The Jeff Marek Show

Jeff kicks off the show with Brian Lawton of NHL Network as they recap last night’s Game 5 between Florida and New York. They take a behind the scenes look at how the Panthers organization operates on all fronts, before discussing the pressures of being drafted first overall and what's behind Alexis Lafrenière's breakout this season. Then, Matt Marchese joins the conversation to chat about the optimism surrounding Chris Tanev's availability tonight, the media being a important medium for former players who want to get into coaching or management, and potential names for Utah's NHL franchise (32:02). Later, NHL Network's Mike Kelly shares his analytic project on Wayne Gretzky at the Canada Cup, highlighting the dominance of the Smythe Division in the 80’s and Gretzky’s knowledge of goaltending, before diving into the the Stanley Cup Playoffs and what the numbers say about Evan Bouchard (49:56). Former first overall draft pick and Panthers analyst Ed Jovanovski wraps up today's program with his takeaways from last night’s big win for the Panthers, along with why Bill Zito’s squad blooms in the playoffs, Anton Lundell’s development, and how the Panthers can retain their pending free agents (01:20:40).

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff Marek and Shayna Goldman of The Athletic kick things off discussing their takeaways from last night’s Game 4 between the Stars and Oilers, Darnell Nurse’s bounce back, and Evan Bouchard’s elite play throughout the playoffs. Later on, they recap last night’s first ever PWHL Final which saw Minnesota beat Boston in Game 5! Then, newly appointed President, General Manager and Alternate Governor of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Don Waddell joins the program (32:21). They discuss his decision to join Columbus, his draft philosophy, what we can expect Rick Nash’s role to be going forward, and the players he tried to pry out of Columbus while managing in Carolina. Next up, after capturing the Walter Cup last night, PWHL Minnesota GM Natalie Darwitz looks back on her team's ‘brief’ win in Game 4, how important first overall pick Taylor Heise has been for the team, and the Sophie Jacques trade (50:09). Later on, Jeff and Matt Marchese discuss the broader impact the PWHL's growth will have on women's hockey, the future between the pipes in Columbus, the Oilers' play short-handed, and Kris Knoblauch’s tactics behind the bench (01:19:20). Jeff concludes today's episode reflecting on the life and legacy of legendary FAN590 personality and radio programmer, Bob Mackowycz Sr.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff kicks off the show with Senior Vice President of the PWHL, Jayna Hefford! The pair discuss the league's groundbreaking inaugural season, tonight's Game 5 with the Walter Cup set to be handed out for the first time, Alina Muller’s rise to stardom, what’s next for the PWHL, potential expansion, and more! Then, Alison Lukan of ROOT SPORTS joins the show to discuss the Kraken announcing Dan Bylsma as their new head coach, her takeaways from his introductory press conference, and if we should expect a promotion for Jessica Campbell with Coachella Valley (17:20). Next, Matt Marchese checks in to reflect upon some legendary fights from previous decades, before Curtis Pashelka of Bay Area News Group stops by(45:08)! He weighs in on the Sharks signing top prospect Will Smith to an entry-level contract, if San Jose winning the first overall pick helped influence Smith’s decision to turn pro, and what else we can expect from Mike Grier this off-season. Jeff and Matt wrap up today's program debating the pros and cons of both Smith and Macklin Celebrini joining the Sharks next season, along with Darnell Nurse’s ‘sour’ media scrum today.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff kicks off the show with ESPN's Greg Wyshynski with a recap of last night’s Game 4 between the Rangers and Panthers including why fans felt robbed of a penalty shot in overtime. Next, they discuss whether or not Darnell Nurse will play tonight and how he has looked throughout the series, along with what makes Edmonton such a “maddening” team to watch. Later, the pair share their takeaways from the Devils' press conference yesterday announcing Sheldon Keefe as their new head coach, before looking at some of the other candidates the team spoke too, the expectations for New Jersey's new bench boss and if his style of coaching will mesh with the established core.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff kicks off the show with Sportsnet’s Sam Cosentino to discuss the Memorial Cup in Saginaw. They discuss what it means for Moose Jaw to make it to Saginaw, NHL Draft eligible prospects to keep an eye out for, if London is the favourite, and Michael Misa’s play, before getting into the 2024 NHL Draft and who Chicago will take after trading up to the second overall pick. Then, fresh off of his introductory press conference, New Jersey Devils Head Coach Sheldon Keefe joins the program (19:32)! They discuss how the Devils job opportunity came to be, if he considered taking some time away from coaching, his use of analytics and how he prepares for games, the in-demand players within the Devils' roster, and his experience coaching the Maple Leafs. Later on, Matt Marchese joins the conversation to discuss what to expect from Keefe in New Jersey with the Devils' plethora of young talent (52:30). Jeff and Matt also go over what the Predators have targeted in potential trades, the big moves the Kings have made in recent years, last night's Western Conference Final and what to expect in Game 4 between the Rangers and Panthers.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff and Elliotte kick things off breaking down last night’s whirlwind Game 3 between the Stars and Oilers. They discuss return of Roope Hintz and Adam Henrique to their respective lineups, Jason Robertson’s hat trick, Stuart Skinner’s performance, and much more. Next, the pair weigh in on some of the big coaching news around hockey including Dan Bylsma set to be introduced as the new head coach of the Kraken, if Jessica Campbell could take over as head coach in Coachella Valley, and the Devils officially introducing Sheldon Keefe. They end things off teeing up Game 4 in the Eastern Conference Finals.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff kicks off the show with The Athletic's Arthur Staple to recap yesterday's Eastern Conference Final matinee between the Rangers and Panthers. They discuss Igor Shesterkin’s dominance, Alexis Lafrenière and Barclay Goodrow’s performance in the series so far, and his thoughts on the Jacob Trouba elbow controversy. Then, recently retired NHL head coach Rick Bowness stops by to discuss his transition from coaching, before getting into the players he has worked with who elevate their game in the playoffs, how close the Jets are to a Cup, and what to expect from Scott Arniel in Winnipeg (17:35). Later, Oilers radio voice Cam Moon tees up Game 3 of the Stars-Oilers series tonight in Edmonton (35:07). He weighs in on Kris Knoblauch’s polite postgame comments on Saturday, Evan Bouchard becoming a well-known figure amongst Oilers fans, and much more. Finally, newly appointed head coach of the Winnipeg Jets, Scott Arniel shares the process that lead to him being named the team's head coach, if we can expect a similar style of play under his leadership, and his expectations for Cole Perfetti and Gabe Vilardi next season (48:54).

