Empty Netters Podcast – NETTERS LIVE: Olympics Hype, Super Bowl Debates, and Billy Langdon!

Podcast: Empty Netters (Almost Friday Media)
Episode Date: February 9, 2026

Episode Overview

This special live recording of the Empty Netters Podcast brings high-energy banter as hosts Dan Powers and Chris Bowers (joined by Sean Buffini and guest Billy Langdon) dive into the looming excitement of the Milan 2026 Olympic hockey tournament, heated US vs. Canada debates, quirky Super Bowl party traditions, behind-the-scenes beer league stories, and lively fan Q&A. The seamless, chirpy chemistry between the brothers—plus sidekick Sean's dry wit—fuels 90 action-packed minutes, oscillating between passionate hockey analysis and signature absurdity.

Main Segments & Discussion Points

1. Olympics Hockey Hype & Rule Changes

Olympic Return of NHLers: First time in 12 years.
Unique Format & Rule Changes:
- Preliminary rounds: 5min 3-on-3 OT then 5-man shootout
- Semis: 10min 3-on-3 OT
- Gold: 20min continuous 3-on-3 OT
- Quote [03:45, Dan Powers]: “Can you imagine playing three on three for 20 minutes?”
- All agree such a format could create “the most electric gold medal game of all time” (Dan, [03:49]).
Rink Size Blunders: Milan’s supposed Olympic-size rink is actually 4 feet short—“A massive L for the metric system" ([08:08], Chris).
- May favor Team USA's grind style over Canada's track-meet.
US vs. Canada Pressure:
- Hosts suggest Canada faces crushing expectations:
  Quote [05:23, Chris Bowers]: “If this Canada team doesn’t win gold, they are fucked.”
- Point out USA’s disadvantage of leaving top scorers (Robertson, Caulfield) off the team.

2. Roster Debates: Team Compositions, Injuries, and Unsung Heroes

US Team Roster Critique:
- Absurd omissions: Three of top six NHL goal scorers (all Americans) aren’t on Team USA ([06:30], Dan)
- If USA fails, coaches will be “fucking Seward for these decisions.”
Key to US Gold?
- Goaltending must be flawless against Canada’s offensive firepower.
  - Quote [09:09, Chris]: “If we get a shutout in the gold medal game, we can win.”
- US needs scoring from non-headliners; Dylan Larkin, Zach Werenski highlighted as possible “unsung heroes.”

3. Olympics Lifestyle & Milan Antics

Anticipation for Milan:
- Eager for “lifestyle coverage” (food, culture), not just games.
- Ongoing “chicken parm & broccoli” running joke about Dan’s odd Italian restaurant orders ([12:01–13:20]).
  - Quote [12:03, Chris]: “It's outrageous you drag me to these places and then turn your nose up to the most important part of the entire dish.”

4. Guest Segment: Billy Langdon

Backstage Stories & Concert Chaos:
- Chris describes the “most inconvenient man who’s ever lived” ([16:07]), referencing Chris’ marathon attempts to attend concerts last minute.
Super Bowl Party Philosophy:
- Debate ideal game day snacks—Dan’s anti-dip stance is roundly trashed ([18:09]).
  - “The whole point of dip is to eat yourself sick.” (Billy, [18:50])
- Comfort is paramount: PJs, mattresses, or pillows on the floor, communal food coma
  - Quote [21:08]: "We're gonna lay out pillows and mattresses on the floor and let everyone just lie around and gorge themselves."
- Dips, wings, pigs in a blanket, and comfy clothes are essential; no pretensions.
Highlight:

Dan’s Patriots Super Bowl fainting story ([22:03–23:48]):
- Too stressed to eat, passed out upon celebrating game-winning play.
- “I went from sitting on the floor to leaping in the air ... smashed my face on the table.” ([22:23])
Fan Etiquette on Rivalry:
- Debate whether party guests should be separated by rooting interests ([25:31]).
- Chris shares his “never chirp first” policy, but laments it’s never reciprocated ([26:51]).

