The Athletic Hockey Show

With the Buffalo Sabres off to a strong start, Ian Mendes and Sean McIndoe discuss if they could be the NHL's most lovable team right now, and if it's too early to feel the heat in Montreal and Chicago as both teams struggle out of the gate. Also, previewing Jasperi Kotkaniemi's return to Montreal as a member of the Hurricanes, how will that crown receive him?
Then, a listener calls in to note the historical significance of an upcoming game between the Kraken and Habs, a strong candidate makes his case for the prestigious role of DGB Intern, "This Week in Hockey History" and more.

Have a question for Ian and Sean? Email theathletichockeyshow@gmail.com, or leave a VM at (845) 445-8459!
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Rob Pizzo from CBC Sports along with Sara Civian and Jesse Granger from the Athletic bring you the Wednesday edition of the Athletic Hockey Show. On this edition, the crew discusses NHL players marketing themselves more than ever with a relaxed dress code in the NHL, viral goal celebrations creating crazy plays and the freedom to show personality on and off the ice.
Pizzo, Jesse and Civy take look at the beat up Vegas Golden Knights, Nikita Kucherov back on long term injury and that players like Jack Hughes are exactly what the NHL needs to market the next wave of NHL superstars.
Julian McKenzie stops by to discuss the 21 game suspension to Evander Kane, the foundering Montreal Canadiens and the surprising Buffalo Sabres.
Plus we open up questions to you our listeners, with Sara sharing the story of the time the Hurricanes plane caught of fire...with her in it, and Jesse looks back on a rocky start to his relationship with Robin Lehner. 

Craig and Sean welcome Jack Hughes of the New Jersey Devils. the boys discuss Jack's OT goal celebration, the outlook for the up and coming Devils, Jack's Olympic chances and Jack's interests outside hockey, including cooking for brother Quinn.

Custance and Gentille also take a look at the ongoing mess in San Jose with Evander Kane being suspended for 21 games for falsifying a COVID-19 passport. With four seasons remaining on Kane's contract and the team employing other long term contracts with aging players, has Doug Wilson's time come and gone in silicone valley?
Plus, are we over the Seattle Kraken? Are they bad? Can we make that call after only three games? The boys get into that, add their two cents and answer your comments and questions from the Athletic App.

And, right now, you can save 50% on an annual subscription to The Athletic when you visit http://theathletic.com/hockeyshow

First, Ian and Hailey talk about the the origins of Hailey’s dog’s name, and Ian shares a Gilbert Brulé story involving U2 frontman Bono, and then they discuss the biggest first week surprises of the NHL season, Auston Matthews making his season debut against the New York Rangers tonight, and whether he’ll hit the 50-goal plateau or not, Brady Tkachuk’s 7-year, $57.5 million deal with the Ottawa Senators, Filip Zadina’s questionable postgame comments about Conor Garland, another potential LTIR stint for Nikita Kucherov, if the NHL should start to move away from a hard salary cap, the beauty of unique arena foods, and more.

Plus, to close things out, Ian and Hailey run through a series of Multiple Choice Madness questions including which teams or players should be most concerned after the first week of the season, which team win the Pacific division, and the ideal start time for Sunday NHL games.

And, right now, you can save 50% on an annual subscription to The Athletic when you visit http://theathletic.com/hockeyshow

NHL Hockey that counts is back, and Ian Mendes and Sean McIndoe discuss a Capitals-Rangers matchup that did not quite live up to expectations, while Ovechkin scored two goals. Also, Seattle fans are officially brought to the league with a call that doesn't go their way, and Vegas players take offense to Morgan Geekie's celly. Next, they discuss Sean's piece on weirdly specific team predictions, and Ian pitches the "Down Goes Brown Internship Program".
Then in the mailbag, teams that should risk it all for Jack Eichel, surprise picks to make the Stanley Cup Final, and in "This Week in Hockey History", a look at a neutral site game between Calgary and Minnesota in Saskatchewan, and Wayne Gretzky passing Gordie Howe to become NHL’s all-time leading point scorer.
Have a question for Ian and Sean? Email theathletichockeyshow@gmail.com, or leave a VM at (845) 445-8459!
Get 50% off of an annual subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/hockeyshow