Mike Benton's special Kraken This Morning podcast with Coachella Valley Firebirds broadcast voice Evan Pivnick and Kraken color analyst Al Kinisky, ahead of game 1 of the Calder Cup Finals between the Firebirds and Hershey Bears, opening up tonight at 4pm PT on SportsRadio 950 KJR-AM.
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(00:00):
Barkoff here, Rodriguez parkoff at frontalone shot any scores, park Off makes
it four to one. Panthers withfour to twenty, Sid dropped off four
McCloud and Fron McDavid a chance leftcircle walks in trying to dance at the
final seconds tick away, and thePanthers take Game three by a four to
(00:22):
three final score. The Panthers leavethe Stanley Cup Final three games to none.
Welcome to Kraken this morning, apresentation of the Kraken Audio Network,
Ken Sports Radio ninety three point threekJ r FM. Here's Mike Benton.
Those calls courtesy Doug Plagans and theFlorida Panthers Radio Network. Glad to have
(00:42):
you along here for a special crackin this morning. Mike Benton with you.
That's what's happening right now when theStanley Cup Final as of Florida Panthers
are putting on a clinic looking forthe first sweep in the Stanley Cup Finals
since nineteen ninety eight, when theRed Wings knocked off the Washington Capitals.
Edmonton trailing the series three games tonothing, the Panthers trying to win the
(01:03):
Cup in Edmonton's building, Game fourtomorrow night. The Cup will be in
the house. Will have coverage,by the way, for the national coverage
side opening up four thirty Saturday PMright here ninety three point three KJRFM.
Tune in for that as well.The Panther is getting it done with experience,
depth and grit, shutting down ConnorMcDavid and Leon Dreich title who have
(01:26):
a combined three assists so far inthe first three games, and the Oiler
power play has completely short circuited ohof thirteen so far in the first three
games of this Stanley Cup Final.The Coachella Valley Firebirds also trying to follow
suit with what the Panthers are doingat the American Hockey League level. And
(01:47):
now Fleury gets it back right circle. He was it front for short than
score Devin short the bottom of thecrease muscles at past grow snick another powered
play goal Ben the Firebirds late.That's the last time the Firebirds have played
hockey six days ago. That callcourtesy Evan Pivnick one O six point nine
the Eagle in coach Shell of Valleyas a Firebirds getting set for Game one
(02:12):
of the Calder Cup Finals tonight.Reason why we've got this special drop here
for you. You can find usby the way anytime on demand for Cracking
This Morning and other podcast courtesy atthe Crack and Audio Network. Simply sign
up for free to get it bysubscribing via the iHeartRadio app or sign up
ninety three to three kjar dot com. We got a special conversation coming your
(02:32):
way here as Evan Pivnik will bealong with us game one tonight of the
Calder Cup Finals, opening up inHershey four pm Pacific time. We'll find
out how close Shane Wrai is togetting back into the lineup he hasn't played
since their playoff series against the OntarioRain back in their third round best of
five series. And what does achampionship run mean for Dan Bilesma and for
(02:57):
coach Shell of Valley. Al Kaniskiwill also be a long to break all
this down our color analyst extraordinaire onthe Emerald Queen Casino Kraken Audio Network,
plus where the Kraken may be headedhere for a free agency or the trade
market as we get closer and closerto draft time and Hot Stove season with
Coachelle Valley. The topic of conversationtoday great time here to remind you,
(03:20):
the entire Calder Cup Finals will becarried live on air here in Seattle.
Join coverage via Sports Radio nine fiftyKJR. Again to remind you, Sports
Radio nine fifty KJR will have coverageevery game of the Colder Cup Finals between
the Coachelle Valley Firebirds and the HersheyBears. That gets going today four pm
(03:43):
Pacific underway at Giant Center in Hershey. A two three to two series.
It will come to Coachelle Valley beginningfor game number three. For more information,
By the way, check out ninetythree to three kjar on X and
Instagram for the entire broadcast. Sothe Firebirds, Yes, let's talk about
the Firebirds one round away from achampionship to send Dan Bielesma back into the
(04:08):
NHL as the incoming crack and headcoach with an AHL Calder Cup ring who
could be joining him at the nextlevel next season with championship experience. Evan
Pivnick's got more on this. So. By the way, Everta Fitzi was
joining him out there for coverage onthe crack Inside Bowling Green State buddies certainly
never drift apart too far yep,we can certainly confirm that anyway. All
(04:30):
kidding aside, there's our conversation withEvan Pivnick coachell Le Valley getting set for
Game one of the Calder Cup Finals, heard on the radio side all season
long outs in the Palm Desert areaone oh six nine The Eagle. By
the way, coverage also coming todayfor Game one of the Calder Cup Finals
on the Sports radio nine to fiftyKJAR here in Seattle. Pivnick's voice will
(04:51):
be heard all across those airwaves herefor the duration of this series. Evan,
my man, thank you again fordoing this. Busy times, crazy
times, fun times out there forthe series to begin in Hershey. But
what do you remember about last yearand the feel of this year so far
in this playoff? Fron been quitebusy, right, Yeah, you know,
(05:12):
it's funny we went we were inMilwaukee a couple of weeks ago.
That's the same team that we sawon the Western Conference Final last year,
and it felt like we were therefour months ago. It was over a
year ago, and the same thinghere in Hershey. It feels like,
you know, it feels like wehardly left. So yeah, it's cool
to get back to it, andthen we're obviously very excited to be in
the position we're in, especially witha bunch of days off and now we're
(05:35):
ready to go for Game one.They're going to really savage the off season
no matter what. Right, Yeah, I know it's funny because you want
to be able to have some timeoff, But at the same time,
when you when you play so late, it's usually a good thing, So
you know, you take the prosand cons of it. I got a
privilege here, Well, walk methrough this. Coachella travels out early.
