32 Thoughts: The Podcast The Long Island Love Affair
Jan 5, 2026
Mats Sundin, the legendary former NHL center and Toronto Maple Leafs icon, joins to celebrate Auston Matthews' record-breaking goals. He shares insights from his own career, highlighting the pressures and expectations that come with playing in Toronto. Sundin praises Matthews' leadership and discusses the evolution of the game. The conversation also touches on the unsettling dynamics of the current season, including injury concerns and surprising team performances. Tune in for Sundin's unique perspective on the state of hockey today!
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Episode notes
Schaefer Sparks A Long Island Fervor
- Kyle Bukauskas describes the UBS Arena eruption when Matthew Schaefer broke through and how Long Island adopted him instantly.
- He notes 30% of jersey sales were Schaefer's and the team store struggled to keep up before the holidays.
Coach Fit Accelerates Young Talent
- Elliotte Friedman argues Patrick Waugh's coaching style fits Schaefer's aggressive, high-reward play and accelerated his impact.
- He suggests coach–player alignment and GM Darsh's vision accelerated Schaefer's integration and fan reaction.
Injuries Can Forge Playoff Resilience
- Friedman notes injuries to Tavares and Landeskog could hurt Olympic availability and impact Colorado's season rhythm.
- He adds short-term adversity can benefit teams by teaching resilience needed for playoff hockey.