Spittin’ Chiclets Episode 595: Featuring Jon Gruden, Jeff Blashill, Bob Stauffer, and Darren McCarty

Summary

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Spittin’ Chiclets Episode 595: Featuring Jon Gruden, Jeff Blashill, Bob Stauffer, and Darren McCarty

Date: November 10, 2025
Hosts: Ryan Whitney, Paul Bissonnette (Biz), Rear Admiral (RA, remote), Mike Grinnell (G)
Notable Guests: Jon Gruden, Bob Stauffer, Jeff Blashill, Darren McCarty

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Episode Overview

Episode 595 is a classic “Chiclets jam sandwich” of hockey insight, laughs, irreverence, and storytelling, featuring a heavyweight guest lineup: Jon Gruden (ex-NFL coach and hockey convert), Bob Stauffer (Edmonton Oilers broadcaster), Jeff Blashill (Chicago Blackhawks head coach), and Red Wings legend Darren McCarty. The crew navigates NHL news, player development, coaching philosophy, and insane behind-the-scenes stories, all with their signature unapologetic banter.

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Main Themes & Purposes

• Integrating football and hockey cultures through Jon Gruden’s new hockey fandom.
• Analyzing the troubles and trajectory of the Edmonton Oilers.
• Revealing inside stories on building team culture and player development in Chicago with Jeff Blashill.
• Spotlighting Detroit’s renaissance and celebrating team/individual legacy with Darren McCarty.
• Debates on the NHL’s new wave of stars, team speed, and style trends.
• Classic Chiclets locker-room stories and chirping.

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Episode Breakdown & Key Discussion Points

1. Jon Gruden: From NFL to NHL Superfan

[00:42 – 18:44]

Meeting Ovechkin, Coaching Mentality, & Falling for Hockey

• Anecdote: Hilarious mix up at a Bucs game suite where Ovechkin (OVI) wanted a photo with Gruden, and not Barstool’s crew—Portnoy left in the cold.

  "The second he said that, I knew he meant Gruden. He's like, well, Gruden and I aren't together. ...I got crickets from Ovechkin." — Merle [02:10]

• Gruden’s Hockey Conversion: Recaps first-hand meeting the Caps rookies and Ovechkin and being awestruck by the camaraderie.

  “I got chills just talking to you guys about it…it’s the greatest team sport. These guys are animals—really powerful, fast, highly conditioned badasses.” — Gruden [09:21, 11:03]

• Team Camaraderie: Gruden translates his NFL background to hockey, riffing on what makes tight teams win.

  “Every team that’s worth a sh*t has a leader or two or three…and I could just sense by being around these guys yesterday, they liked each other.” — Gruden [12:25]

• Comparing Locker Rooms and leadership styles—trash talk, accountability, and how competition brings out greatness.

  “You want to coach again…I hope you do.” — Keith [14:22]

• Intensity & Passion: Gruden’s tireless energy and mentorship post-NFL; still “in the game” with weekly film and phone therapy for current coaches.
• Bottom Line:

  “If you find your passion, you’re a lucky person... I love helping people, players, coaches, if I can help them get 1 or 2% better, I love it.” — Gruden [15:43]

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2. Bob Stauffer: Edmonton Oilers Therapy & Analysis

[21:32 – 39:15]

• Stauffer joins to dissect the Oilers’ worst home loss in 16 years (9–1 blowout).

  "The team got counted—nine to one. I went off. It doesn't happen often, but it was humbling." — Stauffer [23:40]

• Oilers’ Issues: Defensive system failures, too many odd-man rushes, weak pushback/fight level, lack of leadership when losing, and a goaltending crisis.
• Inside the Room: Defensemen Bouchard’s struggles; why stars McDavid and Draisaitl didn’t speak to media after the loss.

  “It had nothing to do with McDavid and Draisaitl not being available. Those guys…are available before/after every playoff game.” — Stauffer [29:01]

• The “Hollywood” Selfie: Stauffer jokes about going viral for a throwback topless tree-planting photo—“Is it weird being a Canadian sex icon?” banter.
• Physicality Debate: Are the Oilers “too easy to play against”? Lamenting loss of pushback (example: what Corey Perry or Evander Kane would’ve done).

  “There was no exasperation or frustration or physicality shown…Corey Perry drags a team into his fight.” — Stauffer [33:45]

• Goaltending Angst:

  “When asked about his confidence in the goaltending, Knob Block paused for five seconds before answering. That’s the tell.” — Stauffer [36:21]

• Insider Nuggets: Rises and falls of promising prospects (Verhoff—“best defenseman out of western Canada in 25 years”).

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3. Jeff Blashill: Blackhawks’ New Culture & Bedard Glow-Up

[51:38 – 77:23]

Rising Youth, Leadership & Rebuilding Right

• Coaching Connor Bedard: Blashill details Bedard’s growth, maturity, and earning leader-of-men status despite early growing pains.

  “He’s trying to do it the right way. …I think he's getting rewarded with lots of points and also we're winning games.” — Blashill [53:58]

• Development Focus: Importance of balancing hockey IQ with skill set (Bedard likened to Kucherov: “a brainy creator more than raw speed guy”), patience with player development, and managing young personalities like Frankie Nazar.
• Goaltending Stability: Shout-out to Spencer Knight’s resurgence; critical for a young D corps.
• Player Culture: Bertuzzi’s fun, blue-collar style; young players making coming to the rink “fun” and positive.
• Reflections on Leadership: Lessons from prior Detroit tenure, appreciation for “reset” as Tampa assistant, and resolution to enjoy the job.

  “The best thing that happened to me was I didn’t get a head job right away after being fired…I’m going to enjoy this one for sure.” — Blashill [68:19]

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4. Darren McCarty: Red Wings Legacy, Life Lessons & Sobriety

[93:49 – 122:24]

Celebrating 10 Years Sober, Fedorov’s Jersey Retirement, & Detroit’s Next Step

• 100th Red Wings Anniversary: McCarty reflects on weekend alumni reunion, hilarious Sean Avery stories, and the enduring brotherhood among players.

  “When the boys get back together, it’s back to the locker room. And I think that’s what you miss the most.” — McCarty [97:14]

• The ISER Plan: Fans now see the “method to the madness,” with youth movement, commitment to culture, and refusing shortcuts or Philly-style mediocrity.
• Sergei Fedorov’s #91 Retirement (Jan. 12)

  “It’s like an honor to all our teams...But I guess to me I’m a big karma guy. The Red Wing world…is getting right. So, look out.” — McCarty [107:36]

• Classic Behind-the-Scenes: Stories of Iginla, Ted Lindsay, and how Scotty Bowman “railed” on assistants to motivate players; how Iserman’s truth and accountability helped McCarty’s own sobriety.
• Sobriety Milestone: Marking 10 years, McCarty credits hockey fraternity and offers gratitude, inspiring listeners.

  “The reason that tomorrow’s my 10-year sobriety anniversary is for men like [Steve Yzerman]… Without it, I wouldn’t be here.” — McCarty [112:48]

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5. NHL State of Play: Young Stars, Team Speed, and “Golden Era”

[45:01 – 51:38; 78:40 – 93:00]

Scoring Surge, Future Faces, and Team Trends

• Epic Scoring Race: McKinnon’s five-point game, Bedard’s rookie brilliance, Leo Carlson’s man-child run—Chiclets crew relishes a “golden era” with three generational talents (Bedard, Celebrini, Carlson) and Montreal’s Suzuki emerging as an unexpected star.

  “This is the golden era…it’s probably Ovi’s last year. But now you’ve got unbelievable young, generational talents sprouting at the right time.” — Merle [46:17]

• Team Talk:
  • Colorado lauded as fastest, deepest team (“If they’re on, I’m watching. That’s it.” — Merle [78:45])
  • Anaheim’s rebuild celebrated.
  • Debates on Toronto’s plodding play, Rangers’ home scoring woes, and Bruins’ surprises.
• Defenseman Spotlight: Suzuki’s two-way game, continued chatter about Darlene and disappointing franchises (e.g., Oilers, Flyers).

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6. Locker Room/Media Controversies

[123:28 – 129:46]

• Flyers Drama: Fan backlash after Sean Couturier’s honest assessment of Matvei Michkov’s “playing the right way” drew accusations of “throwing him under the bus.” Hosts defend Couturier, debating honesty, language barriers, and double standards for prospects.

  “If he’s saying it, I need to get better. Coots is a great leader…most honest guy I’ve ever played with.” — G [127:54]

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Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• Jon Gruden on Competing & Leadership:
  "Every team that's worth a sh*t has a leader or two or three...I could just sense by being around these guys yesterday, they liked each other." [12:25]
• Stauffer on Oilers’ Humble Pie:
  "The team got counted—nine to one. I went off. It doesn't happen often, but it was humbling." [23:40]
• Blashill on Bedard’s New Mentality:
  "He's trying to do it the right way. He's getting rewarded with points, but we're also winning games." [53:58]
• Darren McCarty on Sobriety & Team Culture:
  "The reason that tomorrow's my 10-year sobriety anniversary is for men like [Yzerman]...without it, I wouldn't be here." [112:48]
• Merle, tongue-in-cheek, on NHL’s young guns:
  "Pick your poison—Sasha Barkov, Anze Kopitar in Leo Carlson; Celebrini as Crosby; Bedard’s something else entirely..." [47:36]

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Memorable Moments

• The Ovechkin Suite-Photo Snafu: Portnoy left out of a suite photo with Ovechkin, all comedy ensues [01:45–03:19].
• Stauffer “Sex Icon” Meme: Panel riffs on Stauffer going viral for a glamour shot, and his sheepish deletion [24:44–26:55].
• McCarty’s Stone Temple Pilots Night: Sergei Fedorov teaches a rookie how to live it up proper—limo, concert, after-parties [109:56].
• Realest Threat: G remembers McCarty's “polite but chilling” warning during a scrum—"If you want to live, get out of here." [120:04].
• Bruins Debates & Power Stats: Pasha’s power stat: Devils have more home wins than Rangers have home goals [90:44].