(05:56):
The side of Game one was TBDuntil Wednesday night. But Hershey wins and
all's taken care of, So whyget out so early. I think it's
a logistically, I think it waseasier for us to fly east than it
was back west. You know,we came right from Milwaukee after Game five,
so there was a chance where ifwe won on the Saturday night,
(06:21):
and if Hershey won on that sameSaturday night, then we'd start the series
a little bit earlier. So wewere kind of waiting on that, and
then I think, you know,it just got to the point where,
you know, we just wanted tobe acclimated. We wanted to be ready
to go if need be. Ifyou know, we had to fly back
to California, we'd have to flyback to California, and man, it's
kind of the way it would be. But I ended up working out now
(06:41):
that we're we're all set. We'reon the Eastern time and we're kind of
ready for it. And you know, the team has been sitting around waiting
to see the air oponent and theygot to watch a pretty great series on
the Eastern East side of things,So uh, you know, that's kind
of the reason for being out.It's kind of the logistical side of it,
and you know, I think itkind of looked a little bit more
(07:03):
a little bit more than it actuallywas. But you know, we're we're
we're excited to get going. Sohere's the logistics question for those who aren't
familiar with this. On a yearto your basis how packed is your suitcase
and how much laundry as well?Laundry is big on this trip. I
(07:24):
think the decision to go straight toHershey was made when we were already on
the road, so we kind ofhad a work with who we have.
I have one suit on this tripand now have to span the total of
five games. Luckily have three orfour dressers, but we were able to
do some laundry in Milwaukee. Ithink I might do it on a little
(07:45):
laundry probably today or tomorrow, soit'll be all it'll be all good.
Luckily, you know that's where theyhave washer and drivers. We can call
that the lucky suit. Now,I think at this point, well back
now on the Calder Cup finals andthis time at Dan Bilesma's last then the
NHL comes calling Evan how important isa championship for him and for Palm Desert.
(08:09):
Well, you know you heard himsay it during his press conference in
Seattle. It's everything to him,is this is what he wants to do.
This is what he's wanted to dosince day one coming to the fire
Birds. And I think the waythe season ended last year, although how
great of the season it was,and it was, it was great,
and you know, I think there'sthe bitter taste in everyone's mouth after losing
(08:30):
in overtime in Game seven, isit's tough to kind of settle down to
the end of the season be like, yeah, we had a great year,
when you know you were abouts awayfrom winning the entire thing. But
now the expectation was to get backright to where they were, and you
know, it's not an easy path, and they were able to navigate it
and win the division and get amuch easier road to the Calder Cup Final
(08:52):
than it was last year, whichis I think everyone is pretty happy about
playing twelve games instead of nineteen gamesget to this point. But yeah,
I think it's everything for for Danand I think for him to leave his
legacy on the first two years ofthe fire Birds organization with Western Conference championships
back to back his great feed.But I think to have a have a
(09:13):
title in that saying is also alsokey for him. How much does unfinished
business apply to how this team seesthis series. I think there's a lot
of unfinished business. And you know, there's a good group of guys who
were who were here last year,went through the whole thing, and and
I think last year is a littlebit more of a grind. And I
(09:35):
kind of I said it before inmy last answer, is it took so
much blood, sweat and tears toget to the point of Game one in
the Calder Cup Final. And thenthe Bears are kind of in a way
what we were this year, whereyou know, they played less games,
they had a little bit of aneasier way to get there. And you
(09:56):
know, we're looking at the timeoff as a privilege. You know,
we're able to have I think twentyeight days combined between series this year.
That's almost a month without playing,without playing a game while you're waiting around
for your next opponent. So you'reyou're in a pretty good shape if you
had that rest. So I thinkguys are just kind of using that as
a weapon and everyone's staying even evenKield and anything. Dan and his coaching
(10:20):
staff have done a great job ofbeing able to get the best compete out
of everyone in those times while they'rewaiting. Devin Shore is contributing top of
the list right now as far asscoring, Andrew Potterowski is back, Cole
Lynd is back, christ Rieger inthat Kale flurry on the back end.
How does the veteran group matter inthis playoff run? But also Evan,
(10:41):
where's the young core with their gameheading into the finals? Oh, I
think the veteran group right now iseverything to this team. We look at
the most probably the most dominant linein the Milwaukee series is John Hayden,
Devin Show and Marian Stid and eachguys who have all played a lot of
NHL games and actually a lot ofa lot of games in total and pro
(11:03):
hockey. But you know, that'sa line that has really taken the Firebirds
through a whole different level. It'ssomething they didn't have last year, was
a dynamic veteran line like that.And they still have the top line of
h Cole and Andrew Potterowski, MaxMcCormick and you know, those guys have
gotten the job done. But Ithink it's more of a deeper way of
(11:24):
everything. Everyone's doing their job,and I think that's the biggest thing.
When it comes to the young guys. Jacob Mlonson is causing some some havoc,
I guess would be my best wayto put it. Ryan Winterton's played
well, especially on the penalty killLogan Morrison has done his job as well.
And hopefully Shane, like Shane right, will be back soon, hopefully
for his lower body injury that hesustained back in the Pacific Division finals.
(11:48):
So everyone's doing their jobs. Youmentioned Cale Flurry and and those guys in
the back end, and it's justa veteran group who stop Allison along with
Connor Carrick and you know Chris Readerbetween the fights, and I think Dries
is playing the best talking of hiscareer right now, and he's just so
locked in and so calm, cooland collected that I think that swagger that
he brings rubs off on everyone.Evan, what do you think about the
(12:11):
chances of Shane Rei coming back hereend of the finals. I think the
chances are pretty good. He's beenskating with the team and participating in everything.
