The Ray & Dregs Hockey Podcast

Macklin Celebrini’s four-point night has dragged the San Jose Sharks back into the playoff picture as they now sit just one point out. It's basically a 5-team race for the final wildcard berth in the west and while the Winnipeg Jets are now two points back and surging, the Nashville Predators seem to be fading, and all the teams involved continue to root against overtime in head-to-head matchups. Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers seem to be peaking at the perfect time despite Leon Draisaitl’s absence due to injury, with a potential division title still in play and his expected early playoff return looming large. The Ottawa Senators’ goaltending remains a concern after Linus Ullmark’s missed starts and shaky outings, raising offseason questions despite the stability his signing was expected to bring. The Montreal Canadiens are red-hot with six straight wins, strong goaltending, and breakout performances from Cole Caufield (47 goals) and Juraj Slafkovsky, signalling a promising trajectory for the club. In Toronto, the GM search is underway following Brad Treliving’s firing, with major roster decisions potentially hinging on Auston Matthews’ long-term intentions amid a thin prospect pool and limited short-term help available. In Ask Ray & Dregs Anything; stick stomping, can the Sabres go all the way and how hard is it to remove the "colourful metaphors" from your vocabulary when transitioning to broadcasting?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Vegas Golden Knights made a shocking late-season move by firing Bruce Cassidy and hiring John Tortorella with just eight games remaining, a surprising twist even amid the team's struggles since the Olympic break. However, with the league’s third-worst team save percentage, questions remain about how much Torts can realistically fix. Meanwhile, the Winnipeg Jets have stormed back into contention, going from 11 points out to just three back with nine games left, while St. Louis and Philadelphia are also surging, tightening playoff races across both conferences. Minnesota and Colorado, however, might be losing their rhythm by tinkering too much down the stretch, with Ray suggesting they’d be better served locking things in ahead of the playoffs. In the East, the wildcard race is chaos—Columbus holds a spot while Ottawa, Detroit, and a red-hot Philadelphia team (8–1–1 in their last 10) are pushing hard, with standout play from Owen Tippett and Dan Vladar and top prospect Porter Martone potentially entering the mix, bringing a gritty edge reminiscent of Corey Perry. And in Ottawa, confusion lingers after James Reimer started a must-win loss to Tampa Bay, with Linus Ullmark reportedly unavailable despite rest—leaving more questions than answers as the playoff race hits the stretch run.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Eastern Conference playoff race is heating up nightly, with even a light schedule delivering major implications—Boston grabbed two crucial points over Buffalo, solidifying their wildcard positioning and even threatening to move up on the Habs. Columbus has surged into contention under Rick Bowness, fuelled by standout goaltending from Jet Greaves and a Norris-caliber season from Zach Werenski, while Detroit finds itself slipping with a negative goal differential and lingering issues down the middle despite Dylan Larkin’s return. Ottawa, meanwhile, continues to roll despite a depleted blue line, with rookie Carter Yakemchuk scoring in his debut and drawing comparisons to a young Barrett Jackman, further cementing the feeling that the Sens can’t lose right now. In the Rocket Richard race, Nathan MacKinnon (46) and Cole Caufield (44) are both tracking toward 50 goals—a mark Montreal hasn’t seen since Vincent Damphousse—while Dallas stars Wyatt Johnston and Jason Robertson sit quietly among the league’s top scorers. In Ask Ray and Dregs Anything: a shootout rule change, how did Ray fare against the Dominator and thoughts on player-to-player apologies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New York Rangers managed just 10 shots in a 2–1 loss to the Ottawa Senators, who also lost Thomas Chabot and Lassi Thomson to injury, further thinning an already strained blue line ahead of a must-win against Detroit Red Wings, while the Rangers look like a team that’s checked out. Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers face Utah sitting third in the Pacific but sliding after two straight losses, with Connor McDavid having to clarify comments he made praising Tampa Bay Lightning coach Jon Cooper, comments that felt like a subtle critique of his own staff. Ray suggests this version of the Oilers simply isn’t as strong as recent years. In Tampa, Nikita Kucherov is on a tear and making a serious push for the Hart Trophy, with his intensity often misunderstood despite a strong bond with Jon Cooper and elite offseason work. And finally, AJ Greer received a three-game suspension for boarding Connor Zary of the Calgary Flames, a ruling Ray argues was far too lenient—suggesting it should have been closer to 10 games—and adding to ongoing concerns about consistency and player safety standards across the league.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jack Hughes stirred debate after initially criticizing the Hockey Hall of Fame for holding his Olympic gold medal puck before softening his stance, with Ray defending his right to a little bit of personality amid some media overreaction. At the GM meetings, potential changes could allow some 19-year-olds into the AHL, though Ray notes only a small group would truly benefit and warns of development challenges. Goalie interference remains a hot topic, with continued concerns over consistency despite the league insisting standards haven’t changed. Around the league, Sidney Crosby returned with a goal and assist in a wild OT loss, Ottawa dropped a key game to Washington behind Logan Thompson, and Cole Hutson impressed in his NHL debut, while Edmonton faces a major blow with Leon Draisaitl expected out for the rest of the regular season. The episode wraps with Ask R&D questions on the Leafs’ direction, puck-drop rules, top junior talents who didn’t make it, and whether NHL goalie protection should mirror NFL quarterback rules.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the GM Meetings in Florida, Department of Player Safety was under the microscope following Radko Gudas’s 5-game suspension for the hit that ended Auston Matthews’ season, with many feeling the punishment was too light; George Parros suggested the door is open to changes, including potential third-party input. Ray feels suspensions are largely too lenient and called for a clearer, streamlined rulebook. Meanwhile, Doug Armstrong is stepping down as Team Canada’s Olympic GM - impacting future events like the World Cup - who would a worthy successor be? The NHL also confirmed a 2028 World Cup of Hockey featuring Calgary, Edmonton, and Prague as host cities (notably without a U.S. location), though questions remain about fitting the tournament into an already expanding 84-game schedule. On the safety front, mandatory neck guards for new players will begin next season, with logistics around enforcement still being sorted and roughly 40 approved models available. Finally, Islanders rookie Matthew Schaefer is rumoured to have as many as 1,000 friends and family in attendance for his hometown game in Toronto, capping off a standout season as the 18-year old continues to make waves league-wide.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ottawa’s playoff push took a hit with a 3–2 loss to Montreal, as Ivan Demidov scored the winner and goalie Dustin Fowler stood tall for the Canadiens. On a night where Linus Ullmark only allowed 3 goals, the fellas argue it’s fair to question the Senators’ goaltending overall, suggesting even league-average numbers might have them comfortably in a playoff spot. In the West, San Jose sits just one point out of a wildcard with Macklin Celebrini already at 90 points in his second season, though concerns remain about the Sharks’ goaltending and defense, especially when compared to a similarly rebuilding Anaheim team. Tuesday also brought controversy when Nathan MacKinnon received a five-minute major for colliding with Oilers goalie Connor Ingram after a lengthy review; Avalanche coach Jared Bednar blamed Darnell Nurse’s initial contact, and Ray agrees the call was excessive—likely a minor at most. Looking ahead to the GM meetings, Ray hopes the league addresses the ongoing confusion around goalie interference and the frustration of lengthy offside reviews on zone entries that occur long before a goal is scored. Then, In Ask Ray and Dregs Anything, we talk about good goalies on bad teams and what the Leafs offseason may look like... is anyone safe?