The Flying Octopus

Episode 61: Ups and Downs with Hockeytown West Podcast, Nate Danielson Arrives plus Griffins Hot Start

On Episode 61, the guys from Hockeytown West Podcast join the show to help recap the week that was in Red Wing land. Is Nate Danielson here to stay? The guys break down Marco Kasper's slow start to the season. What changes would benefit him? The Griffins are on a  historic run - Travis Focht, Nick Harrington and Brandon Cooke discuss  the impact of the Red Wings minor league affiliate on the city of Grand Rapids and tell us what to look forward to. All that and more plus a little "ginger power" on Episode 61 of The Flying Octopus podcast. 

Episode 60 : Losing Streak Halted, Goalie Carousel, Nate Danielson Arrives and Travis Focht from HockeyTown West

On Episode 60 of The Flying Octopus Podcast - Travis Focht from Hockeytown West Podcast joins the show as the guys discuss the Red Wings big win vs Anaheim on Thursday. Line combinations continue to evolve but what is the best fit in terms of rounding out the bottom 6? We break down the John Gibson injury and discuss options in case the injury is long term. Nate Danielson finds his way into the lineup - is he here to stay and who are his optimal linemates? Plus the guys break down the 5 v 5 offense - how does it improve? All that and more on Episode 60 of The Flying Octopus Podcast. 

Episode 59: West Coast Recap, Ugly Homecoming & Nick Harrington from Hockeytown West Podcast

On this week's episode Tony finds an Evan doppelganger that turns into a work nickname. The guys recap the Red Wings' five game west coast road trip. Things got ugly on Friday against the Rangers. Tony breaks down why Detroit  performed so poorly in a 4-1 loss at the LCA in their first game back. Then Evan chats with Nick Harrington from Hockeytown West Podcast about the Grand Rapids Griffins 8 and 0 start. Nick also gets into some of the top prospects like Nate Danielson, Shai Buium, Michael Brandsegg-Nygard and even goaltender Michal Postava who has helped create an excellent tandem with Sebastian Cossa. All that and more on Episode 59 of The Flying Octopus Podcast.

Episode 58: Taking Stock of the 2025-26 Red Wings After 10 Games

In this week’s episode of The Flying Octopus Podcast, the fellas review the Red Wings’ performance so far now that we’re 10 games into the 2025-26 season, including thoughts on the rookies, contract-year players, young players continuing to ascend, and Detroit’s goaltending tandem. The guys also analyze Detroit’s penalty kill and power play, plus what’s needed moving forward. 

Episode 57: Red Wings Harsh Reality Hits Hard After Rough Week

In this week’s episode of The Flying Octopus Podcast, the fellas keep it light and positive after two ugly losses by the Red Wings. They start off with a blast from the past, then pivot to the current youth movement and the resurgent penalty kill. The conversation then transitions to Michael Rasmussen, and what’s needed to get the 2017 first-round pick back to the impactful player he was a couple years ago. Then the guys discuss lineup changes to get back on track, plus a couple Grand Rapids Griffins who could be forcing their way onto the Red Wings roster soon.

Episode 56: Red Wings Win 3 Straight vs. Atlantic Division Rivals

In this week’s episode of The Flying Octopus Podcast, the fellas recap Detroit’s last three games: 6-3 win against Toronto, a 3-2 win against Toronto, and a hard-fought 4-1 victory over the Panthers. The guys discuss Axel Sandin-Pellikka’s rough outing vs. Toronto on Monday and how he rebounded nicely against the Panthers, plus other notes on stellar performances. The podcast then turns to why the Red Wings’ power play had been so effective, then ends with Detroit’s goaltending tandem, and what the plan should be for John Gibson and Cam Talbot moving forward. 

Episode 55: Good Vibes Gone Bad, Home Opener Recap & Are The Kids Really Alright?

In Episode 55 - Evan, Tony and Devin discuss the good feelings heading into the 2025 season and the excitement of seeing three rookies in the opening night lineup. But things did not turn out the Red Wings way on Thursday at the LCA. The guys recap the home opener: a 5-1 loss at the hands of the Montreal Canadiens. Tony discusses what happened to John Gibson and why he deserved to be pulled in his Detroit debut. The guys also break down what they saw from the young kids. Did Axel Sandin-Pellikka get fed to the wolves in his first career NHL game?  Optimism still reigns supreme for now but the Red Wings will have to turn it around quickly after a performance like that, especially when you consider the games on deck. Join us for Episode 55 of The Flying Octopus Podcast. 

Episode 54: Projected Red Wings Lineup, Bold Predictions & Preseason Takeaways

In this week’s episode of The Flying Octopus Podcast, the fellas kick things off by sharing what they’ve seen in Detroit’s most recent preseason games, including top performers, coaching strategy, and more. The guys then transition to what Detroit’s lineup could look like opening night vs. Montreal and discuss the roster battles still at hand. How many prospects will force their way onto the team this year? And finally, the group offers their bold predictions for the 2025-26 season and sound off on a few rapid-fire questions about this year’s Red Wings team.

Episode 53: Red Wings Open Preseason With 2 Wins + Roster Predictions

 In this week’s episode of The Flying Octopus Podcast, the fellas kick things off by analyzing Detroit’s first two preseason games: Tuesday’s 3-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks and Thursday’s 5-2 win versus the Buffalo Sabres. The Red Wings dominated both contests and received stellar performances from their top prospects plus several NHL regulars. The guys then transition to what they’re looking for in the remaining six preseason games, plus predictions for how performances and roster decisions will play out over the next two weeks.

Episode 52: The Flying Octopus Podcast x Hockeytown West Podcast

Episode 52 sees Evan and Devin team up with the boys from @HockeytownWPod. The guys talk training camp with boots on the ground from Nick Harrington and Brandon Cooke. We weigh in on the Emmitt Finnie hype train and talk about what Axel Sandin - Pellikka has to do to make the roster. Plus is Nate Danielson ready for the show? Then the guys shift gears as Travis Focht joined, Devin, Nick and Brandon in Grand Rapids for the Red & White game over the weekend. The guys gauge the temperature on a wild weekend at Van Andel Arena.  Who stood out and who needs to be looking over their shoulder? We cover that and more on episode 52 of The Flying Octopus Podcast.