Tape to Tape

There may not be much in the way of concretes for the 2020-21 NHL season yet, but Ryan and Rory can’t wait any longer to talk about which teams are truly in contention to be the league’s next champion. Any title discussion must take into account the fact that, as of this moment, it appears the traditional East-West conference format will give way to a four-division alignment based on regional groupings. With that in mind, which contenders now look as though they’ll have a tougher path to the title? Has the window finally closed on Pittsburgh and Washington? And what might the fallout be with a Canadian division that has six teams with legit designs on the playoffs? This episode is produced and sound engineered by Michael Mayers, and hosted by Ryan Dixon and Rory Boylen. Mike Tassone is our video and social media producer. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

There may not be much in the way of concretes for the 2020-21 NHL season yet, but Ryan and Rory can’t wait any longer to talk about which teams are truly in contention to be the league’s next champion. Any title discussion must take into account the fact that, as of this moment, it appears the traditional East-West conference format will give way to a four-division alignment based on regional groupings. With that in mind, which contenders now look as though they’ll have a tougher path to the title? Has the window finally closed on Pittsburgh and Washington? And what might the fallout be with a Canadian division that has six teams with legit designs on the playoffs? This episode is produced and sound engineered by Michael Mayers, and hosted by Ryan Dixon and Rory Boylen. Mike Tassone is our video and social media producer. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

With the initial flurry of off-season trades and signings in the books, Ryan and Rory sift through the new NHL landscape. It’s hard to argue any one team put itself in pole position to be the 2021 Cup favourite. Rory is unconvinced Calgary’s big splash in the goalie market will make a huge difference and it’s fair to wonder what the net gain is for Vegas when the team acquires Alex Pietrangelo but losses Nate Schmidt and alienates half its roster. Meanwhile, how much better can the Edmonton Oilers really be with the tandem of Mike Smith an Mikko Koskinen coming back? In keeping with the latest NHL rebuilding trend, the Chicago Blackhawks have posted a letter to their fans indicating the club could be in for some tough times as it prepares to take a step back for the purpose of leaping forward — but how will they acquire the assets necessary to do so if they’re not trading any stars? Finally, the boys examine moves Tampa Bay and Vegas can make to get out of salary cap hell. This episode is produced and sound engineered by Michael Mayers, and hosted by Ryan Dixon and Rory Boylen. Our video and social media producer is Mike Tassone. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

Roughly four months after it was originally slated to happen in Montreal, the 2020 NHL Draft is finally upon us. Ryan and Rory welcome prospect guru Sam Cosentino to comb over all the intrigue. While everyone expects the Rangers to select Alexis Lafreniere first, there are a number of wild-card prospects who could introduce a serious jolt of uncertainty into the proceedings. Also, with Ottawa holding both the third and fifth picks, what could the Sens — not to mention other clubs with multiple first-rounders — do to make things interesting? Also, with free agency following so closely after the draft, Ryan and Rory zero in on the most fascinating teams to watch. Rory is locked in on what the Leafs could do in an attempt to land blue-line help, while Ryan wonders what the next move for cresting Colorado is. This episode is produced and sound engineered by Michael Mayers, and hosted by Ryan Dixon and Rory Boylen. Our video and social media producer is Mike Tassone. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

Two months of bubble hockey left us with some unprecedented memories and one of the most deserving Cup champions we’ve seen in some time. Ryan and Rory unpack everything from Tampa’s six-game win over a decimated Dallas Stars crew, including why Rory believes the wrong guy skated off with the Conn Smythe Trophy. Now that they’ve gotten over the hump, can the Bolts do some salary-cap maneuvering and win more titles? And what’s next for a Dallas team that has some great young talent, but a lot of money tied up in a top line that didn’t produce? As the final pieces of confetti float down, it’s officially time to consider what big off-season moves a flat salary cap could bring. Patrik Laine’s name has shot to the top of the list in terms of intriguing trade candidates, meaning one of the best young snipers in the game might be on the move as the NHL Draft and free agency hit next week. Tape to Tape is powered by RAM, back-to-back winner of MotorTrend’s truck of the year. This podcast is produced and sound designed by Michael Mayers, and hosted by Ryan Dixon and Rory Boylen. Our video and social media producer is Mike Tassone. Audio Credits: Sportsnet The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