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff kicks off the show with Elliotte Friedman as they break down the performance on both sides of the conference finals over the weekend. They discuss the vibes in Edmonton tonight ahead of Game 3, the lineup changes for both the Oilers and Stars, and the comments Connor McDavid and Kris Knoblauch had postgame on Saturday. Next, they discuss the officiating in the postseason, how Joe Pavelski has looked in the playoffs and if his legendary career is coming to a close. Later on, the pair dive into Jacob Trouba's elbow in Sunday's game, Don Waddell's anticipated arrival in Columbus and if there will be big changes on the ice for the Blue Jackets.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff kicks off the show with Cory Lavalette of the North State Journal to discuss today's news of Don Waddell's resignation as general manager of the Carolina Hurricanes. They break down why Waddell decided to leave, his history as an executive, if the GM role is Eric Tulsky’s to lose, and Martin Necas’ future with the 'Canes after multiple trade attempts. Then, PWHL Minnesota Head Coach Ken Klee joins the show ahead of tonight’s Game 3 of the PWHL Finals (16:22). They discuss how the Canada vs. U.S. rivalry and the meteoric rise of the PWHL in it’s first season, before recapping the series against Toronto. Later on, with the interim tag removed, L.A. Kings Head Coach Jim Hiller stops by to discuss what L.A. will prioritize going forward, the development of Quinton Byfield and how close he is to becoming a full-time center in the NHL (47:02).

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff and Elliotte kick off the show discussing the breaking news surrounding Don Waddell resigning as the General Manager of the Carolina Hurricanes. They discuss Eric Tulsky being promoted to interim GM, the search for a full-time GM, Columbus’ plans for their front office, a potential Jesperi Kotkaniemi buyout, and more. Later, the pair recap last night's Game 1 of the Western Conference Final and discuss Connor McDavid’s whirlwind of a performance, before teeing up Game 2 between the Panthers and Rangers.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.