5. Beer League Hotline: Hilarious Beer League Tales

Sleeping on the Bench ([30:29]):
- 40+ year old teammate with young kids falls asleep, snoring, during late game.
- “The most beer league thing I’ve ever heard.” (Chris, [31:26])
- Team lets him rest—a moment of solidarity for every tired dad.
Locker Room TMI (Stepdad Overshare) ([34:27]):
- Player’s stepdad, now teammate, bonds via oversharing—announces he “woke up to a blowjob,” i.e., mom.
- Hosts divided: Chris (amused), Dan (horrified).
- “You can’t talk about rinsing the kid’s mom ... that’s crazy, dude.” (Dan, [37:29])

6. Blind Rankings: NHL Jerseys & Fast Casual Food

NHL Home Jerseys ([39:23+]):
- Passionate debates on uniforms (e.g., Ducks, Capitals, Senators).
- “Literally the worst jersey in the NHL.” (Dan, about Stars, [43:06])
Fast Casual Food Showdown ([43:49]):
- Animated crowd debate on In-N-Out, Dave’s Hot Chicken, Shake Shack, Panda Express, etc.
- Blind ranked Panda Express #1—“Any one of you that says you don’t love Panda Express, you’re a liar!” (Dan, [48:50])

7. Q&A: Behind-the-Scenes & Personal Hot Takes

The Origin of Sean Buffini on the Show ([50:04]):
- Hired for a different job at Almost Friday Media; becomes producer due to emergency, fits the crew instantly.
Favorite ‘Heated Rivalry’ Scenes & Characters ([52:53]):
- Club confessionals, tunnel scenes, comic airport “sperminator” walk, and the infamous spit-in-hand moment get the nod.
- Character love for Svetlana, Kip, Shane, and Scott Hunter.
If You Could Change Any Hockey Game’s Score ... ([55:16]):
- 2010 Olympic OT (USA/Canada), Bruins' 2023 Game 7 heartbreak among picks.
Biggest Pet Peeves & Silly Traditions in Hockey ([61:16]):
- “Playoff seeding is the stupidest thing in the entire world.” (Dan, [61:33])
- Beer league superstitions, love for the soon-to-be-retired EBUG goalie rule.

Notable Quotes & Moments

“Can you imagine playing three on three for 20 minutes?”
Dan Powers, discussing gold medal OT [03:45]
“If this Canada team doesn’t win gold, they are fucked.”
Chris Bowers on Olympic pressure [05:23]
On Olympic Rink Error:
Chris Bowers [08:08]: “A massive L for the metric system ... Measure a rink, morons!”
“If you get a shutout in the gold medal game, we can win.”
Chris Bowers crystallizes Team USA’s Olympic hopes [09:09]
“The chicken parm is the star. If I wanted pasta, I'd order a nice pasta.”
Dan Powers’ culinary logic [12:44]
“The whole point of dip is to eat yourself sick.”
Billy Langdon, on Super Bowl appetizers [18:50]
Dan’s Super Bowl Faint Story:
“I leapt in the air, smashed my face on the table, and fell down.” [22:23]
Beer League Joker:
“One of the guys legit fell asleep on the bench … we just let him snooze.” [30:29]
Stepdad Locker Room TMI:
"He knew he was going to get a go that night because he woke up to a blowjob ... that's Buddy's mom he's talking about. Is this over the line?" [34:27]
On Jersey Debates:
“The Ducks jersey is cool. We dug our own grave with four.” (Chris, [42:56]) “Literally the worst jersey in the NHL.” (Dan, [43:06])
Panda Express Passion:
“Any one of you that says you don’t love Panda Express, you’re a liar.” (Dan, [48:50])