The Tampa Bay Lightning are two wins from the Stanley Cup. Can they close the deal? Sportsnet’s Luke Fox — who picked the Stars to win the Cup 12 months ago — joins Ryan and Rory to break down what he’s seen in a series Tampa leads 2-1. The Stars desperately need to rediscover their stingy defensive ways and, on offence, if the big boys don’t find the net soon, it will be too late. Also, what a sight it was to see Steven Stamkos streaking down the wing and firing a shot past Anton Khudobin. Is there any hope we’ll see Stamkos again or was his Game 3 appearance a one-off cameo? There’s also no shortage of big news to tackle around the league. It’s quite possible captain Alex Pietrangelo could leave the St. Louis Blues as a UFA one year after leading the franchise to its first championship. And with the Cup final almost wrapped, how do the boys see next season rolling out? Tape to Tape is powered by RAM, back-to-back winner of MotorTrend’s truck of the year. This podcast is produced and sound designed by Michael Mayers, and hosted by Ryan Dixon and Rory Boylen. Our video and social media producer is Mike Tassone. Audio Credits: YouTube.com/NHL The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

All the isolation and ice packs have led to this: The Tampa Bay Lightning and Dallas Stars are about to meet in the Stanley Cup Final. Ryan and Rory have all the angles covered. Dallas has found a new gear thanks to the contributions of players from both ends of the age spectrum. While youngsters Denis Guraniov and Miro Heiskanen have proven their worth, vets like Jamie Benn and Joe Pavelski have shown how much they still have to contribute. Can Dallas’s stingy defensive posture hold up against Tampa and will goalie Anton Khudobin be up to the job when cracks appear? As for Tampa Bay, a Bolts team that seems like it should already have captured one title is playing in the Final for the first time since 2015. Adding heft at the trade deadline has definitely helped the Lightning, but this club is fueled by high-end performers. Can clubhouse Conn Smythe leader Victor Hedman and the boys finally finish the job? Tape to Tape is powered by RAM, back-to-back winner of MotorTrend’s truck of the year. This podcast is produced and sound designed by Michael Mayers, and hosted by Ryan Dixon and Rory Boylen. Our video and social media producer is Mike Tassone. Audio Credits: YouTube.com/NHL The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

We’re now just weeks away from the start of an off-season that will be unlike any other. Ryan and Rory take a hard look at a number of players who could move for a variety of reasons. With all the uncertainty in Arizona, there’s a chance the Dessert Dogs could ignite a fire sale as part of ground-zero rebuild. Oliver Ekman-Larsson anyone? How about Darcy Kuemper? Speaking of goalies, will the Leafs move Frederik Andersen and what has to happen for the suddenly strained relationship between Vegas and Marc-Andre Fleury? Also, best fits for Max Domi and why P.K. Subban isn’t done. Meanwhile, on the ice, the Tampa Bay Lightning are closing in on their elusive goal of winning the Stanley Cup. The big boys have led the way for Tampa, but don’t sleep on the contributions of several support staff. Tape to Tape is powered by RAM, back-to-back winner of MotorTrend’s truck of the year. This podcast is produced and sound designed by Michael Mayers, and hosted by Rory Boylen and Ryan Dixon. We’re also on YouTube. Watch here. Our video and social media producer is Mike Tassone. Audio Credits: Sportsnet The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

