Today we discuss: The Habs firing Marc Bergevin [2:45] The Canucks firing Jim Benning [26:17] The Jason Spezza suspension [50:22]

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Episode 160 - Marc Bergevin and Jim Benning Fired with El Seldo

Today we discuss: The COVID cancellations sweeping the NHL [0:57] Paul Maurice resigning as the Jets head coach [9:37] Jason Spezza's suspension getting reduced from 6 games to 4 [18:46] The general state of the Leafs recently, and their play without Mitch Marner [20:49]

Episode 161 - COVID Cancellations, Paul Maurice Resigns, Spezza Suspension Appeal

Today we talk about a few positive developments helping the Leafs this season. In particular, we discuss: John Tavares' resurgence [3:15] Michael Bunting as a third wheel on a top line [15:10] Jack Campbell's Vezina campaign [27:25]

Episode 159 - Three Positive Surprises Powering the Leafs

Today we discuss a whole host of things, including our general thoughts on the state of the team, Pierre Engvall, Rasmus Sandin, and more. To do so, we brought on our friend, Ian Tulloch, who writes for MapleLeafsHotStove.com and is a long-standing member of Leafs Twitter.

Episode 158 - Our Thoughts Through 20 Games (With Ian Tulloch)

Today we discuss: The Leafs' ability to convert on their chances [3:14] The development of Rasmus Sandin and Timothy Liljegren [23:26] Ondrej Kase and whether we should re-adjust lines to give him Top 6 minutes [35:35] John Tortorella's bad take about Connor McDavid [47:30] Side note: I mention a stat from HockeyViz early on where the Leafs have 42 xG and 27 actual goals (the Leafs have scored 43 goals per NHL.com). This is clearly incorrect. This stat is for 5v5; the HockeyViz chart I was using incorrectly states that it’s all situations.

Episode 158 - Taking Chances & Liljegren/Sandin Improvement

Today we discuss: The Morgan Rielly contract [4:00] Petr Mrazek's latest injury [23:18] The success of the Leafs budget 3rd line [28:30] Justin Holl trade rumours [37:00] Have our opinions on the Leafs changed? [48:37]

Episode 157 - Rielly Contract + Holl Rumours

Today we discuss: The Rangers game [1:05] The San Jose game [3:00] The Pittsburgh debacle [6:07] Jake Muzzin's bad start [14:00] The toxic cloud surrounding Mitch Marner discourse [19:32] What the Leafs can do from here [27:15] The bad take of the week [37:09]

Episode 156 - A No Good, Very Bad Week

Today we discuss what’s gone well and poorly for the Leafs in their opening week. Timestamps: The Petr Mrazek injury [1:40] Jack Campbell’s strong start [5:01] The Leafs’ best skater so far (surprise, it’s William Nylander) [10:34] The shutdown line of David Kampf, Ondrej Kase, and Pierre Engvall, their success, and the possible galaxy braining of 5v5 ice-time allocations [18:52] Possible changes in the Leafs’ offensive shot choices and their implications [29:25] A tale of two complementary left wingers (Michael Bunting and Nick Ritchie) [37:44] Mitch Marner’s performance so far [45:39] Jake Muzzin’s struggles, last night notwithstanding, and Timothy Liljegren’s audition [49:45] Access media in sports journalism [58:45]

Episode 155 - Thoughts on the first week

Today we discuss: Robin Lehner’s accusations of NHL teams handling of prescription drugs/painkillers habits with their players [0:55] Our thoughts on the Leafs preseason so far [18:55]. Subtopics include John Tavares, the Leafs plethora of LW options, and the difficulty in cracking the roster for Timothy Liljegren and Nick Robertson Sheldon Keefe’s extension [1:09:08] Audio note: there is some humming from my AC unit present in the audio.

Episode 154 - Painkillers in the NHL and Preseason thoughts

Today we discuss: The Leafs plethora of depth forwards - [1:35] The choice the Leafs have made by not making a choice about Morgan Rielly - [31:00] The All or Nothing documentary - [45:00]

Episode 153 - Questions Facing the Leafs

Episode 152 - Around the NHL (Part 2) by Arvind, Acting the Fulemin

Episode 152 - Around the NHL (Part 2)

Episode 151 - Around the League (part 1) by Arvind, Acting the Fulemin

Episode 151 - Around the League (part 1)

Today we discuss the Leafs free agency moves and our thoughts on them, as well as their implications for the broader team-building strategy. Specifically, we chat about: Petr Mrazek [1:10] Michael Bunting [10:22] David Kämpf [28:10] A host of smaller signings for the Marlies / Leafs depth [42:04] An optimistic look at why things aren’t that bad for the Leafs [59:15]

Episode 150 - Leafs Free Agency Review

Today we discuss: Jared McCann and our thoughts on him [1:06] The logic of the Leafs in the expansion draft, choosing to protect Holl over Kerfoot and McCann [6:58] Some of the weird moves that have been made around the league in recent days [25:58]

Episode 149 - Jared McCann Trade & Expansion Plans

Today, we continue an annual tradition and rank the top 10 U22 players in the NHL. It’s a long one, so enjoy! Timestamps: The players who just missed the top 10 [6:04] Rank #10 (Cole Caufield) [13:57] Rank #9 (Dylan Cozens) [20:56] Rank #8 (Alexis Lafreniére) [29:40] Rank #7 (Jason Robertson) [35:22] Rank #6 (Brady Tkachuk) [42:46] Rank #5 (Nick Suzuki) [52:45] Rank #3 - tie (Quinn Hughes) [1:05:33] Rank #3 - tie (Jack Hughes) [1:14:42] Rank #2 (Miro Heiskanen) [1:21:00] Rank #1 (Andrei Svechnikov) [1:28:43]

Episode 148 - Top 10 U22 NHL Players

The official podcast of PensionPlanPuppets.com. Arvind and Acting the Fulemin take you around the world of hockey and the NHL, with a focus on the Toronto Maple Leafs

Episode 160 - Marc Bergevin and Jim Benning Fired with El Se...