NHL @TheRink

Dan and Shawn are joined by Tom Gulitti (16:58), NHL.com senior writer covering the Washington Capitals, to discuss Alex Ovechkin’s future after Capitals star announced that a decision on his playing future will be made in the summer. The duo opens the show with discussion about the surprising news out of Long Island, as the Islanders fired Patrick Roy with four games remaining in the season and hired Pete DeBoer in hopes of ending a recent skid and securing a playoff spot. The guys continue with discussion about New Jersey’s decision to part ways with general manager Tom Fitzgerald and what the future may hold for the Devils and wrap the show with thoughts on the playoff chase in the Western Conference.

Dan and Shawn are joined by Hall of Fame defenseman Chris Pronger (20:08) to discuss Toronto’s next move after the recent firing of general manager Brad Treliving, the playoff prospects for a few of Pronger’s former teams, and his new book “Earned: The True Cost of Greatness from One of Hockey’s Fiercest Competitors” which will be released on April 14. The duo opens the show with reaction to the changes in Toronto and what it means for the future of Auston Matthews, and the decision by the Vegas Golden Knights to dismiss Bruce Cassidy and hire John Tortorella midseason. After the interview, the guys discuss the playoff races in both conferences and touch on Alexander Ovechkin’s sustained success as the Washington Capitals star recently recorded the 20th 30-goal season of his illustrious career.

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.