PODCAST · sports
Empty The Benches
by Empty The Benches
Grab a seat and crack a cold one with Nick and Mac on Empty the Benches, the hockey podcast that doesn't hold back. Whether you're a diehard fan who's been watching since the '90s or just getting into the game, we've got you covered. We're diving deep into the NHL, NCAA, and beyond, with unfiltered takes and exclusive conversations with players, coaches, and everyone in between. If you live for the game, you've found your new weekly ritual.
Episodes
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Frozen Frenzy Recap + NCAA Preview (EP. 313)
FROZEN FRENZY!! The boys are back to recap a wild night of NHL action that saw all 32 teams faceoff on the same night. They break down the MacKinnon fight with Roope Hintz, Brady Tkachuk's hatty, and Ivar Stenberg's first NHL goal. They also touch on the Flyers historically bad start, Igor...
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Week 1 Recap with Tarik El-Bashir (EP. 312)
Mac and Nick are joined by Capitals insider and NHL on TNT member, Tarik El-Bashir. Tarik drops in to chat all things Caps from Ovi's retirement announcement, the offseason moves, and the young guns finding their roles in DC. The boys also chat about the hot starts by Utah, the Rangers, and...
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Eastern Conference Season Preview (EP. 311)
In this episode, Nick and Mac dive into the upcoming NHL season, analyzing team prospects, key players, and division predictions. They share insights on teams like the Capitals, Penguins, and Maple Leafs, offering predictions and strategic takes. They also dive into the major changes for the...
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Western Conference Season Preview (EP. 310)
In this episode, the boys analyze the upcoming NHL season, focusing on the Pacific and Central Divisions. They discuss team rosters, key moves, and predictions for playoff contenders and sleepers, providing insights for hockey fans eager for the new season. Nick and Mac analyze the upcoming NHL...
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Trades, Trades And Draft Recap (EP. 309)
In this episode, Nick and Mac recap the 2026 NHL Draft, summarize the latest offseason trades, and preview the biggest free agency rumors. They also hit you with a killer hockey trivia, a guess the NHL player, and a this or that. Chapters 00:00 Heat Wave and Weekend Adventures 05:50 Nonsensical...
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Trade Updates And Draft Preview (EP. 308)
In this episode, Nick and Mac are joined by friend of the show and writer/creator of puckuomi.com, Anders Hall, to break down the impending NHL draft and a crazy week of trades. They also discuss the 2026 Hockey Hall of Fame class, preview the 2026 NHL Draft, and the official hiring of Mike…
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Hurricanes Win The Stanley Cup (EP. 307)
In this episode, Nick and Mac discuss the Stanley Cup victory by the Carolina Hurricanes, the recent wedding they attended, and the latest hockey news including coaching changes and player trades. They share insights, anecdotes, and their thoughts on the league's current state and future moves....
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Stanley Cup Final Update + Game 6 Preview (EP. 306)
Nick and Mac are back to get you up to date on all the action from this crazy Stanley Cup Final. They get you ready for a pivotal game 6, discuss their Conn Smythe picks, and take a look at Carolina's goaltending situation. They also dive into the incredible atmospheres in both buildings, the…
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Stanley Cup Final Preview (EP. 305)
Its Stanley Cup Final time! Nick and Mac are back to get you set for the showdown between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Carolina Hurricanes. They start off the episode by naming five thing they would rather have happen than the Hurricanes winning the Cup, listing some of the greatest toys from...
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Knights & Canes Move Closer To Cup Final (EP. 304)
In this episode, Nick and Mac dive into the shocking 3-0 series lead for Vegas over Colorado, the continued overtime magic of the Carolina Hurricanes, and the first Walter Cup for the Montreal Victoire. They also take a look at teams to have overcome the 3-0 deficit, Vegas leading the playoffs in...
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Welcome To The Conference Finals (EP. 303)
Welcome to the Conference Finals! Nick and Mac get you set with all their takes on the final four NHL teams remaining. They break down the goaltending matchup between Andersen and Dobes, the absence of Cale Makar in game 1, and the nearly two weeks off for the Hurricanes. They also list their 3...
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Can Anyone Stop The Avalanche? (EP. 302)
The boys are back to break down the latest of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Nick and Mac dive into the Canes sweep of the Flyers, the seemingly unstoppable Colorado Avalanche, and the electric series between Vegas and Anaheim. The boys are also joined by Charlie McCulley of Triple Deke Vintage, who...