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The guys look ahead to a wide-open Atlantic Division race, where Ottawa’s playoff hopes may hinge on steadier goaltending, Detroit tries to snap a nine-year drought, and Boston faces a tough road-heavy schedule down the stretch. Buffalo, meanwhile, is surging behind a confident, free-wheeling style and a maturing blue line. Injuries are also shaping the playoff picture, with Brad Marchand possibly facing surgery, Jake Sanderson sidelined for Ottawa, and concerns about how a potential Dylan Larkin absence would impact Detroit. In Philadelphia, Matvei Michkov continues to draw attention as Tocchet experiments with him at right wing despite ongoing questions about his fit in Tocchet's system. Plus, a discussion about NHL front offices, debating the value and power dynamics of teams employing both a President of Hockey Operations and a GM.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A relatively quiet trade deadline was highlighted by the surprising move of longtime Capital John Carlson to Anaheim, where the Ducks leaned further into building an offensive identity. Calgary GM Craig Conroy provided late day drama by sending Nazem Kadri back to Colorado as he chases another Stanley Cup. The Flames also moved Mackenzie Weegar earlier in the week and now sit on a large stockpile of draft picks as they rebuild with a new arena waiting in the wings. Several notable names stayed put, including Robert Thomas in St. Louis and Colton Parayko who declined a trade to Buffalo. Nashville’s Ryan O’Reilly and Steven Stamkos, and goalies Sergei Bobrovsky and Jordan Binnington also stayed with their current teams despite the rumour mill. Toronto sold off pieces like Bobby McMann, Scott Laughton, and Nic Roy while keeping Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Montreal held firm despite exploring a bigger hockey deal as their young playoff window opens. Edmonton added Connor Murphy and Jason Dickinson earlier in the week, but with Colorado loading up and Dallas and Minnesota looming, whoever survives the Pacific could still face a Western Conference buzzsaw.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Oilers added big, right-shot defender Connor Murphy to shore up their defensive conscience, but when you factor in the Skinner/Kulak-for-Jarry swap and the draft capital spent, it’s fair to question whether they’ve meaningfully improved, especially with bottom-six centre still a need. On the broader D market, Tyler Myers’ no-trade indecision may be stalling movement, with names like Ristolainen, Faulk, and Parayko also in play. The Rangers’ Braden Schneider and the Blues’ Robert Thomas are drawing interest but would command massive returns, while Jordan Binnington chatter is quietly building after his Olympic performance boost. Meanwhile, Craig Berube seemed to question his team’s heart and hockey IQ and the Kings fired Jim Hiller with DJ Smith stepping in amid playoff pressure. Will teams like Boston and Pittsburgh, armed with significant draft capital, emerge as surprising deadline players? The countdown is on!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jake Guentzel hit the post of the empty net but the Lightning roll over the Leafs in a 4-2 win. Leafs CEO Keith Pelley issued a letter to Toronto Maple Leafs season-ticket holders, saying the team will do what it takes to not only make the playoffs but take the next step. Joel Quenneville wins his 1,000th game as the Oilers blow a 2-goal lead to the Ducks...twice. Artemi Panarin makes his debut with the Kings, but they fall to the Knights. Plus: Ask Ray & Dregs Anything!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Olympics recap, Gold medal overtime goal analysis, Hughes brothers class, Tkachuk brothers swagger, Matthews has his moment, trade speculation heating up including: Flames Nazim Kadri, Predators Ryan O'Reilly, Canucks' Evander Kane and Elias Pettersson. Paul Coffey returns to the Oilers bench. Plus: The Tim Hortons NHL Hockey Challenge is back.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ray & Dregs react to USA's OT win over Canada for Olympic men’s hockey gold.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ryan Rishaug calls in with Tim Hortons Olympic updates from Team Canada practice. In Canadian Brewhouse headlines: Mark Stone impressing, Celebrini stellar, Tom Wilson a unicorn, has Binnington has surpassed expectations? Team USA report card, including Auston Matthews' performance, and the Tkachuk brothers chirps. Who will play for Gold?