Empty Netters Podcast – "The Penguins Smell Blood In The Water"
Date: April 28, 2026
Hosts: Dan & Chris (Almost Friday Media)
Overview
In this lively playoff episode of the Empty Netters Podcast, brothers Dan and Chris blend humor, sharp analysis, and true “player-to-beer-leaguer” authenticity to break down the NHL playoff landscape as it stands. From a heated Penguins-Flyers series to the chaos in the West, the boys react to the latest games, highlight key storylines, and dissect the mental edge (or lack thereof) impacting teams in the hunt for the Stanley Cup. They bounce between games recaps, player performances, memorable moments, and big-picture playoff narratives, all with the effortless banter that has become their trademark.
Penguins vs Flyers: Series Momentum & Shithousery
Theme: Pittsburgh seems to have wrestled momentum away from Philly, turning what looked like a controlled Flyers series into a tense, contested affair.
Discussion Points & Analysis
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Comeback Vibes:
The hosts dig into how playoff hockey reenergizes even the most hungover or physically miserable ("Stanley Cup playoff hockey, dude. It's crazy the juice it provides," – Chris, 00:31).
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Mental Swings & “O-Meter”:
Both note the shift – Pitt was written off after Game 4 but has charged back, leading to real concern for Flyers fans, especially given Pittsburgh's playoff pedigree.
“Right away, Pittsburgh, I was like, oh, they actually might be back a little bit.” (Chris, 04:21)
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Flyers Resiliency... Or Pitt’s Unwavering Edge?
The Flyers continue to answer Pitt leads, but the ability of the Penguins to reassert control each time may be more impressive.
“Pitt goes up 2-0, Philly ties it, Pitt gets the lead back. So now I’m like, maybe it’s just a great Pitt thing.” (Dan, 05:28)
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Flyers Lineup Drama:
The hosts react to Matvei Michkov’s healthy scratch – questioning if he’s genuinely underperforming or if something deeper is at play.
“He’s been brutal... That is a full stop. That’s a very talented guy on your team who produces. So him not in the lineup is only a bad thing.” (Chris, 07:40)
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Goalie Mistakes – Playoff Kryptonite:
Both are frustrated with ongoing “bad bounce” goals, particularly those involving goaltender puck mishandling.
“Now here comes theory number three. Now it’s a problem because I can’t be having goals just bouncing in off you from behind the net every game.” (Chris, 09:25)
“Stay in the fucking net. I’d rather as a defenseman retrieve my own rim jobs...” (Chris, 09:45)
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Crosby’s Calm and Locker Room “Shithousery”:
Crosby’s reaction to fan taunts and the viral photo of Erik Karlsson in a “50 Years No Cups” Flyers-baiting shirt are seen as key to rallying the team.
“That is proper shithousery. Like, look at that. That is so funny.” (Dan on Karlsson shirt, 13:30)
They debate whether shithousery can backfire and wake up the opponent.
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Pressure is Building:
The Flyers’ lack of playoff experience contrasts with Pittsburgh legends’ coolness under fire. The emotional weight is real:
“If we lose this game, we are so fucking fucked... Not guaranteed that. Just saying, there’s a lot of pressure.” (Chris, 18:26)
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Goalie switching as a playoff tactic:
The switch to Shelob (Sheilov) in net, rather than Skinner, seen as a pivotal move for Pitt, mirroring past successful goaltending switches (see: Oilers).
Notable Quotes
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On the mental aspect of playoff leads:
“The 3-0 lead only leads to weird conversations like this. As soon as you go up 3-0, everybody starts going, ‘Oh, you better close it out. The pressure.’ And I’m like, chill, dude. We’re better. Who cares?” (Chris, 21:23)
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On pressure and team personality:
“It’s more about the personality of the team to me.” (Zach, 19:20)
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On the impact of switching goalies:
“The switch to Shelob not only buys you a big game dog goalie... but it also allows you to go back to Skinner and activate multiple shutouts. The fear if you’re Pitt is you waited one game too long.” (Chris, 24:20)
Timestamp Highlights
- Penguins seize momentum: 04:20–05:47
- Michkov scratch + Flyers drama: 07:16–08:25
- Crosby/Karlsson “shithousery” segment: 12:30–14:55
Vegas vs Utah: Chaos & Comebacks
Theme: Wild swings and dual meltdowns define this back-and-forth series; both teams alternately “puke” away leads.
Key Segments
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Vegas’ “Back From the Dead” Game:
The hosts track Vegas jumping out to a 3-0 lead, only for Utah to storm back with four straight goals to briefly take the lead ("I could not believe that comeback... I am so fine with this loss." – Chris, 30:51).
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Debate: Good Loss or Gutting Collapse?
Big argument over whether Utah, after such a comeback and then an OT defeat, should feel okay ("dual puke" scenario). Dan is adamant,
“You have a lead... and then you give it up and lose in OT on home ice, that is a fumbling of that game.” (Dan, 32:26)
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Parity in the Series:
Despite wild swings, the hosts declare it an "even series" and highlight the parity of the Pacific.
“These are two very even teams.” (Dan, 38:17)
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Eichel’s Performance and Mentality:
He is praised for his possession game but called out for not shooting enough.
“I've got something to say about Jack. I need you to score.” (Dan, 39:25)
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Goaltending Rotation—Another Theme:
Carter Hart gets unwavering support from Torts, bucking the trend of other playoff teams “changing horses.”
