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Jet Greaves Steals the Show as Eastern Conference NHL Playoff Race Heats Up

·33 min·3 clips

The East playoff race is bonkers with teams like Columbus going 6-0-4 in their last 10 games.

This episode analyzes the tightening Eastern Conference playoff race and highlights standout performances from the past week. Hosts Ross Levitan from Locked On Senators and Mike DiStefano from Locked On Maple Leafs provide daily NHL coverage. The Blue Jackets are 6-0-4 in their last 10 games and sit just one point out of a wildcard spot, propelled by goaltender Jet Greaves. The Ottawa Senators are five points back of Detroit with two games in hand, setting up a critical upcoming matchup between the two teams. Leon Draisaitl of the Oilers has been ruled out for the regular season with an injury not requiring surgery, though he is expected back for Game One of the playoffs. The hosts debate the logic of that timeline if a crucial Game 82 scenario were to arise. Nikita Kucherov recorded a five-point game and a hat trick this week, giving him eight games with four or more points this season. Bobby McMann, traded from Toronto to Seattle, scored four goals and six points in three games. Columbus is 16-2-4 under coach Rick Bowness, with their only regulation losses in that stretch coming to Ottawa and Boston. Ottawa's goaltender Linus Ullmark has an 11-1-3 record in his last 16 starts despite an .897 save percentage, as the team allows the fewest shots per game in the league. The hosts predict Columbus will seize a top-three spot in the Metropolitan Division, forcing Pittsburgh or the Islanders into the wildcard scramble. They foresee Boston, Detroit, and Ottawa ultimately battling for one final wildcard berth. Connor McDavid's MVP odds are at +850 on FanDuel, and the hosts speculate his case could strengthen if he leads Edmonton to a division title without Draisaitl. The tone is conversational and analytical, blending team-specific insights from the two hosts with league-wide observations. It is styled as a fast-paced sports talk discussion focused on playoff implications and individual player performances. Fans tracking the chaotic Eastern Conference playoff picture or the Hart Trophy race would find this episode engaging. Listeners seeking deep tactical breakdowns or interviews may find it less aligned with their interests.

As heard by us

A daily East-race snapshot built on goaltending swings, rivalry stakes, and playoff pressure.

Ross Levitan and Mike DiStefano keep the daily show squarely on the East playoff race, with the Battle of Ontario giving it a clear frame. The strongest stretch comes with the goaltending talk: Linus Ullmark's 11-1-3 run with an .897 save percentage, Ottawa's league-low shot…

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Follow the East playoff race as it gets more ridiculous by the day, with goalie numbers driving the Senators and Canadiens talk on today's daily NHL hit.

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