Buffalo Sabres & Blue Jackets are FOR REAL! + Why the Rangers & Flyers are in Denial

On today’s episode of Locked On NHL, hosts Nick Zararis (Locked On Oilers) and Hunter Hodies (Locked On Penguins) break down the shifting power dynamics of the NHL as the playoffs approach. In This Episode: The Surging Sabres & Blue Jackets: Are these two young teams finally for real? We dive into the Buffalo Sabres’ lead in the Atlantic and the Columbus Blue Jackets’ incredible 16-2-4 run under Rick Bowness. Plus, why Zach Werenski is playing like a Norris Trophy winner Dallas Stars’ Championship Window: The Stars have been one of the most consistent teams over the last five years, but with an aging core including Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin, is this their last true shot at a Stanley Cup?. Teams in Denial: We dissect why the New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Philadelphia Flyers are in dangerous territory. From Adam Fox’s frustration in New York to the uncertainty surrounding Auston Matthews’ future in Toronto, we explain why these "retools" might not be enough 05:48 Columbus Rising in Playoff Race 08:47 "Playoff Chaos: Penguins & Stars" 11:05 "Dallas Stars' Aging Contention Window" 13:14 "Dallas Closing In on Avalanche" 19:03 Offseason Decisions & Hiring Solutions 21:53 "Teams Stuck In Denial" 24:45 Maple Leafs' Future Under Scrutiny 28:10 "Team Needs Reliable Starting Goalie" 30:47 "Locked On NHL Wrap-Up" Buffalo Sabres & Blue Jackets are FOR REAL! + Why the Rangers & Flyers are in Denial Everydayer ClubJoin the Everydayer Club for ad-free audio, access to our group chat on Discord, and more. Use code DEADLINE ahead of the trade deadline for one month free. Tap here to learn more: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! QuoMake this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away.Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go tohttp://Quo.com/lockedonnhl. Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel FanDuel is giving you a way to turn that energy into even bigger potential wins with a College Basketball Parlay Profit Boost. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.   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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.