Spittin’ Chiclets Episode 561: Featuring Curtis Joseph
Release Date: May 9, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 561 of Spittin’ Chiclets, hosts Ryan Whitney, Paul Bissonnette, and Mike Grinnelli dive deep into the ongoing NHL playoffs, offering their characteristic blend of insightful analysis and irreverent humor. The episode culminates with an exclusive interview with Curtis Joseph, a legendary NHL goaltender and Maple Leafs icon. Throughout the conversation, the trio touches on pivotal games, player performances, and behind-the-scenes dynamics, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the current hockey landscape.

NHL Playoffs Analysis

Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Florida Panthers

The episode opens with a heated discussion about the Toronto Maple Leafs' performance in the playoffs. Ryan Whitney expresses cautious optimism about the Leafs, noting their strong start but also highlighting concerns about their consistency:

Ryan Whitney [03:10]: "Two wins for sure."

The conversation delves into the Leafs' defensive strategies and the impact of key players like Connor Brown and Evander Kane:

Paul Bissonnette [05:37]: "Connor Brown was with Evander Kane at least one time, in LA. He showed up in a Rolls Royce. I mean, I always thought you take the team bus, you maybe walk over with teammates."

Whitney emphasizes the resilience of the Leafs despite challenges:

Ryan Whitney [16:11]: "Evander Kane showing up to a road game in a Rolls Royce, it's one of the most bizarre things I've ever seen."

Edmonton Oilers’ Goaltending and Team Performance

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the Edmonton Oilers, particularly their goaltending prowess with Calvin Pickard stepping in and stellar performance from their fourth line:

Ryan Whitney [23:10]: "As soon as I get in the Room put on the tv games, anthems, puck drop. Well, we're up late in that game. We got to get that video in celebratory style."

Mike Grinnelli highlights Pickard's record-breaking streak:

Mike Grinnelli [12:17]: "Upon reviewing Calvin Pickard's NHL career, it appears that prior to his recent six consecutive playoff starts with the Edmonton Oilers, he had not previously started six straight NHL games."

The hosts laud the Oilers for their depth and strategic play:

Ryan Whitney [26:00]: "I'd put him back in. I think he's done it since he came in. It's amazing."

Controversies and Referee Decisions

The discussion turns to controversial referee decisions, specifically a missed high-stick call that led to a significant injury:

Ryan Whitney [14:04]: "The refs mixed calls. That's what happens. And I don't want to win in a way like that, but I want to win."

Mike Grinnelli criticizes the officiating for potentially influencing the game's outcome:

Mike Grinnelli [14:53]: "It was a really bad missed call. If you watch the whole game or maybe the last two games, Frederick like maybe he's given him these little pokes and these little jabs where he's irritating him."

Interview with Curtis Joseph

Career Highlights and Maple Leafs Legacy

Curtis Joseph, affectionately known as "Cujo," shares nostalgic memories from his storied career with the Toronto Maple Leafs and other NHL teams. He reminisces about the intense atmosphere at the old Maple Leaf Gardens and the pressure of being a goalie in such a high-stakes environment:

Curtis Joseph [32:34]: "Well, my first memory of Leaf Nation was actually playing for St. Louis and we lost in game seven. It was insanity."

Joseph also discusses the iconic goaltender masks of his era, emphasizing their simplicity and recognizability:

Curtis Joseph [35:00]: "This is a great mask. No puck marks on it. One game."

Current Playoff Series and Team Strategies

Joseph provides an in-depth analysis of the current playoff series, particularly focusing on the performance of the Edmonton Oilers and the strategies employed by both teams:

Curtis Joseph [56:24]: "Well, definitely their D is big and strong. I mean, we don't see them get manhandled in their own end."

He praises the Oilers' defensive play and the contributions of players like Connor Brown and Evander Kane, noting their impact on the team's success:

Curtis Joseph [57:09]: "Nylander, man, this guy, how does he beat goalies? He must have great deception on his shot."

Leadership and Mental Preparation

Joseph delves into the psychological aspects of goaltending, highlighting the importance of mental resilience and leadership. He shares insights on how goalies can maintain composure under pressure and support their teams:

Curtis Joseph [47:04]: "Being in a leadership position, you need to show the rest of the team. You see that, you see Pickard hasn't been a number one, but he's in a leadership position and if he battles through adversity, guys see that."

