Is it too late for these NHL teams to make the playoffs?
Is it too late for these NHL teams to make the playoffs?  
Podcast: The Athletic Hockey Show
Published On: Mon Feb 02 2026
Description: Every year we look at the NHL standings around Thanksgiving, see which teams are in the playoffs, and figure that’s basically how things will end up. But, is that really how it works? Today, Max and Laz compare the playoff field from the end of November to the current standings and decide which still-outside-the-playoffs teams are really cooked. Before that, the guys discuss the breaking news that Barry Trotz will step down as GM of the Nashville Predators, as well as give their thoughts on the Bruins-Lightning Stadium Series game, featuring a very rare and always fun goalie fight. Plus, a quick look at tonight’s Sharks-Blackhawks game featuring the first Macklin Celebrini vs. Conor Bedard matchup of the season.Hosts: Max Bultman and Mark LazerusExecutive Producer: Chris FlanneryProducer: Chris FlanneryTake our listener survey: http://theathletic.com/survey26Watch full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theathletichockeyshowJoin our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/VTm9VjkFSubscribe to The Athletic: https://theathletic.com/hockeyshow Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.