It's just kind of a matter of, uh, you know, all
the things have to align properly.But you know, it's it's something that
I think for sure that he'll he'llhe'll be I think he'll be back in
the lineup at some point, butyou know, obviously it's it's a it's
(12:35):
a Seattle kind of opinion, andand you know it's these are important games
that are gonna see a lot ofphysicality, so you know, you want
to make sure that he's a backin the lineup at the right time.
Well, the Bears have Todd Nelson, Washington Capital's backing like the Firebirds have
from the Kraken and looking to defendtheir title. They have veterans as well,
(12:56):
Hendrix Lapierre leading the back with scoring. So what can certain of Firebirds
oven the most with what Hershey brings. I think Hershey is you know,
their goaltender, Hunter Shepherd is oneof the top goaltenders in the AHL.
He's had a great team in frontof him this year. They are dynamic
off the rush, that's where theyscore a lot of goals. They have
(13:18):
a great power play as well,So I think staying out of the palty
box is huge for the Firebirds.There are County kills has been okay during
the postseason, but they've done agood job of being disciplined, which has
been the biggest thing. And Ithink when you you look at Hershey Bears
right now, they're a team that'sgoing through a lot of injuries, and
you know that's They're coming off ofthis seven game thriller against the Cleveland Monsters,
(13:41):
where I'm sure that took a lotout of everyone emotionally. It's defin
when you go up three games tonone and the team battles back against you
and you in game standard overtime,that's that's something you just walk away from.
Cleanland and you know it's only aforty eight hour a turnover for the
for the Bears getting into this seriesand getting ready for this series. So
interesting to see how they come outin Game one, especially against the Firebirds
(14:03):
on their home ice four pm todayfor Game one, of course, heard
here in Seattle courtesy Sports Radio ninefifty KJR. Haven't you got an NHL
colleague and a bowling green buddy alsojoining you out there for coverage on the
crack inside ever it fits you,Pipp did you compel fish to pack orange
and brown here for this trip?I'm sure he has some with him.
(14:24):
I don't think I have to compelhim to do anything like that. That
all blended. He's excited to getout here, so he's he's ready to
bring some brown and orange to chocolatethem. Looking forward to it here.
I will look forward to his coverageas well. But hey, have a
(14:45):
great call, my man. We'llcatch you around to the bend here not
too far from now. But appreciateyou have a great show and we'll talk
to you soon. Ago Evan onceagain, Game one of the Calder Cup
Finals under way tonight. Evan Pevnicksgot call you can hear that, by
the way, locally here in thePuget Sound area. On Sports Radio nine
fifty Kjar again opening face off fromher she have four pm Pacific. More
(15:11):
on the Firebirds, more on themeaning for Dan Bilsma and where a kraken
could be headed, especially with morechanges behind the bench, Jay Leach out
only two holdovers remain now and SteveBrere the goaltending coach and Dave Lowry associate
coach. With Dan Bilsma coming in. Where the crack can go from here?
Our conversation with Krack and color analystAlkaniski. All right, Evan Pivnik
(15:33):
is getting ready here for the call. Al Kaniski is getting ready for a
barbecue. I presume once again NetPlus our draft show with him evera fits
you getting closer and closer on draftday, but first called her Cup Finals
Stanley Cup Final as well. Greatto have big Al joining us once again.
Radio color analyst on the Emerald QueenCasino Cracking Audio Network, Al,
(15:56):
Hello, what are you smoking moreof these days? Means in the backyard
or the goal of breaking andy onthe golf course? You know what?
You know? Me? Well?I think both are true. I go
back and forth between smoking meat,making beef jerky, grilling salmon, which
is fantastic this time of year,and then heading out to the course trying
to You said, break Adie,that's very generous. I'll say break ninety.
(16:18):
I know, at least for sure, if I'm even doing about probably
half the job you're doing on thegrill, I'm living pretty well. And
then the golf course, I'm gettingbeaten up as well too well. Both
are fun, both are experiences,and you learn from both at every turn.
Life as a journey, isn't thatwell Coachella Valley and Hershey again,
(16:41):
what does this matter more for DanBiosma or the young class ready to break
through in the NHL. Oh,I've got to believe it matters more for
the young class. And I saythat with nothing but respect for Dan Biosma.
But you know, having won aStanley Cup, this is just a
strengthen her or his resume. Butyou've got so many kids on that team
(17:03):
that have not won at this levelyet that it would impact their careers so
much to get this victory. Iput it a slight edge to the youngsters.
Evan pev Nick's saying that we couldbe seeing Shane right back maybe in
this series, but it's still TBD. So really, aside from him,
who's the player you want to watchin the series. Well, I mean
(17:25):
that they've got so many deep candidatesof talent on the team, and you
know, comparing with's going on inthe NHL right now, with the struggles
of Edmonton scoring, I have tosay I got to look to the blue
line, and obviously Riker Evans isback with the team and he's going to
be playing a big role with them, goaltending indriguer. It starts from the
(17:45):
from the blue paint out, Ithink for any championship team, and I
think Coachell is no different. Howmuch are you convinced that with a season
like Riker Evans has had, thathe's ready for a full time role and
I mean they're there's no way oftaking him out of the lineup for this
next season. Oh, I thinkI think it's it's a given. You
know, he he stayed healthy throughthe summer. He you know, does
(18:08):
what every player does in the offseason, which is, you know, you
let your body heal for a littlebit, but then you get right back
on the horse. You get faster, stronger, better, you get to
that NHL level as best you can. You come to camp in top form,
you stand out in camp as atop defenseman, and I think from
there there's no question that that he'she's staying in Seattle. See. I
(18:30):
also can't help but think out beneficialthis is here for the young class that's
in Coachelle, especially for players whohave been here now for two years,
and how runs like this can bebeneficial. And yet you want to have
your body heel. You want tolengthy summer here to get that done.
