We are about one week past the NHL Trade Deadline and the end is on the horizon...or is it?  We start with some frank discussion about the NHL extending the regular season to May 19th to accommodate all games that have been missed so that all teams can play 56.  J.T. Miller for one doesn't believe what the NHL is doing is fair to the Canucks.  We start to look ahead at the best UFA and RFA available at the end of the season, Dougie Hamilton and Kevin Fiala respectively.  Even though its tough to see either moving, we talk about where they could end up and other possible free agents at the end of the season.  An article on ESPN+ by Emily Kaplan and Greg Wyshynski give grades to all 31 teams post trade deadline.  We both believe that the grades are slightly off and possibly should be incompletes due to the limited number of deals and their outcomes still up in the air.  We hand out some congratulations to Milan Lucic (1000 games), Patrick Marleau (tying Gordie Howe for most games played) and Tuukka Rask (300 wins).  Finally, we talk about the actions of the Arizona Coyotes last night honoring Leighton Accardo by putting her name and number in the ring of honor next to Jeremy Roenick and the impact that actions like this have on the fan base now and in the future.  An enjoyable show to be sure, so give it a listen and tell us what you think.  Enjoy the Show!!

Two Man Forecheck

Episode 0218: Extended NHL Season; Best UFA and RFA Available; Grades For All Teams at Deadline; Milestones; Leighton Accardo Honored and More!

As the trade deadline comes to a close for another year, we break down winners and losers, most improved and least impressive.  We also discuss the Columbus Blue Jackets future and whether they should reset or rebuild.  We also deconstruct the Taylor Hall to Boston deal and whether they did enough.  We will be back next Sunday with another show but for now give a listen and tell us your opinions on this year's trade deadline and Enjoy the Show!

Episode 0217TS: Trade Deadline Supplemental Winners, Losers, Most Improved, Columbus Rebuild or Reset, Hall Moving and More!

With the trade deadline set for tomorrow at 3pm, we get into some of the moves made and others that may happen.  We start by honoring the UMass Minutemen who won the NCAA Championship last night against the St. Cloud State Huskies.  We then pass our condolences on to Red Gendron's family, friends and players past and present on his sudden passing.  The head coach of the University of Maine has coached in college, the AHL and the NHL and been successful.  He will be missed!  Nikita Gusev is a free agent and, as the story indicates, the Florida Panthers are the front runner for his services.  Not sure but we discuss if the real story is Gusev or that Florida is considered a front runner for something.  Jimmy Murphy tweeted that when Rask returns to the B's, the net is still not his.  We break this down and wax poetic that it really never should have been.  We talk about:  Draft Lottery Changes, 10 Trade Pieces Available, Requirements for Eichel's services, Athanasiou re-signing in LA, Dustin Brown, Ondrej Kase and Mike gives us two trades the Bruins should make.  All this and more on the Two Man Forecheck!  Enjoy the Show!

Episode 0217: UMass Champs; Red Gendron Passing; FLA Frontrunners for Gusev; B's Net Situation; Draft Lottery Changes; Top 10 Trade Pieces; Eichel Requirements; Mike's Trades and More!

Happy Easter Everybody!  We are 8 days away from the trade deadline, but that doesn't mean there is anything else to discuss.  Ekblad and Kapanen are out weeks which will have an effect on the deadline. Fluto Shinzawa posted a story on The Athletic stipulating that McAvoy and Grzelcyk are the best D pairing in the NHL however they can't stay together unless the B's acquire a left defenseman.  We talk about multiple signings which took place, the biggest being an extension for Thatcher Demko.  Spencer Knight, Trevor Van Riemsdyk, Matt Kiersted, Cole Caufield are the other signees.  Hayley Moore has been named the AHL Vice President of Hockey Operations along with other responsibilities. We break down the need for Vancouver to play their young mates.  Brady Tkachuk fights Shea Weber.  Keegan Kolesar answers stupid questions.  Marchand hits DeSmith and no Penguins respond.  We talk about diving and embellishment as well as re-visit Ryan Spooner.  Finally, Jeff Morris presents the Reset Draft...Enjoy the Show!

Episode 0216: Ekblad, Kapanen Out; Fluto Story Grizz and McAvoy Can't Stay Together; Demko, Knight, T Van Riemsdyk Signings; Hayley Moore AHL VP; Tkachuk v Weber; Kolesar; Marchand; Bergeron & More!

