Spittin’ Chiclets Episode 528: Featuring Rob Brown and Ryan Smith

Introduction In Episode 528 of Spittin’ Chiclets, hosts Ryan Whitney, Paul Bissonnette, and Mike Grinnell dive deep into the early stages of the NHL season, offering their unfiltered opinions on player performances, team dynamics, and upcoming milestones. This episode uniquely features interviews with former NHL sniper Rob Brown and Ryan Smith, the first-ever owner to appear on the podcast, who owns both the Utah Hockey Club and the Utah Jazz.

Season Analysis

Sidney Crosby’s Milestone The hosts celebrate Sidney Crosby’s remarkable achievement of reaching 1,600 career points, making him the tenth player in NHL history to hit this milestone and the fifth fastest to do so. Paul Bissonnette remarks, “Crosby’s done this with such class. It’s wild to see” (17:02), highlighting Crosby’s consistency and the high expectations surrounding his career.

Pittsburgh Penguins’ Performance The discussion shifts to the Pittsburgh Penguins, focusing on Crosby and Evgeni Malkin’s outstanding performances. Biz Nasty enthuses, “Sid did what he did last year and they didn’t make the playoffs. I just think Sid’s ability to dig deeper is phenomenal” (16:37). However, concerns are raised about the Penguins' goaltending and defensive lapses, which jeopardize their playoff aspirations despite the offensive prowess of their stars.

Winnipeg Jets’ Strong Start The Winnipeg Jets receive significant praise for their impressive start to the season. Biz Nasty states, “They’re the only undefeated team currently as we record this podcast” (130:03), emphasizing the Jets’ depth and cohesive gameplay. The team’s strategic trades, particularly acquiring Jake Oettinger, are lauded as masterstrokes that bolster their competitiveness.

Washington Capitals’ Achievements The Washington Capitals are highlighted for Alex Ovechkin’s pursuit of NHL’s all-time goal-scoring record and Evgeni Malkin’s resurgence. Paul Bissonnette notes, “If Crosby continues to hit these milestones, he becomes a Mount Rushmore guy” (19:49), underscoring the enduring legacy of both Ovechkin and Crosby within the league.

Other Teams Under Scrutiny Additional teams such as the Dallas Stars, Florida Panthers, Edmonton Oilers, and Detroit Red Wings are analyzed. The Dallas Stars are praised for their depth and strategic acquisitions, while the Edmonton Oilers face criticism for inconsistent goaltending. Detroit’s struggles are attributed to defensive issues and inconsistent performances, raising questions about their playoff viability.

Interviews

Interview with Rob Brown Former NHL player Rob Brown shares captivating stories from his career, including memorable encounters with legends like Mario Lemieux. At 57:43, Brown recounts a pivotal moment: “I scored the eighth and ninth goals in that playoff game, but then Hextall chased me down.” These anecdotes illustrate the fierce competitiveness and camaraderie present in the league during his playing days. Brown also reflects on his transition from player to media personality, highlighting the challenges and rewards of sharing his hockey experiences with fans.

Interview with Ryan Smith Ryan Smith, the trailblazing owner of the Utah Hockey Club and Utah Jazz, discusses his journey from co-founding Qualtrics to venturing into sports ownership. At 157:02, Smith explains, “We had a 20-year head start building Qualtrics, and now we’re channeling that success into team ownership.” He emphasizes the importance of creating a family-like atmosphere within the organization and leveraging Utah’s growing demographic to foster a passionate fan base. Smith envisions the Utah Hockey Club as a cornerstone of the community, aiming to provide unparalleled experiences for both players and fans.

Conclusion Episode 528 of Spittin’ Chiclets offers a comprehensive look at the NHL’s current landscape, enriched by insider perspectives from Rob Brown and Ryan Smith. The hosts adeptly balance statistical analysis with engaging narratives, providing listeners with both entertainment and insightful commentary. As the season progresses, the podcast promises to continue delivering in-depth discussions and exclusive interviews, making it a must-listen for hockey enthusiasts.

Notable Quotes:

• Paul Bissonnette at 16:37: “To be a billionaire, you're kind of a fucked up cat. This guy seemed pretty normal.”
• Rob Brown at 57:25: “I scored the eighth and ninth goal in that playoff game, but then Hextall chased me down.”
• Ryan Smith at 157:02: “We had a 20-year head start building Qualtrics, and now we’re channeling that success into team ownership.”

Note: All timestamps correspond to the moments in the provided transcript and are included to highlight key discussions and memorable quotes.