We go down memory lane in this week’s “Essey Tire” hockey podcast with Brian Metzer of the Penguins Radio Network.
In lieu of actual hockey, the NHL Network is running an all-day marathon on Tuesday of the 2017 Stanley Cup Final between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Nashville Predators. So Brian and I discuss our memories of that series, which resulted in the franchise’s fifth Stanley Cup.
The up-and-down games from the goalies — Matt Murray and Pekka Rinne — are still remarkable looking back on the series.
Brian and I discuss the significant differences between the 2016 and 2017 clubs. The vast differences between the home and away results. And Nick Bonino’s imprint on the series.
We also get into the debate of how the NHL could try to accomplish what Major League Baseball is trying to do, by designating a specific place to play all of its games in one set location.
In some ways, it could be easier for the NHL. In hockey, every team doesn’t have to play every day. But the rink would have to be in use every day. Multiple times per day. In June and July.
Even though we are talking about potential destinations such as Saskatchewan, New Hampshire and North Dakota, that’s a big ask for any ice surface to maintain.
Never mind the expense, logistics and safety of housing the entire league in one place.
Or the ability to squeeze in a schedule.
Or the travel issues involved once the playoffs start, if they split between two venues.
Or …
… never mind. Let’s go back to Patrick Hornqvist scoring in Game 6 against the Preds, right?
We get into all that, plus we go illogically deep into the new Pearl Jam album, “Gigaton.”
Listen: Tim Benz and Brian Metzer discuss the 2017 Penguins-Predators Stanley Cup Final series
