The Instigator Hockey Podcast

THE INSTIGATOR – Episode 54 - The Greatest Rivalry in the NHL?Host- Brad Burud @BradBurud--- EPISODE 54 ---Rivalries in sports are the heartbeat of what makes it exciting --- as a fan what games do you get pumped for??? What games get our blood boiling? What is the greatest rivalry in the NHL?Website: Inside Edge Hockey NewsListen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Soundcloud Watch: YouTUBESocial Media – TWITTER - @INSIDEEDGEHOCKE |FACEBOOK – Inside Edge Hockey News |INSTAGRAM – Inside Edge Hockey News #NHL #HockeyTwitter #TalkinHockey #HockeyPodcast #THEINSTIGATOR #Hockey #REPPSports #RAZEENERGY #GoHabsGo #CofRed #NHLBruins #LeafsForeverPROMOTION – RAZE Energy - @ReppSports - Go to http://reppsports.com and get 15% off with the code: INSTIGATOR*Produced by Inside Edge Hockey News Media Group

THE INSTIGATOR – Episode 53 – Lehner Speaks OutHost- Brad Burud @BradBurud--- EPISODE 53 ---Golden Knights goalie Robin Lehner sparked discussion and controversy last week when he spoke out against the NHL’s COVID-19 protocols and overall approach to mental health during the pandemic.Website: Inside Edge Hockey NewsListen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Soundcloud Watch: YouTUBESocial Media – TWITTER - @INSIDEEDGEHOCKE |FACEBOOK – Inside Edge Hockey News |INSTAGRAM – Inside Edge Hockey News #NHL #HockeyTwitter #TalkinHockey #HockeyPodcast #THEINSTIGATOR #Hockey #REPPSports #RAZEENERGY #VegasBornPROMOTION – RAZE Energy - @ReppSports - Go to http://reppsports.com and get 15% off with the code: INSTIGATOR*Produced by Inside Edge Hockey News Media Group

THE INSTIGATOR – Episode 52 - Officials Comments Cause Quick NHL ResponseHost- Brad Burud @BradBurud--- EPISODE 52 ---The NHL determined it was Tim Peel's voice on the TV broadcast of the Predators home game against the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday night after Nashville forward Viktor Arvidsson was issued a minor tripping penalty five minutes into the second period. "It wasn't much, but I wanted to get a fucking penalty against Nashville early in the,'' the official was heard saying before the audio cut off. Peel worked the game with referee Kelly Sutherland. "There is no justification for his comments, no matter the context or intention,'' Campbell said.Website: Inside Edge Hockey NewsListen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Soundcloud Watch: YouTUBESocial Media – TWITTER - @INSIDEEDGEHOCKE |FACEBOOK – Inside Edge Hockey News |INSTAGRAM – Inside Edge Hockey News #NHL #HockeyTwitter #TalkinHockey #HockeyPodcast #THEINSTIGATOR #Hockey #REPPSports #RAZEENERGY #NHLOfficialsPROMOTION – RAZE Energy - @ReppSports - Go to http://reppsports.com and get 15% off with the code: INSTIGATOR*Produced by Inside Edge Hockey News Media Group

THE INSTIGATOR – Episode 51 – 9 million Reasons to Play Him!Host- Brad Burud @BradBurud--- EPISODE 51 ---Skinner is in the second year of a $72 million dollar that pays him $9 million per season. After being a healthy scratch he now finds himself planted on the fourth line. Is this the correct decision by the Sabres coaching staff?Website: Inside Edge Hockey NewsListen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Soundcloud Watch: YouTUBESocial Media – TWITTER - @INSIDEEDGEHOCKE |FACEBOOK – Inside Edge Hockey News |INSTAGRAM – Inside Edge Hockey News #NHL #HockeyTwitter #TalkinHockey #HockeyPodcast #THEINSTIGATOR #Hockey #REPPSports #RAZEENERGY #Skinner #LetsGoBuffaloPROMOTION – RAZE Energy - @ReppSports - Go to http://reppsports.com and get 15% off with the code: INSTIGATOR*Produced by Inside Edge Hockey News Media Group

