Hey everyone, hope you are doing well. Tonight, we are back again for another great Episode 26 of Season 7 of Two Guys & Hockey Talk. Here are some of the top stories from around the league:
- Radko Gudas Suspended 5 Games – Gudas has been suspended for 5 games for his knee hit on Auston Matthews, crossing the line into something the league felt needed discipline. The hit in question drew attention for its timing and force, leading to the NHL stepping in to hand out supplemental discipline rather than just letting it go with an in-game penalty. But it wasn’t exactly received well as many saw this punishment as needing to be higher given the long term injury to the Toronto Captain and fans are asking for more of a change to the Department of Player Safety. It also fits into the broader trend right now of Matthews teammates’ lack of response as no one jumped in. What does this mean for the Maple Leafs and how do they move forward as they try to retool for next season?
- Cole’s 40 Milestone – Cole Caufield of the Montreal Canadiens has reached the 40-goal mark, in style too, burying the overtime winner over the Boston Bruins, which just adds to the narrative that he’s becoming a true go-to scorer in big moments. For a player who’s dealt with injuries, we can all agree that Caufield’s shot has always been elite, but now he’s finding ways to get open, create chances, and deliver consistently. Hitting 40 puts him in that top-tier goal scorer conversation across the league, and for Montreal, it’s a huge sign that they’ve got a legitimate offensive centerpiece to build around as they continue their rebuild. Montreal is currently 3rd in the Atlantic with a 37-20-10.
- Doug Armstrong Steps Down – Armstrong will be stepping down from his role with Hockey Canada along with his GM role with the St. Louis Blues so that Alexander Steen can step in. Armstrong had been a key figure in shaping Canada’s roster and direction, so his departure signals a shift in leadership and possibly philosophy moving forward and whether it was the loss at the Olympics, it’s a reminder that international results don’t just stay on the ice they can drive major decisions behind the scenes as Hockey Canada looks to reset and prepare for the next big stage. But it doesn’t mean that Armstrong is done and we can see him back in a new role over the summer.
- Anze Kopitar makes LA history – Kopitar, 38, who is in his final season, has become the all-time points leader for the Los Angeles Kings by sitting at 1,308 career NHL points. He has been making his farewell at most games, and showcases what a pro he has been. He’s never been the flashiest superstar in the league, but year after year he’s produced at a high level while playing a complete two-way game, logging big minutes, matching up against top opponents, and still putting up points. What makes it more impressive is that he’s done it all with one franchise, playing a huge role in bringing two Stanley Cups to L.A., and evolving his game as the team has changed around him. He’s earned the respect as one of the most reliable and effective players of his generation.
- Playoffs Shaping Up – The 2026 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs are scheduled to begin around April 18, 2026, following the conclusion of the 82-game regular season on April 16. Sixteen teams, with the top 3 per division and the 2 wild cards per conference will compete, with the final culminating in a potential Game 7 on June 21, 2026. This should be a great showdown. And speaking of the post season, recently Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin noted he was not a fan of the playoff format and he would like to see a change. This comes after his team in the big 3 in the central will face off against each other (Minnesota versus Dallas or Colorado). Could we see a shift or will Gary Bettman hold down the fort.
- AHL News – Around the American Hockey League, it’s all about playoff races and roster movement right now where teams like the Grand Rapids Griffins and Providence Bruins have already locked in postseason spots, while others are still battling for position as the Calder Cup push ramps up. At the same time, NHL call-ups and trades continue to shake up lineups, with prospects moving back and forth and getting bigger roles down the stretch. Individually, players like Trey Fix-Wolansky are getting recognition with player-of-the-week honours, and you’re seeing the usual mix of suspensions and physical play as intensity rises.
- Nick Merkley making KHL waves – Merkley, 28, once part of the New Jersey Devils and Arizona Coyotes organization, has quietly become one of the most productive scorers in the KHL. Playing for the Shanghai Dragons (formerly Kunlun Red Star), Merkley recently scored his 24th goal of the season, which, along with his 45 points, not only leads his club but makes him the franchise’s all‑time single‑season goal and points leader. Even though Shanghai is already out of Gagarin Cup contention, his breakout scoring pace over multiple seasons shows how some former NHL forwards can truly find their stride overseas.
- The World Cup of Hockey 2028 – The World Cup of Hockey 2028 has officially been confirmed for February 2028, marking the return of this best‑on‑best international tournament after a long hiatus. The NHL and NHL Players’ Association announced that Calgary, Edmonton, and Prague will serve as the three host cities for the eight‑team tournament. Calgary and Prague are slated to host round‑robin and elimination games in state‑of‑the‑art arenas, including the new Scotia Place in Calgary, Edmonton’s Rogers Place will stage the semifinals and the championship game, bringing some of the biggest matchups to Alberta. This marks a major international event with top national teams from around the world competing, and it highlights both Canada’s deep hockey roots and Prague’s rich hockey tradition on the European stage.
Thoughts? Questions? Suggestions? Then remember to tune in each week to get all the latest news in the world of hockey as we start up Season 7 of the Podcast each Wednesday night at 7pm MST, where we dive into some of these great topics, interview many in the game and so much more. For more hockey news, different takes or if you want to chat about anything hockey give me a follow @hockey_two & @revinev on X and give us a follow on YouTube, and check out our website for articles that we share regularly at https://twoguysandhockeytalk.com/. If you wish to reach out to us, feel free to email us at twoguyshockeytalk@gmail.com
- Pawel ‘The Cat’
