This week we dive deep into the incredible transformation of the Montreal Canadiens under coach Marty St. Louis. We explore how this young, exciting, fast team might go on a historic playoff run, and what it takes to build a winner in the NHL’s tightest races.
Joining the show this week as our first guest is Jonny G of Barely Onside⁩ to discuss:
● The historic rise of the Montreal Canadiens and their latest milestones
● How Marty St. Louis’s coaching is shaping a premier team culture
● Key players’ breakout seasons: Nick Suzuki, Cole Caulfield, Lane Hudson, and more
● The significance of management changes and organizational philosophy
● Predictions & strategic matchups for the 2026 NHL playoffs
● The importance of chemistry, patience, and avoiding emotional decisions in trades
● The potential for a blockbuster trade—what Montreal might do this summer

This was a fun one! Enjoy it!

Mid-Ice Crisis is brought to you by Cwench Hydration.
Go to:
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www.cwenchhydration.com/SECONDSTORYPOD in the U.S.
Use promo code SECONDSTORYPOD at checkout

Follow Josh Cybulski at:

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/authorjoshcybulski/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorJCybulski
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jfactor12
Buy Josh’s Book: https://www.amazon.ca/Second-Story-Work-Josh-Cybulski/dp/B08JF5M3MN/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1706931882&sr=8-1
Listen to Josh’s Audiobook Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/second-story-work-the-novel/id1712487814

Follow Jonny G at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566964983297&sk=photos
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@barelyonside
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Barely_Onside

#nhl #nhlhockey #nhlteam #hockey #hockeynews #hockeyfans #canada #habs #gohabsgo #montrealcanadiens #canadiens

Chapters
(00:00) - The Canadiens’ explosive rise: milestones and surprises
(02:19) - Why this team is different: young talent and accelerated rebuild
(03:17) - The influence of Jeff Gordon & Jeff Gordon’s leadership magic
(06:32) - How management philosophy shapes winning teams
(08:46) - Marty St. Louis’s growth as a coach and player development
(17:28) - Can he be both a development guru and a finisher?
(22:45) - Building trust: The foundation of Montreal’s success
(24:58) - Developing young stars like Slav, Caulfield, and others
(33:00) - The blockbuster move: Montreal's summer trade targets
(35:14) - The all-important second line center: Who is the best fit?
(44:12) - NHL playoff predictions: Montreal’s path & potential outcomes (66:27) - How Montreal prepares to face favorites like Tampa, Boston
(71:33) - Surprising facts about Carolina’s style & playoff style nuances
(73:55) - Wrapping up with bold predictions & the future of Montreal hockey

In this episode, Josh Cybulski analyzes the Toronto Maple Leafs' current management situation, the potential GM candidates, and the challenges the team is facing. He explores internal and external options, team prospects, salary cap issues, and strategic directions for rebuilding or retooling the franchise.

Mid-Ice Crisis is brought to you by Cwench Hydration.
Go to:
www.cwenchhydration.ca/SECONDSTORYPOD to get a 15% discount.
www.cwenchhydration.com/SECONDSTORYPOD in the U.S.
Use promo code SECONDSTORYPOD at checkout

Follow Josh Cybulski at:

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/authorjoshcybulski/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorJCybulski
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jfactor12
Buy Josh’s Book: https://www.amazon.ca/Second-Story-Work-Josh-Cybulski/dp/B08JF5M3MN/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1706931882&sr=8-1
Listen to Josh’s Audiobook Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/second-story-work-the-novel/id1712487814

#nhl #nhlhockey #goleafsgo #mapleleafs #mapleleafsnews #nhlteam #hockey #hockeynews #hockeyfans #torontomapleleafs #toronto #tmltalk #tml #leafsnation #goleafs #austonmatthews #williamnylander #kyledubas #pittsburghpenguins

Chapters

00:00 Pizza Review and Introduction
02:12 Toronto Maple Leafs GM Search
04:53 Analyzing the Maple Leafs' Current Situation
08:03 Potential Candidates for GM
10:50 John Chayka: A Risky Choice
13:17 Mark Hunter: The Scouting Expert
16:00 Internal Candidates and Stability
18:58 External Candidates and Market Dynamics
21:48 Final Thoughts on the GM Search

The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired general manager Brad Treliving and will begin a hunt for his replacement. Where did it go wrong for Toronto and Treliving and where do they go from here?

Mid-Ice Crisis is brought to you by Cwench Hydration.
Go to:
www.cwenchhydration.ca/SECONDSTORYPOD to get a 15% discount.
www.cwenchhydration.com/SECONDSTORYPOD in the U.S.
Use promo code SECONDSTORYPOD at checkout

Follow Josh Cybulski at:

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/authorjoshcybulski/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorJCybulski
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jfactor12
Buy Josh’s Book: https://www.amazon.ca/Second-Story-Work-Josh-Cybulski/dp/B08JF5M3MN/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1706931882&sr=8-1
Listen to Josh’s Audiobook Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/second-story-work-the-novel/id1712487814

#nhl #nhlhockey #goleafsgo #mapleleafs #mapleleafsnews #nhlteam #hockey #hockeynews #hockeyfans #torontomapleleafs #toronto #tmltalk #tml #leafsnation #goleafs #austonmatthews #williamnylander #kyledubas #pittsburghpenguins