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Takes

Void
Big CatBig Cat

Hockey is only America's fourth most important sport and we still beat Canada

I choose to win with class. Does it hurt for Canada that I graciously said hockey is our fourth like the fourth sport we're best at? We're football, baseball, basketball... and then hockey. I love hockey, but it's our fourth most important sport. And Canada, Canada's everything. And we fucking beat you. And we have the gold.

Subjective ranking of sport importance, though commonly cited in US TV ratings and participation.
Win
Big CatBig Cat

Connor McDavid's specialty is winning individual MVPs while losing championships

Connor McDavid winning MVP of the entire Olympics in another losing effort. That's just what he does now. It is funny that this is now twice McDavid has won MVP in a losing effort. That's his thing. That is officially his thing. Anytime I play in a big game, I'm gonna be the best player. Not that I'm gonna win it, but the best player out there.

McDavid won the Conn Smythe in the 2024 Cup loss and the Olympic MVP in this 2026 loss. The 'thing' part is a subjective narrative.
Open
Ryan WhitneyRyan Whitney

The Anaheim Ducks will win a Stanley Cup within the next eight years

I'll guarantee a Ryan Whitney guarantee. Ooh, Anaheim wins a Stanley Cup in the next eight years. Anaheim's gonna get a cup... they have a wagon of like young stars coming.

This prediction has a 2033 deadline.
Loss
PFT CommenterPFT Commenter

Conor McDavid's team-friendly contract was designed to make him easily tradable to a contender

This seems like it would be very easily tradable. Very, very easily tradable contract. He basically, I mean smart by him. If in a year and a half the Oilers aren't competing and he can go somewhere for a year and a half and it doesn't fuck up some team's cap.

McDavid has not been traded, and the Oilers have remained competitive.
Open
Ryan WhitneyRyan Whitney

The NHL will have an ambidextrous 'Shohei Ohtani' player within 30 years

I think we're gonna get the Shohei of hockey. The Shohei Ohtani ambidextrous NHL player that would rock... You'd have the straight stick and then you drive wide and be unreal Righty. And you'd drive wide and be unreal lefty. I just think that at some point you're gonna see things that you never thought imaginable.

This is a long-term prediction for the future of the sport.
Loss
PFT CommenterPFT Commenter

The Toronto Maple Leafs were the second-best team in the NHL this year because they were the only ones to take the Panthers to seven games

I mean, if you had to pick a second best team, PFT, it's probably the Toronto Maple Leafs. 'cause they took 'em to seven. [PFT]: I was about to start the show by congratulating the Toronto Maple Leafs on being better than the Edmonton Oilers.

OpinionHockeyHotSarcastic
The Oilers made the finals, while the Leafs were eliminated earlier; series length against a common opponent is a humorous but logically flawed metric for 'second best.'
Void
Big CatBig Cat

Connor McDavid is currently incapable of winning the big one

I feel bad for [Connor McDavid]. He's an incredible player, but as of right now, I'm just going on the facts that I see — has not won the big one. And we're being a little tongue in cheek, but obviously this will be the, the, the prevailing story of can he win the big one.

Subjective 'legacy' talk. While McDavid hasn't won a Cup in this timeline, 'incapable' is an extreme framing for the best player in the world.
Loss
Matt MurleyMatt Murley

The Oilers will win the Stanley Cup Finals in six games

Oilers in six. I don't wanna go to Edmonton for seven, maybe, maybe, but Oilers in six there.

The Oilers lost the 2024 Finals in seven games to the Panthers.
Void
Ryan WhitneyRyan Whitney

Any average person could score an NHL goal if they played on a line with Connor McDavid.

I actually think any person could. If you started July 1st skating with a skating instructor... two to three times per week. You go to camp mid-September and then you were in camp and then you played on his line by every shift he was out there. You play with him by game 10, you're scoring.

A hypothetical scenario that cannot be realistically tested.
Loss
Paul BissonnettePaul Bissonnette

Mitch Marner will not be back with the Toronto Maple Leafs next season

[Mitch Marner] ain't coming back. ... he just hasn't lived up to what, not only he's being paid, but what the hype is in, in crunch time. ... my theory would be that you bring back [Nylander], you bring back Matthews and you can build around those guys. ... he won't be back. It sucks.