Hello again!  With two weeks until the trade deadline we see the start of movement around the NHL.  We open the show with the story of Tim Peel.  He was fired for having a hot mic when talking about calling a soft penalty.  We delve into women's hockey and congratulate the Boston Pride for winning the Isobel Cup for the second time in their history.  Also congratulations to Jillian Dempsey for winning the playoff MVP and being the first player in NWHL History with 100 regular season points.  Congrats also to Aerin Frankel on winning the Patty Kazmaier award for the best player in women's college hockey nationally.  We break down a couple moves that took place; Staal to the Habs and Lemieux to the Kings.  Last week's Twitter Poll regarding Adam Fox showed us that people have a high opinion of the young d-man.  History was made in Ontario as the Reign had an offensive line consisting of three black men.  First time since 1941.  Conspiracy Theory:  Is the NHL gifting a SC Final appearance to a Canadian team?  Ten goalies that could be traded and Brandon Bochenski wins the mayorship of Grand Fork, ND.  So much show to listen to and comment on so please let us know what you think.  Enjoy the Show!

Episode 0215: Peel Fired; The Isobel Cup; Kazmaier Award; Staal to Habs; Twitter Poll; History in Ontario; Bochenski for Mayor and More!

With the trade deadline looming three weeks out (April 12th) we start to look at potential moves around the league.  But first we start with the Pegulas getting rid of another coach, firing Ralph Krueger.  The discussion revolves around to whether it is a coaching issue or something deeper.  Should the Bruins go after Jake Muzzin?  We make the argument in the affirmative.  The Athletic has an article out showcasing the Executives commenting on potential trade deals.  Most are laughable, but there are a couple that make you stop and think.  Zegras and Drysdale scored the first goals of their careers this week, and both are worth a watch.  Also, Dan Vladar got his first win in net for the B's.  Matt Dumba is injured but how badly no one knows and Patrik Laine has been benched a couple times by John Tortorella although he doesn't call it a benching.  Finally, we present a Twitter Poll regarding Adam Fox being considered for the Norris Trophy.  Find the link below and let us know what you think.  Enjoy the Show! https://twitter.com/pucksage/status/1373681243171266561      

Episode 0214: Krueger Fired, Johansson Traded, Muzzin to B's, Execs Evaluate Trades, Zebras, Drysdale, Vladar, Dumba Laine and More!

This week it may seem that we have focused on one franchise in particular but that would be wrong.  Many things have happened this week, and the NHL is celebrating a brand new television deal with the four letter network.  ESPN will be the primary carrier of games for the next 7 years to the tune of 2.8 Billion dollars.  Jordan Binnington signed his own deal, a 6 year 36 million dollar extension with the Blues.  Buffalo is suffering a myriad of issues, Eichel is out, Skinner is not scoring, the Pegulas own the team and I could go on but you should listen.  Mike introduces us to his new franchise...the Minotaurs!  Taken from the Sabres and Press, following current cap space he puts together a team that could potentially be top 10 in the NHL.  Finally, back to Buffalo, we talk about a tweet from Ian McLaren asking the B's to get Taylor Hall.  So much this week you have to listen!  Enjoy the Show!

Episode 0213: ESPN Is Back!; Sabres Top to Bottom; Bin Gets Extended; Meet The Minotaurs; Hall to B's Tweet and More!

First off, our condolences to Wayne Gretzky and the Gretzky family on the passing of his father, Walter. We start off this week with some surprises and then move on to the suspension of Tom Wilson who got seven games for his hit on Brandon Carlo.  We talk about other hits that should have received some attention but didn't and mention Larry Brooks article in The Post.  Buffalo appears to be open for business, and the GM, Kevyn Adams has stated that he is unhappy with the direction the franchise is headed.  Could there be moves made?  Another team that needs to be blown up, the Nashville Predators, have lost 4 players to injury since Tuesday the 2nd of March.  It would appear the doctors in Nashville are helping the team tank.  Noel Acciari got his 3rd hat trick since the 19-20 season, putting him fourth on a list behind Pastrnak, Ovechkin and McDavid.  Geoff Ward was fired, after a win, and replaced by Darryl Sutter.  John Tortorella was given the dreaded vote of confidence by his GM and we bring back Add One.  A packed show to be sure so give us a listen, tell us what you think and Enjoy the Show!

