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KEVIN DURANT TRADE, PANTHERS WIN STANLEY CUP SECOND STRAIGHT YEAR

 This episode of EST covers a range of recent sports news across the NHL, NBA, and NFL, touching on game results, significant player movements, and team outlooks.

The podcast begins by discussing the conclusion of the NHL Stanley Cup Finals, where the Florida Panthers secured back-to-back championships, marking their third consecutive appearance. The final game was a dominant 5-1 victory for Florida over Edmonton, with Sam Reinhart scoring four goals. For Edmonton, there's uncertainty surrounding Connor McDavid's contract as he enters the last year of his deal, and Corey Perry has expressed a desire to return if Edmonton would have him. The Stanley Cup itself was reportedly damaged during Florida's celebration, developing a crack in the bowl and a dented bottom. Looking ahead, the episode speculates on other NHL teams, including Washington and the potential return of players like Alex Ovechkin, TJ Oshie, and Nicklas Backstrom. The Carolina Hurricanes are noted for their cap space and repeated struggles against Florida. The Toronto Maple Leafs' strong season, including a division title and top offensive and defensive rankings, is highlighted, as is their goaltending tandem of Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll. Other teams mentioned for the upcoming season include Dallas, Winnipeg, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Anaheim, and the New York Rangers, who recently re-signed fan-favorite forward Matt Rempe to a two-year deal. Rempe is praised for bringing toughness and an "intimidation factor" despite not being a high-scoring player.

In NBA news, the podcast details the build-up to Game 7 of the NBA Finals. The Indiana Pacers forced the decisive game after a dominant Game 6 victory over OKC, being up by 22 at halftime. Historical achievements for the Pacers include being the first team in NBA history with eight players scoring 200+ points in the playoffs and winning six straight Game 6s by double digits. Key Pacers performers in Game 6 included Obi Toppin (20 points), Andrew Nembhard (17 points), Pascal Siakam (16 points, 13 rebounds), and TJ McConnell, who made history as the first bench player in NBA Finals history with 60+ points, 25+ assists, and 15+ rebounds. For OKC, league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 21 points but was a -17, and other key players like Chet Holmgren and Jaylen Williams had low-scoring nights. Off the court, the Los Angeles Lakers were sold for $10 billion, marking the most expensive team sale in US sports history. Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka signed a long-term contract extension, reportedly worth eight figures annually. The Rockets also made a significant trade, acquiring Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the 10th overall pick, and five second-round picks. Durant, despite turning 37 soon, is still playing at an elite level, averaging 26.5 points, 6 rebounds, and over 4 assists this season, and holds the longest streak in NBA history for averaging at least 25 points with 50% field goal percentage and 40% from three for three consecutive years. This trade is expected to elevate the Rockets to championship contention, joining All-Star Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, and Fred VanVleet. The Phoenix Suns, now with a new GM and head coach, received promising young talent in Green and Brooks, with Green averaging 21 points and 4.5 rebounds this season. The future of Giannis Antetokounmpo with the Milwaukee Bucks is discussed, with potential trade destinations like Miami or the Knicks mentioned, especially given Damian Lillard's injury. Other teams to watch in the East include Boston, the Knicks, Miami, and the Orlando Magic, who acquired Desmond Bane. The Philadelphia 76ers' success is tied to Joel Embiid's health and the need for a reliable backup center. For the Denver Nuggets, the potential trade of Michael Porter Jr. and the possible re-signing of Russell Westbrook are key offseason considerations.

Finally, the NFL section covers linebacker CJ Mosley's retirement after a five-time Pro Bowl career with the Jets and Ravens. Mosley, an "underrated player," was the 17th overall pick by the Ravens in 2014 and recorded just under 1100 career tackles, 12 sacks, and 12 interceptions. The Baltimore Ravens also acquired cornerback Gyair Alexander from the Green Bay Packers, reuniting him with college teammate Lamar Jackson. Alexander is considered one of the better coverage corners in the league, joining a strong Ravens secondary that includes Marlon Humphrey, Kyle Hamilton, and Nate Wiggins. The episode concludes with news that the Jacksonville Jaguars signed rookie wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter to a 4-year, $46.65 million fully guaranteed deal, including a $30.57 million signing bonus. Hunter, acquired by the Jaguars after trading four draft picks to move up in the draft, is seen as a generational talent capable of playing both offense and defense, similar to Shohei Ohtani in baseball, though he won't play every snap on both sides.

