Pete Blackburn’s Best Coaching Options For Bruins

Pete Blackburn’s Best Coaching Options For Bruins

Hey everyone, welcome to the Hockey Hub Sophia and Casey episode 64 in the middle of the second round of the postseason. Um, we have a busy show because we’re going to be previewing games, recapping games, and by the way, you can watch us on Nessen Nation and all the socials. Like I said, episode 64. We are starting with a guest, someone I love very much. One of my favorite people in Boston. I think we’re just going to bring him in off the top. Oh, I see. That’s great. Yeah. Pete Blackburn. Uh, we’re gonna bring him in. Pete Lapurn joins the show. One of my favorite people. But Pete, we did have PJ Stock on the last episode. I said the same thing to him, so take that with a grain of salt. No, that’s totally fine because PJ Stock was one of my favorite players growing up. As a smaller guy who likes the guys who mix it up, PJ Stock was like a cult icon around here when I was growing up. So, no offense taken. No, he is one of the best. Really funny, but you’re up there in the funnies. Um, really quick off the top, we’re obviously going to be covering a lot of topics, but FC Byron Munich takes on Hoffenheim Saturday at 9:30. What are your predictions for that game? Oh, no. I have had no time for anything but hockey. So, I’ll leave that one up to you. Okay, for those uh just joining us, a little bit of an inside joke, which like bit of a rude move to do inside jokes on a show where people don’t know what the heck is going on, but we DM’d you to be on the show, asked you last minute to be our guest and joked about you talking uh Bundesliga, which I know nothing about. I think Casey, you know nothing about either. Maybe you do. I played soccer, so Oh, she played soccer. Okay. Okay. Never mind. Manuel Noir, if anybody asks you about uh Munich again, just say best goalender ever for them. Yeah, know nothing about that. But uh okay, jokes aside, let’s bring up a tweet. This is where we want it to start. I don’t know how you found this jersey. It’s your tweet from I think it was yesterday, but the de Brink CTA. Uh we’re going to have to bleep out what you said, but here’s your tweet. Uh I found this absolutely effed up jersey on eBay during a stream a couple weeks ago. Fell in love. How funny it is. Now it’s mine. You’re the proud owner of an effed up jersey. What were you doing? Like how did you find this exactly? Uh, it was when the Senators were coming back against the Maple Leafs. I was like, I’m going to buy a Senators jersey. I’m going to go to Toronto for game seven and I’m going to root them on. And I found this like weird Alex de Brinket jersey where the last name is spelled wrong. And we’ve had Alex de Brinket on our show. I sent it to him and and he was like, I have never seen that before, but that is absolutely my autograph. So, I am now the proud owner of like the world’s most cursed Alex de Brinket jersey. I’m so happy about it. I love it. How does one make that kind of mistake is my question. But like what do you do with that kind of that kind of gold of of content jerseyw wise? Do you hang that? Do you wear it? Do you wear it to a game to try to curse another team? Yeah, I’m I’m a little undecided right now. Like this might end up in my office framed uh just as like a talking piece because it’s that funny. I don’t I don’t know if I’ll ever like wear it. It’s too big for me as most things are. But uh yeah, I think that I’m going to frame it and and have it be a conversation piece. Your personality is not too big for you. Okay. Thank you. Appreciate that. You’ve got that. Okay. Obviously, we have you on uh to talk hockey because you’re the king of that and you just have the best spin on things. You know your stuff, but also your personality is great and you always make it fun to watch. We ob we want to ask you about the postseason, but because we’re in Boston and because we know uh you’re a Bruins fan, let’s talk coaching a little bit and you know who’s on the market, who’s left. We’re gonna r uh give you a couple names and get your thoughts on who could be who you’d want to be if you have an opinion on it the next Bruins coach. So, we’re gonna give you a couple guys in the system. Obviously, Joe Sacko, Jay Leech, Ryan Mujanel, Mooj, I don’t know. Have you ever met Ryan Mujanell by the way? I have not. I don’t think so. You know the the term beauty like he’s the definition of a true beauty. Um and then there’s also Rick Tocket, Marco Sturm is in the rumors. Mark Zavard, Miesa Donskovv, the Dallas Stars assistant uh coach. What are your thoughts on where the Bruins should go with coaching in this kind of retool era? Yeah, I think the most interesting and intriguing name is Tocket. Um, you know, obviously he’s probably the most high-profile name, but I also have questions about like Rick Tocket and some of the things we’re hearing about him, which is that he’s interviewing teams and teams aren’t interviewing him. And I just have like I have some questions about whether or not like as a general media we’re kind of overrating Rick Tockett at this point because outside of the the first year in Vancouver like how much success has he had as a head coach and you look at kind of what happened with the Conucks last year things fell apart under his watch uh both in the locker room and on the ice and so I have some questions about that but a as the the coaching carousel is kind of turning he probably is the most uh like bonafide like headliner name. And it I guess it just depends on where the Bruins think they are in their retool or rebuild. Do they want a guy who gets them uh back to contention immediately? I think Rick Taka would probably be the clear-cut answer there, but are they more looking for somebody who’s going to grow with them over the next handful of years? So, I don’t know really where they fall on that. I feel like you had an opinion on that. I did. I didn’t see it. Okay. say the Bruins stick to some of the themes and conversations that have been taking place over the past couple of months and say that this team does get a little bit uh younger. You mentioned it. It seemed like he kind of lost his locker room. So like you can’t really come in as a voice who couldn’t control command and keep the attention and motivation of a locker room. You’ve got this young group. You’ve got some guys who are now trying to find their voices as leaders. Like that’s kind of a journey to go through. I think Zidorov will be tremendous next season in terms of his vocality. But I just didn’t see it as a fit if this team properly gets younger and doesn’t try to do like a plug-andplay in the off season and make a run next year. Right. Yeah. I mean I I I I don’t know. I don’t want to compare two different groups of people. Like I don’t want to cast like a general dispersion on Rick Tocket based off of the group that he had in Vancouver. Like I think he might be able to teach some some young guys and a younger group. And there are there’s a veteran core here. like it’s not a fully fully young team like I don’t know you look at a team like the Montreal Canadians this year the youngest team to ever qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs like they’re not that young. Um I just think that it depends on what kind of system you want in place and you know Rick Tocket is known for being a pretty defensive coach and that might play to the