The DFO Rundown Ep. 367 – Trade Deadline Early Returns & The Powerplay Problem

Frank and Jason are back with a fresh episode of The DFO Rundown as the NHL’s playoff race continues to heat up.

To start today’s show, they looked at some trade deadline additions that are fitting in nicely with their new clubs and a few that are off the rougher starts.

That led them to some talk about the Eastern Conference playoff race. The Senators seem to have all but locked up their spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs but the eighth seed is still wide open. The Rangers are the betting odds favourites on Bet365 but both the Canadiens and Blue Jackets are right there in the mix.

They also quickly touched on the Pittsburgh Penguins heater and how it’s costing them valuable spots in the NHL’s Draft Lottery standings.

They then went out West, where Leon Draisaitl is on the verge of another 50-goal season. Jason talked about the significance of that while Frank wondered if Draisaitl has the Hart Trophy locked up or if Nathan MacKinnon should be getting more consideration.

After that, Jason talked about his latest research project which is centred around the stunning drop in powerplays around the NHL. The numbers are jaw-dropping and led to the guys trying to figure out exactly why they have fallen as hard as they have.

To wrap, Tyler popped in for a new edition of Buy or Sell where he asked the guys about the Senator’s chances of getting a divisional playoff spot, the Jack Adams award, and the upcoming NHL GM Meetings.

1:00 – Trade deadline early returns

5:25 – Eastern playoff race

8:55 – Penguins heater

11:40 – Draisaitl chase for 50 & the Hart

24:20 – Powerplay drop off

32:30 – Buy or Sell (GM Meetings, Jack Adams, Senators heater)

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