The Leafs Are Giving Their Fans Hope and It’s Not Fair

Summary

Empty Netters Podcast

Episode: The Leafs Are Giving Their Fans Hope and It’s Not Fair

Date: January 13, 2026
Hosts: Dan Powers, Sean Buffini, Chris Powers
Key Segment Timestamps Provided (MM:SS)

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Episode Theme & Overview

This episode dives deep into the current hot streak of the Toronto Maple Leafs, the emotional rollercoaster their fans are on, and whether there's any substance to their playoff hopes. The brothers also break down recent NHL news—including the Sabres’ resurgence, trade rumors around Dougie Hamilton, and the legitimacy of the Detroit Red Wings. The show wraps up with college hockey talk, wild beer league dilemmas, a Bauer blind ranking, and the debate on solo dining etiquette.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

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1. Leafs Hope and Playoff Realities

(02:00–13:45)

• Leafs’ recent run: The Leafs are 7-1-2 in their last 10, winning three straight, and just one point out of a wild card spot.

  • “The Leafs are 7-1-2 in their last 10 games... They are very, very close to a playoff spot for the first time in months.” (03:33 – Dan)

• Brandon Carlo & blue-collar mentality: Fans credit return of Brandon Carlo and players like Max Domi, Scott Laughton for a grittier, more "lunch-pail" style.

  • “We finally have a lot of blue collar, lunch pail guys who are making shit happen.” (03:51 – Dan)

• Skepticism about the Leafs ceiling:

  • “Do we believe that this Maple Leafs team is going to do anything but what they always do?” (04:59 – Dan)
  • Sean: For most teams, a playoff appearance is enough. For the Leafs, anything but a deep run is a disappointment.
  • Dan: “You have the expectations of we need to go to the Stanley Cup every single year. Now, do you ever come close to that? No. But at least that is the vibe.” (07:13)

• Maple Leafs playing ‘Moneyball’?

  • Dan suggests the Leafs might be pacing themselves, only needing to make the playoffs—given how weak the East appears.

• Prediction discussions: Leaf hosts debate whether the Leafs could actually win a first-round series depending on the opponent. Consensus: There’s a plausible path, but skepticism remains.

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2. Buffalo Sabres: A New Vibe?

(09:58–11:31)

• Sabres streak: Buffalo is 9-1 in their last 10, with three straight wins; hosts credit coach Yarmo for a shift in “positive linguistic programming.”
  • “Now the Buffalo Sabres... they're a different team.” (10:19 – Dan)
• Boost from Bills' NFL playoff hopes:
  • “If Josh and Haley [Allen] are at a Sabres game they will never lose again.” (11:09 – Dan)

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3. Leafs’ West Coast Test

(12:58–13:45)

• Upcoming road trip: Avs, Mammoth, Vegas, Jets. Hosts debate what record would make them believe in Leafs.
• “If the Leafs go two and two, I still think, dude, the Leafs are good... What they have put on display for half the year is appalling. An insult to the game.” (13:16-13:24 – Sean)

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4. Dougie Hamilton Trade Drama & Devils’ Woes

(13:52–19:46)

• Dougie Hamilton scratched and trade talk:

  • Dougie nixed a summer trade to the Sharks, exercising his no-trade clause; now his role is diminished on a stacked Devils D.
  • “Now, if you're Dougie Hamilton and you hear the words odd man out when referring to you, you're like, what the fuck?” (14:47 – Dan)
  • Debate on if Sharks trade could resurface, but value down after a mediocre season.

• Devils' disappointment:

  • “There has been egg on the Devils’ face.” (17:21 – Sean)
  • Sean vents about previously hyping the Devils as future multi-Cup winners and being shocked at their struggles.

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5. Detroit Red Wings: Contenders?

(20:12–27:44)

• On Detroit's legitimacy:

  • “I'm ready to declare that the Detroit Red Wings are officially real.” (20:22 – Dan)
  • The guys love the Red Wings’ fight, especially Patrick Kane's “heating up” and the Mo Seider–Simon Edvinsson pairing.
  • “Mo Seider and Simon Edvinsson are one of the best pairs in the National Hockey League right now.” (22:44 – Dan)

• Need for a big trade:

  • “A trade simply must happen. You can absolutely improve the middle six....And then defense...if you got a solid, solid defenseman to add to that second pair, you are looking at a team that can make some noise here.” (23:40 – Dan)
  • Possibilities: Rasmus Andersson (Flames), Phil Hronek (Canucks), Neal Pionk or Demelo (Jets), among others.

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6. McDavid vs. McKinnon, Streaks, and MVPs

(27:48–34:15)

• McDavid’s ridiculous 18-game point streak:

  • 19 goals, 23 assists, 42 points in 18 games.
  • “Connor McDavid extended his point streak to 18 games, career high, which is insane...he has 19 goals and 23 assists for 42 points in 18 games across those 18 games.” (27:53 – Sean)

• Debate: McDavid or McKinnon?

  • Both have 78 points but different play styles; McKinnon's mind-blowing +48 on the year.

• Wayne Gretzky’s 51-game point streak:

  • The hosts marvel at the absurd stat.
  • “Wayne, 51 games, 153 points...That is utterly preposterous.” (34:23 – Dan)

• Oilers/Kings Playoff Rematch?

  • If it happens, the consensus is the Oilers would sweep at current form.

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7. Ovechkin, Longevity, and 1000 Goals

(37:05–41:14)

• Ovi's 21st consecutive 20-goal season:

  • “Alex Ovechkin scored his 20th of the season last night...21 straight seasons of scoring 20 or more.” (37:21 – Sean)

• Ovi chasing 1,000 goals?

  • “If he scores 40 this year and then plays next year and scores 40, he will play until he gets 1,000. Because at that point, he's at like 977...” (40:17 – Dan)

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8. Shoutouts & Viral Moments

(41:25–43:44)

• Hudson Williams gives the pod a shoutout on Jimmy Fallon.

  • “Our boy Hudson Williams from Heated Rivalry went on Jimmy Fallon last week and gave the fellas a nice shout out. Unbelievable.” (41:27 – Dan)

• Hosts revel in reacting to seeing the show recognized on mainstream TV.

  • “...There was like a legitimate cheer from the crowd.” (42:59 – Sean)

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9. College Hockey Rundown – Netters College Puck Drop

(45:00–56:44)

• Big weekends: Western Michigan’s statement sweep at Denver, Colorado College’s giant killer status, Duluth’s Plant brothers rolling, Penn State upsetting the Gophers.
• Prospect talk: Gavin McKenna’s underwhelming NCAA season leads to speculation about his draft status.
  • “I think we can say right now Gavin McKenna has been a disappointment at Penn State.” (50:51 – Dan)
• Women’s game highlights: Abby Murphy (Minnesota) scored a viral, highlight-reel goal.
  • “...Abby comes in, juggles the puck, knocks it down through the legs of the defender...collects it with her backhand, and then one handed passes it over...” (55:47 – Dan)

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10. Not Ice – Life Off the Rink

(62:25–72:07)

A. Eating Alone – Etiquette/Debate

• Dan stands up for solo dining, especially with a book. Discussion of table vs. bar, diners vs. fancy restaurants.
  • “When I'm eating alone and I'm reading, I think it's better to be at the table than at the bar...” (69:08 – Dan)

B. Sneeze Tracking Tangent

• Outlandish debate on annual sneeze tallies, with Chris claiming just 78, to the disbelief of all.
  • “What are you saying to me?” (71:35 – Dan)
  • “I think people be fascinated to hear this.” (71:05 – Sean)

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11. Beer League Hotline – Messy Team Drama

(75:48–84:14)

• Situation:
  • Player dates captain’s sister (with blessing); she cheats, they break up, and he vents in the locker room—calling her a “whore.” Captain puts hands on him.
• Hosts’ verdict:
  • Both the ex and captain made mistakes, but venting in that way, using harsh language in front of her brother—even if wronged—crosses the line.
    • Sean: “You’ve got to be the bigger man. You’ve got to control yourself and find a different place to vent.” (79:33)
    • “You sign a contract...that if something goes wrong, you need to be careful about how you speak about her...” (82:53 – Dan)

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12. Bauer Blind Ranking – Team Canada Olympic Reserve Snubs

(84:16–89:30)

• Top snubs listed: Connor Bedard, Sam Bennett, Wyatt Johnston, Mark Scheifele, Seth Jarvis, Travis Konecny.
• Hosts do a “blind” ranking (not knowing which name is next), wrestling over Bedard's placement and the context of each player’s snub.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Leafs fans getting hopes up:
  • “Are we having fun yet?” (05:32 – Sean)
• On expectations in Toronto:
  • “The Leafs don’t have that luxury of ‘just get in, it’s fun.’” (05:32 – Sean)
• On Gretzky’s absurd stats:
  • “Wayne, 51 games, 153 points... That is utterly preposterous.” (34:23 – Dan)
• On solo dining:
  • “When I'm eating alone and I'm reading, I think it's better to be at the table than at the bar.” (69:08 – Dan)
• On Ovechkin’s chase for 1,000 goals:
  • “I want him to retire upon scoring the thousandth goal. Like, you know when Matthews hit the game left, dude, score your thousandth goal and walk off the ice.” (40:58 – Sean)
• On beer league drama:
  • “You sign a contract...if something goes wrong, you need to be careful about how you speak about her.” (82:53 – Dan)
• On tracking sneezes:
  • “Are you out of your mind? What are you saying to me? 78?” (71:35 – Dan)

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Timestamps for Major Segments

• Leafs hope status begins: 02:00
• Sabres, city vibes: 09:58
• Leafs West Coast trip: 12:58
• Devils and Dougie Hamilton: 13:52
• Red Wings talk: 20:12
• Connor McDavid’s streak/McKinnon: 27:48
• Gretzky stat marvel: 34:15
• Ovechkin's milestones: 37:05
• Fallon show shoutout: 41:25
• College hockey rundown: 45:00
• Women's hockey play highlight: 55:45
• Solo dining etiquette: 62:25
• Sneeze tracking tangent: 71:05
• Beer League Hotline drama: 75:48
• Bauer Blind Ranking: 84:16

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Final Takeaways

• The hosts artfully blend humor, hockey analysis, and personal stories, never losing the “locker room” banter.
• The Toronto Maple Leafs are trending up—but nobody is sure if it’s real hope.
• The Buffalo Sabres and Detroit Red Wings signal a possible new era in their franchises.
• The Devils are a cautionary tale in how fast fortunes can turn.
• Beer league isn't just about goals—sometimes it's about navigating soap opera-level drama.
• College hockey, especially with rising prospects and viral moments, is as spicy as the NHL right now.
• Sometimes, the most heated debate on a hockey pod is about how many times a human sneezes in a year.

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Check out the full episode for more laughs, sharp hockey insights, and a wild ride through the current hockey landscape!

“Until we see you next time, skate hard.”

Transcript

[Dan Powers]

Welcome to the Empty Netters podcast.

[Sean Buffini]

Can you believe what this has become? There's a full 48 hours where I.

[Chris Powers]

Felt like I was like literally Superman.

[Dan Powers]

Jumbo loves playing Fortnite so he gets on the sticks. Did TR show you the saunacycle or was that all you did?

[Sean Buffini]

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

[Dan Powers]

Finished tonight with some chicken fingers and a few Guinnesses.

[Sean Buffini]

Ran into you guys.

[Dan Powers]

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'm your host, Dan Powers, on the sticks. A man who I just saw trying on skates. Nothing could ever pump me up more. Sean Buffini. How are we?

[Chris Powers]

Great.

[Dan Powers]

You gonna get skating?

[Chris Powers]

You gonna teach me?

[Dan Powers]

Nothing would make me happier.

[Chris Powers]

Let's do it.

[Dan Powers]

Fucking come on, dude.

[Sean Buffini]

If you recall, that is Alex Winters greatest passion on earth is teaching Violet how to skate. That's the. That's the bonus epilogue of Pucked.

[Dan Powers]

I would say that teaching people, teaching new people to skate must be what it feels like in the wizarding world to tell someone that they are a witch or wizard. I bet it is that awesome of a feeling. And the person you just heard, over to my left, a man who is sick yet again, Chris Powers.

[Sean Buffini]

Oh, as always. But I actually know I'm not sick.

[Dan Powers]

You don't think you're sick?

[Sean Buffini]

No, I'm not. I'm actually not sick. I just. I feel tired.

[Dan Powers]

Well, I can't talk shit. Cause I feel tired too.

[Sean Buffini]

I thought I was sick last week. Cause everyone was sick last week.

[Dan Powers]

I need someone in the comments to tell me why I feel more tired sometimes when I get great sleep. I got great sleep last night. I didn't drink yesterday or anything. I had a very relaxing day and I feel more tired. Why does that happen?

[Sean Buffini]

It's cause you didn't have a relaxing day two days ago. It's the 48 hour rule.

[Dan Powers]

But yeah, maybe that's the most important.

[Sean Buffini]

Sleep is two sleeps ago.

[Dan Powers]

I've heard that that might be true. What is true is we've got a great episode today. Got a lot of hot ice to get into. College hockey is back, so puck drop is back. We've got to rip all this stuff up. It's going to be fantastic. And we're going to start with a team who has been fantastic in hot ice. The Toronto Maple Leafs are good again.

