Empty Netters Podcast Episode Summary

Podcast: Empty Netters
Episode: "Charlie McAvoy Will Finish The Year With No Teeth" (Feat. Charlie McAvoy)
Date: March 12, 2026
Host: Dan Powers, Chris Johnson, Sean Buffini (Almost Friday Media)

Episode Overview

This episode of the Empty Netters Podcast features hockey talk with the usual crew, spirited debates about hygiene and haircuts, strong takes on NHL playoff races, and a wide-ranging, candid interview with freshly-minted Olympic gold medalist Charlie McAvoy. The hosts deliver their signature chemistry, banter, and humor while analyzing current NHL news, breaking down recent deals, and delving deeply into the camaraderie and legendary moments of Team USA’s Olympic gold campaign.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Team Banter & Hygiene Debates (00:03–09:30)

• The hosts begin with signature banter – joking about haircare routines, towel hygiene, and late-night showers.
• There’s a “haircut reveal” for Sean Buffini, sparking comedic debate about how often men should cut and wash their hair and towels.
  • Quote:
    “If someone in my life hadn't taken a towel and put it in the bin, I would be using the same towel. The first towel I ever showered with, I would still be using.” – Chris (04:42)
  • The crew’s disgust about towel hygiene turns into a metaphor for hockey locker room routines.

2. NHL Updates: Trades, Injuries, and Playoff Races (09:30–28:00)

A. Nick Schmaltz Signs with Utah Mammoth

• Nick Schmaltz inks an 8-year, $64 million deal with the new Utah Mammoth.
  • Praise for the deal’s value and what it means for millennial players and Utah’s growing status as an NHL destination.
  • Quote:
    “A 30-year-old getting an 8-year deal at that 8 million mark... in 8 years that’s chump change. This is a great deal.” – Dan (09:20)

B. Brad Marchand Injury Saga

• Marchand’s injury management draws discussion concerning the Panthers’ playoff push and medical transparency.
• Hosts puzzle over lineup choices and Barkov’s status; shared frustration over unclear communication from the Panthers.
  • Quote:
    “If they get in, it is rude to us because we have so much love for the Panthers…” – Chris (13:05)

C. The Charlie McAvoy Face Saga: “Hockey Tough,” Jinxes, and Equipment

• Multiple recent facial injuries for McAvoy prompt awareness about player safety and the pros and cons of wearing “the bubble.” The hosts joke it’s time for a Bane-style mask.
  • Quote:
    “He is living that nightmare. He goes into work every day and loses more teeth.” – Dan (16:59)
  • Discussion includes recurring hockey-player dreams about teeth falling out and realistic pain endured after adrenaline fades.

D. Protecting Goalies/Nate’s Ejection

• The crew debates ejections for minor goalie contact and the fine line between adequate protection and overcorrection.
  • “How are you possibly getting this hurt?... I’m not calling them liars. But how is that possibly an ejection when Nate is crashing the net?” – Chris (20:29)
• Calls for “guardian caps for goalies” and sourcing input from NHL netminders for better safety standards.

E. Pacific Division Standings Shake-Up

• A detailed run-through of the Pacific Division chaos: Ducks’ surprising success, Oilers and Knights’ inconsistent stretches, LA Kings and Seattle squandering opportunities as potential upsets loom.

F. Playoff Eliminations (25:56)

• Hosts make tough calls on which teams are “mathematically” or emotionally eliminated from playoff contention, stirring a lively debate.
  • Notable eliminations: Rangers, Maple Leafs, Devils, Flyers (East); Canucks, Flames, Blackhawks, Blues (West).

3. Feature Interview: Charlie McAvoy (29:49–56:53)

A. Return to the Pod & Ongoing Tooth Drama

• McAvoy describes his latest facial injury, the psychological toll, and incredulity from teammates and even opponents:
  • Quote:
    “Honestly, right away, I was like, I actually can't believe this. Like, I was so defeated.” – Charlie (30:42)
  • Teammates and opponents express sympathy, and McAvoy’s parents beg him to wear a bubble for the rest of his career.

B. Olympic Gold Experience: Mentality, Adversity, Brotherhood

• Retelling the Team USA Olympic journey, mindset shifts, and dealing with Sweden in the quarterfinals.
  • Quote:
    “If you want to win the whole thing, you’re going to have to go through Sweden... so let’s just play it now.” – Charlie (35:03)
• McAvoy details post-game camaraderie in the athletes’ village, his “fake it til you make it” approach to nerves, and the closeness of the team that has its roots back to the NTDP and youth hockey.
  • “It was like one big reunion that happened to be at the Olympics and we happened to win the gold medal.” – Charlie (46:51)
• Emphasis on the heartwarming sight of families and parents reuniting and celebrating together after the gold win.
  • “This is love, man. This is guys we grew up with together. We made it together.”

