NHL podcast with Len Shapiro: Stadium Series gets TV ratings boost from outdoor games; Canes Andersen is on the way back from blood clotting; plus more news

TV ratings were up 21% at the Met Life East Rutherford in the NHL Navy Federal Credit Union Stadium Series on Sat Feb 17 with the Philadelphia Flyers vs. the New Jersey Devils and on Sun Feb 18 New York Rangers vs. New York Islanders (AP News photo)

On the NHL podcast with Len:

#1 Len, the NHL Stadium Series with the Philadelphia Flyers and New Jersey Devils on Sat 17th and the New York Rangers and New York Islanders Sun 18th were big hits at Met Life Stadium in East Rutherford. Both games combined for 150,000 fans and the TV rating were up 21% from last season’s Stadium Series. ABC TV had 1.37 million viewers and 449,000 in the 18-49 demographic.

#2 Len talk about the Toronto Maple Leafs Austin Matthews he’s been unstoppable on Wednesday night he scored his 50th and 51st goals of the season in 54 games. Matthews also has 24 assists and a total of 75 points. San Ramon’s very own Matthews was born in your neck of the woods Contra Costa County.

#3 The Chicago Blackhawks Connor Bedard is a big fan of the Detroit Red Wings Patrick Kane for the first time this season. Bedard who will face Kane who has won the Stanley Cup three times and looks at it as a challenge and an honor to face one of the best former Blackhawks in history. Face off between the two teams at the United Center in Chicago is Sunday at 6:00pm ET/3:00pm PT.

#4 The Philadelphia Flyers after winning three straight games dropped their next two one to the Toronto Maple Leafs and the second to the New Jersey Devils. Flyers head coach John Tortorella was barking at his players during the Monday morning skate “not enough” and said he wanted “more from everybody” and it looked like it worked as the Flyers who took on the Blackhawks on Wednesday night and played a much tighter game and getting the win 3-1.

#5 The Toronto Maple Leafs and the Edmonton Oilers have expressed interest in a possible trade for the San Jose Sharks center Luke Kunin and defenseman Mario Ferraro. Ferraro is in the third year of his four year $13 million contract and Kunin is under team control and would be a restricted free agent after this season. The Sharks would get a first rounder from either club.

Join Len Shapiro for the NHL podcast Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NHL podcast with Len Shapiro: Sens Norris scores goal in first game since Jan 21st; Jets Vilardi out with knee injury; plus more NHL news

The Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Chad Ruhwedel (2) pushes the Ottawa Senators center Josh Norris (9) on Wed Jan 18, 2023 at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa. Norris had been out of action since Jan 21, 2023 due to a shoulder injury. Norris returned to action Wed Oct 18, 2023 against the Washington Capitals and scored a goal in the contest. (The Canadian Press via AP photo)

On the NHL podcast with Len Shapiro:

#1 Ottawa Senators center Josh Norris made his season debut Wednesday night at the Canadian Tire Center. Norris played in his first game since Jan 21 Norris had tweaked his shoulder just one week before training camp started. Norris had missed 90 games because of shoulder injuries.

#2 The Winnipeg Jets center Gabriel Vilardi is expected to be out four to six weeks due to a MCL in his right knee. Vilardi doesn’t need surgery and Jets head coach Rick Bowness said he’s glad that would have put Vilardi out for awhile and that this was the best case scenario.

#3 Len talk about the shot that Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Fredrik Andersen right between the eyes off the mask that took him out of the game from a San Jose Sharks Mario Ferraro shot in the first period on Tuesday night. Antti Raanta replaced Andersen. The Hurricanes called up Pyotr Kochetkov from their Syracuse AHL affiliate.

#4 The Nashville Predators defenseman Luke Schenn will miss four to six weeks due to a lower body injury. Schenn has been out of action since Oct 10th the Preds opening night when they lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-3. Schenn leads the Predators in defense with four hits and one blocked shot.

#5 The NHL Heritage Classic this Oct 29th will mark the 20th outdoor game between the Edmonton Oilers and the Calgary Flames. The game will be held at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton. Commonwealth holds 57,000 fans. Two refrigeration trucks are helping getting the ice installed. The trucks traveled from Ontario to Edmonton.

Join Len Shapiro for the NHL podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com