Transcript

Dan Powers (0:00)

Welcome to the Empty Netters podcast.

Chris Powers (0:03)

Can you believe what this has become? There was a full 48 hours where

Dan Powers (0:07)

I felt like I was like, literally Superman. Jumbo loves playing Fortnite.

Chris Powers (0:10)

So does he gets on the sticks.

Dan Powers (0:13)

Did TR show you the saunacycle or was that all you did?

Chris Powers (0:15)

No, I invented that. Almost a year now that I haven't taken a body check. That's kind of nice.

Dan Powers (0:20)

So we are back. We are horned up and we are going deep. Finished tonight with some chicken fingers and a few Guinnesses.

Chris Powers (0:26)

Ran into you guys.

Dan Powers (0:27)

And that's where this pod came to life. Ice is ready. And we are back with another episode of the Empty Netters podcast, brought to you by BetMGM. I am your host, Dan Powers, coming at you with a late night sesh.

Chris Powers (0:40)

Netters After Dark.

Dan Powers (0:41)

That guy you just heard there interrupting my flow is Chris Powers, as always. I can't tell if that's you interrupting my flow as always or. No, it is you, as always. When do you think you're gonna get a haircut?

Chris Powers (0:57)

I don't know. I was actually thinking about that and I was like, what was I aiming at? And then I think it was Coachella. I was like, oh, I'll keep it long through Coachella. And then I kind of forgot that's what I was aiming at. So now I'm like, oh, shit.

Dan Powers (1:10)

Do you think you're a little too old to be growing your hair out specifically for Coachella?

Chris Powers (1:14)

I don't grow it out for Coachella. I just happen to be like, oh, I'm not gonna get a cut before that.

Dan Powers (1:18)

But it sounds like you bookmarked Coachella for your.

Chris Powers (1:24)

I did this year. But it just kind of like, I'll get it. I get it cut, then it starts to grow out. Then when it's that mid length again, I start being like, what if I get this cut? And then I do look at calendars and I go, oh, maybe that. Maybe I'll finish the ski season. Things like that, like, whatever's kind of, like, near me. Well, Halloween, that's a big one, actually,

Summary

Empty Netters Podcast: "Swayman And Pasta Aren’t Ready For The Golf Course"

Host: Almost Friday Media
Date: April 29, 2026
Duration covered: [00:00–69:45] (content before ads and wrap-up)

Episode Overview

This late-night episode of Empty Netters features hockey brothers Dan and Chris Powers unpacking the latest NHL playoff action, with a primary focus on the Bruins’ dramatic OT win over the Sabres, the wild energy around Swayman and David Pastrnak (“Pasta”), the passionate (sometimes delusional) nature of playoff fandom, and significant coverage of the Dallas Stars–Minnesota Wild and Oilers–Ducks series. The Powers brothers blend sharp analysis, genuine fan perspective, and their trademark snappy banter, exploring everything from the impact of playoff nerves to conspiracy theories about league officiating and wild in-game moments.

1. Bruins vs. Sabres: Emotional Overtime, Pasta Chatter, and Playoff Fandom

Bruins Bounce Back & Swayman Shines ([02:24–03:26], [19:58–20:47])

Dan and Chris celebrate Boston’s crucial OT win (“We guaranteed a Bruins win. Pasta’s got to get going.” – Dan Powers, [03:11]).
Both hosts agree that Jeremy Swayman was again the Bruins’ best player:

“Sway is the best player on the Bruins in this series. Yet another game where he played fucking phenomenal.” – Dan Powers ([20:12])
They highlight Boston’s resilience after the Game 4 blowout loss:

“If there’s ever been a time where I believe the Bees could come all the way back, it’s after a win like that.” – Dan Powers ([03:26])

Pasta’s OT Winner & Conspiracies ([07:04–10:13], [24:44–26:29])

The narrative around Pastrnak “floating” for offense is discussed:

“He was getting behind the D a lot today. Shelly calls it anticipation. I’m not mad about it, dude.” – Chris Powers ([08:26])
They break down a common playoffs conspiracy:

“The implication is … the league needs the Bruins to win this game, so just look the other way if Pasta’s offside.” – Chris Powers ([07:28]); Dan and Chris mock this idea with playful sarcasm.
Review of the OT goal:

“Great goal. Great goal. Really pretty goal … Pretty good play by Lion. Almost got back for that.” – Chris ([10:38])

Fan Dynamics & Buffalo Love ([10:56–15:02], [12:30–14:17])

Iconic moment: Pasta chirping a Sabres fan after the OT goal. The guys riff about the types of banter and Buffalo energy:

“Buffalo fans are my favorite fans on Earth. They’re so funny, incredibly self-aware, they potty so hard.” – Dan Powers ([12:30])
Chris reminisces about “shared misery” of Boston sports fans, contrasting with city culture elsewhere.
The brothers joke about the possible “chirps” exchanged (“I’m gonna fucking eat your lunch tomorrow.” – Dan, [15:22]).

Officiating, Offside Calls & Rule Confusion ([25:22–26:29])

Breakdown on the offside review:

“We didn’t spend any time talking about if Pasta was offside because he’s so clearly onside … If you can look at that photo and go, ‘that is offside’, that’s enough internet for me today.” – Dan ([25:22])

2. Playoff Fandom: The Emotional Rollercoaster

Fandom as a Blessing and a Curse ([04:16–05:44])

The brothers dig into the irrationality and wild swings of playoff fandom:

“We’ve seen in playoffs now so many people devolve into the shittiest versions of themselves ... in the name of Christ, dude. In the name of their Lord and Savior—their dude.” – Dan ([04:39])
Metaphor: Playoffs turn fans into “gremlins” after midnight (Gremlins movie reference).

Online Delusion & Conspiracies ([05:44–07:28])

Mocking Twitter takes that claim NHL officiating is fixed.
Dan: “Make conspiracies great again in the NHL.” ([08:23])

3. Dallas Stars vs. Minnesota Wild: Big-Swing Playoff Tension

Zucarello’s Return & Instant Impact ([29:57–31:57])

The Wild welcome back Zucarello, who scores in his second shift:

“He is must have been chomping at the bit to get into this series and to come in and score instantly in the first period.” – Dan ([31:21])
Focus on the value of playoff depth and health.

Special Teams and the Disallowed Goal ([32:10–35:59])

Miro Heiskanen ties it on the power play for Dallas, prompting discussion about special teams’ importance.
Controversial Boldy goal review for goaltender interference covered in detail:

“Goalie interference remains the most confusing thing in the world … That is pretty soft.” – Dan ([34:53–35:39])

Wild Take Control & Dallas Concerns ([36:10–44:06])

Minnesota’s smothering third period, highlighted by McCarran’s goal, is called a pivotal shift:

“Since game one, this was the first time I was like, oh, game over—Minnesota has won.” – Dan ([43:22])
Dallas’s lack of offensive production noted:

“The Dallas Stars have gone over 160 minutes since their last 5v5 goal.” – Dan ([41:16])

Stars’ Underachievers & Playoff Pressure ([39:30–42:19])

Ben, Borke, and the absence of Rupe Hintz dissected; Dallas fans “deserve better.”
Chris: “If you lose this, Dallas goes, ‘Me, bro.’” ([44:06])
Larger playoff point: First-round loss fallout for top teams, especially in tough matchups.

The Wild’s Franchise History ([47:03–47:58])

Kirill Kaprizov sets Wild franchise playoff goal record.