C. Iconic Olympic Moments: The Save, the Scramble

• Reliving key moments (Helly’s paddle save, McAvoy’s own clutch block), the emotional whirlwind, and the American “swagger” going into OT.
• Quotes:
  • “That was the most iconic save... I can’t think of a bigger one, you know, in all of hockey.” – Charlie (49:57)
  • “I wish I remember who I hugged first – I was just floating.” (55:40)

D. Closing Thoughts

• Hosts jokingly pledge to get Charlie “the hottest set of veneers” and plan a summer “teeth reveal” video.
• McAvoy reflects on pending dental work and the relentless “bad luck” of his jaw:
  • “Oh, my God. I’m already like, planning all my…surgery this summer to try and make myself look pretty again.” – Charlie (56:40)

4. Professors’ Bets and Playoff Picks (60:28–74:35)

• Weekly betting recaps (mega parlay, life-on-the-line, Friday Fade, Saturday Selly, Sunday Hat Trick, etc.) presented in a mock “professors” lecture format, complete with playful rivalry.
  • Signature segment: Friday Fade – Fade the obvious bet (e.g., taking the Blues over the Oilers against all logic—63:44).
  • Saturday Selly pick: Cole Caufield to score his 40th of the season (66:19).
• The “Mega Parlay” and “Life on the Line” parlays are crafted with humor, puns, and deep NHL insight.

5. Personal Care, Haircuts & Class Commentary (75:36–91:32)

• Spirited, comedic debate on the appropriate frequency for haircuts and the cost/benefit of short vs. long hair.
• Discussion extends to shampoo habits, the economics of barbershop visits, and shared stories of best and worst haircuts.
  • Notable moment:
    “The reason why my hair grew out to the length that it did… in this economy, I can only really afford to get my hair cut two times a year.” – Sean (78:15)

6. Announcing “The Bachelorette” Review Series (91:32–93:04)

• The hosts reveal that the trio will be recapping Season 22 of “The Bachelorette,” with none of them having watched the show before.
• Adds a new flavor to the podcast, promising more signature banter and pop culture crossover.

7. Closing Game & Final Notes (93:11–END)

• Game: “Trivia Factorial,” with Dan trying to ID a hockey player (“Quick Witch”: Jonathan Quick–98:34), threaded with laughter and local deli lore.
• Final reminders for listeners: follow, rate the podcast, and “skate hard.”

Timestamp Guide for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |-----------------------------------|-------------| | Hygiene & Haircuts Banter | 00:03–09:30 | | Utah Mammoth/Schmaltz Deal | 08:03–10:26 | | Panthers/Marchand Injury Saga | 10:38–14:17 | | Charlie McAvoy Teeth Saga | 14:17–18:10 | | Protecting Goalies/Ejections | 18:10–21:14 | | Pacific Standings Playoff Chaos | 21:14–25:45 | | Playoff Team Eliminations | 25:56–28:47 | | Charlie McAvoy Interview (Start) | 29:49–56:53 | | Professors' Picks & Betting | 60:28–74:35 | | Haircut & Personal Care Riffs | 75:36–91:32 | | Bachelorette Review Announcement | 91:32–93:04 | | Closing Game & Wrap-up | 93:11–END |

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On towel hygiene:
  “If someone in my life hadn't taken a towel and put it in the bin, I would still be using the first towel I ever showered with.” – Chris (04:42)

• On the Utah Mammoth Deal & Millennials:
  “…Seeing a 30-year-old get an eight-year deal… we need more millennials getting eight year deals!” – Dan (09:06)

• Charlie McAvoy on getting hit in the face… repeatedly:
  “Honestly, right away, I was like, I actually can't believe this. Like, I was so defeated.” – Charlie (30:42)

• Charlie McAvoy (Olympic Gold): “It was like one big reunion that happened to be at the Olympics and we happened to win the gold medal.” (46:51)

• On haircuts in “this economy”: “In this economy, I can only really afford to get my hair cut, like, two times a year.” – Sean (78:15)

Overall Tone

• Energetic, irreverent, and deeply knowledgeable
• The podcast flows with sibling-style teasing, offbeat humor, and hockey-insider wisdom.
• Serious moments (like Olympic pressure and injuries) are handled with honesty but never lose the conversational, approachable style.

For New Listeners

• This episode is perfect for listeners wanting to get both NHL analysis and the off-ice personalities and culture of hockey.
• The Charlie McAvoy interview stands out for Olympic gold insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and genuine team camaraderie.
• Regular “professors’ picks” and betting advice maintain humor and engagement for both hardcore and casual fans.

Listen for:

• Laughter, irreverence, and surprising depth — whether it’s playoff breakdowns, the pain of dental injuries, or why you should maybe wash your towels a little more often.