But I think nothing says success anda long term path to success in getting
(18:52):
players used to success in the AHL. AL What about you? Yeah,
I agree. I think that youknow when you when you have the fortune
to be on a team that ishaving success like Coachella has, that has
a deep roster of players, it'sonly making you better as an individual,
it's only preparing you more for theNHL. Yeah, you could be on
(19:17):
a bottom team and play a lot, but you're not necessarily getting to play
with that top skill that that teamof players where there's a large handful of
guys that will get opportunities in theNHL. I think having that opportunity to
play alongside with the side of theguys with that much talent only prepares you
better for the next level. Let'stalk coaching update here, j Leech moving
(19:41):
on this week to the Boston Bruinsgoing back home assistant coach under now Jim
Montgomery. So presuming there are nowtwo spots up and on the Craken bench,
what does this mean for the coachingsearch now and do you think experience
or a fresh approach is a biggerpriority? Oh geez. I always think
you have to have a balance,you know, and obviously Biles might has
(20:04):
got that experience that you're looking for. I think that you always want to
be developing your up and coming coaches, that's what Coachella is for. But
you can also look outside of yourown organization and bring somebody in as well.
So I think that there has tobe a mix, a balance of
both experience and up and comers.From a coaching standpoint, you also want
(20:26):
people that fit well in the lockerroom, that give give the locker room
and the players something that you,as the head coach, thinks they need.
So you know, yes, youhave to have buy in, but
at the same time, lots ofdifferent coaches coach it with different styles,
with different approaches, and I thinkhaving a good mix in that area is
(20:48):
positive as well. What do youthink it says about the potential of either
Jessica Campbell who worked with the Fordsand the power play in Coachella Valley or
Stu Bickle with a defenseman and whatkind of shot they have here down the
road. Yeah, I think withboth Jay and Jay Leach and Paul mcfront
and moving on, there are opportunitiesfor both those individuals at the NHL level.
(21:10):
I think that the question is doyou bring them both at the same
time? Do you bring them oneat a time? Do you do you
try and keep that balance of youknow, experience with with youth. I
believe Lowery is going to be stickingaround, so you know, he'll have
the penalty kill. She's obviously aguy with that experience as well. So
(21:33):
you could end up with, youknow, two people in in Lari and
uh and Balsma that have lots ofexperience alongside of potentially two younger coaches that
are up and coming, and Ithink that would be an okay scenario as
well. Stanley Cup finally continuing throughEdmonton. Then once a champion is crown,
we got the draft and we gotfree agency. Has your mind changed
(21:56):
on what the crack and have todo for an offensive upgrade? Now?
Yeah, it's interesting because you know, we thought, certainly over the majority
of the season, at different partsof the season, you know, stronger
about offense, and I think weended the season that way that this team
has to be able to generate moreoffense coming into the next season, and
(22:18):
well, how do you do that? You know, drafting for offense that's
a tough one because unless you're talkingabout a high first round draft pick,
even if it's a uh A topoffensive player in the second or third round,
you're probably not seeing them for afew years. I don't think anybody
wants to wait a few years tosee goals in the net, you know,
(22:40):
with it kind of pledge Arenas.So I think you've got to think
about the standpoint of again, andI hate to be repetitive, but you've
got you've got to have balance.You've got to think about, you know,
what's going on in your blue line, what's going on in your net.
It's always great to have more offense, but you're not going to see
that offense for a few years.So you know, there's also the thought
of around, you know, assets, because those at the end of the
(23:03):
day, that's what you've got.You've got assets, and that could play
into a trade for another team,for somebody that can put the pucket in
the net this season rather than threeseasons from now. So it's a mixture.
But you know, if you're ifyou're putting the thumb on me,
I'm always going to lean towards offenseright now because that's the big hole.
Where's the more attractive source to getthat right now? Trade or free agency?
(23:29):
I think trade. I don't knowthat the free agency market is going
to be as strong this year asit's been in past years. I could
be wrong, but I think Ithink you've got to be talking to you
know, thirty one other gms andtrying to find out, you know,
what they're looking for, what theywould want from you, for you to
get what you need and look therefirst. At the same time, you
(23:52):
know, free agency is kind ofa wild card. You never know what's
going to come up there, what'sgoing to be available, so you can't
turn a blind eye to it.But I would think it would come from
a trade rather than free agency.We can start with Marty Natchis, whose
name has been floated out there asfar as a potential player to be moved,
and that might cost a pretty penny. But I have to wait and
see as far as if he getsmoved in how much cost is going to
(24:14):
be going into that. Al,thank you so much. May your scores
be low and the temperatures on thegrilling meets be high. Thanks An,
there you go, all right?Thanks Mikey be yep. With Father's Day
coming up, I can certainly try, but I know that I may be
falling short of the bar that isset by the barbecue aficionado that is Al
(24:40):
Kiniski, and especially these days herefor me at least on the golf course.
Anyway, Great to hear from Alonce again. Game one underweight tonight
for the Calder Cup Finals, sohope you certainly enjoy it. Great chance,
by the way, here to remindyou once again, Al Everett myself,
we have a special NHL Draft showcoming your way on Night one of
the the NHL Draft will be liveat thirty two Bar and Grill. Come
(25:03):
join us out there at Kraken CommunityIce Plux, but will also be underway
beginning at four pm Pacific with allthe coverage as the Kraken Right now slated
to pick eighth overall in the upcomingNHL Draft that, by the way,
going down ninety three to three KJRFM. Additional coverage, by the way coming
via the KRACK and Audio Network.Follow them on x at Kraken audio Net.