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Episode Runsheet - Key Segments & Approximate Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamps | Key Guests/Panels | |---------------------------------------------- |--------------- |-------------------------| | Gruden, Ovechkin suite story, coaching story | 00:42 – 18:44 | Jon Gruden, core hosts | | Bob Stauffer on Oilers, Oilers struggles | 21:32 – 39:15 | Bob Stauffer, Chiclets | | NHL scoring, generational stars debate | 45:01 – 51:38 | Chiclets panel | | Jeff Blashill, Bedard, Blackhawks culture | 51:38 – 77:23 | Jeff Blashill | | Darren McCarty, Detroit legacy, sobriety | 93:49 – 122:24 | Darren McCarty, panel | | Locker room/Media—Flyers/Michkov | 123:28 – 129:46| Chiclets panel |

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Tone and Style

The show is openly irreverent, emotionally real, and full of inside hockey banter. No subject is too silly, and tough truths are stated with a twist of humor. There’s a premium on competitiveness, leadership, and “keeping it real.” The crew chirps guests and each other with affection and mutual respect, celebrating vulnerability (see: sobriety milestones), the grind, and the insane circus of both the NHL and “Chiclets universe.”

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For New Listeners

Episode 595 is a perfect introduction to Spittin’ Chiclets’ blend of laugh-out-loud humor, in-depth hockey shop talk, and genuine tales of triumph, adversity, and friendship. Whether you care about the Oilers’ existential crisis, marvel at what makes Nathan MacKinnon elite, or just want unfiltered stories from old-warhorse guests—this episode gives you “the room” in all its chaotic, glorious energy.

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Jump to:

• [00:42] Jon Gruden suite story & NFL to NHL conversion
• [21:32] Bob Stauffer calls out Oilers’ flaws
• [53:58] Jeff Blashill on Bedard and new Blackhawks
• [93:49] Darren McCarty: Red Wings, Fedorov, sobriety
• [123:28] Flyers drama—Couturier/Michkov reaction

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Transcript

[John Gruden]

Hey, Spit and Chiclets listeners. You can find every episode on Apple podcasts, Spotify or YouTube Prime. Members can listen ad free on Amazon Music.

[Biz (Dave Portnoy)]

Me and Ryan have been officially welcomed.

[John Gruden]

To the jungle that is Barstool sports.

[Merle]

I brought it towards the coyotes and I asked them if it was okay if I joined the Spit Chicklets podcast full time.

[Keith]

Ryan Whitney. Got a Pink Whitney out there now.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

Sandbagger.

[Darren McCarty]

Get that on camera.

[Keith]

Heath Yandel, the song man is a full time member. Marley just got from Chris B. Whoa.

[G]

We're buzzing right now.

[Keith]

Welcome one, welcome all to episode 595 of the Spitting Chickens broadcast. I didn't like that header. I wasn't thrilled to see that header of me crying with dirt all over me. This. This is the world we live in right now. Got your culture from my own goddamn producers. But shout out Pink Whitney because they never let me down. It never lets me down. And it is everywhere. Take your shot with Pink Whitney right now. At a bar, at a tailgate, at a party. It doesn't matter. It does not matter. Maple Leafs hockey. Yeah, that's going great. Solid weekend for you too. Shout out Pink Whitney. And we got a sandbagger coming out pretty, pretty soon. I've seen a clips. Couple clips of that looks amazing. That had Pink Whitney involved as well, per usual. So, guys, great to talk to you. Great to see you. A lot of things to catch up on, even though we just chatted Thursday. It's crazy. Two episodes a week. I'm loving life doing this biz to you. First, just before I get on, I see a clip of. Of involving yourself, Dave Portnoy, Alex Ovechkin and John Gruden. Why don't we.

[Merle]

This is crazy. There's one last story and I'll let you go. I was brutally insulted and I knew.

[John Gruden]

I was in real time yesterday at the game biz. Our guy for our hockey guy there, he texted me. He goes, ovechkin wants to meet you.

[Merle]

He's in a suite, like two to two suites down. I'm like, all right, yeah, I'm with Kraft. It's a small suite, but they can come.

[John Gruden]

And then he goes, yeah, so they.

[Merle]

Just want to pick with you and Gruden. And the second he said that, I knew he meant Gruden. He's like, well, Gruden and I aren't together. Like, he's on the other side of the state of mom here. He's like, oh, all right. Well, no, they still want to see you. I got crickets from Ovechkin I see this big picture with Gruden and Ovechkin after the game, so I knew. I was slightly insulted. I don't blame him. Like, why would Alex Ovechkin want a picture with me? I knew it was with Gruden, so I'm glad he got to meet him. How was he? Like, I didn't even know he really spoke spoke.

[Biz (Dave Portnoy)]

You know, it's funny, Greg, is I was up there with the Washington Capitals. The whole hockey team was up there. I'm hanging out with the Vetchkin. I. They give me a beer to drink. Fort noise. Name never came up. I don't even know.

[Merle]

I knew and he was here about it, that I was insulted.

[John Gruden]

He was try.

[Merle]

There's the picture.

[John Gruden]

He was trying to be like, oh.

[Merle]

No, they still want to come see you. I gave him my sweet number. Crickets. And I'm talking biz called me 50 times during the game. Like. Like my house was on fire. I was fine.

[Biz (Dave Portnoy)]

Like, what do you want?

[Merle]

They're like, ovechkin, the Caps want a picture with you. And then it slowly came out. They actually wanted the picture with Gruden.

[Keith]

So why didn't you just tell them, Biz?

[Merle]

And why wouldn't they want to Biggest nothing burger. And we're gonna, I guess, have to address it now.

[G]

I'm gonna read you pigeon tossed your boss.

[Merle]

I'm gonna read you the text. Okay? So keep in mind, I don't have a wife. I don't have a girlfriend. I get home off these crazy two week trips. I'm doing all the chores around my house. I'm picking up off of after Posh's dog got.

[Keith]

We don't do any chores. Go ahead.

[Merle]

Well, you know, what you do is you burn the lasagna. That's what you do. Okay. Your lasagna.

[Keith]

One time.

[Merle]

Okay. I got Pasha and their little puppy staying with me, so I'm making sure I'm a good host. And I all of a sudden get this text on a Sunday morning at 11:42.

[Darren McCarty]

Okay.

[Merle]

From Tom Wilson. Guden and Portnoy are here. Bucks game. Can you get them to come see the boys? We're in a suite right next door. Rookie party, suite 27. Two down from Gruden. So when he said that, I assumed he just meant Gruden and Portnoy. And they're together. I don't know the who the. The Bucks are playing and when they're playing. I don't follow anything. NFL.

[Keith]

So now why did you say Oetkin.

[Merle]

Because I called Tom Wilson. I said, oh, are you at the game? And he goes, yeah, we're a few down from.

[Darren McCarty]

From.

[Merle]

From the Gruden box. And I said, oh, like, I'm like. Like. Like, do OVI and everybody want to get in there? He goes, yeah, ov's right next to me. He wants to meet them. So I'm like, oh, okay. So I just called Porno, assuming he was in that box, two sweets over with Gruden to say, hey, the greatest goal scorer of all time, and Tom Wilson, the human wrecking ball that's going to destroy your country at the Olympics, would like to come say hello to you and Jon Gruden, assuming they were still together. And then Porno obviously doesn't have the decency to pick up my phone call because I'm not Ryan Whitney.

[Keith]

Oh, yeah, really nice to me. Great guy to me.

[Merle]

I'm gonna. I'm gonna read you what I. What? I texted him, okay.

[G]

50 times is a lot of phone.

[Merle]

I called them two or three times. Okay? I go, hey, the Washington Capitals are two suites over at the Bucs game. Assuming he's in that sweet. Two suites over. Alex Ovechkin. Alex Ovechkin wants to meet you boys. Greatest goal scorer of all time. Assuming maybe he doesn't even know who the he is. Great group of guys. I know who Ovechkin is. He replies. I said, when they come meet you in Gruden. I'm not with Gruden. I'm with Kraft. Name drop. Gruden is across the stadium. I said, oh, okay. Well, they'd love to get a picture with you guys. Yeah, of course. Blah, blah. I said, can they roll by to say hello? What suite? They're in suite 27. He goes, yeah, I'm in 143.

[Darren McCarty]

Okay. So.

[Merle]

All right, that's obviously a long ways away when you're talking. Sweet.

[Hockey Analyst (possibly a Bruins or NHL analyst)]

That's.

[Keith]

Yeah, those numbers aren't that close together. I agree.

[Merle]

So all of a sudden I get. I was just trying to be a good guy, facilitate this picture happening with the creator of Barstool Sports, the. The top three greatest hires that Barstool has ever made in John Gruden and the. And the rookie party and shrapnel from not only Dave Portnoy, but now I got my own guy coming after me for just.

[Keith]

No, no, I'm not coming at you. I'm actually not.

[John Gruden]

I don't.

[Keith]

I don't think. I don't think you did anything, but you've been into the surprise guests on this show lately. So why don't we bring in the man that OV actually wanted to meet right now?

[G]

And Tom Wilson.

[Biz (Dave Portnoy)]

What's up, Biz?

[Merle]

You're the coach and best buddy.

[Biz (Dave Portnoy)]

A lot of drama going on on this show, man.

[Keith]

Fizz got emotional early, and there's no doubt in my mind Obi wanted nothing to do with that scrub Portnoy. It was you he wanted to meet. A leader of men, Correct?

[Biz (Dave Portnoy)]

Well, I went over there. I'm just sitting there watching the Tampa Bay game, and there's a glass, big thing of glass next to me, and all these guys are banging on the glass. They got no teeth. And I grew up in Tampa. I figured it was a bunch of guys that I owed money to or gotten fights with in the bar when I was a kid. Then I find out who it is. It's the one and only Ovet skid man. So I went over there, I drank a beer. I got to meet the rookies. Wilson, John Carlson, Logan Thompson, Some of the greatest badasses in the NHL. Portnoy's name never came up. Not one time.

[Keith]

I love this. Oh, this makes me hard. I love this.

[Merle]

I'm just trying to grow the game over here, Groots. So, first of all, unreal that you got to meet Ovechkin. Like, he was obviously completely aware of who you were. Like, what was he asking you? Was he trying to chat you up? And who's the one who made the biggest impact on you?

[Hockey Analyst (possibly a Bruins or NHL analyst)]

The.

[Merle]

The quickest?

[Biz (Dave Portnoy)]

No, he did it. He didn't talk that much. I don't know how great his English is. He just had his arm around me. He was kind of nodding his head, you know? But I was in awe of him. I mean, for him to do what he has done for so long and to still keep doing it, I mean, I got. I got chills just talking to you guys about it. But the booth was packed. It was a smaller booth. I was over there with the Glazers, the owners of the Buccaneers, in this massive suite. And then I go over there, and this place is just packed wall to wall with these hockey guys, and they're making the rookies do stuff. I guess it was some initiation for the rookies. They had played the Lightning.