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Frankie Corrado sits in for Ray Ferraro for our Team Canada Olympic Preview. The fellas discuss Jon Cooper’s tendency to mix lines early, the intriguing fit of Tom Wilson alongside Connor McDavid and how McDavid, MacKinnon, and Crosby down the middle could pose matchup nightmares, especially  for teams with a number of non-NHL defencemen. Canada's defence looks strong, though minutes behind Cale Makar remain a question, with Drew Doughty seen as a potential x-factor. Jordan Binnington is still the presumed Game 1 starter in goal and the guys think the schedule supports this assumption. Headlines include Cooper closing practice to media (likely much ado about nothing), Charlie McAvoy’s social media comments reigniting debate around head contact rules and your daily Maple Leafs rumours as Toronto weighs pushing back into the playoff race versus re-tooling around pending UFAs. Plus, Frankie's observations from a lacklustre Sens/Flyers game before the break and the growing Michkov discussion in Philly, with the Olympic pause framed as a clean reset for struggling players and teams.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Rangers dealt Artemi Panarin to LA for former first-round pick Liam Greentree and a conditional third, a return shaped largely by his trade protection, which limited the market. The Rangers retained 50% of his salary for this season and extended him for two years at $11M AAV; Ray understands the move for LA’s scoring and power-play needs but questions why New York rushed the trade with time still available. Penn State star and projected 2026 top pick Gavin McKenna is facing serious assault charges, with few details known and no speculation for now. In Edmonton, a 4–3 loss to Calgary made it three straight defeats, leading Leon Draisaitl to publicly criticize the team — including himself — with Ray agreeing this looks like the weakest Oilers group of the past three years, plagued by goaltending uncertainty and a lack of depth beyond McDavid and Draisaitl. Looking at the playoff race, Ray doubts Toronto can find sustained consistency, and in the West expects one of Anaheim or Seattle to drop out, with LA the most likely Pacific team to sneak in ahead of Nashville and San Jose. In Ask Ray & Dregs Anything we talk goalie fights, Moritz Seider's case for the Norris Trophy and players whose personal hygiene (or lack thereof) was weaponized on the ice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sunday’s Tampa Bay vs Boston outdoor game delivered a true spectacle — great hockey weather, a goalie fight, and a wild Lightning comeback from four goals down — though not without controversy, as Boston bristled at the penalty disparity and power plays that swung momentum, even if, as Ray notes, the Bruins are among the league’s most-penalized teams. The game also raised Olympic questions with Anthony Cirelli injured and Brayden Point’s status looming, highlighting the rigidity of Olympic rosters where changes can’t be made once the tournament begins, prompting speculation about potential standby players flying to Italy, while Sam Bennett is banged up but expected to be fine and Zach Hyman’s name creeps into the conversation given his 50-goal-pace production and versatility. Meanwhile, Connor McDavid gave fans a rare, heartfelt glimpse into his mindset with his Players’ Tribune piece “Dear Canada,” a raw expression of his love for the game and a clear signal — especially to Oilers fans — of his desire to win a Stanley Cup in Edmonton. Barry Trotz announced he’ll step down as Nashville Predators GM at season’s end for family reasons, with the organization hoping to have a new GM in place by the draft, marking the first time in franchise history that neither Trotz nor David Poile will be involved. Plus, Ryan Rishaug checks in from Milano Cortina to talk facilities and schedule in advance of the Olympic Hockey tournaments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artemi Panarin appears to be headed out of New York, with the Rangers reportedly shelving him through the Olympic break to protect the asset, and his no-trade clause giving him significant control as teams like LA, Washington, San Jose and possibly Dallas circle, with the expectation he wants an extension wherever he lands. In Toronto, the Leafs sit eight points out a wildcard position and face hard questions about whether it’s time for Brad Treliving to cut bait on depth pieces, with a critical western road trip