Spittin’ Chiclets Episode 560 Summary: Featuring Bob Stauffer & Gary Lawless

Released: May 5, 2025

Hosts: Ryan Whitney, Paul Bissonnette, Gord Miller, Rear Admiral (R.A.) Mike Grinnell

1. Introduction and Celebrations

The episode kicks off with the hosts warmly welcoming listeners and celebrating various personal milestones. Ryan Whitney extends birthday wishes to Calen Whitney, highlighting the camaraderie and supportive culture among the hosts. A significant shout-out is given to Pink Whitney, the favorite drink of the show, with gratitude expressed towards Pink Whitney for its contributions to the podcast's lively atmosphere.

Notable Quote:

Ryan Whitney [01:21]: "Shout out Pink Whitney. Oh, yes, Keith. Just drink it."

2. NHL Playoffs: Historic Game Seven Performances

The hosts delve into the intense and memorable performances witnessed during the NHL playoffs, particularly focusing on Game Seven scenarios. Gord Miller remarks on the rarity and significance of teams overcoming a two-goal deficit in the third period of Game Sevens, stating:

Notable Quote:

Gord Miller [02:19]: "In the history of the NHL, there had been three times a team was down two goals in the third period in game seven and came back to tie it up."

Paul Bissonnette echoes the chaos and unpredictability of the playoffs, emphasizing the high-octane nature of each game and the remarkable comebacks that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

3. Team Analysis: Avalanche, Stars, and Jets

3.1. Colorado Avalanche's Rollercoaster Playoff Run

Paul Bissonnette highlights Nico Ratnan's exceptional performance after being traded to Dallas, arguing against critiques that his success was solely due to playing alongside Nathan McKinnon. He asserts Ratnan's playoff prowess, stating:

Notable Quote:

Paul Bissonnette [03:24]: "He fucking showed everybody as to why he's a playoff beast, why he deserved 12 million a year, if not 14 after that performance."

Gord Miller critiques the Avalanche's management decisions, particularly the handling of Ratnan, suggesting that the Colorado brass were blindsided by Ratnan's playoff surge.

3.2. Dallas Stars: Depth and Determination

The Dallas Stars emerge as formidable contenders with their deep roster and tactical play. The hosts discuss the Stars' ability to adapt and overcome challenges, especially with key players like Nathan McKinnon and Cale Makar performing under pressure.

Notable Quote:

Paul Bissonnette [04:55]: "If they could part ways with them, like, you know what? We're going to find the next best thing."

3.3. Winnipeg Jets: Resilience Amid Adversity

Gary Lawless joins the discussion, bringing insights into the Winnipeg Jets' playoff journey. The Jets' ability to rebound from setbacks, such as Connor Hellebuck's intermittent performance issues, is a focal point. The hosts commend Hellebuck's resilience, especially his dominant performance in crucial moments.

Notable Quote:

Keith Yandle [06:14]: "I honestly like, when you see him after the game, like I all, I want to be in that locker room so bad going into the third period."

Lawless praises the Jets' strong community support and the strategic moves made by the organization to bolster team performance.

4. Guest Segment: Insights from Gary Lawless

Gary Lawless, an expert on the Vegas Golden Knights with ties to Winnipeg, provides an in-depth analysis of the Jets' performance against the St. Louis Blues. He discusses the psychological and physical toll of the series on players like Connor Hellebuck and emphasizes the importance of team cohesion and support.

Notable Quote:

Gary Lawless [23:26]: "I lived there 18 years, worked there and my wife is born in Winnipeg and my daughter is born in Winnipeg. So we watched the game here tonight and like they jumped off the couch, they're screaming. I'm like a little more muted."

Lawless forecasts the Jets' prospects in the second round, balancing optimism with the challenges posed by hardened opponents.

5. Playoff Series Predictions

The hosts engage in lively discussions, predicting the outcomes of critical playoff matchups.

5.1. Winnipeg Jets vs. Dallas Stars

Paul Bissonnette and Gary Lawless lean towards the Dallas Stars due to their depth and strategic advantage, predicting a swift series conclusion.

Notable Quote:

Gary Lawless [45:29]: "I got Dallas. I think that we don't know when Shife is going to be back. We don't know what's going on with Morrissey. Robertson and Haskin are reportedly very close. I think Dallas wins that series."

5.2. Edmonton Oilers vs. Vegas Golden Knights

The Oilers-Vegas series garners intense analysis, focusing on the dynamic duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. The hosts discuss Vegas's superior depth, coaching strategies, and goaltending prowess, contrasting it with Edmonton's reliance on their star players.

