The Drive

In hour 4 of The Drive, Zach and James take a deep dive into the Avalanche and Wild as they get set for Game 5 in Ball Arena. Will the Avs close out a series with a win at home for the first time in 18 years? Zach shares the disappointing recent history for the Avalanche in Game 5's at home. DenverSports.com's Will Petersen joins the show live from Ball Arena to discuss the guy's confidence level in the Avalanche tonight, who will be the goaltender for the Avs tonight, and much more. We have an update on who will be in net for the Avs tonight and if Lehkonen and Malinski will be available for the game. We hear from Jared Bednar on what the Avs need to focus on to finish the series tonight. We wrap up the show withe the guys sharing their predictions for the game and their keys to victory for the Avs.

In hour 3 of The Drive, Zach and James preview the Avalanche and Wild Game 5 tonight in Ball Arena. Zach shares the disappointing recent history for the Avalanche in Game 5's at home. Does this show the Avs lack a killer instinct? We react to Colorado's first game of the season being on national television against Georgia Tech. Are the guys surprised CU has a standalone nationally televised game after losing so much attention after a 3-9 season last year? Why have we only found out about one of the Broncos' games this season? Who would the guys choose to be the Broncos' second opponent of the season after playing the Chiefs in Kansas City in week 1? Zach shares the pattern of Sean Payton's team starting slow the past three seasons since he took over in Denver. Zach also shares the NFL history and why it is so important for the Broncos to win a Super Bowl in the next two seasons. Will Sean Payton sign a contract extension with the Broncos after this season?

In hour 2 of The Drive, Zach and James take a deep dive into the Broncos and what we know about their schedule so far. We take a quick detour in the conversation to discuss the Nuggets not conducting a full search for the coaching and front office openings last year, and how poor their practice facility is. We return to discussing the Broncos and the pattern of the team's slow starts the past three seasons under Sean Payton. Zach shares the NFL history of how important it is for Sean Payton to win a Super Bowl in the next two seasons. Today's "Three Count" features the Vikings being interested in Broncos assistant general manager Reed Burckhardt for their general manager vacancy, the Rockies getting a close-up look at Paul Skeens after he struck out 10 batters in yesterday's game, and Dylan Harper going off in the Western Conference Semifinals for the Spurs as a rookie. Does Sean Payton have a new "pet cat" in Caleb Lohner after he popped out at Broncos rookie minicamp last week?

Hour 1 of The Drive kicks off with Zach and James cross-talking with Dover and Cecil. The guys discuss what they were doing 18 years ago as the Avalanche look to close out a series with a win at home for the first time in 18 years. Zach and James preview tonight's Game 5 between the Avalanche and Wild. Will MacKenzie Blackwood start in goal again for the second straight game? Is Scott Wedgewood getting the short end of the stick by getting replaced after one bad game? Will the Avs make it out of the second round for the third time in the last 25 years? Zach shares the disappointing recent history for the Avalanche in Game 5's at home. We react to Colorado's first game of the season being on national television against Georgia Tech. Will CU return to their 2024 form or will the program continue to spiral?

In hour 4 of The Drive, Zach and James finish their conversation on the Nuggets and if they will fully buy into spending money during the second half of Jokic's prime. We pivot to the Avalanche after they took a commanding 3-1 series lead over the Wild last night. Would a second Stanley Cup secure Jared Bednar as a top-two coach in Denver sports history? Is it fair to call Bednar's tenure a disappointment so far? We discuss who the Avalanche could potentially play in the Stanley Cup final and break down the Hurricanes and Canadiens playstyle. The guys debate if George Paton will outlast Sean Payton in the Broncos organization after Paton signed a 5-year contract extension last week. Will Sean Payton sign a second contract with the Broncos? We wrap up the show with DenverSports.com's Aniello Piro joining the show to discuss what we learned in Denver sports today.

In hour 3 of The Drive, Zach and James break down the Avalanche's 5-2 win in Minnesota last night to take a 3-1 series lead over the Wild. Can anyone beat the Avalanche if they are playing their best hockey? Does it matter who is in net for the Avalanche moving forward? We react to the news of the day in the Broncos opening up the season with Monday Night Football on the road in Kansas City. Are the Broncos getting a raw deal by having to travel in week 1 after winning the AFC West? Dante shares the early betting odds for the game, and we debate if it is an appropriate spread. Which quarterback is most likely not to be ready for training camp between Bo Nix and Patrick Mahomes? Zach voices his concerns with the Nuggets' two best players on the team being their two worst defenders. How can the Nuggets surround Jokic and Murray with plus defenders? The guys entertain a potential trade between the Nuggets and Cavs, which would bring Evan Mobley to Denver.

In hour 2 of The Drive, Zach and James take a deep dive into the Avalanche after their huge win in Game 4 last night. Can anyone beat the Avalanche if they are playing their best hockey? What went into Jared Bednar's decision to start MacKenzie Blackwood, and who will he start in Game 5? What did the guys make of Josh Manson's double minor when punching with the end of the stick in his hand? Is Manson a dirty player? Did the Avs need an "enforcer"? Will the Avs close out their first playoff series at home for the first time in 18 years? Today's "Three Count" includes new Broncos TE Justin Joly being listed by ESPN as a non-first round pick that will make an impact in their rookie season and Avs' general manager Chris MacFarland being named a finalist for the NHL's General Manager of the Year Award. The guys debate if George Paton will outlast Sean Payton in the Broncos organization after Paton signed a 5-year contract extension last week.

Hour 1 of The Drive kicks off with Zach and James cross-talking with Dover and Jake. The guys discuss Nikola Jokic's standing in NBA history and if he will be considered on the same level as Dirk Nowitzki with only one championship or Giannis Antetokounmpo with multiple MVPs. Zach and James dive into the Avalanche's 5-2 win in Minnesota last night to take a 3-1 series lead over the Wild. We react to the breaking news of the Broncos opening up the season with Monday Night Football on the road in Kansas City. Are the Broncos getting a raw deal by having to travel in week 1 after winning the AFC West? Is this the best-case scenario for the Broncos getting Patrick Mahomes in week 1 after a torn ACL ended his season last year? Zach voices his concerns with the Nuggets' two best players on the team being their two worst defenders. How can the Nuggets surround Jokic and Murray with plus defenders?

In hour 4 of The Drive, Zach and James react to the breaking news of Broncos legend Craig Morton passing away over the weekend before taking a deep dive into tonight's pivotal Avalanche and Wild Game 4. How does the series change depending on which team wins tonight? Who will start at goaltender tonight for the Avs? Has Jared Bednar and the Avalanche created a goaltender controversy by pulling Scott Wedgewood during Saturday's game? Where did the Avalanche's offseason disappear in Game 3, and will Brock Nelson finally get going with a goal? We react to the breaking news of MacKenzie Blackwood starting in net tonight, as well as two key Avalanche players missing the game with injuries. We wrap up the show with the guys sharing how nervous they are for the Avs heading into Game 4 and sharing their predictions for the game.

In hour 3 of The Drive, Zach and James debate if Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar made a mistake by muddying the waters by pulling Scott Wedgewood at goaltender during Game 3. We hear from Bednar on not announcing a starting goaltender in tonight's Game 4. How much is Wedgewood to blame for allowing 3 goals during his time in net? How many times can Bednar pull the lever of changing goalies, and can he go back to Wedgewood if Blackwood starts tonight and doesn't play well? The guys break down Josh Kroenke's season-ending press conference from last week and voice their dislikes from his comments. We hear from Josh Kroenke, calling himself the "Chief Culture Officer", and Zach points out the irony of Josh not being in the building on a day-to-day basis. We recap the Broncos' rookie minicamp and what Sean Payton had to say about the group they had at practice. We hear Sean Payton's update on Bo Nix's ankle and debate if Nix will be ready to roll for the Broncos' offseason program. What are the guy's level of concern with Nix's ankles moving forward?

In hour 2 of The Drive, Zach and James continue their conversation on the Nuggets and Josh Kroenke labeling himself as the "Chief Culture Officer". Did Kroenke not set the expectation of the Nuggets as a championship or bust team? We pivot to the Broncos and discuss Sean Payton's update on Bo Nix's ankle. Will Nix be ready to roll for the Broncos' offseason program? Is there reason to be concerned with Nix's ankles moving forward? Today's "Three Count" features a look around the NHL and NBA playoffs, both the Philadelphia Flyers and 76ers getting swept in the second round of their playoff runs, and our reaction to the NBA Draft Lottery results. We dive back into the Avalanche and their disappointing Game 3 loss on Saturday. Did the Avs let the Wild back in the series with their win? Do the Avalanche have the right leadership to refocus and have a better approach in Game 4?

Hour 1 of The Drive kicks off with Zach and James cross-talking with Dover and Jake. The guys discuss the letdown from the Avalanche in Game 3. Have Jared Bednar and the Avalanche created a goaltender controversy by pulling Scott Wedgewood during the game? Zach and James continue their conversation on the Avalanche and their loss in Game 3. How much is Wedgewood to blame for allowing 3 goals during his time in net? Did the Avs get too high on themselves after starting 6-0 in the playoffs? We hear from Jared Bednar on pulling Wedgewood and not announcing who will be in goal tonight for the Avs. The guys break down Josh Kroenke's season-ending press conference from last week and voice their dislikes from his comments. We hear from Josh Kroenke, calling himself the "Chief Culture Officer", and Zach points out the irony of Josh not being in the building on a day-to-day basis.

