With the NHL season underway, that means the Last Word on Hockey Show is back again on the MAD Radio Network. Your host Jim Biringer from lastwordonhockey.com was back alongside Marc Weiss and Coach Jay. In this week’s episode, the boys discuss the New York Rangers, Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs and much much more.
The Last Word on Hockey Show: New York Rangers, Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs
Remembering Clark Gillies
Jim opens the show with some sombre news as he announces the passing of New York Islanders great Clark Gillies. It was announced after the game on Friday night. The boys discuss their memories of Gillies and how he was such a vital role in the Islanders four-straight Stanley Cups. Marc and Jim share stories of meeting and talking to Gillies. As Jim notes not only a great player was lost but a wonderful human being.
Montreal Canadiens
It is never an easy transition, but Jim talks about the hiring of the Canadiens new general manager Kent Hughes. Hughes was introduced this week. Marc and Coach Jay add their insight about the hiring. As Jim notes not only do you want a hockey guy, but a business guy that can manage the salary cap. As Jay and Marc note there is a reason why the Canadiens hired Gorton. He has a track record of putting good teams together, just look at the Rangers. Marc agrees a letter similar to what Gorton did with the Rangers will go a long way in helping the rebuilding in Montreal. Jim notes the Canadiens will be active at the deadline especially moving Ben Chiarot. But he wonders if Artturi Lekhonen or Jonathan Drouin will be moved.
New York Rangers
Speaking of the Rangers, the boys talk about what the Rangers have been doing. They are taking the next step in their rise to the playoffs. This was the year for them to do. Everyone agrees it was weird not to start Igor Shesterkin against Carolina and have him go against Arizona. Meanwhile, Alexandar Georgiev was in despite his track record against Carolina. Despite the loss, they showed great resiliency as they did against the Maple Leafs on Wednesday night. Coach Jay and Marc note the Rangers have depth on defence they could use if they want to make a splash at the deadline. But as Jim notes they could remain status quo. However, a depth forward, especially middle six would help.
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Toronto Maple Leafs
Speaking of the Maple Leafs, the boys discuss the woes of the Maple Leafs and blowing leads. As Jim notes, no Jake Muzzin, but no excuse for not holding onto leads. Toronto’s playoff flaws are starting to creep into their game more and more. It also does not help when they are not playing every other night and have several days off between games. As Coach Jay notes, this is not on Jack Campbell, but they need to work Petr Mrazek into the mix more to save Campbell.
The boys also talk about the goaltending situations facing the Colorado Avalanche and Edmonton Oilers, as discuss Willie O’Ree night in Boston last week and what it means to so many people.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
