Can Sidney Crosby’s absence derail the Pittsburgh Penguins’ playoff push, or will unexpected heroes rise to the occasion? Nick Zararis and Hunter Hodies debate the fate of playoff contenders, spotlighting the Penguins’ forward depth, the goaltending conundrum with Joel Blomqvist and Murashov, and the team’s trade deadline possibilities. Hot takes fly as they weigh bold predictions.

GAME NIGHT: Canes DEFEAT Bolts in East SHOWDOWN, Wild TAKE DOWN Avs as playoff races INTENSIFY

Locked On NHL podcast is the daily podcast that drops the puck and keeps you ahead of the game and the first to know the latest news, analysis, and insider info from all around the National Hockey League. Whether you bleed the colors of the Original Six teams or cheer for the newest franchises, the Locked On NHL podcast provides your daily hockey fix with expert opinions, local analysis, and coverage of all aspects of the NHL. Starting Mondays with Gil Martin chatting about the biggest stories around the NHL with the local experts of the Locked On NHL channel; to Tuesdays with Seth Toupal and JD Young, who tackle all the news from the Western Conference; to Ross Levitan and Mike DiStefano with a deep dive into the Eastern Conference on Wednesdays; to Jay Forster and Hunter Hodies presenting league Power Rankings each Thursday and rounding the week out on Fridays with Gil Martin and Rachel Donner reviewing the week that was, featuring bi-weekly updates on the world of women’s hockey with Erica L. Ayala. Locked On NHL takes you beyond the ice for the inside scoops on the biggest stories from every locker room all over the NHL. The Locked On NHL podcast is part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.