Empty The Benches
Sports
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.
Episodes
- 1st Round Recap & 2nd Round Preview (EP. 301)
Nick and Mackane dissect the first round of the NHL playoffs, offering insights on series outcomes, standout players, and upcoming second-round matchups. They provide analysis and predictions for the Stanley Cup race.
- Alan May (EP. 300)
In this 300th episode, Alan May shares his path to the NHL and his current role with the Caps broadcasting crew. The hosts also discuss the Stanley Cup Playoffs and past guests.
- Inside Caps Broadcasting with Katie Florio (EP. 299)
Katie Florio, Washington Capitals radio host and content director, joins the podcast to discuss her career transition from Clemson University to the AHL and her current role with the Capitals. She shares insights into her daily responsibil…
- Playoff Race with Chuckin' Fists (EP. 298)
Leo Calvo of Chuckin' Fists discusses the East and West playoff races, including the Penguins, Flyers, and Red Wings. The episode also covers Frozen Four matchups, the Washington Capitals, and the PWHL.
- Grace Outwater & Danica Maynard (EP. 297)
This episode features Penn State hockey players Grace Outwater and Danica Maynard, who discuss their season and paths to college hockey. The hosts also cover NCAA hockey tournaments, NHL team news, and a career change.
- Red Wings Round Up with Ryan Lott (EP. 296)
Ryan Lott joins Empty The Benches to analyze NHL playoff races and the Detroit Red Wings' postseason push. The discussion includes updates on Dylan Larkin, goaltending, prospects like Edvinson and Cossa, and predictions for the Stanley Cup.
- Cole Hutson Signs with the Caps (EP. 295)
In episode 295 of Empty The Benches, hosts Nick and Mac discuss the USA sled hockey team's gold medal, Cole Hutson's signing with the Capitals, and the 2028 World Cup of Hockey. They also speculate on the Capitals' future core and pose tri…
- Eva Erickson & Trade Deadline Recap (EP. 294)
This episode features a discussion on sports news including trade deadline reactions and hockey games. Eva Erickson, a hockey player and Survivor contestant, shares her experiences and how her sports background influenced her gameplay.
- Deadline Preview with Tyler Madarasz (EP. 293)
On the Empty the Benches podcast, Tyler Madarasz discusses the NHL trade deadline, focusing on team needs, player movements, and potential trades. The conversation covers the Toronto Maple Leafs' situation and insights on key players.
- USA Hockey Takes Gold In Milan (EP. 292)
In episode 292 of Empty The Benches, hosts Nick Mannella and Mackane Vogel celebrate the historic Olympic gold medal victories of both the USA men's and women's hockey teams. They analyze key moments, standout players, and the emotional si…
- Olympic Hockey Takes Center Stage (EP. 291)
Empty the Benches hosts Nick Mannella and Mackane Vogel recap Olympic hockey, discussing the U.S. women's team's performance, previewing the U.S. men's team, and comparing the U.S. and Canadian teams. The episode also covers the evolution…
- Hockey Valley Weekend Recap feat. Dave Stark (EP. 290)
Nick and Mac, joined by Dave Stark, recap hockey events in Pennsylvania, including the Working in Hockey event and the Penn State vs. Michigan State outdoor game. They also discuss hockey news and the Beanpot championship.
- What's Wrong With The Capitals? (EP. 289)
Nick and Mac recap adventures at the AHL Outdoor Classic and analyze the Washington Capitals' performance. They discuss NHL trade news, a controversial gesture by Willy Nylander, college hockey, and conclude with Olympic hockey trivia.
- Andersson & Sherwood Traded (EP. 288)
In episode 288 of Empty the Benches, hosts Nick and Mac cover the AHL outdoor game, NHL trades like Andersson & Sherwood, the success of women's hockey, the Capitals' performance, and NHL trivia.
