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The definitive NHL podcast network with expert analysis and insider perspectives.
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Spring Cleaning – Philadelphia Flyers The Philadelphia Flyers made a surprising return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2026, finishing third in the Metropolitan Division and reaching the postseason for the first time since the 2020 bubble. After defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games, Philadelphia was swept by the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine Rick Tocchet’s impact, the late-season surge that changed the Flyers’ trajectory, and the offseason decisions facing Danny Brière and Keith Jones as the organization attempts to build on a major step forward. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00:00] The Flyers complete a surprise playoff run after finishing third in the Metropolitan Division. Philadelphia defeats Pittsburgh in the opening round before Carolina ends the season with a four-game sweep. [00:00:40] Neil and Vic revisit the modest expectations surrounding the Flyers entering the season. While few predicted a playoff berth, Neil believed Philadelphia could remain in the Wild Card race if Rick Tocchet could get the roster to overachieve. [00:01:20] The Flyers’ young foundation already included Owen Tippett, Tyson Foerster, Noah Cates, Jamie Drysdale, and Cam York. Veterans Sean Couturier, Travis Konecny, and Travis Sanheim provided leadership, while Trevor Zegras, Christian Dvorak, and Dan Vladař were added during the offseason. [00:02:00] Tocchet receives significant credit for producing immediate results. Zegras finds new life after leaving Anaheim, while Vladař stabilizes a goaltending position that has troubled the Flyers for years. [00:02:40] Owen Tippett’s injury after the first round becomes a major loss against Carolina. Neil reflects on how Tippett developed into an important return from the trade that sent longtime captain Claude Giroux to Florida. [00:03:15] On February 26, the Flyers sit four games above .500 and eight points outside the final Wild Card position. Philadelphia responds with an 18-6-1 finish, including multiple five-game winning streaks, to force its way into the playoffs. [00:04:00] The late-season surge reveals a clear identity. The Flyers become difficult to play against in every zone, applying pressure on the forecheck, maintaining tighter defensive gaps, and fully embracing Tocchet’s demanding system. [00:04:30] Neil compares the team’s style to the traditional Philadelphia identity of physical, relentless hockey. Opponents once again understand that playing the Flyers will require a difficult, exhausting night. [00:05:00] Philadelphia’s first-round victory over Pittsburgh becomes a defining achievement. The Flyers eliminate a Penguins team led by Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, and Erik Karlsson before running into a deeper and more experienced Carolina club. [00:05:30] Dan Vladař emerges as the clear number-one goaltender, with Samuel Ersson serving as the backup. Ivan Fedotov is traded to Columbus before the season, ending another uncertain chapter in Philadelphia’s ongoing search for stability in net. [00:06:00] Rasmus Ristolainen misses much of the first half while recovering from triceps surgery. The Flyers also receive a major late-season boost from Porter Martone, who produces 10 points in his first nine NHL games. [00:06:30] Despite the team’s progress, the power play remains the NHL’s worst for another season. The relationship between Tocchet and Matvei Michkov also becomes a concern after the young forward is scratched twice during the playoffs. [00:07:00] Neil questions how Philadelphia handled Michkov’s arrival, arguing that the organization presented him as a franchise savior before he had earned that status. Both John Tortorella and Tocchet have since challenged his defensive play and willingness to follow the team’s structure. [00:08:00] Michkov remains one year away from restricted free agency. Neil believes the Flyers are unlikely to trade him immediately, but his future could become uncertain if his relationship with the coaching staff does not improve before his next contract. [00:08:30] Philadelphia still lacks a true game-breaking scorer and goes a second consecutive season without a 30-goal player. However, the organization’s prospect pipeline includes Martone, Denver Barkey, Alex Bump, Nikita Grebenkin, Jett Luchanko, and Oliver Bonk. [00:09:00] The Flyers enter the 2026 NHL Draft with only five selections and no picks in the fourth or fifth rounds. They project to have more than $7 million in cap space before the July 1 reset. [00:09:30] Unrestricted free agents include Carl Grundström, Rodrigo Ābols, Luke Glendening, and Noah Juulsen. Restricted free agents include Zegras, Grebenkin, Drysdale, Emil Andrae, and Ersson. [00:10:00] Neil identifies Zegras and Drysdale as the two most important players to re-sign. The organization must also continue adding young talent through the draft and determine which depth veterans still fit Tocchet’s system. [00:10:30] With available cap space and a suddenly more attractive competitive environment, Neil expects the Flyers to pursue at least one meaningful free agent who can improve the current roster without compromising the long-term plan. [00:11:00] The episode concludes with optimism surrounding Philadelphia’s direction. The Flyers now possess a defined identity, a respected head coach, a reliable starting goaltender, and an improving young core that has made the franchise an appealing destination once again.
