Empty The Benches

Grab a seat and crack a cold one with Nick and Mac on Empty the Benches, the hockey podcast that doesn't hold back. Whether you're a diehard fan who's been watching since the '90s or just getting into the game, we've got you covered. We're diving deep into the NHL, NCAA, and beyond, with unfiltered takes and exclusive conversations with players, coaches, and everyone in between. If you live for the game, you've found your new weekly ritual.

Empty The Benches is a sports podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 310 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Unknown Host hosts Empty The Benches, a sports show with 310 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #311

  Eastern Conference Season Preview (EP. 311)

  Sep 28, 202658 min

  In this episode, Nick and Mac dive into the upcoming NHL season, analyzing team prospects, key players, and division predictions. They share insights on teams like the Capitals, Penguins, and Maple Leafs, offering predictions and strategic takes. They also dive into the major changes for the Florida Panthers, the defending Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes, and how the playoff dogfight will shape out in the Eastern Conference.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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  Episode #310

  Western Conference Season Preview (EP. 310)

  Sep 25, 20261h 12m

  In this episode, the boys analyze the upcoming NHL season, focusing on the Pacific and Central Divisions. They discuss team rosters, key moves, and predictions for playoff contenders and sleepers, providing insights for hockey fans eager for the new season. Nick and Mac analyze the upcoming NHL season, discussing team prospects, key player movements, and division predictions. They provide insights into team strategies, player performances, and potential playoff outcomes.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:22 Introduction and episode overview 02:24 Analyzing Anaheim Ducks' Offseason and Leadership Change 02:32 Colorado Avalanche's prospects and key players 05:14 Calgary Flames' New Look and Roster Strengths 07:02 Minnesota Wild's potential and division chances 08:25 Edmonton Oilers' Season Outlook and Key Players 11:10 Los Angeles Kings' Road to Success 11:46 Winnipeg Jets' goaltending issues and management decisions 13:20 San Jose Sharks' Rebuild and Exciting Prospects 16:32 Vancouver Canucks' Expectations and Young Talent 17:31 Dallas Stars' outlook and key players 19:21 Vegas Golden Knights' Defense and Goaltending Concerns 22:04 Nashville Predators' challenges and outlook 23:11 Pacific Division Predictions and Division Winner 26:18 Seattle Kraken's Future and Purgatory Status 26:53 Division predictions and playoff outlook 29:56 Closing thoughts and final predictions 30:36 Central Division Outlook: Chicago Blackhawks and Patty Kane 33:49 Vegas Golden Knights' Playoff Chances and Outlook   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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  Episode #309

  Trades, Trades And Draft Recap (EP. 309)

  Jul 1, 202634 min

  In this episode, Nick and Mac recap the 2026 NHL Draft, summarize the latest offseason trades, and preview the biggest free agency rumors. They also hit you with a killer hockey trivia, a guess the NHL player, and a this or that. Chapters 00:00 Heat Wave and Weekend Adventures 05:50 Nonsensical Questions of the Day 11:46 Draft Day Highlights and Reactions 17:43 Team Trades and Offseason Moves 19:46 Games and Trivia Fun 24:20 NHL Player Comparisons 26:05 Hockey History and Iconic Trades Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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  Episode #308

  Trade Updates And Draft Preview (EP. 308)

  Jun 25, 20261 hour

  In this episode, Nick and Mac are joined by friend of the show and writer/creator of puckuomi.com, Anders Hall, to break down the impending NHL draft and a crazy week of trades. They also discuss the 2026 Hockey Hall of Fame class, preview the 2026 NHL Draft, and the official hiring of Mike Babcock by the Oilers. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Initial Reactions 01:47 Brady Tkachuk's Trade to Florida 04:24 NHL's Shift Towards Player Mobility 13:19 Washington Capitals' Recent Moves 24:04 Chicago Blackhawks' Trade for Bo Byram 29:28 Calgary's Trade for Simon Nemec 31:14 William Eklund's Trade to Ottawa 34:09 Mike Babcock's Controversial Hiring 39:55 Draft Predictions and Team Strategies 51:49 Hall of Fame Class of 2026 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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  Episode #305

  Stanley Cup Final Preview (EP. 305)

  Jun 2, 202647 minS0

  <p>Its Stanley Cup Final time! Nick and Mac are back to get you set for the showdown between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Carolina Hurricanes. They start off the episode by naming five thing they would rather have happen than the Hurricanes winning the Cup, listing some of the greatest toys from their childhood, and the Finns capturing the World Championship in overtime. They also dive into the awkward situation with Bruce Cassidy and the Knights (sick band name), the goaltending matchup in the Cup Final, and the best storylines the series has to offer.</p> <p> </p> <p...

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