NFL POWER RANKINGS

Rank	Team	Coaching Changes	Notable Acquisitions	Rookies
32	NO	NEW HC- KELLEN MOORE, DC- BRANDON STALEY	WR- BRANDIN COOKS, S- JUSTIN REID, DL- DAVON GODCHAUX	LT- KELVIN BANKS JR., QB- TYLER SHOUGH
31	CLE	NEW OC- TOMMY REES	WR- DIONTAE JOHNSON, QB- JOE FLACCO, G- TEVEN JENKINS, DT- MALIEK COLLINS, LB- DEVIN BUSH	DL- MASON GRAHAM, LB- CARSON SCHWESINGER, RB- QUINSHON JUDKINS, QB’S- SHEDEUR SANDERS & DILLON GABRIEL
30	CAR		WR- HUNTER RENFROW, RB- RICO DOWDLE, DT- TERSHAWN WHARTON, NT- BOBBY BROWN III, S- TRE’VON MOEHRIG, LB- CHRISTIAN ROZEBOOM	WR- TETAIROA MCMILLAN, EDG- NIC SCOURTON, RB- TREVOR ETIENNE, WR- JIMMY HORN JR., S- LATHAN RANSOM
29	ATL	NEW DC- JEFF ULBRICH	EDG- LEONARD FLOYD, DL- MORGAN FOX, LB- DIVINE DEABLO, S- JORDAN FULLER, WR/KR JAMAL AGNEW	LB- JALON WALKER, EDG- JAMES PEARCE JR.
28	TEN		LT- DAN MOORE JR., WR- TYLER LOCKETT, WR- VAN JEFFERSON, LB- CODY BARTON, OLB- DRE’MONT JONES, S- XAVIER WOODS	QB- CAM WARD, EDG- OLUWAFEMI, S- KEVIN WINSTON JR.
27	NYG		S- JEVON HOLLAND, CB- PAULSON ADEBO, EDG- CHAUNCEY GOLSTON, QB- RUSSELL WILSON, QB- JAMEIS WINSTON	EDG- ABDUL CARTER, QB- JAXSON DART, DT- DARIUS ALEXANDER, RB- CAM SKATTEBO
26	NYJ	NEW HC- AARON GLENN, OC- TANNER ENGSTRAND, DC- STEVE WILKS	QB- JUSTIN FIELDS, WR- JOSH REYNOLDS, FB- ANDREW BECK, DL- DERRICK NNADI, CB- BRANDON STEPHENS, S- ANDRE CISCO	OT- ARMAND MEMBOU, TE- MASON TAYLOR, CB- AZAREYE’H THOMAS, S- MALACHI MOORE
25	IND	NEW DC- LOU ANARUMO	S- CAMRYN BYNUM, CB- CHARVARIUS WARD, RB- KHALIL HERBERT, QB- DANIEL JONES	TE- TYLER WARREN, EDG- JT TUIMOLOAU, QB- RILEY LEONARD
24	LV	NEW HC- PETE CARROLL, OC- CHIP KELLY	QB- GENO SMITH, OG- ALEX CAPPA, RB- RAHEEM MOSTERT, LB- GERMAINE PRATT, LB- DEVIN WHITE, LB- ELANDON ROBERTS, LB- JAYLON SMITH, CB- ERIC STOKES, S- JEREMY CHINN	RB- ASHTON JEANTY, WR- JACK BECH, CB- DARIEN PORTER, WR- DONT’E THORNTON JR.
23	MIA		OG- JAMES DANIELS, WR- NICK WESTBROOK-IKHINE, LB- K.J. BRITT, LB- WILLIE GAY JR., DB- IFEATU MELIFONWU, S- ASHTYN DAVIS	DT- KENNETH GRANT, OG- JONAH SAVAIINAEA, CB- JASON MARSHALL JR., RB- OLLIE GORDON II, QB- QUINN EWERS
22	SEA	NEW OC- KLINT KUBIAK	QB- SAM DARNOLD, WR- COOPER KUPP, WR- MARQUEZ VALDES-SCANTLING, EDG- DEMARCUS LAWRENCE	OG- GREY ZABEL, S- NICK EMMANWORI, QB- JALEN MILROE
