Empty Netters Podcast – "USA And Canada Are The Two Best Teams By A Mile" (Feb 13, 2026)
Hosts: Dan Powers & Chris Powers
Location: Milan, Italy (On-site for the 2026 Winter Olympics)
Theme: In-depth recap and analysis of the opening round of men's and women's Olympic hockey, with a focus on Team USA and Team Canada’s dominance, plus vivid behind-the-scenes travel stories and observations from the heart of Milan.
Episode Overview
This episode finds the Empty Netters crew soaking in the Olympic fever in Milan, providing their signature mix of sharp hockey analysis and hilarious brotherly banter. Fresh from the stands and bars of Milan, Dan and Chris break down the opening games of the 2026 Olympic men's and women’s hockey tournaments—spotlighting Team USA and Team Canada’s big debuts, controversial rule decisions, and the upstart teams making noise. Off-ice, the boys serve up spirited stories about Italian culture, sports bar misadventures, and Milanese life, all delivered with their trademark energy and authenticity.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Milan Vibes & Olympic Setting (00:00–06:46)
- The Powers brothers gush over Milan’s charm, atmosphere, and unexpected work ethic (“I didn’t think Italy went hard in the paint like that… I thought it was like, do you want some wine and some pasta?” – Chris, 02:27).
- Comedic rants about Italian bidets and failed attempts at acting cool when traveling (“If you don't think I am buying an at-home bidet the second I get home, you're out of your mind” – Dan, 03:15).
- Early praise for the Olympic arena’s energy and setup, dismissing online criticisms (“Don't listen to it for a second. The arena is fantastic.” – Dan, 05:54).
2. Olympic Men’s Hockey – Early Rounds Breakdown (06:46–17:53)
Finland vs. Slovakia (08:01–09:17)
- Slovakia surprises Finland, but the drama is diminished by a forgiving tournament structure: “Finland can go 0-3, get into the one-game qualy, and just beat whoever… That sucks.” (Chris, 08:47).
Sweden vs. Italy (10:37–14:13)
- Spotlight on Italian goalie Damian Clara’s heroics (55 saves!) and Sweden’s NHL-packed roster.
- “Before we even get into that game, how in the world is Filip Forsberg the 13th forward on this team?” – Dan, 11:08.
- Shout-out to Italy’s Tommy Larkin (Chris’ old acquaintance), playing in the Olympics—“It’s amazing. He’s still playing for the Olympics.” (Chris, 13:19).
Switzerland vs. France & Germany vs. Denmark (14:20–16:48)
- Switzerland and Germany notch solid, if unspectacular, wins—Roman Josi (Switzerland), Stützle and Draisaitl (Germany) headlining.
- “Germany… they’ve got a lot to do when Stützle, Draisaitl, and Paterka aren’t on the ice.” (Chris, 16:19).
- Denmark pushes hard, outshooting Germany.
3. Marquee Matchup: Team Canada Blasts Czechia (18:05–36:42)
In-Arena Experience (18:13–20:49)
- Electric atmosphere with passionate Czech fans (“They were chanting the whole game and were friendly, too. A real highlight.” – Chris, 18:37).
- Marveling at Connor McDavid’s speed and game-changing presence (“I will always be shocked—he just moves so much faster than everyone else.” – Dan, 18:59).
Physical Tone & Key Moments (19:30–24:01)
- Both teams come out hitting; Posternak and Radko Gudas throw big checks.
- Controversial non-calls, including a blatant too-many-men by Czechia and physical exchanges (“No rules here, Dan.” – Chris, 20:39).
Scoring & Standouts (22:07–36:42)
- Macklin Celebrini scores in his Olympic debut (“Is there anyone more ready than Macklin Celebrini? No. He’s incredible, dude.” – Chris, 27:19).
- Statistical oddity: Celebrini scores in every major debut (USHL, college, NHL, Olympics) (24:12).
- Canadian depth: Five different scorers (Celebrini, Stone, Horvat, McKinnon, Suzuki) and McDavid with three assists.
- “This team just doesn’t make mistakes.” (Red, 35:30, relayed by Dan/Chris).
- Jordan Binnington earns a statement shutout; “He is maybe the most automatic big game dude who’s ever lived.” (Dan, 31:05).
- Canadian defensive detail: Drew Doughty lauded for his all-around play.
4. Team USA’s Turbulent Win Over Latvia (41:01–66:14)
Bar-Hopping Odyssey (43:25–56:25)
- Hilarious, relatable saga as the boys struggle through three bars (Mind the Gap, Football Pub, and eventually Offside Sports Pub) just to find the game on TV, highlighting cultural and logistical differences in Milan.
