The Future of the Stanley Cup Playoffs: Should the League Listen to the Players?

Did Stan Kasten just spill big PWHL news? Join hosts Erica L. Ayala and Rachel Donner on the Women's Hockey Report, part of the Locked On NHL Network, as they unpack what this expansion means for the league. From Vancouver and Seattle's successes to potential future teams like Quebec City or Detroit, they explore the strategy behind the league's growth and the impact on players and fans. This episode dives into Stan Casten's remarks from the Sports Business Journal conference, touching on the expanding talent pool, fan demand, and how the league balances logistics with growth. Erica and Rachel also discuss the challenges of expansion, the importance of sustainable player salaries, and the role of regional and national broadcast agreements in growing the league. Don’t miss their analysis of rising rivalries, standout games, and what’s next for the PWHL. Share your thoughts on where the league should expand next and what it takes to build a thriving women's hockey ecosystem. Follow & Subscribe on all podcast platforms for more insights into the latest women's hockey news every Saturday! #pwhlexpansion #pwhlteams #hockeypodcast #nhlandpwhl #women'shockeyleaguesustainability CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro 01:21 - PWHL Expansion Opportunities 13:03 - Future Cities for PWHL Growth 24:57 - Welcome Back to Women's Hockey 25:27 - PWHL Highlights and Rewind 27:17 - Favorite Games for Reairing 29:29 - Rachel’s Top Picks for PWHL Rewatch 33:15 - Memorable Moments to Rewatch 34:54 - Future of the Women’s Hockey Report Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!IndeedNow, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/lockedonright now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year.FanDuelDownload the FanDuel app now by visiting FanDuel.com and win $300 in bonus bets if your first $5 bet wins.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)Follow us on Bluesky social! Erica L Ayala 🦋https://bsky.app/profile/elindsay08.bsky.social Rachel Donner 🦋https://bsky.app/profile/rmiriam.bsky.social Women’s Hockey Report on TikTok 📲https://www.tiktok.com/@womens_hockey_report  #pwhl #womenshockey #hockey

It's never too early to talk Stanley Cup Playoffs. As training camps open across the NHL, we discuss the playoff format, whether it has gotten stale and needs changes and what some possible changes could be. Should the NHL expand the number of playoff teams, go back to a 1 vs. 8 format rather than a division format or maybe even have a play in round like the NBA. We also discuss the players' feelings about the current format and what changes they'd like to see.Plus we have the latest on Mason McTavish's hold out and Carter Hart's possible landing spots if a team is willing to sign him.All this and more on today's Locked On NHL Podcast with Rachel Donner and Gil Martin.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!IndeedNow, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/lockedonright now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year.FanDuelDownload the FanDuel app now by visiting FanDuel.com and win $300 in bonus bets if your first $5 bet wins.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

The NHL is a boon period for talent and the winger position is no exception. On today's episode, hosts Nick Zararis and Hunter Hodies debate the ten best wingers in the NHL ranging from Mitch Marner's sublime two way game, Matthew Tkachuk's power forward presence or the unbelievable release of David Pastrnak. There's something for everyone on this episode of locked on NHL Why Nikita Kucherov is still the best winger in the NHL | Who's closing the distance? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/lockedon right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year. FanDuel Download the FanDuel app now by visiting FanDuel.com and win $300 in bonus bets if your first $5 bet wins. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LONHL?sid=YouTube Locked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL Follow Locked On NHL on Social Twitter https://bit.ly/3hXyu5w Facebook https://bit.ly/3BubZNc #NHL #Hockey