Episode 0212: Wilson Suspended; Sabres Open for Business; Acciari Hat Trick; Ward Fired, Sutter Hired; Torts Vote of Confidence; Add One and More!

On this the last day of February we delve into some moves and rumblings around the league.  To start with, the Carolina Hurricanes have moved on from Ryan Dzingel, acquiring Galchenyuk and Paquette.  They turned over Galchenyuk to Toronto and in the process saved about 1.8 million on the cap.  Claude Julien has been fired by the Canadiens.  The unanswered question is why.  And the second question is who replaces him.  We discuss the head coaching position in Seattle and talk about the odds placed on the candidates.  The Bruins have added Jarred Tinordi, defenseman from Nashville who was placed on waivers.  Grzcelyk is back on skates but not yet ready for games.  Trevor Zegras has finally joined the Anaheim Ducks and his laid back demeanor is a breath of fresh air.  Finally, Babcock is back coaching but not in a venue you would expect.  He will be coaching the University of Saskatchewan Huskies.  Lots of content so give a listen and tell us what you think.  Enjoy the Show!

Episode 0211: Canes Making Moves, Julien Fired, Kraken HC Choices, B's Add Tinordi, Grizz Skating, Zegras With Anaheim, Babcock Coaching and More!

This week we have an action packed episode so lets dive right in.  We start with a brief discussion of Lake Tahoe and other possible outdoor venues.  The fist story is Kevin Lankinen, goalie for the Blackhawks.  At this stage, should he be considered for the Calder Trophy?  Even better, the Calder and the Vezina Trophy? We even throw in Hart consideration for fun. We briefly touch on the 2019 draft and whether it is a flop or not.  The Jack Adams Award should go to one of two candidates and at this point there is no one else in consideration.  We touch on Montreal's lack of homegrown talent, most of their current roster is made up of acquisitions.  The second large story is Arizona.  A former employee calls it a dumpster fire and other colorful language.  We break down the egregious behaviors and whether the NHL should step in.  Finally we talk about Adam Henrique and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and their availability.  A full show to be sure so give us a listen, send us your feedback and Enjoy the Show!

Episode 0210: LakeTahoe; Lankinen for Calder, Vezina; 2019 Draft; Jack Adams Award; Coyotes Off Ice Issues; Waiver Wire, UFA Spotlight and More!

This week we hit the quarter poll of the NHL season.  With most teams around 14 games we delve into the standings and what that might mean for the remainder of the regular season.  We also identify some surprises uncovered along the way.  First, we talk about Sullivan being fired...that's Steve Sullivan, assistant GM for the Arizona Coyotes.  He has been let go but no other details were given and no replacement will be named.  The owner of the Vancouver Canucks has given the dreaded kiss of death to the head coach, Travis Green and GM Jim Benning after the team's recent struggles.  Should both of these men be looking for new employment soon? We break down the league as it hits the first turn for this season and finally we talk about and break down the issues with the draft lottery.  Pierre LeBrun has reported on The Athletic that the NHL could potentially be looking at changes to how it works.  And Mike enthralls us with his plan for the draft lottery and, in a really outside the box thought, suggests that teams could be allowed to trade ping pong balls. Definitely worth a listen this week and we would love to hear your suggestions as well!  Enjoy the show!

Episode 0209: Sullivan Fired; Canucks Owner Supports Green & Benning; NHL at the Quarter Poll; Draft Lottery Changes Coming and More!

Lots to break down this week as we are about 10 games into the season.  The NWHL was supposed to have their Isobel Cup semifinal and final games televised on NBCSN suspended play the day before they were set to air.  Seth Jones' mom (@AmyJones_03) issued a correction on Twitter regarding Seth taking figure skating lessons...give her a follow, its worth the price of admission.  Paul Maurice defends Blake Wheeler to the press after a game, and its laced with some interesting language. Been taking lessons from Torts we think.  Connor Clifton got into a fight and it wasn't fun for Nicolas Aube-Kubel.  He play has made it easier for Cassidy to allow Grzelcyk to recuperate in Boston.  We discuss the Penguins struggles this season and if there is a fix.  We talk about the top line for the B's and introduce a new name for them (Thanks Mike!).  We break down the 5 biggest surprises for the New York Rangers and one is a player that we both liked from the start.  Trent Frederic dropped the gloves with Tom Wilson of the Caps and appeared to have won the fight.  He talked about it afterward and we have some fun with it.  Finally we discuss whether we have seen the real Dallas Stars yet and whether the Panthers are for real as well as talk about the many milestones on the horizon for the league.  An action packed episode to be sure so give us a listen and tell us how you feel.  Enjoy the Show!