[Merle]

What were they making them do? Like, tell you jokes?

[Keith]

I don't know, man.

[Biz (Dave Portnoy)]

I wasn't there long enough. But it was awesome. We had a great time. And they had just lost to the Lightning the night before. The first thing they said is, hey, Gruden, we kicked the Shit out of.

[Keith]

The St. Louis Blues.

[Biz (Dave Portnoy)]

How do you like that? You know, so it was. It was really cool.

[Merle]

Everybody is these days.

[Keith]

Yeah, seriously. And coach, I think that's almost more your style, is being in a tight little. Tight little room with a bunch of hockey guys because you've kind of fell in love with the game a little bit. That's kind of what I'm sensing. The Blues got you in last year. You were a big fan of them. You went to a game with Chris Pronger. What do you love about hockey?

[Biz (Dave Portnoy)]

Well, I love everything about it. I love the. The physicality. I love the speed. You know, John Cooper, the head coach of the Lightning, was just in our office last week. We've kind of become good friends. He's invited me to come to practice and. And get a chance to talk to some of the players. It's just the. The nature of these players. They play their asses off. They're physical, they're unselfish. It's the greatest team sport. And when you go see it live, it's a hell of a lot different than seeing it on tv. I had no idea that they go that fast and they substitute that much. But the organization of it, the way these guys execute these power plays and they protect each other, it is freaking awesome. I really got turned on to it when Tortorella was coaching the Lightning. I got to go see a few games and meet some of the players, and it's that time of year, it's hockey time, and I'm starting to make some friends and become more and more familiarized with the game.

[G]

Now, will you. Was anything surprise you? Obviously, being around football guys, they're specimens, big, huge guys. Like, were you surprised whether, you know, because there's some guys. Sonny Milano, who was in that picture, he's a smaller guy, but were you surprised of the height difference in some guys, weights and especially compared to NFL guys?

[Biz (Dave Portnoy)]

Well, that really shocked me when I met Chris Pronger at the Blues game. I did not know he was that big. I mean, he looks like J.J. watt. I mean, that guy's a big dude. Now, some of the guys like I've met, Martin St. Louis, some of the hockey players are not the biggest guys.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

You.

[Biz (Dave Portnoy)]

You see him and you're like, you're that guy in the NHL. So they all are in different shapes and sizes, but their legs, that's the one thing I've noticed the, the legs on these guys, man, they're.

[Hockey Analyst (possibly a Bruins or NHL analyst)]

They're.

[Biz (Dave Portnoy)]

They're built like.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

I don't know.

[Biz (Dave Portnoy)]

They're Built like freaking animals, man. These guys are really powerful, fast, highly conditioned badasses.

[Merle]

This will be. This will be a long winded question, but every time I hear you talk about sports, mainly it's football, but you talk about that team camaraderie and. And being. And you've been around, you know, football teams your whole life, like, who were, like, the early stages, when you were, like, coming up, that really, like, showed you how important that team camaraderie is. Like, who were the people around that really instilled that in you early in order for you to kind of proceed and go on to be a legendary coach that you are?

[Biz (Dave Portnoy)]

Well, I learned that really from being a coach's son. My dad coached at Notre Dame. Joe Montana was our quarterback back in the day. And when you see college football at the highest level, then my dad got into the NFL with the Buccaneers, then I just started coaching. And you. You just understand it, to win, to be really good at anything. In team sports, it involves everybody, you know, it involves the last guy on the team, all the way up to the first guy. You got to have a scout team. You got to have, you know, offense, defense. You got to do some interesting things, and you got to have some clutch grinders, man, guys that can make the plays when they got to be made. You got to have some guys with some triple X pouches. You know what I mean? Bizarre.

[Merle]

What's that?

[Biz (Dave Portnoy)]

You go to the equipment guy and you say, hey, so and so needs a triple X pouch, man. The guy's got big nuts. The guy's really got a lot of guts, man. And that's what I find out about the team. Every team has four or five leaders. They aren't necessarily the best players, but they're the toughest guys. They're the most versatile guys, the. The most reliable guys. And I think you guys would agree, in all the years you played team sports, every team that's worth a. Has a leader or two or three. And I could just sense by being around these guys yesterday, they liked each other. They were here at this game together on a day off, building their camaraderie. And it said a lot for a guy like, over and the guys in there, the number one goal scorer of all time, to spend time with his teammates really meant a lot to me. It impressed me a lot.

[G]

John, I saw a interview with Warren Sapp, and he was talking about you when you first got to Tampa. And it was like, I'd get to the facility in the morning and Gruden would be like, I'm coming for your ass today. The offense is gonna dominate you guys. So was that like, part of your, you know, coaching ability where you were challenging your own players but also getting yourself hyped up? Because, you know, we see it with you, like, how competitive you still are. We saw it at the Internet Invitational. Like, is that just born in you, where you want to go at these guys?

[Biz (Dave Portnoy)]

Yeah, I mean, I love to compete. I think if you don't like to compete, you're in the wrong business. And I remember going to Tampa. I think I was brought in there to try, try to help the offense turn the corner. And I knew if we could go out there and move the ball against our defense, we could move it against anybody. And I've always been one of the better, I don't know, trash talkers, trying to get under guy's skin, trying to make every moment a little bit spicier. And I think it brought out the best in us. We had a lot of fun doing that. And believe me, they talked a lot of trash to me too.

[Keith]

Oh, yeah, I know you. You live to coach. You want to coach again. I really, really hope you do. But for now, are Monday mornings for you. Like, are you watching the All 22? Are you looking over what people did correct, what people did wrong? Because I assume you're so still in the game that you're watching all these teams, all the different things that they could change from week to week, right?

[Biz (Dave Portnoy)]

Yeah. I wish you guys would come down, maybe come down for a lightning game and check out my laboratory here. I get the tapes. I get a lot of phone calls, usually on Mondays and Tuesdays from coaches around the league that are in the tank. They need a little pumping up, you know, college coaches, NFL coaches, assistant coaches, head coaches that just want to venture about the officiating or about the injuries or about the. That goes along with being on a team in a long, competitive, pressure packed season. So I do a lot of that. I do a lot of phone calls and counseling people and trying to motivate guys to pick it up and get ready for the next. The next round. Because as you know, you got to be one mentally tough guy to survive in pro sports.

[Merle]

Oh, yeah, you're a. Where do you get your energy, grooves? Like it's crazy. Like your motor is nuts. Like your ability to communicate. Every day you're getting up and you just like, you can't get enough. It's crazy. Like, you do testosterone. Like, what are you doing?

[Biz (Dave Portnoy)]

Oh, yeah, I don't know what I Think, man. But I. I just got a passion for it. Luckily, as you know, if you find your passion, you're a lucky person. I know a lot of guys that are still walking around with the. Their tail dragging on the ground. They haven't found something that they love to do. But I love football, and I have access to a lot of people and tapes and all kind of stuff. And I just love helping people, players, coaches. If I can help them get 1 or 2% better, I love it.

[Merle]

I was going to ask him about the Internet invitational and what you thought of wit kind of calling out Quan in a sense of like, you know, we. We grew up in these hockey locker rooms, football locker rooms, where if a guy had slept in and then showed up and. And acted towards, you know, pft the way he did, how do you think it would have been handled in a football locker room? Because I didn't realize that Whit was getting labeled this, like, Internet bully or golf bully, where I'm like, he's lucky. Lucky. All he got was an earful in a hockey locker room. If you would have showed up and acted that way, I would have probably be getting my nose put around halfway around my head.

[Biz (Dave Portnoy)]

Yeah, we just got remind with is golf. It was the Internet invitational. It wasn't Game 6 of the NHL championship. Big thing was, what are we supposed to do, you know, get all upset and scream and yell? We got to get our head out of our ass. We got to win some of these matches, man. There's a lot of money on the table, and what's the hell? The player. He was one of our best players. Juan was our best player. So I just try to let everybody know, hey, get your ass together. Let's win a couple matches to get back in this thing. But I thought Whit set the tone. I think, you know, you got to compete, man, and when your team leader doesn't show up, it's a downer, man. It was a real downer. But we rallied, we made it close. We just.

[Keith]

At the end, hey, coach, we can't thank you enough. We know you're kind of quick for time here, but I think this is a nice little intro to get you on. We're going to come down to you long sit down, interview, see what you do, see how you see the game of football, see, teach us some things, and it'd be an honor if we're able to come down and join you like you said.

[Biz (Dave Portnoy)]

Oh, man, that'd be awesome. I would love to have you guys in game of the Week. An NHL game of the week. And I can start studying it and give you some feedback on what we see down here at the ffca.

[Keith]

All right, I love that.

[Merle]

And I'll reiterate what Whit said. It was great spending time with you at the Internet Invitational. Our video didn't really get much air time, but it was basically a two hour long interview of me just asking you about all these amazing things that you've been through. We talked about the Tuck Rule game. So we'd love, like Whit said, we'd love to get you on for like a, a 90 minute session and hear about your whole, your whole life story and your career.

[Biz (Dave Portnoy)]

Hey, you guys are too nice, man. You guys are very nice to say that. You guys are the badasses. You guys played. You guys played, man. I was just part of the, part of the team. But thank you guys. Look forward to catching up again. Thanks, man.

[Keith]

All right, see you, coach. Thank you. Before we get to Rise. Oh, that guy is an all time.

[Merle]

Did I do a good job of explaining myself and how that all went down?

[Keith]

I wasn't calling you out. I was just loving the fact that Obi wanted and none of them wanted to meet Dave. They wanted to meet Gruden and they thought Dave was with Gruden. And that's just what I wanted.

[Merle]

To reiterate, I'm gonna try to facilitate an Alexander Ovechkin pizza review with Dave Portnoy. I think that would go away. Pizza that would go mega. Mega.

