https://bsky.app/profile/thenextshiftpod.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/thenextshiftpod.bsky.social/post/3mkbx2kkv6v22NHL Playoff Review: Day 6 By: Chris Nosek Buffalo Sabres @ Boston Bruins (Buffalo leads series 2-1) This was certainly a game the Bruins need and want to move on from. Without a doubt, the Boston Bruins need to be better, especially at home. After getting Alex Lyon in the game to end game 2, Lindy… https://nextshift.hockey/2026/04/24/nhl-playoff-review-day-6/25 Apr 2026 02:01 +0000at://did:plc:ecnv4vgpolf76nwqetwgzhac/app.bsky.feed.post/3mkbx2kkv6v22https://bsky.app/profile/thenextshiftpod.bsky.social/post/3mk6uqeduly2tNHL Playoff Review: Day 5 By: Chris Nosek Pittsburgh Penguins @ Philadelphia Flyers (PHI leads 3-`0) Of all the series, this is the one that seems to have fans complaining the most. It is all coming from the Pittsburgh side of the aisle. The Penguins aren't playing well. They're too focused on… https://nextshift.hockey/2026/04/23/nhl-playoff-review-day-5/23 Apr 2026 20:41 +0000at://did:plc:ecnv4vgpolf76nwqetwgzhac/app.bsky.feed.post/3mk6uqeduly2thttps://bsky.app/profile/thenextshiftpod.bsky.social/post/3mk6a2if55e24NHL Playoffs Review: Day 4 By: Chris Nosek Montreal Canadiens @ Tampa Bay Lightning (Series tied at 1) The physicality shown in this one showed we're in for a long series, but both teams might not be able to walk when it's over. Despite participating in the ruckus, the Canadiens are keeping their… https://nextshift.hockey/2026/04/23/nhl-playoffs-review-day-4/23 Apr 2026 14:31 +0000at://did:plc:ecnv4vgpolf76nwqetwgzhac/app.bsky.feed.post/3mk6a2if55e24https://bsky.app/profile/thenextshiftpod.bsky.social/post/3mjz3qpxty62wStanley Cup Playoffs Review: Day 3 By: Chris Nosek Philadelphia Flyers @ Pittsburgh Penguins (Flyers lead series 2-0) From the beginning of the series, the Flyers showed they were not intimidated by their opponent. They've remained relaxed and continue to let the game come to them despite the… https://nextshift.hockey/2026/04/21/stanley-cup-playoffs-review-day-3/21 Apr 2026 13:31 +0000at://did:plc:ecnv4vgpolf76nwqetwgzhac/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjz3qpxty62whttps://bsky.app/profile/thenextshiftpod.bsky.social/post/3mjxogpqug524Playoff Preview: Anaheim Ducks @ Edmonton Oilers By: Chris Nosek No one could have been happier for a few day break heading into the playoffs than the Anaheim Ducks goaltenders. Both Ville Husso and Lukas Dostal had a rough stretch as the Ducks limped into the playoffs. Aneheim has a great mix of… https://nextshift.hockey/2026/04/20/playoff-preview-anaheim-ducks-edmonton-oilers/21 Apr 2026 00:00 +0000at://did:plc:ecnv4vgpolf76nwqetwgzhac/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjxogpqug524https://bsky.app/profile/thenextshiftpod.bsky.social/post/3mjxjftuiva2bStanley Cup Playoffs Review: Day 2 By: Chris Nosek Los Angeles Kings @ Colorado Avalanche An incorrect call for goaltender interference didn't knock the Avalanche off their game. They were able to pull out the 2-1 win; it was 2-0 until Panarin notched a goal at the 17:38 mark of the 3rd period on… https://nextshift.hockey/2026/04/20/stanley-cup-playoffs-review-day-2/20 Apr 2026 22:30 +0000at://did:plc:ecnv4vgpolf76nwqetwgzhac/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjxjftuiva2bhttps://bsky.app/profile/thenextshiftpod.bsky.social/post/3mjvefdwqxt2wPlayoff Preview: Utah Mammoth @ Vegas Golden Knights By: Chris Nosek The Vegas Golden Knights surprised almost everyone when they fired Bruce Cassidy to bring in John Tortorella. Since that change, the Knights have yet to lose in regulation. They ended up coming back and winning the meager Pacific… https://nextshift.hockey/2026/04/19/playoff-preview-utah-mammoth-vegas-golden-knights/20 Apr 2026 01:55 +0000at://did:plc:ecnv4vgpolf76nwqetwgzhac/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjvefdwqxt2whttps://bsky.app/profile/thenextshiftpod.bsky.social/post/3mjuywvhkr22bPlayoff Preview: Boston Bruins @ Buffalo Sabres By: Chris Nosek It really is great to see the Buffalo Sabres back in the playoffs. The