sportS budZ hockey podcast

In this episode, hosts Merrick Zemp and Collin Simpson break down Connor McDavid’s blockbuster contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers. They unpack what the deal means for McDavid’s legacy, the Oilers’ long-term strategy, and the ripple effects across the NHL. The discussion dives into the evolving nature of player contracts, the art of team-building around a generational talent, and how McDav...

In this episode of the Sports Buds Hockey Podcast, hosts Merrick Zemp and Collin Simpson dive deep into the Calgary Flames' previous season, analyzing player performances, team direction, and the challenges ahead. They discuss the potential for a rebuild versus a retool, the importance of young talent, and the goaltending situation. The conversation also touches on trade talks and the expecta...

In this episode of the SportsBuds Hockey Podcast , hosts Merrick Zemp and Collin Simpson lace up their mics and take a slapshot at the Edmonton Oilers' season preview . They break down the offseason shakeups, questionable player moves, and the Western Conference landscape like it's the third period of a Game 7. Will the Oilers' new signings be game-changers or just really expensive...

Collin and Merrick break down the highs and lows of Games 3 and 4 in Florida. Game 3 was a disaster for the Oilers—a blowout loss fueled by costly mistakes and mental lapses. The frustration boiled over late, with tempers flaring, multiple ejections, and some questionable decisions on both sides. Collin didn’t hold back, calling the Oilers' performance embarrassing. Merrick, on the other hand...

Collin and Merrick crunch the numbers (so you don’t have to) after the Panthers claw their way to a Game 2 win. Did the Oilers deserve better, or did they just forget to show up? The guys ask if age is just a number—or if the old vets are secretly time travelers. Plus, who needs to wake up for Edmonton, and what twists could still flip this series on its head. You can find every episode of this sh...

Well opening night of the much anticipated rematch of last years stanley cup final has come and gone and both teams picked up where the left of last season. As expected not more than a couple inches between these two powerhouse teams, as they showed why they both belong in the final quest for the holy grail, Lord Stanleys Cup. The Guys breakdown the game and give their views on how the rest of thi...

Merrick and Collin lace up (metaphorically) for a no-punches-pulled preview of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final: Florida vs. Edmonton – the sequel nobody expected this soon, but here we are. They tackle the big questions: Do the Oilers actually have better forwards? (Spoiler: yes.) Can Florida’s defense do more than just look intimidating? Which goalie will become a hero—and which one will become a meme...

Collin and Merrick unpack how the Oilers sent the Stars packing — and maybe even wondering where were the Dallas stars (yes, pun intended). Were the Stars a little too overhyped? Collin thinks they did themselves no favors, while Merrick tips his cap to the Oilers for playing lights-out and shutting things down at every turn. Game 5 started hot for Edmonton and ended with Dallas booking tee times....

The Oilers snag another big win, with the power play firing on all cylinders and hockey vampire Corey Perry sinking yet another game-winner. (Seriously, does this guy age?) But it wasn’t all good news — Zach Hyman is out for the playoffs, and that’s a brutal blow. Cue the concern and cursing in Edmonton. Meanwhile, Collin’s had it with teams just flipping the puck to center like it’s a hot potato....

Collin and Merrick dive into the emotional chaos that is the Oilers–Stars series. Game 1 looked like smooth sailing for Edmonton… until five (yes, five) third-period goals — including a trio of power-play punches — left the Oilers sinking faster than a Zamboni in quicksand. Game 2 brought redemption, redemption brought defense, and defense brought another Skinner shutout — all witnessed live by Me...

Collin and Merrick return to break down the NHL Playoff Round 3 — and no Canadian tears are spared. From the Jets’ heartbreak, to the Leafs writing yet another chapter in their tragic playoff novel, to one host definitely not gloating about the Caps falling short of being real Cup contenders, it’s all on the table. Then it's time to preview the chaos ahead: Can the Panthers out-snarl the Hurr...

Merrick and Colin relive the Oilers' second-round smackdown of Vegas—wrapped up in just five games! Was it skill, luck, or did Vegas just forget to show up? The guys also wonder if Winnipeg can pull off a miracle comeback against Dallas (spoiler: probably not), and they check in on the Leafs, who are currently spiraling and down 3-2 to the Panthers—cue dramatic music. Meanwhile, the Hurricane...