Brewing strengths right now because they have more on the blue line than they do up front in that forward group. So like maybe that’s kind of where they’re leaning towards in terms of complimenting their strengths. Yeah. And you know what in terms of uh what kind of leaders or what you need from a coach like Bruce Cassidy and Jim Montgomery had said many many times in the media that they felt spoiled with having you know Charara Berson and Marshian. I feel like I say this use this narrative all the time but it’s just worth repeating because of this weird transition of the culture that’s happening. And I said this on the show before um Pete to Casey, but you probably haven’t heard this opinion, but I don’t know how much you listen to the um the locker room cleanout sound, but I was like right front and center with Charlie Makavoy. And I’d never seen him like that. Like I had never he and and I mean that as a compliment. He’s always very passionate. He obviously takes his job really seriously, but I never felt this like this is not going to continue into next season attitude. And they are bear they were bearing down like the next day with Bourjon and with Charara and with Pasta to just make sure that the culture was not going to get lost on them. And he like I I felt it in his bones like I just felt it that this was this was not going to happen. They’re going to turn things around and make sure that they keep you know what was built. But that being said, do you want a coach that helps that helps with that or do you want one that kind of stays away, which what Jim Montgomery and Bruce Cassidy kind of were able to do? You know, they weren’t told that they had to do that. They were just able to leave it up to the guys in the room. So now you got you got to consider that. And I think Sween’s um should be having conversations with, you know, the Pasta and the Makavoys to kind of get, you know, that perspective or maybe just tell them how it’s going to be. Um, but the coach being more of a hands-on or hands-off guy with this younger team or this rebuild, that’s that’s going to be different than it than it’s been. And it’s going to matter. You know, management should really take a look at that what what they’re working with. Yeah, I agree. And I think this is a probably the most intriguing coaching change. Like we’ve seen a few coaching changes over the years here uh recently, but I feel like this is the most intriguing one because it’s a transition period whereas the other ones were just somebody new taking the reigns of what’s already here. And I think that the the culture was never really in question in any of those other previous regime changes. This one you kind of have to have somebody who you trust to mold things because the roster is going to be changing. It’s going to be in flux. uh you’re going to have a a real transition period in terms of leadership and I think that players are gonna need to be a little bit molded to this new era that you’re transitioning into and you need a coach who’s capable of doing that. So, I think that’s that’s part of the reason why I’m so intrigued by who they turn to in this search here. I feel like your answer is going to be no, but I’m just going to ask you obviously, do you care about this person having Bruins history? Because I mentioned Marco Sturm, Mark Zavard. Yeah. I don’t think Yeah, same. No, doesn’t matter. Give me the best coach. Yeah, get the best coach. Uh, and hopefully And what about timing wise? Like do you think sooner the better before the draft, before free agency? Uh, sooner the better or you kind of just same thing like whenever it happens, get the best coach. Whenever it happens, I think that’s fine. Like you look at what happened last year with the Columbus Blue Jackets. They didn’t hire Dean Ever until late late in the summer to the point where we were like, are these guys going to head into the new season without a coach? Are they going to assign a player coach on the bench here? uh they took their time hiring Dean Neon. I don’t know how much of that was fully their choice. Um but he ended up being a really really good coach for them because he is a really really good coach. So uh I don’t think there’s any rush. Just make sure you get the right guy. You would be a great coach in terms of height man. Be a morale coach. I think I could be a good morale coach. You can be a great morale coach. Like would you consider ever being a cheerleader? Uh depends on the outfit. Okay. What are they going to make me wear? That’s a good question. You can give us a a detail of like what the outfit would be to inspire you to do so. Um, one of the other topics going around though for the coaches is maybe giving somebody the final tap to get that NHL, you know, the first opportunity as an NHL head coach. Dallas’s um, Donskov, if I’m saying that correctly. Yeah. He was one of the ones that I thought was a really cool opportunity and option, not only because of what’s going down in Dallas, but he was the ops guy when they were putting together the Misfits roster for the Vegas Golden Knights. And I was a big fan of that roster and just the development and the combination of all the adversity they had to go through to get to a postseason time after time again. So, he feels like he’d have a good blend for this team and whatever they need um come to. So, is there anyone that sticks out to you for that first NHL opportunity? Yeah, I mean the the big name has been David Carl. We know that he’s going back to Denver and I’m I’m shocked by it. Uh I thought that this was going to be the summer that David Carl made the jump because there were so many attractive attractive jobs on the market. Another guy that I’m kind of leaning or looking at and I have been for a while to the point where like I don’t know if it’s ever going to happen is Nate Leman from Providence. like I I I just feel like he’s been a prime candidate to take an NHL job for years at this point and it just it you know he’s obviously very comfortable in the college ranks and so those would be two guys that like I would really like to see make the jump. I just don’t know if and when it’s ever going to happen. I guess we’ll have to wait and see. um with obviously duh, but I I like your insight there and mostly agree with doesn’t need to have you know this Bruins tie or Bruins history and it just depends on what Sweenes feels the locker room needs. Um I don’t know how much time you have today so I kind of want to move on from coaching because I really want to talk about free agency. You already know the notable UFAS but I’m just going to name them really quick for people listening. Mitch Marner, Nikolai Eers, John Tvaris, Sam Bennett, Brock Besser, Aaron Ecklblad, and Brad Marian. Uh, let’s start with Marshy and Bennett. How wild would that be if they came back to the Bruins? Am I in La La Land right now or do you think there’s a possibility? I think it’s unlikely. I think that when you open the door for uh players to experience something new and it turns out to be something very palatable and enjoyable, which it seems like Brad Marshian’s enjoying his experience in the Florida Panthers right now and who can blame him. I think you’re you’re opening the door. Like we the Red Sox fan fans saw it with John Lester. Um and so I wouldn’t bank on it. I also wouldn’t say it’s not a possibility because I do know Brad Marshian loves it here. I don’t