“Vegas should have qualified as a team that is coin flip goalie in my... but they're the only team that goes this could have been either one that has refused to do that.” (Chris, 45:24)
Notable Quotes
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On the wild swings:
“There was mutual puking. Double barrel puking.” (Chris and Dan, 35:05)
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Eichel & Marner:
“I need one of these guys to just take over... I need you to shoot the puck.” (Dan, 39:25)
Timestamp Highlights
- Vegas-Utah chaos, comeback, and OT loss: 30:51–38:10
- Jack Eichel critical analysis: 38:10–41:31
Boston vs Buffalo: Surprises, Expectations & Goaltending
Theme: Buffalo’s surprising dominance, Boston’s struggle with the “wild card” label, and the Swayman factor.
Key Points
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Buffalo’s Legitimacy:
“They won the Atlantic. They were the best team in hockey the second half of the season.” (Dan, 48:54)
The Sabres are getting respect for their resilience and offensive depth.
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Boston’s Identity Crisis:
“People are forgetting they have been a wild card team all season long... They just made the playoffs, which is fucking awesome.” (Dan, 49:08)
Many Boston fans were unrealistically expecting last year’s juggernaut to reappear.
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Goaltending Heroics & Reality Checks:
Swayman has been the best Bruin but needs more help ("He got hung out to dry... but it's this funny narrative of like fucking Bruins should be winning this series. What are you talking about?” – Dan, 50:45).
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Pasta’s Role:
He’s a point-per-game playoff performer but needs to find another gear ("You are David Pastrnak. You have to score. We're gonna lose." – Chris, 54:38).
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Buffalo Playing with House Money... but Can’t Blow the Series:
“I think Buffalo is just riding on vibes right now.” (Dan, 58:23)
But up 3-1, losing would be a disaster.
Timestamp Highlights
- Boston’s identity and fan reaction: 48:54–51:56
- Pastrnak discussion: 54:12–55:38
Dallas vs Minnesota: The Playoff Series Gift
Theme: The most balanced and dramatic series—both teams swing from dominance to disaster, and both believe they can win.
Key Segments
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Goaltending Duel:
Wallstedt’s emergence as a blue-chip starter vs. Otter.
“This currently to me feels like a ‘which goalie cracks first loses.’” (Chris, 71:04)
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Power Play Misery:
Minnesota’s power play has struggled mightily but their even-strength play and overall team grit keep them alive.
“One for 15, and you’re two-two... That is so bad.” (Dan, 65:18)
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Narratives & Stakes:
Dallas’ repeated postseason heartbreak raises the stakes:
“If you lose again in round one, you are the Minnesota Leafs.” (Dan, 72:58)
Edmonton Oilers vs Anaheim Ducks: Drunk Hockey & The Audacity of Youth
Theme: The series is shockingly tilted in Anaheim’s favor, but the Oilers are the only team that can claw back from a 3-1 deficit.
Discussion Points
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Beer League Chaos:
Oilers games feel like “shinny hockey,” with both teams scoring at will and goaltending optional.
“We're just watching shinny hockey. It's crazy.” (Dan, 77:08)
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Mentality and Mojo:
The young Ducks are oblivious to the pressure.
"Case of audacity of youth. They don't know they're supposed to be worried..." (Jennifer via chat, endorsed by Dan, 79:03)
"I don't think they know they’re playing the Oilers." (Chris, 79:11)
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Oilers as Comeback Specialists:
If any team can pull off the reverse sweep, it's Edmonton, thanks to McDavid and offensive firepower.
"If there is a team in these playoffs that can win three straight games after being down 3:1, it is this Oilers team." (Dan, 75:28)
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Bets and Series Odds:
Discussion about live betting odds, with Chris and Dan planning to hammer Oilers series comeback bets.
Memorable Moments & Quotes
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Dan on playoff “theories”:
“Too many theories. Next thing you know, it’s the theory of everything.” (Dan, 05:59)
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On shithousery effect:
“Sometimes it does wake up the team... I think there’s a version where the Flyers shithousery has now awoken these guys... now the Penguins stars are scoring and the Flyers are losing.” (Chris, 15:09)
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On the pressure of leads:
“As soon as you go up 3-0, everybody starts going, ‘Oh, you better close it out. The pressure.’” (Chris, 21:23)
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On goalie room politics:
“Aiden Hill... believes he should be Team Canada’s goalie, and he’s not even playing on his own fucking team.” (Chris, 46:08)
Important Timestamps
| Segment | Time |
|----------------------------------|--------------|
| Pitt seizes series momentum | 04:20–05:47 |
| Flyers lineup drama (Michkov) | 07:16–08:25 |
| Crosby/Karlsson “No Cups” Shirt | 12:30–14:55 |
| Vegas-Utah chaos/comebacks | 30:51–38:10 |
| Jack Eichel critique | 38:10–41:31 |
| Bruins-Sabres identity crisis | 48:54–51:56 |
| Pastrnak playoff scrutiny | 54:12–55:38 |
| Goalie mistakes rant | 09:25–11:32 |
| Oilers comeback betting | 76:44–78:20 |
Final Thoughts & Vibes
- Playoff Mentality:
The episode shines in capturing the anxiety, spin, and emotional roller coaster of playoff hockey, both on the ice and in the minds of fans.
- “Must Watch” Stamp:
Both Utah-Vegas and Dallas-Minnesota are declared must-watch, unpredictable series.
- Respect for Youthful Teams:
The hosts marvel at the fearlessness of teams who “don’t know what they don’t know” – whether it’s the Ducks, Flyers, or the new-look Sabres.
“We are so fucking back, dude.” (Chris, 60:41)
Next Up
- Friday’s livestream
- Anticipated guest appearance
- Daily playoff action with potential eliminations ahead
Summary prepared for those who want every hilarious, passionate, and insight-laden twist from the Empty Netters playoff table without the fluff.