Episode 0208: NWHL Suspends Play; Mrs. Jones Issues Correction; Paul Maurice Post Game; Clifton Fight; Pens Struggles; Rangers Biggest Surprises; Dallas a Surprise? And More!

By now most teams have played 8 or 9 games so we start to discuss particulars around the league.  Starting off though, we talk about the NWHL.  They will be televising the Isobel Cup, the women's championship on NBCSN the weekend of the 4th and 5th of February.  Jim Rutherford has announced his resignation from the Penguins.  He hasn't retired but is done with the franchise.  We also talk about deals that may have been made or not, and how that affected his decision.  Ovi has caught and tied Mike Gartner for seventh on the goal scoring list all time.  We break down the possibility of him catching Gretzky.  We floated a twitter poll regarding extending Kevan Miller and when.  As always, we discuss the goaltending in Boston, and this week it revolves around Rask and whether he is elite.  And finally we talk about Oliver Wahlstrom and his first NHL goal.  Lots to discuss and comment on so please let us know what you are thinking.  Enjoy the Show!

Episode 0207: NWHL on Television, Rutherford Resigns, Ovechkin Tied For Seventh, Twitter Poll: Kevan Miller, Rask Elite?, Wahlstrom Gets His First and More!

Now a little over a week into the season and the Stars have finally played a game as well as the dust finally starting to settle around the league.  Pierre-Luc Dubois has been traded to the Winnipeg Jets for Laine and Roslovic.  We also discuss his interview with Ron McLean of Hockey Night in Canada where he doesn't appear to tell us much but says enough for us to break it down.  NBC is shutting down the sports network NBCSN reportedly at the end of the year.  What does this mean for the NHL as their contract expires?  Games should appear on USA Network but will it be enough to keep the NHL interested? Montreal is surging in the North Division and currently holds the top spot.  Who to get the credit...Claude Julien or Marc Bergevin?  The answer might surprise you.  A tweet was sent out indicating that when David Pastrnak returns, either Anders Bjork or Ondrej Kase will be gone.  We discuss who it will be and why.  Finally, we talk about a resurgent Bobby Ryan for the Red Wings.  He is a point per game guy this season with his one year, prove it to me contract.  Lots to digest here so give a listen, send us your comments and Enjoy the Show!

Episode 0206: PLD Traded, NBCSN Shutting Down, Josh Manson Injured Among Others, Montreal Surging, Pastrnak In/Bjork or Kase Out?, Bobby Ryan Flying and More!

Finally...Hockey is back!  After the first couple games of the year we have seen some trends emerge.  The one constant is the Two Man Forecheck.  This week we talk about Willie O'Ree's number being retired in Boston.  Clearly much deserved.  Pierre-Luc Dubois wants out of Columbus, as reported by his head coach, John Tortorella.  Where will he be heading and when?  The Bruins goaltenders have been dealing with being run into by the opposing team, a clear disrespect for the B's defense.  Would this happen if they had kept Chara?  What about the rest of the D core?  Kevan Miller has been the physical stalwart of the group.  Ty Anderson of 98.5 writes about the 2015 draft and how it will haunt the Bruins and continues to do so.  Adam McQuaid has officially announced his retirement from hockey.  Drafted by the Blue Jackets, he played his last game for them after spending the bulk of his career with the Bruins.  We break down some predictions from the staff at The Athletic and finish up with a video from Filip Forsberg.  The link is below.  So enjoy the hockey, tell us how you feel about the return, and Enjoy the Show! https://streamable.com/98z6xy  

Episode 0205: O'Ree's Number Retired, Dubois Wants Out of Columbus, B's D Not Respected, 2015 Draft Gaffs, McQuaid Retires, 2021 Predictions, Forsberg Goal Video and More!

This is the home of the Two Man ForeCheck: The Hockey Podcast you deserve. What is it about: Hockey Hockey Hockey With occasional splashes of hockey. More specifically we focus on the NHL, major events, NCAA hockey, and all the things that happen on the ice and in the front office.