know how how much he has a desire to spend his the twilight of his career on a team that’s either struggling or rebuilding or or what whatever you want to call it. Does it help if he can bring a guy like Sam Bennett with him? Maybe. And I think that the Bruins front office could count that as a big old win in their book is that they, you know, they get a first round pick for this guy, assuming the Panthers uh wrap up against the the Maple Leafs. They get a first round pick and he goes on a little recruiting trip for half a year and brings back Sam Bennett in free agency. I think they could call that a big win for themselves. Do I think it’s a it’s a foregone conclusion? Certainly not. Yeah, that would be wild. The two of them together, especially. Yeah. Yeah. And and to your point, you know, at the beginning it’s like a breakup. You know, you’re like, “Oh, this stinks.” But then when you start dating other people, sometimes you’re like, “Wait, this isn’t so bad.” Um, so Brad’s kind of, I guess, dating the Florida Panthers. But just watching the antics that they have together and hearing about how the guys on the Panthers talk about him, uh, Paul Maurice included, but obviously his teammates, it’s like for me, I’m like, “Oh, this hurts so much still.” I’m like, “Yeah, of course he’s the best.” Yeah, I know. He’s hilarious. He brings, you know, obviously his agame professionalism, but he just makes the room a better place. And just seeing what he’s got there, he looks pretty happy. So, we will, you know, have to I think that’s the selling point, though. Both of y’all’s opinion on this really fast. We’re trying to figure out coaching here in Boston. You’ve got Paul Maurice as your head coach down in Hockey Paradise, and he’s honestly one of the funniest guys. Like Paul Maurice is a tremendous coach and like human. So, like knowing what you’re going to get in a coach and also kind of having that relationship and tie and being able to build that, like could that be more of a selling point to stay down south? I don’t know. I mean, Pete, you can take that one. I think it’s going to be up to like I think a huge portion is going to be Katrina and the kids. Like, do they want to go on an adventure and check out another city and move because they have it now. Why would they right now? Um, or do they want to keep their roots in Boston? And I think that’s a bigger selling point of what like his family wants. But I don’t know to Casey’s question, what do you think about just like having established the last 3, four months in Florida? Is that a bigger selling point to stay? Yeah, I mean I think they’re going to have a compelling case, especially if they go on a deep cup run. Like um you know, and again like it when we talked about the timing for the Bruins head coaching search. Like maybe the point where it does matter is if you’re trying to bring guys in in free agency, it’s harder to sell guys if they don’t know who they’re playing for. Yeah. Like that’s going to be a tough cell for for some marquee free agents is hey come on over here. We don’t know what our roster is going to look like and we don’t know who’s going to be coaching but trust us you’re going to have a good time. So like that might be a harder sell especially for guys like Brad who’s towards the end of his career and and doesn’t really have a lot of time to waste if he wants to to make more pushes for a cup. Are you willing to pay Mitch Martin or whatever the hell he’s going to get though? Yeah. No. Yeah. Agreed. Um, it’s and I think he’s a great player. I think he’s a really really great player, but I have concerns about how he disappears when games get hard. Um, and we’ve seen that in these playoffs. We’ve seen it in previous playoffs. Like when the game gets nasty, and the Panthers have started to turn that series into a pretty nasty fight. When the game gets nasty, Mitch Martyr tends to disappear. He’s had zero shots in each of his last two games for the Leafs, and that’s just not good enough. like he’s a 100point player but and he’s a great playmaker in terms of seeing the ice and passing but he’s also a 100point player because he scores a good amount too and he’s just not shooting the puck and that’s a that’s a trend that’s continued for years at this point and I just think if you’re trying you’re trying to go out there and you’re trying to command $14 million or whatever it is you got to have no gaps in your game and unfortunately Mitch Mner does have gaps in his game when they matter the most. Yeah. And you know what, just to wrap that point, I used to say because obviously I have all my friends and family in Toronto and chat about hockey, I used to say to them like Mitch Mner 5 years ago or let’s say now, but on a team on the Bruins team that existed 5 years ago, I was like Charara, Berseron, Marshy, throw Nick Felino in there, like they would I wouldn’t say like whip him into shape because I know he’s matured and he’s grown up, but I was like whatever. And trust me, I’ve worked in the Toronto system. Uh, it’s changed. It’s changing. But when I was there, it stinks. Like, it was just so like individualistic, superstars. I’m the best. Don’t talk to me. The media is way tougher there than it is in Boston, believe that or not. Um, but that also feeds into like the ego of a young player and XYZ. And I was like, this guy needs uh this guy needs to be like I don’t want to say trained, whatever the word I’m looking for, but groomed like groomed into like culture, being a team player. And I’m not saying that he isn’t, but he comes from the OHL where he was like a superstar and like this like little, you know, god with the London Knights and then goes into the Toronto Maple Leafs where even that quote which was like blown out of proportion where do you remember the quote when he was like we’re kind of like gods around here. Do you remember that from Yeah. So anyway, that like Mitch Marner with the culture that existed with the Bruins uh when I started and and long before that I think would have been a good fit. Right now I don’t know about that. Um, who would you want? Who would you want on this team? Uh, I like Nick Eers. I I think they’re going to need a couple top six wingers. And I think that Eers is, you know, not as well-rounded or talented or skilled a player as Mitch Mner, but at the price point, he’ll likely command I think might be a better investment for the Bruins than Mner. Um, you know, they’re obviously going to need some help down the middle, too. I I I don’t love the uh the free agents that are out there down the middle. Like you mentioned Sam Bennett. Like I understand why Sam Bennett would be appealing, but I feel like Sam Bennett is more appealing to a team that needs like that final piece or that final edge to push for a Stanley Cup. Not he’s not a piece that you build around in the early stages of trying to assemble a group. And so I do worry about like how that contract, whatever contract he gets, might age over time given the way that he plays and kind of the nastiness that he brings. But uh maybe they maybe they’ll be a little bit more creative outside of free agency. Uh or perhaps like offer sheets. We saw offer sheets play a big role in last offseason. There were a number of RFAS this year that could be intriguing. Matthew N is a guy that I would love to poach from the Maple Leafs. I know that it would cost a pretty penny, but I mean, the joy of being able to pluck one of their better young players while also securing one for yourself would be pretty good. Um, I I think that they’re going to have to think and operate a little bit outside of the box this off season uh in order to fill all of their needs and fill all their gaps on this roster because there are plenty. If there’s a world where N could be on this roster, I’d honestly lose my mind. Um, but so what are your thoughts on Besser? because I was kind of trying to figure out if they could find a guy that can match pace or at least kind of like polish off anything that Pastor Knox’s got going on for one for two. He’s ruined my hopes and dreams going against the Lightning a number of times because he just has a tendency of batting in pucks no matter what they look like and how they’re ricocheting. So, I just kind of thought like that netfront presence I was hoping that Mitten will grow into that because you’re right, it’s not really that attractive when it comes to some of the center options out there and you might just want to stick with developing what’s here. Yeah, I mean Besser is an interesting one because like they obviously need goal scoring and he’s a goal scorer. Uh unfortunately I think he’s he’s a bit one-dimensional so it would be kind of buyer beware there. Um and you know to Sophia’s point like when you’re shopping on this free agent list you also have to consider guys that are going to contribute to the identity and the culture of your team because you’re kind of rebuilding that forward group. And much like a guy like Marner, I I worry about what Besser would contribute towards the identity of this team in terms of being one-dimensional and and being uh, you know, a team that goes quiet when when things, you know, get tough or they get nasty. And so I I think they need to shop around for different sort of looks and different sort of elements that are going to bring identity to this forward group and well and kind of round it out. And you know given what the market might be for Besser, I don’t know if that’s where you your money would be best well spent. Casey. Oh yeah. I was say ideal world top six. What does your top six look like for the Bruins or who do you bring in? It’s a good question. I I I would say the easiest answer is different. It has to look different because this year’s was certainly not good enough. You know, I think that most likely I’d like to see them have a big ticket signing, at least one, um, that is going to help them offensively, whether that’s Eers or somebody else. I think you have to inject a a big ticket signing into that that front six and then sort of improve via trade somewhere else whether it’s on draft day whether it’s on uh just kind of on the open market where you know teams are selling like you look at what the Washington Capitals did last year and I know that that was kind of a uh an exception more than you know a common occurrence but like they really thought outside the box and They perused the league and they identified guys that teams were willing to part with that were good players and they went out and they made these swings and it worked out for them. Do I think that the Bruins are going to have that kind of luck this summer? No. But I think that you might be able to identify a player who is either kind of off the board or is a, you know, a harder cell to go out and acquire. And uh that I think is is something that they’re going to have to look into. Uh, we have like two minutes left and we were going to get to the postseason, but with two minutes I don’t feel like doing that. So, we can just plug that you talk about that on your podcast, What Chaos. That’s that’s where people can listen to talking about the postseason with Pete Blackburn. Uh, you guys have so much fun. I wanted to ask you, we can talk a little bit about that, but quick, we’re talking about Besser, we’re talking about some of these guys. How do you separate because you also have this personal relationship with some of them, especially coming on the show. I love Besser as a person. So then I’m like, wait, I kind of want to like have him on the team. But to your to some of your points, I agree. How do you separate that, you know, liking a guy, rooting for him, and then and seeing him as a player? Yeah. I mean, it it’s tough sometimes. Like I I think it ultimately like I’m a Bruins fan first, and I am, you know, a hockey fan second, and I’ll always root for the Bruins to be as successful as possible. And whether that means like I have to like I’ll I’ll ultimately talk myself into Besser being awesome for the Bruins if they sign him. Let’s be honest here. I could always talk myself into it, but I I I try to objectively look at it um from, you know, to take my hat off if I can just to keep this job and be able to keep working and uh because I don’t want to get a real job. So, if I have to like suppress my Bruins fandom a little bit to give an objective take, I’ll do my best to do that. But ultimately, I will come around and say, “Yeah, like Brock Besser, come on down. You’re a Boston Brew, and I’m happy to have you.” Well, you guys have a super fun show. Do you guys record every day for What Chaos? Every day? Yeah. Monday through Friday. Uh, and we do like 60 to 90 minutes every day on the games that happen the night before, the games that are happening that night. We have guests, we have players. It’s It’s a ton of fun. It is. If you guys haven’t listened, uh, what chaos? I’m assuming it’s everywhere, right? Like Apple, Spotify, blah blah blah. and best. We push the YouTube because we we love the video element of it and we like talk about highlights. We talk about the weird jerseys that we find on eBay and then listeners send them to us like the debrinka jersey. So, we push YouTube first, but yeah, we’re also on podcast platforms and and all those. Okay. Well, you guys can find What Chaos on YouTube and wherever else you get podcast, but check out the video stuff because these guys are a ton of fun. Pete, we’ll have you on a lot, I think, in the summer. I’m going to push for that. Thank you so much for your time and maybe some updates once the coaches or coach is hired and a couple free agencies over. But thanks for joining us on What Chaos. I mean on on the hockey hub. Oh my god, that’s You’re welcome to come on Way Chaos. Thank you for having me. Okay. Thanks. All right. Uh what chaos? I mean we maybe we will be on their show. Honestly, we could create our own chaos. I love Pete. I’m here for that. I’m so excited to finally meet him cuz like I said, best tweets in the game. So funny. There was one that ruined my life when somebody was like wishing him luck for the playoff game Bruins last year. And he was like, “It’s not up to me.” And I was like, “That’s literally hockey. It’s not up to you. Your emotions are not up to you. You are not in control.” So, no. Sarcasm, wit, um, pushes the envelope a little bit. Like, uh, like I said, some things we’d have to bleep out for TV. But Pete, thanks for joining us, guys. We’re actually going to finally get into the postseason on the other side of the break of Hockey Hub. We’ll be right back. Welcome back to the hockey hub. Sophia and Casey here with you. Yesterday, uh, in Bruins nation and Casey, you know, I come from Toronto, so in Leafs nation or whatever, this day goes down in history as the best or the worst day depending on what side you’re on, but