Important Timestamps

Olympic Overtime Rule Breakdown: 03:17–04:38
Canada/USA Pressure Debate: 05:05–06:43
Roster Controversies: 06:30–07:04
Milan Rink Size Blunder: 08:08–08:17
Chicken Parm/Broccoli Debate: 12:01–13:34
Super Bowl Dips War: 18:09–19:19
Dan’s Super Bowl Faint Story: 22:03–23:48
Beer League Sleep Story: 30:29–33:03
Stepdad Overshare: 34:27–37:20
Blind NHL Jersey Ranking: 39:23–43:47
Fast Casual Food Showdown: 43:49–49:22
Sean’s Origin Story: 50:04–52:17
Favorite ‘Heated Rivalry’ Scene: 52:53–54:23
If You Could Change a Game: 55:16–56:37, 56:42–57:04

Recurring Themes and Tonal Notes

Casual, irreverent hockey banter:
The group oscillates between authentic analysis and off-the-wall riffing; chirping and inside jokes (especially re: food and beer league) abound.
Audience engagement and improv:
Frequent crowd asides; live “blind rankings” and rowdy Q&A integrate live energy.
Nostalgic love for Olympic and childhood hockey moments:
Hosts enact the “every fan watching Miracle for hope” trope and appreciate sporting mythology.

Conclusion

The Empty Netters’ live episode is a rollicking ride through the 2026 Olympic hockey hype, roasts Team USA’s management, lampoons Super Bowl food traditions, retells hysterical beer league tales, and crowdsources classic fan Q&A—all in the authentic, bond-of-brothers style that defines the show. Essential listening for both the diehard puck-head and the casual Empty Netters devotee.

Sign-off:
"Let's all have some drinks. Let's have a fun night. And until we see you next time, skate hard." – Dan Powers [64:33]

Empty Netters Podcast – NETTERS LIVE: Olympics Hype, Super Bowl Debates, and Billy Langdon!

Podcast: Empty Netters (Almost Friday Media)
Episode Date: February 9, 2026

Episode Overview

Main Segments & Discussion Points

1. Olympics Hockey Hype & Rule Changes

Olympic Return of NHLers: First time in 12 years.
Unique Format & Rule Changes:
- Preliminary rounds: 5min 3-on-3 OT then 5-man shootout
- Semis: 10min 3-on-3 OT
- Gold: 20min continuous 3-on-3 OT
- Quote [03:45, Dan Powers]: “Can you imagine playing three on three for 20 minutes?”
- All agree such a format could create “the most electric gold medal game of all time” (Dan, [03:49]).
Rink Size Blunders: Milan’s supposed Olympic-size rink is actually 4 feet short—“A massive L for the metric system" ([08:08], Chris).
- May favor Team USA's grind style over Canada's track-meet.
US vs. Canada Pressure:
- Hosts suggest Canada faces crushing expectations:
  Quote [05:23, Chris Bowers]: “If this Canada team doesn’t win gold, they are fucked.”
- Point out USA’s disadvantage of leaving top scorers (Robertson, Caulfield) off the team.

2. Roster Debates: Team Compositions, Injuries, and Unsung Heroes

US Team Roster Critique:
- Absurd omissions: Three of top six NHL goal scorers (all Americans) aren’t on Team USA ([06:30], Dan)
- If USA fails, coaches will be “fucking Seward for these decisions.”
Key to US Gold?
- Goaltending must be flawless against Canada’s offensive firepower.
  - Quote [09:09, Chris]: “If we get a shutout in the gold medal game, we can win.”
- US needs scoring from non-headliners; Dylan Larkin, Zach Werenski highlighted as possible “unsung heroes.”

3. Olympics Lifestyle & Milan Antics

Anticipation for Milan:
- Eager for “lifestyle coverage” (food, culture), not just games.
- Ongoing “chicken parm & broccoli” running joke about Dan’s odd Italian restaurant orders ([12:01–13:20]).
  - Quote [12:03, Chris]: “It's outrageous you drag me to these places and then turn your nose up to the most important part of the entire dish.”

