The Flying Octopus

Episode 77: Here comes April, Playoff Worthy, Future Core, and Yzerman Madness

Description: 
On episode 77, Evan and Devin compare the Red Wings season to a movie - horror or comedy? The Red Wings leave March behind and start April with a win, but what's behind the issues with this lack of offense and are they even playoff worthy? Goals have been hard to come by, we'll discuss why and what we think the fix is.  Devin breaks down the future core of this team and the guys debate who stays and who goes. We'll look into goaltender John Gibson's presence and discuss whether he's overworked or not.  Plus the latest on prospects Max Plante and Trey Augustine. All that and more on episode 77 of The Flying Octopus podcast. 

Episode 76: Do or Die Time for the Red Wings + Griffins Update

In this week’s episode of The Flying Octopus Podcast, the fellas dive into Detroit’s playoff push - or lack thereof. All of the other wild card-contending teams have caught fire, while the Red Wings have fallen back to Earth. What needs to happen for the Red Wings to break through and reach the playoffs? Who do they need to count on to get them across the finish line? The conversation then turns to the Grand Rapids Griffins and their historic season. The boys discuss Grand Rapids clinching the Central Division and key contributors, like Axel Sandin-Pellikka, Carter Mazur, Amadeus Lombardi, and John Leonard. The guys also share an update on Eddie Genborg who made his AHL debut this past week. Finally, the show wraps up with news and notes, including Jacob Bernard-Docker’s contract extension, the Frozen Four, and Detroit’s goaltending situation with Cam Talbot going down with an injury right before a back-to-back.

Episode 75: Critical Win vs. Montreal, Rule of 3 & Prospect Updates

In this week’s episode of The Flying Octopus Podcast, the fellas recap Detroit’s playoff-style win against the Montreal Canadiens, and what the regulation victory versus an Atlantic Division foe means in terms of the playoff race. With how the Eastern Conference is shaking out, it was truly a must-win game for the Red Wings. The guys also highlighted players who stood out, and gave J.T. Compher and Emmitt Finnie their flowers for stepping up in Dylan Larkin’s absence. The show then turns to Tony’s most recent article for The Hockey Writers and how the three-goal threshold will determine Detroit’s fate in the coming weeks. The show ends with prospect talk, including notes on Eddie Genbord, Anton Johansson, Trey Augustine, and Max Plante, plus the Griffins looking like a juggernaut as they approach the Calder Cup Playoffs.

Episode 74: Red Wings Injuries & How to Move Forward

In this week’s episode of The Flying Octopus Podcast, the fellas recount Detroit’s last couple games and recent injuries, and then how they can take positives from those outings and apply them moving forward. The guys also give Marco Kasper and Justin Faulk their flowers as the two have stood out over the last couple games. Finally, the show ends with a surprise mid-game trade between the Red Wings and Lightning, and why such a move is allowed after the trade deadline.

Episode 73: Trade Deadline Recap & Larkin Injury

In this week’s episode of The Flying Octopus Podcast, the fellas recap a roller coaster of a day, including Detroit’s trade deadline moves and Dylan Larkin suffering a knee injury in the game immediately after the deadline. The guys dive into Detroit’s three trades: bringing back David Perron, shipping out Elmer Soderblom, and landing Justin Faulk in a blockbuster deal with the St. Louis Blues. The episode wraps up with notes on other discussions the Red Wings had with teams leading up to the deadline and the other trades around the league that stood out.

Episode 72: We Are So Back, Red Wings Win & Trade Deadline Preview

 In this week’s episode of The Flying Octopus Podcast, the fellas welcome Tony back from paternity leave and the Red Wings back from the Olympic break. They recap the week that was, including Detroit’s top players shining bright at the Olympics and the Red Wings’ 2-1 win Thursday night in Ottawa. The discussion then turns to the March 6 trade deadline. The guys cover recent rumors surrounding Tyler Myers, Robert Thomas, and MacKenzie Weegar, and open the discussion to Detroit’s overall needs, which players fit the criteria, and the trade chips available.

Episode 71: Tate McRae, Power Play Woes, Gavin McKenna Allegations & Panarin Heads West

Summary: 
 
In this episode of the Flying Octopus Podcast, hosts Evan Sabourin and Devin Little discuss various topics ranging from the confusion surrounding pop culture figures in sports to the inconsistent performance of the Red Wings. They delve into the recent incident involving prospect Gavin McKenna, exploring the implications of social media reactions and public perception. The conversation shifts to the upcoming Olympic hockey games, highlighting team dynamics and expectations. Finally, they analyze the recent trade of Artemi Panarin to the LA Kings, discussing its impact on the NHL landscape and the Red Wings' future prospects.
 
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Takeaways:
Evan expresses confusion about the influence of pop culture on sports.
The Red Wings' performance has been inconsistent, affecting fan expectations.
Gavin McKenna's incident raises questions about social media's role in shaping narratives.
Olympic hockey is anticipated, with discussions on team strategies and player dynamics.
The trade of Artemi Panarin to the LA Kings signifies a shift in NHL strategies.
Social media can lead to quick judgments without full context.
Hockey culture emphasizes the importance of family, particularly mothers.
The hosts reflect on the emotional connections players have with their families.
The Red Wings are in a competitive position despite recent struggles.
The podcast highlights the need for deeper analysis in sports discussions.
Chapters
00:00  - Understanding Social Media and Pop Culture
04:04 -  Red Wings Inconsistency and Performance
16:11 - Gavin McKenna Incident and Its Implications
26:51 - The Impact of Celebrity and Legal Issues in Sports
30:03 - Societal Reactions and Media Responsibility
31:49 - Olympic Hockey: Anticipation and Roster Changes
39:10 -  NHL Trades and Team Strategies
47:10 - Looking Ahead: Red Wings and Olympic Reflections

Episode 70: Ben Chiarot, Eye Test vs Analytics and Ring of Honor?