Spring Cleaning – Pittsburgh Penguins The Pittsburgh Penguins entered the 2025-26 season with low expectations, an unproven head coach, and widespread speculation that the franchise might finally begin dismantling its aging core. Instead, rookie head coach Dan Muse engineered one of the NHL’s biggest surprises, guiding Pittsburgh to a second-place finish in the Metropolitan Division before a first-round loss to the Philadelphia Flyers. Neil Smith and Vic Morren revisit how badly they underestimated the Penguins, the remarkable resurgence of Erik Karlsson, and the difficult offseason decisions now facing General Manager Kyle Dubas. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00:00] The Penguins finish second in the Metropolitan Division before being eliminated by Philadelphia in the opening round. Neil and Vic revisit the extremely low expectations surrounding Pittsburgh entering the season under first-year head coach Dan Muse. [00:00:40] Questions existed about whether Sidney Crosby would remain with the team through the trade deadline, whether Erik Karlsson would be dealt, and whether the collection of veteran depth additions could keep Pittsburgh competitive. [00:01:00] Dan Muse exceeds every expectation and quickly gets the roster to buy into his system. Pittsburgh becomes a more difficult, responsible, and consistent team than it had been the previous season. [00:01:20] Erik Karlsson’s transformation becomes one of Muse’s greatest accomplishments. After a disastrous 2024-25 campaign, Karlsson plays responsibly at both ends of the ice and reestablishes himself as a major contributor. [00:01:45] Neil and Vic admit they completely misjudged the Penguins during their preseason analysis. Muse becomes a Jack Adams Award finalist after leading a team expected to miss the playoffs to one of the strongest records in the Metropolitan Division. [00:02:00] Pittsburgh improves dramatically on offense, increasing its goal total from 243 to 293. The club’s goal differential rises by 75 goals, moving from minus-50 to plus-25. [00:02:20] The Penguins receive scoring throughout the lineup, with 12 players reaching double digits in goals and five surpassing 20. Anthony Mantha delivers a career-best season after signing a one-year contract. [00:02:45] Yegor Chinakhov scores 21 goals after arriving from Columbus, while Justin Brazeau, Connor Dewar, Tommy Novak, and Noel Acciari all contribute career-best or near-career-best production. [00:03:00] Karlsson improves from 53 points and a minus-24 rating to 66 points and a plus-eight. Rookie Ben Kindel also makes an immediate impact with 17 goals and 35 points in 77 games. [00:03:30] The coaching comparison becomes impossible to ignore. Mike Sullivan leaves Pittsburgh for the New York Rangers, while Muse departs the Rangers’ staff and immediately delivers a far more successful season with the Penguins. [00:04:00] Pittsburgh also makes major defensive progress. Its goals-against average drops from 3.46 to 3.09, supported by improved structure and a productive overhaul in goal. [00:04:20] The trade sending Tristan Jarry to Edmonton for Stuart Skinner and Brett Kulak becomes one of the season’s most successful moves. Pittsburgh escapes Jarry’s long-term contract while adding a more dependable starting goaltender. [00:04:45] Kulak is later moved to Colorado for Samuel Girard, giving the Penguins another useful defenseman. Artūrs Šilovs also provides reliable goaltending depth behind Skinner. [00:05:30] Neil explains why the season felt almost like a championship for Pittsburgh when compared to the expectations entering the year. Nearly every major move worked, and several veterans delivered unexpected career seasons. [00:06:00] The offseason presents a complicated challenge for Kyle Dubas. Pittsburgh enters the 2026 NHL Draft with five selections, including two second-round picks, but no choices in the fourth, fifth, or seventh rounds. [00:06:30] The Penguins project to have approximately $10.2 million in salary-cap space before the July 1 reset. Their unrestricted free agents include Evgeni Malkin, Kevin Hayes, Anthony Mantha, Noel Acciari, Connor Dewar, Connor Clifton, Ryan Shea, Ilya Solovyov, and Stuart Skinner. [00:07:00] Restricted free agents Yegor Chinakhov and Artūrs Šilovs also need new contracts. Neil expects a busy summer with the possibility of significant turnover if Dubas cannot retain several of the players who helped drive this year’s success. [00:07:20] Malkin wants to return, and Crosby has publicly expressed support for keeping his longtime teammate. Mantha’s career year creates a more difficult decision because another team may offer him a larger contract in free agency. [00:08:00] The Penguins’ unique challenge is that they are still building around one of the NHL’s oldest cores. Malkin turns 40, Crosby turns 39, Kris Letang is already 39, Erik Karlsson turns 36, and Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell are also well into their 30s. [00:08:40] Neil and Vic compare Pittsburgh’s position to the previous season’s Washington Capitals. Washington received career years from multiple veterans before injuries and regression caused the team to miss the playoffs one year later. [00:09:00] The Penguins could face the same danger if their older stars decline and the supporting players cannot repeat their career seasons. Pittsburgh must continue adding younger talent rather than assuming this year’s formula will work again. [00:09:30] Dan Muse receives enormous credit for creating belief, accountability, and structure throughout the lineup. His ability to get the players to buy into his approach becomes the defining reason behind Pittsburgh’s unexpected success. [00:10:00] The episode concludes with Neil and Vic admitting their preseason prediction was completely wrong. The Penguins earn an A-plus for the season, but sustaining that success will require a smart, aggressive, and carefully managed offseason.
