Dan and Shawn are joined by NHL.com's Tom Gulitti (12:26) to talk about the Washington Capitals punching their ticket to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, their series with the NY Rangers, the Eastern Conference playoff bracket and some of the matchups in the Western Conference. Dan and Shawn start the episode talking about the Eastern Conference playoffs and after their interview with Tom, they look at the Western side of the bracket and try to handicap what should be a wild few months of playoff hockey. They also get an early start on some of the most intriguing offseason storylines, including the coaching carousel that started in Buffalo with the firing of Don Granato and what the Senators, Devils and Blues may do with their coaching search.

Dan and Shawn are joined by Dallas Stars analyst Daryl "Razor" Reaugh (23:25) to to talk about the Stars improvements on the defensive end and how they've successfully meshed their mix of youth and experience. He talks about coach Peter DeBoer's calm demeanor on the bench and his behind the scenes work that has gotten the Stars to be a Stanley Cup contender. In addition, Reaugh talks about Chris Tanev's ability to move the puck and why Tanev's gregarious personality is perfect for the super serious Stars. How the Stars stack up against the Colorado Avalanche and Edmonton Oilers is also part of the interview with Reaugh. Rosen and Roarke breakdown the Eastern Conference playoff race, discuss Alex Ovechkin's ability to get to 30 goals for an NHL record 18 seasons, talk about the reasons why Nathan MacKinnon should win the Hart Trophy as the NHL's most valuable player to his team, and they have a few arguments along the way too, including one on if 100 assists or 70 goals is a more impressive feat in a single season.

Dan and Shawn are joined by Casey Mittelstadt of the Colorado Avalanche (18:50). Casey talks about adjusting to life in Colorado, playing with and learning from Nathan MacKinnon and the anticipation he has to play in a playoff game for the first time. The guys start the episode talking about the playoff race in the Eastern Conference, wondering if the Philadelphia Flyers have enough to hold on and dissecting the complicated nature of John Tortorella. They marvel at Sidney Crosby's longevity and look at if the Penguins can somehow claw their way into the playoffs. They wrap the episode with a potpourri of topics, including the red-hot Dallas Stars, the Art Ross Trophy race, the Florida Panthers recent struggles and the race for the Presidents Trophy.

Dan and Shawn are joined by Alan May (21:00). May, the rinkside and studio analyst for Capitals' games on NBC Sports Washington, discussed Ovechkin clearing his mind on a trip to Dubai over All-Star Weekend, the impact of first-year coach Spencer Carbery, Charlie Lindgren's ascent to being Washington's No. 1 goalie, the leadership of the veterans in the room and how the young players are taking ownership of their role in Washington's surge toward playoff contention. The guys hit on a number of other topics around the NHL, including why the Nashville Predators are surging, if the Philadelphia Flyers can hang onto a playoff spot with nine games to play, are the Vegas Golden Knights a dangerous team and Josh Doan's two-goal NHL debut with the Arizona Coyotes.

Dan and Shawn are joined by NHL.com columnist Nick Cotsonika from South Florida to recap the GM Meetings. The guys talk about the reasons why the GMs decided to leave well enough alone with the 3-on-3 overtime format and rules, citing the fact that an NHL-record 70 percent of games that go to overtime are ending in overtime this season. They discuss the additions to the coach's challenge rule for penalties on delay of game for shooting the puck over the glass and on certain high sticking minors. They also talk about the future of the Arizona Coyotes. In addition, they talk about the struggles of the Detroit Red Wings and the success of the Nashville Predators. After Cotsonika departs, Rosen and Roarke discuss why they think the Colorado Avalanche right now are the best team in the Western Conference and arguably the entire NHL, and if the Tampa Bay Lightning can be as dangerous in the playoffs as they look right now. The Buffalo Sabres, Washington Capitals, New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils also enter the conversation on the podcast.

Dan and Shawn are joined by Paul Maurice (19:11). He talked about the Florida Panthers' leadership, improvements they still need to make, the importance of their identity and culture, and why nothing will come as a surprise to them this season with the way last season played out. The guys discussed the fallout from the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline, in particular offering opinions on the Pittsburgh Penguins decision to trade Jake Guentzel to the Carolina Hurricanes and the return they got. They agreed that the New York Rangers and Hurricanes as contenders in the Eastern Conference with the Panthers, and talked about the wide-open Western Conference, in particular the kind of impact Tomas Hertl might be able to have on the Vegas Golden Knights. Rosen and Roarke also discussed the Golden Knights' ability to add Hertl and the salary cap ramifications for both them and the San Jose Sharks. They also talked about the New Jersey Devils goaltending situation, the additions of Jake Allen and Kaapo Kahkonen on Friday, how it resets their depth at the position and still sets them up to look for a No. 1 goalie like Jacob Markstrom in the offseason.

