Hot take check: Penguins make playoffs? Red Wings and Sabres break drought

Can Sidney Crosby’s absence derail the Pittsburgh Penguins’ playoff push, or will unexpected heroes rise to the occasion? Nick Zararis and Hunter Hodies debate the fate of playoff contenders, spotlighting the Penguins’ forward depth, the goaltending conundrum with Joel Blomqvist and Murashov, and the team’s trade deadline possibilities. Hot takes fly as they weigh bold predictions, like both the Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs missing the postseason amid injuries and shocking goaltending struggles. Across the NHL, the hosts break down potential surges by the Buffalo Sabres and Detroit Red Wings, question the Montreal Canadiens’ Eastern Conference Finals chances, and scrutinize the Edmonton Oilers’ unraveling defense with Tristan Jarry in net. The show wraps with a heated forecast: are the Colorado Avalanche poised to cruise through the playoffs, and is a Colorado Avalanche vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Stanley Cup Final inevitable? Get all the playoff race intrigue and insider analysis you need. 4:37 Goaltending Prospect's Promising Future  8:13 Sell Assets, Focus on Rebuild  12:48 Buffalo and Detroit's Playoff Hopes  15:34 Red Wings Roster Moves Looming  17:30 Montreal's Playoff Chances Analyzed  20:02 "ndeed: Simplifying Hiring Fast  23:29 Edmonton's Trade Deadline Struggles  27:28 West Leads in Top Contenders  30:32 Locked On NHL Recap 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! 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 Use your Profit Boost on an NBA future and get entered for your chance to win a trip to the NBA Finals. Play your game with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started. 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.