21	NE	NEW HC- MIKE VRABEL, OC- JOSH MCDANIELS, DC- TERRELL WILLIAMS	WR- STEFON DIGGS, OT- MORGAN MOSES, WR- MACK HOLLINS, C- GARRETT BRADBURY, QB- JOSHUA DOBBS, DL- MILTON WILLIAMS, EDG- HAROLD LANDRY, LB- ROBERT SPILLANE, EDG- K’LAVON CHAISSON, CB- CARLTON DAVIS III, S- MARCUS EPPS	LT- WILL CAMPBELL, RB- TREVEYON HENDERSON, WR- KYLE WILLIAMS
20	SF	OC- KLAY KUBIAK, DC- ROBERT SALEH	S- JASON PINNOCK, CB- TRE BROWN, DL- BRYCE HUFF, WR- DEMARCUS ROBINSON, QB- MAC JONES	EDG- MYKEL WILLIAMS, DT- ALFRED COLLINS, LB- NICK MARTIN, CB- UPTON STOUT, RB- JORDAN JAMES
19	JAC	NEW HC- LIAM COHEN, OC- GRANT UDINSKI, DC- ANTHONY CAMPANILE	CB- JOURDAN LEWIS, S- ERIC MURRAY, EDG- EMMANUEL OGBAH, EDG- DENNIS GARDECK, OL- ROBERT HAINSEY, OG- PATRICK MEKARI, WR- DYAMI BROWN, QB- NICK MULLENS	WR/CB- TRAVIS HUNTER
18	DAL	NEW HC- BRIAN SCHOTTENHEIMER, DC- MATT EBERFLUS, OC- KLAYTON ADAMS	WR- GEORGE PICKENS, QB- JOE MILTON III, RB- JAVONTE WILLIAMS, RB- MILES SANDERS, EDG- DANTE FOWLER JR., LB- KENNETH MURRAY JR., DL- SOLOMON THOMAS, CB- KAIIR ELAM, MLB- JACK SANBORN	OG- TYLER BOOKER, CB- SHAVON REVEL JR., EDG- DONOVAN EZEIRUAKU
17	CHI	NEW HC- BEN JOHNSON, DC- DENNIS ALLEN, OC- DECLAN DOYLE	C- DREW DALMAN, OG- JOE THUNEY, OG- JONAH JACKSON, WR- DEVIN DUVERNAY, EDG- DAYO ODEYINGBO, DT- GRADY JARRETT	TE- COLSTON LOVELAND, WR- LUTHER BURDEN III, OT- OZZY TRAPILO, DT- SHEMAR TURNER, LB- RUBEN HYPPOLITE
16	MIN		OG- WILL FRIES, C- RYAN KELLY, WR- RONDALE MOORE, TE- JOSH OLIVER, RB- JORDAN MASON, DT- JONATHAN ALLEN, DT- JAVON HARGRAVE, LB- ERIC WILSON, CB- ISAIAH RODGERS, CB- JEFF OKUDAH	OG- DONOVAN JACKSON, WR- TAI FELTON, EDG- TYRION INGRAM-DAWKINS
15	LAC		OG- MEKHI BECTON, WR- MIKE WILLIAMS, RB- NAJEE HARRIS, QB- TREY LANCE, EDG- DA’SHAWN HAND, CB- DONTE JACKSON, CB- BENJAMIN ST-JUSTE, CB- ELIJAH MOLDEN, S- TONY JEFFERSON	RB- OMARION HAMPTON, WR- TRE HARRIS, DT- JAMAREE CALDWELL, EDG- KYLE KENNARD
14	ARI		EDG- JOSH SWEAT, DL- DALVIN TOMLINSON, DE- CALAIS CAMPBELL, LB- AKEEM DAVIS-GAITHER	DT- WALTER NOLEN, CB- WILL JOHNSON
13	CIN	NEW DC- AL GOLDEN	DL- T.J. SLATON, LB- OREN BURKS, RB- SAMAJE PERINE	EDG- SHEMAR STEWART, LB- DEMETRIUS KNIGHT JR., OG- DYLAN FAIRCHILD