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1st Round Recap & 2nd Round Preview (EP. 301)
Join Nick and Mackane as they dissect the first round of the NHL playoffs, share their insights on series outcomes, standout players, and the upcoming second round matchups. Get expert analysis, hot takes, and predictions for the Stanley Cup race. Chapters 00:00 Beach Time and Friendships 03:04...
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Alan May (EP. 300)
For their 300th Episode Nick and Mac are joined by Alan May. Alan shares his journey to the NHL from growing up just outside the Arctic Circle, to playing in the AHL, and ultimately his NHL career. He also shares insights into his current role with the Caps broadcasting crew and gives some...
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Inside Caps Broadcasting with Katie Florio (EP. 299)
The boys are joined by Washington Capitals radio host and content director Katie Florio! Katie shares her journey from Clemson University, to the AHL, and to her current role with the Caps. She gives some great insight into the day to day of her roles, the prep that goes into running multiple...
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Playoff Race with Chuckin' Fists (EP. 298)
The boys are joined by Leo Calvo of Chuckin' Fists to break down both the east and west playoff races. Leo gives his thoughts on why his Penguins ha a resurgence under Dan Muse, why the Flyers should scare anyone in the east, and what went wrong for the Red Wings in the last couple weeks. Nick…
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Grace Outwater & Danica Maynard (EP. 297)
In this episode, Nick and Mac are joined by Penn State starts Danica Maynard and Grace Outwater. They share their experiences following an amazing season for the Nittany Lions, their outdoor game at Beaver Stadium, and their paths to choosing college hockey. The boys also discuss the men's and...
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Red Wings Round Up with Ryan Lott (EP. 296)
In this episode, we unravel the latest in NHL playoff races, from the wild card chaos in the East to the strange standings in the West, plus a deep dive into the Detroit Red Wings' push to the postseason. Our guest, Ryan Lott, producer of the Athletes podcast and a die-hard Wings enthusiast…
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Cole Hutson Signs with the Caps (EP. 295)
In this episode Nick and Mac break down the USA sled hockey team capping off the Gold Medal sweep, Cole Hutson signing with the Capitals, and the recently announced 2028 World Cup of Hockey. They also dive into what the Caps future core could look like and wrap up with two wild trivia questions....
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Eva Erickson & Trade Deadline Recap (EP. 294)
In this episode, hosts Nick and Mac discuss the latest in sports, including trade deadline reactions, memorable hockey games, and an insightful interview with Eva Erickson, a survivor and hockey player. They analyze team surprises, trade deals, and share personal insights, making it a must-listen...
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Deadline Preview with Tyler Madarasz (EP. 293)
In this episode of the Empty the Benches podcast, hosts Nick Mannella and Mackane Vogel welcome Tyler Madarasz, co-host and producer of NHL Morning Skate on SiriusXM. The conversation dives into the excitement surrounding the NHL trade deadline, reflecting on Olympic hockey, and discussing…
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USA Hockey Takes Gold In Milan (EP. 292)
In this episode, hosts Nick Mannella and Mackane Vogel celebrate the historic achievements of USA Hockey at the Olympics, discussing the thrilling victories of both the men's and women's teams. They reflect on key moments, standout players, and the emotional impact of these wins, while also...
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Olympic Hockey Takes Center Stage (EP. 291)
On this episode of Empty the Benches hosts Nick Mannella and Mackane Vogel discuss the return of Olympic hockey, the evolution of international competition, and their favorite winter Olympic events. They delve into the dominance of the U.S. women's hockey team, preview the U.S. men's team, and...
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Hockey Valley Weekend Recap feat. Dave Stark (EP. 290)
In this episode Nick and Mac are joined by Dave Stark of Cook Stark Management and host of the Athletes Podcast. Nick and Dave recap a weekend of festivities in Pennsylvania, beginning with the Working in Hockey event in Pittsburgh, and wrapping up with an unbelievable experience at the Penn…
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What's Wrong With The Capitals? (EP. 289)
In this episode, Nick and Mac discuss Mac's recent adventures at the AHL Outdoor Classic, including a bar that lets you buy a bucket of rocks. They dive into the struggles of the Washington Capitals, analyzing their recent performance and upcoming challenges. The conversation shifts to NHL trade...