4. Guest Segment: Billy Langdon

Backstage Stories & Concert Chaos:
- Chris describes the “most inconvenient man who’s ever lived” ([16:07]), referencing Chris’ marathon attempts to attend concerts last minute.
Super Bowl Party Philosophy:
- Debate ideal game day snacks—Dan’s anti-dip stance is roundly trashed ([18:09]).
  - “The whole point of dip is to eat yourself sick.” (Billy, [18:50])
- Comfort is paramount: PJs, mattresses, or pillows on the floor, communal food coma
  - Quote [21:08]: "We're gonna lay out pillows and mattresses on the floor and let everyone just lie around and gorge themselves."
- Dips, wings, pigs in a blanket, and comfy clothes are essential; no pretensions.
Highlight:

Dan’s Patriots Super Bowl fainting story ([22:03–23:48]):
- Too stressed to eat, passed out upon celebrating game-winning play.
- “I went from sitting on the floor to leaping in the air ... smashed my face on the table.” ([22:23])
Fan Etiquette on Rivalry:
- Debate whether party guests should be separated by rooting interests ([25:31]).
- Chris shares his “never chirp first” policy, but laments it’s never reciprocated ([26:51]).

5. Beer League Hotline: Hilarious Beer League Tales

Sleeping on the Bench ([30:29]):
- 40+ year old teammate with young kids falls asleep, snoring, during late game.
- “The most beer league thing I’ve ever heard.” (Chris, [31:26])
- Team lets him rest—a moment of solidarity for every tired dad.
Locker Room TMI (Stepdad Overshare) ([34:27]):
- Player’s stepdad, now teammate, bonds via oversharing—announces he “woke up to a blowjob,” i.e., mom.
- Hosts divided: Chris (amused), Dan (horrified).
- “You can’t talk about rinsing the kid’s mom ... that’s crazy, dude.” (Dan, [37:29])

6. Blind Rankings: NHL Jerseys & Fast Casual Food

NHL Home Jerseys ([39:23+]):
- Passionate debates on uniforms (e.g., Ducks, Capitals, Senators).
- “Literally the worst jersey in the NHL.” (Dan, about Stars, [43:06])
Fast Casual Food Showdown ([43:49]):
- Animated crowd debate on In-N-Out, Dave’s Hot Chicken, Shake Shack, Panda Express, etc.
- Blind ranked Panda Express #1—“Any one of you that says you don’t love Panda Express, you’re a liar!” (Dan, [48:50])

7. Q&A: Behind-the-Scenes & Personal Hot Takes

The Origin of Sean Buffini on the Show ([50:04]):
- Hired for a different job at Almost Friday Media; becomes producer due to emergency, fits the crew instantly.
Favorite ‘Heated Rivalry’ Scenes & Characters ([52:53]):
- Club confessionals, tunnel scenes, comic airport “sperminator” walk, and the infamous spit-in-hand moment get the nod.
- Character love for Svetlana, Kip, Shane, and Scott Hunter.
If You Could Change Any Hockey Game’s Score ... ([55:16]):
- 2010 Olympic OT (USA/Canada), Bruins' 2023 Game 7 heartbreak among picks.
Biggest Pet Peeves & Silly Traditions in Hockey ([61:16]):
- “Playoff seeding is the stupidest thing in the entire world.” (Dan, [61:33])
- Beer league superstitions, love for the soon-to-be-retired EBUG goalie rule.

Notable Quotes & Moments

“Can you imagine playing three on three for 20 minutes?”
Dan Powers, discussing gold medal OT [03:45]
“If this Canada team doesn’t win gold, they are fucked.”
Chris Bowers on Olympic pressure [05:23]
On Olympic Rink Error:
Chris Bowers [08:08]: “A massive L for the metric system ... Measure a rink, morons!”
“If you get a shutout in the gold medal game, we can win.”
Chris Bowers crystallizes Team USA’s Olympic hopes [09:09]
“The chicken parm is the star. If I wanted pasta, I'd order a nice pasta.”
Dan Powers’ culinary logic [12:44]
“The whole point of dip is to eat yourself sick.”
Billy Langdon, on Super Bowl appetizers [18:50]
Dan’s Super Bowl Faint Story:
“I leapt in the air, smashed my face on the table, and fell down.” [22:23]
Beer League Joker:
“One of the guys legit fell asleep on the bench … we just let him snooze.” [30:29]
Stepdad Locker Room TMI:
"He knew he was going to get a go that night because he woke up to a blowjob ... that's Buddy's mom he's talking about. Is this over the line?" [34:27]
On Jersey Debates:
“The Ducks jersey is cool. We dug our own grave with four.” (Chris, [42:56]) “Literally the worst jersey in the NHL.” (Dan, [43:06])
Panda Express Passion:
“Any one of you that says you don’t love Panda Express, you’re a liar.” (Dan, [48:50])

Important Timestamps

Olympic Overtime Rule Breakdown: 03:17–04:38
Canada/USA Pressure Debate: 05:05–06:43
Roster Controversies: 06:30–07:04
Milan Rink Size Blunder: 08:08–08:17
Chicken Parm/Broccoli Debate: 12:01–13:34
Super Bowl Dips War: 18:09–19:19
Dan’s Super Bowl Faint Story: 22:03–23:48
Beer League Sleep Story: 30:29–33:03
Stepdad Overshare: 34:27–37:20
Blind NHL Jersey Ranking: 39:23–43:47
Fast Casual Food Showdown: 43:49–49:22
Sean’s Origin Story: 50:04–52:17
Favorite ‘Heated Rivalry’ Scene: 52:53–54:23
If You Could Change a Game: 55:16–56:37, 56:42–57:04

Recurring Themes and Tonal Notes

Casual, irreverent hockey banter:
The group oscillates between authentic analysis and off-the-wall riffing; chirping and inside jokes (especially re: food and beer league) abound.
Audience engagement and improv:
Frequent crowd asides; live “blind rankings” and rowdy Q&A integrate live energy.
Nostalgic love for Olympic and childhood hockey moments:
Hosts enact the “every fan watching Miracle for hope” trope and appreciate sporting mythology.

Conclusion

Sign-off:
"Let's all have some drinks. Let's have a fun night. And until we see you next time, skate hard." – Dan Powers [64:33]

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NETTERS LIVE: Olympics Hype, Super Bow Debates, and Billy Langdon!

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Summary

Empty Netters Podcast – NETTERS LIVE: Olympics Hype, Super Bowl Debates, and Billy Langdon!

Episode Overview

Main Segments & Discussion Points

1. Olympics Hockey Hype & Rule Changes

2. Roster Debates: Team Compositions, Injuries, and Unsung Heroes

3. Olympics Lifestyle & Milan Antics

4. Guest Segment: Billy Langdon

Highlight:

5. Beer League Hotline: Hilarious Beer League Tales

6. Blind Rankings: NHL Jerseys & Fast Casual Food

7. Q&A: Behind-the-Scenes & Personal Hot Takes

Notable Quotes & Moments

Important Timestamps

Recurring Themes and Tonal Notes

Conclusion

Summary

Empty Netters Podcast – NETTERS LIVE: Olympics Hype, Super Bowl Debates, and Billy Langdon!

Episode Overview

Main Segments & Discussion Points

1. Olympics Hockey Hype & Rule Changes

2. Roster Debates: Team Compositions, Injuries, and Unsung Heroes

3. Olympics Lifestyle & Milan Antics

4. Guest Segment: Billy Langdon

Highlight:

5. Beer League Hotline: Hilarious Beer League Tales

6. Blind Rankings: NHL Jerseys & Fast Casual Food

7. Q&A: Behind-the-Scenes & Personal Hot Takes

Notable Quotes & Moments

Important Timestamps

Recurring Themes and Tonal Notes

Conclusion