Mitch Marner remained on the Toronto Maple Leafs roster for the 2024-2025 season.
Win
PFT CommenterPFT Commenter

Alex Ovechkin should not have been on the power play during Game 5

Ovy did not look well on the ice tonight. He looked pretty slow... I almost think that he shouldn't even be on the power play right now. Because he wasn't, he did not look like he was moving around like the Ovy that we saw in the regular season.

The Capitals were swept by the Rangers (the transcript mentions 'Hurricanes' but they actually played the Rangers in 2024; Whisper error likely). Ovechkin was held scoreless for the entire series.
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Ryan WhitneyRyan Whitney

Connor Hellebuyck will win the NHL MVP award this season

Arne [Knott] stuck to his, what what will probably be the MVP of the league. I think he might win MVP, forget the Vezina. He's got that locked up.

Nathan MacKinnon won the Hart Trophy (MVP) in 2024; Hellebuyck finished 6th in voting but did win the Vezina.
Loss
Ryan WhitneyRyan Whitney

The Washington Capitals can physically beat up the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round

I think Washington can really kind of beat them up... I don't know if physically the, the Canes can play with Washington... Carolina fans are kind of all always all over biz... I don't even think if Carolina gets by Washington, like they can win the cup.

The Hurricanes actually beat the Islanders in the first round (not the Caps who were swept by the Rangers), so the premise of the matchup was incorrect for that specific year's bracket.
Win
Ryan WhitneyRyan Whitney

Carolina cannot win the Cup because Sebastian Aho is not a true superstar

Carolina fans are kind of all always all over biz. And I, and I gave them a bunch of props... and all those fans tell me aho aho I'm like, I love aho. But I just, he's like one little notch beneath like the true superstars. And, and so I don't, I don't even think if Carolina gets by Washington, like they can win the cup.

Carolina did not win the Cup. They beat the Capitals in the second round but lost to the Panthers 4-1 in the Eastern Conference Final. While Aho's status is debatable, the prediction that Carolina wouldn't win was correct.
Loss
PFT CommenterPFT Commenter

This might finally be the Capitals' year to win it all

I'm pumped to watch the [Capitals] playoffs. I do think that this might be our year. Yeah. And the issue is we don't really have a goaltender. We've got two goaltenders and neither one, you have to pick which one is gonna get hot at the right time.

The Capitals were eliminated by the Hurricanes 4-1 in the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Void
Ryan WhitneyRyan Whitney

International hockey tournaments like the Olympics are not legitimate without Russia involved

The worst part about four nations and the Olympics next year. Do you guys know? No, it's no Russia. Oh. So nothing is really that legit because best on, best on best hockey? Like you need Russia involved. It's just, you know what I mean?

This is a subjective take on the 'legitimacy' of a sports trophy based on the field of competition.
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Ryan WhitneyRyan Whitney

This is the best chance the Maple Leafs have ever had to win the Stanley Cup

So hockey this year, so many storylines. I think the number one for me is that this is the best chance the Leafs have ever had to win the cup. Yes... 1967, the first is that, well the most recent one I heard is the last time both the Detroit Red Wings and Boston Bruins didn't make the Stanley Cup was 1967.

The Leafs had a strong run, beating the Senators in the first round and taking the Panthers to 7 games in the second round. It was arguably their best chance in years, but they still fell short.
Win
Ryan WhitneyRyan Whitney

The Washington Capitals are not legitimate Stanley Cup contenders despite their record

Why I don't think [the Capitals] are gonna win it... It's kind of just like a gut feeling. I think last year they were so bad and I know it's a different team. I'm like, how would this team be that good the next year? ... I don't really buy [them].

The Capitals were eliminated in the first round of the 2025 playoffs.
Open
Ryan WhitneyRyan Whitney

Gavin McKenna is a generational, McDavid-level NHL prospect

It's a kid, Gavin McKenna. Good hockey name... He is what looks to be one of those McDavid-type prospects. He had the record for points in the WHL or maybe the CHL... a true possibly game-breaking generational talent.