fans, many of whom are in the organization, and the players all deserve it. It is certain a rough matchup for them that their first playoff series in over a decade… https://nextshift.hockey/2026/04/19/playoff-preview-boston-bruins-buffalo-sabres/19 Apr 2026 22:30 +0000at://did:plc:ecnv4vgpolf76nwqetwgzhac/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjuywvhkr22bhttps://bsky.app/profile/thenextshiftpod.bsky.social/post/3mjuvlie4zf2rPlayoff Preview: Montreal Canadiens @ Tampa Bay Lighting By: Chris Nosek I have this as one of the best matchups in the first round. The Canadiens got a taste of the playoffs last season when they lost their series against the Washington Capitals. This year, they took a step forward and have shown… https://nextshift.hockey/2026/04/19/playoff-preview-montreal-canadiens-tampa-bay-lighting/19 Apr 2026 21:30 +0000at://did:plc:ecnv4vgpolf76nwqetwgzhac/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjuvlie4zf2rhttps://bsky.app/profile/thenextshiftpod.bsky.social/post/3mjuqleituh2gStanley Cup Playoffs Review: Day 1 By: Chris Nosek Each day, throughout the playoffs, we'll review what each game brought for us and what it might mean for the series going forward. We'll review how the predictions hold up throughout the series and see how much the series' momentum changes. Ottawa… https://nextshift.hockey/2026/04/19/stanley-cup-playoffs-review-day-1/19 Apr 2026 20:00 +0000at://did:plc:ecnv4vgpolf76nwqetwgzhac/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjuqleituh2ghttps://bsky.app/profile/thenextshiftpod.bsky.social/post/3mju2rz5opz2qPlayoff Preview: Los Angeles Kings @ Colorado Avalanche By: Chris Nosek The Los Angeles Kings clinched their spot in one of the last days of the regular season. Artemi Panarin has really helped this team since being brought in before the trade deadline. Their offense would be significantly better… https://nextshift.hockey/2026/04/19/playoff-preview-los-angeles-kings-colorado-avalanche/19 Apr 2026 13:30 +0000at://did:plc:ecnv4vgpolf76nwqetwgzhac/app.bsky.feed.post/3mju2rz5opz2qhttps://bsky.app/profile/thenextshiftpod.bsky.social/post/3mjsbbj7t462qPlayoff Preview: Philadelphia Flyers @ Pittsburgh Penguins By: Chris Nosek One of the biggest surprises this year has been the Pittsburgh Penguins. Just about everyone had them finishing the season in the lottery conversation. Many were speculating where Crosby would be traded to when the trade… https://nextshift.hockey/2026/04/18/playoff-preview-philadelphia-flyers-pittsburgh-penguins/18 Apr 2026 20:21 +0000at://did:plc:ecnv4vgpolf76nwqetwgzhac/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjsbbj7t462qhttps://bsky.app/profile/thenextshiftpod.bsky.social/post/3mjruivdrin23Playoff Predictions: Minnesota Wild @ Dallas Stars By: Chris Nosek This matchup is one that many would like to see later in the bracket. However, both teams have questions and could lose in a first-round matchup, depending on their opponents. Dallas will likely be without Roope Hintz and Miro… https://nextshift.hockey/2026/04/18/playoff-predictions-minnesota-wild-dallas-stars/18 Apr 2026 16:32 +0000at://did:plc:ecnv4vgpolf76nwqetwgzhac/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjruivdrin23https://bsky.app/profile/thenextshiftpod.bsky.social/post/3mjrmadp2yf2vPlayoff Predictions: Ottawa Senators @ Carolina Hurricanes By: Chris Nosek There was a lot of turmoil surrounding the Ottawa Senators during the season. A lot of that seems to have been driven by media and social media. The players in the locker room seem to have always been on the same page, with… https://nextshift.hockey/2026/04/18/playoff-predictions-ottawa-senators-carolina-hurricanes/18 Apr 2026 14:04 +0000at://did:plc:ecnv4vgpolf76nwqetwgzhac/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjrmadp2yf2vhttps://bsky.app/profile/thenextshiftpod.bsky.social/post/3mioh6yxdvo2pAround The Rink: The Final Stretch By: Chris Nosek April is finally here. The regular season starts to wind down. Let’s take another look around the NHL. We will explore the situations for some teams in the midst of a playoff race. Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are being extremely underrated… https://nextshift.hockey/2026/04/04/around-the-rink-the-final-stretch/04 Apr 2026 14:31 +0000at://did:plc:ecnv4vgpolf76nwqetwgzhac/app.bsky.feed.post/3mioh6yxdvo2phttps://bsky.app/profile/thenextshiftpod.bsky.social/post/3mhvyclgxv32aTrade Deadline Grade: Minnesota Wild By: Chris Nosek Bill Guerin aced the trade deadline by acquiring Quinn Hughes on December 12th. This deal was done with significant time left in this season, and while Hughes has another season on his contract. The deal itself was extremely fair as he gave up… https://nextshift.hockey/2026/03/25/trade-deadline-grade-minnesota-wild/25 Mar 2026 21:01 +0000at://did:plc:ecnv4vgpolf76nwqetwgzhac/app.bsky.feed.post/3mhvyclgxv32ahttps://bsky.app/profile/thenextshiftpod.bsky.social/post/3mhv4w7zbyf2oTrade Deadline Grade: Detroit Red Wings By: Chris Nosek Red Wings fans have been told to be patient for several years now as Yzerman continues to work through his rebuild. After building up the prospect pool over the past seven drafts. Unfortunately, his highest selection has been 4th overall,… https://nextshift.hockey/2026/03/25/trade-deadline-grade-detroit-red-wings/25 Mar 2026 12:51 +0000at://did:plc:ecnv4vgpolf76nwqetwgzhac/app.bsky.feed.post/3mhv4w7zbyf2ohttps://bsky.app/profile/thenextshiftpod.bsky.social/post/3mhuvqswz5c26Trade Deadline Grade: Los Angeles Kings By: Chris Nosek All season, the Kings have struggled to score goals. They've allowed the 8th-fewest goals all season; however, they had also scored the 3rd-fewest heading into the trade deadline. Ken Holland didn't hesitate to address this, and prior to the… https://nextshift.hockey/2026/03/25/trade-deadline-grade-los-angeles-kings/25 Mar 2026 10:42 +0000at://did:plc:ecnv4vgpolf76nwqetwgzhac/app.bsky.feed.post/3mhuvqswz5c26https://bsky.app/profile/thenextshiftpod.bsky.social/post/3mhu2vhd3wx2cAround the Rink: A Look Out West By: Chris Nosek Earlier this week, we looked at the race in the Eastern Conference, so now let's take a look at the race in the Western Conference. Central Division The Avalanche and Stars have clinched their spot in the playoffs. However, Dallas can still catch… https://nextshift.hockey/2026/03/24/around-the-rink-a-look-out-west/25 Mar 2026 02:42 +0000at://did:plc:ecnv4vgpolf76nwqetwgzhac/app.bsky.feed.post/3mhu2vhd3wx2chttps://bsky.app/profile/thenextshiftpod.bsky.social/post/3mhrrdcmbm52cHagens Signs ATO, FAQs About His ELC By: Chris Nosek Late Monday night, the Boston Bruins announced that they signed their top prospect, James Hagens. He will be reporting to the Providence Bruins on an amateur tryout agreement (ATO). So, what does this mean, and what options does it present going… https://nextshift.hockey/2026/03/24/hagens-signs-ato-faqs-about-his-elc/24 Mar 2026 04:45 +0000at://did:plc:ecnv4vgpolf76nwqetwgzhac/app.bsky.feed.post/3mhrrdcmbm52chttps://bsky.app/profile/thenextshiftpod.bsky.social/post/3mhqcg5wmpc2tAround The Rink: The Race In The East By: Chris Nosek As we enter the final stretch of games before the playoffs, let's take a look at where we stand in the Eastern Conference and see how things may end. Atlantic Division Buffalo has taken control of the division as the Lightning have had several… https://nextshift.hockey/2026/03/23/around-the-rink-the-race-in-the-east/23 Mar 2026 14:46 +0000at://did:plc:ecnv4vgpolf76nwqetwgzhac/app.bsky.feed.post/3mhqcg5wmpc2thttps://bsky.app/profile/thenextshiftpod.bsky.social/post/3mhe74ugbdb2zTrade Deadline Grade: Florida Panthers By: Chris Nosek After back-to-back Stanley Cups, the Panthers are only out of the playoffs because of injuries. Bill Zito has made it clear he wants to push the Panthers to win every season possible. Under that premise, he didn't do enough to help this team… https://nextshift.hockey/2026/03/18/trade-deadline-grade-florida-panthers/18 Mar 2026 19:15 +0000at://did:plc:ecnv4vgpolf76nwqetwgzhac/app.bsky.feed.post/3mhe74ugbdb2zhttps://bsky.app/profile/thenextshiftpod.bsky.social/post/3mhds4w7qka27Trade Deadline Grade: Edmonton Oilers By: Chris Nosek The pressure