NHL @TheRink

Dan and Shawn are joined by Zach Benson of the Buffalo Sabres (21:09) to talk about the team's recent hot streak, the atmosphere in Buffalo, his growth as a player and his family's carnival business. The guys start the episode talking about the Avalanche and Lightning...a potential Stanley Cup Final Preview? They also dive deep on what's going on with the New Jersey Devils and look at the Buffalo Sabres' chances of making the Stanley Cup Playoffs. They wrap up with a look at the Team USA Olympic roster and answer a mailbag question on whether or not Adam Fox could be traded out of NY. 

Dan and Shawn react to the announcement of Team Canada’s roster for the upcoming Winter Olympics, including the decision to add Tom Wilson, Nick Suzuki, and Macklin Celebrini, but leave Sam Bennett, Connor Bedard, and Matthew Schaefer off of the roster. The guys also debate what role the IIHF World Championships play in the selection process. The duo then previews Friday’s Winter Classic in Miami between the New York Rangers and Florida Panthers and how this year’s fan experience will differ from previous years. Dan and Shawn conclude the show by discussing Buffalo’s nine-game winning streak, and debate whether the Sabres have turned a corner and are truly a playoff contender.

Dan and Shawn are joined by Boston-based NHL.com writer Amalie Benjamin (11:35) to discuss Boston’s recent slump, Morgan Geekie’s ascendance and chances of making Team Canada’s Olympic roster, and her impressions of the Canadiens since Phillip Danault’s return after watching the Habs down the Bruins, 6-2, on Tuesday night. The guys open the show with a breakdown of Connor McDavid’s 10-game point streak, Florida’s recent surge as the two-time defending Cup champions prepare for the Winter Classic in Miami, and Brad Treliving’s vote of confidence for Craig Berube in Toronto. Dan and Shawn wrap the show with discussion about the Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, Nashville Predators, and Gavin McKenna’s upcoming appearance at the IIHF World Junior Championship in Minnesota.

Dan and Shawn are joined by NHL Network's EJ Hradek (14:33) to discuss the two big trades made last week with Quinn Hughes heading to Minnesota and the goalie swap between Edmonton and Pittsburgh. Does Hughes heading to Minnesota shift the balance of power in the Central Division and what are the chances of him re-signing with the Wild? Plus, a look at the GM change in Buffalo and a discussion on what may be the next move for the Sabres... a coaching change? a roster shakeup? The guys also play a little "In or Out" in regards to the Olympic rosters. Bedard, Celebrini, Geekie, DeBrincat, Pettersson and Wallstead are all up for debate. 

Dan and Shawn are joined by Bill Guerin (12:38) to talk about the Olympics, how Team USA's roster is shaping up, the impact of the rink dimensions and his Olympic experience. He also chats about how the Minnesota Wild rebounded from a miserable start to the season and the emergence of his goalie tandem. The guys start the episode talking about the League's two best teams, the Avalanche and the Stars and also dissect the Washington Capitals, while looking at Logan Thompson and Team Canada's goalie situation. They wrap up with an update from the Board of Governors meeting, analyze the Quinn Hughes trade rumors and have discussion on the Chicago Blackhawks and the decisions Kyle Davidson will have to make with the roster.