Dan and Shawn are joined by Chuck Fletcher, the former Wild and Flyers GM to discuss Friday's trade deadline (18:51) and provide a glimpse into the life of a NHL general manager at this time of the year. The guys start the episode breaking down Vegas acquiring Anthony Mantha, Lindy Ruff's firing and the Boston Bruins recent scoring struggles. They wrap up the episode talking about Vladimir Tarasenko's impact on the Florida Panthers and the many players that could be dealt at the deadline, including Jake Guentzel, Frank Vatrano, Noah Hanifin, Alex Wennberg, Jakob Markstrom and more. They look at potential buyers and sellers and look ahead to what should be a busy deadline day.

Dan and Shawn were joined by Ken Daniels, the Red Wings longtime television broadcaster (21:17) to discuss his terrific call on Kane's OT winner, the likelihood that Detroit will end its seven-year playoff drought this season, Kane's impact in Detroit, the Red Wings' hot streak and what general manager Steve Yzerman could still do before the deadline. In addition, the guys broke down the Tanev to Dallas trade and why they think it's a home run for the Stars. They talked about the Nashville Predators as buyers at the deadline, but disagreed with the idea that trading Juuse Saros after this season might be the right move. The New York Rangers' needs at the deadline and why they are holes they have to fill to be a contender were also discussed at length. Trading Jake Guentzel and the Vancouver Canucks as a fit for the Pittsburgh Penguins forward was also an interesting topic covered.

Rosen and Roarke went on a 2-on-0 rush in this week's episode, no guest, just hockey talk, including Auston Matthews' chase for 60 goals in 60 games and 70 goals this season, Jake Guentzel's future with the Pittsburgh Penguins, and what in the world should the Seattle Kraken do before the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline. They answered mailbag questions on the Tampa Bay Lightning, NY Rangers and debated who the best team in the NHL is right now. They chatted about success of the Stadium Series at MetLife Stadium and looked ahead to the Stadium Series game next season at Ohio Stadium between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Detroit Red Wings. They explained why Jarmo Kekäläinen was let go and why there should be reasons for optimism in Columbus, one of the most underrated hockey markets in the United States.

Dan and Shawn are joined by Peter Laviolette (12:05) and Ondrej Palat (36:59). Both talked about the excitement heading into this weekend's Stadium Series at Metlife Stadium and the state of each team heading into the stretch run of the season. The guys start the episode talking about the Calgary Flames holding key trade chips in Jacob Markström and Noah Hanifin and whether or not the Devils are in a position to potentially make a blockbuster deal to acquire both. They also debate what the Pittsburgh Penguins should do with Jake Guentzel and discuss Morgan Reilly's 5 game suspension after unnecessarily targeting Ridly Greig last week.

Dan and Shawn were joined by NHL.com columnist Nick Cotsonika to talk about the Trade Deadline plans for the Detroit Red Wings, the New York Rangers' goaltending situation and if that's a brewing controversy, the Edmonton Oilers and how they respond to their first loss in 17 games, the scoring race between Nathan MacKinnon and Nikita Kucherov, who is the Hart Trophy favorite and the 2025 Winter Classic at Wrigley Field. The 2024 NHL Trade Deadline is one month away, so there was plenty of deadline chatter, rumors and trade proposals. In addition, Rosen and Roarke discussed which among the three coaching positions that are currently filled by interim coaches is the best job: the Ottawa Senators, St. Louis Blues or Los Angeles Kings. Also part of the conversation was USA Hockey tabbing Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin to be the Team USA general manager at the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off and the 2026 Winter Olympics and who he could potentially choose as the coach for those teams.

Dan and Shawn are joined by Jake Oettinger (16:48) and Frank Vatrano (35:42). The guys start the episode discussing the NHL's return to the Olympics and the announcement of the 4 Nations Face-Off Tournament in 2025. They look at the potential rosters for the 4 Nations Face-Off, discuss the impact that Elias Lindholm will have on the Vancouver Canucks and look at the state of the LA Kings with Todd McLellan being fired during the All Star break. Other topics include the Edmonton Oilers winning streak and the Jets acquiring Sean Monahan from the Montreal Canadiens.

Dan and Shawn are joined by NHL.com's Edmonton-based writer Derek Van Diest to discuss and dissect the reasons why the Oilers have won 14 games in a row. Van Diest talked about the Oilers renewed commitment to defense and the improved play of goalie Stuart Skinner. He points to the depth scoring the Oilers are getting from forwards Warren Foegele and Ryan McLeod. The impact of coach Kris Knoblauch and his calm demeanor, and what assistant Paul Coffey has brought to the defense, were also topics in the conversation. In addition, Rosen and Roarke spent time talking about Patrick Roy as the new coach of the New York Islanders and why they love the move, and the struggling Los Angeles Kings, who were recently called out by defenseman Drew Doughty. They offered their predictions on who will win the 2024 NHL All-Star Skills and discussed the potential of future NHL hockey in Salt Lake City. They answered some mailbag questions concerning teams like the Nashville Predators and Arizona Coyotes, who have draft capital to spend and cap space to use to improve their chances of making the Stanley Cup Playoffs this season.

