NHL @TheRink

Dan and Shawn are joined by former Sabre and current broadcaster Rob Ray (12:07) to talk about the reasons why the Sabres have sustained their success this season and are in first place in the Atlantic Division, almost guaranteeing at this point that they will reach the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in 15 years. He touched on leadership and coaching, on the play of defenseman Rasmus Dahlin, the character in the room, goalie Alex Lyon having 20 wins and the impact forwards Ryan McLeod and Josh Doan have made since they arrived in Buffalo. NHL.com staff writer Derek Van Diest also joined the episode to talk about the Oilers (32:25). Van Diest specifically addressed Connor McDavid’s recent comments on the Pacific Division race (he called it a “pillow fight”) and if there is a frayed relationship between Edmonton’s captain and coach Kris Knoblauch. In addition, the guys dove into the playoff races in both conferences, offering their thoughts on the rise of the Nashville Predators, Columbus Blue Jackets and Ottawa Senators. The episode ends with a special tribute to and remembrance of Jessi Pierce.

Dan and Shawn are joined by Columbus Blue Jackets General Manager Don Waddell (23:30) to talk about hiring Rick Bowness,  the Blue Jackets rise under the coach, why he acquired forward Conor Garland before the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline, and some thoughts on the items being discussed at the NHL General Managers’ meetings. In addition, the guys breakdown the playoff races in both conferences, detail the impact of Leon Draisaitl’s lower-body injury that will keep him out of the Edmonton Oilers lineup for the remainder of the regular season, discuss some of the storylines coming out of the NHL General Managers’ meetings and go over Matthew Schaefer’s successful first game in Toronto in front of a large gathering of friends and family.

Dan and Shawn are joined by former NHL coach Dan Bylsma to talk about the Avalanche adding Kadri, the Hart Trophy race and the process of integrating and welcoming new players to a team. Plus, he looks at the likely first round matchup between the Minnesota Wild and the Dallas and the unique challenge of finishing out a season while keeping your on the playoffs. The guys started the episode talking about the Sabres ceiling and the Islanders spunk. They wrap up with a look at the Trophy Tracker, including the very tight Hart race and why Jon Cooper should be the Jack Adams winner.

Dan and Shawn are joined by NHL Network's E.J. Hradek (8:05) to talk about the looming Trade Deadline and what may be coming down the pipe for the Oilers, Blues, Panthers, Hurricanes, Wild, Golden Knights and Rangers. They dissect potential deals and take a deep dive into the trade market. The guys start he episode with a look at the Toronto Maple Leafs and Buffalo Sabres and how each team should approach the Deadline. They wrap up with a look and debate about the top of their power rankings and analyze the odd timing around the Kings making a coaching change.

Back from Milan,  Dan and Shawn digest the Olympic tournament and the impact of it, including taking a look at the legacies of Connor Hellebuyck, Jack Hughes and Auston Matthews, and how they’re forever changed by what they did with Team USA.
They discuss the lasting impact of Team USA winning gold and Hughes’ golden goal.
The also talk about why Team Canada couldn’t get the extra goal in the gold medal game. They also move on to the NHL season restarting Wednesday with Stanley Cup Playoff races heating up and the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline coming into focus.... 
 Some topics discussed and debated:
* Will the New Jersey Devils and Winnipeg Jets be able to climb the standings with players like Jack Hughes and goalie Jacob Markstrom for New Jersey, and Hellebuyck for the Jets coming back with confidence?
* Is it realistic given the injuries and number of players coming back from the Olympics for the Florida Panthers to get on a run to make the playoffs?
* Are the Detroit Red Wings and Buffalo Sabres going to end long playoff droughts? And does the hockey world now fully understand the value of Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin and Sabres forward Tage Thompson based on their performances at the Olympics for Team USA?
* What is the impact of Sidney Crosby’s injury on the Penguins?