(25:25):
Big thanks once again to Evan Pivnikand Alkiniski for being with us and
for kracking this morning, I mightbet and enjoy the Color Cup finals and
Happy Friday. You're home for theKraken Sports Radio ninety three point three kjr FM
Barkoff here, Rodriguez parkoff at frontalone shot any scores, park Off makes
it four to one. Panthers withfour to twenty, Sid dropped off four
McCloud and Fron McDavid a chance leftcircle walks in trying to dance at the
final seconds tick away, and thePanthers take Game three by a four to
(00:22):
three final score. The Panthers leavethe Stanley Cup Final three games to none.
Welcome to Kraken this morning, apresentation of the Kraken Audio Network,
Ken Sports Radio ninety three point threekJ r FM. Here's Mike Benton.
Those calls courtesy Doug Plagans and theFlorida Panthers Radio Network. Glad to have
(00:42):
you along here for a special crackin this morning. Mike Benton with you.
That's what's happening right now when theStanley Cup Final as of Florida Panthers
are putting on a clinic looking forthe first sweep in the Stanley Cup Finals
since nineteen ninety eight, when theRed Wings knocked off the Washington Capitals.
Edmonton trailing the series three games tonothing, the Panthers trying to win the
(01:03):
Cup in Edmonton's building, Game fourtomorrow night. The Cup will be in
the house. Will have coverage,by the way, for the national coverage
side opening up four thirty Saturday PMright here ninety three point three KJRFM.
Tune in for that as well.The Panther is getting it done with experience,
depth and grit, shutting down ConnorMcDavid and Leon Dreich title who have
(01:26):
a combined three assists so far inthe first three games, and the Oiler
power play has completely short circuited ohof thirteen so far in the first three
games of this Stanley Cup Final.The Coachella Valley Firebirds also trying to follow
suit with what the Panthers are doingat the American Hockey League level. And
(01:47):
now Fleury gets it back right circle. He was it front for short than
score Devin short the bottom of thecrease muscles at past grow snick another powered
play goal Ben the Firebirds late.That's the last time the Firebirds have played
hockey six days ago. That callcourtesy Evan Pivnick one O six point nine
the Eagle in coach Shell of Valleyas a Firebirds getting set for Game one
(02:12):
of the Calder Cup Finals tonight.Reason why we've got this special drop here
for you. You can find usby the way anytime on demand for Cracking
This Morning and other podcast courtesy atthe Crack and Audio Network. Simply sign
up for free to get it bysubscribing via the iHeartRadio app or sign up
ninety three to three kjar dot com. We got a special conversation coming your
(02:32):
way here as Evan Pivnik will bealong with us game one tonight of the
Calder Cup Finals, opening up inHershey four pm Pacific time. We'll find
out how close Shane Wrai is togetting back into the lineup he hasn't played
since their playoff series against the OntarioRain back in their third round best of
five series. And what does achampionship run mean for Dan Bilesma and for
(02:57):
coach Shell of Valley. Al Kaniskiwill also be a long to break all
this down our color analyst extraordinaire onthe Emerald Queen Casino Kraken Audio Network,
plus where the Kraken may be headedhere for a free agency or the trade
market as we get closer and closerto draft time and Hot Stove season with
Coachelle Valley. The topic of conversationtoday great time here to remind you,
(03:20):
the entire Calder Cup Finals will becarried live on air here in Seattle.
Join coverage via Sports Radio nine fiftyKJR. Again to remind you, Sports
Radio nine fifty KJR will have coverageevery game of the Colder Cup Finals between
the Coachelle Valley Firebirds and the HersheyBears. That gets going today four pm
(03:43):
Pacific underway at Giant Center in Hershey. A two three to two series.
It will come to Coachelle Valley beginningfor game number three. For more information,
By the way, check out ninetythree to three kjar on X and
Instagram for the entire broadcast. Sothe Firebirds, Yes, let's talk about
the Firebirds one round away from achampionship to send Dan Bielesma back into the
(04:08):
NHL as the incoming crack and headcoach with an AHL Calder Cup ring who
could be joining him at the nextlevel next season with championship experience. Evan
Pivnick's got more on this. So. By the way, Everta Fitzi was
joining him out there for coverage onthe crack Inside Bowling Green State buddies certainly
never drift apart too far yep,we can certainly confirm that anyway. All
(04:30):
kidding aside, there's our conversation withEvan Pivnick coachell Le Valley getting set for
Game one of the Calder Cup Finals, heard on the radio side all season
long outs in the Palm Desert areaone oh six nine The Eagle. By
the way, coverage also coming todayfor Game one of the Calder Cup Finals
on the Sports radio nine to fiftyKJAR here in Seattle. Pivnick's voice will
(04:51):
be heard all across those airwaves herefor the duration of this series. Evan,
my man, thank you again fordoing this. Busy times, crazy
times, fun times out there forthe series to begin in Hershey. But
what do you remember about last yearand the feel of this year so far
in this playoff? Fron been quitebusy, right, Yeah, you know,
(05:12):
it's funny we went we were inMilwaukee a couple of weeks ago.
That's the same team that we sawon the Western Conference Final last year,
and it felt like we were therefour months ago. It was over a
year ago, and the same thinghere in Hershey. It feels like,
you know, it feels like wehardly left. So yeah, it's cool
to get back to it, andthen we're obviously very excited to be in
the position we're in, especially witha bunch of days off and now we're
(05:35):
ready to go for Game one.They're going to really savage the off season
no matter what. Right, Yeah, I know it's funny because you want
to be able to have some timeoff, But at the same time,
when you when you play so late, it's usually a good thing, So
you know, you take the prosand cons of it. I got a
privilege here, Well, walk methrough this. Coachella travels out early.
