HR 2- Elmer Soderblom Joins the SHow, Paul Steigerwald talking Pens

·42 min·4 clips

Elmer Soderblom explains why his 6'8" frame finally clicked in Pittsburgh after a disappointing stint in Detroit.

The episode begins with an interview of Elmer Soderblom, a 6'8" winger recently traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins from the Detroit Red Wings. Soderblom explains that a fresh start in Pittsburgh has allowed him to play more physically and score goals, with four goals in 17 games. He details a fight against Mayfield of the Islanders, only his second pro fight, where his reach was a decisive advantage. Soderblom talks about using his size for forechecking and puck protection. He shares his experience in the Penguins locker room with stars like Erik Karlsson and the excitement of the team clinching a playoff spot for the first time since 2022. The episode then shifts to callers discussing the Penguins' playoff prospects. One caller argues for facing the Philadelphia Flyers, comparing it to winning the FA Cup as a meaningful consolation. Another caller questions the team's goaltending, with Stuart Skinner noted as playoff-tested but not a strength. Discussions cover defensive pairings, the potential re-signing of Evgeni Malkin, and the depth of the forward group. Analyst Paul Steigerwald joins the show to discuss the historic rivalry between Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin, with their 100th meeting upcoming. Steigerwald notes that their rivalry helped revitalize the NHL post-lockout and that they remain the league's faces despite younger stars like Connor McDavid. He debates whether Ovechkin is a top-five all-time player, given his goal-scoring record, while arguing Mario Lemieux was a more versatile scorer. Steigerwald credits coach Dan Mews and players like Erik Carlson and Chinnikoff for the Penguins' surprising playoff run. He prefers a playoff series against the Flyers for its rivalry appeal, despite the risk of a devastating loss. The episode concludes with a segment where callers ask Mark Madden various questions, including his thoughts on baseball, Crosby's post-retirement plans, Jimmy Page's solo work, and Nickelback.

As heard by us

A Penguins playoff hour centered on matchup debates, St. Ivany's role, and the Sid-Ovi rivalry.

Mark Madden frames the Penguins' playoff return as a practical debate about matchups, readiness, and the enduring Sid-Ovi pull. He and callers circle St. Ivany's place in the last couple games, mainly whether a short look would confirm he can still be trusted as an option.

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Why you'd press play

Want Pittsburgh playoff talk that lets the certainty wobble a little, plus a Sid-Ovi rivalry question?

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