THE INSTIGATOR – Episode 50 - Goal Counts/Penalty Removed---What?Host- Brad Burud @BradBurud--- EPISODE 50 ---Carolina scores goal that was offside – Columbus gets penalty for challenge – non authorized official says good goal on replay review – refs go with it and it is completely wrong. NHL eliminates penalty but not goal.Website: Inside Edge Hockey NewsListen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Soundcloud Watch: YouTUBESocial Media – TWITTER - @INSIDEEDGEHOCKE |FACEBOOK – Inside Edge Hockey News |INSTAGRAM – Inside Edge Hockey News #NHL #HockeyTwitter #TalkinHockey #HockeyPodcast #THEINSTIGATOR #Hockey #REPPSports #RAZEENERGY #LetsGoCanes #CBJ #BadCallsPROMOTION – RAZE Energy - @ReppSports - Go to http://reppsports.com and get 15% off with the code: INSTIGATOR*Produced by Inside Edge Hockey News Media Group

THE INSTIGATOR – Episode 49 - The Shift: Unprofessional Exit for DuboisHost- Brad Burud @BradBurud--- EPISODE 49 ---With a shift that embarrassed the hockey world - just like that Pierre-Luc Dubois is shipped out of Columbus and is headed to Winnipeg. Pierre-Luc Dubois traded to Winnipeg for Patrik Laine and Jack Roslovic.Website: Inside Edge Hockey NewsListen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Soundcloud Watch: YouTUBESocial Media – TWITTER - @INSIDEEDGEHOCKE |FACEBOOK – Inside Edge Hockey News |INSTAGRAM – Inside Edge Hockey News #NHL #HockeyTwitter #TalkinHockey #HockeyPodcast #THEINSTIGATOR #Hockey #REPPSports #RAZEENERGY #CLB #Dubois #GoJetsGoPROMOTION – RAZE Energy - @ReppSports - Go to http://reppsports.com and get 15% off with the code: INSTIGATOR*Produced by Inside Edge Hockey News Media Group

THE INSTIGATOR – Episode 48 - Lets Keep the Canadian DivisionHost- Brad Burud @BradBurud--- EPISODE 48 ---Due to a COVID-19 travel restrictions the NHL was forced to realign division making a North Division which is made up of all Canadian team….Should this division realignment be permanent?Website: Inside Edge Hockey NewsListen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Soundcloud Watch: YouTUBESocial Media – TWITTER - @INSIDEEDGEHOCKE |FACEBOOK – Inside Edge Hockey News |INSTAGRAM – Inside Edge Hockey News #NHL #HockeyTwitter #TalkinHockey #HockeyPodcast #THEINSTIGATOR #Hockey #REPPSports #RAZEENERGY #AllCanadian #NorthDivisionPROMOTION – RAZE Energy - @ReppSports - Go to http://reppsports.com and get 15% off with the code: INSTIGATOR*Produced by Inside Edge Hockey News Media Group

THE INSTIGATOR – Episode 47 - 50/50 is 50/50: Let the Payback BeginHost- Brad Burud @BradBurud--- EPISODE 47 ---The NHL/NHLPA clearly states that all revenue is split between owners and players 50/50. With no revenue in sight how will split ever work out….escrow! but will it get paid back?Website: Inside Edge Hockey NewsListen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Soundcloud Watch: YouTUBESocial Media – TWITTER - @INSIDEEDGEHOCKE |FACEBOOK – Inside Edge Hockey News |INSTAGRAM – Inside Edge Hockey News #NHL #HockeyTwitter #TalkinHockey #HockeyPodcast #THEINSTIGATOR #Hockey #REPPSports #RAZEENERGY #CBA #escrow #nofansPROMOTION – RAZE Energy - @ReppSports - Go to http://reppsports.com and get 15% off with the code: INSTIGATOR*Produced by Inside Edge Hockey News Media Group