yesterday, May 13th, 2013, was the anniversary of the Bruins versus Maple Leafs game seven comeback, which definitely goes down as one of the craziest moments in all of uh both teams history. So yeah, down 41. I mean, I can go over exactly what happened. I wasn’t there, but the reason we want to bring this up, cuz this is a hockey show, obviously the Bruins in the postseason. Um, but we want to bring it up because we were just talking about it in the office and then all of a sudden everyone was kind of like, “Where were you when?” And people were chiming in being like, “Oh, I remember I was in, you know, XYZ. I was at home or my friend was at the game.” And everyone on either side has a like memory of where they were. And I just wanted to share that I was just like fresh, young, naive, and new into TV, okay? And I was doing I think TV for a good year, but live I had never done. So we started like with pre-recorded segments, which I’m sure you know, you get to take you get to do like a million different takes. You can stop down. You can you say, “Yes, I feel good about this. Show the world.” Yes. Yeah. You can like stop down. But the producer was like, “You’re ready for live.” We were doing kind of live updates back before like Twitter was big. We still did highlights like a nightly highlight pack. Love it. And I was in charge of doing the Leafs Bruins highlights like all the hockey highlights from that night but Leafs Bruins in particular. And as you know when you’re starting out like you’re writing down everything. You’re making sure you get all your stats right. And so we had built the pack for the Leafs beating the Boston Bruins game seven. Like holy moly. They move on to the second round. And that obviously didn’t happen. So in a panic, we’re changing things last minute. We it, you know, goes to overtime. We’re like, “Okay, they can still win. The Leafs being they can still win in overtime. We can kind of save like the graphics even like there’s so much that goes into like building highlights in a show.” And sure enough, we’re undoing everything, but I had to go immediately after the game. I think we were the rights holders. So, you know, the the game’s over, the handshakes, and then you like go to black and then come back up and you’re doing the highlights. And that was my first ever live from pre-recording and this crazy game’s going on. Yes. And I had to go live, which I hope to people watching at home, they’re like, “Okay, girl, what’s the big deal?” I would just say, imagine getting ready for a presentation that you’re doing in front of like the whole company, like let’s say at a conference, like thousands of people, and you get ready doing this presentation all night, and a minute before you have to go live, your B or go do it, your boss is like, “We’re changing everything. This is what you’re doing.” And so like you’re like wait what? Obviously it’s not like I have to talk about football all of a sudden like it was still within the game and I watched the game but that’s my memory of it. Um you know don’t shoot the messenger but I was obviously a big hockey fan at the time and I was a Leafs fan because that’s where I grew up. So not only that but I was like kind of emotional about it. I was like this stinks reading the highlights. Uh but now for Bruins history that’s one of the best moments. Do you pro do did you watch that game? Do you remember that game? No, I cannot say that I watched that game. But I will say 2013 was an interesting year in terms of like like working around the Lightning and being a fan of the Lightning also cuz like you said, you grew up in Toronto so you have that connection with that team and I grew up in Tampa so the Lightning was my team but like that was the year that like the Panthers were starting to kind of be irritating so we were having like really tough matchups with them. So, we played them on May 12th and then the Islanders, like that was the New York team that would like crush my hopes and dreams almost every time we saw them. So, like there was just like I understand the tension. Oh, yeah. You know what I mean? Um, and then, you know, we’ve had some wild runs against the Islanders in the Eastern Conference Finals. So, I can understand the tension, but what you guys described in terms of like that comeback, that atmosphere, production, talking about the fact that they were like already clipping certain things to like, you know, unfortunately Bruins lose and then you’ve got to change everything like to your degree just top to bottom making new graphics, putting out new lower thirds, like the whole narrative changing and you having this much time to figure it out, to commit to it and then going live. Yeah. No, the stress, but also the excitement again. My my emotions are not my own in hockey. Yeah, exactly. No, it was very stressful but very fun. But funnily enough, we’re going to talk about Leafs Panthers tonight, but that was kind of I don’t know if it was the very beginning. I think the Leafs kind of had this reputa they were struggling, you know, they they were always like blow a lead like they just weren’t they weren’t a championship team, but they looked good. Like they weren’t expected to beat the Bruins and then then they were on pace to do that in game seven. But that was kind of a pivotal moment in terms of Toronto Maple Leaf culture. like of course this would happen to them and it was like this nail in the coffin. It was it was a big way to lose. It wasn’t a little way to lose. It was like a really big way. Of course it would happen to them. And then the whole the Bruins have their number that was emphasized over and over and over again in in the regular season or playoff series in years to come. So that was kind of the moment that is still haunting them today in terms of narrative of like of course this would happen to the Toronto Maple Leafs and that’s kind of what they’re dealing with having a two nothing series lead over the Florida Panthers now being tied 2-2. I don’t think it’s that big of a deal. Like that’s what playoff hockey is. Happens to everyone. They can still come out and win it in six or seven. They might lose, but this isn’t the first team that maybe blew a two nothing series lead. Like okay, let’s relax. But in terms of their narrative, that’s very real for them. And even though none of those guys, I don’t think maybe Morgan Riley, maybe none of those guys were on the team then it’s still chasing them. How do you deal with that? Like just that’s what I find so hard. Um like how to escape a narrative cuz that’s the other thing like considering what was it three seasons? No, two seasons ago it the theme was the Maple Leafs can never get past the first round and then they do it versus the Tampa Bay Lightning and then they do it again the following year. So like I guess it’s just one of those things where you realize the magnitude of the mental toughness that goes into all of this because like I know for me like when you put a label on something it’s kind of hard to escape said label and like it was the conversation versus the senators. Like look at the Leafs leafing because now the senators have an opportunity to jump back into this. And like when you look at it on paper, the Senators really could have came out of run round one over the Maple Leaves. So I think you’re right though. It’s 2- two. It’s playoff hockey. And on top of that, who didn’t have this