[Sean Buffini]

Scorching. Am I touching something Hot. Am I touch something?

[Dan Powers]

The Leafs are 71 and 2 in their last 10 games. They've won three straight. They are surging up the standings. They are one point out of a wild card spot. What in the world is going on in Toronto?

[Sean Buffini]

The Leafs. Cornballer is a good nickname for the Leafs. I think they are the Cornballers.

[Dan Powers]

Explain yourself.

[Sean Buffini]

They are hot. They are hot.

[Dan Powers]

Okay, well, is that. It's just a good nickname because they're.

[Sean Buffini]

Hot, but they are. They don't make sense. I'm like, what is this?

[Chris Powers]

What.

[Sean Buffini]

Why is this thing? Why is it so hot? What does it do? What does it make? Does it ever succeed? Does it ever make a finished product?

[Dan Powers]

So we've got. A lot of. Lot of Leafs fans were up in the DMs last night during Hockey Talk, supporting their boys. I think a lot of people would credit Brandon Carlo. Okay, Brandon Carlo's been injured. He is back in the lineup, and he is really tightening up that defense. And then also, don't forget that Chris Tanev is hurt. He's been out for a long time. That's kind of a thing with Chris Tanov. He is such an intense player. I feel like he's always on IR because he's just like putting his. Everything he's got. Oh, my God. The guy puts his body on the line. He is that guy. Who is. What's that? That YouTube video, that popular YouTube video. That guy, he's playing volleyball and they keep spiking it into his face. Oh, yeah, they have another video where he's playing goalie and it's like, fuck, dude, we got to figure out that guy's name because that's Chris Tanf. Because he just puts his body on the line all the time. But with Brandon Carlo back in, the boys are looking much, much better. Willie Nylander has been fantastic all year. And then I'm seeing a lot of lunch pail talk, a lot of lunch pail talk from Toronto Maple Leafs fans. They're citing guys like Max Domi. They're citing guys like Scott Lawton and Brandon Carlo. Being like, we've got. We finally have a lot of blue collar lunch pail guys who are making shit happen. But the thing is, the Leafs are good right now. Like we just mentioned, seven wins, one loss, two OTR shootout losses in their last 10. They are very, very close to a playoff spot for the first time in months. My question is, and I said this.

[Sean Buffini]

Yesterday, at what cost?

[Dan Powers]

Because do we believe that this Maple Leafs team is going to do anything but what they always do.

[Sean Buffini]

Very fair point. But I think. Ah, man. Because there are some teams that I think you get into playoffs knowing you're dead, but it's still worth it.

[Dan Powers]

Yeah.

[Sean Buffini]

Because I go, just get in. Dude, that's. You haven't been in in a long time. Like San Jose Sharks, big playoffs. That would be cool. Would you probably lose in the first round? Yes, probably. But get in. That'd be awesome. Seattle Kraken. Get in. That'd be awesome.

[Dan Powers]

Would be awesome.

[Sean Buffini]

The Leafs don't have that luxury of just get in. It's fun. This is fun. Hey, do you want to lose in the first round again? Are we having fun yet?

[Dan Powers]

This is what I couldn't believe from some of the chats I was having with Leafs fans last night. The amount of them that were like, we're a playoff team, dude. We're a playoff team. And I'm like, yeah, no shit. This isn't. This isn't the New York Islanders here. And that's not a shot at the Islanders. That's saying a team who's kind of been bubble status in the past and you'd be fired up to get in the playoffs. Leafs fans. No, no, no. You are not satisfied with just playoffs. We can't. This is crazy.

[Sean Buffini]

Yep.

[Dan Powers]

But.

[Sean Buffini]

So you're right about that. But I think also because you're the Leafs, you can't miss like missing is a fucking disaster. Unless you're going to about to say at least that will make them blow it up and trade everyone.

[Dan Powers]

That's exactly what I'm going to say. Hey, Chris. That's exactly what I was about to say. Because at least that would enact change.

[Sean Buffini]

They didn't. They enacted. They enacted change last year and they made it past where they normally make.

[Dan Powers]

What change did they make last year?

[Sean Buffini]

They traded Mitch Marner.

[Dan Powers]

Wrong.

[Sean Buffini]

No, they. It was a trade. Wrong. It was a trade.

[Dan Powers]

Look up.

[Sean Buffini]

Look up the record books. Look up history.

[Dan Powers]

You try to. Well, technically. Brian, just shut up. Just shut up. Okay? That is ridiculous. We are not going to sit here and say that the Leafs made the decision to trade Mitch Marner. They did absolutely the opposite of that.

[Sean Buffini]

Yes.

[Dan Powers]

This is the conundrum this team is in. In that you. If you were the Toronto Maple Leafs and you have this roster and you have Auston Matthews and you're paying Austin Matthews what you're paying him. You're paying William Nylander what you're paying him. You have the expectations of we need to go to the Stanley cup every single year. Yep. Now You. Do you ever come close to that? No. No. But at least that is the vibe. That is the mindset. I cannot have the good people of Toronto right now being like, just get in, baby.

[Sean Buffini]

Come on.

[Dan Powers]

Although.

[Sean Buffini]

But, Dan, maybe that's.

[Dan Powers]

Maybe that's making them more accepting people. Maybe they're just. No longer are players like Mitch Marner getting death threats sent to the house. Maybe they're just now like, we support our boys no matter what. Maybe that is the change.

[Sean Buffini]

And maybe that attitude adjustment will. Will rocket fuel them into playoff success. Okay, so here's Because. It's okay. It's okay.

[Dan Powers]

Here's what I wanted to say. After all the shit that you can talk about, they need real change. They need this. They need that. Let's talk about the East.

[Sean Buffini]

Yep.

[Dan Powers]

Because the Atlantic has been very confusing this year. The Met has even been slightly confusing because of how hurt the Carolina Hurricanes have been.

[Sean Buffini]

Yep.

[Dan Powers]

But Slavin is back in the lineup. He got a nice goal. Four straight wins for the Canes. I'm going to read you the top three teams in each division of the East. And let's say Toronto only makes a wild card spot.

[Sean Buffini]

Yep.

[Dan Powers]

Regardless of how poop they've been this.

[Sean Buffini]

Year.

[Dan Powers]

Do you think the Toronto Maple Leafs in a first round matchup could beat. And I know that currently this wouldn't happen. I'm just reading the top six teams. The Philadelphia Flyers.

[Sean Buffini]

Yes.

[Dan Powers]

The New York Islanders.

[Sean Buffini]

Yes.

[Dan Powers]

The Carolina Hurricanes. No. The Montreal Canadiens. Yes. The Tampa Bay Lightning. No. The Detroit Red Wings.

[Sean Buffini]

Yes. Boom, you're in the second round.

[Dan Powers]

It's kind of interesting. Boom, you're in the second round. So maybe. Maybe the Leafs are playing Moneyball. Yep. Maybe they realize we don't need to empty it all in the regular season like we normally do. Maybe the east is so weak that it doesn't matter where they finish. And there's a much clearer path.

[Sean Buffini]

I think the Maple Leafs are. They're only one point. When we pull the wild card standing up, there's only one point back, right?

[Dan Powers]

One point back.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah. Yeah. I mean, dude, if you were asking me right now. And this is changing every day because also the Devils and Panthers are down here, too. But if you're saying, who makes it, the Leafs or the Sabers? I go the Leafs.

[Dan Powers]

Oh, you're an idiot.

[Sean Buffini]

Nope. Because.

[Dan Powers]

Because things have changed in Buffalo.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah. Okay.

[Dan Powers]

Things have changed in Buffalo, Chris. The Buffalo Sabres are 9 and 1 in their last 10 with three straight wins. They. They're a different team. Yarmo came in and he Actually, we said that we need to change our. This is peak. Hey.

[Sean Buffini]

Positive linguistic.

[Dan Powers]

Positive linguistic programming. We changed the linguistic programming in Buffalo. Yarmo came in. And now the Buffalo Sabres. I'm not going to say the W word, but the Buffalo Sabers are a different team. There are different vibes, and they are. They are currently in a playoff team. First wild score. Go Bills. Come on.

[Sean Buffini]

Let's go, Bills.

[Dan Powers]

Go Bills. Go Sabers. Let's go, Sabres. Dude, the city of Buffalo.

[Sean Buffini]

What if Josh Allen wins a bowl this year? Oh, my God. Does it help the Sabres?

[Dan Powers]

Yes.

[Sean Buffini]

Or does it hurt the Sabres because they put too much into Allen?

[Dan Powers]

If Josh Allen wins a bowl this year and then the birth of their child, the prince or princess who has promised enters this world, the Buffalo Sabres will use that as.

[Sean Buffini]

Because he'll go to Sabres playoff games.

[Dan Powers]

And correct Josh William.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah, yeah, he'll be there.

[Dan Powers]

If Josh and Haley are at a Sabres game, they will never lose again.

[Sean Buffini]

That could actually. This team, that could actually ripple effect.

[Dan Powers]

The entire game will never lose again. And I'll tell you what I need.

[Sean Buffini]

Tage to be walking into a game soon with a Josh Allen jersey on.

[Dan Powers]

Yeah, I need that, too.

[Sean Buffini]

No dress code. Wear whatever you want. Papa. Josh Allen jersey on.

[Dan Powers]

Walk into a game. Yes.

[Sean Buffini]

Really unify the fans.

[Dan Powers]

Yes.

[Sean Buffini]

Rising Tide.

[Dan Powers]

I need. I need Josh Allen jerseys. And I need Gwen Stacy. Spider Girl.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah.

[Dan Powers]

Or is it woman?

[Sean Buffini]

I think Spider girl.

[Chris Powers]

Gwen Stacy.

[Dan Powers]

Is she Spider Woman or Spider girl?

[Chris Powers]

Spider Woman. I'm pretty sure Gwen Stacy. Cause it's not Spider Boy. Spider Man.

[Sean Buffini]

Shut the fuck up. And it's. Get out of here.

[Dan Powers]

Without logic.

[Sean Buffini]

Is it Supergirl, though?

[Dan Powers]

Yeah, but I think isn't Supergirl. She's like a teen. Well, I guess Gwen's a teenager, too. Well, no, Gwen is like in her twenties now in that universe. Basically, I need a Gwen Spider Woman shirt and a. Oh, shit. We could do a Hawkeye outfit, too. But I don't know what a Hawkeye outfit looks like.

[Chris Powers]

No.

[Dan Powers]

God, Hailee Steinfeld is fucking incredible.

[Sean Buffini]

Oh, wow. I forgot about that show.

[Dan Powers]

What a catalog. Hawkeye. It's the greatest Marvel show ever made.

[Sean Buffini]

In my opinion. The greatest Marvel show. Christmas.

[Dan Powers]

Absolutely fantastic. It's a Christmas.

[Sean Buffini]

Did that come back?

[Dan Powers]

Wasn't that. Wasn't that. I think we're getting it.

[Sean Buffini]

That felt like there was more to tell. There was more story to More meat on that bone.

[Dan Powers]

There's way more meat on that bone. Listen, the Buffalo Sabres are back, but I think the Toronto Maple Leafs might be back, too. The question is, do we think that this is going to continue? Do you believe in the run? They've got a West coast road trip starting tonight. Aves Mammoth Vegas Jets. Good news is the jets are terrible.

[Sean Buffini]

Stoink.

[Dan Powers]

But AVs, Vegas will be tough games. What record in those four games do you need to see from the Leafs for you to believe what's happening? That believe you believe that things have changed and this isn't just a win streak. Four.

[Sean Buffini]

No, stop it. I think if the Leafs.

[Dan Powers]

I think if they beat the. Straight up. I think if they beat the avs. If, like, one. One and done.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah, yeah. One and three. But you beat the.

[Dan Powers]

Yeah, if they beat the AVS and they go one and three, I believe.

[Sean Buffini]

I think if the Leafs go two and two, I still think, dude, the Leafs are good. It's. What they have put on display for half the year is appalling. An insult to the game. An insult to the game.

[Dan Powers]

Unless they're playing money. Puck.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah. No, they've been smart. They've been smart. They've been. They've been figuring it out. They're back. Everybody's back. They're fine. I like this. I like the New Leafs.

[Dan Powers]

Yeah. Okay. It's very, very interesting. Yep. Something to not love is the New Jersey Devils. Now, we've talked a lot about the Devils in their recent struggles, but we're going to give them a break today because we want them to recover. We're going to give them peace and privacy at this trying time. But we do need to talk about Dougie Hamilton. Dougie Hamilton was healthy, scratched over the weekend against the Jets. And in a conversation Pierre lebrun had with his agent, with Dougie's agent, it was leaked, announced, whatever you want to call it, that the Devils tried to trade Dougie Hamilton this summer to the San Jose Sharks. And Dougie blocked it, as is his right, said, no, no, no. Since last year, we've been talking about Dougie as a very, very possible trade candidate for this team because he has a large cap hit. He's getting a little older in age, and the Devils have more defensive prospects than you have illnesses in your body.

[Sean Buffini]

Pathogens.