looming. Ottawa, despite months of negative noise, has suddenly surged with statement wins over Vegas and Colorado, while the Avalanche’s recent skid feels like a natural correction ahead of a needed reset and healthier lineup. Meanwhile, Bryan Rust’s three-game suspension for elbowing Brock Boeser surprised some, with Ray arguing the length of penalty should be the standard for that type of play, regardless of a player’s reputation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Edmonton Oilers made history with back-to-back hat tricks by defencemen; Bouchard and then Ekholm, the former now sits among the league’s top-scoring blueliners, after a typically slow start to the season. In Toronto, William Nylander was fined $5,000 for an ill-advised gesture toward a TV camera, a minor distraction but not enough to hide the Leafs’ returning inconsistency, raising questions about whether Brad Treliving needs to make a move with the Olympic break looming. Buffalo continues its surprising surge behind the league’s hottest goalie, Alex Lyon, forcing tough decisions on players like Alex Tuch as playoff hopes feel real for the first time in years. Winnipeg’s playoff fight hit another low after a 5–1 loss to Detroit, prompting a harsh postgame from Scott Arniel and renewed debate about whether the Jets should re-tool on the fly. Meanwhile, Vancouver’s injury woes deepen with Brock Boeser and Zeev Buium sidelined, in addition to growing concern that Thatcher Demko may be shut down to ensure he’s fully healthy for next season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Injuries to OEL, Brandon Carlo, and long-term absences like Chris Tanev have likely forced Brad Treliving’s hand in Toronto. Jackson Lacombe being named Seth Jones’ replacement on the United States Olympic Team may have raised some eyebrows—especially with Canada and Sweden delaying decisions—and sparked debate over why Lane Hutson wasn’t chosen instead. In New Jersey, Luke Hughes’ injury further complicates the New Jersey Devils season, potentially pushing Dougie Hamilton decisions to the deadline. The Anaheim Ducks appear back on track after a typical young-team swoon, while the San Jose Sharks continue their feel-good season after adding Kiefer Sherwood—though Ray cautions their defence may lag behind their forwards come playoff time. Buyers and sellers emerging in the West; Utah, Seattle, St. Louis, LA and Winnipeg all with big decisions to make. Ask R&D wonders about Kelly McCrimmon’s risk tolerance and why the Edmonton Oilers can’t string together three wins.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vegas Golden Knights GM Kelly McCrimmon in conversation! A busy few days of trades saw Vegas land Rasmus Andersson from Calgary after extension issues steered the deal away from Boston, continuing the Golden Knights tradition of bold swings. Vancouver moved Kiefer Sherwood to San Jose for draft picks and depth, giving the Canucks five picks in the top 50, while the Sharks add energy and puck retrieval. In New York, Chris Drury told Rangers fans the plan is to re-tool, not rebuild, but trade protection for Panarin, Zibanejad, and Miller complicates matters, and Panarin appears unlikely to return on a new deal. Matthew Tkachuk had a wild first game back, highlighted by a heavy hit and a rare Bobrovsky versus Nedeljkovic goalie fight, while Florida faces a playoff squeeze without Barkov for the rest of the regular season. Then, Kelly McCrimmon joins the show to discuss the return the Flames got for Andersson, the impact that injuries have had on their season, the importance of Mark Stone, and the coming circus around Mitch Marner’s return to Toronto.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New York Rangers’ problems deepened with an 8–4 loss to Ottawa, their fifth straight defeat and 30 goals against, with J.T. Miller carefully noting the Sens were “more ready to play.” Injuries to Igor Shesterkin and Adam Fox don’t mask bigger issues — the team lacks speed, the defence isn’t good enough, draft capital is thin. Restless fans at MSG are surely being heard by owner James Dolan, with Artemi Panarin’s expiring deal looming large. In New Jersey, Tom Fitzgerald owned the Devils’ struggles before an OT win over Seattle, a small but possible wake-up call as trade speculation around Dougie Hamilton continues. Buffalo stayed scorching hot, winning for the 14th time in 16 games while raising questions about Alex Tuch’s future and highlighting ongoing goaltending issues for the Philadelphia Flyers. Meanwhile, the Calgary Flames appear headed toward a rebuild, with trade chatter surrounding Rasmus Andersson, Nazem Kadri, and Blake Coleman, and a growing need to prioritize future returns. Then, in Ask Ray & Dregs Anything... commish for a day, what else do broadcasters do while they're watching the game and colleagues on a desert island. Tough choices will be made!