The Ray & Dregs Hockey Podcast

Ottawa’s playoff push took a hit with a 3–2 loss to Montreal, as Ivan Demidov scored the winner and goalie Dustin Fowler stood tall for the Canadiens. On a night where Linus Ullmark only allowed 3 goals, the fellas argue it’s fair to question the Senators’ goaltending overall, suggesting even league-average numbers might have them comfortably in a playoff spot. In the West, San Jose sits just one point out of a wildcard with Macklin Celebrini already at 90 points in his second season, though concerns remain about the Sharks’ goaltending and defense, especially when compared to a similarly rebuilding Anaheim team. Tuesday also brought controversy when Nathan MacKinnon received a five-minute major for colliding with Oilers goalie Connor Ingram after a lengthy review; Avalanche coach Jared Bednar blamed Darnell Nurse’s initial contact, and Ray agrees the call was excessive—likely a minor at most. Looking ahead to the GM meetings, Ray hopes the league addresses the ongoing confusion around goalie interference and the frustration of lengthy offside reviews on zone entries that occur long before a goal is scored.
Then, In Ask Ray and Dregs Anything, we talk about good goalies on bad teams and what the Leafs offseason may look like... is anyone safe?
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The guys look ahead to a wide-open Atlantic Division race, where Ottawa’s playoff hopes may hinge on steadier goaltending, Detroit tries to snap a nine-year drought, and Boston faces a tough road-heavy schedule down the stretch. Buffalo, meanwhile, is surging behind a confident, free-wheeling style and a maturing blue line. Injuries are also shaping the playoff picture, with Brad Marchand possibly facing surgery, Jake Sanderson sidelined for Ottawa, and concerns about how a potential Dylan Larkin absence would impact Detroit. In Philadelphia, Matvei Michkov continues to draw attention as Tocchet experiments with him at right wing despite ongoing questions about his fit in Tocchet's system. Plus, a discussion about NHL front offices, debating the value and power dynamics of teams employing both a President of Hockey Operations and a GM.
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A relatively quiet trade deadline was highlighted by the surprising move of longtime Capital John Carlson to Anaheim, where the Ducks leaned further into building an offensive identity. Calgary GM Craig Conroy provided late day drama by sending Nazem Kadri back to Colorado as he chases another Stanley Cup. The Flames also moved Mackenzie Weegar earlier in the week and now sit on a large stockpile of draft picks as they rebuild with a new arena waiting in the wings. Several notable names stayed put, including Robert Thomas in St. Louis and Colton Parayko who declined a trade to Buffalo. Nashville’s Ryan O’Reilly and Steven Stamkos, and goalies Sergei Bobrovsky and Jordan Binnington also stayed with their current teams despite the rumour mill. Toronto sold off pieces like Bobby McMann, Scott Laughton, and Nic Roy while keeping Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Montreal held firm despite exploring a bigger hockey deal as their young playoff window opens. Edmonton added Connor Murphy and Jason Dickinson earlier in the week, but with Colorado loading up and Dallas and Minnesota looming, whoever survives the Pacific could still face a Western Conference buzzsaw.
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The Oilers added big, right-shot defender Connor Murphy to shore up their defensive conscience, but when you factor in the Skinner/Kulak-for-Jarry swap and the draft capital spent, it’s fair to question whether they’ve meaningfully improved, especially with bottom-six centre still a need. On the broader D market, Tyler Myers’ no-trade indecision may be stalling movement, with names like Ristolainen, Faulk, and Parayko also in play. The Rangers’ Braden Schneider and the Blues’ Robert Thomas are drawing interest but would command massive returns, while Jordan Binnington chatter is quietly building after his Olympic performance boost. Meanwhile, Craig Berube seemed to question his team’s heart and hockey IQ and the Kings fired Jim Hiller with DJ Smith stepping in amid playoff pressure. Will teams like Boston and Pittsburgh, armed with significant draft capital, emerge as surprising deadline players? The countdown is on!
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Jake Guentzel hit the post of the empty net but the Lightning roll over the Leafs in a 4-2 win. Leafs CEO Keith Pelley issued a letter to Toronto Maple Leafs season-ticket holders, saying the team will do what it takes to not only make the playoffs but take the next step. Joel Quenneville wins his 1,000th game as the Oilers blow a 2-goal lead to the Ducks...twice. Artemi Panarin makes his debut with the Kings, but they fall to the Knights.
Plus: Ask Ray & Dregs Anything!
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