THE INSTIGATOR – Episode 46 - Reverse Retro Jersey InsultHost- Brad Burud @BradBurud--- EPISODE 46 ---Adidas introduces Reverse Retro Jerseys for all 31 teams..Are a couple of the jerseys an insult to past teams?Website: Inside Edge Hockey NewsListen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Soundcloud Watch: YouTUBESocial Media – TWITTER - @INSIDEEDGEHOCKE |FACEBOOK – Inside Edge Hockey News |INSTAGRAM – Inside Edge Hockey News #NHL #HockeyTwitter #HockeyPodcast #THEINSTIGATOR #Hockey #REPPSports #RAZEENERGY #LetsGoCanes #GoAvsGo #Nordiques #Whalers #ReverseRetroPROMOTION – RAZE Energy - @ReppSports - Go to http://reppsports.com and get 15% off with the code: INSTIGATOR*Produced by Inside Edge Hockey News Media Group

As the hockey world prepares for the excitement of Stanley Cup Playoff (summer) hockey there is a looming problem for the NHL and its fans. What happens next season? The 2020-2021 NHL Regular Season will more than likely get going in late November or early December. Yes there is a problem that is not receiving a lot of discussion. Will fans be back? If not will the NHL play? Many teams would not be able to financially handle this. What will happen to hockey?

Why do I keep hearing and seeing tweets and posts that the only reason the NHL is coming back is because the owners are out for a money grab? Brad Burud from the Inside Edge Hockey News is ready to rant his opinion on this topic. Yes the owners want to make money!! So do the players!! That is the entire object of the NHL. Play the game we love and make some money along the way. Coming back from the Coronavirus will have 100's of challenges we do not need some so called hockey fans spouting off that this is a money grab for the owners. Lets be thankful the owners are willing to pay the extra expenses that they will incur playing hockey games in hub cities. Lets just be thankful hockey is working to get back!

It looks as though we just may have our wish hockey fans. It looks as though NHL hockey will be back. The owners and players have reached an agreement on a return to play plan. YES! Hockey will be back -- so what could be wrong. What if a player says "I don't want to play".... What who would do that? Well leave it to Radko Gudas...I have a solution -- don't play! The fans won't miss you and the league will roll on like you were never there..Lets play hockey!

The horrible Coronavirus has shattered normalcy for literally everyone in this world. It is scary and the times are uncertain. But sports are still a very important part of society and daily living (I think many of us have truly learned the extent of that during this quarantine). I want the NHL back. I want it back bigger and better than ever...I won't take any game for granted. The question is when is the right time and is it reality that we will play again this summer? Would it be a smarter decision to cancel the remainder of the season and playoffs and start fresh next season? Brad Burud from Inside Edge Hockey News discusses on The Instigator Hockey Podcast.

Life without hockey. It is not fun but in reality it is a small sacrifice to make for health. The Coronavirus has swept across Canada and the United States, and social distancing is in full swing. All sports, schools and sadly many businesses are now closed. As much as I miss sports I understand the magnitude of this and the fear is real.

With the recent injury that left Johnny Boychuk with 90 stitches to his face, I ask the question. Is it time for the NHL to make full masks mandatory for all players. We never thought helmets would be required, We never thought visors would be required? But they are..... Is it time to take it a step further?

Evander Kane is back in the news. Yep you guessed it, another suspension. This time a monster elbow to the head of Winnipeg Jets defenseman Neal Pionk. The result is a three game suspension handed down by NHL Player Safety. Well the story does not end their, why would it with Evander Kane. After his suspension was handed down he went to twitter to blast George Perros and NHL Player Safety. He claimed that the punishments handed down in the NHL lacked consistency. Evander just being Evander.

