Empty The Benches

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.

Empty The Benches is a sports podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 309 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts Empty The Benches, a sports show with 309 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #309

  Trades, Trades And Draft Recap (EP. 309)

  Jul 1, 202634 min

  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.

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  Episode #308

  Trade Updates And Draft Preview (EP. 308)

  Jun 25, 20261 hour

  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.

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  Episode #305

  Stanley Cup Final Preview (EP. 305)

  Jun 2, 202647 minS0

  <p>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.</p> <p> </p> <p...

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  Episode #304

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

  May 27, 202634 minS0

  <p>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.</p> <p> </p> <p>Chapters</p> <p> </p> <p>00:00 Memorial Day Weekend Reflections</p> <p>03:03 NHL Team Loyalty and Future Prospects</p> <p>06:00 Malkin's Contract and PWHL Expansion</p> <p>08:58 Team Na...

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  Episode #303

  Welcome To The Conference Finals (EP. 303)

  May 21, 202645 minS0

  <p>Welcome to the Conference Finals! Nick and Mac get you set with all their takes on the final four NHL teams remaining. They break down the goaltending matchup between Andersen and Dobes, the absence of Cale Makar in game 1, and the nearly two weeks off for the Hurricanes. They also list their 3 most hated NHL teams, debate which team should be the most concerned with heir 3rd round matchup, and take a look at the incredibly close Walter Cup Finals. </p> <p> </p> <p>Chapters</p> <p> </p> <p>00:00 Introduction and Current Sports Landscape</p> <p>08:53 Montreal's Exciting Playoff Jou...

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