[Dan Powers]

Pathogens galore. Defenseman galore. Kovacevich comes back into the lineup. Fitz said kovacevich was their best defensive defenseman last year. We got to get him back in the lineup. Nemec was one of their best defensemen, if not the best defenseman on the team so far this year. That's his words. And he has been great. Pesci's play states speaks for itself, his words. So Dougie was just the odd man out. Now if you're Dougie Hamilton and you hear the words odd man out when referring to you, you're like, what the fuck? Like, come on. Like you think that you are a top two star player and he has a 10 team, no trade list. He shut down the Sharks trade. Now, how ironic is it when you look at the Sharks and the Devils?

[Sean Buffini]

I know, dude.

[Dan Powers]

Look at the vibes with the Sharkies. The fact that they are sitting in a playoff spot and could use D.

[Sean Buffini]

He'd be the guy. He'd be the guy.

[Dan Powers]

He would be the guy. So you wonder very, very significantly, is this a trade that gets revisited? Like, if there was a trade on the table that they were going to accept?

[Sean Buffini]

The Sharks, yeah.

[Dan Powers]

And the Devils we're going to accept. And Dougie shut it down. You wonder if right now, you look at Dougie Hamilton, you look at the San Jose Sharks and the Sharks would absolutely love Dougie Hamilton. And I also think that's. That's the type of situation where I'm like, Dougie. It feels like Seth Jones going to Florida. Dougie Hamilton in San Jose. I'm like, oh, great.

[Sean Buffini]

Oh, yeah.

[Dan Powers]

Minimal pressure. Great vibes with the team. The boys would love him there. I think they would love Dougie. You wonder if that trade gets revisited.

[Sean Buffini]

Do you think the Sharks are calling? Are they going, dude, I ab.

[Dan Powers]

Like, depending on the price. I think the Sharks would be over.

[Sean Buffini]

The moon because they were happy with the price before, of course.

[Dan Powers]

But you wonder, does the price change.

[Sean Buffini]

Now because they're better or because they don't think he's good?

[Dan Powers]

Well, I think they think he's good, but I don't think Dougie's lighting the world on fire this season. He's played 40 games. He has five goals and five assists. Yeah, like, I don't think that's the Dougie that you thought you were getting this summer.

[Sean Buffini]

So Shark go price now 50 million price now $50. Yeah.

[Dan Powers]

You're certainly not giving up what you were going to give up this summer.

[Sean Buffini]

Because we in playoffs now, so we.

[Dan Powers]

Can'T be giving anything up, I think right now. Is there egg on the devil's face?

[Sean Buffini]

There has been egg on the devil's face. Dan, duck careful all year.

[Dan Powers]

No.

[Sean Buffini]

Yes, there has, dude.

[Dan Powers]

No, they were great at the beginning.

[Sean Buffini]

Of the year, actually. I guess for the. For like 10 games, I'd get 20.

[Dan Powers]

There was no egg before the jack.

[Sean Buffini]

Hand, but there has been egg on their face. Since Jack sliced his hand open.

[Dan Powers]

Yes, correct.

[Sean Buffini]

Because why. How are we doing this, dude? How are we.

[Dan Powers]

Careful. We're not. We're not cheating on the Devils today, dude.

[Sean Buffini]

I said. And Pasha has been getting killed.

[Dan Powers]

Yeah.

[Sean Buffini]

Being a deranged Devils fan. But I. I was. I had his back so fully where I said, the Devils. After that Rangers year, I was like, the Devils are going to win three Cups in the next decade. I know I'm not in a row or anything, but just like, they are going to be that good. And I can't believe the egg. I cannot believe we're egging.

[Dan Powers]

Yeah, they're covered in egg.

[Sean Buffini]

Like, why? Why, dude?

[Dan Powers]

Why.

[Sean Buffini]

Why are we here? How did we get here?

[Dan Powers]

I.

[Sean Buffini]

You.

[Dan Powers]

You do wonder. Fitz makes sense. You're the Devils. You're in hell. Fitz is on the hot seat.

[Sean Buffini]

Yep.

[Dan Powers]

Because with. It does feel like. I understand that Dougie shut it down. But if you're actively shopping Dougie this summer and you get a trade with the Sharks and then he shuts it down, I just don't think you can go, well, that was our one shot.

[Sean Buffini]

Yep.

[Dan Powers]

I think you go, well, what's next? And I. And Dougie's agent, who ironically, because I just think it's slightly awkward, he is the agent of Luke Hughes. Jack Hughes. Dawson Mercer as well. Like, if you were that agent. And he said he was like, listen, if we can talk to the team and find a good partner at a trade where everyone's happy, we'll do it. I'm like, dude, you have to. You had to have traded him this summer then.

[Sean Buffini]

And. And you gotta do it now, dude.

[Dan Powers]

Well, now you've let his value drop.

[Sean Buffini]

Yep.

[Dan Powers]

So this is a bad look for.

[Sean Buffini]

The Devil, but it's still gotta happen. You had asked me a while ago if there was gonna be a trade, and I didn't think so, but now, now, because it was the. It was the Be Patient crew, dude. The Be Patient crew. That's the Devils fans. The Devils and their fans. We're fine now. I'm like, dude, bye. See you later. What are the 10 teams? Fine. You're going to one of these. Yeah. Good day. And we need to shake something up. Figure it out, because we're embarrassing.

[Dan Powers]

I think we absolutely need to see a trade going here.

[Sean Buffini]

And we will. We will strap in.

[Dan Powers]

You will and I do. Man, I love. But again, it's the price. But I do love the Shark situation. We're going to stick on trades here. We're going to move to a team who is at the top of the Atlantic. The Detroit Red Wings currently sit in first place of the Atlantic by one point over the red, red hot Tampa Bay Lightning.

[Sean Buffini]

Yep.

[Dan Powers]

Detroit Red Wings are 7, 2 and 1 in their last 10 with three straight wins. And I am ready to declare that the Detroit Red Wings are officially real.

[Sean Buffini]

Oh, yeah, dude. They, they're playoffs. They're making playoffs. They. In barring an insane trash patch situation they are making.

[Dan Powers]

Barring another insane sponsorship that tanks the team. I feel good about Detroit.

[Sean Buffini]

They are making playoffs. I said, I said they were making playoffs all year. I knew it. I never doubted it for a second.

[Dan Powers]

Correct.

[Sean Buffini]

They, however, are not a threat, I don't think. Which is fine. I didn't ask them to be. All I asked to do is make playoffs.

[Dan Powers]

Not a threat. Hold on. Not a threat yet.

[Sean Buffini]

And if they.

[Dan Powers]

And you can bet that Stevie why.

[Sean Buffini]

Will get.

[Dan Powers]

Quickly come up with a player whose Name rhymes with E.T.

[Sean Buffini]

Oh, my God. Oh, my God. Oh, my God. Oh, my God. Oh, my God. Oh, my God.

[Dan Powers]

Oh, my God.

[Sean Buffini]

Oh, my God. Oh, my God. You blew. It was your turn. It was your line, dude. It was your line.

[Dan Powers]

It was my line.

[Chris Powers]

Shit.

[Dan Powers]

I can't, I can't get it. I, I listen, you always say we're 40 plus, 40 games in. These are trends. Detroit has been good all year and.

[Sean Buffini]

They'Ve, they've had a little fight.

[Dan Powers]

Yeah, you know, we, we, we put them on fraud. Watch twice when they started slipping and they've reeled it in. Right now they're on a great, great run. Now what is a little nerve wracking is it does feel like with the Detroit Red Wings, this happens. Like they go on great runs and then all of a sudden they lose five straight and you're like, so Detroit. You absolutely cannot let that happen. But things that I love. Patrick Kane really started heating up. He's got 8 goals, 19 assists, 27 points in 31 games. He's close to a point per game. We are obviously. Dylan Larkin has been fantastic all year long. You love to see that. He's. That's, that's my guy. I think he is one of the best leaders in the league and he's playing great. Lucas Raymond looks great, Cat. Perfect hockey player. Looks great. Mo cider, 32 points from the blue line and playing unbelievable lockdown D. I am here to declare that Mo Seider and Simon Edmondson are one of the best pairs in the National Hockey League right now. I think the two of them look absolutely fantastic.

[Sean Buffini]

And is it because of Mo?

[Dan Powers]

I think Mo Is carrying most of it. But Edmondson, who is very, very good defensively, he's 16 points.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah, right. Like that.

[Dan Powers]

He is pulling his weight. He's 10th on the team in points. He is pulling his weight in a lot. A lot of ways. And you just love to see it. Now, this team, we always talk about the ISER plan. Always. We. It is. It is. Do or die, win or cry. Go, baby, go. It is time for Steve Iserman to do something. A trade simply must happen. And I think you look at this team, you love so much of this team, but you can absolutely improve the middle six. Absolutely. And that's not a knock on anyone. I'm saying improve.

[Sean Buffini]

I'm not saying, like, get anything can get improved, Dan.

[Dan Powers]

You can just.

[Sean Buffini]

You can improve anything, Dan.

[Dan Powers]

Pretty much.

[Sean Buffini]

Don't you worry about that.

[Dan Powers]

But I think there's a great opportunity to improve that middle six and then defense, as what? Even with what I just said, with that top pairing, I think they're fantastic. But I think if you got solid, solid defenseman to add to that second pair, you are looking at a team that can make some noise here.

[Sean Buffini]

Gibson's coming around. Gibson.

[Dan Powers]

Gibson's been fantastic.

[Sean Buffini]

Been coming around. Been coming around. Rounding into form.

[Dan Powers]

Yeah.

[Sean Buffini]

I guess that if he got really hot, that could be a threat, but we did it, dude. Hey, Detroit. We did it.

[Dan Powers]

I think we did it. We might have done it. We've been rocking with Motown.

[Sean Buffini]

We made playoffs. I mean, that's exciting. I should go to a playoff game.

[Dan Powers]

I'm desperate to go back to Detroit, hang with those people and go to a game.

[Sean Buffini]

Lions. The Lions failed us, Failed us this year.

[Dan Powers]

I just think, like, I truly mean this. It is now or never.

[Sean Buffini]

Yes.

[Dan Powers]

For this Detroit team. As far as far as the Steve Iserman, like, this is the time to make a fucking big trade at the deadline and really pump up this team.

[Sean Buffini]

And if you were to miss playoffs now, based on what's happened.

[Dan Powers]

I can't even talk about that.

[Sean Buffini]

Dude, you would. You would see some. There would be. There would be consequences.

[Dan Powers]

Yeah.

[Sean Buffini]

There would be Secret Service consequences.

[Dan Powers]

There would be significant consequences. And we can't have that.

[Sean Buffini]

We cannot.

[Dan Powers]

We can't have that.

[Sean Buffini]

I don't wish that up for anybody.

[Dan Powers]

We truly can't even talk. We're in.

[Sean Buffini]

So it's, Congratulations, Detroit, we made playoffs.

[Dan Powers]

I'm. I'm.

[Sean Buffini]

But.

[Dan Powers]

But talk to me about quickly. I'm looking at. I've been saying Rasmus, Anderson for this team for a long time.

[Sean Buffini]

Yep.

[Dan Powers]

But whenever this happens, we Always look at teams in the bottom of the league. Those are teams that make trades. And it is crazy that if I'm in the west, the Canucks, the Winnipeg jets, the St. Louis Blues, the Calgary Flames, those are all teams that are at the bottom. And I am currently, like, there. Those teams are out.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah.

[Dan Powers]

I don't see any of them pulling it together. You've eliminated you and making playoffs.

[Sean Buffini]

So.

[Dan Powers]

So I'm like, you would not think this, but I think about the Canucks. And you lost Quinn already, obviously.

[Sean Buffini]

Do you.

[Dan Powers]

Chris, look at. We had that Quinn and Phil Hroneck combination. Is Phil Hroneck available?

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah. Why not?

[Dan Powers]

Because he's a great. Is big boy Tyler Myers available? Is Po Joseph available? Like, there are guys that. I'm like, okay, interesting. And then even more interesting, you look at the jets and I can't believe we're talking about this, but, like, is a Neil Piank available? Is a demelo available?

[Sean Buffini]

Dude, that would be a fucking disaster. But maybe. Do you think.

[Dan Powers]

So do you think the jets are doing what the Colts did when crazy transition when Peyton got hurt and they finished last and then they got Andrew, like, hold. No one is available on the jets because they're just like, literally, we are.

[Sean Buffini]

Going to finish last. Get Gavin. Just add Gavin McKenna to our already good roster, and then.

[Dan Powers]

Yes.

[Sean Buffini]

Well, we're gonna be. We're gonna win the President. We're gonna go President's trophy. Gavin McKenna, President's trophy.

[Dan Powers]

Like, is that. Is that what's happening?

[Sean Buffini]

Yes, that is exactly what's happening.

[Dan Powers]

Okay, okay, okay. Okay. Interesting. Is there anyone else that you, in your mind, you're like, I would love to see this person.

[Sean Buffini]

Not off the top of my head, but I will say this. I'm 100% positive Steve Yerman is going to do something. So I love that it will be exciting. Because as much as we are a bunch of stooges running our mouths.

[Dan Powers]

Yeah.

[Sean Buffini]

Yzerman hears, not us, but he hears the critics about how it's gone the last couple years and how he's like, hold, hold. Be patient. It's fine. You are correct. It's go time, baby. So something's gonna happen, and I'm actually really pumped to see what it is.