The Battle of Alberta has the grit and fire back. One incident has sparked chaos. When Zach Kassian rag dolled Matthew Tkachuk the hockey world went crazy. Some in favor of how Matthew Tkachuk handled the situation, but way more in favor of how Zach Kassian handled the situation. Do fans really think Kassian is in the right. Its ok to punch a non willing opponent 10 times in the head. It probably was in 1980 but in 2020? This shocked Brad Burud of Inside Edge Hockey News and he sounds off with his opinion.

The 2020 World Junior Hockey Championships are underway and pressure, expectations and pressure are at a high. Immature behavior is also on full alert. Team Canada Barrett Hayton took it to a new level when he refused to remove his helmet during the Russian national anthem. Yes I know he was upset because of the 6-0 crushing Canada had just suffered, but that is no excuse. Inside Edge Hockey News Brad Burud gives his take on the most recent act of immaturity on the big stage that is the World Juniors.

Injuries in hockey are inevitable, but reducing the severity of should be everyones primary focus. Brad Burud of Inside Edge Hockey News talks about the recent injury to Niagara (OHL) goalie Tucker Tynan. The scary injury left the hockey world in shock. Tynan was saved and is recovering. How can these injuries be reduced. Its all on this episode of The Insitigator.

When is a player hurt...when should the officials blow the play dead? Last week Elias Pettersson fired a shot off the head of Matt Calvert. It was scary. He was hurt and the whistle did not blow. The Vancouver Canucks went on to score seconds later to tie the game. When or should the play have been called dead? Brad Burud of Inside Edge Hockey News discusses the situation and gives his solution.

One of the hardest calls to make in hockey for officials or instant replay is high-sticking the puck. The game is fast and the rule is subjective. Making it very difficult to call. Brad Burud from Inside Edge Hockey News has a solution. This solution will stop the controversy and actually create more offense.

Brad Burud from Inside Edge Hockey News is fired up with "Big Buff." Dustin Byfuglien decided not to report to camp this year and has left the Winnipeg Jets high and dry. It is his life and his career, but the timing was unprofessional. The Jets defense was decimated over the summer with free agency and now this is the final kicker. The Jets and his teammates are forced to deal with this as Byfuglien contemplates his career. The real question is, if Byfuglien decides to return how do his teammates and coaching staff react. With his salary is it too much to think that maybe the Jets don’t want a half motivated “big buff” back?

Waiting for hockey…….still waiting for hockey……was it just me or was the break between the NHL Stanley Cup Conference Finals and the Stanley Cup Final abnormally long? Brad Burud of Inside Edge Hockey News gives his take on the break. Talks about the pros and cons of the long delay, and explains how the NHL forgets one key factor when having the long break like they did.

The NHL rulebook is over 200 pages. Why is only 60 of the pages used in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Brad Burud of Inside Edge Hockey News discusses why this is not correct and why this negatively effects teams. Rules should not change in the post season. Not in hockey or any other sport. How is an official suppose to make consistent calls when he is expected to change his style because it is the playoffs? You have a rulebook, use it!

Welcome to playoff hockey Johnny Gaudreau…. Gaudreau has been a complete no show for the Calgary Flames this playoff season….why is this? What do we expect from him? With the Flames on the brink of elimination. Flames fans expect a hell of a lot more than they are getting. Brad Burud of Inside Edge Hockey News expresses his frustration in the play of Gaudreau. Although the Flames disappointment is not solely his fault , but if he is truly the driving force of this team - he probably should be leading by example. The Flames are done and it looks like Johnny Hockey will have a lot of explaining to do and how will this effect next years playoff expectations. This performance will be a hard one to forget…actions speak louder than words.

Why is the current system a problem. Looks like the league and players do not feel that way. The NHL and NHLPA announced yesterday to extend the current system through next season. I am shocked that this is a hot topic this year. I don’t remember it being an issue last year. The current system is built because we have divisions. The object is to win your division. That is were teams rivals are.. Naysayers argue that playoffs build rivalries. Yes I agree but playing teams in close proximities cultivate rivalries and make the regular season more exciting.

