On this July 1st edition of Wut The Puck?!, Sean Baligian and Mike Iavasile dive into what should be one of the NHL’s marquee moments—free agency kickoff—but instead find themselves unpacking another frustratingly quiet summer for the Detroit Red Wings. While teams like Florida, Toronto, and Vegas continue to evolve, Detroit clings to a core of good-but-not-great players like Dylan Larkin, Mo Seider, and Lucas Raymond. Sean and Mike don’t hold back as they question whether the Yzerplan has officially stalled, and whether fans are justified in stepping off the bandwagon. The John Gibson trade, while an upgrade in net, sparks more questions than answers about Detroit’s long-term goaltending strategy—especially with prospects like Sebastian Cossa and Trey Augustine in the system.

Elsewhere in the league, the guys discuss whether Connor McDavid is preparing to leave Edmonton, how state tax advantages are reshaping rosters in places like Florida, and why players like Mitch Marner and Jason Robertson may soon test new contract strategies. Back home, they examine how Detroit continues to overvalue its “own guys,” including Lucas Raymond and Seider, and whether the fanbase is being asked to accept mediocrity dressed up as progress. They also break down the Wings’ latest draft picks like Carter Bear, discuss the long runway required for NHL prospects, and speculate on whether any of these young players—especially from Grand Rapids—will be allowed to make an impact at the NHL level.

Toss in a few rants about overpaid contracts, misfires like the Vladimir Tarasenko deal, and debates over who (if anyone) can emerge as a true star in Detroit, and this episode delivers the passionate, unfiltered hockey talk Wings fans need. Plus, as always, Sean and Mike mix in Fourth of July food prep, sausage rankings, and a few nods to old-school radio banter. If you're feeling like you've seen this Red Wings movie before—this time, you're not alone.

Sean Baligian and Mike Iavasile serve up sizzling takes with a side of sausage in this May 28th edition of Wut The Puck?!. The boys break down the looming Oilers-Panthers Stanley Cup Final rematch and rave about Stu Skinner’s clutch play. Sean makes the case for Connor McDavid as the undisputed best in the world, while Mike dives into why Edmonton’s been winning without even playing perfect hockey.

The conversation shifts to Detroit, where the duo takes a hard, honest look at Steve Yzerman’s tenure—an emotional and controversial subject for Red Wings fans. Are fans finally ready to admit things haven’t gone according to plan? Will the Wings’ draft picks pan out? Is Detroit still a free agent destination in the cap era?

From Grand Rapids prospects and frozen sausage strategy to NHL free agency and Dale Hunter’s coaching choices, this episode has it all—grilled takes, draft busts, Memorial Cup updates, and one giant sausage fest.

In this episode of Wut The Puck?!, Sean Baligian and Mike Iavasile preview what could be the most tightly contested series of the 2025 playoffs as the high-octane Edmonton Oilers take on the stifling Dallas Stars. They debate Stuart Skinner’s veteran poise against Jake Oettinger’s breakout brilliance, dissect McDavid’s evolution into a 200-foot force and weigh Edmonton’s speed and depth versus Dallas’s defensive grit. Plus, they shine a light on Toronto’s playoff woes, touch on the Panthers–Canes rematch potential, share listener takes, and flip a metaphorical coin to predict who’ll advance—just in time for your Memorial Day puck fix.

On this edition of Wut The Puck?!, Sean Baligian and Mike Iavasile dissect Florida’s relentless forecheck that has Toronto looking lost, pile on the mounting scrutiny of Poppy’s playoff pedigree, and preview Game 5 of the Panthers–Leafs series. We also weigh Ken Holland’s new challenge in L.A. against Pat Verbeek’s Anaheim rebuild, unpack the mental game behind today’s hottest goaltenders, and deliver rapid-fire picks—from Panthers vs. Leafs to Oilers vs. Vegas—plus answer your burning fan questions. Tune in for the chatter, the takes, and everything hockey!

Sean and Mike can’t believe the NHL lottery turned into a math nightmare—should picks just go by finish? They then debate a controversial hit and suspension standards in today’s fast-paced game, before breaking down the Leafs-Panthers series and the grit that could swing it.

Sean Baligian and Mike Iavasile unpack Steve Yzerman’s testy season-ending presser—echoing the GM’s blunt verdict that Detroit lacks a true game-changer and won’t mortgage the young core just yet. The guys debate where the Wings can actually find star power, why free-agency splashes may wait, and how a brutal Atlantic Division compounds the rebuild. Then it’s a tour around a chaotic first round: Tampa wilting, Edmonton-LA on a knife-edge, and Toronto’s Core Four wearing that thousand-yard stare as Ottawa smells blood. Grab your headphones (and maybe a jalapeño-cheddar sausage) for 45 minutes of unfiltered puck talk.

With the Stanley Cup playoffs about to drop, Sean Baligian welcomes Northville head coach, Coaches‑Association president, and Team Michigan co‑GM Ryan Ossenmacher for a rink‑side preview of this weekend’s Juniors‑vs‑Seniors showcase in Novi. They break down the selection gauntlet (400+ try‑outs), spotlight future stars such as Ian Castamore, Owen Hall, Callan Ray, and Aiden Cook, and explain why Michigan high‑school hockey is deeper than ever—catch the broadcast on State Champs and Local 4 Plus.

Then Sean and analyst Mike Iavasile lace up for a coast‑to‑coast playoff round‑table:

• Can Toronto finally silence the Senators—or will Craig Berube’s crew bruise its way to an upset?

• Why the Lightning might out‑grind Florida, and how Vasilevskiy still owns the big‑save spotlight.

• Dallas vs. Colorado: late‑night must‑watch or insomnia cure?

• Kings’ last stand against McDavid’s Oilers, plus dark‑horse paths for Winnipeg and Vegas.

Expect brisk banter, watch‑party barbecue plans (Tuesday and Saturday—BYO wieners!), and plenty of sponsor shout‑outs to Legacy Partners, Wealth Advantage Group, and Broadwell Homes. Popcorn ready? Pull up a seat—this episode of Wut The Puck?! serves sizzling Michigan talent and playoff predictions hotter than rink‑side nacho cheese.

Sean Baligian and Mike Iavasile pull no punches in a brutally honest breakdown of where the Red Wings stand. From wondering if Lucas Raymond is the guy, to debating if Mo Seider has another level—or if we've already seen his ceiling—they dissect the core and the cracks. Is it time to go all-in for a star like Pastrňák or Nylander? Can the Wings survive another year without an impact forward? Plus: Demidov arrives, the Maple Leafs' annual implosion is imminent, and the guys revisit Detroit’s five-year plan (spoiler: it's now year six). It's a full hour of hard hockey talk—cynical, smart, and straight from the heart.