12	PIT		WR- DK METCALF, QB- AARON RODGERS, WR- ROBERT WOODS, QB- MASON RUDOLPH, CB- DARIUS SLAY, DT- DANIEL EKUALE, LB- MALIK HARRISON	DT- DERRICK HARMON, RB- KALEB JOHNSON, EDG- JACK SAWYER, QB- WILL HOWARD
11	GB		OG- AARON BANKS, WR- MECOLE HARDMAN, CB- NATE HOBBS, LB- ISAIAH MCDUFFIE	WR- MATTHEW GOLDEN, OT- ANTHONY BELTON
10	TB	NEW OC- JOSH GRIZZARD	EDG- HAASON REDDICK, LB- ANTHONY WALKER JR.	WR- EMEKA EGBUKA, WR- TEZ JOHNSON, CB- BENJAMIN MORRISON, CB- JACOB PARRISH, S- SHILO SANDERS
9	HOU	NEW OC- NICK CALEY	WR- CHRISTIAN KIRK, RB- NICK CHUBB, WR- BRAXTON BERRIOS, OT- CAM ROBINSON, OG- LAKEN TOMLINSON, OG- ED INGRAM, DT- SHELDON RANKINS, EDG- DARRELL TAYLOR, LB- E.J. SPEED	WR- JAYDEN HIGGINS, OT- AIREONTAE ERSERY, WR- JAYLIN NOEL, CB- JAYLIN SMITH
8	DEN		S- TALANOA HUFANGA, LB- DRE GREENLAW, TE- EVAN ENGRAM, RB- J.K. DOBBINS	DB- JAHDAE BARRON, RB- RJ HARVEY, WR- PAT BRYANT, EDG- SAI’VION JONES, EDG- QUE ROBINSON
7	DET	NEW OC- JOHN MORTON, DC- KELVIN SHEPPARD	LB- GRANT STUARD, CB- D.J. REED, CB- AVONTE MADDOX, CB- ROCK YA-SIN	DT- TYLEIK WILLIAMS, OG- TATE RATLEDGE, WR- ISAAC TESLAA
6	LAR		WR- DAVANTE ADAMS, C- COLEMAN SHELTON, OT- D.J. HUMPHRIES, DL- POONA FORD	TE- TERRANCE FERGUSON, EDG- JOSAIAH STEWART, DT- TY HAMILTON, LB- CHRIS PAUL JR.
5	KC		OT- JAYLON MOORE, QB- GARDNER MINSHEW, RB- ELIJAH MITCHELL, DL- JERRY TILLERY, CB- KRISTIAN FULTON, S- MIKE EDWARDS
4	WAS		WR- DEEBO SAMUEL, WR- MICHAEL GALLUP, LT- LAREMY TUNSIL, EDG- DEATRICH WISE JR., EDG- JACOB MARTIN, DT- JAVON KINLAW, DT- EDDIE GOLDMAN	OT- JOSH CONERLY JR, CB- TREY AMOS, WR- JAYLIN LANE
3	PHI	NEW OC- KEVIN PATULLO	WR- TERRACE MARSHALL JR., RB- AJ DILLON, CB- ADOREE’ JACKSON, EDG- JOSH UCHE, EDG- AZEEZ OJULARI	LB- JIHAAD CAMPBELL, S- ANDREW MUKUBA, CB- MAC MCWILLIAMS
2	BUF		WR- JOSH PALMER, WR- ELIJAH MOORE, EDG- JOEY BOSA, EDG- MICHAEL HOECHT, DT- LARRY OGUNJOBI, LB- SHAQ THOMPSON, CB- TRE’DAVIOUS WHITE	CB- MAXWELL HAIRSTON, DT- T.J. SANDERS, EDG- LANDON JACKSON, DT- DEONE WALKER, CB- JORDAN HANCOCK
1	BAL		WR- DEANDRE HOPKINS, QB- COOPER RUSH, OT- JOE NOTEBOOM, DT- JOHN JENKINS, CB- JAIRE ALEXANDER, CB- CHIDOBE AWUZIE	S- MALAKI STARKS, EDG- MIKE GREEN, OT- EMERY JONES JR., LB- TEDDYE BUCHANAN, K- TYLER LOOP, WR- LAJOHNTAY WESTER