continues to build in Edmonton for a Stanley Cup. The start of the Stan Bowman era only took that pressure to new heights. Last year was his first at the helm and he made 12 trades. Coming into this season, it was widely expected… https://nextshift.hockey/2026/03/18/trade-deadline-grade-edmonton-oilers/18 Mar 2026 15:22 +0000at://did:plc:ecnv4vgpolf76nwqetwgzhac/app.bsky.feed.post/3mhds4w7qka27https://bsky.app/profile/thenextshiftpod.bsky.social/post/3mhdjgxjbvt2oTrade Deadline Grade: Columbus Blue Jackets By: Chris Nosek The original outlook was that Don Waddell was going to fire sale. Players like Charlie Coyle, Mason Marchment, Boone Jenner, and Erik Gudbranson were all rumored to be being shopped. Instead, the hiring of Rick Bowness turned the Blue… https://nextshift.hockey/2026/03/18/trade-deadline-grade-columbus-blue-jackets/18 Mar 2026 12:47 +0000at://did:plc:ecnv4vgpolf76nwqetwgzhac/app.bsky.feed.post/3mhdjgxjbvt2ohttps://bsky.app/profile/thenextshiftpod.bsky.social/post/3mhbvqwtbjl2nTrade Deadline Grade: Dallas Stars By: Chris Nosek Last season, the Stars made the biggest headlines on the trade deadline when they acquired Mikko Rantanen from Carolina and then signed him to an 8-year contract extension. They went on to lose in the Conference Final for the third straight… https://nextshift.hockey/2026/03/17/trade-deadline-grade-dallas-stars/17 Mar 2026 21:22 +0000at://did:plc:ecnv4vgpolf76nwqetwgzhac/app.bsky.feed.post/3mhbvqwtbjl2nhttps://bsky.app/profile/thenextshiftpod.bsky.social/post/3mhbmyg3h2r2iTrade Deadline Grade: Chicago Blackhawks By: Chris Nosek Kyle Davidson has been rebuilding the organization's prospect pool since 2022. He already has several top prospects who are still working their way to the NHL. While it's not progressing as quickly as some would like, the talent in the… https://nextshift.hockey/2026/03/17/trade-deadline-grade-chicago-blackhawks/17 Mar 2026 18:45 +0000at://did:plc:ecnv4vgpolf76nwqetwgzhac/app.bsky.feed.post/3mhbmyg3h2r2ihttps://bsky.app/profile/thenextshiftpod.bsky.social/post/3mhb7qyw2mu2kTrade Deadline Grade: Colorado Avalanche By: Chris Nosek All season, the Avalanche have been the best team in the league by a mile. For the deadline, Chris MacFarland was able to bring in several players who can help elevate the team and provide quality depth for the lineup. MacFarland brought in… https://nextshift.hockey/2026/03/17/trade-deadline-grade-colorado-avalanche/17 Mar 2026 14:48 +0000at://did:plc:ecnv4vgpolf76nwqetwgzhac/app.bsky.feed.post/3mhb7qyw2mu2khttps://bsky.app/profile/thenextshiftpod.bsky.social/post/3mgsuaqyydu2oTrade Deadline Grade: Carolina Hurricanes By: Chris Nosek The biggest question about the Hurricanes coming into this season was their goaltending. Tulsky seems to have taken care of that when he claimed Brandon Bussi off waivers. The Canes have put themselves comfortably at 1st place in the… https://nextshift.hockey/2026/03/11/trade-deadline-grade-carolina-hurricanes/11 Mar 2026 21:45 +0000at://did:plc:ecnv4vgpolf76nwqetwgzhac/app.bsky.feed.post/3mgsuaqyydu2ohttps://bsky.app/profile/thenextshiftpod.bsky.social/post/3mgsfpgch7e2lTrade Deadline Grade: Calgary Flames By: Chris Nosek The Flames were clearly in sell mode heading into this deadline. First, Craig Conroy identified which players will be part of the organization for years to come. This is essential for a quick rebuild. Then he had to maximize the return for… https://nextshift.hockey/2026/03/11/trade-deadline-grade-calgary-flames/11 Mar 2026 17:25 +0000at://did:plc:ecnv4vgpolf76nwqetwgzhac/app.bsky.feed.post/3mgsfpgch7e2lhttps://bsky.app/profile/thenextshiftpod.bsky.social/post/3mgrwaamq7e2dTrade Deadline Grade: Buffalo Sabres By: Chris Nosek It's clear Jarmo Kekalainen had no intention of standing pat at the deadline. Despite the Sabres being the best team in hockey over the past two months, he wanted to improve this roster. He tried to take a major swing, but when that fell… https://nextshift.hockey/2026/03/11/trade-deadline-grade-buffalo-sabres/11 Mar 2026 12:48 +0000at://did:plc:ecnv4vgpolf76nwqetwgzhac/app.bsky.feed.post/3mgrwaamq7e2d