Last Word on Sports is proud to present their hockey podcast, On the Powerplay with Ben and Dave. Join Ben Kerr and Dave Gove each week as they take a look around the Hockey World focusing on the big issues of the NHL and elsewhere.
In this episode Dave and Ben examine Steven Stamkos Injury and its implications for the Tampa Bay Lightning and for the soon to be free agent. Stamkos will be out 1-3 months after undergoing surgery to deal with a blood clot in his arm. Can the Lightning go far in the playoffs without him? Can Jonathan Drouin help replace his offence? Can Ben Bishop carry this team even further? What effect does this have on Stamkos with his pending unrestricted free agency?
The boys also look at the Panthers and the Rangers. These teams are comfortably in playoff spots, but the underlying analytics suggest that they have gotten a lot of luck this year. Dave and Ben discuss the meaning behind the numbers and wonder when their luck will run out.
The boys also look at the Flyers, Bruins, and Red Wings being in a three-way battle for the last playoff spot in the east. Who will take the spot and why?
Moving to the west, the boys look at some tantilizing potential first round matchups with the San Jose Sharks facing either Anaheim or Los Angeles, and the Chicago Blackhawks facing either the Blues or the Stars. Who will survive these heavyweight tilts.
Moving on from the NHL, the boys look at the Russian Under 18 pulling out of the IIHF U18 World Championships. What did they take? What does this mean for the future of the program? and what does it mean for the future of the program.
The boys also look at decisions by Logan Brown and Jakob Chychrun concerning their international future.
The Flint Firebirds saga is discussed and debated. Has the OHL made the right move, or are the sanctions against the club too much?
Lastly the boys look at the Montreal Canadiens. How do they feel about John Scott’s appearance with the team? What does Scott’s future hold?
Rant of the Week: Ben rants about recent reports that Michel Therrien will be back as coach of the Habs next year.
OTPP – Stamkos Injury, Russian U18 Doping, Therrien’s Future and More
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