[Dan Powers]

Like, it is go time. I feel like we hear Nazem Kadri's name get brought up with trades all the time about. If you add that center to the middle six of this Detroit Red Wings team.

[Sean Buffini]

Come on. Oh, God, look at that. That'd be. That'd be really sick.

[Dan Powers]

Exciting. We're talking about centers. You wanted to bring up a McDavid conversation.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah. Connor McDavid extended his point streak to 18 games, career high, which is insane. He has 19 goals and 23 assists for 42 points in 18 games across those 18 games.

[Dan Powers]

18 games, 19 goals.

[Sean Buffini]

What?

[Dan Powers]

I feel like that meme.

[Sean Buffini]

What?

[Dan Powers]

It gets boring sometimes for him, I imagine.

[Sean Buffini]

The Slap shot account, I believe, did a post the other day that was like, best center per country at the Olympics. And it was ranking them. And so, you know, Leon's in there and blah, blah, blah. In Canada, they put McKinnon. And a lot of the comments were like, are you outside of your fucking mind? But they were like, mckinnon slotted in at 1C right now for this team. Like, he's going to play on the first line. And I think Nate is incredible. And a good friend of ours, Ross Coltland, was like, it's insane when you get to see Nate play, like, he's the best guy in the league. So I don't even think it's. All the people getting that mad are also dumb, trying to be like, oh, it's a joke. It's not even close.

[Dan Powers]

You know, it is funny. Connor, you just talked about those crazy stats. Connor has 78 points. Nate has 78 points.

[Sean Buffini]

Yep.

[Dan Powers]

Connor has 30 goals and 48 assists. Nate has 36 goals and 42 assists in games. Who would you rather have? They both have played one less. No. Connor. Yes. Sorry, I was about to go. No, Connor has one more.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah.

[Dan Powers]

Oh, that's the same thing.

[Sean Buffini]

So, yeah, they do different things, you know, like. Or they're. They're different players.

[Dan Powers]

Yeah.

[Sean Buffini]

And both are fucking incredible.

[Dan Powers]

I will say this, Nate, or. Excuse me, Connor is a plus two on the season. Nate, would you like to guess?

[Sean Buffini]

Dude, I think I saw it. So. But I think it's like. I literally think it's like 30.

[Dan Powers]

Uh, no, not quite. It's plus 48.

[Sean Buffini]

Does he lead the league?

[Dan Powers]

So, yeah, when people see that, they're like, nate is the number one center. And people are like, are you out of your mind? I'm like, no. In fact, if you. If you are a stats whore, it is definitely.

[Sean Buffini]

Of course he is.

[Dan Powers]

And one thing I will say, I really can't stand when we have this debate. And in fact, I have been in the MVP debate. Like, our clip from last week came out where I was like, Macklin is MVP. The amount of people who go, Nathan McKinnon would like a word. Connor McDavid would like a word. And when you say that. I'm sorry, I just gave you guys that voice because they're great players. When you say that, I assume your only defense is points. These two guys have eight more points than Macklin.

[Sean Buffini]

Yep.

[Dan Powers]

So to that I'm like, are we actually going to act like you care.

[Sean Buffini]

About those eight points, that there's another trophy for that?

[Dan Powers]

And this is no disrespect to the San Jose Sharks players, but the Edmonton Oilers and the Colorado Avalanche are 1000x better than the San Jose Sharks. If you take Macklin off the Sharks, the Sharks are in literally last place. Like, they might have 10 wins. And if you take Connor and McKinnon off those teams, those teams are way worse. The Oilers are probably not in playoffs.

[Sean Buffini]

Yep.

[Dan Powers]

I would, I would say that the abs, like, are maybe in playoffs still. The abs are so good. But what I can't handle is when people talk about Conor and they, they rant and rave about how bad the Oilers are. And I'm like, the Oilers are not bad.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah.

[Dan Powers]

They have gone to the Stanley cup two straight fucking years. Like, what are we talking about with saying this team is bad when they have the guys they have on that team?

[Sean Buffini]

They are bad, but they have top end talent.

[Dan Powers]

Yes. They have very good plays. Very good. So.

[Sean Buffini]

So Connor is an absolute mutant. And I hope he also. They're not bad.

[Dan Powers]

What are you talking about?

[Sean Buffini]

I think the Oilers have a. I think the Oilers have glaring holes in their roster.

[Dan Powers]

That is the exact reason they are. They're second in their division. Like, they're not bad.

[Chris Powers]

Right.

[Sean Buffini]

But they're. They are always second in their division.

[Dan Powers]

Or third in their division because they're good. Well, we're saying different things. You're not allowed to say they are a bad team. Like you would say they have holes, but that doesn't make them.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah, I guess my point is more like if you lost. I guess if you'd. Any team would lose a Conor McDavid.

[Chris Powers]

Yeah.

[Sean Buffini]

So that's stupid. Anyway. I hope he runs this thing to 30 games. Like, I. What's the record? What's the. What's the NHL record?

[Dan Powers]

That's a great. Yeah, I don't know. We should know that off the top of her. That's a good thing to know longest point streaks because he is truly out of control right now. They lost the Kings in a shootout, but he just has a point every single game.

[Sean Buffini]

Okay, so McDavid just hit 18 career high. And it's active. Here are the active players who have higher ones.

[Chris Powers]

Okay.

[Sean Buffini]

Corey Perry has a 19 gamer.

[Chris Powers]

Let's go.

[Sean Buffini]

Pairs, in which he had 26 points. Taylor hall had a 19 gamer. He also had 26 points.

[Dan Powers]

Halsey is such an interesting NHL player.

[Sean Buffini]

McKinnon had a 19 gamer.

[Dan Powers]

That's also so funny that you're like 19 game or pairs. 19 games, 26 points. McDavid is 1842.

[Sean Buffini]

God, he's good. McKinnon had a 19 gamer, 36 points. McKinnon had another 19 gamer, 38 points. Patrick Kane had a 20 gamer. Yeah, 43 points. Mitch Marner had a 23 gamer, 32 points.

[Dan Powers]

I remember that.

[Sean Buffini]

Sidney Crosby had a 25 gamer, 50 points. Patrick Kane had a 26 gamer, 40 points. That's the highest among. Still active.

[Dan Powers]

About. Yeah, yeah.

[Sean Buffini]

Yep. Number one.

[Dan Powers]

We're going all the way to.

[Sean Buffini]

I'm just going to tell you who was the record.

[Dan Powers]

Wayne.

[Sean Buffini]

Wayne, 82 games. So Kaner. Kaner, 26 gamer. Wayne just ahead of him most all time. 51 gamer, 153 points.

[Dan Powers]

Three points per game. That is utterly preposterous. Yeah, 51 game points streak, averaging three points per game.

[Sean Buffini]

51, 51 games.

[Dan Powers]

I swear to God, it couldn't have been fun for him.

[Sean Buffini]

51 games.

[Dan Powers]

There's no way that Wayne Gretzky had fun in his NHL career.

[Sean Buffini]

51 games, 61 goals, 92 assists. 92 assists. Dan, we were. We talked about trying to get 100 assist seasons.

[Dan Powers]

Yeah, dude, he did it in a. During a point streak.

[Sean Buffini]

Dude, he made a comment when he was talking about ov. I think I was watching an old Face off episode on Amazon when. When OVI breaks the record and Wayne's there and he made a comment where his dad. When Wayne was retiring, he was like, don't retire. Like, play one more year. And Wayne goes, dad, I have nine goals this year. And also not to dig into this bullshit again. But that is like, no one took care of themselves back then, which is why they fall off cliffs so hard, which is why people are even able to break Wayne's records because, like, you know, no one is even ever close to Wayne's peak. Yeah, people just have more longevity of still playing incredibly well, like with what Alex is doing right now. And he goes, dad, I had nine goals this year. I'm retiring. And he said to his dad, nine goals used to be a good weekend. Yeah, that's what he said. And I was like, you're right. Like, like Wayne would play. Play three, play two games on the weekend and be like, at five on this one, at four the second game Great weekend for me. Not in a fucking season.

[Dan Powers]

Utterly insane.

[Sean Buffini]

51 point game point streak. Outrageous. Oh, yeah. But I want to say this. Him and McDavid and QB got into it a little bit.

[Dan Powers]

Oh, yeah.

[Sean Buffini]

And great game. King Shootout. Fucking tilt. Let's see what the standings are right now. Oilers in second.

[Dan Powers]

King second wild. Wild card currently.

[Sean Buffini]

And Oilers could never be first in the west because Colorado is obviously going to do that. And this will all change a bunch. But just can you. What happens, genuinely, what happens in the world if the Kings and the Oilers play in the first round?

[Dan Powers]

At current standing, I think the Oilers would sweep the Kings.

[Sean Buffini]

But I'm saying, what would. What happens to the fabric of the universe?

[Dan Powers]

Nothing. I think people go. I think people laugh. I think people go, here we go again. Because at current standing, it's not interesting.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah.

[Dan Powers]

If the Kings make some changes and get back into good form, like I very strongly believe they can, then it's interesting. And if it's like. If it's like, oh, shit, this is going to be a good series, I'm like, oh, my God. And in Kopi's last year, with everything that's going on, it would be like, you have to fucking beat this team.

[Sean Buffini]

Because if Kobe loses to the Oilers in the first round, five years in the last five years of his career.

[Dan Powers]

In a row, I would hate that very much.

[Sean Buffini]

Me, too.

[Dan Powers]

I would hate that very, very much.

[Sean Buffini]

Me, too. Yeah, another cool thing. Alex Govechkin scored his 20th of the season last night. Two nights ago. Yeah. And it became his 21st season. 21 straight seasons of scoring. 20 or more. He's never scored less than 24 goals. And even that was in a shortened season of, like, 56 games.

[Dan Powers]

It is so funny how he has two now seasons that got shortened for dumb reasons, including there was also, like, a lockout season. Just like. And these guys still have all these fucking stats and records. It's insane.

[Sean Buffini]

He was tied with Ron Francis, who also had 20 straight. Alex stands alone at 21, in second place at 21 straight. Gordie Howe, 20 or more goals in 22 straight seasons, NHL record.

[Dan Powers]

Does he come back 100% o has 20 goals and 20 assists? Yeah, he's perfect for 40 points in 46 games. Like, I feel like people think I've heard from a lot of Caps fans who are like, oh, you can notice he's slowing down. And I'm like, well, of course. I mean, what are we talking about? The guy is. He's 40 years old. He's literally 40. I thought like, Alex Ovechkin, guys, is 40 years old in the National Hockey League, and he's scoring 20 goals and 20 assists at the halfway mark. I mean, if. I mean, to quote Osh, when we were talking to him, we were talking about how long he's going to play, and he said, always do. Always going to do whatever O wants to do. I think this display shows clearly that he easily can still do it if he wants to. And I do believe that OH will be Jagr. I think oh loves this game so much. And when he retires, I think he's just going to go back to Russia. I think he's going to take the family, go back to Russia, and we'll never see him.

[Sean Buffini]

He'll play there. He'll play like something.

[Dan Powers]

He'll buy a team. He'll own a team. He will be Jagr. But I think he loves this team. I think he loves that city, and I think he loves playing hockey in the National Hockey League, and he clearly can do it.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah.

[Dan Powers]

So, yeah, I think we're getting two more years of.

[Sean Buffini]

Oh, that would be sick because I was definitely in the camp of he was retiring this year. Even if he was playing well, I expected him to play well, but I was like, I think it's just going to be done because he did it. He did it all, and now he can go back and live to the fullest.

[Dan Powers]

There is a part of me that wonders if he wants a thousand goals.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah. Because that's actually gettable. He has, what, nine, 17 right now?

[Dan Powers]

Yeah.

[Sean Buffini]

Let's say generously, he finishes with 937 this year. Because I think 40 would be like, he's. He's over halfway.

[Dan Powers]

Yeah.

[Sean Buffini]

Just hit 20. So, yeah, actually he started a little slow. So let's call it 40. So let's call it 49. 37. So that's.

[Dan Powers]

I think that's three more years.

[Sean Buffini]

I mean, maybe only two more.

[Dan Powers]

Maybe only two.

[Sean Buffini]

Because if he stays on a 40 clip. Yeah, but, like, that's.

[Dan Powers]

It's crazy to be like, he's 42 years old scoring for. That's what I'm saying.

[Sean Buffini]

But it'd be exactly close.

[Dan Powers]

But if he played to, like, 44 and just did the yogur thing, maybe he, you know, gets popped around. He's like, dude, make me a power play merchant on a couple teams here, and he just, like, scores 25 for, like, three years.

[Sean Buffini]

Because I don't think he cares. If he was. If he was like, I scored nine goals a year.

[Dan Powers]

Yeah.

[Sean Buffini]

You know, I think he was like, whatever.

[Dan Powers]

I'll tell you this, if he scores 40 this year and finishes with 937 and then plays next year and scores 40, he will play until he gets 1,000. Because at that point he's at like 970 or, yeah, 977. And I'm like, come on, bro, you gotta do it. I would. I would file a lawsuit against the nh, against every NHL team if people didn't sign him. Like, if he retires, fine, but if he's like trying to play and people are like, ah, no. I'd be like, are you kidding me, dude? Then we have a guy who's potentially gonna score a thousand NHL goals, and.