- Tampa Bay Wins Eleventh Straight (EP. 287)
In this episode of Empty the Benches, hosts Nick and Mac cover NHL news, focusing on the Tampa Bay Lightning's winning streak, Sergei Fedorov's retirement ceremony, and the New York Rangers' difficulties. They also touch on the Washington…
- Auston Matthews Passes Mats Sundin (EP. 286)
Empty The Benches episode 286 discusses Auston Matthews surpassing Mats Sundin, the Winter Classic, World Juniors, NHL standings for the Capitals and Rangers, and college hockey. The hosts also touch on player personalities and injury impa…
- World Juniors In Full Swing (EP. 285)
In episode 285 of Empty The Benches, hosts Nick and Mac review 2023 music highlights, share holiday experiences, and analyze the NHL landscape including trades and team performance. They also discuss the World Juniors, predict Olympic rost…
- Quinn Hughes Traded To Minnesota (EP. 284)
In episode 284 of Empty The Benches, hosts Nick and Mac discuss the trade of Quinn Hughes to Minnesota, analyze various NHL trades and team decisions, and share thoughts on the US Women's National Team and NHL 26 game improvements. The epi…
- Quinn Hughes Rumors Heat Up (EP. 283)
This episode of Empty the Benches covers hockey topics including potential EBUG candidates, Quinn Hughes trade rumors, the Colorado Avalanche's performance, and a Jacob Trouba hit on Ryan Leonard. The hosts also recap the week's games and…
- The Hawks Are Back In Black (EP. 282)
In EP. 282 of Empty The Benches, hosts Nick and Mac recap their weekend, discuss NHL team gratitude, Olympic hockey concerns, Tage Thompson's performance, and the Washington Capitals. They also answer listener questions and cover NCAA hock…
- Chychrun Extends Point Streak (EP. 281)
Nick and Mac discuss hockey experiences in Berlin, Thanksgiving food, NHL player insights including Rantanen and JT Miller, Olympic roster speculation, the Canucks and Capitals, and college hockey rankings. The episode also includes trivia…
- Adrian Kempe Gets Paid (EP. 280)
In episode 280 of Empty the Benches, hosts Nick Mannella and Nick Bowins discuss fantasy hockey, Adrian Kempe's contract extension, Miko Rantanen's ejection, NHL injuries, and the Heart Trophy race, concluding with a trivia segment.
- Michigan State Stays On Top (EP. 279)
In episode 279 of Empty the Benches, hosts Nick Mannella and Nick Bowins cover various hockey topics. They discuss Hall of Fame inductees, college hockey, NHL goaltending, Olympic jerseys, the Anaheim Ducks, the Toronto Maple Leafs, and th…
- The Devils in the Details (EP. 278)
In episode 278 of Empty The Benches, hosts Nick and Mac return with a question of the day and a new 'Empty The Mailbox' segment. They recap the Washington Capitals' recent struggles and discuss other NHL topics.
- Harley & Cooley Extended + Frozen Frenzy Recap (EP. 277)
Nick Mannella and Mackane Vogel recap their Milwaukee and Chicago trips, including a Blackhawks game and trivia event. They discuss NHL player extensions, team performances (Dallas Stars, Washington Capitals), and the NHL's Frozen Frenzy.
- The Rotten Big Apple (EP. 276)
In episode 276 of Empty The Benches, hosts Nick and Mac preview their upcoming event at Elwoods. They also discuss the NHL game schedule, provide team predictions, and review recent performances of the Capitals, Canadiens, Rangers, Sabres,…
- NHL First Week Recap (EP. 275)
This episode recaps the NHL's first week, covering the season's return, fantasy drafts, player contracts, team performance, and an analysis of new NHL jersey designs.
- NHL Metro Division Preview feat. Mike Vogel (EP. 274)
Nick and Mac from Empty the Benches, joined by Mike Vogel, provide a comprehensive preview of the NHL's Metropolitan Division. They analyze each team's outlook for the upcoming season, including strengths, weaknesses, player movements, and…
- NHL Atlantic Division Preview (EP. 273)
Nick and Mac preview the NHL Atlantic Division, discussing team prospects, injuries, and player performances for each team. They offer predictions for playoff spots and division winners, highlighting the challenges and opportunities ahead.
- NHL Pacific Division Preview (EP. 272)
Nick, Mac, and Anders preview the NHL Pacific Division, covering team offseason moves, key players, and expectations. The episode analyzes the Ducks, Flames, Oilers, Kings, Sharks, Kraken, Golden Knights, and Canucks, offering predictions…
- NHL Central Division Preview (EP. 271)
Nick and Mac preview the NHL Central Division teams, analyzing the Blackhawks, Avalanche, Stars, Wild, Predators, Blues, and Jets. They discuss team prospects, player potential, and season expectations, including thoughts on Jonathan Toews.
- NHL Grab Bag (EP. 270)
In episode 270 of Empty The Benches, hosts Nick and Mac review recent NHL news, covering the Capitals' and Red Wings' new alternate sweaters, the Rangers appointing a new captain, and comments from a notable Canadian defenseman.
- Cup Champ Cats (EP. 269)
This episode of Empty The Benches, titled Cup Champ Cats (EP. 269), provides links to the full podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, as well as social media channels like Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok.