Try It Now

NBA Finals, trades & signings, NHL trade and Stanley Cup Finals, plus NFL news

🎧 Click here to download and listen to the episode

Elite Sports Talk, episode number five, reviewed recent NHL and NBA news, along with some NFL updates.

NHL News

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Rangers-Ducks Trade: The New York Rangers traded left winger Chris Kreider and a 2025 fourth-round pick to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for center Carrie Terrence and a 2025 third-round pick. Kreider, a 13-year veteran, is the Rangers' top goal scorer in playoff history and holds multiple significant scoring distinctions, including leading the NHL in shorthanded goals since 2021-22 with 13 and ranking fifth in power-play goals with 58. He is also one of only six players since 2021-22 to score at least 149 regular season and 24 playoff goals, joining elite players like Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon. In 2021-22, Kreider set Rangers single-season records with 26 power-play goals and 11 game-winning goals. Ducks General Manager Pat Verbeek highlighted Kreider's size, speed, and clutch performance.

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NHL Finals (Game 6 Preview): Game 5 of the NHL Finals saw the Edmonton Oilers lose 5-2, with Calvin Pickard allowing four goals on 18 shots. Edmonton is expected to start Stuart Skinner in net for Game 6. Brad Marchand of the Florida Panthers became the first player to score at least five goals in two separate Stanley Cup series with two different teams, having scored five goals for the Boston Bruins in 2011 and six goals in five games this Stanley Cup Final. His six goals are the most by any player 35 or older in a Stanley Cup Final and the most overall since 1988.

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Notable Stats: Corey Perry and Sam Bennett are tied for first in the playoffs with eight "high danger goals" each, which are shots taken from prime scoring areas. Connor McDavid leads in top skating speed at nearly 24 miles per hour. Evan Bouchard of the Oilers has the second-highest recorded shot speed at 99.62 mph and the most shots over 90 mph. The Florida Panthers lead the playoffs with just over four goals per game, and Sergy Bobrovsky leads all goalies in high danger saves with 133. The Oilers are the first team in Stanley Cup history since the 1919 Montreal Canadiens to overcome a three-goal deficit on the road and win. Leon Draisaitl has set an NHL record for most overtime goals in a single playoff year with four.

NBA News

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Knicks Coaching Search: The New York Knicks, after being denied by several coaches, are reportedly meeting with former head coaches Mike Brown and Taylor Jenkins. The speaker believes Mike Brown would be a better fit given his playoff record and two Coach of the Year awards (2008-09, 2022-23). Other potential candidates for the Knicks include Nate McMillan, Mike Malone, Mike Budenholzer, and Mark Jackson.

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Kevin Durant Watch: The New York Knicks are unlikely to pursue Kevin Durant due to owner James Dolan's lingering resentment from Durant's decision to join the Brooklyn Nets in the past. Despite being 37, Durant is a two-time NBA champion, two-time Finals MVP, regular season MVP, 15-time All-Star, and four-time scoring champion.

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Grizzlies-Magic Trade: The Memphis Grizzlies traded Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (KCP), Cole Anthony, four unprotected first-round picks, and one first-round pick swap. This trade frees up money for the Grizzlies to retain Jaren Jackson Jr. and John Morant, while also acquiring future draft assets. For the Magic, Bane's addition, especially his shooting ability (43.2% on catch-and-shoot threes in the past five seasons), addresses their need for three-point shooting, as they ranked last in the league in three-point field goal percentage last season (31.8%).

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Rockets Re-sign Stephen Adams: The Houston Rockets re-signed Stephen Adams to a three-year, $39 million fully guaranteed contract through 2028. Adams, a crucial defensive player and veteran leader, significantly impacted the Rockets' defense against the Warriors in the playoffs, where the team was a plus-44 with him on the court and a minus-44 without him.

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NBA Finals (Game 5 Recap): The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers, taking a 3-2 series lead. Tyrese Haliburton of the Pacers had a poor performance (0-for-6 from the field, 0-for-4 from three) and sustained a right calf strain, which he will have an MRI on. Despite a Pacers comeback, OKC pulled away late. Jaylen Williams led OKC with a career-high 40 points, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 31 points and 10 assists. The Pacers committed 22 turnovers.

