NHL Round 1 Surprises, MVPs, Coaching Job Openings And More

The Hockey News Big Show is here to not only discuss the closing stages of the first round but some of the other biggest topics in the NHL. Here’s what Michael Traikos, Ryan Kennedy and Katie Gaus discussed in this episode: 0:47: Game 6 between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators is Thursday night. Are the Leafs still "fine," or could they blow another series lead again? 3:30: How much pressure is on the Maple Leafs in Game 6, and do you expect any lineup changes?  6:06: Even if the Maple Leafs do win the series, have they changed your mind about them being a "contender?" 9:30: The Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals will meet in the second round. Thoughts on this series?  13:28: In Game 5 between the Minnesota Wild and Vegas Golden Knights, there was a league review for a kicking motion, which gave Vegas time to watch the goal, and when it was determined there was no kick, Vegas challenged for offside, and the goal was overturned. Many online comments suggest that this is ruining hockey. Do you agree? 16:43: Most surprising series so far? 20:11: First-round MVP candidates so far? 22:07: Player that's been the biggest surprise in the first round, for good or bad reasons? 25:19: The NHL’s coaching carousel is spinning like crazy, with so many open jobs. Where do we see Rick Tocchet and Mike Sullivan landing? Could more coaches lose their jobs? 29:15: The NHL’s Hart Trophy finalists are Leon Draisaitl, Connor Hellebuyck and Nikita Kucherov. Thoughts on no Nathan Mackinnon? Who will win it?  33:16: Taylor Hall signed a three-year contract extension worth $3.167 million annually. Do we like it?  34:25: Utah Hockey Club’s YouTube channel briefly showed "@UtahMammoth"  as the handle... sounds like this is it? Yay or nay? 36:58: Who do you want to see win the NHL draft lottery? Who actually wins it? 39:59: Patrik Laine enters the final year of his contract next season. Do the Habs re-sign him over the summer? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices