Despite our best efforts to publish an episode from California, technical issues prevented it. Regardless, we are back and there is lots to discuss. Shane Pinto was suspended by the NHL for not betting on NHL games. We'll try to explain.    Listen Here:  iTunes  Google Play  Stitcher  Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Episode 437  - V2 Banter - technical issues Title Player - Willi Plett - connect to Shane Pinto Willi Plett -> 79-80 Atlanta Flames Brad Marsh -> 91-92 Red Wings Nick Lidstrom -> 2011-2012 Wings Darren Helm -> 2022-23 Avalanche Alex Galchenyuk -> 2020-21 Senators Shane Pinto Feedback - Paul from San Francisco, Chris, Caroline and Hooper, Tom Tilley, Nora, Jason Addy News Shane Pinto - 41 games for not betting on NHL games? Seems fishy - Players are allowed to gamble but not on NHL games - Facts - 41 games was negotiated settlement - NHL wanted more -  almost certainly confidentiality clause - no appeal - public admission of making - NHL Statement - "The League's investigation found no evidence that Pinto made any wagers on NHL games," NB - does not say Pinto did not make any wagers on NHL games - Pinto - “I take full responsibility for my actions and look forward to getting back on the ice with my team” - what actions? not going to find out from Pinto or NHL - Being Reported - possibility it was proxy betting where someone uses your account to make bets for you - technically not illegal but against rules of most betting apps - no one has said the proxy was betting on NHL games but given severity of penalty, must be the case no? - proxy bet is nice, clean story but is it true? - to make an account you need to give ID and credit card / bank info -  did he think that wouldn’t be connected to him? Pretty stupid if not. -  Friedge and Marek pretty quick to say “nothing malicious” - what makes them think so? - being characterized as an “honest mistake” and “careless” - if they are getting info out of NHL, it’s definitely the story the NHL wants out - NHL has had huge influx of cash with betting services - what happens if it turns out a player bets on NHL games? -will any MSM get the whole story? Hahahahahaha Adam Johnson, former Penguin died in on-ice incident in EIHL in England. “Freak Accident” - neck cut by skate in collision. PWHL - logo revealed trademark filings hints at team names Toronto Torch, Montreal Echo, Ottawa Alert, Minnesota Superior, Boston Wicked, New York Sound. I hope these aren’t the names…. Training camps start Nov 15 NHL rescinds rule against pride tape after Travis Dermott uses in home opener NHL didn’t see this coming? “Players will now have the option to voluntarily represent social causes with their stick tape throughout the season,” McDavid injured in game with Jets - will he play in Heritage classic Sunday? Joe Thornton retired Oilers 1-5-1 and Edmonton is collectively losing its mind underlying numbers are pretty good but situation is dire should they fire Woodcroft? Leafs 5-2 and looking good in 3rd - Nylander with 11 points. Points Jack Hughes 7GP 5-13-18 - lots reporting that Hughes is best player in the world… Dylan Larkin 8GP 4-11-15 Alex Debrincat 8GP 9-4-13 Goalies Jonathan Quick 3GP .982 Joseph Woll 4GP .961 Jeremy Swayman 3GP .957 Oilers- Campbell 45th, Skinner 50th - High powered offence has 17 goals - 28th in league GA - 35 - 29th in league Guess the 5th Surprising Starts Atlantic - Wings 5-2-1 - Tied for 2nd place Metro - Flyers 4-3-1 - Tied 3rd place / Pit 3-5 8th place Pacific - Canucks - 5-2-1 2nd place / Oilers 1-5-1 7th place Central - no real surprises Crazy Stat What’s the call? - Throwing the stick https://scoutingtherefs.com/2023/10/41531/missed-stick-throwing-penalty-leads-to-kraken-goal-vs-wings/ Rule 53 – Throwing Equipment – clearly indicates that this is not only against the rules, but deserving of a penalty shot:  A player shall not throw a sti