McKenna is not eligible for the NHL draft until 2026, so his 'generational' status is still pending professional evaluation.
Loss
PFT CommenterPFT Commenter

The Washington Capitals will win the Stanley Cup this year

The caps are... legitimately a good team. They've got a bunch of great players... I think it is the caps year. I believe they have the best record in hockey.

The Capitals were eliminated by the Hurricanes 4-1 in the second round. The Florida Panthers won the 2025 Stanley Cup.
Win
PFT CommenterPFT Commenter

Auston Matthews has become 'too Canadian' and that's why the US lost the Four Nations tournament

My takeaway from this game is that Austin Matthews has become too Canadian. And that's why we lost the game. Because he's a Maple Leaf and Maple Leafs never win anything. And we saw that... in overtime just getting robbed.

Hot TakeHockeyHotSarcastic
The US did lose the Four Nations final to Canada in overtime, though attributing it to Matthews being 'too Canadian' is obviously a joke.
Win
Paul BissonnettePaul Bissonnette

Canada will beat the USA in the Four Nations final

Thursday night we're gonna put on a spanking to you Americans. ... You're gonna see McJesus, Makar, MacKinnon and Crosby put on a goddamn show in front of the Boston crowd. ... Thursday we're gonna find an answer and we're gonna bring it to you in your own house.

Canada beat the USA 3-2 in overtime in the Four Nations Face-Off final on February 20, 2025. Bissonnette correctly predicted Canada would win.
Void
Paul BissonnettePaul Bissonnette

Alexander Ovechkin is not on the Mount Rushmore of hockey

I don't think that anybody would have him in the Mount Rushmore of hockey. ... Once he passes Gretzky for goals, I would say he's probably yes, gonna be coming in around like sixth or seventh all time. I think still a lot of people put Stevie Y ahead of him.

Hockey rankings are inherently subjective.
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Paul BissonnettePaul Bissonnette

Canada will win the Four Nations final 6-2

Six to two. Six-two. McJesus will rise. They will light up Hellebuyck in an elimination situation. ... Jordan 'The Snowman' Binnington will have an incredible performance for the Canadians in net mark my words.

Canada won the final 4-0 on Feb 20, 2025. Biz correctly predicted the winner but missed the exact score.
Win
Ryan WhitneyRyan Whitney

The Bruins lowballed Jeremy Swayman with a four-year, $6.2 million offer

I find out that the offer is four years times 6.2 [million] crazy low ball. And that they haven't talked in like three weeks. It's August, camps in 10 days.

Swayman eventually signed an 8-year, $66M contract ($8.25M AAV) in October, confirming the earlier numbers were indeed low compared to the final deal, though Sweeney publicly denied Whitney's specific claim about not calling for three weeks.
Void
Big CatBig Cat

The San Jose Sharks are not a real franchise

The San Jose Sharks... they had a picture of [Macklin Celebrini] in the Sharks jersey. And I was like, this isn't a real franchise. It's like, let's make a franchise. I don't know. You just put on the [jersey].

This is a subjective 'aura' based assessment of a franchise's legitimacy.
Void
PFT CommenterPFT Commenter

Connor McDavid cannot win the big one

[Connor McDavid] cannot win the big one. That part is unfortunately true unless you count the Conn Smythe trophy as the big one.

McDavid has since remained without a Cup as of late 2024, though the take is clearly facetious given his performance.
Void
Ryan WhitneyRyan Whitney

Connor McDavid is the greatest athlete in the world right now

Connor McDavid and him being the greatest athlete in the world right now, better at his sport than any other person is at their sport.

Subjective ranking of athletic dominance compared to other sports.
Loss
Ryan WhitneyRyan Whitney

Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final will go to overtime

I think it's going overtime, which I didn't think it ever happened. Somebody told me it did. It might've been in the twenties or thirties for all I know. But game seven overtime for the Stanley Cup. I feel like this season's been so crazy that it might happen tonight.