Edmonton rallies—again—but falls 0.4 seconds short. Is goaltending the problem? Can Perry stay hot? Will the Leafs take control in Florida? And can Winnipeg ride the momentum on the road? The guys break it all down. You can find every episode of this show on Apple Podcasts, Youtube, Spotify, Google Podcasts. Prime members can listen ad-free on Amazon Music. For more, visit www.sportsbudz.com.

Merrick and Collin dive into the Oilers’ thrilling overtime victory in Game 2, where Edmonton blew a third-period lead but still pulled off their sixth straight comeback win after giving up the first goal. They debate whether penalties — or missed calls — in OT influenced the outcome. With a 2-0 series lead of their own, can the Leafs keep the pressure on last year’s Cup champs? Plus, Winnipeg dro...

Collin and Merrick break down the early action from the second round of the playoffs. They dive into the Oilers’ dominant Game 1 performance, Toronto’s bittersweet win that came at the cost of their starting goalie, and Carolina’s hard-fought overtime victory on the road against the Capitals. You can find every episode of this show on Apple Podcasts, Youtube, Spotify, Google Podcasts. Prime member...

Collin and Merrick are back to preview Round 2, where the drama is high and the Zambonis never rest:  Can the Oilers keep sizzling, or will the Golden Knights hit them with a reality check (and probably a few elbows)? Will the Jets shake off their first-round turbulence and actually outshine the Stars? Can the Leafs finally exorcise their playoff demons—or are the Panthers ready to rent space in T...

Merrick and Collin dive into the Oilers’ dominant turnaround after falling behind 0-2, breaking down how special teams and depth became the difference in yet another playoff heartbreak for the Kings. Can Edmonton sustain this momentum against the Golden Knights? And what’s next for L.A. after a fourth straight early exit at the hands of the Oilers? You can find every episode of this show on Apple...

Collin and Merrick break down the Oilers’ best performance of the year — a statement win that puts them ahead 3-2 in the series. Collin asks, “Do the Kings have anything left in the tank to claw their way back?” Have the Oilers found their game at just the right time? From owning the third periods to taking control of entire games, Edmonton may be hitting their stride when it matters most. You can...

Merrick and Collin break down the Oilers' dramatic overtime win. Can Edmonton keep up the third-period pressure? Can they win in L.A.? Are the Kings deploying the right strategy? Plenty to unpack ahead of Game 5. You can find every episode of this show on Apple Podcasts, Youtube, Spotify, Google Podcasts. Prime members can listen ad-free on Amazon Music. For more, visit www.sportsbudz.com.

Collin and Merrick break down the Oilers' crucial Game 3 win. A hot start and their first power-play goal of the series weren't enough to hold off the Kings, forcing a late comeback. They dive into Edmonton’s special teams and the costly giveaways that continue to be a concern. You can find every episode of this show on Apple Podcasts, Youtube, Spotify, Google Podcasts. Prime members can...

Merrick and Collin break down Game 2 of the Oilers-Kings playoff series, highlighting the stark contrast between the two teams. They analyze what’s gone wrong for Edmonton and what adjustments are needed as the series shifts back to home ice. Plus, the guys take a spin around the rest of the first round to spot any potential upsets on the horizon. You can find every episode of this show on Apple P...

Collin and Merrick are back to break down the Oilers' first playoff game — a matchup that somehow managed to be both a snoozefest and wildly exciting, all within the span of an hour. They dive into the highs, the lows, and everything in between, unpacking what made this game such a rollercoaster. Plus, the guys take a look around the rest of the league, sharing their thoughts on the first rou...

Welcome back from the 4 nations break where Collin and Merrick recap their teams to see what they are looking like out of the break and what to expect down the stretch. You can find every episode of this show on Apple Podcasts, Youtube, Spotify, Google Podcasts. Prime members can listen ad-free on Amazon Music. For more, visit www.sportsbudz.com.

Collin and Merrick break down Canada's thrilling 4 Nations Cup final victory over the US, a nail-biting overtime affair.  They dissect the game's pivotal moments, highlighting the star performances of players like Connor McDavid and Brady Tkachuk, while also recognizing the invaluable contributions of unsung heroes like Mitch Marner.  Looking back at the tournament as a whole, they analy...

Collin and Merrick break down the highly anticipated showdown between Canada and the U.S. in the 4 Nations Cup final. They analyze what each team must do to secure the win, as well as how potential injuries could shift the game’s momentum. They also discuss how the fast-paced start to the previous Canada-USA matchup could impact the strategy going into this final. Finally, the guys share their pre...