Yahoo Sports Hockey Podcast

The Calgary Flames are hanging onto hopes of securing a Western Conference wild card spot despite a season that has failed dramatically to meet expectations. Julian and the Zone Time crew wonder if the Flames can find a way to salvage things down the NHL run-in despite themselves.They also discuss why the Golden Knights should be feared by any Western Conference Stanley Cup contender, despite goaltending inconsistency and question if playing for pride could cost the Vancouver Canucks dear when it comes to the NHL Draft Lottery.

The Eastern Conference Wild Card race is heating up as numerous teams vie for a spot in the NHL playoffs. With goaltender Ilya Sorokin performing at a Vezina level, the New York Islanders play a style of hockey that can cause problems for any opposition and might be the team the Presidents Trophy-elect Boston Bruins fear facing the most in the first round.On this week's episode, Julian asks the Zone Time crew which rule change they would advocate for if they were an NHL general manager in Florida this week for their annual assessment of the game.Trivia is also back! Do you know which Sedin brother finished his NHL career with more points?

The Maple Leafs lost two out of three on a Western Canada road trip and Toronto fans are not happy with the performances. To make things worse, trade deadline acquisition Ryan O'Reilly is out indefinitely with a broken finger, while John Tavares will miss Tuesday's game in New Jersey. The Leafs are locked in a playoff spot but some of their key players are playing below standard, notably defenceman Morgan Rielly. On the latest episode of Zone Time, Julian asks Omar and crew if the panic within the fanbase is really justified?They also discuss the post-trade deadline mood in Edmonton, Vancouver and Calgary and wonder which NHLer, if anyone, could host Saturday Night Live.

As the Eastern Conference contenders load up for the playoffs, Julian and the Zone Time crew ask what a first-round pick is really worth. They also wonder why things are so quiet in the Western Conference ahead of the NHL trade deadline.

Patrick Kane's best days may be behind him but the 34-year-old is a three-time Stanley Cup champion and remains a powerful offensive weapon. Kane is in the final season of the eight-year, $84 million contract but his no-movement clause, and his questionable defence may be dissuading teams from making Chicago an offer.On the latest episode of Zone Time, Julian and crew also ask if 'trade-related' scratches such as Jakob Chychrun impact a player's market value and discuss the implication of the Maple Leafs' deal for Ryan O'Reilly.

The Edmonton Oilers would have to send at least one of their talented young defencemen plus draft picks to the San Jose Sharks if they hope to add Erik Karlsson to a win-now roster. Reports suggest that Oilers' stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are keen for the team to trade for a puck-moving defenceman like Karlsson or Jakob Chychrun, even if it shortens their window of contention to the next couple of years.On this week's episode of Zone Time, Julian is joined by Omar, Avry and Arun to discuss all things NHL trade deadline, including the futures of Jakob Chychrun, Erik Karlsson and Patrick Kane.

With less than a month before the NHL trade deadline, the Zone Time crew discuss the players on this year's market that teams should be wary of, and lessons learned about overpaying for playoff-type players.They also share their discontent at All-Star Weekend, react to Sidney Crosby's comments about the playoff format and decide if Bo Horvat's extension in New York will be worth it for the Islanders.

New York Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello said he would take responsibility for his team's struggles and he made a blockbuster move, acquiring Vancouver Canucks captain Bo Horvat in exchange for forwards Anthony Beauvillier and Aatu Räty, plus a protected 2023 first-round draft pick. On this week's edition of Zone Time, Julian and crew discuss the implications of such a huge deal coming so early ahead of the March 3 deadline, including what it means for other team's and trade value. Does Bo Horvat make the Islanders contenders and who will be the next captain in Vancouver?They also preview the lowly anticipated All-Star weekend and discuss the ongoing controversy regarding NHL Pride Nights and the wearing (and not wearing) of special warmup jerseys.

Bruce Boudreau is gone, Rick Tocchet arrives to a chorus of boos. On the latest episode of Zone Time, Sam Chang describes the fallout as the bleakest moment Vancouver Canuck's history.Julian and crew also ask is Darryl Sutter's style becoming outdated and do NHL free agents like Johnny Gaudreau have a responsibility to fans? They also discuss the small matter of the Boston Bruins remaining on course to become the greatest regular-season team ever.