All the hockey is happening in Edmonton now, with the Islanders and Lighting battle for Eastern supremacy, and Vegas and Dallas dueling in the West. Ryan and Rory hate themselves for picking against the Islanders, but it’s impossible not to feel like this could finally be Tampa’s year. Vegas, meanwhile, is back in the final four for the second time in its three-year history. Can the Golden Knights tamp down a suddenly surging Stars offence or will the Dallas top line keep it going against Robin Lehner? Plus, some thoughts on the teams that went out: Thatcher Demko gave GM Jim Benning lots to think about when it comes to the future of Vancouver’s crease. Taylor Hall to Colorado? And has the window closed for the Bruins? Tape to Tape is powered by RAM, back-to-back winner of MotorTrend’s truck of the year. Update your final picks for the Sportsnet Fantasy Hockey Playoff Pool presented by RAM, at Sportsnet.ca/RAM for your chance to win $50,000 in cash prizes and the grand prize — a 2020 RAM 1500 or RAM 2500. Tape to Tape is produced and sound designed by Michael Mayers, and hosted by Rory Boylen and Ryan Dixon. We’re also on YouTube. Watch here. Our video and social media producer is Mike Tassone. Audio Credits: YouTube.com/Sportsnet; V Sport Jääkiekko The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

Ryan and Rory are joined by Vancouver beat writer Iain MacIntyre to discuss how the Canucks evened their second-round series with the Vegas Golden Knights and examine everything the young club has shown this post-season. MacIntyre also peers into the future to try to figure out what it holds for key UFAs Jacob Markstrom, Chris Tanev and Tyler Toffoli. The off-season has already begun in Toronto, where GM Kyle Dubas opened up a world of tasty options by trading Kasperi Kapanen to the Pittsburgh Penguins. What could be the next — possibly big — move for the Blue and White with a new first-round pick and some cap space in the fold? And what’s next for the Flames and Canadiens? The boys walk through some possibilities in Calgary beyond trading Johnny Gaudreau and the urgency in Montreal given the age of pillars Shea Weber and Carey Price. Tape to Tape is powered by RAM, back-to-back winner of MotorTrend’s truck of the year. Don’t forget to update your picks the Sportsnet Fantasy Hockey Playoff Pool presented by RAM, at Sportsnet.ca/RAM for your chance to win $50,000 in cash prizes and the grand prize — a 2020 RAM 1500 or RAM 2500. This podcast is produced and sound designed by Michael Mayers, and hosted by Rory Boylen and Ryan Dixon. Tape to Tape is also on YouTube. Watch it here. Our video and social media producer is Mike Tassone. Audio Credits: YouTube.com/NHL; Youtube.com/Sportsnet; PensTV The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

The Golden Knights are through to Round 2, which is good news for two guys who picked them to go to the Stanley Cup Final. Ryan and Rory examine what’s going right for Vegas and why the squad will be a tough out this summer. Also, on the heels of consecutive post-seasons in which Nazem Kadri took crippling suspensions while a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs, what is the tenacious 29-year-old doing to walk the line and make himself such a valuable member of the Avs at the No. 2 centre spot? Then Samantha Pell of the Washington Post joins the show to discuss what she sees as the Capitals’ best chance for a comeback against the Islanders and, should they fall short, what the fallout will be for a club trying to squeeze the most out of a greying core? Tape to Tape is powered by RAM, back-to-back winner of MotorTrend’s truck of the year. Don’t forget to update your picks the Sportsnet Fantasy Hockey Playoff Pool presented by RAM, at Sportsnet.ca/RAM for your chance to win $50,000 in cash prizes and the grand prize — a 2020 RAM 1500 or RAM 2500. This podcast is produced and sound designed by Michael Mayers, and hosted by Rory Boylen and Ryan Dixon. Tape to Tape is also on YouTube. Watch it here. Our video and social media producer is Mike Tassone. Audio Credits: Sportsnet The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

The Rangers rebuild got a huge boost when the Blueshirts won the right to select Alexis Lafreniere first overall. Ryan and Rory discuss how that will impact an already-impressive core in The Big Apple. They also examine the future for three Canadian clubs — Toronto, Winnipeg and Edmonton — that were bounced in the qualifying round. Will Rory ever move off his “never trade Nylander” stance? Was this just one of those years for Winnipeg and can Edmonton ever expect to improve without a serious upgrade in the crease? And then, it’s predictions time. Can Rory snap his unbelievable three-year run of picking teams to win the Cup that then get swept in the first round? Tape to Tape is powered by RAM, back-to-back winner of MotorTrend’s truck of the year. Don’t forget to sign up for the Sportsnet Fantasy Hockey Playoff Pool presented by RAM, at Sportsnet.ca/RAM for your chance to win $50,000 in cash prizes and the grand prize — a 2020 RAM 1500 or RAM 2500. This episode is produced and sound designed by Michael Mayers, and hosted by Rory Boylen and Ryan Dixon. Tape to Tape is also on YouTube. Watch it here. Our video and social media producer is Mike Tassone. Audio Credits: YouTube.com/NHL; Sportsnet The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