Spring Cleaning – New York Rangers The New York Rangers entered the 2025-26 season with modest expectations under first-year head coach Mike Sullivan, but even a Wild Card berth proved well beyond their reach. A season defined by offensive struggles, major trades, and an aggressive roster teardown ended with the Rangers eliminated on March 25. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine the dismantling of a team that reached the Eastern Conference Final only two years earlier, the young players receiving late-season opportunities, and the long rebuild now facing General Manager Chris Drury. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00:00] The Rangers are eliminated from playoff contention on March 25 after entering the season as a possible Wild Card team. Neil and Vic revisit their preseason belief that New York would need to overachieve under Mike Sullivan to remain in the playoff race. [00:00:40] Neil’s preseason warning to “bring a program” proves accurate as the roster becomes increasingly unrecognizable. By the final weeks, the Rangers are relying heavily on Hartford call-ups, college signings, and inexperienced players auditioning for future roles. [00:01:00] New York’s offensive problems surface immediately. The Rangers are shut out by Pittsburgh on opening night and fail to score in each of their first three home games before finally breaking through in their fourth appearance at Madison Square Garden. [00:01:30] The dismantling continues after the offseason departures of K’Andre Miller and Chris Kreider. Artemi Panarin is later traded to the Los Angeles Kings, further removing proven scoring from a team already struggling to generate offense. [00:02:00] Neil explains that the returns for those veteran players may eventually benefit the organization through prospects and draft picks, but they provide almost no immediate help during the 2025-26 season. [00:02:20] The Rangers eventually discover a productive late-season line featuring Mika Zibanejad, Alexis Lafrenière, and Gabe Perreault. Zibanejad delivers a strong bounce-back season, Lafrenière improves, and Perreault emerges as one of the organization’s more promising young forwards. [00:02:45] Other prospects receive extended opportunities, including Noah Laba, Adam Sýkora, Drew Fortescue, and goaltender Dylan Garand. Their improved play provides some optimism, but Neil cautions against overvaluing performances after the team has already been eliminated. [00:03:00] Neil calls the late-season surge a mirage. With no playoff pressure and young players desperate to prove themselves, the final games resemble preseason auditions more than meaningful evidence of what the Rangers will become next year. [00:03:30] Attention turns to the unrestricted free agents, including Jonny Brodzinski, Conor Sheary, and veteran goaltender Jonathan Quick, who may retire after the season. [00:03:50] Restricted free agents Braden Schneider, Vincent Iorio, and Dylan Garand represent more important decisions for Chris Drury as the organization begins identifying which younger players belong in the next version of the team. [00:04:00] The Rangers enter the 2026 NHL Draft with 11 selections, including two first-round picks and four third-round picks. One of those first-rounders came from Carolina in the K’Andre Miller trade. [00:04:25] Despite the large number of selections, Neil believes the rebuild will take considerable time. The Rangers possess some useful pieces, but their prospect pipeline lacks enough elite talent to make them a likely playoff contender next season. [00:04:45] Neil identifies the draft as the organization’s most important path forward. Drury must maximize those selections while continuing to explore trades involving veterans who can bring back younger players or additional assets. [00:05:00] Igor Shesterkin remains the most important building block and gives the Rangers an elite foundation in goal. From there, management must determine how many current veterans still fit the club’s long-term timeline. [00:05:20] Mika Zibanejad remains a highly respected player, but his age creates questions about whether he should be part of a multi-year rebuild. Neil also argues that Lafrenière has not developed into the franchise-altering player expected from a first-overall pick. [00:05:45] The episode concludes with cautious evaluations of Perreault, Sýkora, Laba, and Garand. Each player showed promise, but Neil emphasizes that the pressure-free final weeks cannot be treated as proof that the Rangers are ready to contend again.