- Panthers One Win Away (EP. 268)
This episode of Empty The Benches, titled Panthers One Win Away (EP. 268), provides links to the podcast on various platforms including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, as well as social media channels like Instagram and Twitter. The descriptio…
- Stanley Cup Final Preview (EP. 267)
This episode previews the Stanley Cup Final rematch between the Oilers and Panthers. The hosts discuss coach DeBoer's comments on his goaltender, an incident in the handshake line, and debate potential Conn Smythe award winners.
- Panthers and Stars Advance + Conference Final Preview (EP. 266)
In EP. 266 of Empty The Benches, the hosts recap the second round of the playoffs, discussing the Stars' overtime win and the Panthers' advancement. The episode also includes a debate on throwing jerseys on the ice and a preview of the con…
- Canes Push Caps To The Brink (EP. 265)
This episode discusses the second round of the NHL playoffs, focusing on the Hurricanes
- Wilson & The Caps Even The Series (EP. 264)
In episode 264 of Empty The Benches, the hosts discuss the initial games of the Stanley Cup Playoffs second round. They cover the Capitals victory against the Hurricanes, the Oilers winning two games in Vegas, and Mikko Rantanen's performa…
- Game 7 Insanity + Second Round Preview (EP. 263)
This episode covers the conclusion of two intense game 7s, highlighting key player performances and analyzing where each series was won or lost. It also provides a preview of the upcoming second-round matchups in the playoffs.
- Ovechkin & Wilson Power Caps Past Habs (EP. 262)
The podcast recaps NHL playoff series outcomes, including Florida grounding Tampa Bay, Carolina's win over Jersey, Toronto's victory against Ottawa, and Washington's defeat of Montreal. The hosts also touch upon the recent offseasons of th…
- Comeback Oilers Do It Again (EP. 261)
Episode 261 of Empty The Benches covers the Oilers' comeback victory, Tom Wilson's hit, a dramatic Lightning/Panthers game, and goaltending matchups for the playoffs. The hosts also reviewed the St. Louis Blues' home wins and the LA Kings'…
- Landeskog Returns In Colorado (EP. 260)
Gabe Landeskog’s return to play is covered, along with Toronto’s overtime wins and Minnesota’s home victory. The Blues’ statement win against the Jets and the Lightning’s continued difficulties versus the Panthers are also discussed.
- Ovechkin Scores First Playoff OT Goal (EP. 259)
Episode 259 recaps playoff series, discusses Alex Ovechkin's first playoff overtime goal, and reviews recent games including the Battle of Ontario and the Carolina Hurricanes' performance.
- Eastern Conference Playoff Preview (EP. 258)
This episode previews the Eastern Conference playoff matchups: Carolina Hurricanes vs. New Jersey Devils, Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers, Washington Capitals vs. Montreal Canadiens, and Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Ottawa Senators.
- Western Conference Playoff Preview (EP. 257)
Episode 257 of Empty The Benches previews the 2025 Stanley Cup Western Conference Playoffs. The hosts discuss matchups including the Winnipeg Jets vs. St. Louis Blues, Dallas Stars vs. Colorado Avalanche, Los Angeles Kings vs. Edmonton Oil…
- Ovechkin Breaks Gretzky's Record (EP. 256)
Episode 256 of Empty The Benches discusses Alex Ovechkin breaking Wayne Gretzky's record. The episode provides links to the full podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and social media channels for Empty Betters.
- Ryan Leonard Makes Caps Debut (EP. 255)
This episode of Empty The Benches reviews Alex Ovechkin nearing an NHL goal record and John Tortorella's firing. It also highlights Ryan Leonard's Capitals debut, other player news, and previews of college hockey matchups.
- Caps Extend Jakob Chychrun + Frozen Four Preview with Jonny Lazarus (EP. 254)
This episode previews the Frozen Four, discusses Jakob Chychrun's contract extension with the Capitals, Pat Maroon's retirement, and recaps the NCAA Women's National Championship. It also covers NHL records and controversial calls.
- Wild Card Race Update + Pat Geary (EP. 253)
The latest NHL news is discussed, including Miro Heiskanen’s potential absence, Adin Hill’s contract extension, and upcoming games in Sweden. The episode also covers player frustrations, injury updates, and the ongoing wildcard playoff rac…
- The Race for the Playoffs (EP. 252)
This episode covers Aaron Ekblad's suspension and its effect on the Panthers' playoff chances. It also highlights milestones for Alex Ovechkin and Nathan MacKinnon, the performance of Aliaksei Protas, and the Carolina Hurricanes' offseason…