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)

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.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

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.

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)

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)

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.

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.

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.

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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.

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)

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

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.

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.”