(05:56):
The side of Game one was TBDuntil Wednesday night. But Hershey wins and
all's taken care of, So whyget out so early. I think it's
a logistically, I think it waseasier for us to fly east than it
was back west. You know,we came right from Milwaukee after Game five,
so there was a chance where ifwe won on the Saturday night,
(06:21):
and if Hershey won on that sameSaturday night, then we'd start the series
a little bit earlier. So wewere kind of waiting on that, and
then I think, you know,it just got to the point where,
you know, we just wanted tobe acclimated. We wanted to be ready
to go if need be. Ifyou know, we had to fly back
to California, we'd have to flyback to California, and man, it's
kind of the way it would be. But I ended up working out now
(06:41):
that we're we're all set. We'reon the Eastern time and we're kind of
ready for it. And you know, the team has been sitting around waiting
to see the air oponent and theygot to watch a pretty great series on
the Eastern East side of things,So uh, you know, that's kind
of the reason for being out.It's kind of the logistical side of it,
and you know, I think itkind of looked a little bit more
(07:03):
a little bit more than it actuallywas. But you know, we're we're
we're excited to get going. Sohere's the logistics question for those who aren't
familiar with this. On a yearto your basis how packed is your suitcase
and how much laundry as well?Laundry is big on this trip. I
(07:24):
think the decision to go straight toHershey was made when we were already on
the road, so we kind ofhad a work with who we have.
I have one suit on this tripand now have to span the total of
five games. Luckily have three orfour dressers, but we were able to
do some laundry in Milwaukee. Ithink I might do it on a little
(07:45):
laundry probably today or tomorrow, soit'll be all it'll be all good.
Luckily, you know that's where theyhave washer and drivers. We can call
that the lucky suit. Now,I think at this point, well back
now on the Calder Cup finals andthis time at Dan Bilesma's last then the
NHL comes calling Evan how important isa championship for him and for Palm Desert.
(08:09):
Well, you know you heard himsay it during his press conference in
Seattle. It's everything to him,is this is what he wants to do.
This is what he's wanted to dosince day one coming to the fire
Birds. And I think the waythe season ended last year, although how
great of the season it was,and it was, it was great,
and you know, I think there'sthe bitter taste in everyone's mouth after losing
(08:30):
in overtime in Game seven, isit's tough to kind of settle down to
the end of the season be like, yeah, we had a great year,
when you know you were abouts awayfrom winning the entire thing. But
now the expectation was to get backright to where they were, and you
know, it's not an easy path, and they were able to navigate it
and win the division and get amuch easier road to the Calder Cup Final
(08:52):
than it was last year, whichis I think everyone is pretty happy about
playing twelve games instead of nineteen gamesget to this point. But yeah,
I think it's everything for for Danand I think for him to leave his
legacy on the first two years ofthe fire Birds organization with Western Conference championships
back to back his great feed.But I think to have a have a
(09:13):
title in that saying is also alsokey for him. How much does unfinished
business apply to how this team seesthis series. I think there's a lot
of unfinished business. And you know, there's a good group of guys who
were who were here last year,went through the whole thing, and and
I think last year is a littlebit more of a grind. And I
(09:35):
kind of I said it before inmy last answer, is it took so
much blood, sweat and tears toget to the point of Game one in
the Calder Cup Final. And thenthe Bears are kind of in a way
what we were this year, whereyou know, they played less games,
they had a little bit of aneasier way to get there. And you
(09:56):
know, we're looking at the timeoff as a privilege. You know,
we're able to have I think twentyeight days combined between series this year.
That's almost a month without playing,without playing a game while you're waiting around
for your next opponent. So you'reyou're in a pretty good shape if you
had that rest. So I thinkguys are just kind of using that as
a weapon and everyone's staying even evenKield and anything. Dan and his coaching
(10:20):
staff have done a great job ofbeing able to get the best compete out
of everyone in those times while they'rewaiting. Devin Shore is contributing top of
the list right now as far asscoring, Andrew Potterowski is back, Cole
Lynd is back, christ Rieger inthat Kale flurry on the back end.
How does the veteran group matter inthis playoff run? But also Evan,
(10:41):
where's the young core with their gameheading into the finals? Oh, I
think the veteran group right now iseverything to this team. We look at
the most probably the most dominant linein the Milwaukee series is John Hayden,
Devin Show and Marian Stid and eachguys who have all played a lot of
NHL games and actually a lot ofa lot of games in total and pro
(11:03):
hockey. But you know, that'sa line that has really taken the Firebirds
through a whole different level. It'ssomething they didn't have last year, was
a dynamic veteran line like that.And they still have the top line of
h Cole and Andrew Potterowski, MaxMcCormick and you know, those guys have
gotten the job done. But Ithink it's more of a deeper way of
(11:24):
everything. Everyone's doing their job,and I think that's the biggest thing.
When it comes to the young guys. Jacob Mlonson is causing some some havoc,
I guess would be my best wayto put it. Ryan Winterton's played
well, especially on the penalty killLogan Morrison has done his job as well.
And hopefully Shane, like Shane right, will be back soon, hopefully
for his lower body injury that hesustained back in the Pacific Division finals.
(11:48):
So everyone's doing their jobs. Youmentioned Cale Flurry and and those guys in
the back end, and it's justa veteran group who stop Allison along with
Connor Carrick and you know Chris Readerbetween the fights, and I think Dries
is playing the best talking of hiscareer right now, and he's just so
locked in and so calm, cooland collected that I think that swagger that
he brings rubs off on everyone.Evan, what do you think about the
(12:11):
chances of Shane Rei coming back hereend of the finals. I think the
chances are pretty good. He's beenskating with the team and participating in everything.