[Keith]

That would, that would be pretty legit because, you know, the sauce would be on Obi's face crossing the dip. Sauces crossing quickly. Before we get to a guy I really need to talk to right now. And that is the stuff, man. The stuff monster. Bob Stauffer. I want to talk about game time. There's nothing like the start of hockey season. That first blast of cold air as you walk into the arena. The roar of the crowd, the sip and the taste of the first beer. It's all electric. But getting there, it's another story. Queues, price jumps, getting logged out mid click. All you want to do is be there cheering your ass off, losing your voice with the rest of the crowd. The Game Time app gives the advantage back to the fans. It's the hack for unlocking amazing tickets and experiences in a few taps. It is incredibly easy to use. And the game time guarantee means you can trust they'll get 100 authentic tickets on time and at the best price. Plus fees are always included. So what you see is what you pay this Thursday in Boston. Leafs are in Bruins. The Bruins just pounded them on Saturday. That was great. Hundred dollars right now on game time. So take the guesswork out of buying NHL tickets with game time. Download the game time app, create an account, use code Chiclets for 20 off your first purchase terms apply again. C H I C L e T S$20 off your first purchase. Swipe, tap ticket. Go download the game time app today and and body armor. Body armor right here quickly. This episode is brought to you by body armor, the official sports drink of the NHL. Body armor has great tasting flavors. I'm always pumping up strawberry, banana, peach, mango. No colors from artificial sources. It's a bold new look once again, right here. The bold new look with the same great taste now available in Canada. So whether you're hitting the ice, the gym or need some refreshing drink, go grab body armor today at Walmart or local grocery store near you. And for our friends up north you there it's in Canada. You can get it at Sobe Body armor shoes better. I need to talk to this man.

[Merle]

What a what a couple ad reads there by the way where you you Gruden.

[Keith]

Gruden gave me more of that. That spunk, that energy. Found your passion that passion in. In life. I found my passion. It's podcast. Who knew? So I'm sorry, that game is Tuesday. G's going to with with the leaf set Bruins for game time. So stuff come on in here, buddy.

[Merle]

Oh, dumb, dumb.

[G]

Bob.

[Keith]

Wow.

[Biz (Dave Portnoy)]

Yeah.

[Keith]

That was awesome.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

By the way, John Gruden. You know, you know in our broadcast booth in the fall, it's college football on Saturday and it's NFL on Sunday. The engineers sit there and they're like, do you want your game on? I'm like, no, we're at the game. We're watching the game. Put the damn NFL on on Sunday and put the NCAA cup, especially Alabama on Saturday. So I'm big fan lot and you guys are right tremendous. A guy's like, he's got to be like 61 or 62. Man.

[Merle]

He looks and vinegar.

[Darren McCarty]

It's crazy.

[Merle]

And stoff. You know what? I think that there's a team that could use a Gruden pump up speech right now. And it's the Edmonton Oilers. Boy. So I'll hand it over to Whit and you and you guys, we, we're just going to be here in the background supporting you both.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

Oh, I'm sure Keith's there support.

[Keith]

Oh yeah. Keith's loving this biz. Is loving this, he only played with.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

Six of the guys that won the cup the last two years against the owners. So there you go.

[Keith]

Hey, I love that go right at Keith Stoff. But listen, you had an amazing rant. A guy who sees the positivity in the Oilers even through the darkest of days, you always have. And you kind of had enough in the worst home loss. I believe in 16 years since I was there and the Blackhawks scored nine at Rexall I. But yeah, as Gruden just said, some guys, they got triple XL ball bags. We need a little of that in Edmonton right now, don't we? Stop.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

Yeah, well, I mean first of all, when you're, when you're a team broadcast, you got to pick your. It's no different than a head coach. You guys don't want to head coach ran and raving it.

[Keith]

Yeah.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

You know, after every, every loss or after every mistake and it's the first time I've got really upset in, you know, four or five years. And we talked. You guys were kind enough and by the way, I mean I, I can't thank you guys enough for helping expand my brand by being, you know, having me on the show. And I know I referenced. We had a little bet last year with Gary Lawless with Willhawk beef jerky and the guy is like Bob the Biz. Like I'm not even doing a read here for him. We just saw Whit hammered two reads back to back and suddenly they got all these calls from all these guys in Northern Alberta that were watching spit and Chiclets.

[Merle]

So I mean I would love some beef jerky.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

Well, we'll, we'll hook you up, make sure. No problem about that. But bottom line here is always appreciate coming on even in a situation. You got to answer the bell. The team got counted nine one. I went off. It doesn't happen often, but it was humble and I said after the game humbling for the players. And Connor used the same word yesterday. That was, you know, Connor and Leon said the right thing. They are the leaders of the team. I'm disappointed in aspects of the team's game. They got to play better defense. It's that simple. When they had the 16 game winning streak, they gave up 24 goals against. It wasn't offense, it was defense. Gave up a goal and a half a game over that 16 game winning streak two years ago. They've given up 55 goals against in the first 16 games. So they got to do a better job defending way too many odd man breaks. I know we're going to talk about the goaltending. They got to simplify what they're doing. They're not a great offensive team right now. They're a very different team than they were last year. They got to commit and shore up more defensively and every player in that room knows that.

[Merle]

Stop. Do you think before Whit hops in, like I have to be a bit of a journalist here. Put my journalist hat on. Some people are blaming you at the fact that they suffered their worst home loss in the last 16 years because you posted this photo.

[Keith]

You are stallion.

[Merle]

And then all of a sudden the Internet's going crazy. I'm sure you've caught that. I'm sure you've caused 60 divorces in the Edmonton area. And then poof. Famous. It's off the Internet.

[G]

Well, his wife probably made him delete.

[Darren McCarty]

Yeah.

[Merle]

Why did you delete this photo? And. And where was that taken? You were. You. It's kind of reminds me of that Bobby hall photo. That's.

[Keith]

You were Hollywood. Hollywood star.

[G]

Behind him.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

You guys. You guys knew John.

[Keith]

I knew.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

And I'm buddies with Craig, his dad. And that was 1987. Okay. Place called Blue River, British Columbia. It's in the middle of nowhere. The guy with me there is a doctor. He obviously. I spent nine years in university and didn't get my degree. He spent nine years in university. Now he's a specialist.

[Darren McCarty]

Yeah.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

That was the second year of the 11 year tree planting campaign that I had. And I was probably about £187 at that time when.

[Keith]

Shredded machine and. And biz. Makes a good point. I really wish you didn't delete that. That thing should have been on there. We probably would have won 9 1.

[Merle]

But I'm gonna make it my banner on my profile.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

Take a look at Kyle Dubas's profile one time. You'll get a chuckle.

[Merle]

Yeah, there's. By the way, dude, I'm a doobie. And we'll get to that later. He's pretty active on social media right now. But like, you look like the Hulk, bro.

[John Gruden]

Yeah.

[G]

Lou Ferrigno.

[Merle]

You look like. So why should you delete it?

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

Let's just say some of the direct messages got a little personal.

[Keith]

Come on. Yeah, I'm. If you drop that on the Internet, there's women all around the world with Twitter. They're gonna be like, who are you? Where are you? How do I find you?

[Darren McCarty]

Yeah.

[Keith]

And then just to think, your last image on the pod, the angle wasn't great. That picture's a lot different than the angle you had a couple weeks ago.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

With us, I, I think that angle actually is who I really am, though. I think you got to embrace the ugliness at a certain point.

[Darren McCarty]

You got.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

I mean, you guys are all great looking guys. You're the only one that's 40, right?

[Merle]

I just turned 40 soon I was.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

Like 40 and, oh, six when Chris Pronger took the team to the final.

[Merle]

So is it weird being like a Canadian sex icon? Like, is it. Is it uncomfortable?

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

Oh, man.

[G]

Been like that since.

[Merle]

Oh, water off a duck's back. Okay. We could get back to hockey, I think.

[Keith]

Let me take over hockey biz for one sec because I want to get an opinion from the master. And you said you didn't get your degree. You got your degree in hockey stuff. You know the game. I see that pump.

[Merle]

That's it right there.

[Keith]

Very true. Incredible. They get pounded. Nine, one. And it's. And, And I listen. I drove home from New Hampshire. I drove home. I got in at 10:30. I'm like, great. I got a nice night of this game. And I was disgusted. Disgusted. And what I noticed in an upset, me. And forget the goaltending. Forget the odd man rushes the D zone coverage. I saw Ryan O'Reilly do an interview after a game this week and he mentioned, I'm right now. I can't make a six foot pass. I've had one good year in my career, which is a lie. But he stood up and I was very interested after that game to see Leon didn't talk to the media, Connor didn't talk to the media. And it's something where after drumming like that, I thought they'd be out there, stop talking.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

Explain how it works.

[Keith]

Okay.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

Okay. So the media makes the requests. And because I'm doing the post game show, I'm not. Like, we have. We basically facilitate the request through the PR guy. So there's, there's a, there's three or four media guys that kind of drive that Ryan Rashog, Mark Spector, Derek Van Diest, they would make the request. So they made the request for Frederick and Majiapani. That's just the way it worked out that day. I was okay. So it had nothing to do with McDavid and dry settle not being available. Those guys, One of those two guys is available before every playoff game and, and after every playoff game.

[Keith]

Okay.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

That's kind of how they've operated. So I'm gonna, I'm gonna stick up for those. They just didn't get asked. Like, that's, that's what happened that night. I was a little surprised when I saw that none of you know those two guys and maybe Darnell or even.

[Merle]

The media sleeping over there. I, I just, I think they wanted.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

To, you know, like Fredericks had a tough start. Majapani's new to list but totally valid question on your part. But on this one I'll stick up for the players and say. Because the last two days. So McDavid spoke yesterday and Dry Settle spoke this morning. So that's. But it was just a. I don't know if it was. I don't think it was an intentional omission. It's just the way it worked out.

[Merle]

What do you, what do you make of Bacardi? Boosh, that's what. I guess he's being coined. The streets have named him that.

[Keith]

No, Grinelli named him that. And that is not a thing. It is Grinnelli.

[Merle]

So he's just looking, he's looking a little Lazadaisical. But as we talked about on this podcast, sometimes when you transfer that calm game over to playoff hockey, somehow he turns into Bobby or so he'd be Paul.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

He'd be the first guy to tell you he's had a real difficult start to the season. Like there's no, you know, he's probably, I think through the first 12 games, I think there was 11 goals against that he, he was a part of and he knows it. And then he hasn't had the same offensive mojo for whatever reason. He's a guy that can totally elevate come playoff time. But he's, he's had slow starts the last couple years. Their defense and, and I'm as as much fault as anyone out there. You know the, there's a guiding athletic that does some really good work with analytics.

[John Gruden]

He's.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

And I know some guys roll their eyes on this stuff. He's the best guy at predicting. Over the last three or four years, he had the owners D ranked like top, you know, top one of the top three or four defenses in the league. They haven't played anywhere near that level.