He also discusses his mentorship role, offering advice to current goalies like Jack Campbell on handling the pressures of playoff hockey:

Curtis Joseph [40:40]: "The first thing I said to Jack is, you play every game. Just make sure you're ready to go."

Team Dynamics and Player Relations

Joseph reflects on the camaraderie and dynamics within NHL locker rooms, particularly emphasizing the mutual respect among players and coaches. He shares anecdotes about interactions with teammates and the importance of positive reinforcement:

Curtis Joseph [43:42]: "That's part of being in the position. You give it a little extra windmill and guys respond, they love it."

Key Player Performances and Team Assessments

Connor McDavid and Leadership

The hosts discuss Connor McDavid's performance and leadership within the Oilers, acknowledging his continued excellence despite the team's challenges:

Curtis Joseph [57:09]: "Nylander... this guy, how does he beat goalies? He must have great deception on his shot."

Tom Wilson and Washington Capitals

A detailed analysis is provided on Tom Wilson's impact with the Washington Capitals, highlighting his physicality and influence on the team's morale and performance:

Ryan Whitney [80:30]: "Tom Wilson leads the team with 27 hits. He’s giving it to Jordan Stall... he's in the opponents' heads."

Dallas Stars and Goaltending Issues

The conversation also touches on the Dallas Stars, focusing on their goaltending inconsistencies and the implications for their playoff aspirations:

Mike Grinnelli [76:47]: "He's doing amazing. I mean, Manning has been his best."

Curtis Joseph’s Insights on Goaltending and Leadership

During the interview, Curtis Joseph emphasizes the evolution of the goaltender role, the importance of communication with active goalies, and the mental aspects of maintaining peak performance:

Curtis Joseph [53:35]: "You're in a leadership position whether you want to or not, whether you're a leader or not, that being a goalie... you need to show the rest of the team."

He also discusses his approach to handling media pressure and maintaining a positive mindset:

Curtis Joseph [44:52]: "You have to leave negative thoughts behind. Stay positive and in the moment."

Controversial Referee Decisions and Their Impact

The hosts revisit the controversial missed high-stick call involving Nicholas Wa and Trent Frederick, debating the intent and fairness of the decision:

Ryan Whitney [75:12]: "But he is like, just grabbing it and coming down. Maybe the fall through is a little."

Mike Grinnelli [75:58]: "If you don't think he tried to sell the hit to draw a penalty, I don't agree with you there, but I don't think he should have gotten a bell shin penalty."

Curtis Joseph provides perspective on such incidents, viewing them as part of the game’s physical nature:

Curtis Joseph [42:53]: "As a goalie, you have to reverse that. You take it as a compliment, go, hey, I'm playing great."

Final Thoughts and Predictions

As the episode nears its conclusion, the hosts and Curtis Joseph share their predictions for the remaining playoff series. They express confidence in the Maple Leafs' depth and the Oilers' resilience, while also acknowledging the Capitals' formidable play led by Tom Wilson:

Ryan Whitney [51:37]: "It's going to get harder. You're going to try and put this team out. It's going to be extremely difficult."

Curtis Joseph [51:50]: "It's going to get tougher, and if it doesn't, great."

The episode wraps up with a mix of humor and anticipation for upcoming games, leaving listeners eagerly awaiting the next installment of Spittin’ Chiclets.

Notable Quotes

• Ryan Whitney [10:11]: "Evander Kane showing up to a road game in a Rolls Royce, it's one of the most bizarre things I've ever seen."

• Curtis Joseph [32:34]: "Well, my first memory of Leaf Nation was actually playing for St. Louis and we lost in game seven. It was insanity."

• Curtis Joseph [47:04]: "Being in a leadership position, you need to show the rest of the team. You see that, you see Pickard hasn't been a number one, but he's in a leadership position and if he battles through adversity, guys see that."

• Paul Bissonnette [05:05]: "This is a trimming my beard."

• Mike Grinnelli [14:53]: "The first one was laying down and there's still this much room, and, I mean, obviously, like, Stone's gonna find him there."

Conclusion

Episode 561 of Spittin’ Chiclets offers an engaging blend of tactical NHL playoff analysis and personal insights from one of hockey’s revered goaltenders, Curtis Joseph. From dissecting the Leafs' strategic maneuvers to understanding the mental fortitude required in high-pressure situations, the episode provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the current playoff landscape. Joseph’s reflections on his career and the evolving role of goaltenders add a layer of depth, making this episode a must-listen for hockey enthusiasts eager to stay informed and entertained.