In the latest episode of the Avalanche Ink podcast, beat writer Corey Masisak talks with Joe Smith, who covers the Minnesota Wild and NHL at large for The Athletic. Among the topics discussed:

+ His memories covering the other side of the 2022 Stanley Cup Final as a Lightning beat writer.

+ What he learned from the Lightning's mini-dynasty and what the Avalanche might have in store.

+ What went wrong for the Wild this year, and is there hope for the Avs' division rivals?

+ What is Nikita Kucherov's case for the Hart Trophy?

+ Brock Faber vs. Connor Bedard in the other hotly contested NHL award race, the Calder Trophy.

+ What it's like to get blindfolded, spun around and throw darts.