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Andersson & Sherwood Traded (EP. 288)
In this episode of Empty the Benches, Nick and Mac dive into a variety of topics ranging from the upcoming AHL outdoor game to the dynamics of the "game guy" in group settings. They reflect on the NHL's past and present, particularly comparing the years 2016 and 2026, and discuss recent trades in...
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Tampa Bay Wins Eleventh Straight (EP. 287)
In this episode of Empty the Benches, Nick and Mac discuss the latest happenings in the NHL, including the retirement ceremony for Sergei Fedorov, the Tampa Bay Lightning's impressive winning streak, and the struggles of the New York Rangers. They also recap the Washington Capitals' recent dad's...
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Auston Matthews Passes Mats Sundin (EP. 286)
In this episode, Nick & Nick discuss a variety of hockey topics, including Matthews' milestone achievement, the Winter Classic experience, and the performances of the USA and Canada in the World Juniors. They also analyze the NHL teams' current standings, particularly the Capitals and Rangers…
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World Juniors In Full Swing (EP. 285)
In this episode, Nick and Mac discuss the highlights of 2025 in music, recap their holiday experiences, and analyze the current state of the NHL, including trades and team performances. They delve into the excitement of the World Juniors and the upcoming Olympic rosters, while also addressing the...
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Quinn Hughes Traded To Minnesota (EP. 284)
In this episode, Nick and Mac discuss the surprising trade of Quinn Hughes, the implications for both the Minnesota Wild and Vancouver Canucks, and dive into a fun segment on the Mount Rushmore of offensive defensemen. They analyze recent trades, including the Skinner-Jari swap, and the Buffalo...
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Quinn Hughes Rumors Heat Up (EP. 283)
In this episode of Empty the Benches, hosts Nick Mannella and Mackane Vogel dive into a variety of hockey topics, including humorous discussions about potential EBUG candidates, the latest trade rumors surrounding Quinn Hughes, the Colorado Avalanche's impressive performance, and a controversial...
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The Hawks Are Back In Black (EP. 282)
In this episode of Empty the Bench, Nick and Mac discuss their weekend adventures, including a snowy day filled with hockey and pizza. They dive into what NHL teams are thankful for this season, touching on the Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins, and San Jose Sharks. The conversation shifts...
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Chychrun Extends Point Streak (EP. 281)
In this episode, Nick and Mac discuss Mac's recent trip to Berlin, highlighting the unique hockey culture and experiences he had. They delve into Thanksgiving food preferences, share insights on NHL player performances, and speculate on the upcoming Olympic roster. The conversation also touches…
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Adrian Kempe Gets Paid (EP. 280)
In this episode of Empty the Benches, hosts Nick Mannella and Nick Bowins engage in a lively discussion covering a range of topics from fantasy hockey matchups to the Mount Rushmore of favorite players NOT on their favorite teams. They analyze Adrian Kempe's recent contract extension, Miko...
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Michigan State Stays On Top (EP. 279)
On this episode of Empty the Benches, host Nick Mannella and guest host Nick Bowins discuss a variety of hockey topics, including the recent Hall of Fame inductees, the exciting college hockey matchups, goaltending concerns in the NHL, a review of Canada's Olympic jerseys, and the surprising...
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The Devils in the Details (EP. 278)
Nick and Mac are back for another episode! They kick things off with the return of the question of the day, introduce a new segment called Empty The Mailbox, and dive into the recent struggles of the Washington Capitals in the Weekly ReCap. During the episode they also touch on the dynamic duos…
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Harley & Cooley Extended + Frozen Frenzy Recap (EP. 277)
In this episode of Empty the Benches, hosts Nick Mannella and Mackane Vogel recount their recent adventures in Milwaukee and Chicago, including attending a Blackhawks game and hosting an event at their favorite bar, Elwoods. They share humorous anecdotes about meeting colorful characters and...
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The Rotten Big Apple (EP. 276)
In this episode, Nick and Mac discuss the excitement surrounding their upcoming event at Elwoods, the NHL game schedule, and predictions for various teams. They delve into the Capitals' recent games, the promising future of the Canadiens, and the struggles of the Rangers and Sabres. The...
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NHL First Week Recap (EP. 275)
In this episode, Nick and Mac dive into the excitement of the NHL season, discussing the return of hockey, fantasy drafts, and significant player contracts. They analyze goaltending performances and the Washington Capitals' rocky start. The conversation shifts to team predictions and culminates…
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NHL Metro Division Preview feat. Mike Vogel (EP. 274)
In this episode, Nick and Mac from Empty the Benches dive into a comprehensive preview of the Metropolitan Division in the NHL. Joined by Washington Capitals senior writer Mike Vogel, they discuss each team's strengths, weaknesses, and expectations for the upcoming season. From the formidable...