It's just kind of a matter of, uh, you know, all
the things have to align properly.But you know, it's it's something that
I think for sure that he'll he'llhe'll be I think he'll be back in
the lineup at some point, butyou know, obviously it's it's a it's
(12:35):
a Seattle kind of opinion, andand you know it's these are important games
that are gonna see a lot ofphysicality, so you know, you want
to make sure that he's a backin the lineup at the right time.
Well, the Bears have Todd Nelson, Washington Capital's backing like the Firebirds have
from the Kraken and looking to defendtheir title. They have veterans as well,
(12:56):
Hendrix Lapierre leading the back with scoring. So what can certain of Firebirds
oven the most with what Hershey brings. I think Hershey is you know,
their goaltender, Hunter Shepherd is oneof the top goaltenders in the AHL.
He's had a great team in frontof him this year. They are dynamic
off the rush, that's where theyscore a lot of goals. They have
(13:18):
a great power play as well,So I think staying out of the palty
box is huge for the Firebirds.There are County kills has been okay during
the postseason, but they've done agood job of being disciplined, which has
been the biggest thing. And Ithink when you you look at Hershey Bears
right now, they're a team that'sgoing through a lot of injuries, and
you know that's They're coming off ofthis seven game thriller against the Cleveland Monsters,
(13:41):
where I'm sure that took a lotout of everyone emotionally. It's defin
when you go up three games tonone and the team battles back against you
and you in game standard overtime,that's that's something you just walk away from.
Cleanland and you know it's only aforty eight hour a turnover for the
for the Bears getting into this seriesand getting ready for this series. So
interesting to see how they come outin Game one, especially against the Firebirds
(14:03):
on their home ice four pm todayfor Game one, of course, heard
here in Seattle courtesy Sports Radio ninefifty KJR. Haven't you got an NHL
colleague and a bowling green buddy alsojoining you out there for coverage on the
crack inside ever it fits you,Pipp did you compel fish to pack orange
and brown here for this trip?I'm sure he has some with him.
(14:24):
I don't think I have to compelhim to do anything like that. That
all blended. He's excited to getout here, so he's he's ready to
bring some brown and orange to chocolatethem. Looking forward to it here.
I will look forward to his coverageas well. But hey, have a
(14:45):
great call, my man. We'llcatch you around to the bend here not
too far from now. But appreciateyou have a great show and we'll talk
to you soon. Ago Evan onceagain, Game one of the Calder Cup
Finals under way tonight. Evan Pevnicksgot call you can hear that, by
the way, locally here in thePuget Sound area. On Sports Radio nine
fifty Kjar again opening face off fromher she have four pm Pacific. More
(15:11):
on the Firebirds, more on themeaning for Dan Bilsma and where a kraken
could be headed, especially with morechanges behind the bench, Jay Leach out
only two holdovers remain now and SteveBrere the goaltending coach and Dave Lowry associate
coach. With Dan Bilsma coming in. Where the crack can go from here?
Our conversation with Krack and color analystAlkaniski. All right, Evan Pivnik
(15:33):
is getting ready here for the call. Al Kaniski is getting ready for a
barbecue. I presume once again NetPlus our draft show with him evera fits
you getting closer and closer on draftday, but first called her Cup Finals
Stanley Cup Final as well. Greatto have big Al joining us once again.
Radio color analyst on the Emerald QueenCasino Cracking Audio Network, Al,
(15:56):
Hello, what are you smoking moreof these days? Means in the backyard
or the goal of breaking andy onthe golf course? You know what?
You know? Me? Well?I think both are true. I go
back and forth between smoking meat,making beef jerky, grilling salmon, which
is fantastic this time of year,and then heading out to the course trying
to You said, break Adie,that's very generous. I'll say break ninety.
(16:18):
I know, at least for sure, if I'm even doing about probably
half the job you're doing on thegrill, I'm living pretty well. And
then the golf course, I'm gettingbeaten up as well too well. Both
are fun, both are experiences,and you learn from both at every turn.
Life as a journey, isn't thatwell Coachella Valley and Hershey again,
(16:41):
what does this matter more for DanBiosma or the young class ready to break
through in the NHL. Oh,I've got to believe it matters more for
the young class. And I saythat with nothing but respect for Dan Biosma.
But you know, having won aStanley Cup, this is just a
strengthen her or his resume. Butyou've got so many kids on that team
(17:03):
that have not won at this levelyet that it would impact their careers so
much to get this victory. Iput it a slight edge to the youngsters.
Evan pev Nick's saying that we couldbe seeing Shane right back maybe in
this series, but it's still TBD. So really, aside from him,
who's the player you want to watchin the series. Well, I mean
(17:25):
that they've got so many deep candidatesof talent on the team, and you
know, comparing with's going on inthe NHL right now, with the struggles
of Edmonton scoring, I have tosay I got to look to the blue
line, and obviously Riker Evans isback with the team and he's going to
be playing a big role with them, goaltending indriguer. It starts from the
(17:45):
from the blue paint out, Ithink for any championship team, and I
think Coachell is no different. Howmuch are you convinced that with a season
like Riker Evans has had, thathe's ready for a full time role and
I mean they're there's no way oftaking him out of the lineup for this
next season. Oh, I thinkI think it's it's a given. You
know, he he stayed healthy throughthe summer. He you know, does
(18:08):
what every player does in the offseason, which is, you know, you
let your body heal for a littlebit, but then you get right back
on the horse. You get faster, stronger, better, you get to
that NHL level as best you can. You come to camp in top form,
you stand out in camp as atop defenseman, and I think from
there there's no question that that he'she's staying in Seattle. See. I
(18:30):
also can't help but think out beneficialthis is here for the young class that's
in Coachelle, especially for players whohave been here now for two years,
and how runs like this can bebeneficial. And yet you want to have
your body heel. You want tolengthy summer here to get that done.