Dan and Shawn are joined by Brian Boucher (20:52) to discuss the success that the Flyers are having, the play of Carter Hart and Samuel Ersson and the emergence of defenseman Travis Sanheim. Boucher also touched on the goaltending issues plaguing the New Jersey Devils, the Winnipeg Jets being more of a surprise this season than the Vancouver Canucks and provided his midseason picks for the Vezina Trophy and Hart Trophy. In addition, Dan and Shawn debated Steven Stamkos' future with the Tampa Bay Lightning, discussed Florida Panthers forward Sam Reinhart's emergence as one of the NHL's best goal scorers, and gave their opinions on who should be the favorite for the Hart Trophy, Vezina Trophy, Jack Adams Award, Norris Trophy and Calder Trophy.

Dan and Shawn are joined by Scott Arniel, the Jets associate coach (18:33). Arniel talked about the challenge the coaching staff laid on the Jets at the start of this season to be structured and hard to play against, defense-oriented without sacrificing offense. He talked about the play of goalie Connor Hellebuyck and the importance of him and Mark Scheifele signing matching eight-year contracts on the eve of the regular season. In addition to chatting with Arniel, Rosen and Roarke discussed the fallout from the trade involving the Philadelphia Flyers and Anaheim Ducks, when forward prospect Cutter Gauthier went to the Ducks with defenseman Jamie Drysdale and a second-round pick going back to the Flyers. They also offered opinions on William Nylander's eight-year contract and what it means for the Toronto Maple Leafs. They debated the Canadian team that has the best chance of winning the Stanley Cup and discussed what the Washington Capitals approach to the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline could and maybe should be.

Dan and Shawn are joined by John Hynes (20:44) to talk about taking over as the Minnesota Wild head coach and how the transition has been, plus he shares his thoughts on Marc-Andre Fleury's legacy, Kirill Kaprizov's style of play and explains how the Wild intend on weathering the injury storm that the team is currently dealing with. The guys start the episode discussing the Winter Classic experience in Seattle, the Kraken's recent surge in the standings and they debate why the Vegas Golden Knights are currently slumping. After Hynes, the guys touch on Connor McDavid scoring 900 pts and the chances of him hitting 1000 pts by the end of the season. They dissect the issues surrounding the Toronto Maple Leafs and wonder if the Tampa Bay Lightning's run as top team in the NHL is over.

Dan and Shawn are joined by Seattle Kraken head coach Dave Hakstol (18:22). Hakstol talks about the excitement leading up to the Winter Classic in Seattle, some of the struggles his team has faced this season and addressed some of the adjustments Matty Beniers has had to make in his second season in the NHL. Plus, he chats about the success of hockey in Seattle, the underrated play of Vince Dunn and some of his past outdoor experiences as a player and a coach. The guys start the episode discussing the Ottawa Senators, the coaching change the team made and why such a talented team is in last place. Plus, will there be another coaching change this season in the NHL ? The guys address the chances of the Buffalo Sabres having to make a change after allowing nine goals to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday night. Other topics include the Capitals unlikely success, the Flyers culture under John Tortorella, the inconsistent play of the Colorado Avalanche, the World Junior Championships, the Nashville Predators and Barry Trotz's plan for the franchise.

Dan and Shawn are joined by former NHLer Cam Janssen (15:30) to talk about the St. Louis Blues coaching change, Doug Armstrong's gamble, the reaction to the move in St. Louis and the areas that the Blues need to bet better in to make the playoffs. The guys start the episode breaking down Alex Ovechkin's recent decline in production and look closely at whether or not Ovechkin will be able to chase down Wayne Gretzky's goal record. After Janssen, the guys look the Oiler's recent run of success and try to make sense of the Metro Division, as they discuss the NY Islanders, Philadelphia Flyers, Carolina Hurricanes and Pittsburgh Penguins.

Dan and Shawn are joined by longtime LA Kings broadcaster and analyst Jim Fox to discuss how the Kings are playing like one of the top teams in the NHL (17:08). He talks about the play of Drew Doughty, Cam Talbot, Quentin Byfield and points to the team's center depth as a key reason for their high level of play. In addition, the guys talked about all the news to come out of the Board of Governors meetings in Seattle on Monday and Tuesday, including the projected $4.2 million rise in the salary cap for next season to hit $87.7 million, 2024 NHL Draft that will likely be held at Sphere in Las Vegas, and the international calendar the NHL is working to set beginning with plans for a four-team in-season tournament in 2025. They also hit on the surprising success of the Arizona Coyotes and goalie Connor Ingram, the disappointing play of the Buffalo Sabres and why there should be reasons for optimism that the Ottawa Senators can make a push to climb up the standings.

Dan and Shawn are joined by NHL Network's Thomas Hickey (20:10). Hickey touches on the struggling NY Islanders, Connor McDavid's recent hot stretch and the streaking Nashville Predators. Plus, he points out some of the offensive attributes from Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes that has turned his head in recent seasons. The guys start the episode discussing Patrick Kane signing with Detroit Red Wings and the potential impact he could have on the team and look at some of the challenges that exist with coming back from hip surgery. They talk about the Minnesota Wild's coaching change and dissect the Wild's struggles and wonder if a change in coach will make a lasting impact. They wrap the episode chatting about their biggest surprises at the quarter mark of the season, including the LA Kings success, Frank Vatrano's scoring outburst and Jonathan Quick's resurgence with the NY Rangers.