Spring Cleaning – Ottawa Senators The Ottawa Senators returned to the Stanley Cup Playoffs as the second Eastern Conference Wild Card, but their postseason stay ended quickly with a four-game sweep by the Carolina Hurricanes. Even so, Ottawa made measurable progress during the 2025-26 season, improving significantly on offense while overcoming injuries to several of its most important players. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine the Senators’ scoring growth, defensive and goaltending concerns, and the increasingly important decisions surrounding Claude Giroux and captain Brady Tkachuk. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00:00] The Senators qualify for the playoffs as the second Wild Card before being swept by Carolina in the opening round. Neil and Vic revisit the biggest question entering the season: whether Ottawa could generate enough offense after failing to produce a 30-goal scorer the previous year. [00:00:35] Tim Stützle and Drake Batherson both surpass 30 goals, while Dylan Cozens finishes with 28. Ottawa scores 278 goals as a team, an improvement of 35, and raises its goal differential from plus-nine to plus-32. [00:01:00] Neil discusses the continued development of Ottawa’s young core. Stützle, Batherson, and several other key players are entering the prime years of their careers, giving the Senators hope that their best talent can mature together. [00:01:20] Special teams remain a major concern. The penalty kill drops from 19th to 29th overall and ranks 31st on the road, creating a weakness that becomes increasingly difficult to overcome against stronger opponents. [00:01:45] Ottawa’s goaltending produces an unusual statistical profile. The Senators rank near the middle of the league in goals-against average but near the bottom in save percentage, suggesting the club limits shots but struggles to stop enough of the dangerous chances that get through. [00:02:00] Linus Ullmark misses time on personal leave, Levi Merzlikins fails to match his previous performance, and James Reimer is added later in the season to stabilize the backup position. [00:02:20] Injuries create even greater problems on defense. Brady Tkachuk suffers a thumb injury early in the season, while Jake Sanderson, Thomas Chabot, Nick Jensen, Tyler Kleven, and other defensemen miss significant time. [00:03:00] Neil explains how the repeated absences of Sanderson, Chabot, Jensen, and Kleven damaged Ottawa’s defensive structure. With several regulars unavailable at the same time, the Senators struggled to protect their goaltenders and maintain consistency. [00:03:30] Despite improved scoring, Ottawa cannot break through against Carolina. The Senators compete hard but lack the depth and execution necessary to challenge one of the NHL’s elite teams. [00:04:00] The discussion shifts to the offseason. Ottawa enters the 2026 NHL Draft with seven picks, including three selections in the third round, but has no second-round or seventh-round pick. [00:04:45] The Senators project to have approximately $2.34 million in cap space before the July 1 reset. Their unrestricted free agents include Claude Giroux, Lars Eller, Nick Cousins, Nick Jensen, Dennis Gilbert, Lassi Thomson, and James Reimer. [00:05:15] Restricted free agents Stephen Halliday, Jordan Spence, and Levi Merzlikins also require new contracts. Neil expects General Manager Steve Staios to prioritize Spence and address the defense and goaltending before making decisions on veteran forwards. [00:05:45] Claude Giroux’s future becomes another major storyline. The veteran has taken a hometown discount to remain in Ottawa, and Neil believes Giroux may prefer to finish his career with the Senators, although management must determine whether he still fits the club’s direction. [00:06:30] Attention then turns to Brady Tkachuk, who has two years remaining on his contract at $8.2 million annually. Trade speculation continues despite Tkachuk publicly denying that he wants to leave Ottawa. [00:07:00] Neil explains why the rumors will not disappear until Tkachuk signs another contract. As the captain approaches the final year of his deal, Ottawa must continue evaluating the market and understand what other teams might offer for its most valuable player. [00:08:00] Tkachuk’s value extends far beyond his production. He is the face of the franchise, an emotional leader, and one of the NHL’s most intimidating and competitive captains. [00:09:00] The episode concludes with Neil emphasizing that Steve Staios cannot remove any possibility from consideration. Ottawa has a strong young foundation, but improving the penalty kill, stabilizing the goaltending, resolving the defensive depth, and securing Tkachuk’s future will determine whether the Senators can take another step next season.