[Sean Buffini]

I would want him to retire upon scoring the thousandth goal. Like, you know how. You know how you did, like seal slide. No, no.

[Dan Powers]

You know when Matthew hit the game left, dude, score your thousands goal and walk off the ice. Literally walk off the ice and hang up your jersey.

[Sean Buffini]

God, dude. I actually didn't realize how badly I need OVI to score a thousand. And now I. Now it's like my life's dream.

[Dan Powers]

It is absolutely crazy.

[Sean Buffini]

I said, I'll get in a golden stick for a thousand points. Thousand, thousand tucks. What? Are you insane? My God.

[Dan Powers]

All right, before we hit a quick ad break, just wanted to shout out a shout out.

[Sean Buffini]

Cool moment.

[Dan Powers]

Our boy Hudson Williams from Heated Rivalry went on Jimmy Fallon last week and gave the fellas a nice shout out. Unbelievable. Dude shouted us out on the show. Very unexpected. I got a dm. I was on my way to beer league. You were skiing, I think.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah, well, I wasn't literally. But you were.

[Dan Powers]

You were up driving.

[Sean Buffini]

I was like, driving.

[Dan Powers]

I was at hockey and I got a message from someone who was at the taping and was like, hey, watch Fallon. Hudson shouts you guys out. And I was like, no way. And then I got out of hockey and had a billion.

[Sean Buffini]

How did you get that, by the way? Like, you said, I. Yeah, you Like, I was like, how did you get it?

[Chris Powers]

I was. I was pooping.

[Sean Buffini]

Nice.

[Chris Powers]

And someone DM me on Instagram and said, hey, you just got a shout out on Fallon. And I was like, no way. So I started trying to search it and then they sent me a link to it and they said, go to five minutes. Yeah, I. So if someone else did all the work for me, incredible. Before I even wiped my butt, I already knew the video. I had that upload on my story.

[Sean Buffini]

I was just about to fold the tp.

[Chris Powers]

I was about to fold It.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah. Not crumple.

[Dan Powers]

Fold.

[Sean Buffini]

Not crumple. That is. That was sick. And I was so. You had said, you know, like, hey, there's a. That might happen. We should try to watch. And I was so expecting it to just kind of be in the middle of a sentence as we just plowed through whatever Hudson was, what story he was telling, you know, like, I watched a lot. I've seen her's live stream, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. You know, no pause. And then when he was like, there's this cool podcast, Empty Netters. And there was like a legitimate cheer from the crowd.

[Dan Powers]

Yeah, big crowd. Pop.

[Sean Buffini]

Oh, my God, dude. Yeah.

[Chris Powers]

That was. It was unexpected, but really welcomed.

[Sean Buffini]

That was the best part. That was so cool. And then. And then it was class. I was. That's actually a pretty good Chris impression, to be honest.

[Dan Powers]

It was fantastic.

[Sean Buffini]

He actually did an incredible Christmas.

[Dan Powers]

It was fantastic.

[Sean Buffini]

I really enjoyed that. And then we were also. Because obviously we got to work and everybody was pumped up for us here and we were all laughing how Fallon didn't totally get it right. He's like, yeah, those guys didn't want to have feelings. And I was like, oh, no, we. We did, Jimmy. We did want all the feelings.

[Dan Powers]

We live. It's the whole thing. I was like, oh, but it was awesome. Huddie is just the best in the entire world. And also shout out to the boys for presenting at the Golden Globes. Yeah. That was incredible. They looked fantastic.

[Sean Buffini]

They looked incredible. Good bit too. I like that bit.

[Dan Powers]

Great bit. They both looked fantastic. They both such unique fits on, which was just. I mean, it felt very on brand for the two of them. They're just the best. They're stars. Okay, let's take a quick ad break and then get into some college hockey.

[Sean Buffini]

Winter Classic has come and gone, which means the NHL is in full swing. It is hockey season, Football playoffs. Pass. It is hockey season from now until June. Read about it, watch about it. That's all. Okay? And every Tuesday of the NHL season, BETMGM is dishing out some extra winnings with the NHL Odds Boost token. Here's how you get in on the fun. Log into your BETMGM account and add an NHL wager to your slip. Anything you want, anytime. Goal score spreads, overs, unders, money lines, puck lines, take your pick. Just put one on your slip. Then you activate the NHL Odds Boost token. And if your boosted bet hits, you get an even bigger payout than you are going to get. Which sounds amazing to me. If you haven't joined the BetMGM family. Yet you do so by downloading that app and use the bonus code netters I.e. n E T T E R S and if you do that, you can Enjoy up to 1500 bucks in a new player offer on your first wager. So BetMGM is hooking you up with all kinds of action. New player offers NHL ODD boost tokens. Get in on the fun and make it legendary.

[Dan Powers]

It is time to head to campus and get into Netter's college puck drop. We had a wild weekend of college hockey. Lots to discuss. Starting off with our game of the week. We had Western Michigan going into Denver and they won four one on Friday and six two on Saturday. CP you've been all over this. Western Michigan I feel like had a maybe slow start to the year but they are 14 and 6 now they are number 6 in the country and I think any questions about this team are long gone. The Broncos are fucking back, dude.

[Sean Buffini]

It's awesome to see because that was such a fun story last year and it was like is the pressure too much? You have a target on your back. What's going to happen? And. And early they were winning, dude. They were winning but just they hadn't played anyone really. So they were like. Everybody was like they stink. And I was like no they don't. Lot of hockey left to be played this year but that was a sick weekend. Denver, I can talk about that too. Where they've just been so Jekyll and Hyde. But. But this maybe isn't even a. I never remember which one is bad. Hyde is bad.

[Dan Powers]

Yes.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah.

[Dan Powers]

Dr. Jekyll is the good guy.

[Sean Buffini]

This, this is less of a Hyde because Western Mich year it's completely fine to lose to a really good team. It sucks that it was at home but they did dump both and you would have liked one but Western Michigan. Real deal.

[Dan Powers]

Absolutely the real deal.

[Sean Buffini]

Colorado College. Dan, you've been all over this one because they beat number four North Dakota at home 32 in overtime on Friday. Now they did lose to North Dakota 52 on Saturday which was expected but dude, CC is 9 and 10 on the year and I swear that every one of those nine is like a monster it is against a high ranked programs.

[Dan Powers]

Colorado College for me is just. They're not an easy out. Yeah, I don't think we're going to see them winning any championships this season. But they are. They're a tough ass team to play against and it's like whenever a good team goes up against them I'm like this is not an easy win. And clearly it's just on display every single time they play. It's fucking unbelievable. So stick taps to them. Five, Duluth. Great team. They've been coming on strong and they've got the Plant Bros. We always talk about some of the best players in the country. They beat Lyndon Wood 63 on Friday and 84 on Saturday. A couple of good home wins. But, yeah, like we talked about, Max Plant is just a top of the league, 36 points, top of pop, top of the nation. He's been utterly fantastic. And Zam's been great, too. Shagabay has been great. That team is dangerous. Dangerous.

[Sean Buffini]

Penn State beat the Gophers 3 Nothing Friday, 52 on Saturday. Penn State, I think, is going to be in the mixer by the end. And this was a sad one for me because I really wanted the Gophers to completely saved their season. And it's not over, but this would have been a nice feather in the cap, another notch on the old belt, if they could have taken some from here. But Penn State got the job done. Gavin McKenna had an assist. Welcome back. Welcome back from World Juniors. I hope he has a great second half.

[Dan Powers]

Let's talk about Gavin McKenna first.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah, please.

[Dan Powers]

Is Gavin McKenna your number one overall pick still?

[Sean Buffini]

Somebody brought this up recently and they said the answer is absolutely yes.

[Dan Powers]

The.

[Sean Buffini]

I think. I think he probably is because of potential and because of what I've. What we have heard some scouts say to us where it's like, oh, he's. He actually is good. He's just not taking over these games. But. But again, I was expecting more at World Juniors. He made that comment like, I'm ready to have. I'm ready to showcase my. My talents here because, yeah, this game, the NCAA Games, a little different. But don't forget, I lit juniors the fuck up last year. So watch me go to World Juniors. And then Canada leaves with a bronze medal and he wasn't. Wasn't dominating.

[Dan Powers]

Yeah.

[Sean Buffini]

So it concerns me especially, dude, because the hype around this kid was literally. Literally more than Macklin or Bedsy. Like, they were like this. You think yard's good? Wait till you see this kid. I know I've said this to you before. I can't remember said it on the show. I think that if he doesn't go one, it is a massive win for whoever picks two. Oh, my God. Yes. But also for the chl, all the Canadian junior leagues, because they have gone through this identity crisis recently of, oh, my God, we're going to lose all our best Players to college now. This is allowed. There goes Gavin McKenna, there goes Porter Marton. But if you go, look what happens. You think you were the. You were the lock number one. And I promise you, if Gavin McKenna had stayed in juniors, he would have another 150 point season and would be easily the first pick. Sure. And he went, I'm going to go test myself in the ncaa. And they went like this. He's actually not that good. He's now going third. I think that I'm. If I'm a Canadian junior kid, I'm like, I'm not going to college now. Are you shitting me? Yeah, fuck that. I'd rather stay lighting up juniors with my boys and then I'll go one. So I actually think it's a. It's.

[Dan Powers]

You could look at the other side, though, and look at it as. This is the best league for sure.

[Sean Buffini]

Which. Which I think everyone thought it was already. Yeah, you know, I guess. No, I guess I'm probably. Some people are like, no, juniors is better. But. But the ncaa, you're a fool. The NCAA is the best league for sure.

[Dan Powers]

It is. It's just like, you're just. You, you add in the fact that you're.

[Sean Buffini]

You're playing such, like, how many points does he have?

[Dan Powers]

You're playing men. Gavin McKenna, I got it right here. In 18 games, he has 15 goals, 19 assists. He's got 1.06. Or excuse me, he has four goals. I think he has four goals, 15 assists for 19 points in 18 games. He's averaging 1.06 points per game.

[Sean Buffini]

Interesting, interesting, interesting.

[Dan Powers]

He is not having a good year.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah.

[Dan Powers]

Especially because I think we can say right now Gavin McKenna has been a disappointment at Penn State.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah. Paid a lot of money. Paid a lot of money.

[Dan Powers]

He's been a disappointment for this team. They are not at the top of the rankings. They are.

[Sean Buffini]

You know, he's going to be nowhere near Hobie Baker.

[Dan Powers]

They're nowhere near. They're. They're barely a top 10 team. And you look at the way, you know, guys like Will Smith, guys like Macklin, Celebrini, they get into college and they fucking light it up. Gavin is not doing that. Yeah, it's very interesting. And you got guys like. I'm not entirely sure how to say this kid's first name, but I think it's Tynan Lawrence. He just left the ushl, joined bu. He's only played two games, but he's a massive prospect and people really like him. You've got Ivor Stenberg, from for Londa in Sweden, you've got Keaton Verhoff, who is at North Dakota. There are good players in this draft. And you do wonder if there. If this season continues for Gavin. I don't think it's a lock that he is the number one.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah. Which is crazy.

[Dan Powers]

So something worth talking about. Number two, Michigan State. Went to Ohio State with 162 on Friday and lost 2:1 on Saturday. Huge win for Ohio State, who is a great team. We talk about it a lot, but as we talk about, you can't lose when you're one of the big dogs and Michigan State is one of the big dogs. You cannot lose games. I don't care for their rivalry games. Whatever. Whatever. But they were on the road. Ohio State is good, but they want that one back.

[Sean Buffini]

Quinnipiac hosted Union and won 72 on Friday and then hosted RPI and 143 and OT on Saturday. Quinnipiac's good. They've had a few bumps, of course. Everybody does. No one goes undefeated in this league. Quinnipiac's good. They get the job done.

[Dan Powers]

Great team. Another team with a lot of hype. At the beginning of the year, we're into the Ivies. Cornell plays Alaska Fairbanks. They won seven one on Friday and five two on Saturday.

[Sean Buffini]

Easy one work and. And dude, look at Cornell was 14 coming in. Dartmouth 11 coming in. Princeton 20 coming in. So these Ivy teams are getting in the mixer here. Dartmouth was 11, beat Harvard 54 on Friday. Great win. Princeton number 20 beat RPI 52 on Friday, lost to Union 42 on Saturday. They did the old switcheroo with Quinnipiac. Princeton's good, tough loss, but Union's competitive. You know, whatever. You're fine. You're fine.

[Dan Powers]

My boys. Michigan played Notre Dame, beat him 52 on Friday and 74 on Saturday. I don't love the four goals, but when it's a point night like that, 7 4, it's fine. Michigan stays number one in the country, obviously.

[Sean Buffini]

Yep. And then some funny, like, home and home stuff started happening. Yukon, number 10. Yukon played Lowell at home Friday and lost 5 3, but then went to Lowell on Saturday and 15 1. So you hate the. You hate the home loss. But good, good bounce back because you avoided a fucking disaster week.

[Dan Powers]

Absolutely correct. Who we at now? We got BU number 19. BU at UMass Friday. They won one nothing, but then hosted UMass on Saturday. Lost two nothing.

[Sean Buffini]

Same deal. I'm like, what are you doing?