No 2020 Stanley Cup Qualifier has had more drama than the Flames-Jets series. Eric Francis joins Ryan and Rory to break down the first three tilts and look ahead to Game 4. While the top line has shown well, Francis believes the Flames’ best unit remains Mikael Backlund with Matthew Tkachuk and Andrew Mangiapane. As someone who’s been around Tkachuk since the start of his NHL career, what has Francis learned about one of hockey’s most pot-stirring figures? With the news that Jake Muzzin will be sidelined for the duration of Toronto’s series versus Columbus, the boys discuss what the Leafs blue line might look like for Game 3 and how Muzzin’s absence will affect the Buds. Also, with Brock Boeser back on the No. 1 trio in Vancouver, the Canucks are looking to take control of their set with the Wild in what has become a best-of-three showdown. Tape to Tape is powered by RAM, back-to-back winner of MotorTrend’s truck of the year. Don’t forget to sign up for the Sportsnet Fantasy Hockey Playoff Pool presented by RAM, at Sportsnet.ca/RAM for your chance to win $50,000 in cash prizes and the grand prize — a 2020 RAM 1500 or RAM 2500. This episode is produced and sound designed by Michael Mayers, and hosted by Rory Boylen and Ryan Dixon. Tape to Tape is also on YouTube. Watch it here. Our video and social media producer is Mike Tassone. Audio Credits: YouTube.com/NHL The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

After laying out their predictions for the West on the last episode, Ryan and Rory dive into the four Eastern Conference best-of-five preliminary round series. A healthy Pittsburgh Penguins squad figures to have its way with the Habs. The Carolina Hurricanes were a final-four team last year and emerged as huge winners at the 2020 trade deadline, but Rory is not convinced the Canes can handle a really fun New York Rangers. Four years ago, the Florida Panthers and New York Islanders contested a close series that was ultimately swung the Isles’ way thanks to John Tavares. Can Mathew Barzal prove he’s ready to be the man for Long Island? The Columbus Blue Jackets are a hard-checking, stingy team, but will that be enough to halt the high-flying Toronto Maple Leafs? Tape to Tape is powered by RAM, back-to-back winner of MotorTrend’s truck of the year. Don’t forget to sign up for the Sportsnet Fantasy Hockey Playoff Pool presented by RAM, at Sportsnet.ca/RAM for your chance to win $50,000 in cash prizes and the grand prize — a 2020 RAM 1500 or RAM 2500. This episode is produced and sound designed by Michael Mayers, and hosted by Rory Boylen and Ryan Dixon. Tape to Tape is also on YouTube. Watch it here. Our video and social media producer is Mike Tassone. Audio Credits: NHL, Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Montreal Canadiens The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

In just over a week, post-season hockey will return to the NHL. That means it must be time for some bold predictions. Ryan and Rory dive into all four Western Conference preliminary round series and how they believe things will play out. It’s hard to imagine how the porous Chicago defence has any chance of stopping the dynamic one-two combo that is Edmonton’s Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. And while the Arizona Coyotes were having a disappointing season, how could two big X-factors — the return of goalie Darcy Kuemper and mid-season pickup Taylor Hall — influence things when it comes to the Desert Dogs’ showdown with the Nashville Predators? No team was hotter than the Minnesota Wild when play was stopped in March, but will that carry over in any way against a Vancouver Canucks squad that — at least on paper — appears to have the upper hand? As for the lone all-Canadian matchup, Rory is bullish on a Jets team that has a goaltending advantage over the Flames and five stud forwards that seem built to thrive in the NHL’s second season. Tape to Tape is powered by the RAM 1500 Sport, built exclusively for Canadians. This episode is produced and edited by Michael Mayers, and hosted by Ryan Dixon and Rory Boylen. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