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brayden Point’s apparent leg injury has cast doubt over his Olympic availability with just a month to go, forcing Hockey Canada to game-plan potential replacements which will apparently be decided primarily by filling the same role as Point and there is an elite list of candidates. The Toronto Maple Leafs are surging with points in 10 straight, punctuated by an OT win in Colorado that snapped the Avs’ 17-game home win streak. The Eastern Conference is beginning to separate as hot streaks by Toronto, Tampa Bay, and Buffalo contrast sharply with the spiraling New York Rangers, whose brutal 10–2 loss underscored league-worst defensive play and looming roster uncertainty even for players with no-trade clauses. Coaching turmoil hit Columbus as the Columbus Blue Jackets fired Dean Evason after just 45 games and brought Rick Bowness out of retirement to stabilize a team undone by goaltending and late-game collapses, while the New Jersey Devils briefly quieted the noise by snapping a five-game skid with a road win in Minnesota amid ongoing debate over roster moves. Finally, renewed criticism of the NHL playoff format gained traction after Chris Mason highlighted how Western contenders are forced to eliminate each other early, a structure Ray argues undermines the regular season despite the league’s continued support of division-based seeding.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bizarre scenes in Chicago saw Jordan Binnington being told to leave the crease after giving up his 7th goal, but he stayed put as backup Joel Hofer was nowhere to be found. New Jersey’s 9–0 loss to the Islanders came despite dominating shots on goal, with Jacob Markstrom left in for all nine goals. There are bigger problems for the Devils than just this one terrible outcome. Winnipeg’s stunning 11-game skid has last season’s Presidents’ Trophy champs sitting dead last at the halfway mark, with Ray noting the roster aged into one of the league’s oldest and visibly slower teams, exposing depth issues beyond their top line. In Toronto, Auston Matthews has rediscovered his superstar form since Christmas, inspiring the room after a baffling 35-game slump and underscoring how much influence elite players quietly carry. Finally, the Islanders’ resurgence has put 19-year-old Matthew Schaefer in the spotlight; while one player rarely flips a team, this kid’s infectious energy has clearly lifted teammates even at 22 minutes a night, injecting a new, faster identity into the club.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former NHL coach Dallas Eakins steps in for Ray, as he and Dregs tip their caps to the David Branch & Bob Pulford who both passed away over the weekend. Pulford, the Hall-of-Famer who was a four-time Cup champ with Toronto and veteran of 800-plus NHL games behind the bench, and Branch, the OHL Commissioner who genuinely cared about shaping players into better young men. Then, we discuss Sweden's huge gold medal win at the World Juniors and support for Team Canada despite their much-discussed semifinal loss to Czechia. Eakins feeling that Canada always gets every opponent’s best, so no Hockey Canada summit needed. Discussion on how the NHL's current parity keeps fans invested, practice versus visualization, and how MacKinnon, McDavid, and Celebrini's elite seasons have the game is in great hands with stars who make everyone around them better.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brandon Hagel returns to the Lightning lineup. Mat Barzal gets 5 + a game for his slash on Marchment in defence of Schaefer. Canada captain Porter Martone earns unsportsmanlike conduct penalty after scoring an empty netter against Czechia. We're two days away from the Olympic Roster announcement. NHL standing parity. Sharks' Celebrini continues to produce. Oilers' Connor Ingram earns 3-straight starts. Leafs PP finds success - How much is credit to Steve Sullivan? Plus, Tim's Hockey Challenge updates and much more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.