series going to seven from the beginning? Yeah, exactly. I I did. Exactly. So tonight or not, is it tonight? Yeah, tonight. Tonight um game five back in Toronto. We know about the Max Doi hit XYZ. Are you expecting retaliation? Like what are you expecting in terms of energy? And then if you want to give like your two cents on outcome, but energy and just vibes. Energy I think will be high. Um you know I I you are so good with player perspective and emotion and like I think just the idea of Stard being on the ice for morning skate yesterday. Like it’s just again it’s just one of those mood liters like and you I feel like playoff hockey is so significant of like playing for the man next to you and even playing for the guy who’s probably sitting up you know in the club uh watching from below cuz they can’t be a part of it. As for Doy and the potential retaliation, I think that the Maple Leafs head coach has been very stark on like we’re not going to play into the bait and switch. We’re not going to play into the Panthers wanting us to come in there and be emotional. We’re not going to play into their physicality. We’ll be physical when we want to be physical. And doing it on home ice, I think it’s easier to stick to your game. That’s what we saw them do so well in order to go up 0 or 200 in the series. So, I think that they’re going to continue to stay level-headed because that’s been the message from day one. Um, but the hard part is Panthers are getting in Panther form. Like game one, they showed up late, as Matthew Kachchuck said. Game two, it took them a minute to still find their footing. And whether you love or hate the Panthers, you guys have heard me give credit to Paul Maurice before. He’s one of the top five coaches out there that throws his lines in the blender and is going to deliver different looks whenever he needs be, no matter how much time is on the clock. And that’s going to keep the Maple Leaves on their toes. So, it’s going to be an interesting game because when the Panthers are hot, they’re scary. It’s funny you say, you talk about Paul Maurice. you were talking about like you like him as a guy and a coach and obviously he’s got a lot of success. Some of his media stuff drives me crazy. He’s a goof. I mean it’s kind of annoying. Yeah, he’s a goof. Like it it’s it’s I remember last year with the Bruins they won in Florida. I can’t remember what game it was and like just the way he we talked about it on the show. He was just kind of like you got to give them like it was almost like he was um not pitting them. What’s the word when you like patronizing? Patronizing. Yeah. like he’s like, you know, wow, like they pulled out a win here and I was like, dude, but you know what? I did not like it. I was not happy with it. I understand where you’re coming from on it totally because I’ve heard the same thing and the same commentary on John Cooper. I’ve heard people say that Billy Coupe can be patronizing in some of his responses sometimes. So like it depends on when you catch them. Like I find him humorous in the sense of like when you see footage of him fully in a suit like getting on the ground like talking to the guys and stuff like it’s just the interaction. So, like looking at how the buyin is with some of these coaches in some of their locker rooms, like I that I’m like, “Okay, this is cool. Like, this is funny or whatever.” But like I’m, you know, I’m from Tampa Bay. I have everyone in Tampa blowing up my phone right now. Like I’m not allowed to say one good thing about the Panthers, right? You know what I’m saying? So, it’s just like it’s it’s one of those things, eb and flow. But, uh, well, also one of the coaches jobs these days because the media is so, you know, you don’t just have two writers anymore. of like TV and Twitter and like social media is to play the media and I think he does do a really good job with that. I think he plays them very well um because he’s nice. The way he answers the questions and then that that even though writers and people should be objective, it does affect like your relationship with the coach. If he’s good to you, he does a really good job doing that. And Jackie Redmond’s mentioned before like how great he is with giving detailed responses and stuff. Yeah. And it makes your job easier on this side, you know? So, yes. Yes. No, he’s like, “No, he was uh the Leafs head coach for a while, which when I worked there, like I I really like I think he’s a great guy and he obviously does a great job, but sometimes I’m like, “All right, buddy. You’re a lot. This is an NHL team you were facing.” Like, not like a Bruins AHL team. Like, come on. Um, we talk about, you know, having breakout players or like the unsung heroes in the postseason. You got to win with unsung heroes, but your stars need to be your stars. Yeah. Matthews, three assists, no goals in four games. Mner has five shots on goal, but only one since game one and none in the past two. So, those guys are definitely feeling the pressure. They need to be part of the um the not the win, but just like rallying and being part of that, you know what I mean? Yeah. Almost to say breakout, you know, especially when you see a guy like Matthews, here we are again postseason, where’s the goals at? You know, your stars have to be your stars as you said. I wonder if like maybe because of how the the crucialness of like your bottom six and like how they deliver and where they show up and typically that third line’s that shut down line and stuff. I just wonder if like maybe because of how the depth scoring has to play into it if they’ll be okay. But it’s true. I mean that’s your leader, that’s your new captain. So seeing him be able to punch through any barrier he’s dealing through in the postseason I think is a momentum swing in a sense and not having that is tough. And you’ve seen some growth in Mner and as a whole in the postseason, but still the numbers, you know, that’s what everyone gets hung up on, but I mean, he’s made some really complex plays out there. And I think he’s a phenomenal skater. It’s just again, it’s the competition is tough and where are the other layers of scoring coming in. Yeah. Which everyone knows by now. I’m a freak for Matthew Nice. That’s the most support the Leafs will ever get from me in my entire life. Oh, yeah. Yeah. No, N has been unreal and like is earning his, you know, whatever. Whatever. He’s coming up. Yeah. his keep for his offer sheet. If Pete can make that happen, please. I know. I know. We had Pete Blackburn on the show. If you’re just joining us earlier, we were just talking about notable free agents or what the Bruins could pick up. And Matthew would be really nice if that could happen. I doubt it though. I don’t think the Leafs are letting him go. You mentioned Stallar skating. Here’s the thing. Joseph Wall has been great. Like what I hate the I had so much anxiety with the um the Mark and Swayman goalie debate when it was happening. I had so much anxiety about that. Like it’s a difficult choice to make unless one of them’s running away with it. If he were to hypothetically be ready, I know he’s not for tonight, I don’t think, but uh if you were to hypothetically be ready, what would you do? H see, it’s tough because like you feel like you won. Like it’s a security thing almost like I think that for the Oilers, the mentality of the defense shifts when Steuart Skinner goes in just because like it