With training camps underway, Ryan and Rory are joined by a pair of guests. Eric Engels on what he’s seen from Montreal so far. Has Jesperi Kotkaniemi found a new gear? And beyond Carey Price and Shea Weber, what will be the key factors for the Canadiens as they prepares for a best-of-five series with the Penguins? Then the boys pivot to Winnipeg with Ken Wiebe, who firmly believes the Jets — conference finalists just two years ago — have all the makings of a dark-horse contender thanks to a tasty mix of high-end forwards and all-world goalie Connor Hellebuyck. Tape to Tape is powered by the RAM 1500 Sport, built exclusively for Canadians. This episode is produced and edited by Michael Mayers and hosted by Rory Boylen and Ryan Dixon. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

As the NHL marches toward its return to play, Ryan and Rory welcome Mark Spector to the show. The veteran Edmonton-based reporter has covered a lot of work stoppages during his career, so he has a lot to say about the league and NHLPA walking hand-in-hand into a new era of unprecedented labour peace. He also explains what life is going to be like covering an NHL training camp next week and breaks down the biggest questions heading into the Oilers’ preliminary-round series versus the Chicago Blackhawks. The boys also get fired up about the prospect of six games per day and all the viewing possibilities. Circumstances also seem to be perfect for some wild upsets, prompting a conversation around Ryan’s piece on the the worst teams in history to make the Stanley Cup Final. Tape to Tape is powered by the RAM 1500 Sport, built exclusively for Canadians. This episode is produced and edited by Michael Mayers and hosted by Rory Boylen and Ryan Dixon. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

In their first chance to talk since the NHL Draft Lottery, Ryan and Rory sketch out the first few picks and speculate wildly about the most fun scenarios for where projected No. 1 Alexis Lafreniere could land. And with two selections in the top five, would the Ottawa Senators put the second of those picks in play if they could help the team right now? Also, with no July 1 UFA lunacy to cover, the boys look back at the more memorable singings of the salary-cap era. While there are obviously monster deals to talk about, they also dive into smaller signings that were notable for how they played out. Remember when Leafs fans thought the club had signed Ray Bourque the day Mike Komisarek inked? Or how about the devastating July when Buffalo endured seeing co-captains Daniel Briere and Chris Drury walk out the door? Tape to Tape is powered by the RAM 1500 Sport, built exclusively for Canadians. This episode is produced and edited by Michael Mayers and hosted by Rory Boylen and Ryan Dixon. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

For the first time in months, an actual NHL event is about to happen — the draft lottery. Prospect guru Sam Cosentino talks about how teams are compiling their lists with several key events wiped off the calendar. He also explains what changes could become entrenched in scouting protocol and, of course, has the latest on many of the players expected to be selected high. Then Zach Sullivan, a 25-year-old defenceman in England’s top hockey league, joins the pod. He is the first active pro hockey player to come out as bisexual. The Englishman talks about his decision to go public, how that was received and growing up as a hockey-mad kid in a country where other sports get the headlines. For more, you can also read Sullivan’s story here. Tape to Tape is powered by the RAM 1500 Sport, built exclusively for Canadians. This episode is produced and edited by Michael Mayers and hosted by Rory Boylen and Ryan Dixon. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

As the NHL continues its creep back to game action, Ryan and Rory discuss the latest league developments and how high a priority having one Canadian hub city should be. Also, with NHL awards ballots being cast, Rory dives into a piece he’s writing in which he’ll select an MVP for all 31 teams. Then they dive into the seven Canadian clubs. Can the Oilers find an ideal fit for Connor McDavid’s wings? How entrenched is David Rittich in the Flames crease? And, if it comes down to it, who would the Leafs and Jets sacrifice from their stable of forwards to address issues on the back end? And more. This episode is produced by Michael Mayers and hosted by Rory Boylen and Ryan Dixon. Tape to Tape is powered by the RAM 1500 Sport, built exclusively for Canadians. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.