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NHL Atlantic Division Preview (EP. 273)
In this episode, Nick and Mac provide a comprehensive preview of the NHL's Atlantic Division, discussing each team's prospects for the upcoming season. They cover key injuries, player performances, and the overall competitiveness of the division. The conversation highlights the Boston Bruins'...
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NHL Pacific Division Preview (EP. 272)
In this episode Nick, Mac, and Anders preview the Pacific Division of the NHL, discussing each team's offseason moves, key players, and expectations for the upcoming season. They share personal updates, analyze the Anaheim Ducks' trades, the Calgary Flames' quiet offseason, the Edmonton Oilers'...
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NHL Central Division Preview (EP. 271)
In this episode, Nick and Mac dive into the NHL Central Division, discussing each team's prospects for the upcoming season. They share personal anecdotes, introduce a new segment called 'Max Misfortune,' and analyze the Chicago Blackhawks' rebuilding phase, the Colorado Avalanche's playoff...
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NHL Grab Bag (EP. 270)
We're back!! Nick and Mac get you caught up on the recent flurry of NHL news from the past few weeks. They dive into the Caps' and Red Wings' new alternate sweaters, the Rangers' new captain, and the bold statement by one of Canada's most accomplished defensemen. Music: Coasting Mostly - Barely...
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Cup Champ Cats (EP. 269)
Link to full podcast: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/15W69vvlYJfFqjeIoGgDj9?si=rw8lVl63QJObfhgPHU-cMQ&dl_branch=1 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/empty-betters/id1478649041 Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emptybetters/ Twitter:...
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Panthers One Win Away (EP. 268)
Link to full podcast: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/15W69vvlYJfFqjeIoGgDj9?si=rw8lVl63QJObfhgPHU-cMQ&dl_branch=1 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/empty-betters/id1478649041 Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emptybetters/ Twitter:...
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Stanley Cup Final Preview (EP. 267)
Stanley Cup Final Preview!! The boys get you set for a thrilling rematch of last year’s Cup Final between the Oilers and Panthers. They also dive into the Pete DeBoer comments on his goaltender, Rod and Paul in the handshake line, and debate potential Conn Smythe winners. Link to full podcast:...
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Panthers and Stars Advance + Conference Final Preview (EP. 266)
Oh boy, it happened again. The boys break down the conclusion of round 2, diving into the Stars OT winner over the Jets and the Leafs game 7 collapse to the Panthers. They also argue about throwing your jersey on the ice, discuss what the Leafs need to change, and preview the conference final...
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Canes Push Caps To The Brink (EP. 265)
The boys get you caught up on the latest second round storylines. They discuss the Hurricane’s dominance over the Caps, the Stars rolling over the Jets, and the Oilers pushing Vegas to the brink. They also give their predictions for a pivotal game 5 between the Panthers and Leafs. Link to full...
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Wilson & The Caps Even The Series (EP. 264)
The boys break down the first handful of games from the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. They discuss the Capitals’ big game 2 win over the Hurricanes, the Oilers stealing both games in Vegas, and another dominant performance by Mikko Rantanen. Link to full podcast: Spotify:...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Grab a seat and crack a cold one with Nick and Mac on Empty the Benches, the hockey podcast that doesn't hold back. Whether you're a diehard fan who's been watching since the '90s or just getting into the game, we've got you covered. We're diving deep into the NHL, NCAA, and beyond, with unfiltered takes and exclusive conversations with players, coaches, and everyone in between. If you live for the game, you've found your new weekly ritual.
HOSTED BY
Empty The Benches
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Empty The Benches have?
Empty The Benches currently has 312 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Empty The Benches about?
Grab a seat and crack a cold one with Nick and Mac on Empty the Benches, the hockey podcast that doesn't hold back. Whether you're a diehard fan who's been watching since the '90s or just getting into the game, we've got you covered. We're diving deep into the NHL, NCAA, and beyond, with unfiltered...
How often does Empty The Benches release new episodes?
Empty The Benches publishes regularly with 312 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Empty The Benches?
You can listen to Empty The Benches on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Empty The Benches?
Empty The Benches is created and hosted by Empty The Benches.
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