Raleigh, who (you could argue) should've won AL MVP over Aaron Judge? Is it okay to send a tweet to the group chat during the waining seconds of a playoff game? LaMelo Ball's partner is named Ana Montana, and they named their son LaOne? Huh?

0:00 - Avs beat the Wild Game 4 last night, and take a commanding 3-1 lead as the series heads back to Denver for Game 5. It feels like this series is all but wrapped up. Colorado has all the momentum, and has had it for most of the series. But playoffs are weird, man. The Hockey Gods are cruel. The Avs can't take their foot off the gas pedal. Don't take anything for granted. Take care of business tomorrow night, wrap this thing up, and head to the conference final. 15:41 - Sean Payton addressed the media at Rookie Mini-Camp over the weekend, and gave the media an update on Bo Nix's ankle, second surgery, and recovery timetable. How do we feel about this whole thing? Are we still concerned about that ankle holding up? Or is this just a bunch of overblown unnecessary panicking? 33:45 - Oh, by the way...former Broncos QB Craig Morton passed away over the weekend. His importance to this franchise cannot be understated. RIP one of the Denver greats. Oh, by the way...the Buffalo Bills new stadium looks kinda bland. If you're building a brand new stadium, and least make it look cool and modern. Oh, by the way...we have a new word for Moser to incorporate into a broadcast.

0:00 - ONE. MORE. WIN. That's all the Avs need to punch their ticket to the Western Conference Final. They beat the Wild last night in Game 4 and looked COMPLETELY different from Game 3. Much improved. Way more focused & bought in. 14:48 - Josh Manson got in a scuffle with Michael McCarron last night. He rammed his stick into the side of McCarron's head/neck area. DURING THE GAME, in an intermission interview, McCarron said Manson's a dirty player. Again, he said that DURING THE GAME. That's crazy! He doubled down on the dirtiness in his postgame comments. And honestly. GOOD. You need a pest that gets in your opponent's head.33:08 - MacKinnon caught a slapshot right in the face. Stopped that puck with his nose. Next period, he was back in the game. Even got the game-sealing empty-net goal. Hockey players are truly built different. After that, we learned today that the first Monday Night Football game of the season is scheduled for September 14 between...the Broncos and the Chiefs! Hell yeah, brother. What a way to start the season. But, Brett said this is an indication of something larger...

0:00 - It's a pivotal Game 4 for the Avalanche tonight against the Wild. What are the Keys to an Avalanche victory?14:56 - Over the weekend, Marvin Mims said that the Broncos haven't started contract negotiations with him yet. He's due for an extension after this season. Why is that?After that, Aaron Gordon was a big topic of discussion at the Nuggets End of the Season presser. He's a hugely important piece of this team. But the bottom line is he can't stay healthy consistently. So what's next for Mr. Nugget?36:24 - The fellas make their final predictions for Game 4, and talk about pool flippers a bunch. For some reason. 

0:00 - First of all, Jesper Wallstedt is getting a little too big for his britches as a rookie. Bro, you've played like 40 career NHL games. Settle down.Second of all, what do the Avs need to clean up for Game 4 tonight?14:19 - On Friday, video emerged of Nathan MacKinnon swimming laps at the team hotel while wearing flippers? And of course, it went viral and everyone started clowning the Dogg. So...why was the best hockey player on Planet Earth swimming laps with flippers?31:15 - Oh, by the way...David Njoku signed a 1-year $8 mil contract with the Chargers. Don't like that he landed in the AFC West! Oh, by the way...the UFL is underway! A referee was interviewed on the sideline DURING A GAME about why he didn't call PI on a particular play. His reasoning actually made sense. We should do this during NFL games. Oh, by the way...is there anything better than Canadian NHL refs chirping players?

0:00 - Well, it's not gonna be a 2nd round sweep for the Avs. They fell flat in Game 3 and lost to the Wild 5-1. Why did the Avs play so poorly? What was the cause?14:51 - On Friday, the Nuggets held their End of the Season press conference at Ball Arena. Josh Kroenke, David Adelman, Jon Wallace, and Ben Tenzer all addressed the media. What did they have to say about the disappointing end to Denver's season, and more importantly, what happens next?32:13 - Where does motivation come from? Does it come from the players or their coach? After that, the Avs lost Game 3. No need to panic yet! It's playoff hockey. Minnesota is a good team. So, how will the Avs respond tonight? If Minnesota evens the series at 2-2 heading back to Denver, will you be concerned?

0:00 - Tomorrow's Game 3 is a MUST WIN for the Wild. Because if the Avs take a 3-0 lead, this series is over. No way you win 4 in a row against this Avs squad. That being said, what style of play will the Wild use in Game 3? Will they try a track meet like Game 1? Or will they play a more physical grimy style like Game 2?13:50 - As the Nuggets offseason looms, they have a dilemma. If they "run it back" with all the same pieces, they'll be decimated by the repeater tax, luxury tax, aprons, all that wonderful stuff. You name it. Now, you can pony up and pay all that stuff and be fine IF and ONLY IF you have a championship roster. For example, OKC can afford to pay all the taxes because they know their roster is elite. Are the Nuggets in the same boat? Because if they need to make changes, they have to offload contract and avoid the taxes. 30:43 - It's our favorite part of the week DRUNK TAKES! We take clips from throughout the week, slow em down to half speed and it makes us sound like we're hammered. 

0:00 - In case it wasn't obvious from our dynamite singing, the song we were jamming to is "1999" by Prince. Rest assured our dance moves were top tier.After that, Moser is itching to give you some Keys! So let's not make him wait! What are the Keys to an Avalanche victory in Game 3 vs the Wild tomorrow?11:29 - Last night in our show group text, Marc Moser didn't recognize a picture..of his own face.After that, does MPJ chug truth serum every morning after he wakes up? This dude lets the inside thoughts get out way too often. And he said something recently that seems ridiculous at first. But the more we thought about it, Vic thinks MPJ isn't the only NBA player who feels that way.31:03 - Oh, by the way...Taylor Heinicke is calling it a career. All things considered, he had a pretty solid run. Oh, by the way...The Rockies won last night with a GRAND SLAM BABY! Take that, Mets. No sweep for you! Oh, by the way...a former CU football player just finished his college degree 50 years after being drafted into the NFL. 

0:00 - Imagine we're hosts of sports radio in Minneapolis/St. Paul this morning...what are we saying to the Wild fans? How are we convincing the fanbase that the Wild can win Game 3 tomorrow?15:17 - Yesterday on PHD, Scott Hastings disagreed with one of Brett's Nuggets takes. Today, Brett offered up his rebuttal. 32:27 - The Lakers vs OKC. It's like Voldemort vs Thanos. How do you pick a side? There's one benefit to this series. Since the Lakers are playing, the entire national media is watching every minute of every game. And because of that, OKC's flopping and foul-baiting is under a massive microscope. The whole sporting world is finally waking up to OKC's whistle grifting.It's CRAZY that the Thunder are actually making us feel sorry for the Lakers. Genuinely! That's how bad their flopping is.