In the Corners Podcast

In the Corners Podcast


In The Corners Episode #85: Memorial Day Mash-Up

May 26, 2020

On this edition of the In The Corners Podcast, analytics wiz Sean O’Brien joins C.C. Hawkley again to talk NHL, AHL, and ECHL on Memorial Day!
INTRO

* C.C. asks Sean why he’s in New Jersey, his planned wedding, and any new projects he’s tackled in the three weeks since the last show
* C.C. also shares his most recent article that has direct ties to Sean (7:45)

NHL 24-TEAM PLAYOFFS?
Sean and C.C. briefly touch on the NHL & NHLPA contemplating a 24-team playoff format (11:15)
PLAYER CALL-UP PROJECT
Sean touches on his most recent pet project -- what factors contribute to players from the SPHL, ECHL, and AHL getting called up to the next level (18:50)
WHERE ARE PRO COACHES COMING FROM?
C.C. also asks Sean about another data compilation -- does the professional coaching road always go through the lower minor leagues? (26:40)
AHL END-OF-SEASON AWARDS AND PREDICTIONS

* Coach of the Year: Karl Taylor (40:00)
* All-Rookie Team (45:15)
* First and Second All-Star Teams (51:05)
* Prediction: Aldege “Baz” Bastien Memorial Award for Best Goaltender (56:15)
* Prediction: Eddie Shore Award for Best Defenseman (58:20)
* Prediction: Dudley “Red” Garrett Memorial Award for Rookie of the Year (1:03:50)
* Prediction: Les Cunningham Most Valuable Player (1:06:15)

AHL “WHAT IF?” PLAYOFF PICKS
C.C. and The Sin Bin’s Toronto Marlies correspondent Zack Power compiled a “What If?” first round of the hypothetical 2020 Calder Cup Playoffs for both the Eastern and Western Conferences. Sean throws in picks from his own projection model, as well (1:09:15)
ECHL NEWS & NOTES

* Home schedule releases...too soon, or good for giving fans hope? (1:25:25)
* Spire Sports + Entertainment acquires majority stake in Rapid City and Greenville after raising eyebrows in the motorsports world (1:28:30)

QUIZ TIME FOR C.C.
Sean wraps the show up with a unique quiz for C.C. called Eagles, Eagles, and Legals -- did the person named play for the Colorado Eagles, Philadelphia Eagles, or was on a law-based TV Show? (1:36:30)