We’ve got a mammoth episode for you on Friday. In what is the longest episode in the history of ‘The Andrew Steele Podcast’ thus far, friend of the show Stefen Rosner joins Andrew to delve into a smorgasbord of topics.
From discussing his new role as the New York Islanders Beat Writer for The Hockey News, and working with the legend that is Stan Fischler, to everything going on with the Isles right now to Connor McDavid and Connor Bedard before finishing off with some baseball talk, this episode has a little bit of everything.
(4:30) We talk all about Stefen’s new gig with The Hockey News, how it came about and working with a icon of the game in Stan Fischler.
(8:40) Andrew and Stefen reflect on their days working together for PuckProse at FanSided, coming up through the business and what is required to make it in this business. Spoiler: Hustle and sacrifice.
(18:00) The guys discuss why versatility is key in sports journalism, reporting is at the heart of everything and Andrew reveals that he would love to cover American politics for a little bit.
(23:20) If you want to be a sports journalist, set up a blog and write every single day. Reps is everything as Andrew and Stefen attest to.
(26:30) Stefen reveals what made him get into hockey, his early hockey influences and the players he idolized growing up.
(36:00) The guys touch on some Derek Jeter conversation in terms of how ‘The Captain’ conducted himself on and off the field, why he’s an underrated defensive shortstop and why he’s so damn easy to root for. NHL superstar Connor McDavid comes up in the conversation as well.
(42:15) The boys dig into a lot of Islanders talk and leadoff with their chances to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs with 10 games left to play in the regular season.
(48:00) Andrew and Stefen discuss the goaltending in the Eastern Conference and why the Isles might have the edge in that department come Playoff time.
(49:10) Stefen provides an update on the injured Mat Barzal.
(51:00) The guys discuss Bo Horvat’s impact on the Islanders since being acquired prior to the NHL Trade Deadline, and why Horvat is an example of why it’s important to not just look at the stats when telling the whole story.
(55:40) Andrew and Stefen reflect on the NHL Trade Deadline, some of the big moves made, why it was better for the league that a lot of the big moves were made over a crazy two-week span and the salary cap implications that made a lot of teams act a lot earlier than they normally would. And Andrew is still pretty pumped about the Patrick Kane to Rangers trade. The guys also discuss some of the smart moves made by the Toronto Maple Leafs. And why you can never have enough center depth.
(1:06:30) The boys can’t believe how stacked the Eastern Conference is, and discuss the fact that some very good teams are going to be knocked out in the First Round. They also make the case for why the Stanley Cup Playoffs are the best Playoffs in all of sports.
(1:11:30) Andrew and Stefen get into what is an exciting period for New York sports with a number of teams in win-now mode and Aaron Rodgers in town with the Jets.
(1:14:00) The guys are absolutely lost for words when it comes to the brilliance of Connor McDavid. They discuss his greatness, why he needs to win a Stanley Cup for the good of the game and what his overall legacy will be. Be prepared for lots of Star Wars references. They also air their frustrations at people comparing players from different generations.
(1:19:45) Connor Bedard looks to be a generational talent and is going to enter the NHL with a LOT of hype this summer. Andrew and Stefen discussed the best landing spots for Bedard, and what outcome would be best for the league. The Chicago Blackhawks, in need of a savior, could be the perfect team for Bedard who could be one of the best players to come out of the NHL Draft since McDavid.
(1:28:10) Andrew and Stefen finish with some baseball talk as they are both huge fans. They talk the World Baseball Classic, the Ohtani vs. Trout showdown, why Anthony Volpe should make the Opening Day roster for the Yankees, and why they are both very excited for the 2023 MLB season.
‘The Andrew Steele Podcast’ is available on Apple, Spotify and where ever you get your podcasts.
The Andrew Steele Podcast: Ep 9: Stefen Rosner