[Dan Powers]

Very strange. Also low scoring games. We always talk about the over in College hockey hits.

[Sean Buffini]

Yep.

[Dan Powers]

Very interesting stuff. Northeastern went to Vermont for the weekend. They lost three two on Friday and five three on Saturday. Number 16 ranked northeastern, bad. That is a tough, tough skid for the Huskies. Do not like to see that.

[Sean Buffini]

Yep. Number three, Wisconsin, hosted Anchorage, won five nothing Friday. Three two or three three two on Saturday. You know, wins, win tight one. Who gives a fuck?

[Dan Powers]

Very true.

[Sean Buffini]

The dub.

[Dan Powers]

BC beats Stonehill eight two on Friday. BC number 13 in the country. And then a big smackdown. Stonehill, good program, but not really a threat. This is continuing a good run for bc. I feel like. BC Higgins Letourneau.

[Sean Buffini]

Dangerous.

[Dan Powers]

Playing really well. All of a sudden. It looks like BC hockey is going to make some waves this year, which is exciting.

[Sean Buffini]

Yes, it is. Number 17, Augustana, beat Northern Michigan three nothing and two nothing on the road over the weekend. You love a road sweep. You love a road sweep in the biggest way.

[Dan Powers]

This is very true. Number 15, Minnesota State, lost at home to St. Thomas 42 on Saturday.

[Sean Buffini]

Tough, tough, tough, tough, tough. And then a great tilt over the weekend. 18 Providence had number 12 Maine in town, and Providence won six one on Friday and three nothing on Saturday. Those are fucking monster. Monster W's for the Friars. Black Bear's been a little streaky. They're good. They're good and they're going to be in the mixer, but they've been a little. They've had some tough weekends. You know, it's on the road, but just like you're. You're fucking 12 in the country. You want that one?

[Dan Powers]

Yeah.

[Sean Buffini]

Great. Great weekend for Providence.

[Dan Powers]

Before we get into our new rankings, I did want to give some stick taps to the women's game. Abby Murphy. Dude on the Gophers. Minnesota scored the goal of the year in both the NHL and college hockey over this weekend.

[Sean Buffini]

Passed it though, right? It was.

[Dan Powers]

Yeah.

[Sean Buffini]

Yes.

[Dan Powers]

Well, Abby comes in, juggles the puck, knocks it down through the legs of the defender, collects it with her backhand, and then one handed passes it over to Frankel, I believe, who tucks it in. But good Lord almighty, this play was. It was something from Chell.

[Sean Buffini]

I was like. And was she. Was that the plan?

[Dan Powers]

I think absolutely.

[Sean Buffini]

I think so, too. Like, I think she's like, I'm gonna flip this puck up in the air.

[Dan Powers]

The plan. The I'm the move and the dangle was the plan. I'm wondering if the path pass was the plan the whole time, too, but it just looks like it totally was. Like, when she taps it down, she corrals that and the pass Was the move the whole time. She collects it. One hand dish tucked in. Goal of the year. It will not be beat. Absolutely insane. Check out the women's hockey. And check out the women's Gophers, Guys. That was fucking, fucking amazing getting into our rankings. Run it down for me.

[Sean Buffini]

Michigan 1 for sure. Easy. I want to go Western Michigan 2.

[Dan Powers]

I don't hate that. Did they do enough to jump Duluth for you?

[Sean Buffini]

Yes. Yes, they did. Because Duluth and Wisconsin. I feel bad. Punishing. Because they didn't do anything wrong. They won hockey games. Yeah, like, yeah, beat. They didn't beat anyone. That is blowing your hair back. And Michigan State did lose. And Western Michigan went to Denver. If that was home, it'd be.

[Dan Powers]

No, that's big because, like, Denver was, you know, I mean, Denver's a top 10 ranked team.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah.

[Dan Powers]

I'm not sure I can have them jump Wisco. I'll go Michigan. And you're killing Michigan State now, too.

[Sean Buffini]

They lost.

[Dan Powers]

They did lose. They did lose.

[Sean Buffini]

They lost. I feel bad about North Dakota, but they lost. Like, I think North Dakota is nasty. But, like, Michigan State lost. North Dakota lost.

[Dan Powers]

I'm going to go Michigan one, obviously, Wisconsin two. Then I'll go Western Michigan. Okay, then Michigan State.

[Sean Buffini]

They probably deserve that respect. Yeah, but I would hear Duluth.

[Dan Powers]

I would hear Duluth, too. Michigan State is just so good.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah, but, but, but, but. What have you done for me? Late.

[Dan Powers]

They won a game.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah, but win two. Win two.

[Dan Powers]

Yeah, that's why they go from two down to four.

[Sean Buffini]

Give me Duluth there.

[Dan Powers]

No, Michigan. Wisconsin. Western Michigan. Michigan State. Duluth.

[Sean Buffini]

No Dak.

[Dan Powers]

No Dak.

[Sean Buffini]

Then quinnipiac. Nope.

[Dan Powers]

Dartmouth.

[Sean Buffini]

B.C.

[Dan Powers]

Too high. What? Too high.

[Sean Buffini]

Okay, quinnipiac.

[Dan Powers]

Okay.

[Sean Buffini]

BC. Why is BC over Dartmouth? I'm right about BC. I'm right about.

[Dan Powers]

I like it. But why are they over Dartmouth?

[Sean Buffini]

Because they are. They're that good. And they.

[Dan Powers]

But so is Dartmouth.

[Sean Buffini]

They rinsed Stonehill by a billion. Gold.

[Dan Powers]

Yeah, but come on.

[Sean Buffini]

Well, Dartmouth almost lost to Harvard.

[Dan Powers]

But they didn't.

[Sean Buffini]

BC is next. What are we at? 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. Yeah. So BC is 8. And then. Are you putting Penn State and Denver in?

[Dan Powers]

It would feel harsh to punt Denver, but Denver had a brutal weekend.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah, maybe you get punted. Maybe you go bc8. Penn state, 9. Dartmouth 10.

[Dan Powers]

Okay, deal.

[Sean Buffini]

Bc8, penn state, 9. Dartmouth 10. Denver get fucked. Uconn get fucked.

[Dan Powers]

Unbelievable. Okay, so our games of the week. We got Denver at North Dakota Friday, Saturday. It's going to be a great tilt, but there is no question about it. We've got Michigan State and Wisconsin, Thursday, Friday. We're starting the weekend early. We love when we start the weekend early. Number two and three ranked teams in the country. Unbelievable talent on both of these teams, both these programs. That is going to be a no brainer. We're dialing to those games. The Big Ten Network Friday and Thursday, Michigan State at Wisconsin. Unbelievable stuff. Let's take a quick ad break and then get back with some beer league hotline. You know, we have never been happier than to team up with Bauer, the best name in hockey. Whether you're getting gear, whether you're getting workout stuff, sticks, skates, gloves, buckets, doesn't matter. Bauer is the best in the business like they always have been. And right now we're going to talk to you about the best stick in the game. The new Bauer Pulse has changed the game when it comes to hockey sticks. It's absolutely unbelievable. They're giving you the best of both worlds. They got their latest kick point innovation with two distinct energy zones in the shaft that give it a mid kick feel and a low kick release, bringing a new level of speed and accuracy to every single part of your game. And let's talk about the grip. We've had grip sticks in the past before, but what the Pulse has done is they've raised the lettering on the design on the shaft so it feels like a grip without being sticky. It gives you that texture, that unbelievable feel to help you get a feel for the puck more easily and in a better way than you ever felt it before. And you're going to bring balance to your game. The redistributed weight moves the balance point higher to optimize performance and make the Pulse feel even lighter than it looks. This is exclusive to Bauer hockey. It's got an ultra lightweight and rigid boron fiber material that creates a high strength to weight ratio, optimizes energy storage and and increases reactivity. This is the stick for you. They've got all of your favorite flexes, all of your favorite curves. There is no question about it. I use a Bauer Pulse. I scored a goal in beer league this past week. Duh. That's obvious. So if you're a beer leaguer, if you're a high schooler, if you're a college player or if you're a pro, the Bauer Pulse is the stick to use. I can't say it enough. They've got all of the best gear. Everything you need, Bauer can take care of. No matter what it is. Go to Bauer.com you're going to check out all of their stuff. You're going to load up that cart and you're going to take your game to the next level. Do not miss it. Before we get into beer league hotline, we got some not ice. Something I did last night that I want to discuss with you two because I feel bad about what I did, so. But it also opens a discussion. So. Last night, the Golden Globes were on. Shout out, Timmy.

[Sean Buffini]

Shout out, Timmy.

[Dan Powers]

The New England Patriots game was on. Shout Out, Drake May and I wanted to watch both. And Chris has two TVs in his living room at his house, which is fantastic.

[Sean Buffini]

It's incredible.

[Dan Powers]

So we were able to watch both. I do have a critique. I. You and Sandra could have done a better job with the volume. There were a couple times where I just dialed. There were just a couple of times where I felt like I wanted to see what was going on with the Golden Globes. And nothing interesting was going on in the Patriots game. And I could have had volume.

[Sean Buffini]

Dude. I actually, I'm surprised by. I thought I was going to basically watch the entire Patriots game on mute.

[Dan Powers]

Yeah.

[Sean Buffini]

Because Sandra really. And I was interested in the Globes, too. And frankly, you need to hear that more than you need to hear the football game. Right. Like, I can. There were. There are moments when you're like, oh, what happened in this whistle? But it's like, whatever. So I was like, yeah, all good. So I just had. I was really only going. My plan was to only go to the football game when the Golden Globes were on commercial. And then Lily, of all people, was. Our friend Brett's girlfriend was there, and she had made a bet on the Pats. So she kept being like, yo, when they were both on, she'd be like, give me that football volume. And I was like, oh, okay. And she was the only one being vocal about it. So I was. I would just do what she said.

[Dan Powers]

You were servicing the crowd.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah. No one said anything. So I was like, oh, no, no.

[Dan Powers]

That I was sitting there silently being like, put the Golden Globes.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah, dude. Especially.

[Dan Powers]

I'm also such a fucking bad sports fan. I'm being like, I want the Golden Globes on.

[Sean Buffini]

You know what happened to me, though, dude?

[Dan Powers]

But, like, I can watch sports.

[Sean Buffini]

Yep.

[Dan Powers]

I need to hear what is being said at the Golden Globes.

[Chris Powers]

I. I don't understand how you could watch the Golden Globes without volume, though.

[Sean Buffini]

You. You can't. You can't.

[Chris Powers]

You're just watching people in suits picking up trophies and crying.

[Sean Buffini]

You can't but it was like, sometimes they would go, here are the nominees, and I'd be like this, because, like, I know. I know what they are, and they're just gonna show me, like, right. These, like, blurbs from the movies that I am, like, I don't give a. I know who the nominees are, and I will come back on. I don't even need to hear them say the winner. I'll just. They'll say the winner, and then I'll come back to them for their winner speech.

[Dan Powers]

We're getting off topic here. But acting award show speeches are such a funny hot button issue.

[Sean Buffini]

I know.

[Dan Powers]

It's. It's. I feel like people critique them so much that if you were ever lucky enough to win, I feel like the only move is to just go up there and be like this. I love everyone. Thank you so much. I'm out of here. It's like, otherwise you just get dissected, and it's craziness.

[Chris Powers]

I do think as well. It's like whenever you see some sort of, like, heartfelt speech from an actor, in my mind, I'm always thinking, are they acting right now?

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah.

[Chris Powers]

Because it is a rude professional.

[Dan Powers]

It's. I worry that too. And sometimes I'm like, oh, these poor people. They can just never. No one never knows or trusts when they're being genuine.

[Chris Powers]

Can they be, like, trusted in court?

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah. No. Yeah, yeah. That's definitely not. Dude, that's.

[Dan Powers]

Or on a jury.

[Sean Buffini]

That's so funny. At a jury, you should be like, are you an actor? And they're like, yes. Like, okay, you're out. Yeah, like this. And you. That'd be insane.

[Dan Powers]

Crazy. I. I felt bad because I went over to Chris's, and as I was on the way, Chris was like, we're ordering dinner. Do you want anything? And I said politely, no, thank you, because I left your house to then go eat alone at a restaurant.

[Sean Buffini]

Yes.

[Dan Powers]

And I do this often on Sundays, and I went to one of my favorite establishments. I brought my iPad and I read and I ate. Now I am team meal. Alone is great. I go to the movies alone a lot sometimes. Doing things alone is lovely.

[Chris Powers]

Yeah.

[Dan Powers]

However, I did sit at a table, and I think a lot of people have called me out for this and said, if you eat alone, you have to eat at the bar.

[Sean Buffini]

You simply must.

[Chris Powers]

What if there isn't a bar?

[Dan Powers]

Discuss.

[Sean Buffini]

Then you can't sit with us, dude. You cannot. If I went like this, oh, I'm just gonna sit by the bar. And I'm alone. And they Say, oh, we don't have a bar. I go like this.

[Chris Powers]

I will say, I don't think there's anything wrong with going to the movie theater alone.

[Sean Buffini]

Me neither.

[Dan Powers]

I love it.