[Keith]

They.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

And they all know that too. So like, you know, Walman had a bit of an injury in training camp, had a good first four or five games. When he came back, he's been caught up ice a bunch of times. Echolm was coming off a significant core injury which is not easy as you guys know, for a player in his mid-30s to return from. Darnell's had some hit and miss performances and Bouchard's just been off and then you know, K was he. He played the second most in the playoffs last year behind Boucher. On defense, their number five defenseman, Paul Coffey. And I know we're going to talk about Paul because he's not here this year. Paul ran him hard, played him 23 minutes a game in the playoffs last year. I know Brett's not even concerned about money. Brett just wants an opportunity to play, play more. And so I think, yes, there's Connor and Leon up front. The team is not great offensively, five on five. Their special teams are really good. But I expected more out of the D and I, I think the D did too.

[Keith]

My thing is, and quickly, I do want to mention I saw a tweet. I think the save percentage when Bouchard is on the ice is like 870. So partly, you know, at least maybe sticking up for him a little bit. But my thing on Saturday night and, and listen, they play Columbus tonight. Yanmark's back in. That's big. Hyman will be back at some point Saturday night though. Corey Perry would have done something to someone and he's lighting it up in la. Nobody saw this coming. Maybe not to the extent he's doing it. Evander Kane, he probably would have done something. And the lack of. And you're a big time, physical hockey, tenacious hockey fan. That was what I was like, what the hell is going on? Like they're, they're getting drummed and there isn't even a breath of pushback.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

Well, they've gone to a younger team. I think we all know that there's not the same impetus in the game for that. That there maybe was when you guys all came through.

[Darren McCarty]

Right.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

Like, I mean, if, I mean, you had Steve McIntyre chase you around the ice one time in the American Hockey League, didn't you wait at 11:00am yeah. And you probably deserved it.

[Keith]

Yeah, I did. I did.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

You know, don't make fun of a guy for liking country music.

[Keith]

No. Even though I'm of course voice. But I deserved it. I deserved it.

[Merle]

Yeah.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

I mean the owners once had a line of McIntyre Stortini and Jason Strudwick against the San Jose Sharks when they were the best team in the league. It didn't go particularly well, but they did have.

[Merle]

That's, that's why McIntyre went after you because you used to carve him for the country music all the time.

[Keith]

At the end of the year party, he was singing a lot of country. His voice was brutal and I gave it to him. He didn't like it enough to where he was telling me, I'm gonna murder you. And I was sprinting to the bench when he got on the ice at 11am in Oklahoma City.

[Merle]

So, yes, he remembered you chirping him for the country. And he.

[Keith]

Oh, buddy. Oh, yeah. But we're, we're now good. Me and Mac are like, we're boys now.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

They're gonna do a comedy routine here, carrying forward. But yes, you're, you're 100, right? Bottom line is they were a little way too easy. There was no exasperation or frustration or physicality shown. There's been, I mean, Corey Perry drags a team into his fight, right? Corey's got unbelievable gamesmanship. I think Trent Frederick, we need that fought seven or eight times. He's had 17 and 18 goal seasons. He's bounced around a bit around the lineup. He has to find a way to get himself more engaged and involved in the game. He. And he knows that. Like, he knows that. But I'd also say, like, it's hard. It's harder today than in the past because there's way fewer guys that do it. You don't do it if you're up by two. You don't do it when you're down by two. Right. Like he did. He, he did ask one of his former teammates to fight right off the face off in Vancouver. And didn't, you know, there wasn't a willing willingness. From what I could tell, there was a discussion at some point. And that's a player's prerogative to take it or not. I get that. But if you can't get a guy to drop the gloves, maybe you have to run over somebody else to bring that to you. Right? So that's, I think you guys all know, you watch them. They're not the most physical team and they lost some of the gamesmanship that they had with a Perry and with a cane. Even the energy that Connor Brownback and the guy they missed the most is Hyman. Like, you know, I'm not saying they would have beat Florida, but I'm saying Florida wouldn't have dominated the way they did in the final four games if they had a healthy Hyman for the entire series. Right? He just. I cannot speak to you guys more on what he means the pause, when's he back on this road. They got a seven game roadie coming up, Paul.

[Biz (Dave Portnoy)]

Wow.

[Keith]

Which honestly might help them. Just get on the road.

[Merle]

Get on the road.

[Keith]

And you know this. The city's restless right now. I get it. So you just get on the road. But Stuff. The other thing I want to ask you about was. And I should have had Grinelli grab the clip, but I, I don't know who the reporter was. Maybe Spectre, who asked Knob Block about the team's conf. The goaltending.

[Merle]

Yeah.

[Keith]

And he was dead silent for five seconds, which obviously sometimes the coach is thinking, I don't want to say the wrong thing here. But the silence was like deafening in a way.

[Merle]

Where we have a clip. Where can we roll it?

[Keith]

Yes, yes. Sorry. I didn't know we had some belief.

[Merle]

Here when it comes to the goaltending situation.

[Keith]

I. I don't believe so. It was. It was a little alarming. Do you think, or are you disagreeing with my statement there?

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

Well, first of all, guys from Imperial Saskatchewan don't lie. So he's not going to BS you with a quick answer right away. Never lies. He's an honest guy. Right. That's like he's.

[Hockey Analyst (possibly a Bruins or NHL analyst)]

He.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

He had to think about it. And that's the tell. That's the tell in the comment. Right? Like, they've got a. There's. I'll give Chris McFarland from Colorado credit. Last year he got two goalies. I don't see that happening. Guys. I don't know if there's any goalies out there. I don't know if there's anybody to go.

[Keith]

Baby Sorrows just call every day asking about them.

[G]

Bennington, I hear too, to. To Edmonton.

[Merle]

Yeah, they need some swagger in there.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

Well, Bennington has. Ironically enough, I believe Bennington and Skinner have become pretty good friends. You know, and I look at the. I get it.

[Merle]

I.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

When you lose 91 and when you have a start to the year that the owners have had, there's going to be criticism and there's going to be questions. And I think in the short term, the only solution they have is internal. I just think they don't have a lot of cap flexibility. What's Bennington? He's like 6.6 off the top of my head. Saros is, you know, Saros is up there too. Those guys are Both legitimate number one goalies. Skinner's a 2.6 cap hit with a. You know, he's a pending UFA at the end of the season. So I actually think Skinner, he hasn't been great over the last couple of starts, but he's still around 8 90. Guys. Elite save percentages are down this year.

[Merle]

Would. Would he consider tightening his skates?

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

Yeah, I know you guys talked about that last year.

[G]

It's not you guys.

[Keith]

It's Just if I think just have.

[Merle]

Him tighten them a little bit and then what if he goes on a run? Like just try it.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

The funny thing is I'll tie them. I did, you know, two years in a row against Dallas. Yale played Ottinger like Ottinger is a stone cold top 10 goalie in the planet and Skinner out played him two years in a row. Dallas had a real good team. But Dallas plays a bit of a outside game. Florida plays an inside game.

[Merle]

Well, your feet get a little more swollen the deeper you go in playoffs. We all know that. I wanted to ask you a few.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

Non or by the way, Paul, so does my liver.

[Merle]

Yes, yes, yes, yes.

[Keith]

1987, stop sitting on the rockstar.

[Merle]

Why don't you come over to the no booze train and maybe you'll look back like 1987 just shredded again.

[Keith]

Never win a game. If he does that, they might put.

[Merle]

Him in the lineup. Ewan Hyman on the wings, McDavid in the middle. Maybe he'll stick around more than just the next two years before he comes to the Leafs. Non, non hockey questions. A lot of photography coming up today and we pulled it up. Kyle Dubas Twitter header head is a picture of you at the desk. What's the backstory like? Do you have a good relationship with him?

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

They have a guy named Vuki Mapofu who has gone to work for them. I know Vuki a little bit. I've had a few conversations with Kyle over the years. I don't know. I think he's having some fun at my expense. And if he is, I'm laughing with him.

[Keith]

Oh, buddy, you look like a boss. You look like a absolute stallion there. That's not making fun of that.

[Merle]

Wait till you. Wait till I got your nipples from 1987.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

It was you who sent me that direct message.

[Darren McCarty]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Merle]

Exactly.

[Keith]

Yeah, I know. You got five more minutes hard out getting ready for the game tonight. But away from the Oilers, we've had a few insane college freshmen, right, that make an impact right away. Celebrity Celebrini Eichel would have gone first overall any other season. Yes, McKenna has looked good. I don't think it's necessarily been what Eichel and Celebrini look like their freshman year. Having said this, you have been talking about this Verhoff kid, the North Dakota defenseman, for a long time and now there are rumblings, you never know come July or June that he could go first overall. Are you still as high on this kid as you had been the two Years previous.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

Yes. And it's interesting because as you know McKenna's at Penn State and Guy Godowski was my center major double A. So I actually tipped them off at Verhoff before that, before they got the commitment from McKenna and Reshni who's Calgary's best young forward prospect is at North Dakota and he and Verhoff left Victoria with James Patrick. They both went to North Dakota. If I'm not mistaken. He's the only 17 year old like defenseman playing like right now in on a top program. In the end I think they're right six in the country. He in Owen Powers draft year he had three goals the entire year. This guy's got four.

[Keith]

Okay.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

He's already got four goals. Huge. And he's. This guy can defend like Keith. You were an elite offensive puck moving defenseman coming out of junior and you had a great career because you can move the puck. This guy can play both ends of the ice. North Dakota's program for, you know, in terms of all the advantages that they have over, you know, when you're playing in Victoria, you're playing a game in Kamloops on a Wednesday night, you bust back the Coca Cola. It's a little bit scary during the winter. You get into Tawasan to take the ferry at like 2:30 in the morning and at 6am you ferry off into Victoria. You get to school like a lot he's done by the way. He's obviously in university. He graduated early. He's the most mature kid you've ever met. And he's a tank. He's like 6 foot 4, 212 pounds. He is. He's going to absolutely crush the interviews with teams. I know he will like and so, and you know I, I, I realized when the guy was 13 I couldn't. He used to skate with pro guys in the Fort Saskatchewan. Like he's Kirby Doc's cousin so he'd be skating with pro guys. And Kirby didn't tell the boys how old he was. The first couple times he went out they thought he was playing at the University of Alberta like 20, 21, 22. And he was 13 at the time. Like this guy is a man child. He's playing in the NHL next year. I'm telling you that right now.

[Merle]

I think what are they feeding him there?

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

I think Verhoff's the best defenseman out of the way, out of western Canada last 25 years.

[Merle]

I love hearing that. I love hearing another Canadian prospect. Yeah, we produce the best boys. That's what we do. That's what the US Is.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

Pretty good, too.