SUMMARY:
In this episode of The Flying Octopus podcast, hosts Evan Sabourin, Devin L., and George Malik discuss the recent performance of the Detroit Red Wings, including game recaps, player injuries, and the implications of Ben Chiarot's new contract. The conversation delves into the ongoing debate between analytics and the eye test in evaluating player performance, as well as the potential for a ring of honor to honor past players. The hosts also touch on future prospects for the team and upcoming games before the Olympic break.
 
 
TAKEAWAYS:
The Red Wings had a tough week with mixed performances.
Ben Chiarot's contract has sparked debate among fans and analysts.
The importance of both analytics and the eye test in player evaluation.
The potential for a ring of honor to honor significant players.
Injuries are impacting the team's performance and roster decisions.
The Red Wings are in a competitive Atlantic division.
Future prospects are looking promising for the Red Wings.
The upcoming Olympic break may affect team dynamics.
Fans are eager for recognition of past players' contributions.
The hosts emphasize the need for a balanced approach to team building.
 
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Game Time Goals and Team Performance
00:47 Buffalo's Winning Streak and Red Wings' Competition
00:49 Introduction and Initial Thoughts on Larkin's Commercial
03:27 Recap of Recent Red Wings Games
06:09 Discussion on the Red Wings' Performance Against the Kings
08:53 Analysis of the Game Against the Capitals
11:21 Patrick Kane's Milestone and Its Impact
14:27 The Strange Goal Incident and Its Aftermath
16:57 Overtime Loss and Team Dynamics
19:23 Ben Chiarot's Contract Extension Discussion
22:14 Final Thoughts on Team Performance and Future Outlook
33:53 Evaluating Axel Sandin Pelika's Role
36:35 The Analytics vs. Eye Test Debate
39:22 Impact of Veteran Signings on Young Prospects
42:00 Trade Strategies and Future Moves for the Red Wings
46:52 Honoring Red Wings Legends: The Ring of Honor Discussion

Episode 69: Weekly Recap, Edvinsson Injury and Playoff Run Concerns

In this episode of the Flying Octopus podcast, hosts Evan Sabourin and Devin Little discuss the Detroit Red Wings' recent games, player performances, and the implications of injuries on the team's playoff aspirations. They delve into trade deadline strategies, the importance of goaltending, and the promising prospects in the Red Wings' pipeline. The episode also highlights notable news from Hockey Town, including updates on beloved analyst Mickey Redmond and the impressive season of the Grand Rapids Griffins.
 
TAKEAWAYS
The Red Wings are experiencing a resurgence this season, hoping to break a 10-year playoff drought.
John Gibson's performance has been pivotal for the team's success.
Injuries to key players like Simon Edvinsson could impact playoff chances.
The team has a strong sense of familiarity and chemistry this season.
Trade discussions are heating up as the deadline approaches.
Prospects like Marco Kasper and Trey Augustine are showing promise for the future.
The Red Wings need to bolster their blue line to maintain playoff contention.
Mickey Redmond's health update is a significant concern for fans.
The Grand Rapids Griffins are having an exceptional season with strong goaltending.
The rivalry with the Maple Leafs remains a highlight for Red Wings fans.
Chapters
00:00 Cold Open and Initial Banter
00:54 Discussion on the Red Wings' Performance
01:19 The Significance of Episode 69
03:02 Recapping Recent Games
04:27 Injury Concerns and Player Performance
10:40 Playoff Atmosphere in Recent Matches
13:56 Resilience and Team Chemistry
18:53 - Injury Updates and Future Implications
24:01 Trade Chatter and Rumors
25:28 Red Wings' Path to Ending the Playoff Drought
28:51 Key Player Performances and Team Additions
31:47 Goaltending and Defensive Strategies
36:17 Prospects and Future Talent
41:42 Wrap-Up and Upcoming Games

Episode 68: Red Wings Recap: Fedorov's Legacy and Trade Talks

Summary
In this episode of the Flying Octopus podcast, hosts Evan Sabourin and Devin Little dive into the recent retirement ceremony of Detroit Red Wings legend Sergei Fedorov, reflecting on the emotional impact it had on fans and the community. They discuss the significance of Fedorov's contributions to the team and the nostalgia it evoked among attendees, highlighting the generational connections formed during the event. The hosts also recap the Red Wings' recent games, including a thrilling overtime victory against the Hurricanes and a disappointing loss to the Bruins, analyzing the team's performance and potential trade scenarios involving defenseman Dougie Hamilton from the New Jersey Devils.
 
The conversation flows from the excitement surrounding Fedorov's ceremony to the current state of the Red Wings, touching on the team's playoff aspirations and the importance of their young talent. The hosts express their thoughts on the need for strategic trades to bolster the team's defense and discuss the implications of the upcoming NHL draft. Overall, the episode captures the essence of hockey culture in Detroit, blending personal anecdotes with insightful analysis of the team's trajectory.
Chapters
00:00 Grandma Bob's Pizza: A Culinary Delight
02:00 Introduction to Episode 68: Fedorov's Retirement
03:21 Recapping Fedorov's Retirement Ceremony
07:46 The Emotional Impact of the Night
17:20 Analyzing the Red Wings' Recent Games
23:41 Trade Rumors: Dougie Hamilton Discussion
30:18 Analyzing Dougie Hamilton's Potential Impact
32:41 The Importance of Defensive Pairings
35:47 Evaluating the Red Wings' Goalie Pipeline
40:07 Proposing a New Draft Host System
48:34 Celebrating Zdeno Chara's Legacy