NFL News

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Contract Holdouts: Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson is seeking a new contract closer to the top edge rushers' salaries, around $40 million a year, after leading the league in sacks for two straight seasons. He was fined $105,000 for missing mandatory mini-camp. TJ Watt of the Pittsburgh Steelers is also hoping for a new deal. Trade talks for Miami Dolphins cornerback Jaylen Ramsey have "simmered down" due to his $17 million average salary.

•

New Signing: The New Orleans Saints signed running back Cam Akers to a one-year deal after a mini-camp tryout. Akers, a former second-round pick, has battled injuries but has proven to be a physical runner with playoff experience, including a return from an Achilles tear in 2021. He joins Alvin Kamara, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Kendre Miller, and rookie Devin Neal in the Saints' backfield.

E.S.T. EP.4 NBA + NHL FINALS, INDIANA FEVER PLUS NFL HOLDOUTS

 Elite Sports Talk Episode 4: Playoff Thrills, Player Sagas, and NFL Holdouts

Welcome to "EST episode 4 with Charlie B," broadcasting from South Jersey, where the playoffs are buzzing with excitement, marked by thrilling comebacks and last-second victories. This episode delves into the latest in NHL, NBA, WNBA, and NFL news, offering insights into key matchups, player performances, and off-season drama.

NHL Finals: Edmonton Oilers vs. Florida Panthers

The NHL finals have been a rollercoaster, particularly for the Edmonton Oilers. Game 3 saw the Florida Panthers deliver a dominant 6-1 blowout, with six different players scoring goals, including Sam Bennett, Marawn, Reinhardt, Rodriguez, Verhy, and defenseman Aaron Eckllo. Florida's goaltender, Sergei Bobrovsky, was exceptional, saving 32 of 33 shots and nearly achieving a complete shutout if not for a second-period goal by Cory Perry. A key takeaway from Game 3 was the struggles of Oilers superstars McDavid and Draisaitl, who combined for zero points. Historically, when these two go scoreless, Edmonton's record is a dismal 2-11, highlighting their importance to the team's success.

However, the Oilers roared back in Game 4 with another "comeback for the ages". After trailing 3-0 in the first period, Edmonton scored three goals in the second period while holding Florida scoreless. The teams split goals in the third period, leading to overtime where Leon Draisaitl secured the game-winning goal. Draisaitl finished Game 4 with a goal and two assists, while Adam Henrik, Kenan, and McDavid also contributed assists.

This comeback victory epitomizes Edmonton's postseason journey, as they have now achieved eight comeback victories, the most in the NHL. Leon Draisaitl's heroics continued, making him only the third player in NHL history to score multiple overtime goals in the finals, and he now holds the record for most overtime goals in a postseason with four.

Despite the team's success, McDavid has faced a challenging series against Florida, tallying only six assists and not a single goal. Alexander Barkov of the Panthers has also been struggling, suggesting that aggressive defensive play by both teams might be limiting these star players' offensive output. The host predicts that McDavid will break through in one of the upcoming games.

In goal, Edmonton's Stuart Skinner has faced difficulties, being pulled in Game 3 for backup Calvin Pickard, and again in another game. Skinner made 14 saves but let up three goals on only 17 shots in one instance. In contrast, Pickard has been a "superhero" for the Oilers, performing exceptionally well whenever he steps onto the ice. His career playoff record stands at 8-1 in 12 games, with a 2.58 goals-against average (GAA) and a .900 save percentage. In the 2025 postseason alone, Pickard boasts a 7-0 record through nine games, with a 2.69 GAA and an .896 save percentage. The host expresses hope that Skinner's struggles won't derail his career, as he is considered a very good goalie.

With the series now tied, home-ice advantage shifts back to Edmonton, with two of the next three potential games being played there if the series reaches a Game 7. Florida, however, remains a formidable opponent, holding a 5-1 record in the postseason after a loss and an impressive 9-2 record on the road. The host hopes the Oilers secure a win tonight, envisioning McDavid and Draisaitl finally lifting the Stanley Cup, a long-awaited achievement for Canada.

