Spittin’ Chiclets Episode 539 Summary: Featuring Anze Kopitar and Eric Engels

Release Date: January 7, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 539 of Spittin’ Chiclets, hosted by Barstool Sports’ Ryan Whitney alongside Paul Bissonnette, Keith Yandle, and Producer Mike Grinnell, the conversation delves deep into the current state of hockey. The episode primarily focuses on the recent World Junior Championships, the evolving dynamics between Team USA and Team Canada, and an in-depth analysis of the Montreal Canadiens' resurgence. Additionally, special guests Anze Kopitar and Eric Engels join the discussion, providing insider perspectives on their teams and the broader NHL landscape.

World Junior Championships: USA vs. Canada

The episode kicks off with a robust discussion about the recent World Junior Championships, highlighting the dominance of Team USA over Team Canada.

• Team USA’s Resurgence:

  Paul Bissonnette emphasizes the relentless effort of Team USA, noting, “There’s no quit in them” ([02:53]). This sentiment is echoed by Keith Yandle, who praises the team’s depth and determination despite facing fatigue from previous games.

• Challenges Facing Team Canada:

  Biz Nasty criticizes Canada’s recent performance, pointing out, “Canada now… have a lot of students out of the country” ([03:13]). The discussion touches on the political and developmental issues plaguing Canadian hockey, including the resignation of the Prime Minister after a loss to Latvia and the inconsistent team selections.

• Developmental Concerns:

  Ryan Whitney shares a poignant story about a deaf mother who successfully funded her sons' hockey careers, underscoring the financial and developmental barriers in Canadian hockey ([20:01]). The conversation highlights the need for Canada to reinvent its player development strategies to stay competitive on the international stage.

Notable Quotes:

• Paul Bissonnette: “Tip your cap to the United States of America. BX has said it best on Hockey Night in Canada.” ([04:13])

Player Spotlights: Cole Hudson vs. Lane People

A lively debate ensues comparing two standout defensemen, Cole Hudson and Lane People, with the hosts weighing in on their styles and potential.

• Ryan Whitney’s Take:

  Whitney advocates for Cole Hudson, stating, “I think this kid is going to be unreal. And the Caps have him and Leonard and I think there's way more people.” ([05:50])

• Keith Yandle’s Perspective:

  Yandle acknowledges both players’ brilliance but remains non-committal about declaring one superior, emphasizing their unique strengths and potential for future stardom ([23:27]).

Notable Quotes:

• Ryan Whitney: “Cole's different, like, but I think this kid is going to be unreal.” ([05:50])
• Keith Yandle: “He's one of those guys that when they're on the ice, you need to know where they are because they can take over a game.” ([23:27])

Montreal Canadiens’ Resurgence with Eric Engels

The highlight of the episode is the exclusive interview with Eric Engels, a Sportsnet reporter covering the Montreal Canadiens. Engels provides an optimistic outlook on the Canadiens’ current season, attributing their success to strategic coaching and player development.

• Coaching Impact:

  Engels lauds Marty St. Louis for his transformative coaching approach, stating, “He’s brilliant. I mean, he’s hockey’s Aristotle.” ([59:20]). St. Louis has been pivotal in holding players accountable and fostering a winning mentality within the team.

• Player Development and Performance:

  Discussions revolve around key players like Suzuki Caulfield and Nick Suzuki, whose performances have significantly elevated the team. Engels praises Caulfield’s two-way play and Suzuki’s consistency, noting their roles as cornerstones for the Canadiens’ future.

• Goaltending Improvements:

  The Canadiens have revamped their goaltending lineup, bringing in Patrick Liney and improving depth, which Engels credits for their recent winning streaks and playoff aspirations.

Notable Quotes:

• Eric Engels: “We needed everybody on board, they need everybody going.” ([53:34])
• Paul Bissonnette: “Marty St. Louis will win the Jack Adams because he has convinced Cole to sacrifice some of those goals last year to work on the other stuff.” ([70:20])

NHL Team Dynamics and Future Predictions

The conversation shifts to broader NHL team analyses, covering the Columbus Blue Jackets, Detroit Red Wings, and LA Kings, among others.