takes time for him to build, you know, and be that strong guy. So I think like Stler has gave them a layer of confidence which means like it’s one less thing to think about on the ice. But you said it, Wall has been tremendous and we talked about it actually on Hockey Hub like he wasn’t getting enough credit for some of the good work that he did in previous postseasons. So like it’s not new for us to see good performances out of him. Um I would if the concussion thing didn’t freak me out cuz the vomiting just tells you so much. I would go with Stallars. It would. Yeah. Okay. One less thing to think about for this team. there was an extra chip on their shoulder and confidence knowing what they accomplished with him. That is a difficult decision uh given anyway, but I don’t I don’t think he’s even ready for tonight. So anyway, we’re going to send it back to break. We’ve got other series to talk about, more hockey with Casey and myself on the Hockey Hub right after this. Welcome back to the Hockey Hub. Sophia and Casey here talking um all things hockey, but obviously the postseason. We just finished talking about the Toronto Maples, Florida Panthers. We’re going to move over to the West tonight. Oilers at Golden Knights game five. Edmonton leading 3-1 in that series. Does Has this surprised you? I really I had Edmonton from the start going to the final again. You did? Yeah. Okay. I fall to you. I did not. No. Why not? I thought it was finally the Kings year and like really it was for a number of reasons. It wasn’t just hopping on the trend. It was like, okay, they’ve had a pretty good defense this season. Last season they were tremendous road team last season. It just felt like they finally put the pieces together in terms of like good defense, um, good goalending, great on the road, which comes in handy in the postseason. And then more importantly, they started to find that offensive firepower. And I liked how they were just orchestrating as a team. They checked a lot more boxes and then I mean that was a wild that was a wild series. Like that’s that’s sometimes the better team wins, sometimes it’s like a bounce and you’re like, what the hell? And like that was like a crazy series. But I had Edmonton. I’ve already said this so I don’t want to like talk about it all the time, but I I had Edmonton only because they made it to the final last year. Oh yes. You mentioned the the pattern in terms of teams that make it and then like don’t win the Stanley Cup. How they tend to Yeah, totally. Especially if they don’t have like too many changes in the offseason, right? And it’s like, okay, you made it that far and now not now you know what to do or what not to do because like I said, sometimes it’s just like a crazy bounce. But if you’re keeping the same experience, the same skill, and then the motivation too, that that like hungriness is really there. Um I had Edmonton all the way. So I think they’re going to I don’t know if it’s tonight. I don’t know if they’re going to close out the series tonight. I this one I don’t this one I don’t care. Like I would like to see it end. Whereas a couple of the other ones I wouldn’t mind seeing six or seven games because the Leafs Panthers is the only one that’s tied 2-2. The rest of the series are up 3-1. Uh so this one in particular, I’m kind of over Vegas. I don’t know why. I I I don’t know. I’m just kind of over and I want Edmonton. I feel like some of the games have just been like considering that where the excitement lies with other series. This one’s just kind of like a somebody finish it. Like Street Fighter finish it. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Exactly. I I mean I feel like the Carolina Hurricanes Washington Capital ones is boring. But actually on um what Chaos on Pete’s Did you see? Are they boring or Christmas good? Yes. Which is a really good point. Fantastic point because I couldn’t figure out where I leaned on it and then I was just like holy crap. I guess it’s just boring because I underestimated uh Carolina to a degree only because I wasn’t sure where Anderson’s health was going to lie in all of this and we haven’t seen like you know a full season out of him in some time but uh somebody tweeted he’s like a man possessed and it’s stuck in my head ever since. I was like he is and you know what good for Rod Brenda Moore and company like continue to go on but it’s boring. Yeah I wanted the Caps Kane series to be a little bit more fun to watch but it hasn’t been. I think Leafs Panthers has been the most fun to watch. Maybe it’s also cuz Eastern Conference Bruins, you know, rivals. Um, but Oilers Golden Knights. Yeah. So, that could end tonight. Stars, Jets, like first of all, hat-ticks like crazy. Are you kidding me? No. Wild. So, they posted like a picture. It looked like almost like a school picture at the end and it was like big night for the Fins and I was like this is adorable. Like, but there’s just so many guys I feel like have like a redemption chip on their shoulder outside of Miko Rantin. And like I know that that’s the guy to talk about, but um like Granland like I loved when he ended up in Dallas cuz I was like he’s such a stoic guy, you know? He does his job. He’s a great hockey player. Like he’s just going to go in there and do what and just plug and play. And then he comes out with a hat-tick first career one. So I thought it was really cool. But I I’ve always rooted for the Dallas Stars. They’ve been my underdog for years and then this year I bail on them and guess what? Killing it. They are killing it. So do you feel like they have what it takes to go all the way? I also I I feel like the the Jets could push it a little, but I don’t think they’re winning the series just based on how they’ve been playing. I feel like they’re dominating and the one game that the Jets did win, it’s like they clawed kind of they clawed out that win or whatever you want to say. Sure. Clawed out, scratched out. They did all the things. Yeah. And it was like it was like a big effort. Although, yeah, this is playoff hockey. Both teams are efforting it. But if you know what I mean, you could just feel a difference where like the Stars have it under control. And if the Jets are getting back in, it’s like just max effort. Yeah, I think like you make a great point to basically like the Jets had to dig a little deeper to get out of that first round. And so we saw comebacks from both teams, but like we needed to see like an extra layer when it came to the Jets getting through. I just think that what the Stars have done well also, and we saw it in last night’s game, forcing mistakes. Like the Jets just have a tendency to be put back into like bad habits on the drop of a dime, and that’s what costes you postseason. So considering the fact that last night should have been a better swing for them, like there was amount of plays that came off of turnovers that puts a really um relentless team in perfect positioning. So considering like the stars again like the star power, I know everybody talks about seeing more depth out of them, but I mean if you’ve got star guys that are going off and making an impact each time, I think the depth will roll into the mix eventually. Um, but yeah, I just think the stars kind of have more of that ump. And audinger, I mean, you want to talk about a man possessed. I don’t know if he was just like watching hell during Foreign Nations or what happened, but