[G]

Can't argue.

[Keith]

Thanks for having some class stuff. We have to deal with this all the time. Yeah. Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. All right. Well, stuff I know you're getting ready for tonight, I would. I would like to think that tonight with Columbus in town, they are ready to go. And if they're not, I don't blame that crowd. If after the first period they're down two, nothing. If it gets very, very ugly in there. But let's stay positive as you always are with the Oilers and get this thing going the right direction. Thank.

[Merle]

We might see a jersey on the ice tonight.

[Keith]

We're not Toronto, buddy.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

On the road, we're not Toronto. Thanks for having me on, you guys. Thank you very much.

[Keith]

Anytime soon. Anytime.

[Darren McCarty]

What a legend.

[Keith]

What an absolute legend right there. Guys, I got to talk quickly. Couple things. DraftKings, hockey's back. The season is ripping. We'll get into how much this season is ripping, guys. The young studs, the old bucks, just unreal. Hockey and DraftKings is here for you. The official sports betting partner of the NHL brings you all the speed, skill and non stop action that you love. DraftKings sportsbook delivers the unmatched intensity of the NHL right to your fingertips. From player props to the thrill of live in game betting, every drop of the puck is your shot to win big. Also, I did take the Oilers when it was 54 to 1, I believe, and that didn't, that didn't work out well. But you can, you can bet in game live way more successful than I did. New customers, this one's for you. Bet $5. If your bet wins, you get paid out 300 in bonus bets instantly. Light the lamp all season long with DraftKings. The DraftKings sportsbook app. Use code Chiclets. That's code Chiclets. Turn five bucks into $300 in bonus bets. If your bet wins in partnership with DraftKings, the Crown is yours.

[Merle]

Gambling problem, call 1-800-Gambler in New York.

[John Gruden]

Call 877-8-Hopeny or text hopeny 467-369 in Connecticut.

[Merle]

Help is available for problem call gambling, call 888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org Please play responsibly on behalf of Boot Hill Casino.

[Keith]

And Resort in Kansas.

[Merle]

Pass through of per wager tax may apply in Illinois, 21 and over. Age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction.

[John Gruden]

Void in Ontario, restrictions apply.

[Merle]

Bet must win to receive bonus bets which expire in seven days. Minimum odds required for additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG CO Audio limited time offer.

[Keith]

So guys, when I say that the league is in a great spot and humming and flying along, I think until Sunday night, I was, I was like, I. We might have the greatest scoring title race we've ever seen, right? But then McKinnon popped off for five on Sunday night. Okay, so he has nine points in his last two games. Two days it took him to get nine points, four against the Oilers, five the next night. Dominant, dominant hockey. But it's not just him. It's Bedard on a run like we've never seen. It's Leo Carlson, who Merles has been talking about. Merle says if you give him a young father. Yeah, Merle says Bedard, Celebrini, Carlson. He's taking Carlson. And if you watched him in Vegas on. Was that Saturday night. Holy man. This guy is a man child. He's on a nine game point streak right now. But all these guys and showed out Willie Nylander, he missed a couple games. Didn't slow him down at all. But it's just incredible to see these young future superstars with still McKinnon there. You know, McDavid will be there by the end. Crosby somehow led the goals at one, led the league in goals at one point. Like Thursday or Friday. It is just wild. The hockey we're seeing, it's never been better to start a year.

[Merle]

I mean, that's why they advertise it on through the NHL. The golden era, it's coming back, man. Like, it's kind of eerie at the fact that, you know, it's probably more than likely it's always last year. At least that's what people think. Malkin. And as these guys who carry the league for as long as they did start to exit, you have young talent, right? You got, you got those three guys right there along with Schaefer and then a few other studs. Like this is. We're entering the golden era, man. And this is, it's awesome to see. The game's growing and, and all of a sudden you got these three, three unbelievable young talents, generational talents kind of sprouting at the, at the right time. So it's awesome to see, man. I think like the most, the most talked about thing right now is like Macklin, Celebrini and Bedard and people comparing them and, and going back and forth. Kind of like how we did with OVI and Sid when they started, we were just pinning them up against one another, right? Well, now we got three Merles is saying that he's taking Leo Carlson after both those other guys. And I don't think it's that crazy because it's like, pick your poison. Do you want Sasha Barkov or Anze Kopitar and Leo Carlson? Do you want the. The kind of. The Crosby comparison with Macklin Celebrini and I. I don't know who you would really compare with Bedard. Like, what's his comparison?

[Keith]

Kane? Yeah, we did. We did the numbers through 161 games on Thursday, Friday's show and in Chicago, maybe it's just me thinking of the Blackhawks. And in about 10 minutes, we have Blackhawks head coach Jeff Blashel joining the show. So we're just kind of just killing some time before he comes on. Very excited to talk to him.

[Merle]

Oh, yeah.

[Keith]

Especially after what Coop said about him and how much he. He means to Coop, their friendship. And he kind of knew that things would be different in Chicago. The culture has changed there. But, yeah, Biz, I. I just watching the games now is. It's so entertaining. And we haven't even really mentioned Demidov. And Montreal keeps humming along. They look great. And I think one guy that hasn't been mentioned and is just in my mind, like, I never thought offensively he was going to be this good. I know defensively he's great. He's a disher, he's a passer, he's a playmaker. But this Nick Suzuki, he looks like it's. It's going to be very difficult to keep him off Team Canada the way he's playing. Martin St. Louis had a funny quote. He's like, if Nick Suzuki played with Nick suzuki, he'd get 40 goals a year. So what is that, busy boy?

[Merle]

That's exactly what you're saying. That's the graphic of. Yeah, that's Martin St. Louis.

[Keith]

So that team and just the atmosphere in Montreal, it is. It is just unbelievable right now to watch these games night in and night out. And biz. You know what? I got to give you a little bit of credit. Yesterday, Patriots had this incredible win against the Buccaneers. And NFL Sunday, there was some great hockey. I was watching, too. Bedard just an animal against the Detroit Red Wings. He had a snipe, a typical Bedard snipe. Then you go to the late games, right? You see some unreal action. Anaheim, all these games. So Sunday, Biz Sunday, NHL, maybe I'm coming around with you a little bit.

[Merle]

Yeah. You're saying, move over, Goodell. We got a new sheriff in town.

[Darren McCarty]

Right.

[Merle]

Welcome aboard, too.

[G]

Especially with these young bucks. With these young bucks biz, like, the way that they're handling themselves, like the passing of the new guard, like, I think they can handle it. Handle the Sundays. Bring it on. The NFL in my mind's going down a little bit and the NHL is going up. Bring it on.

[Merle]

We just had Gruden on. He's gonna take down Goodell. We don't have to worry about Goodell anymore. Sunday is going to be ours before we know it. We're gonna have. We're gonna have nf or we're gonna have Wednesday Night Football on the Ocho Network when I'm done with them.

[Keith]

I also.

[G]

Wait, who's your comparison with Carlson? I know. Like, is he more of like the. I was watching him the other night. He almost gave me a little like, even dry sidle. Like, he's zero. He never wastes any. Like, there's no wasted mo motion in his game.

[Keith]

Every.

[G]

It's not like, quick to get there, but he's always in the right spot.

[Merle]

He talking about Leo Carlson? Yeah, yeah.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

He.

[Merle]

He moves at this. Like, you're like, kind of like, it doesn't look fast.

[G]

It's almost like Datsuk a little. Like how he just like, kind of skates around.

[Keith]

Yeah, I. I see that. I see. I just see a guy who, like his agent, Matt Cater, when he told us, like, this kid is still growing, like after the draft. And then the way that they sat him out a little bit is rookie year, play one game, miss one, game, play two, miss two. Very smart that they ended up doing that. And. And now you're seeing it like, him grow into his body and the skill that they knew was there. And I think a guy that. That probably is another exciting prospect is this Frondell, who's Swedish enormous and the Blackhawks picked him. So now you're talking about, like, guys who, yeah, they're not going to come in as 18 year olds to dominate right away, but just give it a year or two, let them get their legs underneath them. And all of a sudden you're looking at a superstar in Anaheim with a team that is winning, leading the Pacific Division right now. That doesn't look like they're slowing down one bit. Right. They got two guys from the Rangers who are playing maybe the best hockey of their career are right there in Truba. And Kreider, they got Senake, he's got five goals. He had two last night. Cut a Gaultier, they got. They stole him from Philadelphia. So it's a wild time in the NHL. But right now we can bring in head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks.

[Biz (Dave Portnoy)]

Wow.

[Keith]

Great story so far this year, Jeff Blaso. G. Bring them on in. What's up, Jeff? How are you?

[John Gruden]

What's up, boys? I'm well. Just got. Just got back from Detroit off a long trip, so I'm good.

[Keith]

Hey, a lot easier wake up when you. When you drum them on a Sunday afternoon. And I want to ask you first, reading an article about your team and about how things are going right now. And you were talking about Bedard and mentioning just his. How good of a teammate he's been and his attitude. I think your quote was like winning hockey mentality. And last year, I could say biz and I maybe questioned it a little bit. Some body language, things, some frustrations. You come in, things look different. Was that something that you and him addressed, maybe, or is that just something that he maybe grew up a little bit more this summer?

[John Gruden]

Well, I mean, you know, the first thing I'd say, like, you guys were just talking about it, about how. How hard it is to be young in this league. And. And sometimes you got to let, you know, for him, he's had to kind of do it under like, a spotlight probably not seen before. You know, for the. For those first two years now, I wasn't there, so I can't comment on anything prior to me being here. All I know is when I. When I got the job, you know, one of the things I did, I actually ended up going out and meeting with him in. In. In van. And honestly, we had a great dinner, we talked for a long time, and I just, I was really impressed with, you know, where he was at as a young guy. Like, you know, he kind of. Some of the reflections that he made over the court, you know, I talked to him about, you know, the previous couple years and things that had gone well and things that he didn't. And he admitted there was things that, you know, he thought he could do better in terms of just approach and stuff like that. Nothing big, but I just thought it was real introspective and, you know, so I thought it was awesome. The biggest thing I've, you know, kind of said to him since. Since we got going this summer was, at the end of the day, the best cultures in the league. The best players play, you know, play great hockey. They play winning hockey. You go through, you know, I was fortunate enough to coach Datsuk and Zetterberg. You go through that whole thing in Detroit, you know, think of Boston, Tampa, where I was, Florida, all these teams, the best players play winning hockey. And so, you know, that's kind of been my challenge to all these young guys. And Conor's been awesome about it. Like he's, he, you know, again, his game isn't, nobody's game's perfect but, but man, is he trying to do it the right way. And because of that I think he's getting rewarded with lots of points and, and also we're winning games.