“When Kirill is your all-time leading playoff goal scorer, I’m like, what?” – Dan ([47:10])

4. Oilers vs. Ducks: Classic Edmonton, Goalie Nightmares, and the Threat of Collapse

Oilers’ Must-Win Grit & Ducks’ Inexperience ([51:28–63:40])

Edmonton storms out to early lead; Ducks goalie Dostahl yanked after rough start
The guys frame this as the first time Anaheim’s “playoff inexperience has shown its ugly mug”:

“All you have to do … is weather the first 10 minutes … and instead you have three goals down your eye socket in nine minutes on six shots.” – Chris ([58:22–59:07])
Leon Draisaitl’s leadership praised:

“Leon … should be in the next Budweiser commercial as one of those Clydesdales … What a stallion.” – Chris ([59:18])
Ducks’ regret over letting the Oilers “back to life” – the risk of awakening a seasoned playoff core.

Goalie Issues & Series Outlook ([65:16–68:11])

Dostahl singled out as the worst goalie of playoffs by GSAx:

“He has a minus 3.1 goals saved above expected, which is the worst of any goalie in these playoffs.” – Dan ([65:32])
Ducks’ power play is on an unsustainable heater (7-for-14), and if it cools, “they might never score again.”
Both hosts predict the series is going seven games and, if so, Oilers are overwhelming favorites.

Notable Quote

“This team is the scariest team in the playoffs. Full stop, dude. Full stop. … This core has been here. They’ve done these runs. They know what it takes.” – Chris ([63:52])

5. Other Noteworthy Segments

Chirps & Memorable Banter

The guys lovingly riff about Buffalo, Boston, and cereal (including 1-minute sidebar on Raisin Bran’s sugar content) ([16:03–18:23]).
Running joke about playoff superstitions, “the script,” and “floating” for offense.

Series Predictions & Anticipation ([69:22–69:45])

Lightning round:
- Flyers–Penguins, Oilers–Ducks, Sabres–Bruins — all predicted to go seven games.
“Seven’s wild, dude. Three game sevens. … Seven, seven, seven. Jackpot.” – Chris ([69:37])

6. Timestamps for Key Segments

[02:24] – Bruins game analysis opens
[03:26–04:16] – OT emotions, belief in Bruins
[07:04–10:13] – Pasta floating, conspiracies, OT goal
[12:30–14:17] – Buffalo fan culture & post-goal chirping
[20:00–20:47] – Swayman and Lion goalie duel
[25:22–26:29] – Offside review & rule confusion
[29:57–31:57] – Zucarello’s immediate impact
[32:10–35:59] – Disallowed goal & interference debate
[39:30–44:06] – Dallas’s underperformance, Wild’s rise
[46:18–47:58] – Wild franchise history & window
[51:28–63:40] – Oilers–Ducks in-depth, goalie woes, Draisaitl
[65:16–68:11] – Ducks’ goaltending crisis, power play analysis
[69:22–69:45] – Series prediction lightning round

Notable Quotes

“Playoffs turn fans into gremlins. … It is after midnight and you’ve all been fed, unfortunately.” – Dan ([05:22])
“When Tejas is a downhill player and he’s just fucking heavy forechecking … that’s when he’s at his best.” – Dan on Tage Thompson ([22:01])
“It would truly be one of the craziest conversations you’ve ever had. You would look at him and go, ‘Do you think you should start?’” – Dan, contemplating Ducks’ goalie decision ([66:46])
“You gotta do one other thing … Skate hard.” – Closing mantra ([70:16])

Summary

This episode of Empty Netters offers a deeply entertaining tapestry of playoff analysis and fan perspective. The brothers weave between analytical breakdowns (goalie metrics, offside rule confusion), culture-clash stories (Boston vs. Buffalo), and the emotional see-saw of watching teams fight to stave off elimination. Listeners get insight into the psychology of playoff teams, the anatomy of OT drama, and the oddball rituals and complaints of diehard fans. The show’s conversational, irreverent style lets listeners feel part of the hockey family—bemoaning heartbreaks, savoring victories, and arguing over whether the league is “scripted.” At its heart, it’s a love letter to playoff hockey’s chaos and community.