Game Analysis (41:01–64:12)
- Kachuk Brothers set the tone (“the Tkachuks have a Team USA version of themselves at the drycleaner, ready to go.” – Chris, 41:51).
- Two early USA goals disallowed on challenge: one for offsides, one (soft) for goalie interference under strict Olympic rules.
- Latvia plays tough, tying the game 1-1 after a controversial call.
- Brock Nelson emerges as a breakout star (two goals, one called back, nearly a third). Family legacy: grandfather and uncle were American Olympians and gold medalists (60:59).
- Jack Hughes bounces back from Four Nations criticism, quietly running the show (“Jack Hughes looks fantastic.” – Dan, 58:51).
- Power play finally clicks: Eichel and Matthews get on the board.
- “I think that was a perfect game for the US. You played a pesky team, dealt with adversity, and looked dominant in the second and third.” (Dan, 63:23).
On the Goalie:
- Some early nerves regarding Connor Hellebuyck, but he steadies and finishes with a solid performance (64:12).
5. Women’s Olympic Hockey – “USA and Canada by a Mile, But Sweden’s Coming” (66:29–72:04)
- USA women dominate Canada 5-0 in round robin (“One of the most dominant U.S. wins over Canada women's we've seen.” – Dan, 68:25).
- Shout-outs to Hannah Bilka (2 goals), Caroline Harvey, Layla Edwards (“the most electric player in the tournament right now” – Dan, 68:12), and steadfast goalie Erin Frankel.
- On spotting the icy rivalry at a postgame event: “The Canada and US girls were not talking... you could feel the iciness in the air.” (Chris, 69:20).
- Canada rebounds, trouncing Finland 5-0; Sweden’s women’s team now 4-0 and “overlooked, but wheeling.”
- Quarterfinals overview: look out for Sweden vs Czechia, Italy vs USA, Germany vs Canada, and Switzerland vs Finland.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
On Connor McDavid, Team Canada (19:00):
“I will always be shocked—he just moves so much faster than everyone else. It’s fucking crazy.”
— Dan
On Slovakia’s Upset & Olympic Format (08:47):
“Finland can go 0-3, get into the one-game qualy, and just beat whoever… That sucks.”
— Chris
On Olympic Officiating (52:09):
“Apparently, these are international Olympic rules, folks. We will be having zero crease time whatsoever. That is something these players need to know.”
— Dan
On Macklin Celebrini’s Poise (27:19):
“No. It’s incredible, dude. He’s… and he’s playing wing. He just goes, sure, what do you need me to do? And I’ll be all over the ice. This is the Olympics. This moment isn’t about him… and at no point does he look nervous or scared or out of place.”
— Chris
On the Arena and Atmosphere (05:54):
“Don’t listen to it for a second. The arena is fantastic. The jumbotron, the whole setup is fantastic.”
— Dan
On the Postgame Women’s Hockey Mixer (69:20):
“There were Canada women there… and everybody was being so friendly and nice… but the Canada and US girls were not talking. You could feel the iciness in the air.”
— Chris
Important Timestamps for Key Segments
- Milan Life & Bidet Banter: 00:00–06:46
- Olympic Hockey (Men’s, Early Games): 06:46–17:53
- Canada–Czechia Reaction: 18:09–36:42
- Team USA’s USA–Latvia Game Analysis: 41:01–66:14
- Finding a Bar to Watch Hockey in Milan: 43:25–56:25
- Women’s Hockey Tournament Recap: 66:29–72:04
Takeaways & Outlook
- Team Canada looked every inch the juggernaut—world-class skill, complete buy-in, and a veteran goalie who thrives on the biggest stage.
- Team USA showed resolve, skill depth, and important mental toughness in overcoming a pesky Latvia squad and some brutal early officiating.
- Women’s Tournament: USA and Canada remain favorites, but Sweden’s eye-opening start has made them a serious third threat.
- Atmosphere in Milan:* Despite quirks in Italian TV culture, the Olympic buzz is electric—fans, food, and (occasional) calzones abound.
- Brotherly energy and nostalgia carry the show: from Tommy Larkin Olympic shout-out to the trip down memory lane with bar reviews, the Powers duo make even the mundane wildly entertaining.
Summary:
This was a rich, content-packed episode, combining Olympic hockey expertise, hilarious anecdotes, and genuine love for the sport and its global community. For fans following the tournament or just wanting a taste of what makes “Empty Netters” tick, it’s a must-listen (or read!).