But I think nothing says success anda long term path to success in getting
(18:52):
players used to success in the AHL. AL What about you? Yeah,
I agree. I think that youknow when you when you have the fortune
to be on a team that ishaving success like Coachella has, that has
a deep roster of players, it'sonly making you better as an individual,
it's only preparing you more for theNHL. Yeah, you could be on
(19:17):
a bottom team and play a lot, but you're not necessarily getting to play
with that top skill that that teamof players where there's a large handful of
guys that will get opportunities in theNHL. I think having that opportunity to
play alongside with the side of theguys with that much talent only prepares you
better for the next level. Let'stalk coaching update here, j Leech moving
(19:41):
on this week to the Boston Bruinsgoing back home assistant coach under now Jim
Montgomery. So presuming there are nowtwo spots up and on the Craken bench,
what does this mean for the coachingsearch now and do you think experience
or a fresh approach is a biggerpriority? Oh geez. I always think
you have to have a balance,you know, and obviously Biles might has
(20:04):
got that experience that you're looking for. I think that you always want to
be developing your up and coming coaches, that's what Coachella is for. But
you can also look outside of yourown organization and bring somebody in as well.
So I think that there has tobe a mix, a balance of
both experience and up and comers.From a coaching standpoint, you also want
(20:26):
people that fit well in the lockerroom, that give give the locker room
and the players something that you,as the head coach, thinks they need.
So you know, yes, youhave to have buy in, but
at the same time, lots ofdifferent coaches coach it with different styles,
with different approaches, and I thinkhaving a good mix in that area is
(20:48):
positive as well. What do youthink it says about the potential of either
Jessica Campbell who worked with the Fordsand the power play in Coachella Valley or
Stu Bickle with a defenseman and whatkind of shot they have here down the
road. Yeah, I think withboth Jay and Jay Leach and Paul mcfront
and moving on, there are opportunitiesfor both those individuals at the NHL level.
(21:10):
I think that the question is doyou bring them both at the same
time? Do you bring them oneat a time? Do you do you
try and keep that balance of youknow, experience with with youth. I
believe Lowery is going to be stickingaround, so you know, he'll have
the penalty kill. She's obviously aguy with that experience as well. So
(21:33):
you could end up with, youknow, two people in in Lari and
uh and Balsma that have lots ofexperience alongside of potentially two younger coaches that
are up and coming, and Ithink that would be an okay scenario as
well. Stanley Cup finally continuing throughEdmonton. Then once a champion is crown,
we got the draft and we gotfree agency. Has your mind changed
(21:56):
on what the crack and have todo for an offensive upgrade? Now?
Yeah, it's interesting because you know, we thought, certainly over the majority
of the season, at different partsof the season, you know, stronger
about offense, and I think weended the season that way that this team
has to be able to generate moreoffense coming into the next season, and
(22:18):
well, how do you do that? You know, drafting for offense that's
a tough one because unless you're talkingabout a high first round draft pick,
even if it's a uh A topoffensive player in the second or third round,
you're probably not seeing them for afew years. I don't think anybody
wants to wait a few years tosee goals in the net, you know,
(22:40):
with it kind of pledge Arenas.So I think you've got to think
about the standpoint of again, andI hate to be repetitive, but you've
got you've got to have balance.You've got to think about, you know,
what's going on in your blue line, what's going on in your net.
It's always great to have more offense, but you're not going to see
that offense for a few years.So you know, there's also the thought
of around, you know, assets, because those at the end of the
(23:03):
day, that's what you've got.You've got assets, and that could play
into a trade for another team,for somebody that can put the pucket in
the net this season rather than threeseasons from now. So it's a mixture.
But you know, if you're ifyou're putting the thumb on me,
I'm always going to lean towards offenseright now because that's the big hole.
Where's the more attractive source to getthat right now? Trade or free agency?
(23:29):
I think trade. I don't knowthat the free agency market is going
to be as strong this year asit's been in past years. I could
be wrong, but I think Ithink you've got to be talking to you
know, thirty one other gms andtrying to find out, you know,
what they're looking for, what theywould want from you, for you to
get what you need and look therefirst. At the same time, you
(23:52):
know, free agency is kind ofa wild card. You never know what's
going to come up there, what'sgoing to be available, so you can't
turn a blind eye to it.But I would think it would come from
a trade rather than free agency.We can start with Marty Natchis, whose
name has been floated out there asfar as a potential player to be moved,
and that might cost a pretty penny. But I have to wait and
see as far as if he getsmoved in how much cost is going to
(24:14):
be going into that. Al,thank you so much. May your scores
be low and the temperatures on thegrilling meets be high. Thanks An,
there you go, all right?Thanks Mikey be yep. With Father's Day
coming up, I can certainly try, but I know that I may be
falling short of the bar that isset by the barbecue aficionado that is Al
(24:40):
Kiniski, and especially these days herefor me at least on the golf course.
Anyway, Great to hear from Alonce again. Game one underweight tonight
for the Calder Cup Finals, sohope you certainly enjoy it. Great chance,
by the way, here to remindyou once again, Al Everett myself,
we have a special NHL Draft showcoming your way on Night one of
the the NHL Draft will be liveat thirty two Bar and Grill. Come
(25:03):
join us out there at Kraken CommunityIce Plux, but will also be underway
beginning at four pm Pacific with allthe coverage as the Kraken Right now slated
to pick eighth overall in the upcomingNHL Draft that, by the way,
going down ninety three to three KJRFM. Additional coverage, by the way coming
via the KRACK and Audio Network.Follow them on x at Kraken audio Net.
(25:25):
Big thanks once again to Evan Pivnikand Alkiniski for being with us and
for kracking this morning, I mightbet and enjoy the Color Cup finals and
Happy Friday. You're home for theKraken Sports Radio ninety three point three kjr FM
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