Same Barn, Different Faces

Opening weekend is here! 🏒🚨

In Episode 2 of KC After the Horn, "Same Barn, Different Faces," host Joe Friedman previews the Kansas City Mavericks' 2026–27 season opener against the Rapid City Rush. Fourteen players from last season's Finals run are gone, including Marcus Crawford and the goaltending tandem, so how does this new-look roster stack up?

We break down the rebuilt blue line and its three new defensive pairings, what new defenseman Gianfranco Cassaro brings to the power play and the transition game, and why Nolan Walker's return could mean scoring spread across the whole lineup instead of a few players. Then we get into the physical tone the Mavs need to set, answer a fan's question about whether this is really a rebuilding year, and size up Rapid City's Alex Young, the opponent you need to know.

We finish with three keys to opening weekend and a prediction for both games.

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💬 Comment below with your opening weekend predictions, and drop your questions for the next Mavs Mailbag.

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Keep your sticks on the ice and your eyes on the Mavericks.

Mavericks After the Horn — More Than Hockey.

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