• Columbus Blue Jackets:

  Biz Nasty praises their recent performance, highlighting defensemen Orensky Provorov and Denis Barenov as pivotal to the team’s success ([40:25]). The hosts discuss Columbus's strategic moves and potential as a dark horse in the playoff race.

• Detroit Red Wings:

  Concerns are raised about the team’s top-heavy roster, relying heavily on stalwarts like Larkin and Debrink. The need for secondary scoring is emphasized to ensure sustained success ([46:08]).

• LA Kings’ Goaltending Overhaul:

  The Kings have made significant changes to their goaltending roster by acquiring Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgwood, addressing their previous inconsistencies. The hosts express optimism about the Kings' newfound stability in net ([120:20]).

Notable Quotes:

• Biz Nasty: “They need help… they need help.” ([46:08])
• Keith Yandle: “Reinovating the goaltending position is so hard to do mid-season.” ([124:14])

Special Segments and Personal Stories

Throughout the episode, personal anecdotes and stories add a human touch to the discussion.

• Dedication to Personal Health:

  The hosts share their New Year’s resolutions, focusing on personal health and fitness. Biz Nasty discusses his early morning workout regimen, inspired by his trainer Sean O’Malley ([34:40]).

• Inspirational Stories:

  The episode honors Scott Burt, the Rapid City Rush’s head coach, who underwent emergency brain surgery. The hosts share updates and express solidarity with Burt and his family ([156:23]).

Notable Quotes:

• Keith Yandle: “I want to get at least a sweat every day.” ([37:26])
• Biz Nasty: “We raised over $30,000 for the Matt Shot foundation for the late Nicardo foundation.” ([36:17])

Guest Interview: Andre Kopitar

Closing the episode, the hosts engage with Andre Kopitar, a two-time Stanley Cup champion and future Hall of Famer. Kopitar shares insights into his career, the evolution of his playing style, and his experiences with teammates and coaching staff.

• Early Career Challenges:

  Kopitar discusses his transition from Slovenia to the NHL, highlighting the mentorship from veterans like Rob Blake and the competitive environment in Los Angeles ([96:55]).

• Leadership and Team Chemistry:

  Emphasizing leadership, Kopitar speaks about fostering team chemistry and adapting to coaching styles, which have been crucial to the Canadiens’ recent successes ([109:20]).

• Personal Growth and Philanthropy:

  Kopitar touches on personal interests like golf and the importance of balancing professional commitments with family life. He also reflects on memorable playoff runs and the camaraderie within the team ([134:20]).

Notable Quotes:

• Andre Kopitar: “We needed everybody on board, we needed everybody going.” ([53:34] - as echoed in his responses)
• Andre Kopitar: “Marty St. Louis was the driving force.” ([70:20])

Conclusion

Episode 539 of Spittin’ Chiclets offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of current hockey trends, player performances, and team strategies. With insightful discussions on the World Junior Championships, detailed analyses of NHL teams, and exclusive interviews with key figures like Eric Engels and Andre Kopitar, the episode provides valuable perspectives for both avid fans and casual listeners. The hosts’ blend of expertise, personal stories, and candid opinions ensures a rich and entertaining listening experience.

Key Takeaways:

• Team USA is exhibiting newfound dominance in international hockey, challenging Canada’s traditional supremacy.
• Canadian hockey faces developmental and political hurdles that need addressing to maintain competitiveness.
• The Montreal Canadiens are experiencing a significant turnaround under Marty St. Louis, with key players stepping up.
• NHL teams like Columbus and Detroit are navigating strategic moves to enhance their playoff prospects.
• Personal health and resilience play a pivotal role in the hosts’ discussions, reflecting their commitment beyond the rink.

For those who missed the episode, Spittin’ Chiclets continues to deliver insightful and entertaining hockey content every Tuesday, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Amazon Music for Prime Members.