[G]

And for, for him too. Like he's still so young, right. Like people expect just because what he did when he was in junior and stuff like that, that you're going to come in and dominate but at the end of the day it's a men's league and, and for him to like, he's almost on pace where he should be. Like his, he's just going to continue to get better and better. But right now it just seems like his, he's figured out the NHL a little bit, right. Whether it's travel and games and back to backs like that, but it just seems like he's so much more comfortable for sure.

[John Gruden]

And I think you know, like some guys are like just pure self creators, right? You know, like McDavid's a pure, like he can just fly and whatever where I think, you know, I think with Conor, his speed is good for sure, but like he's a guy that uses his brain, you know, and, and I was fortunate to coach one of the, one of the best of those in, in, in Kucherov the last few years. And I just, you know, sometimes that takes a little time to figure out, you know, when I use my brain, when I use my assets, how can I, how can I, you know, be great? I also think it's a little bit of playing off each other and him and Berkovsky had great kind of chemistry since, since Andre's come in here. And you know, I just think that's kind of the maturation process. A young player, players especially guys that you know are going to use their brain, guys that are going to still grow into his body. Like he was 18 for the whole season, 19 for the whole next year. My son, who by the way loves your podcast, My son is a 19 year old sophomore at Ole Miss. Like I can't imagine, you know, like, like whatever. I mean you think of us at 19 boys.

[Merle]

Oh, funny.

[John Gruden]

You know what I mean? Yeah. Trust me, Biz, so, so like it's, you know, he said, like I said, he said to grow up under the spotlight, but all I know is what I. Is what I know. And man, he's been, he's been. He's been a winning. A total winner for, for me so far.

[G]

That's interesting that you're going to visit your son down at Ole Miss.

[John Gruden]

Yeah, you know, I gotta get there for. I gotta get there for a football game. That's been my. So far. It's only been in the summer, so I. Next year, 100% I'm going for one of these football games.

[Merle]

Would you say you called it a hottie toddy? Is that a drink they got there, Yance?

[G]

No, that's what like they call it.

[Keith]

Isn'T it hottie like you say?

[John Gruden]

Oh man. Like if you see somebody Ole Miss, it's like hottie toddy.

[Keith]

Yeah.

[John Gruden]

That's their deal. It's. Yeah.

[Merle]

What's the, what does it mean?

[Keith]

You're at the Grove. Yeah, exactly.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

Okay.

[Merle]

It was interesting that you compared him to Cooch. Right. Because I think there has been conversation, well at least before this year, about the lack of speed. I. He looks like he did put the work into the off season because he's a faster player. The analytics back that up. Oh God, I lose a train of my thought here. Going back to, to him in the Kutrov comparison. What about playing the wing? Like was that ever a consideration? Have you talked to him about it? Was he open minded to it?

[John Gruden]

So first off, I'm comparing the attributes, some of the correct cerebral and skill. Yeah, I'm not comparing him to Cooch. Cooch is his own superstar, you know, but. And Cooch is actually one of those guys that's actually super fast. But he doesn't. He, you know, he only uses it when he needs to.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

Right.

[John Gruden]

Like it's crazy. I think Connor for sure. You know, all I know again is what I see now. And his speed is, has been really good at times this year. So that's great. You know, in terms of talking to about wing or center. Honestly, like I started the year and just said let's. He's a natural center. You know, we, we had discussions within our coaching staff and Chris Kunitz helps us out here. He's one of the guys that, that is in our development group here and Cooney's a.

[G]

Is.

[John Gruden]

I don't know if you guys know.

[Merle]

We'Re familiar with Chris.

[Keith]

Yeah, I mean he's. I'm very familiar.

[John Gruden]

Yeah, there you go. Yeah, that's right. That's right. He, he's super smart.

[Keith]

Right.

[John Gruden]

Like he's a really, really thoughtful guy. And, and I actually had Cooney and Ferris. I, I won't say I coached him because it's my first four years of coaching, so I'm not sure I was any good at it. But he, he was there at that time. So he said to me right away, said, he's a center. He's a center. He's 100% a center. He was, he was. And honestly, I think he's dead right. Like, he, he's very, been very, very good defensively. He just, when he gets pucks in those, in those low areas in the middle of the ice, he's really, really dynamic coming up through the ice. And I didn't realize he was as good at transport and maybe he wasn't as he is now. Like right now he can really do a job transporting the puck. And I think, you know, the other thing that I had no idea until I, until I got the job was how good a playmaker he was. Like, he's equally as good a playmaker as he is a shooter. So, you know, for me, I, I just. We, we've said the, He's a center and you know, it doesn't mean, like you guys mentioned Frondell before I got on. You know, there's going to be a time, I'm sure, where he's going to play with another guy who's a center, whether it's Frondell or Nazar whoever. And you know, that's the old Pav and Z where whichever guy was low was low. They didn't care. They, they, you know, they could play in the line together and be great. So. But I, I do think he's a center.

[G]

Biz beat him in a couple face offs. So that's why Biz always thinks he should be a winger.

[Merle]

I think I could be your number one and you could bump him down to two and free him up a little bit. And I think you have a super generational talent superstar on your hand.

[John Gruden]

Yeah, I'll be coaching men's league.

[Merle]

Yeah.

[Keith]

Flash, you mentioned his playmaking act. Those passes to Bertuzzi. I think that was against Calgary. Just sick vision he has there. But I guess shouting out the hall of Fame weekend, my old college coach Jack Parker's headed in. He used to always say, you might as well call hockey goalie like it. You're as good as your goalie is and as bad as your goalie is. And this year Spencer Knight has been out of this world for you guys. Third in goals against. I think he's sixth and save percentage. And he's He's a guy who's been through a lot, right? Like, you know, he takes that break, he figures it out, there's a big trade, he gets a new chance, a fresh start, he's the starter. What have you been so impressed with that that he's shown you and, and how is he as a guy to coach?

[John Gruden]

So honestly, both him and Sodi have been great for us and, and, and you know, what it's done for our team. And actually it's funny, Palmer, he said this and after game one, I happen to read his quotes and Florida kicked us pretty good that game but he, he kept us in it and, and he said, you know, Paul said like, like Spencer's going to be a goalie who can allow them to grow while they're, while they're, you know, with their young players and they're making mistakes. Like our decor is crazy young, right? And yeah, you know, you guys know how hard it is in the league to play at that age. And, and so we're going to have ups and downs, you know, and, and, and what both guys have done is, is, is kept us in these games like you know, last night, so he was on or yesterday afternoon, so he was unreal. Made a two on one save on Larkin that, you know, at that point it's a two to one game off. It just allows you to kind of keep going and we're starting to score a little bit more. So then all of a sudden the game's 5 1, but it wasn't a 51 game. And you know, Spencer's been the same way. Spencer's been consistently really good. Honestly, going back to, going back to training camp in practice. I mean I said this in our training camp like I thought Spence, I thought so I thought commeso, we have a young Russian goalie. Like they were all really good. I thought the whole collection of goalies were really good. And Spencer's been, you know, it's definitely got the, the ability to, to be a number one. I was lucky enough to see him play a decent amount the National Team Development program because I lived right there in Plymouth, right by the rink and, and my buddy Seth Albert, who's with Buffalo now as an assistant, was one of the coaches there. And so I go over the rink all the time and I, I, I, I always thought he had a chance to be a great player. When that trade happened last year, I was pissed because I knew Florida was getting a real good player in Jones. I knew we were going to end up playing, playing them probably, you know, and, and then when I got the Chicago job, I was pretty happy, I can tell you that.

[G]

Especially like you said, having a young decor, the way that Spencer can play the puck and, and help out the D. Just getting it out of the zone quicker, not getting hit as much like, I only played with him. He was there after the college season down here in Florida, but like that impressed me the most. Like his confidence with the puck is incredible.

[Merle]

That's music to Yan's ears.

[Keith]

He didn't want to go back any defenseman.

[John Gruden]

I don't want to get.

[Merle]

I, I didn't mind a little bit of contact. Felt like I was in the game. I liked getting rubbed out.

[John Gruden]

I don't, yeah, I don't, I don't, I don't, I don't love seeing our guys get run over. I know that.

[Merle]

So, yeah, just a little rub out.

[John Gruden]

Ben's going back for.

[G]

It's been huge.

[John Gruden]

It's been, it's easy. He is, he's really good at playing the puck. I actually don't think we've taken advantage of it enough, but it's something we're still working on.

[Merle]

I was gonna ask about Frankie Nazar. Like, I feel like it helps, obviously helps Conor having another guy that other teams have to fight focus on so to take a little bit of the focus off of him. But I also feel that he's got this like, young, spunky personality that's helping also bring out Connors because they're, you know, similar in age. Has it been like hard wrangling, wrangling them in a little bit? Like, remember when he got headlocked and in St. Louis and there was a big pileup and he, he hadn't got a chance to celebrate the goal. So finally when he got let out of the headlock, he went and celebrated while everybody was still in the dog pile. Like, what's it, what's this kid like in his personality around the room?

[John Gruden]

That. Honestly. Because that was fun. That was. I've never seen anything like that. Like all of a sudden he just wheels out, he starts everybody else.

[Merle]

I was loving it.

[Keith]

What the hell's going on?

[John Gruden]

He's, he's awesome. Like, he's a, he's a happy kid. Like a young guy. Like, he's, he's just, he wants to have fun. The world, you know, the sky is usually blue. He's just one of those, he's got a good swagger to him. He's, he's, he's a, he's been, he's Just a fun guy to be around and, and I do, you know, like him and Connor are really good buddies. I think they room on the road. You know. The other thing with, with you know, you guys asked about Connor was like the team now is. Has a lot of guys his age too.

[Keith]

Right.

[John Gruden]

Like, there's just a lot of young guys around here and they're fun, man. They're a fun group to be around. They're, you know, they do, they do things that, that young guys do, you know, and it's a, it's, it keeps it light for sure. So even guys like, like, you know, like Barakovsky is a fun guy. Like, you know that they all, it just, it just is a, is a group that's that honestly, I think they really like coming to the rink and hanging out together, which is, you know.

