Empty Netters Podcast – Episode Summary

Episode: Could The Lightning Break The NHL Record For Most Consecutive Wins?
Date: January 15, 2026
Hosts: Dan Powers, Sean Buffini, Chris Powers
Produced by: Almost Friday Media

Overview

This lively episode of the Empty Netters Podcast blends sharp-witted hockey analysis, playful sibling banter, and in-depth breakdowns of current NHL happenings. The spotlight this week falls on the Tampa Bay Lightning’s massive win streak and musings on whether they could set a new NHL record, with side quests through the state of the Predators, Golden Knights, trade deadline machinations, and the shifting pecking order among American hockey greats. Frequent detours for betting picks and comedic life talk add flavor to this brothers-in-arms hockey hangout.

Episode Structure & Key Segments

1. Banter & Opening Chatter (00:00–01:35)

• Lighthearted jokes about their beer league glory days and personal quirks.
• Quick catch-up and transition into main hockey discussions.

2. In Case You Missed It: Nashville Predators Revival? (01:36–06:47)

• Sean Buffini’s Bold Claim: "The Preds are back." (02:02)
• Debate on whether Nashville’s mid-season hot streak is a genuine resurgence or a fleeting pulse.
• Statistical rundown:
  • Ryan O’Reilly leads with 39 pts; Stamkos (Stammer) at 20 goals, closing in on another 40-goal season.
  • 6-4-0 in last 10, 14-7 since December started.
• Dan’s Caution: “Big win, but is this just a flash in the pan... are they too old to keep this up?” (03:54)
• Sean: "Age is just a number" and reminds listeners Nashville started hot, then slumped, and now is fighting for a wildcard. (04:16)
• Consensus: The Preds are no longer pushovers, but skepticism lingers over long-term sustainability.

3. Main Story: Tampa Bay Lightning’s Win Streak—Chasing NHL History (06:48–13:37)

• Lightning have won 11 straight, holding a two-point Atlantic lead with two games in hand over the Habs.
• Injury adversity: “Point is day-to-day, Headman and McDonagh on IR, and they’re STILL rolling.” (07:02)
• Sean: “The Bolts are the best team in the East.” (07:58)
• Dan voices caution: “They keep winning a ton, then losing a ton… Are they about to go cold again?”
• Last team to win more: 1992-93 Penguins (17 in a row); Tampa franchise record is 11 (current streak). (11:54)
• Tampa’s upcoming schedule dissected (Stars, Blues, Sharks, etc.). The possibility of the record being broken is tantalizing—but several tough games ahead.
• Quote: "If you walk into Nashville thinking… you’re gonna have Steven Stamkos hat trick down your fucking throat before you can blink, dude." – Sean (05:42)

4. Other Streaking Teams: Vegas Golden Knights & Pacific Division Parity (13:38–17:47)

• VGK: Four-game win streak, tied atop the Pacific with the Oilers but with three games in hand.
• “The weirdest franchise; never a dominant regular-season team, always lethal in the playoffs.” – Sean (14:26)
• Roster rundown: Eichel, Stone, Marner above a point per game; team playing well, but goaltending is the wild card.
• Pacific Division is “wide open;” both Knights and Oilers have questions, and Central may beat each other up in playoffs.

5. Burn The Boats: NHL Teams Who Must Make All-In Moves (17:48–26:31)

• Inspired by Frank Seravalli’s quote on the Oilers’ window: it’s do-or-die for Cup contenders.
• Which teams are in “Burn the Boats” mode?
  • Edmonton Oilers: Need defensive help more than scoring, goaltending remains a concern.
  • Colorado Avalanche: “They could do nothing and still be the favorite… but if they do nothing and lose, it's a disaster.” (21:06)
  • Dallas Stars: Pressure from an aging core despite wealth of young talent.
  • Tampa Bay Lightning: “This might be your last, fantastic opportunity... Set fire to the entire fleet.” (25:15)
  • Carolina Hurricanes: Perennial contender, but path to Cup is open—must not squander.
• Dan: “If you don't get to the Stanley cup as the Carolina Hurricanes this year... you're a moron.” (26:39)

6. Patrick Kane Chasing Mike Modano: The Greatest American Debate (26:57–34:11)

• Kane is about to overtake Modano as the highest-scoring American in NHL history.
• “Patrick Kane is the best American born NHL player. Would you agree?” – Dan (27:17)
  • All agree, but acknowledge Modano and Chelios are underappreciated.
  • Kane set the template for a new generation of American stars; Austin Matthews next in line?
  • US scoring leaders now: Jason Robertson, Kyle Connor, Zach Werenski, Boldy.
• “Think about the 2010 Olympic team… when I think about that era of American guys, it’s Patrick Kane. He’s the guy.” – Sean (28:36)
• Discussion of Matthews’ MVP case and its contrast to Kane’s all-around impact.

