The Athletic Hockey Show

After a bit of a slow start and two disallowed goals in the first period, Team USA, led by Brock Nelson, blew past Latvia in their Olympic opener. Jesse Granger, Dom Luszczyszyn and two-time US Olympian David Backes react to the American win, and Backes shares his experience playing for the USA at the Vancouver and Socchi games. Plus, Jesse and Dom recap Germany’s win over Denmark, Jordan Binnington and Canada handling Czechia with ease, and Jesse asks Dom if the Women’s Canadian team can put up a fight against the US in a rematch.This episode was recorded live at 6:00p ET on Thursday, February 12.Hosts: Jesse Granger and Dom LuszczyszynWith: David BackesExecutive Producer: Chris FlanneryProducer: Jeff DometWatch full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theathletichockeyshowJoin our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/VTm9VjkFSubscribe to The Athletic: https://theathletic.com/hockeyshow Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Canada and Czechia ready for their debuts at the 2026 Olympics, Sean Gentille and Dom Luszczyszyn welcome Michael Russo from Milan to help preview the game, including starting goaltenders and line combos. Plus, Hailey Salvian files an injury update on Canadian superstar Marie-Philip Poulin, what Canada will need to do in Poulin’s absence moving forward, and praises American super-pest Abbey Murphy.Hosts: Sean Gentille and Dom LuszczyszynWith: Michael Russo and Hailey SalvianExecutive Producer: Chris FlanneryProducer: Jeff DometThis episode was recorded live at 10:00am ET on Thursday, February 12.Watch full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theathletichockeyshowJoin our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/VTm9VjkFSubscribe to The Athletic: https://theathletic.com/hockeyshow Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NHL players are set to play Olympic ice hockey for the first time in 12 years as the men’s tournament gets underway on Wednesday. Today, in the second of our two-part men’s Olympic hockey preview, the guys break down Team Canada, Finland, Slovakia, Germany, France, and host Italy, and make their medal picks and predict who will be tournament MVP and best goalie.Hosts: Sean Gentille and Sean McIndoeWith: Frank CorradoExecutive Producer: Chris FlanneryProducer: Jeff DometWatch full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theathletichockeyshowJoin our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/VTm9VjkFSubscribe to The Athletic: https://theathletic.com/hockeyshow Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NHL players are set to play Olympic ice hockey for the first time in 12 years as the men’s tournament gets underway on Wednesday. Today, in the first of our two-part men’s Olympic hockey preview, the guys break down Team USA, Sweden, Czechia, Switzerland, Latvia, and Denmark, and make their medal picks and predict who will be tournament MVP and best goalie.Hosts: Max Bultman and Jesse GrangerExecutive Producer: Chris FlanneryProducer: Chris FlanneryWatch full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theathletichockeyshowJoin our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/VTm9VjkFSubscribe to The Athletic: https://theathletic.com/hockeyshow Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Peter Baugh, New York-based hockey writer covering the Rangers, joins to unpack the Artemi Panarin trade and roster context. They debate why the Rangers received a modest return and evaluate prospect Liam Greentree. Conversation also covers Edmonton’s meltdown, Leon Draisaitl’s blistering postgame critique, goaltending and cap-driven roster choices.

Peter Baugh, Hockey reporter and analyst who breaks down fit and performance. Vince Mercogliano, sports reporter known for roster and front-office context. They react to Artemi Panarin's trade to Los Angeles, debate why the return looked light, explain timing and roster constraints, and assess how Panarin could slot into the Kings' top lines and power play.

Trade deadline drama around Artemi Panarin and whether the Rangers should move him before the Olympic trade freeze. Debate over which clubs fit his game and how extensions and cap quirks would complicate any deal. A brewing rift between Matvei Michkov and his coach and how an Olympic break could be a reset. Nikita Kucherov's scorching scoring run and whether he is underrated despite elite production.

They debate whether teams outside the playoff picture at midseason are truly out of contention and which clubs are likely cooked. They react to Barry Trotz stepping down as Nashville’s GM and how coaching success does not equal front-office fit. They recap the Bruins-Lightning outdoor game with a rare goalie fight and preview the first big-season matchup between Celebrini and Bedard.

A lively debate over which NHL prospects contenders might move before the trade deadline and what teams like Detroit or Minnesota could offer. Deep dives into goalie depth and whether netminders or forwards are more tradable. Contrasting new draft rankings and heated comparisons of wingers versus right-shot defensemen. Short takes on individual prospects' roles, upside, and early-season adjustments.

A lively preview of the Olympic women’s hockey tournament with debate over whether Canada or the United States are true favorites. They weigh goaltending matchups, roster choices and Marie‑Philippe Poulin’s role. Discussion covers tournament format quirks, Sweden as a dark horse, and who might challenge for bronze. Quick-fire predictions tease MVP and top scorer picks.