The Flying Octopus

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. 

Episode 51: Interview with Red Wings radio play-by-play announcer Ken Kal

On episode 51, the guys chat it up with the legendary voice of Red Wings hockey. Ken Kal  joins the show as he gets set to to call his 30th season of Red Wings hockey. Ken talks expectations, new faces, and reacts to the Sergei Fedorov jersey retirement news. He also tells us what the Red Wings need to do to end the nine year playoff drought that has plagued Hockeytown. Join us on Episode 51 of The Flying Octopus Podcast. 

Episode 50: Interview with former NHL goaltender Brent Johnson.

On Episode 50 of The Flying Octopus Podcast: We had a lot of fun with this one and even talked a little Led Zeppelin.  The guys spent some time with former NHL goaltender Brent Johnson. The Farmington Hills native spent 12 seasons stopping pucks for the Blues, Coyotes, Capitals and Penguins retiring in 2012. He now works as an on air analyst for Monumental Sports Network. Brent discusses his former teammates from Patrick Roy to Sergei Fedorov to Alex Ovechkin. He also talks about growing up in Southeast Michigan and learning from one of the greatest Red Wings of all time who also just happened to be his grandfather. Brent weighs in on what the Red Wings are getting in new goaltender, John Gibson. How much of an impact can he have heading into the 25-26 season? We'll discuss that and much more on episode 50 of The Flying Octopus Podcast. 

Episode 49: Keith Gave Interview & Red Wings Retire Sergei Fedorov’s No. 91

In this week’s episode of The Flying Octopus Podcast, the fellas welcome The Russian Five author and accomplished sportswriter Keith Gave to the show. The discussion covers a wide array of topics, from Keith’s time in the NSA and start in journalism, to Sergei Fedorov’s legacy and Detroit’s current rebuild. Check it out!

Episode 48: Red Wings’ Olympic Hopefuls, Oilers Trade Rumor & Datsyuk Interview

In this week’s episode of The Flying Octopus Podcast, the fellas kick things off with Olympic hockey talk. Dylan Larkin is a lock to make Team USA; what about Alex DeBrincat, Patrick Kane, and John Gibson? Will Simon Edvinsson join Lucas Raymond on Team Sweden? And will Moritz Seider ever get off the ice for Germany? The guys touch on the recent rumors involving the Edmonton Oilers showing interest in Detroit’s top goalie prospects, Trey Augustine and Sebastian Cossa. Does it make sense for the Red Wings to pursue a trade or are they better off holding onto the two netminders? The show wraps up with notes on Pavel Datsyuk’s recent interview, Kyle Connor speculation, and a couple new segments – the random Red Wing of the week and a few positive things from the world of hockey.