Empty The Benches

Empty The Benches
  • 4.8 (25)
  • Hockey
  • Updated Weekly

Grab a seat and crack a cold one with Nick and Mac on Empty the Benches, the hockey podcast that doesn't hold back. Whether you're a diehard fan who's been watching since the '90s or just getting into the game, we've got you covered. We're diving deep into the NHL, NCAA, and beyond, with unfiltered takes and exclusive conversations with players, coaches, and everyone in between. If you live for the game, you've found your new weekly ritual.

  1. 1d ago

    Eastern Conference Season Preview (EP. 311)

    In this episode, Nick and Mac dive into the upcoming NHL season, analyzing team prospects, key players, and division predictions. They share insights on teams like the Capitals, Penguins, and Maple Leafs, offering predictions and strategic takes. They also dive into the major changes for the Florida Panthers, the defending Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes, and how the playoff dogfight will shape out in the Eastern Conference.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  2. 4d ago

    Western Conference Season Preview (EP. 310)

    In this episode, the boys analyze the upcoming NHL season, focusing on the Pacific and Central Divisions. They discuss team rosters, key moves, and predictions for playoff contenders and sleepers, providing insights for hockey fans eager for the new season. Nick and Mac analyze the upcoming NHL season, discussing team prospects, key player movements, and division predictions. They provide insights into team strategies, player performances, and potential playoff outcomes.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:22 Introduction and episode overview02:24 Analyzing Anaheim Ducks' Offseason and Leadership Change02:32 Colorado Avalanche's prospects and key players05:14 Calgary Flames' New Look and Roster Strengths07:02 Minnesota Wild's potential and division chances08:25 Edmonton Oilers' Season Outlook and Key Players11:10 Los Angeles Kings' Road to Success11:46 Winnipeg Jets' goaltending issues and management decisions13:20 San Jose Sharks' Rebuild and Exciting Prospects16:32 Vancouver Canucks' Expectations and Young Talent17:31 Dallas Stars' outlook and key players19:21 Vegas Golden Knights' Defense and Goaltending Concerns22:04 Nashville Predators' challenges and outlook23:11 Pacific Division Predictions and Division Winner26:18 Seattle Kraken's Future and Purgatory Status26:53 Division predictions and playoff outlook29:56 Closing thoughts and final predictions30:36 Central Division Outlook: Chicago Blackhawks and Patty Kane33:49 Vegas Golden Knights' Playoff Chances and Outlook   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  3. Jul 1

    Trades, Trades And Draft Recap (EP. 309)

    In this episode, Nick and Mac recap the 2026 NHL Draft, summarize the latest offseason trades, and preview the biggest free agency rumors. They also hit you with a killer hockey trivia, a guess the NHL player, and a this or that.    Chapters   00:00 Heat Wave and Weekend Adventures 05:50 Nonsensical Questions of the Day 11:46 Draft Day Highlights and Reactions 17:43 Team Trades and Offseason Moves 19:46 Games and Trivia Fun 24:20 NHL Player Comparisons 26:05 Hockey History and Iconic Trades Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  4. Jun 25

    Trade Updates And Draft Preview (EP. 308)

    In this episode, Nick and Mac are joined by friend of the show and writer/creator of puckuomi.com, Anders Hall, to break down the impending NHL draft and a crazy week of trades. They also discuss the 2026 Hockey Hall of Fame class, preview the 2026 NHL Draft, and the official hiring of Mike Babcock by the Oilers.   Chapters   00:00 Introduction and Initial Reactions 01:47 Brady Tkachuk's Trade to Florida 04:24 NHL's Shift Towards Player Mobility 13:19 Washington Capitals' Recent Moves 24:04 Chicago Blackhawks' Trade for Bo Byram 29:28 Calgary's Trade for Simon Nemec 31:14 William Eklund's Trade to Ottawa 34:09 Mike Babcock's Controversial Hiring 39:55 Draft Predictions and Team Strategies 51:49 Hall of Fame Class of 2026 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  5. Jun 17

    Hurricanes Win The Stanley Cup (EP. 307)

