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.
Sean Baligian and Mike Iavasile hold nothing back in a brutally honest look at the Detroit Red Wings’ crumbling playoff hopes and the deeper issues plaguing the franchise. From Dylan Larkin's post-Four Nations free-fall to the mystifying goalie pipeline and the locker room's lack of fire, the guys dissect it all. They compare rebuilds across the NHL, debate whether Suzuki > Larkin (spoiler: they think yes), and question if the Wings are even in the rebuild timeline yet. Plus, love for Lane Hudson, Calder Trophy chatter, and an unholy amount of sausage talk as they gear up for playoff feasts. Hockey fans, this one pulls no punches.
On the anniversary of one of hockey’s most iconic moments—March 26, 1997—Sean Baligian and Mike Iavasile look back on the night Darren McCarty became a Detroit legend. From where they were when the gloves dropped to how that moment shaped a generation of fans, it’s a celebration of hockey history and all things gritty. Plus: a candid take on the Red Wings’ March collapse, why the NCAA hockey playoffs are must-watch TV, and some love for underrated gems like Toledo hockey and classic hot dog bar stories. Oh, and yes—Don Cherry talk included.
With just one month to go before the Stanley Cup playoffs, Sean Baligian and Mike Iavasile examine who's hot, who's not, and who might shock the hockey world. Are the Washington Capitals legitimate contenders, or will their strong season fade in the postseason? The guys also get brutally honest about the Detroit Red Wings' slim playoff hopes, Steve Yzerman's strategy, and whether the team's rebuild is truly on track. Plus, playoff dark horses, potential trades, and some bold predictions as the NHL postseason picture becomes clearer. It's all hockey talk—no dump and chase—on this edition of Wut The Puck?!
Sean Baligian and Mike Iavasile dive deep into the aftermath of the NHL trade deadline, unpacking the Detroit Red Wings' puzzling moves—or lack thereof. Did Steve Yzerman just troll the entire fanbase with his playoff comments? The guys debate the team's current trajectory, potential offseason shakeups, and whether the Wings are truly on track or falling behind rivals like Ottawa and Montreal. Plus, insights into the league's playoff contenders, underrated teams like Washington, and predictions for what's shaping up to be a cinematic playoff run. Grab your helmet (preferably not the Wings' new ones), and let's talk hockey on another spirited edition of Wut The Puck?!
In this episode of Wut the Puck?!, host Sean Baligian dives headfirst into the unpredictable world of hockey. They tackle burning topics—from debating whether the Detroit Red Wings have gone soft to dissecting bold trade moves and the challenges of building a young team. Amid heated analysis and off-the-cuff banter, the conversation even shifts gears into their all-too-regular “sausage fest” segment, where humor meets hard-hitting insights. Whether you’re here for expert trade chatter or an unfiltered take on the game’s highs and lows, this episode proves that in hockey, toughness is a choice. Tune in for an unvarnished look at the passion and strategy driving today’s hockey scene.
Sean Baligian and Mike Iavasile break down the fallout from the Four Nations Tournament, debating whether Dylan Larkin’s comments about World Championship participation were fair or misplaced. They dive into the Red Wings’ playoff chances, the impact of Ville Husso’s departure, and whether Steve Yzerman has a big move up his sleeve. Plus, a heated discussion on whether Ovechkin is inevitable in breaking Gretzky’s goal record and how NHL teams will approach the trade deadline.
The hockey world is on fire, and Wut The Puck?! is here to break it all down! Sean Baligian and Mike Iavasile dive deep into the highly anticipated Four Nations championship game between Team USA and Canada, discussing the stakes, the stars, and why this game has become must-see TV. They also shift gears to talk about Michigan High School Hockey, sharing their excitement for upcoming matchups and reminiscing about the evolution of hockey coverage over the years. Plus, a heated debate on the growth of the sport, wild stories from past tournaments, and a preview of their own Red Zone-style MHSAA coverage.
Get ready for an episode packed with hockey passion, expert analysis, and a few laughs along the way. Don’t miss it!
Sean Baligian and Mike Iavasile dive into the return of international hockey and why the NHL walking away from it in the first place was a massive mistake. From Connor McDavid’s mind-blowing speed to Sidney Crosby cementing his legacy, this episode breaks down the biggest moments from the latest tournament. The guys debate if Sid is the greatest to ever wear the Canadian jersey, dissect Team USA’s lineup, and get way too excited about an upcoming Sausage Fest. Plus, why Finland should never be underestimated and what this all means for the future of international play.
Grab your Big Black Charred sausage, crack a LaCroix, and get ready—this one’s a must-listen!
The Detroit Red Wings are on a seven-game tear, and Sean Baligian & Mike Iavasile break down what’s behind this dramatic turnaround under Coach Todd McLellan. Is this proof that things were worse than we realized under Derek Lalonde? Or is McLellan just that good? 🤔
Plus, the guys dive into:
🏒 The resurgence of key young players like Marco Kasper & Elmer Soderblom
🏒 The Wings’ power play & penalty kill improvements
🏒 The mental reset that’s transformed this team
🏒 Playoff chances: Are fans getting too hyped, too soon?
🚨 Pump the brakes or hit the gas? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
#LGRW #RedWings #WutThePuck #NHL #HockeyTalk
The Red Wings are navigating one of their toughest stretches of the season—are they up for the challenge? Sean Baligian and Mike Iavasile break down Detroit’s latest performances, plus a heated debate on Mark Stone’s controversial hit. Was it dirty, or just hockey? The guys also dive into the NHL’s unwritten rules, the league’s inconsistent punishments, and whether the Red Wings should be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline. And, of course, a little nostalgia with some of hockey’s biggest rivalries and most infamous hits. Tap in for all things hockey on Wut The Puck?! 🎙🏒🔥
Sean Baligian and Mike Iavasile dive deep into the Detroit Red Wings’ struggles in this week’s Wut The Puck?!. From their five-on-five scoring woes to an inconsistent penalty kill, the duo unpacks the team’s challenges under Coach McClellan. They also discuss high-stakes upcoming games, the crowded Eastern Conference playoff race, and what it will take for the Red Wings to stay competitive. With sharp analysis, candid opinions, and plenty of hockey banter, this episode is a must-listen for Detroit sports fans.
Sean Baligian and Mike Iavasile bring their passion for hockey to the forefront in this week’s episode of Wut The Puck?!. The duo dives into the return of the Detroit Red Wings' struggles with roster construction, defensive gaps, and inconsistent performances. They highlight standout prospects like Lane Hutson and Ivan Demidov, exploring their potential to shape the NHL's future. Sean and Mike also discuss the state of NHL playoff hopefuls, debate trade scenarios, and analyze which teams are set up for postseason success. Packed with sharp analysis, humor, and candid insights, this episode is a must-listen for hockey fans everywhere.