Eddie Garcia and Shukri Wrights discuss the Philadelphia Flyers for the upcoming season. Is the Flyers rebuild on schedule? Is Rick Tocchet the man to help turn things around? We get all inside info and more with Locked On Philadelphia Flyers expert Rachel Donner on this episode of Locked on NHL GameNight. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! IndeedNow, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/lockedonright now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year.FanDuelDownload the FanDuel app now by visiting FanDuel.com and win $300 in bonus bets if your first $5 bet wins.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Ross Levitan (Locked On Senators) and Mike DiStefano (Locked On Maple Leafs) cover all the biggest stories from the NHL.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.IndeedNow, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to Indeed.com/LOCKEDON right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Boston Bruins shake up leadership: Can new coach Marco Sturm revitalize the team? The 2025-26 season brings major changes for the Bruins, with Sturm taking the helm and Don Sweeney's future as GM hanging in the balance.Cam Stuart and Shukri Wrights, joined by Ian McLaren from Locked On Bruins, break down Sturm's potential impact, Sweeney's track record, and the roster's scoring capabilities. Key discussions include Charlie McAvoy and David Pastrnak stepping into leadership roles, Elias Lindholm's offensive potential, and the team's playoff chances. The hosts analyze how recent acquisitions like Casey Middlestadt and Nikita Zadorov might reshape the Bruins' identity.Will Sturm's aggressive forechecking style and focus on young talent development be enough to return the Bruins to contender status? Listen for expert insights on Boston's new era. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!IndeedNow, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/lockedonright now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use codeLOCKEDONNHL at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year.FanDuelDownload the FanDuel app now by visiting FanDuel.com and win $300 in bonus bets if your first $5 bet wins.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Will the St. Louis Blues make a playoff push this season? The Central Division heats up as teams vie for wild card spots.Explore the Blues' roster changes and their impact on playoff chances. Dive into the Minnesota Wild's high-stakes contract negotiations with star player Kirill Kaprizov. How will this potential record-setting deal reshape the NHL market? The conversation shifts to the Ottawa Senators' recent progress and playoff return. Analyze the young core led by Brady Tkachuk and their potential for internal growth.Seth Toupal and JD Young break down each team's strengths, weaknesses, and future prospects. From the Blues' solid floor but potentially low ceiling to the Wild's Stanley Cup aspirations, get insider perspectives on these NHL powerhouses. The hosts also examine the Senators' journey from rebuilding to playoff contention, using a clever restaurant analogy to illustrate their progress.Tune in for expert analysis on NHL team building, managing the salary cap, and integrating young talent. Gain valuable insights into how these factors shape a team's playoff aspirations and long-term success in the league. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!IndeedNow, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/lockedonright now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.  Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year.FanDuelDownload the FanDuel app now by visiting FanDuel.com and win $300 in bonus bets if your first $5 bet wins.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

The Pittsburgh Penguins came up with a unique way to honor goalie Marc-Andre Fleury as he announced his retirement from the NHL. He will play in a preseason game for the team later this month on a PTO. Hunter Hodies of Locked On Penguins discusses Fleury's legacy and what he's meant to the Penguins fans and organization over the course of his career. Plus he breaks down some of the team's top prospects and players that could be on the move between now and the NHL trade deadline. The Columbus Blue Jackets have acquire goalie Ivan Fedotov to add goaltending depth before the start of training camp. Jay Forster of Locked On Blue Jackets joins us to discuss how Fedotov fits in with the organization and what it will take for Adam Fantilli, Zach Werenski and company need to do to take a step forward and return to the playoffs this season. The Chicago Blackhawks signed goalie Spencer Knight to a contract extension to set him up as the team's starting goaltender for the foreseeable future. Jack Bushman of Locked On Blackhawks joins us to discuss the impact of the signing, the team's offseason moves and some of the top prospects who have a chance to impact the team. Plus, what to expect from Connor Bedard this season. All this and more on today's Locked On NHL Podcast with Gil Martin. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! IndeedNow, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/lockedonright now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year. FanDuelDownload the FanDuel app now by visiting FanDuel.com and win $300 in bonus bets if your first $5 bet wins. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

On today’s Women’s Hockey Report, Erica L. Ayala & Rachel Donner run down what we know about the PWHL schedule as of now. What will it look like, how will the playoffs look, and will there be a PWHL Takeover Tour? And how does the IIHF International schedule impact the schedule?Then we look at the reported pay cut being agreed to by PWHL MVP Marie-Philip Poulin. Should she have to take a cut to allow the Montreal Victoire to get under the salary cap? What kind of precedent does it set? Finally, we discuss other PWHL News, including the NY Sirens signing two of their top three 2025 PWHL Draft Picks Kristyna Kaltounkova & Anne Cherkowski. Follow us on Bluesky social!Erica L AyalaRachel DonnerWomen’s Hockey Report on TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@womens_hockey_report  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year.FanDuelDownload the FanDuel app now by visiting FanDuel.com and win $300 in bonus bets if your first $5 bet wins.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hockey is back! NHL rookie camps have opened across the league as players hit the ice for the first time this season. And right after rookie camps come rookie tournaments with 30 of the 32 teams taking part in tournaments over the next few days. We discuss the two teams that won't be participating (the New York Islanders and Washington Capitals) as well as some of the top prospects to watch in each tournament from all the participating teams.Plus, the NHL made a major announcement about the players acquitted in the Hockey Canada scandal, we discuss that as well.All this and more on today's Locked On NHL Podcast with Rachel Donner and Gil Martin.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year.FanDuelDownload the FanDuel app now by visiting FanDuel.com and win $300 in bonus bets if your first $5 bet wins.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)