NBA Finals & League Buzz

In the NBA finals, Game 3 saw the Pacers take a 2-1 lead, a significant advantage given that 80% of teams winning Game 3 go on to win the finals. The Pacers' success has been tied to several factors: they are 11-0 in the playoffs when their offensive rating is 110 or better, 11-1 when Tyrese Haliburton records eight or more assists, and 8-1 when he scores 20 or more points. In Game 3, Haliburton delivered with 22 points, nine rebounds, and 11 assists. The Pacers also boast an 8-0 record when six of their players reach double figures in scoring.

However, OKC managed to tie the series by winning Game 4 with a score of 111-104. Both teams have shown incredible resilience after losses in the postseason: OKC is 18-2 after a loss this season (including playoffs) and a perfect 6-0 after a postseason loss, while Indy is 5-0 in their next game after a loss. This trend suggests a potentially intriguing Game 7. Road and home records also highlight their strengths: OKC is 5-4 on the road and 9-2 at home, while Indy is 7-2 at home and 7-3 on the road during the postseason.

Off the court, NBA news includes Russell Westbrook turning down a $3.5 million player option with the Denver Nuggets, meaning he will not return to the team. The "KD watch" continues, with the New York Knicks and Minnesota Timberwolves reportedly in a tightening race for the future Hall of Famer. The Denver Nuggets are also considered potential favorites to land Drew Holiday, with the Sacramento Kings also showing interest.

WNBA: Caitlin Clark's Impact

The WNBA has seen the Indiana Fever perform well when Caitlin Clark is present at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, holding an 8-0 record in such games. Recently, the Fever defeated the New York Liberty, who were the last undefeated team in the WNBA, with a score of 102-88. Caitlin Clark had a standout performance in that game, amassing 32 points, eight rebounds, nine assists, two blocks, and a steal. This marked her third game with 30 or more points, five or more rebounds, and five or more assists.

NFL: Holdouts and Cincinnati's Woes

The NFL offseason is currently marked by several prominent players holding out from training camps. Notable names include TJ Watt (Steelers), Terry McLaurin (Commanders), Jonnu Smith (Dolphins tight end), and Jalen Ramsey (Dolphins cornerback), who might be traded due to his over $13 million annual salary. Rookie holdouts include Sheamar Stewart (Bengals defensive rusher), Travis Hunter (Jaguars two-way receiver/corner), and Jedi Baron (Broncos cornerback).

A significant focus is on the Cincinnati Bengals, who are facing issues with key defensive players. Despite Joe Burrow having a statistically historic season last year, the Bengals missed the playoffs primarily due to their defensive struggles, which led to the termination of defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo's position. The Bengals have focused on maintaining their strong offense, successfully re-signing star receivers T. Higgins and Jamar Chase.

However, the team faces a contentious holdout with edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. Hendrickson, who has led the league in sacks for the past two seasons and led the NFL in pressures above expectation (+16.6), also ranking second in pass rush win rate, is seeking a long-term deal. He has played every game and 70% of defensive snaps over the last two years. Now 30 years old and in the final year of a contract that pays him $15.8 million, Hendrickson feels the team has been "kicking the can down the road" regarding a new deal. Compared to Miles Garrett's $160 million ($40 million per year), Hendrickson is currently the 11th highest-paid edge rusher, despite his elite performance. The host speculates that the Bengals might be hesitant to offer a long-term deal due to his age, a common practice in the NFL.

The Bengals' defensive woes are compounded by other departures. They cut Germaine Pratt, freeing up $4.5 million, but losing a player who recorded 99 tackles in 2022, 118 in 2023, and 143 last season. With potential losses of both Hendrickson and Pratt, combined with the struggles from last season, the host questions Cincinnati's commitment to winning. Rookie Sheamar Stewart reportedly stated that the Bengals are "more concerned right now about winning arguments over winning games," a sentiment echoed by the host who believes "real fans" can see the team's priorities.

Looking Ahead

The episode concludes with a Happy Father's Day wish to all fathers. The host promises future content, including "way too early NFL power rankings" and breakdowns of both the AFC North and NFC North divisions, complete with team schedules and record predictions. Listeners are encouraged to like, subscribe, and comment on the show, which is available on Spotify, iHeart Radio, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube under "Elite Sports Talk Podcast"