The game ended 2-1 in regulation, so it did not go to overtime.
Win
Paul BissonnettePaul Bissonnette

Sasha Barkov is the best 200-foot center in the world

Sasha Barkov easily in the world right now, probably the new Anze Kopitar as the best 200 foot center... he back checks like a maniac. He's the most reliable center ice position player I believe on the planet. Even more so than McDavid from a defensive standpoint.

Barkov won the 2024 Selke Trophy as the NHL's best defensive forward shortly before this, lending strong support to the claim.
Void
Evander KaneEvander Kane

Matt Cooke was a dirty player

I ended up knocking him [Matt Cooke] out... the very next time I have an opportunity 'cause it can't go any worse for you. But he was a, he was a dirty, dirty player.

Subjective opinion on a player's reputation, though widely supported by Cooke's suspension history.
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Big CatBig Cat

Connor McDavid still sucks because he hasn't won the big one

Not that he [McDavid] needs it again. He, he still hasn't won the big one, so we're gonna wait on that... Right now. He still sucks. In a way I'm kind of hoping that he loses so we can really focus this take on him. Like, losing in the Stanley Cup finals would be the ultimate point on that crown of cannot win the big one.

The Oilers lost the Stanley Cup Final to the Panthers in 7 games, so Big Cat's 'hope' that the narrative would survive came true.
Loss
MemesMemes

I want the Rangers to win Game 6 and then lose Game 7 in historic, embarrassing fashion

I would like the Rangers to win game six. And then lose in historic fashion [in game 7].

The Rangers lost Game 6 to the Panthers and were eliminated; the historic Game 7 loss Memes wanted never happened.
Void
PK SubbanPK Subban

Connor McDavid is the most talented player to ever play hockey

I will say this guy's the best player that maybe we've ever seen play the game skill wise. Stuff that he can do out there... there's no one even close that can do the things at top speed that he does night in and night out.

This is a subjective talent assessment commonly debated against Gretzky, Lemieux, and Orr.
Void
PK SubbanPK Subban

Hockey is a significantly tougher sport than soccer, and it isn't even a close conversation

In terms of toughness, we're not gonna talk about soccer with hockey players. Not taking it away from soccer. But it's not even, we're, they're not even in the conversation. ... These players, they're the warriors... dealing with the pain and the aches that they have to deal with for the rest of their lives.

This is a subjective comparison of toughness across different disciplines.
Void
PK SubbanPK Subban

NHL players want the 'physicality and shots' in the game's gray areas

The best part about that series was watching Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand shake hands. I mean it's, it's an f you to all those fans out there that try to take that component out of the game... you're telling me that I've never been cheap shotted before... I love them for it. That's a part of the game. Some days you're the dog, some days you're the hydrant.

Inherently a matter of sports philosophy and player culture.
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Big CatBig Cat

Connor McDavid 'can't win the big one' until he proves otherwise

Has Conor McDavid [won a title]? I think we won. No, he has not. Okay. Alright. So there, the discussion... we have to, as our job say, he can't win the big one... He won the big one and now he's the guy that can win the big one.

Hot TakeHockeyHotSarcastic
McDavid and the Oilers reached Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final in 2024 but lost to the Panthers, so as of this episode's immediate follow-up, he still has not won 'the big one'.
Loss
HankHank

The NHL is rigging the playoffs for a Panthers-Rangers Eastern Conference Final

I something's fishy with the NHL and and this Panthers team... They didn't suspend [Bennett], which is crazy... I don't understand why... The NHL is trying to rig a Panthers, Rangers Eastern Conference Finals. They much rather have that than Bruins-Rangers.

While the Panthers and Rangers did meet in the ECF, there is no evidence the league rigged it.
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Paul BissonnettePaul Bissonnette

Mitch Marner is likely gone from the Maple Leafs and the team might fire head coach Sheldon Keefe as well.

Mitch Marner didn't show up. He makes too much money. I think he's gone. And I think that, that they might let the coach [Sheldon Keefe] go. I know I just went long-winded about this shit show. But they should've, I think if they're fully healthy, the whole series, they win it and now it's just gonna be a, it's gonna be a fucking gong show.