This week Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty set the hockey world a buzz with this comments prior to a game in Calgary. He praised Mark Giordano, but criticized Brent Burns and Erik Karlsson on their defensive capabilities. He then took aim at Matthew Tkachuk of the Calgary Flames. He claimed that he has no respect for Tkachuk and either does the rest of the leagues players. Well some strong words, but I just don't understand his reasoning.

How important is a good captain to the growth of a hockey franchise? What type of player makes the best captain? All questions that are critical to a teams success. Do all NHL teams have the correct person as captain or has the pressures to select the young goal scorers outweighed the importance of leadership. Brad Burud from Inside Edge Hockey News gives his opinion on young captains.

The Minnesota Wild were beat twice by the Nashville Predators forward Ryan Johansson in shootouts this week. Goalie Devan Dubnyk is not happy about it.  Sunday, Johansson beat backup netminder Alex Stalock in the shootout and last night, it was Dubnyk's turn. Both times, the Predators forward showcased his quick hands, however, Dubnyk believes that he is using filthy tactics as he slowly approached the net, adding that Johansen is making a "mockery" of the breakaway competition. Actually does anyone even like the shootout. Brad Burud discusses these controversial plays and gives his opinions on the shootout.

NHL Trade Deadline is a very fun day for NHL fans. Probably not the case for players or general managers. Why are fan bases upset when their favorite team does not make any moves. Do you understand the impact that has on a locker room? What is the likelihood that move works? What are you willing to give up? Is it worth one kick at the can (Stanley Cup)? Brad Burud gives his opinion on this controversial topic. Fans just don’t understand what all goes into making a big move.

It is professional hockey. The best players in the world. That means that arenas should be sold out. Well not in Florida. Most nights the empty seats far outweigh the ones with fans in them. Brad Burud expresses his frustration why year after year the Florida Panthers continue to struggle with attendance.

Trade or not. Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky has put the Columbus Blue Jackets and General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen in a difficult position. Do you keep them for a playoff run or gather assets for the future and still take a playoff run?? Time for a decision. Brad Burud from Inside Edge Hockey News gives his two-cents on this dilemma…Can the Columbus Blue Jackets ever catch a break?

Slashing has always been part of the game, but as the speed of the game has picked up and physical play has diminished the dreaded slash has become more prevalent. Slashing has become the new checking in the NHL. Teams are targeting other teams superstars and giving them a good slash to the wrist and hand. The goal, to take the superstar off the puck. The result, often a broken hand or wrist. With superstars being such a big part of a teams success the chances of losing them because of a targeted slash can determine if a team makes or misses the playoffs. How do you stop the slashes??? Well I have one solution...

The Winter Classic is set to play on New Years Day. A great tribute to how hockey began, outside, but...why in the world do we have to watch the same teams each year. This years matchup is the Chicago Blackhawks versus the Boston Bruins at historic Notre Dame Stadium. Sounds epic right, not so much, the problem is this is the 4th time for the Blackhawks and 3rd time for the Bruins in the Winter Classic. Yes I know they are big television markets but seriously NHL give us some variety and give us some change. I have a plan to make the Winter Classic an amazing showcase of the entire NHL, and an amazing New Years television production.

Vegas Golden Knights tough guy Ryan Reaves got his revenge on Washington Capitals enforcer Tom Wilson. It came with a vicious blind sided hit. Was it revenge for beating them in the 2018 Stanley Cup Finals or was it revenge for all of the dirty hits and players he has injured over the past few years. I am guessing the latter of the two. Wilson has a reputation of being a predator. Well on this night of revenge, he became the victim. It delighted many, now I don't want any player hurt, but I think we all chuckled when the controversial player got a bit of his own medicine.

When Pittsburgh Penguins superstar Evgeni Malkin drove his shoulder in to the head of Washington Capitals forward TJ Oshie the hockey world went crazy. Half of the people were screaming for a suspension and half thought the match penalty was outrageous. It was an interesting play and call. Brad Burud breaks down the hit and discusses his opinion on what the penalties or suspensions should have been.

