Is the NHL More Competitive Than Ever? | 2025 Stanley Cup Contenders & Fading Powerhouses
Is the NHL better than ever or just filled with parity and mediocrity? Nick Zararis (Locked On Oilers) and Hunter Hodies (Locked On Penguins) break down Pierre LeBrun’s latest column on the state of the league, debating which teams are true Stanley Cup contenders in 2025 and which ones are already past their peak. In this episode, the guys examine the five to seven real contenders across the NHL this season and question whether powerhouse teams like the Oilers, Lightning, and Avalanche are nearing the end of their competitive windows. They also explore why emerging teams such as Utah, Montreal, and New Jersey are poised to take over the league and what truly separates contenders from mere competitors in today’s NHL. From front-office strategy and goaltending depth to roster construction and timing, Nick and Hunter dig into what it really takes to build — and sustain — a Stanley Cup-caliber team.2:25 Five to seven true contenders debate 7:49 NHL playoff format is terrible 10:30 Window of contention reality check 14:47 Franchise players are the foundation 18:34 GMs balancing self-interest versus team success 21:39 Buffalo, Ottawa, Anaheim struggling to progress 26:09 Montreal, New Jersey, Utah breaking through 29:49 Rebuilds shouldn't take eight years Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
30 Loka 31min
GAME NIGHT: Charlie Coyle BLASTS Leafs, Cole Sillinger's BIG night, Leafs WOEFUL rush defense
Charlie Coyle's four assists and Cole Sillinger's two goals powers Blue Jackets over scuffling Leafs. Plus, final thoughts on the Frozen Frenzy and what the NHL can do to improve Hockey Christmas. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHLfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.MonarchTake control of your finances with Monarch. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at https://monarch.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year.FanDuelDownload the FanDuel app now by visiting FanDuel.com and win $300 in bonus bets if your first $5 bet wins.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.
30 Loka 31min
Logan Cooley Earns ENORMOUS Contract Extension From Utah Mammoth
Ross Levitan (Locked On Senators) and Mike DiStefano (Locked On Maple Leafs) cover all the biggest stories from the NHL.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!RugietReady to level up your confidence ? Head to https://rugiet.com and use promo code LOCKEDONNHL for 15% off your first order. GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.MonarchTake control of your finances with Monarch. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at https://monarch.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year.FanDuelDownload the FanDuel app now by visiting FanDuel.com and win $300 in bonus bets if your first $5 bet wins.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.
29 Loka 34min
GAME NIGHT: Absolute FRENZY across the league, Avs DOMINATE Devils, Bedard ARRIVES on historic night
The entire league in action included multiple third period comebacks and wild overtime finishes. We analyze them all. Perhaps no performance was bigger than Colorado's eight-goal explosion in a blowout of New Jersey, featuring a five-point night for Victor Olofsson and a four point night for Cale Makar. Meanwhile, Connor Bedard's arrival is no longer in doubt in the Windy City following his first career hat trick. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHLfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.MonarchTake control of your finances with Monarch. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at https://monarch.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year.FanDuelDownload the FanDuel app now by visiting FanDuel.com and win $300 in bonus bets if your first $5 bet wins.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.
29 Loka 33min
GAME NIGHT: Sid STILL dominant, Blues goaltending DISASTER, Ottawa EMBARRASSES Boston
Sidney Crosby becomes the ninth player in NHL history with 1700 points as the Penguins stomp on the Blues. Ottawa gets two goals each from Tim Stutzle and Drake Batherson in an embarrassing performance for Boston. Plus, it's Frozen Frenzy Eve!Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHLfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.MonarchTake control of your finances with Monarch. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at https://monarch.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year.FanDuelDownload the FanDuel app now by visiting FanDuel.com and win $300 in bonus bets if your first $5 bet wins.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.
28 Loka 31min
GAME NIGHT: The Devils & Mammoth are STREAKING, a new LOW for the Rangers, another Sharks SHOOTOUT
The Devils and Mammoth look to keep streaking, did we see a new low for the Rangers and the Sharks play another high scoring game. Details coming up on this edition of Locked on NHL Game Night.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHLfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.MonarchTake control of your finances with Monarch. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at https://monarch.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year.FanDuelDownload the FanDuel app now by visiting FanDuel.com and win $300 in bonus bets if your first $5 bet wins.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.
27 Loka 31min
Today We Examine Teams that Have Surprised Early and Those That Are Looking to Take the Next Step
The Ottawa Senators have gotten back on track after some early season struggles and seem to be finding their game.Ross Levitan of Locked On Senators joins us to discuss the great play of Shane Pinto and how the Sens are handling the injury to Brady Tkachuk plus what it will take for them to play winning hockey going forward.The Seattle Kraken have been one of the biggest surprise teams in the NHL this season under new head coach Lane Lambert.Erica L. Ayala of Locked On Kraken joins us to discuss the team's surprising start, how they've done it and what it will take for Jordan Eberla and company to sustain it. The Columbus Blue Jackets have now won 3 of their last 4 after a slow start. Can this team play well enough to contend in the Metropolitan Division?Jay Forster of Locked On Blue Jackets joins us to discuss the goaltending, the line combinations and the team's struggles on special teams. All this and more on today's Locked On NHL Podcast with Gil Martin.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHLfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.MonarchTake control of your finances with Monarch. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at https://monarch.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year.FanDuelDownload the FanDuel app now by visiting FanDuel.com and win $300 in bonus bets if your first $5 bet wins.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.
27 Loka 34min