Sheldon Keefe was fired on May 9th, 2024, but Mitch Marner remained on the roster through the start of the following season.
Win
Paul BissonnettePaul Bissonnette

The 2024 Stanley Cup Final will be Edmonton vs. Florida

So I think that it will be Edmonton, Florida. That would be my guess.

This was the exact matchup for the 2024 Stanley Cup Final.
Loss
Big CatBig Cat

I would bet I could score 20 goals in a season if I played on a power play with Connor Bedard

If they put [me] net front on a power play for even a full season, I bet you he'd put 15 off [my] ass and in the net... I'm pretty sure [I] can get 20 playing with Connor Bedard.

PredictionHockeyHotSarcastic
While purely theoretical, the likelihood of a media personality scoring 20 NHL goals is near zero, though the 'off the ass' qualifier adds a layer of satirical possibility.
Loss
Paul BissonnettePaul Bissonnette

The Maple Leafs will beat the Bruins in the first round and win the Stanley Cup

I am hoping that they draw Boston as a first round matchup... I feel if the Leafs end up matching up with Boston the first round. I think they beat 'em and then they go on to March to win the Stanley Cup.

The Maple Leafs did play the Bruins in the first round of the 2024 playoffs and lost in 7 games. They did not win the Cup.
Win
Keith YandleKeith Yandle

Canada will not win a Stanley Cup anytime soon

Also Vancouver too, Vancouver what they've done this year, but I don't think Canada's gonna win a Stanley Cup anytime soon.

The Edmonton Oilers (a Canadian team) reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2024 but lost to Florida, extending the drought. Yandle's prediction held for the 2024 season.
Win
Keith YandleKeith Yandle

The Maple Leafs won't win a Cup because their fans are mean to them

I think it would strictly be because their fan base is too hard on them... They have one bad period or one bad game, they're sell the farm, get rid of everyone. I think their fans just need to be a little bit nicer than the players.

The Maple Leafs lost in the first round of the 2024 playoffs, continuing their struggle.
Void
MaxMax

The Flyers were right to trade Cutter Gauthier after he refused to meet with the front office

The team of the Flyers are in the right for trading him. He told Philly that he wanted to play for Philly and then change his mind two months later... He ghosted every phone call... The front office of the Flyers flew to Sweden to meet with him... He refused to meet with them.

This is a subjective assessment of a team's front office decision.
Void
MaxMax

Cutter Gauthier is a 'pussy' for refusing to play for the Flyers

That guy's a cutter's a pussy. That's a, that's a fact. Because... he told Philly that he wanted to play for Philly and then change his mind two months later.

This is a purely subjective insult based on sports fandom.
Void
Big CatBig Cat

The Blackhawks should hold a press conference to protect Connor Bedard from rumors

The Black Hawks should do a better job of making sure they protect Connor Bedard at all costs. And you're, he's your franchise player. Maybe just do a press conference and explain what happened [with Corey Perry].

The rumors were eventually debunked, but the team's initial vague handling did lead to significant social media speculation.
Void
PFT CommenterPFT Commenter

Connor McDavid is a 'coach killer'

Is Connor McDavid a coach killer? Big Cat, 'cause this is coach number four I think for him... I'm gonna say that he's a coach killer. Just because it's fun and I have no idea if it's true or not, but it's always good to just slap that label on a really good player.

Edmonton did change coaches frequently during McDavid's tenure, though team success followed this specific change.
Win
Ryan WhitneyRyan Whitney

The San Jose Sharks might be one of the worst teams in modern NHL history

I think the Sharks are really gonna struggle to score goals. It could be one of the worst teams we've ever seen in modern day NHL.

The Sharks finished the 2023-24 season with a 19-54-9 record and 47 points, the worst in the league.
Void
Ryan WhitneyRyan Whitney

Phil Kessel has had a better career than Connor McDavid if they both retired today.

I guess Phil Kessel [if he retired today]. But McDavid was more dominant. But if you're looking at a career, I mean, he broke the Ironman streak and has three Stanley Cups and 400 or 500 goals. So Kessel.

Subjective comparison of two different types of greatness.

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