    In this episode, Nick and Mac discuss the Stanley Cup victory by the Carolina Hurricanes, the recent wedding they attended, and the latest hockey news including coaching changes and player trades. They share insights, anecdotes, and their thoughts on the league's current state and future moves.   Chapters   00:00 Hockey Season Wrap-Up and Cup Champions 06:00 Wedding Tales and Celebrations 11:55 Stanley Cup Final Analysis 12:52 Coaching Changes and Future Prospects 14:33 Coaching Changes and Team Dynamics 17:15 Toronto Maple Leafs' Goalie Trade Dilemma 19:56 John Carlson's Future in the Eastern Conference 23:16 Predators Acquire Ross Colton: A Strategic Move 25:32 Looking Ahead: Draft and Free Agency Insights     Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  6. Jun 12

    Stanley Cup Final Update + Game 6 Preview (EP. 306)

    Nick and Mac are back to get you up to date on all the action from this crazy Stanley Cup Final. They get you ready for a pivotal game 6, discuss their Conn Smythe picks, and take a look at Carolina's goaltending situation. They also dive into the incredible atmospheres in both buildings, the Dylan Larkin trade request, and the Oilers insane move to try and hire Mike Babcock.    Chapters   00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates 02:58 QOTD - World Cup Fan Experience 05:49 Stanley Cup Finals Overview 11:51 Player Performances and Predictions 19:20 Controversial Goals and Officiating in Hockey 20:54 Stanley Cup Final Predictions 21:39 Dylan Larkin's Trade Request 26:47 Darnell Nurse's Situation in Edmonton 28:39 The Coaching Carousel: Mike Babcock and Others 34:29 Trivia Time: Game 7s in Stanley Cup History       Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  7. Jun 2

    Stanley Cup Final Preview (EP. 305)

    Its Stanley Cup Final time! Nick and Mac are back to get you set for the showdown between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Carolina Hurricanes. They start off the episode by naming five thing they would rather have happen than the Hurricanes winning the Cup, listing some of the greatest toys from their childhood, and the Finns capturing the World Championship in overtime. They also dive into the awkward situation with Bruce Cassidy and the Knights (sick band name), the goaltending matchup in the Cup Final, and the best storylines the series has to offer.   Chapters   00:00 Stanley Cup Final Preview 06:06 Nostalgia for Childhood Toys 11:54 Avalanche's Playoff Performance Discussion 16:58 Coaching Changes and Team Dynamics 20:54 The Cutthroat Nature of Professional Sports 23:48 Previewing the Stanley Cup Final 24:23 Analyzing Team Strengths and Weaknesses 28:04 Expectations for the Stanley Cup Final 29:59 Goaltending Matchup Insights 32:27 Storylines and Predictions for the Final 34:55 Trivia and Player Connections   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  8. May 27

    Knights & Canes Move Closer To Cup Final (EP. 304)

    In this episode, Nick and Mac dive into the shocking 3-0 series lead for Vegas over Colorado, the continued overtime magic of the Carolina Hurricanes, and the first Walter Cup for the Montreal Victoire. They also take a look at teams to have overcome the 3-0 deficit, Vegas leading the playoffs in just about every stat category, and Evgeni Malkin's return to the Pittsburgh Penguins for next season.   Chapters   00:00 Memorial Day Weekend Reflections 03:03 NHL Team Loyalty and Future Prospects 06:00 Malkin's Contract and PWHL Expansion 08:58 Team Naming Ideas for New PWHL Teams 11:57 Stanley Cup Odds and Playoff Insights 17:02 Vegas Knights' Resilience and Colorado's Struggles 21:54 Carter Hart's Impact and Team Dynamics 26:50 Montreal's Overtime Challenges and Game Strategy   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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4.8
out of 5
25 Ratings

About

Grab a seat and crack a cold one with Nick and Mac on Empty the Benches, the hockey podcast that doesn't hold back. Whether you're a diehard fan who's been watching since the '90s or just getting into the game, we've got you covered. We're diving deep into the NHL, NCAA, and beyond, with unfiltered takes and exclusive conversations with players, coaches, and everyone in between. If you live for the game, you've found your new weekly ritual.

Information

  • Creator
    Empty The Benches
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    311
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Empty The Benches
  • Show Website
    Empty The Benches