Notable Quote:

Paul Bissonnette [96:40]: "I've had a lot of delusion throughout my past, but this will be the most difficult series this group has ever seen."

5.3. Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Florida Panthers

The Toronto-Florida series is portrayed as a battle of resilience and strategic execution. The hosts advocate for the Maple Leafs' potential to overcome adversities through disciplined play and key player performances.

Notable Quote:

Paul Bissonnette [112:14]: "We are going against Goliath. ... I believe that my Leafs, along with all these omens that hockey Illuminati's brought. It's our year."

6. Player Highlights and Performances

6.1. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton Oilers)

The hosts laud McDavid and Draisaitl as transformative forces in the Oilers' lineup, comparing their impact to legends like Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux. Their combined scoring and playmaking abilities are seen as pivotal to Edmonton's playoff aspirations.

Notable Quote:

Ryan Whitney [82:43]: "They are the goaltending that scares the living daylights out of me because they're the only team in the world that has the two, arguably the two best players."

6.2. Connor Hellebuck (Winnipeg Jets)

Hellebuck's fluctuating performance is scrutinized, with discussions on whether his intermittent struggles are mental or physical. His ability to rise in critical moments remains a central theme.

6.3. Mitch Marner and Pavel Buchnevich (Toronto Maple Leafs)

Marner's offensive contributions and Buchnevich's defensive prowess are highlighted as key elements for the Leafs' success. The hosts emphasize the importance of their performances in high-stakes playoff environments.

7. Coaching Strategies and Decisions

7.1. Pete DeBoer (Colorado Avalanche)

DeBoer's calm demeanor and tactical acumen are praised, with the hosts speculating on his potential to secure a Stanley Cup based on his extensive experience and strategic mindset.

Notable Quote:

Paul Bissonnette [12:31]: "He is extremely calm demeanored coach where if the game's high or low, you're never really seeing him on the bench, elevated or reacting to it."

7.2. Bruce Cassidy (Vegas Golden Knights)

Cassidy's coaching prowess and ability to adapt strategies mid-series are lauded. His decision-making, particularly in line adjustments and power play executions, is seen as a critical advantage for Vegas.

Notable Quote:

Biz Nasty [60:19]: "He's done it based on his pedigree, how long he's been involved in the game."

8. Conclusion and Future Outlook

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reiterate their excitement for the upcoming second-round matchups, expressing optimism and anticipation for the intense playoff battles ahead. They emphasize the unpredictability of the playoffs, the critical role of depth and strategy, and the potential for historic performances from key players.

Notable Quote:

Gord Miller [114:44]: "We are going to get into that game right now, game six and seven and, and kind of break down our different thoughts on that."

The episode concludes with heartfelt acknowledgments to guests, listeners, and the production team, cementing the show's community-driven and passionate approach to NHL commentary.

Key Takeaways:

• Depth and Strategy: Teams with deeper rosters and strategic coaching (e.g., Dallas Stars, Vegas Golden Knights) are favored in key playoff matchups.

• Star Performances: Elite players like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are pivotal to their teams' success, potentially altering the course of the playoffs.

• Resilience: Teams overcoming significant deficits in Game Sevens (e.g., Winnipeg Jets, Colorado Avalanche) demonstrate remarkable resilience, adding to the playoff drama.

• Coaching Impact: Coaches like Pete DeBoer and Bruce Cassidy play a crucial role in navigating their teams through high-pressure playoff scenarios.

Final Prediction: The hosts predict a closely contested series between the Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights, with a high likelihood of the series extending to seven games due to the exceptional talents and strategic approaches of both teams.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Gord Miller [02:19]: "In the history of the NHL, there had been three times a team was down two goals in the third period in game seven and came back to tie it up."

• Paul Bissonnette [03:24]: "He fucking showed everybody as to why he's a playoff beast, why he deserved 12 million a year, if not 14 after that performance."

• Keith Yandle [06:14]: "I honestly like, when you see him after the game, like I want to be in that locker room so bad going into the third period."

• Gary Lawless [23:26]: "I lived there 18 years, worked there and my wife is born in Winnipeg and my daughter is born in Winnipeg."

• Biz Nasty [45:29]: "I think Dallas wins that series."

• Paul Bissonnette [96:40]: "I've had a lot of delusion throughout my past, but this will be the most difficult series this group has ever seen."

• Paul Bissonnette [112:14]: "We are going against Goliath. ... I believe that my Leafs, along with all these omens that hockey Illuminati's brought. It's our year."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the dynamic and analytical discussions of Episode 560, providing listeners and interested parties with an in-depth overview of the key moments and insights shared by the hosts and their guest.