[Chris Powers]

I don't think that there's anything wrong with eating alone, but there is in my brain, like, a budgetary limit to, like, what is too fancy of a meal to not share with somebody. So in my brain, I'm like, there are, like, you referenced the place with a bar, which, if I go to a place and it has a bar, it's probably within the price range where I can acceptably eat alone. But if I'm going to like, an actual, like, nice steakhouse or something, I'm like, I don't want to, you know, do enjoy this alone. I want to enjoy this experience with somebody. And they probably don't have a bar because it's like a fancy.

[Sean Buffini]

But I bet that.

[Dan Powers]

So I actually do have a bar.

[Sean Buffini]

I love the logic. If the. I love the line of budget, but I bet the really nice steakhouses do have a bar.

[Dan Powers]

I agree. I can't even think I still wouldn't.

[Sean Buffini]

Do it because of the price.

[Dan Powers]

My favorite nice restaurants, they all have bars.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah.

[Chris Powers]

What does that say about you?

[Dan Powers]

No, I'm saying, like, yeah, no, I don't know what.

[Chris Powers]

I retract the comment then.

[Dan Powers]

No, but it was a good thought. But now I'm thinking about it, I'm like, every place has a bar, dude. Wait, what?

[Sean Buffini]

Is there a restaurant without a bar?

[Chris Powers]

Cheesecake Factory.

[Sean Buffini]

Are you sure?

[Chris Powers]

I might actually have a bar?

[Dan Powers]

Because I'm pretty sure in Stepbrothers.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah. He goes to have a cheesecake.

[Dan Powers]

Mr. Doback goes and gets drunk at the bar at Cheesecake Factory.

[Sean Buffini]

You reek of what?

[Dan Powers]

Of cheese and booze.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah. Is it booze? You reek of booze and cheesecake. Wait.

[Dan Powers]

This is act.

[Chris Powers]

This is genuinely kind of blowing my mind. I don't think of a place now.

[Sean Buffini]

I can't think of a restaurant. But. But now we're back to your. Your thought from the other day. Obviously, you're ordering standing up, right?

[Dan Powers]

Small restaurants that don't have bars.

[Chris Powers]

Yeah, yeah.

[Dan Powers]

Like if I were to go to.

[Chris Powers]

A, like an Italian place.

[Dan Powers]

They have bars, do they? Dantenis has a bar.

[Sean Buffini]

Olive Garden bar.

[Dan Powers]

Olive Garden has a bar, do they?

[Sean Buffini]

Hell yeah, they do.

[Chris Powers]

Yeah. That's the hack at Olive Garden is you go in, you go to the bar. You don't go to wait for a table. Just go straight to the bar and.

[Dan Powers]

Have, like, high tops. Notoriously Having super long lines.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah. Oh, yeah, buddy. Unlimited breadsticks and salad. Are you nuts? And, dude, the bar is just a trough of salad. Like, so you get to go to the bar and it's just. You're just eating.

[Dan Powers]

You're talking about a salad bar.

[Sean Buffini]

That is the bar at a hood garden.

[Chris Powers]

It is a literal salad bar.

[Dan Powers]

Oh, my God.

[Chris Powers]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Sean Buffini]

That's what I mean, Dan. It's not like, oh, scoo. Put it in your bowl. Like, the bar is a salad if you just eat from it.

[Dan Powers]

I think especially when I'm reading. This is such performative male shit that I do, now that I think about it, when I'm eating alone and I'm reading.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah.

[Dan Powers]

When I'm eating alone and I'm reading, I think it's better to be at the table than at the bar. Because if you eat alone instead of the bar, you gotta talk to the bartender. But when I'm bringing my book, I just want to read. I don't want to be bothered.

[Sean Buffini]

And the few times I have eaten alone, I've brought a book every time because I'm.

[Dan Powers]

It's great.

[Sean Buffini]

I'm like, I can't wait to read this. It's wonderful.

[Dan Powers]

And yeah, I think you got to just. I think you need to set a table because then you have privacy.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah.

[Chris Powers]

I want a booth.

[Sean Buffini]

You know, I think.

[Chris Powers]

I think the best solo dining experiences happen in, like, diners.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah.

[Chris Powers]

Like boots in a diner.

[Dan Powers]

Because then you can sit, you can slide all the way back to the booth.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah.

[Dan Powers]

Maybe put your leg up. Yeah. Really get comfortable.

[Chris Powers]

So much space. Nobody bothers you. You can be there forever. And it has, like, every type of food for any time of day that you want to go be alone.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah.

[Dan Powers]

Yeah.

[Sean Buffini]

Also, breakfast places don't bars. You're right. Like, diners, they don't have bars.

[Dan Powers]

Yeah.

[Sean Buffini]

Which is sad that I would actually like that. But, like, I've never stepped foot in a diner.

[Chris Powers]

Yeah.

[Dan Powers]

A diner doesn't have a bar except for, like. Yeah, but that. That's more of like a.

[Sean Buffini]

Like an ice cream bar.

[Dan Powers]

Yeah, it's like an ice cream bar.

[Sean Buffini]

Another. Another root beer float.

[Dan Powers]

Leave the bottle crap. So, yeah, I'm team sit at the table.

[Chris Powers]

I need to do a survey for the next year of all the places I eat at and how many have bars and how many don't, and how.

[Sean Buffini]

Many you order standing up at and how many orders sitting down. Dude, we have some friends that actually should hit them up because I didn't get the final Results on 1-1-20, 25. It's a group of like eight of them. They tracked every single time they sneezed to see how many sneezes you have in a. In a.

[Dan Powers]

Sometimes I think Chris forgets that we're on a live podcast when you do shit like that. I think people, every now and then when you go like this, oh, dude, I was actually thinking about this. I immediately am like, is this going to be a completely ridiculous statement that has nothing to do with what we're talking about on the. Like, I genuinely think sometimes you just sit here and you think you're talking to two of your buddies and you.

[Sean Buffini]

Forget that we're recording. That's exactly what I'm doing. Absolutely. I think people be fascinated to hear this.

[Dan Powers]

Okay. Our friends tracked their sneezes.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah. And they did it for the whole year. About how many sneezes and one of them. How many times do you think you would sneeze in a year? 365 days.

[Chris Powers]

365 days? I'd say sneezing 78 times.

[Dan Powers]

Are you out of your mind? Are you out of your mind?

[Sean Buffini]

Are you like.

[Dan Powers]

What the fuck are you talking about? 78?

[Sean Buffini]

Oh, my God.

[Dan Powers]

What are you saying to me?

[Chris Powers]

Do you think I'm way too low or way too high?

[Dan Powers]

Insanely low. Okay, now keep in mind, I am a machine gun sneezer. But I would if I. Yeah, well.

[Chris Powers]

We can't all compete with you.

[Dan Powers]

I know, but I'm saying my number is probably in the 10,000, 10,365. I would not be surprised when I sneeze. I sneeze like 10 times, and I probably sneeze two or three times a day. If I walk out in the sun, I sneeze.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah, same.

[Dan Powers]

You're sneezing more than 78 times in a year.

[Chris Powers]

What's. What number are we at?

[Sean Buffini]

What's the. Wait, wait, wait.

[Dan Powers]

Before we go, what's your actual guess for me? Yeah, honest to God, I would say I probably sneeze in a year. I would guess that I sneeze between 3,000 and 4,000 times.

[Sean Buffini]

That's such a wide range.

[Dan Powers]

I'm telling you. I'm telling you.

[Chris Powers]

All right, so you're between 3,000 and 4,000. I'm at 78.

[Sean Buffini]

I bet. I bet my.

[Dan Powers]

My alter ego is named Dean Sneezy for a reason.

[Sean Buffini]

I'm a two pop guy. Like, I'm bang bang, you know?

[Dan Powers]

Yeah. Double barrel.

[Chris Powers]

You got machine gun and double barrel.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah, I'm double barrel. Dad's a Machine Dan's a tommy gun and he is. Dude, it's actually fucking crazy when he's driving and I'm in the passenger seat and he's like. And I'm like, bro, what the is going on?

[Dan Powers]

Actually, I've joked before when I'm driving and I sneeze, I have to try. I'm like, keep my. I'm like.

[Sean Buffini]

Dude, you. We got to get you a self driver.

[Chris Powers]

Did your friends tell you a number?

[Sean Buffini]

I just texted him. I hope he answered right now. I just. Because I text him for the high and the low so I can. So we can get the. Get the range.

[Dan Powers]

Who did this or. It doesn't matter.

[Sean Buffini]

Stu.

[Dan Powers]

It does. Also. There's no chance that they accurately kept that, bro. You would just forget.

[Sean Buffini]

No, Stu. Stu. This is so awesome. Obvious Stu or not obvious. It's so typical. Stu created a independent, non company dependent slack channel and they all added to it. And he wrote a Slack code that all you had to do was hit the number one and hit enter and it knew your name and it would add you. It would add it to your thing.

[Chris Powers]

All this work could have been used for something.

[Dan Powers]

Like something great.

[Sean Buffini]

So anytime you sneeze, all you do is just go do.

[Dan Powers]

I'm saying you would just forget times. Like there's times like in the morning you're brushing your teeth or hopefully not you're spraying spray the beer. But there just had to be times where they sneeze and they didn't remember.

[Sean Buffini]

I think they were pretty dialed. And one guy was coming in so low and then he got a cold and then he was fucking sneezing out his ass, dude.

[Dan Powers]

Like, that's. That's what I'm saying, Sean. Like you get sick once a year. I bet.

[Chris Powers]

I never get sick.

[Sean Buffini]

I am.

[Chris Powers]

I'm actually sick right now, but I never get sick. I am perfect.

[Dan Powers]

78.

[Sean Buffini]

78. I bet I would be. My guess for myself would be like 900.

[Dan Powers]

You've.

[Chris Powers]

You're like price is riding us a little bit.

[Dan Powers]

Yeah.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah, right, Correct.

[Dan Powers]

But like I sneeze. I don't have to be sick to sneeze. I sneeze.

[Sean Buffini]

Oh, me neither.

[Dan Powers]

All the time.

[Sean Buffini]

But do you sneeze every day?

[Dan Powers]

Absolutely.

[Chris Powers]

You know, I sneezed a lot yesterday. I was I in the new apartment. I was like dusting off some stuff that I took down from the attic and I think that dust was making me sneeze a lot. So I think I might have already gone over my 78 this year.

[Sean Buffini]

And it's my January 1278 is incredible.

[Dan Powers]

You come across one dusty room.

[Chris Powers]

I may have been wrong about this. I'm starting to think I'm incorrect.

[Sean Buffini]

Oh, my God.

[Chris Powers]

I did Google it, right? Now that guys, your friend doesn't get back to you. If you want to know what Google says.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah, I do.

[Dan Powers]

Oh, yeah, I do.

[Chris Powers]

This is the Google like, AI thing, which is like trying to be like 40% accurate. So we'll take it with a grain of salt. But it says around 450 times a year.

[Dan Powers]

Low.

[Sean Buffini]

Low. Yeah. Low. I'll get.

[Dan Powers]

I can't. I'm jealous. Thinking about there. There are people out there who apparently don't sneeze. They go an entire day without sneezing.

[Chris Powers]

I can't sneeze only 78 times a year.

[Sean Buffini]

Bullshit.

[Dan Powers]

This has been the most unhinged not ice of all time. And I absolutely love it. I hope everyone else did too. Let's jump into beer league hotline and try to get this thing back on the rails.

[Chris Powers]

You guys are ready?

[Dan Powers]

Yes, sir.

[Chris Powers]

A guy on our team has been dating our captain's sister. He had the captain's blessing. All was well. Then she cheated on him and they broke up. She was 100% in the wrong. It was pretty fucked up.

[Dan Powers]

But it's.

[Chris Powers]

But it's put the captain in a tough spot since it's his sister. At the end of the day, the guy has been sounding off about her in the room post game because he's understandably pissed. But he called her a whore and the captain put hands on him. Who is in the wrong.

[Dan Powers]

We all need to meet new people.

[Sean Buffini]

What's that from?

[Dan Powers]

That is a Schmidt.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah.

[Dan Powers]

From New Girl quote. And it is so applicable. You can't dip the pen in company Inc. As they say. And.

[Chris Powers]

I feel like it's hard to avoid these days. It's, you know.

[Sean Buffini]

Dude, I was like, where is that going, bro? This is an incredible new expression. Christ.

[Dan Powers]

This is an stricken from the record.

[Chris Powers]

Is all of your friends sisters now just out of bounds now?

[Dan Powers]

Just. I think when it comes to a team, I said you can't dip the pen in company. You can't dip the pen in family member of Companies Inc.

[Sean Buffini]

Either. Okay.

[Dan Powers]

But I think friends family members is a dangerous game. Teammates family members is a really dangerous game.

[Sean Buffini]

But you don't expect. You can't live life expecting a cheat.

[Dan Powers]

Something to go wrong.

[Sean Buffini]

Cause I think if they broke up. From the sounds of this, I don't know these people, obviously, but from the sounds of it, it's like the captain, they're friends. And the captain's like, yeah, dude, that's completely cool.

[Dan Powers]

We are completely, completely passion by the fact that we, we can't have beer league team captains.

[Sean Buffini]

I think they, I hope they mean gm. Yeah.

[Dan Powers]

Just like the guy who organized the team. I hope if this dude is wearing a C on his jersey in beer league. That is another beer league outline.