7. Betting Corner: Picks, Parlays, and Fade Challenges (35:28–44:21)

A. Recap – Live on a Beach Mega Parlay & Life on the Line Parlay (36:39–39:15)

• Mega Parlay: “Nine and five, gentlemen...might be the best we've ever done.” – Sean (37:39)
• “Life on the Line” parlay continues to be a coin flip.

B. The Friday Fade (39:15–41:00)

• Always bet against the obvious; this week’s fade: “Surely the Bolts would not wreck their franchise record streak against the Blues. Therefore we must fade the Tampa Bay Lightning—Blues at home.” (40:47)

C. Saturday Selly & Sunday Hat Trick Parlay (41:14–44:21)

• Saturday goal picks (Draisaitl’s power play potential vs. Vancouver).
• Sunday: Wings Moneyline/Under/DeBrincat Point.

D. Saturday Mega Parlay Picks (44:29–46:53)

• Full-card rapid-fire picks for Saturday games.

8. Life Talk & Comedy: The Great Snooze Button Debate (52:23–62:10)

• Unfiltered rant about the pointlessness ("single worst invention by humanity") of the snooze button.
• Quote: “People who use the snooze button are psychopathic, masochistic lunatics. And the human I love most on this earth uses it 50 times a morning.” – Dan (56:14)
• Playful bickering about morning vs. night-people lifestyles.
• “You need sun on your face.” – Sean (61:56)
• Listeners are urged to abandon the snooze and find healthier morning routines.

9. Game Time: Trivia "Factorial" – Guess the Player (62:21–67:37)

• Sean quizzes Dan with a five-clue trivia game.
  • Most difficult clue: “Debuted Nov 25, 2013, scored on 1st NHL shot/shift… vs. Hank Lundqvist.”
  • Hardware clues: “3 Art Ross, 2 Ted Lindsay, 1 Hart... never a gold international medal.”
  • Answer (at 67:14): Nikita Kucherov

10. Closing & Teaser for Next Episode (67:37–End)

• “Incredible episode. Fun stuff folks. Amazing interviews coming soon—NHL players, actors. Take those Professor Puckline picks to the bank!”
• Sign off: “We love you, babes. Skate hard.”

Notable Quotes & Moments (with timestamps)

• “The Preds are all the way back, and you're telling me…they’re not in that conversation?” – Sean (02:21)
• "The Bolts are the best team in the East." – Sean (07:58)
• “I am heavy looking at [Tampa Bay] as a…this might be your last year. Set fire to the entire fleet.” – Dan (25:15)
• “Kane was the bridge to this new era, but it's how sick was he, dude, to watch, like, to really own his generation.” – Sean (28:49)
• “People who use the snooze button are psychopathic, masochistic lunatics.” – Dan (56:14)
• “Dan, get out of the box! Dan, get out of the box!” [during trivia] – Sean (65:40)

Key Takeaways

• Tampa Bay’s win streak is legit, possibly historic, even with injuries; franchise and NHL records are in sight, but schedule ahead is rocky.
• Nashville is not dead yet; they’re in a dogfight for wild card but remain questionably “back.”
• Vegas & Pacific are both hard to read but dangerous low-key playoff threats.
• Burn the Boats: Several top-tier teams (Edmonton, Dallas, Colorado, Tampa, Carolina) are under huge pressure to maximize their current windows—no half measures.
• Greatest American Debate: Patrick Kane is about to make history and remains the definitive American NHLer for now; Auston Matthews’ place is debated, but the next generation is coming.
• Fantasy & Betting: The trio keeps it fun and accessible, delivering actionable picks with an irreverent edge—plus, that classic Empty Netters reverse jinx is always in play.
• Life & Comedy: Sibling dynamic and rants (snooze button, morning routines) provide authenticity and comic relief.

For Listeners Who Haven't Tuned In…

You’ll walk away knowing why Tampa is the team to watch, which aging and/or contending teams are heading for roster make-or-break moments, what makes the current American hockey talent pool so special (and unresolved), and you’ll likely check your alarm settings—or at least laugh at those who snooze. All with legit hockey smarts, puckhead energy, and hilarious, sometimes savage camaraderie.

Until next time… skate hard!