Spring Cleaning – New York Islanders The New York Islanders narrowly missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs after remaining in the postseason race almost the entire 2025-26 season. While the year ultimately ended in disappointment, the emergence of first-overall pick Matthew Schaefer, a resurgent Ilya Sorokin, and a brighter organizational outlook gave Islanders fans reasons for optimism. Neil Smith and Vic Morren break down the turning point that derailed the season, the coaching change from Patrick Roy to Peter DeBoer, and the offseason challenges facing General Manager Mathieu Darche. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00:00] The Islanders are eliminated from playoff contention on April 12 after spending much of the season battling for a Metropolitan Division playoff spot. Neil and Vic revisit the preseason expectations, which focused less on immediate success and more on building a stronger future through young talent and organizational growth. [00:00:45] Despite trading Noah Dobson to Montreal in exchange for Emil Heineman and two first-round picks, the Islanders emerge with a brighter long-term outlook. Neil credits the remarkable rookie season of first-overall selection Matthew Schaefer as one of the biggest surprises in the entire NHL. [00:01:00] The discussion highlights several major positives from the season. Schaefer immediately establishes himself as a future superstar, Ilya Sorokin returns to Vezina Trophy form, and Bo Horvat delivers one of the best goal-scoring seasons of his career while helping stabilize the Islanders' offense. [00:02:00] Schaefer's rookie campaign exceeds every expectation, tying Brian Leetch's long-standing rookie record for goals by a defenseman with 23. Despite Dobson's departure, New York's blue line remains productive thanks largely to Schaefer's immediate impact in all situations. [00:02:30] Injuries to Kyle Palmieri and Alexander Romanov challenge the roster throughout the season, while the special teams produce mixed results. The penalty kill climbs dramatically from 31st to 10th in the NHL, but the power play improves only slightly, moving from 31st to 30th despite an abundance of offensive talent. [00:03:00] The defining moment of the Islanders' season arrives on March 30 against Pittsburgh. Holding a 3-1 lead and on the power play, New York surrenders a shorthanded goal to Rickard Rakell. Neil and Vic describe that play as the turning point that completely changed the trajectory of the season. [00:04:00] Following the collapse against the Penguins, the Islanders lose seven of their final eight games. Patrick Roy is dismissed with four games remaining, and Peter DeBoer is brought in to begin preparing the organization for the future after another disappointing finish. [00:05:00] Looking ahead, New York enters the 2026 NHL Draft with only five selections after previous trades involving Josh Bailey's contract and the acquisition of Carson Soucy. The Islanders also project to be approximately $3.8 million over the salary cap before offseason adjustments. [00:05:45] The goaltending situation becomes another major storyline. Semyon Varlamov returns to action late in the season with Bridgeport after missing the entire NHL campaign, raising hopes that he can once again form a dependable tandem with Sorokin if his health cooperates. [00:06:30] Neil believes the Islanders will likely add another experienced goaltender regardless of Varlamov's status to protect against further injuries. Finding reliable depth in net will remain one of Mathieu Darche's offseason priorities. [00:06:45] Captain Anders Lee headlines the unrestricted free agent class alongside Carson Soucy, Tony DeAngelo, and David Rittich. Neil expects Lee to remain with the organization, potentially on a team-friendly contract, while several of the other veterans could be replaced during the offseason. [00:07:30] Restricted free agents Max Chabanov, Mark Gatcomb, and Adam Boqvist also require new contracts as Darche continues reshaping the roster around its younger core. [00:08:00] The episode concludes with Neil and Vic projecting the Islanders as a bubble playoff team once again next season. With Matthew Schaefer continuing to develop, Sorokin back at an elite level, and Peter DeBoer behind the bench, New York's future appears brighter, but additional offensive production—particularly from Mathew Barzal—will be necessary to become a legitimate playoff contender.