[Sean Buffini]

I don't trust his sister.

[Dan Powers]

I don't trust anyone in their family.

[Sean Buffini]

Of a man wearing a C. So.

[Dan Powers]

We'Re gonna ignore that.

[Sean Buffini]

So I think you, you can live with a world where the GM goes, that's cool. We're friends and that's great. And then if you break up, it's okay. Cause humans break up and like all will be well. Yeah.

[Dan Powers]

Yeah.

[Sean Buffini]

I think they were living in that world. So you can't live expecting her to cheat.

[Dan Powers]

Yes. Okay, let's take this a step at a time. I'm completely okay with this relationship. I think that's lovely, actually.

[Sean Buffini]

When it has a blessing.

[Dan Powers]

Let's say that they had gotten married and people ask their origin story and you go, I was on a beer league and she was actually, she's the sister of our team GM Are a.

[Chris Powers]

Lot more interesting than online.

[Dan Powers]

I think that's a lovely story. So I'm, I'm in full support of this relationship now. The fact that this gal cheated on you. Horrible, horrible, horrible. We hate a cheater. That sucks. And it sounds like she was in the wrong. It sounds like it was pretty fucked up.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah, like probably like repeat cheating. Probably rampant, rampant cheating.

[Dan Powers]

And I'd be lying to you if I said that I wasn't a little bit interested in what happened because it sounds like you're too ugly to follow a juicy betrayal.

[Chris Powers]

Well, I mean, we know she's into hockey players. Do we think it's another player?

[Dan Powers]

Is. This is a pucked in situation.

[Sean Buffini]

There's no way it was on the team because they would have said that. Yeah, but, but I, I wouldn't be surprised if it was. If this guy laced him up himself. If this mystery man also liked to lace him up. Yeah.

[Dan Powers]

Okay, so that sucks. You've got to be the bigger man.

[Sean Buffini]

You gotta control yourself because your, your.

[Dan Powers]

Team captain and friend didn't do anything.

[Sean Buffini]

Wrong to you except allowing you to date his cheating.

[Dan Powers]

Stop it.

[Sean Buffini]

He knew. He knew the whole time.

[Dan Powers]

Stop it.

[Sean Buffini]

She's cheated on her last four boyfriends. He didn't warn you.

[Dan Powers]

This guy didn't do anything wrong to you. And at the end of the day, this is his family member. So you can't go into that locker room and air out your dirty laundry with him in there. I think that is. You've gotta be the bigger man. You've gotta control yourself and you've gotta find a different place to vent. And if you are gonna vent and this guy's been cool about it, he's been like, listen, I get it. That sucks. You can't be calling her a whore.

[Sean Buffini]

That's ridiculous. So that's. That's where I.

[Dan Powers]

You're.

[Sean Buffini]

I think you're actually right about the whole thing. But I was going to give him a little slack on. You can come in the locker room, be like, yeah, it fucking sucks. She. She shouldn't have done that to me. And I'm pissed at her because she fucked this. Really. She fucked up a good thing. If he was doing that in the locker room, I think I would have been like, easy. But yeah, okay, you. This is your right. You've been. You've been trounced upon.

[Chris Powers]

Clearly, this. The team is more than just the team that he plays with. And he has another social circle. Because if that was the case, he just wouldn't bring it up.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah.

[Chris Powers]

Because he would be venting with other people.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah.

[Chris Powers]

But the fact that he's bringing it up with teammates means that this is kind of his space to vent this kind of stuff. And it's where he usually vents all of his, like, you know, he gets his social fulfillment from. So it does leave you in kind of a weird situation where it is hard to. To vent about that thing while still being totally respectful. Like, it's cool.

[Sean Buffini]

I guess.

[Dan Powers]

Yeah.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah.

[Chris Powers]

I think that the brother needs to understand that, you know, he's going to have ill feelings towards it.

[Sean Buffini]

Yep.

[Chris Powers]

But also the particular choice of language is what set it off.

[Sean Buffini]

Exactly. Because, Sean, to your point, I bet the boys were. Even the other boys were being like, hey, dude, sorry that I heard. That sucks. Like, I bet they were even bringing it up. She was like, I know, it's brutal. I can't believe she did that. I hate her now.

[Dan Powers]

All justified.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah, but you just. I will not sit here and tolerate a whore in front of her brother.

[Dan Powers]

The question who's in the wrong? I don't think the cat people put hands on him.

[Sean Buffini]

I don't.

[Dan Powers]

But that could have been a stern grabbing.

[Sean Buffini]

Okay. I don't.

[Dan Powers]

Hey, watch it. I have no problem with that.

[Chris Powers]

I think a stern grabbing is still, like, if someone sternly grabs you like that, like, you're in a 90s like, you're getting bullied in a 90s movie. Like, you're entitled to punch at that point. So it's kind of inviting physical violence, even if it is just like, at.

[Dan Powers]

That point, I don't think.

[Sean Buffini]

And it sounds like he didn't hit him back, so he kind of was the bigger man in that moment.

[Dan Powers]

Listen, I think the cuckold is in the wrong.

[Sean Buffini]

It's an extremely tough day for that gentleman.

[Dan Powers]

It's a brutal day.

[Sean Buffini]

You're a cuckold who's also in the wrong.

[Dan Powers]

Listen, I am really, really sorry for what happened to you, and I want you to continue leaning on your pals for support in this trying time, but you can't be flying off the handle like that. And you were right in that he got the blessing, so it's cool that they dated. And you are also right in that you can't go into a relationship expecting things to go wrong. But when you do something like date your friend's sister, you sign a contract, a social contract that if something goes wrong, you need to be careful about how you speak about her to Said.

[Sean Buffini]

In front of him. Yeah. Call her whatever you please in the dark silence of. Quiet of your own room, you know?

[Dan Powers]

Yeah.

[Chris Powers]

I just. Yeah.

[Dan Powers]

Try to be the bigger man. You. You were wrong. You've done nothing wrong here. You've been wronged. Be the. Be the bigger person and move on.

[Sean Buffini]

Yep.

[Dan Powers]

Because that makes her look even worse.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah.

[Dan Powers]

Because you're like this. I was wrong. I'm not going to speak poorly of you because I hope you deal with whatever issues you have that are making you act like your problems.

[Chris Powers]

That's so right. Then. Yeah. You lose moral currency. See, when you start.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah. Right. Which, by the way, is all you want in this situation. Like, now that it's blown up, you're like, at least look fondly upon me.

[Dan Powers]

Yeah.

[Sean Buffini]

And now you've blown that.

[Dan Powers]

Yeah. You blew that.

[Chris Powers]

He. He messed up when he called her a. And then I also think that the captain should have probably just been like, hey, like, made a thing. Like, that's like, go outside and talk about.

[Dan Powers]

Take it outside.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Chris Powers]

Not just, like, immediately.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah. Okay. Both in the wrong. No, no, no, guy. More in the raw.

[Dan Powers]

It sounds. I don't think you should put hands on anyone ever. But it does sound like this guy was doing it a lot. Yeah. And he was just sitting there taking it.

[Chris Powers]

Yeah. If he's repeatedly doing it. Yeah.

[Dan Powers]

Then he's going around throwing out the W word. And he was like, all right, buddy, stop so you know what? I'm team captain here.

[Sean Buffini]

Well, no one's team captain. That would be uncool.

[Dan Powers]

I am not a team captain. I'm on team captain.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah, that's correct. Yeah.

[Dan Powers]

All right, let's wrap things up with a Bauer blind ranking. Bauer giving us the best gear in the world. The Bauer pulse. The best stick in the game. Probably used by a lot of guys on Team Canada. Hell, yeah. And we are going to do a blind ranking of Team Canada's Olympic roster. Snubs.

[Sean Buffini]

Actually, the Team Canada. Every team is allowed to add 15 players to a reserve list.

[Dan Powers]

Oh, yeah.

[Sean Buffini]

Okay. Of. I will add these people if something happens to my guys. And Canada has officially named the first six of their 15. And these tight. These guys are dudes who have been snubbed in, I think by definition.

[Dan Powers]

Yeah. So they're snubs, but they are on the reserve list. So the first six named.

[Sean Buffini]

Should we.

[Dan Powers]

Yeah, we're not going to name them. Six have been named, Sean.

[Sean Buffini]

Or actually, yeah, it. Because not everyone will have looked at this.

[Chris Powers]

Okay.

[Sean Buffini]

The six they've named.

[Dan Powers]

This is an interesting blind ranking are.

[Sean Buffini]

Connor Bedard, Sam Bennett, Wyatt Johnston, Mark Scheifele, Seth Jarvis, and Travis Knepny. So Sean is going to give us five of these six. So we do know who's coming in a way. Yeah, but we don't. There's going to be one left out. Yeah. So it'll be tight, depending on what he gives us.

[Dan Powers]

Sean.

[Chris Powers]

I'm really just picking who I leave out.

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah, yeah.

[Dan Powers]

Truly. Take it away.

[Sean Buffini]

All right.

[Chris Powers]

Seth Jarvis.

[Dan Powers]

One.

[Sean Buffini]

Ooh. Really? Okay. Actually, maybe you're right for the. For the. For the chemistry. For the chemistry alone.

[Dan Powers]

I think every one of these guys deserves to be on this team, as we said a million times. And there's another gentleman here. I mean, there's all of them. But I just. As we've said, Jarvey was on the Four nations team. He was a valuable member of said team, and he is having a career year this year. He's done everything right. The only thing that happened was he got injured, and then he came back from injury already and scored in his first game back. I'm like, what did he do wrong?

[Sean Buffini]

Yeah, Truly.

[Dan Powers]

So I think he's my one.

[Sean Buffini]

I'll do it. I'll do it.

[Dan Powers]

You don't have to.

[Sean Buffini]

No, no, no. I like it. I like it. I love Jarvey. He's the fucking man. One.

[Chris Powers]

Okay. Connor Bedard.

[Sean Buffini]

That's where it's tricky. This is where it's tricky. I Know, because he deserved it, Dan. Oh, he is so. He. He. Where is he in points still?

[Dan Powers]

He's way up there.

[Sean Buffini]

Like, I actually think it's hilarious how easily we were like, max in and.

[Dan Powers]

Well, that. That remains true.

[Sean Buffini]

I know. But then Bedard, I think he just deserved. He deserved some credit. 46 points in 33 games, you know, and like, that's not that crazy. I'd go. I'd go, God, could you go four? Would that be fucking insane?

[Dan Powers]

It would be tough, but you certainly.

[Sean Buffini]

Could because there's just. If it breaks right for me, then I'd be happy.

[Dan Powers]

Yeah.

[Sean Buffini]

If it breaks right for me, I'd be happy.

[Dan Powers]

Sure. That's harsh. But four, again, it's situational.

[Sean Buffini]

Situational. Play the game. You got to play the game. You got to play the game.

[Chris Powers]

Wyatt Johnston.

[Sean Buffini]

Okay, so I'm going five here.

[Dan Powers]

Me too.

[Sean Buffini]

And I'm going to gamble. And if. And I want to say this about why. When, when even in the. Even before they picked the team, his name was coming up so much, and I saw a lot of snub. Snub, snub. I just want people to know this about Wyatt Johnson. He's an incredible player. He leads the league or did. I'm not sure if he still does in power play goals. He is an absolute weapon mutant on the power play. And Dallas, power play is great. You aren't getting power play time on this team.

[Dan Powers]

Correct.

[Sean Buffini]

Which is why his skill set felt redundant on this team in this era right now. So that's why he didn't make it, in my opinion. And that's why I'm going five right here.

[Dan Powers]

Yep.

[Sean Buffini]

Okay.

[Chris Powers]

Mark Scheifele.

[Dan Powers]

I feel fantastic about this list in terms of. You could go two or three. Well, depends on who comes next, but he could be a two or three for me. Damn it.

[Sean Buffini]

I know, I know, I know. And I think he was, in my opinion, probably the biggest snub because it just felt insane to not take him with what he has put on display this year.

[Dan Powers]

Yeah.

[Sean Buffini]

But Jarvey and Bennett, this is kind of your argument, had more like do more in the roles that they should. That they should have gotten. Right. Invented the way he's been a big game player. Yeah. So I think then I. Even though I said Strife was my biggest snob, I think I would go three here.

[Dan Powers]

Okay.

[Sean Buffini]

Three and play the game. So now three. So now only two is open.

[Chris Powers]

Sam Bennett.

[Sean Buffini]

Yo, dude, you did a square. You did a. You did us very solid, Sean and I feel to Travis, connecting. He was a top seven player in.

[Dan Powers]

The league, but he's fantastic. No, but, yeah, I think with, again, situationally, I think that is exactly right. And I think that's how I feel.

[Sean Buffini]

Yep. And that this was, this was quite literally a perfect list, which almost was a very upsetting list, but it was perfect.

[Dan Powers]

Okay, that is it for us today at the Empty Netters Podcast. Great episode. Great stuff. We have an amazing interview with Robbie GK Kip in heated rivalry that came out on Monday. If you haven't checked that out, check it out now. Great stuff coming up this week. More guests, more fun. Can't wait to get into it with you. Go buy some merch. Subscribe to the YouTube, do all the things. We love you guys until we see you next time, skate hard.