In The Corners with C.C. Hawkley and Sean O'Brien

AHL

In The Corners Episode #85: Memorial Day Mash-Up

On this edition of the In The Corners Podcast, analytics wiz Sean O’Brien joins C.C. Hawkley again to talk NHL, AHL, and ECHL on Memorial Day!

In The Corners Episode #85: Memorial Day Mash-Up

by
C.C. Hawkley
May 26, 2020

On this edition of the In The Corners Podcast, analytics wiz Sean O’Brien joins C.C. Hawkley again to talk NHL, AHL, and ECHL on Memorial Day!

INTRO

C.C. asks Sean why he’s in New Jersey, his planned wedding, and any new projects he’s tackled in the three weeks since the last show
C.C. also shares his most recent article that has direct ties to Sean (7:45)

NHL 24-TEAM PLAYOFFS?

Sean and C.C. briefly touch on the NHL & NHLPA contemplating a 24-team playoff format (11:15)

PLAYER CALL-UP PROJECT

Sean touches on his most recent pet project — what factors contribute to players from the SPHL, ECHL, and AHL getting called up to the next level (18:50)

WHERE ARE PRO COACHES COMING FROM?

C.C. also asks Sean about another data compilation — does the professional coaching road always go through the lower minor leagues? (26:40)

AHL END-OF-SEASON AWARDS AND PREDICTIONS

Coach of the Year: Karl Taylor (40:00)
All-Rookie Team (45:15)
First and Second All-Star Teams (51:05)
Prediction: Aldege “Baz” Bastien Memorial Award for Best Goaltender (56:15)
Prediction: Eddie Shore Award for Best Defenseman (58:20)
Prediction: Dudley “Red” Garrett Memorial Award for Rookie of the Year (1:03:50)
Prediction: Les Cunningham Most Valuable Player (1:06:15)

AHL “WHAT IF?” PLAYOFF PICKS

C.C. and The Sin Bin’s Toronto Marlies correspondent Zack Power compiled a “What If?” first round of the hypothetical 2020 Calder Cup Playoffs for both the Eastern and Western Conferences. Sean throws in picks from his own projection model, as well (1:09:15)

ECHL NEWS & NOTES

Home schedule releases…too soon, or good for giving fans hope? (1:25:25)
Spire Sports + Entertainment acquires majority stake in Rapid City and Greenville after raising eyebrows in the motorsports world (1:28:30)

QUIZ TIME FOR C.C.

Sean wraps the show up with a unique quiz for C.C. called Eagles, Eagles, and Legals — did the person named play for the Colorado Eagles, Philadelphia Eagles, or was on a law-based TV Show? (1:36:30)