I am all for having fun when you play hockey. That is why we play the game..but what the Carolina Hurricanes have been doing after wins at home has me shaking my head. What is happening to this league. This is the most childish celebrations I have ever seen. Just when you thought that was the extent of the celebration. Dougie Hamilton took it to a new level by "flossing".... What is next from the Carolina Hurricanes?

Well the Elias Pettersson hit from Florida Panthers defenseman Michael Matheson was one thing, but death threats is way out of line. The suspension was handed down from the NHL and it was two games. Was it a little much, yes maybe, but then in the week following Matheson has now received death threats from Vancouver fans. That is not hockey, and those fans should be embarrassed of their behavior.

Well the wildly overpaid goon for the Washington Capitals is back at it again, but this time the National Hockey League makes him pay for it. In the Capitals final preseason game, forward Tom Wilson landed a vicious head shot on St. Louis Blues forward Oskar Sundqvist. The was needless and extremely dangerous. This time the NHL got the suspension right.

The Vegas Golden Knights continue to shock the hockey world, and fans are lining up in groves. Are they true Golden Knight fans or is the expansion franchise building the largest band wagon fans in the sports world. I guess we will see when time get difficult in Vegas.

I really like the NHL Draft Lottery process, but I have a huge problem with how it was presented to the public this year. This is a made for television opportunity that the NHL wasted. So what should they have done, and how could they capitalize on this opportunity? Give a listen!

The Stanley Cup Playoffs are off and running and goal scoring is at break neck pace. Is this good for the game? Does it make for more exciting games? Or does it make for really, really boring hockey? Fans have been screaming for more goals for years and years. Well you got that in round one of the Stanley Cup Playoffs and it just happened to be the worst first round for entertainment in years.

On Friday, April 6, 2018 the hockey world changed. It changed forever. A horrific bus accident that left 16 people dead rocked the hockey world. The Humboldt Broncos SJHL junior hockey team has been devastated. The tragedy has weighed heavily on the hockey community, but to their credit the support for Humboldt has been amazing. Humboldt you are in our prayers. We are there for you.

Cam Ward allowed one of the weirdest goals ever last week. The puck was rung around the boards by Arizona Coyotes Alex Goligoski. Ward exited his net to stop the puck. The puck stuck in his skate, and Ward (not knowing where the puck was) slid to the front of the net in order to defend his foot slid into the net. The whistle sounded and the officials counted it as a good goal. I have a big problem with this one counting.

In the wake of young superstar Brock Boeser going down with an injury he suffered as he crashed into an open bench door. We ask the question, should there be a rule implemented that only allows bench doors to be open during stoppages in play?

Why in todays hockey does a big/clean hit often result in a instant retaliation fight? Last week Chicago Blackhawks Ryan Hartman laid out Jakub Silfverberg on a clean shoulder to shoulder hit. Silfverberg had his head down, and it was a clean hit, but three Anaheim Ducks attacked Hartman. Why, it was a legal hit!

Alex Burrows of the Ottawa Senators jumped New Jersey Devils star forward Taylor Hall after Hall laid Burrows out with a legal check. While on top of Hall, Burrows proceeded to knee Hall in the head multiple times. It is another black eye on the league, and I am not sure why the league or its players put up with cowards like Burrows.

Because of the NHL/NHLPA CBA agreement each NHL team is mandated to have a schedule five day break from games and practices. It was a disaster last year, and this year had its problems also. I hate it for many reasons. It is not going away, but I have a solution to make it easier to deal with.

Ottawa Senators star defenseman Erik Karlsson future contract requests have put Senators management in a difficult situation. The Senators will not be able to afford him, and it just may be smart to make a move now. As Karlsson draws closer to free agency his value will decrease. Should the Sens move him this year and speed up their rebuild with the huge assets or should they wait it out. I have the solution that will bring the largest return.

The World Junior Hockey Championship is suffering poor attendance again this year in Buffalo, New York. Why is this, what is the cause? The Instigator's Brad Burud has some suggestions on why this is happening.