Summer Coolers – New Jersey Devils The New Jersey Devils entered the 2025-26 season expecting to challenge the Carolina Hurricanes for the Metropolitan Division title. Instead, injuries, inconsistent goaltending, declining production from key players, and growing organizational instability resulted in a deeply disappointing season. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine why New Jersey’s once-dangerous transition game has become easier to defend, the front-office changes coming after Tom Fitzgerald’s dismissal, and whether Sheldon Keefe will remain behind the bench. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00:00] The Devils are eliminated from playoff contention on April 7 after beginning the season with championship-level expectations. Despite adding Connor Brown and Evgenii Dadonov, New Jersey fails to emerge as the serious Metropolitan Division challenger many expected. [00:00:40] Neil reviews the problems that quickly derailed the season, including Jacob Markstrom’s subpar play and Jack Hughes missing significant time after accidentally cutting his finger at a restaurant. The Devils once again prove to be a dramatically different team without Hughes in the lineup. [00:01:00] Ondřej Palát struggles to produce before being traded to the New York Islanders. His departure becomes another sign that the roster assembled to contend was not performing at the level expected by management. [00:01:15] Sheldon Keefe’s handling of several difficult situations comes under examination. The head coach benches Dougie Hamilton despite his $9 million salary and later leaves Markstrom in net during a lopsided defeat, creating questions about his decision-making and relationships with veteran players. [00:01:40] General Manager Tom Fitzgerald is dismissed by the end of the season, leaving New Jersey searching for both a new GM and a new president. Keefe’s future also becomes uncertain as the organization prepares for a potentially significant leadership overhaul. [00:02:00] The Devils receive disappointing offensive production from several core players. Jesper Bratt’s totals decline, Nico Hischier scores fewer goals, and Timo Meier and Dawson Mercer fail to deliver the consistent secondary scoring New Jersey needs. [00:02:20] Neil and Vic revisit the transition game that made the Devils one of the NHL’s most exciting teams several seasons earlier. Opponents have adjusted, but New Jersey has failed to develop the heavier forecheck or more physical style needed to create space and make that transition attack effective again. [00:02:45] Neil argues that the issue goes beyond coaching strategy. The Devils may not currently possess enough size, strength, and physicality within the roster to successfully make the tactical changes required. [00:03:00] The offseason begins with major uncertainty at the top of the organization. The incoming president and general manager must quickly determine the direction of the franchise and decide whether Keefe remains the right coach to lead the next phase. [00:03:15] New Jersey enters the 2026 NHL Draft with only five selections. The Devils previously traded their third-round pick to the Islanders in the Palát deal and sent their seventh-round selection to Seattle in the trade for Daniel Sprong. [00:03:30] Evgenii Dadonov, Zack MacEwen, and defenseman Dennis Cholowski headline the unrestricted free agent class. After Dadonov’s disappointing season, the organization appears likely to move on from several veteran depth pieces. [00:03:40] Restricted free agents Arseni Gritsyuk, Paul Cotter, and Šimon Nemec represent more important decisions. Gritsyuk emerges as one of the few bright spots during his rookie season, while Cotter provides useful energy and physicality. [00:04:00] Neil believes the current version of the Devils is not a guaranteed playoff team entering 2026-27. While he does not directly call for Keefe’s dismissal, he expects the new management group may choose its own coach to bring renewed energy and a different approach. [00:04:20] The episode concludes with the recognition that major work lies ahead. New Jersey still possesses high-end talent, but the next leadership group must address the team’s identity, physical makeup, goaltending, and declining offensive production before the Devils can return to contention.