he unfortunately was one of the goalenders that I’d be like great, but I don’t know if I trust him in the postseason per se. And I’ll never like I don’t criticize players because I can never do their job. But then like for goalies as well, like that’s the hardest position on the ice, but Odder has just been like lights out. I don’t know who this guy is and I love it for him. And that’s what I love about playoff hockey. And it’s like just when goalies stand on their head and they’re and that is so frustrating for a team when they’re getting the looks. Yeah. But that’s a goalie can obviously win a series and and be a game changer. Um I want to run through the series. You’re going to tell me what you think is going to happen. Okay. And then I have a silly story. Um Oilers Golden Knights 3-1. They’re up 3-1. Is it going to end tonight or how many games are we seeing? I have a weird feeling it’s going to end tonight. The biggest question mark was how they were going to like confidently perform in front of Stuart Skinner, but like they have the ability to switch things up. Yanmark I was a fan of when he was with the Dallas Stars and you talked about the guys that had a carryover from last season. Like I just think that like they have the ability and you can’t keep them out of a third period. It’s just dumb. Okay. Jets Stars Dallas obviously up 3-1. Stars. Stars. Okay. And in in in five or in six in six. In six I think six-2. Capitals Hurricanes Carolina up 3-1. I think Carolina closes the door. I do too. I really I you guys know I love Alexkin so much. So, I was really hoping that, you know, he can maybe get another cup or whatever, but I do think Carolina might even end it in five. Yeah. Okay. And then Panthers Maple Leafs series 22 obviously seven. Is it going seven? It’s going seven. It’s going seven. Thank god cuz we need entertaining hockey. Exactly. Something to break up the monotony of like the other ones that are just about to be done. Um, and you never know what you’re going to get like when the temperatures start rising and when people start just like losing it on the ice. Like if nothing else, we are entertained as you said. Like and with that one, obviously Bruins fans may be invested just to see Marie do well, but also the first round pick. Absolutely. Because of the um trade. Yes. But what’s the uh conditional? Yes, it was conditional. Yes. So first round pick. Uh thank you Brad Marshian. I just so watching the games sometimes I’m going to be honest I’m not watching the entire game and I do a little like YouTube recap in the morning like at the we hours of the night I had to tweet a poll and be like so who’s really staying up this often like I mean I the first on was so much fun and it depends what you have going on that night or that day but I had a um moment where I was watching Oilers uh nights highlights and I was watching and I was like whoa these like they’re scoring a lot of similar goals in this game, you know? I was like, “Okay.” And then I at the very end, it was until like 30 seconds left of the YouTube recap, I was like, “Oh, these are game one highlights, not game two.” Like I watched the same There was like a goal that was like flipped over the net and it was like kind of batted in and I was like, “Wow, to do that two games in a row is wild.” It’s insane. Yeah. And I was like, “That’s crazy.” The exact movement. And I was even texting my friend and I was like I cannot believe that they scored that way twice. Like that is really weird. And then I kept watching and I’m like something feels off about this. But I was like having my coffee and the what gave it away was I think yeah it was in Vegas. So what gave it away was like at the end of the highlights there was this one Edmonton fan that was standing there being like Yeah. And I was like wait I saw that fan and I was like oh god this is the same this thing is looping. Yeah. I’m like all right I got to got to get on to game two. Anyway that is funny. Yeah, that’s I was like, so how do you get through a day? All right, we’re Exactly. We’re going to take another break. We’ll be right back to wrap up the show after this. Welcome back into the hockey hub here on Ness and Casey and Sophia hanging out. Fun show. Yeah, cuz we had Pete Blackburn on earlier to get us started. And look, I am a fan of his work. We’ve talked about it. the wit, the tweets, just the way that he has like a fun coverage and presence with hockey, but like you know that you’re doing great coverage when you get to the soul of talking to players, but also like great coverage of the game. Like I think it’s a great combo. No, honestly, his great analysis and gets great things out of the players and it’s just so entertaining. Like I don’t um what do they call it? Dual screen watch. I don’t really dual screen watch where you follow Twitter and the game. You know, some people do that or what? There’s a name. I I can’t remember anything today. Okay. I couldn’t tell you what that is. Uh, multiscreen, whatever it is. But for Pete, I have his Twitter up. Every Bruins game, I have his Twitter up because it’s just so funny. Yeah. Yeah. He’s good and like his memes and he’s like appropriately critical but in a funny way or he’ll joke about like wanting to die when something bad happens or whatever. And he’s like, I’m good. Like he’s just he’s great. And his podcast is a lot of fun, too. To live in his head for one day cuz I mean like when you’re that good with oneliners, you’re you’re just like the most brilliant person to me. Like my family’s just now getting into hockey and stuff and like I’ll just send them his tweets and like that’s how they kind of like have tied in personality and emotionally to hockey so it’s been cool. Well then you I’m assuming I’ve never met PJ Stock but former Boston Bruin former played for a lot of different teams. I always jokes that he was like a bit of a plug like he was a really good fighter and that’s what I would say he was known for more than his goal scoring. I think he has like five career NHL goals and he always jokes about how he’s like I got five. Um, which is better than you and I can say. Uh, but he’s he’s awesome, too. We had him on the show as a guest the other day, and I’m hoping to have him on a couple times in the summer. But, you know, you got to inject some personality into this. This is a game. It’s not just a game for those guys on the ice. It’s not just a game for us as fans. But, it is supposed to be fun, too. And I like both of them that they can make it a little lighthearted. Yep. All right. We’ve got like 30 seconds left, so I think we’re going to wrap up and say goodbye. We’ll see if there’s any games to be played uh into Monday when our next show is because they could wrap up this weekend. But hoping for a couple game sevens to make it fun. We’re going to be back Monday everyone. Have a great weekend and we’ll see you on the next episode, episode 65. Bye. [Music]

The Bruins are looking for a new Head Coach this offseason and there are plenty of names on the market that could fill the role. Pete Blackburn joins Kasey Hudson and Sophia Jurkztowicz to discuss which coach they want the most for the Bruins going into next year. Former Bruins like Marco Sturm and Marc Savard are rumored to be in the mix. Plus, Pete shares his top free agents that the Bruins should be targeting this offseason.

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