In hour 4 of The Drive, Zach and Will take a deep dive into the Nuggets as their ownership, front office, and head coach spoke today. Will the Nuggets "run it back" with a very similar roster next season? What were the guy's biggest takeaways from Kroenke's press conference? Were there any comments from Josh Kroenke that frustrated Zach and Will? Has Kroenke shown that he is willing to spend money on the organization off the court? We hear from Josh Kroenke on "running it back, what success looks like for him with the team, and much more. We wrap up the show previewing tomorrow's Game 3 between the Avalanche and Wild. Who will the Wild turn to in net after playing two different goaltenders in Games 1 and 2? What are the keys to victory for the Avs to take a 3-0 series lead?

In hour 3 of The Drive, Zach, Will, and the guys compete in our weekly trivia competition against the morning show. We recap the funny moments from the morning show's trivia and try to beat their 2-2 performance from earlier today. We dive into the Avalanche as they look to put Minnesota in the grave by taking a 3-0 lead tomorrow. We look at the live betting odds for both the Avs and Hurricanes out east. Where will the Wild turn to for goaltending after playing two different goalies in the first two games? We react to the news of the day in George Paton signing a 5-year contract extension with the Broncos. How much credit does Paton deserve for the Broncos' recent success? We look back at all the draft picks he has nailed since coming to Denver.

In hour 2 of The Drive, Zach and Will take a deep dive into the Nuggets as their ownership, front office, and head coach spoke today. We hear from Josh Kroenke and his thoughts on Aaron Gordon's health. How concerning has Gordon's lack of availability been the past two seasons? How much will finances and ducking below the tax factor into the Nuggets' moves this offseason? What did the guys make of Kroenke saying everything is on the table besides trading Jokic? Will the Nuggets "run it back" for the 2026-2027 season? Has Kroenke shown that he is willing to spend money on the organization off the court? Today's "Three Count" features what the guys are looking for at the Broncos rookie minicamp this weekend and Pat McAfee hopping on the Avs bandwagon. Our 9News Broncos' insider, Mike Klis joins the show to discuss George Paton signing a contract extension with the Broncos, if Paton has more power today than he did a few years ago, and what he is looking for at rookie minicamp.

Hour 1

In hour 4 of The Drive, Zach and Will dive into the Nuggets as their "brass" will all speak tomorrow at the end of the season press conferences. What are the guys looking to hear from Nuggets ownership, executives, and the head coach? How will finances impact the Nuggets' roster moves this offseason? Do the Nuggets have any other option besides trading Jamal Murray to reshape their roster? We discuss how defense is excelling in the NBA at the moment and how the Nuggets cannot build a winning team with their two best players being their worst defenders. We pivot to a debate over the top 10 players in NBA history and if Nikola Jokic deserves to be on the list. We wrap up the show recapping the Rockies' controversial grand slam in the bottom of the 8 to win 6-2 today over the Mets.

In hour 3 of The Drive, Zach and Will react to Jared Bednar's comments on what he is liking in the Avalanche's power player this series. We also react to the Avalanche and Wild's incredible ratings from their Game 2. Has the Avs' power play been fixed since the Olympic break? We go in-depth into the Broncos' schedule and analyze their home and away opponents. With some high-profile opponents on the schedule, will we see lots of nationally televised games? Who is the most difficult in-division opponent? What are the most difficult Broncos' home games this season? How much more difficult is this season's schedule than last year's? How many of the Broncos' opponents are top-10 favorites to win the Super Bowl? We look back at the best runs in NHL playoff history and debate if the Avalanche will join the list as one of the most dominant teams on their way to a Stanley Cup.

In hour 2 of The Drive, Zach and Will finish up their conversation on what the Broncos' most difficult road game this season is. We pivot to the Nuggets as their "brass" will all speak tomorrow at the end of the season press conferences. What are the guys looking to hear from Nuggets ownership, executives, and the head coach? Do the Nuggets still have an optimistic future, just three seasons after winning a championship? How will finances impact the Nuggets' roster moves this offseason? Do the Nuggets have any other option besides trading Jamal Murray to reshape their roster? Today's "Three Count" includes Michael Porter Jr. saying he felt like a hater when rooting for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Gary Bettman claiming the NHL playoff model is working really well, and Russell Wilson weighing his options between the Jets or network television. NHL Network Mike Johnson joins the show to discuss if the Avalanche series is over after the Avs took games 1 and 2, the goaltender controversies for both teams in the series, and much more.

Hour 1 of The Drive kicks off with Zach and Will cross-talking with Dover and Cecil. The guys discuss the Nuggets as their executives will speak tomorrow. Are the Nuggets choosing to keep David Adelman over Jamal Murray? Will Nuggets' ownership be willing to go into the "repeater tax" this offseason? Zach and Will preview what we could hear from the Nuggets press conferences tomorrow. We look back at the best runs in NHL playoff history and debate if the Avalanche will join the list as one of the most dominant teams on their way to a Stanley Cup. We go in-depth into the Broncos' schedule and analyze their home and away opponents. What do the guys expect the Broncos' first game of the season to be? What is the most difficult Broncos' home game this season?