[Keith]

If you get that, man, it's gold and it shows. It's like the team last year compared to this year. And winning solves everything, winning some games. But it's just like the vibe around that team's really different. And you mentioned the D. I mean Vlasic's only 24. He seems like a 10 year vet and he could skate like the win you got Renzel, who I think is going to be an absolute stud. And Lushunov so far nine assists in 15 games. Like he's only 19. He looks 35, but he's only 19.

[Merle]

Oh, he is.

[Darren McCarty]

Yeah.

[Keith]

But, but I mean are, are you, you must be so excited, you know, being able to grow with these guys as you get there as this is your first year. Like sky's the limit for a lot of these defenders. Even at Wyatt Kaiser, who I didn't know much about, he just.

[Merle]

This guy is 20 years old.

[Keith]

I'm 42 and look 65, so it can happen. Biz, don't, don't dog the old looking people. Yeah, actually it's the one guy too.

[John Gruden]

That you didn't like. Louis Creviers. He's 6 foot 7. Like we're like super big and long, you know, like, like when I was looking at the job honestly and I said this and I was, it wasn't like whatever, like this is the job I wanted the most because I just felt it fit kind of my personality, my experiences and then, and then, and then it had a young group that could really be great, you know, in time. And I think part of our guys having fun come to the rink is they, I think they know there's, you know, they know if we keep maturing, we're Going to have a chance to be a great team. And, you know, the decor is really young, and so there's some interesting moments out there. But, but, but, but, you know, they also make a lot of good plays. And our whole thing as a staff, too, is just. We just. We know that's part of it, right? That's what we signed up for, for us. So let's, let's help him work through the mistakes. And that probably goes back to the goaltending, though. It's a lot easier to kind of teach through mistakes when you're getting really good goaltending, you know, and so. But I, I like the group. I like the group. They're, you know, like, already. Already left enough. As young as he is, Biz, he, you know, he, he started the year and probably struggled a little bit early, and then I think he's really been playing well, uh, lately. He's, uh, he is like, he's strong.

[Darren McCarty]

Strong.

[John Gruden]

Like, he's, you know, I want to say farmers.

[Merle]

He's got four kids in the wise lounge.

[Darren McCarty]

20.

[Merle]

Okay. So I don't know about you guys, but I look at Tyler Bertuzzi and I'm always like, what the is going on in that guy's head? Like, he just looks like a character. He's got the long hair, the missing tooth. He's kind of. He must be a great back door. And, and he's found great chemistry with Bedard, too, so he's probably having fun again, too. Like, what's he like? You ever have any long conversations with him?

[John Gruden]

So, so Bert.

[Biz (Dave Portnoy)]

Bert.

[John Gruden]

So he came into the American League. I was the coach in Grand Rapids. He came in and. And we were in a series against Toronto. We were down best of five. We were down 02. And he. He couldn't play right away because he was six. So he missed the first two games. We ended up coming back, win the series.

[Keith]

He's.

[John Gruden]

I, like, so I've had him a long time, and then I had him through that stretch in Detroit. He was. Wasn't with me the whole time there, but eventually he. He was there. So probably, probably at least. Probably five years, probably. Honestly, it's been awesome to coach him again. Like, he's. He's 30, you know, so like, I had him as a super young guy coming up and then. And now to see him kind of, you know, he's got three young kids, great wife. Like, he's. He's what he is, though. Like, he's salt of the earth, man. He is. He's what you see Is what you get this. No dress code. Nobody likes it more than him. Like, he's. He's coming. Like, he's just got done fishing, man.

[G]

It's.

[Biz (Dave Portnoy)]

It's.

[John Gruden]

It's.

[Keith]

Yeah. You know, so like.

[John Gruden]

Like, he. But he loves it, but, you know, and it's just. It's who he is. It's what he. What he is. And he's a real. Again, salt of the earth. What you see is what you get. He's, you know, in the. In the summers he hangs out and he's got a place up in Northern Michigan. Hangs out there with his family and. And chills. But he. But he's another one. Like, he's always been this way. He has so much fun at the rink.

[Hockey Analyst (possibly a Bruins or NHL analyst)]

Like.

[John Gruden]

Like, if we play small games or whatever, he's always the one giving to people. Like, I think he's awesome for that part of it, too. So he's kind of, to me, young at heart, you know, and I don't know if 30's young or old anymore, but, like, he is young at heart.

[Merle]

NHL years. It's old. One quick. One quick fault. We've asked you so much about your players and other guys. I just wanted to quickly ask you, like, what's it like for you being back in the head coaching seat? And like, what did you take away from that first experience? Experience where when you went back to being an assistant, you know, what more did you learn in order to prepare you for this moment right now and meeting this real young core that. That you're thriving with?

[John Gruden]

Yeah, it's. First off, the. The three years I spent Tampa were great, and it was a great. For multiple reasons. Like, number one, I'd say just honestly, just to get a reset. Like when I got fired, you know, competitively, you want a job right away, right? You want to. You want to whatever. Prove you can do a better job, you want that job right away. The best thing that happened to me was I didn't get one. I had some different interviews over the few years, and, you know, as much as I wanted at that time, I'm so glad I didn't. It just gave me a chance to reset. You know, we went through. Rebuilds are hard, right? So when you go through those rebuilds, it was the only time, you know, in my coaching career to that point that I had kind of experienced that type of failure. And so, like, to kind of have the chance to go to Tampa to reset myself, to learn from, you know, one of the best down there that holds the whole staff and the way they run the organization and how they do things, it reminded me of things that I think when I've been at my best, I've done and I learned some new stuff, you know, and it allowed me to come into this job and unequivocally, unequivocally come into it and say, I know what it's going to take for us to win. And I'm not hoping this is what it's going to take, or not to say guessing, but, you know, like, with more experience, you just realize this is exactly what it's going to take and we're going to stay with it. And I think what it. What it gives you is just kind of. It's the ability to not to stay strong and stay steady, I guess, and not, you know, not. Not have all the ups and downs that come with coaching. The other thing I said to myself was I was going to enjoy this one. You know, like, the first one, I probably didn't enjoy as much as I should have. I got to coach my hometown team. I grew up a Red Wing fan. I should have enjoyed it more. I'm gonna enjoy this one for sure. So we're. We're having. We're having fun. I got a great staff, too. Like, great, great dudes. And so they've been fun to be around.

[Merle]

Yeah. Why not do it with the rival? You're the new Chelos.

[Darren McCarty]

Exactly.

[John Gruden]

Exactly. Yeah.

[Keith]

It's hard, though, because, like, yeah, looking back at my career, I wish I enjoyed it more. But when you're in the. You're in the middle of it, it's just this. And the stress for players is one thing. I think for coaches, it's at a different level, personally. Like, just because you can't get away from it, players can leave the rink. They watch their clips. Right. They put it away. You're watching, you're thinking about every guy on the team, and it must be at times for you, like, I need to almost just take a step back for a couple hours, watch a movie, I'm guessing, to take my mind off this.

[Hockey Analyst (possibly a Bruins or NHL analyst)]

Yeah.

[John Gruden]

And it's actually, I'm up here. My family stayed in Tampa this year because my daughter's a senior in high school, so she's graduating. So I'm up here by myself, so I got to be careful not to, like, you know what I mean?

[Keith]

Like, just be there all day. Yeah.

[John Gruden]

Like, you know, if I am here all day, I'm hopping in the sauna for a long time. So, I mean, you know, But I'm with Like. Like whatever. Go home, watch a show.

[Keith]

I've.

[John Gruden]

I've literally eaten out every single night I've been here. I haven't cooked one time since I've been here, which is. I don't know if that's impressive or I'm gonna die in. In two weeks. But yeah, go to Houston's, you could.

[Merle]

But you're gonna look like RA Your buddy who facilitated this interview.

[Keith]

Thank you to RA for this. I actually got another quick one. You mentioned your son's at Ole Miss. I have no clue if he plays hockey. Does he mention the club hockey scene down there? Is he ever part of that?

[John Gruden]

He stopped playing hockey, like, as a sophomore in high school, but he's. He's a huge, huge hockey guy. But, yeah, I don't think they have a great setup down there. Some of these schools have unreal setups, you know, like where there's a rink right there, I think. I think theirs is like an out hour away, you know, so it's not a great setup. So. Okay, he's. He is. He follows hockey. Unreal, though. Like, he. He lives and dies with every game that we play. It's great.

[Merle]

Blush. I got a chance to say hi to you at the Chelios's charity golf tournament.

[John Gruden]

Yeah.

[Merle]

I feel like the organization's done a great job lately of, like, reintroducing him, Jeremy Roenick, and other, like, former players and alumni to kind of, like help even with the younger players and show them the way, like, how. How much help have you felt that's been and how cool is it? Just, I feel like. Like the organization has its life back after maybe a few years where. Where it was struggling.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

Yeah.

[John Gruden]

You know, and rebuilds are tough, man, and. And people get frustrated and, you know, so I.

[Biz (Dave Portnoy)]

It's.

[G]

It's.

[John Gruden]

It's cool for me because. Because Shelly's been a friend of mine for a long time now. Like, he coached with me in Grand Rapids, and then when I went to Detroit, when we first got going there, he was. He was, you know, assistant with us there too. So, you know, he's somebody that. That coming into here. It's been cool to have him around. And. And I want, you know, him and Ronick and any of those guys, to have them around as much as possible, I think is a great thing for our guys. Like, I was really pumped that, you know, that day Foligno and Bedard both went out to Chelli's event, and I thought it was awesome to just to have them, you know, be part of it. And I know Jeremy Roenick is part of a golf event that we did in August, and there was a bunch of guys actually, like Louie Kirk, he flew back just for that event, like, so just to see, you know, the interactions. You know, obviously we're super fortunate here to have an unreal history. And. And I think you got to take advantage of that, of that history. And we had our beginning of the year. There was like a hundredth year, you know, had a bunch of alums back. And our. All our guys went to the event and it was great. It was awesome for them to kind of intermix a little bit.

[Merle]

You know, what we should pull up right now is. I don't know if you knew this race when we went there, like one of our first Chicklets trips. You know how they used to shoot from center ice and they. Well, back in the day, they used to get like two rockets and then. And then like a regular dude, right? And then obviously, like, nowadays I don't know if you can have ice girls. So, you know, if. But RA we all shot and RA Sunk it from center ice.

[John Gruden]

No way.

[Merle]

We have the video and maybe we can pull it up while telling the story. Is there a way that we could facilitate maybe like RA Coming back and getting another shot at the title?

[Keith]

He might not want to go biz. If you hit one, it's hard to go back. I want another shot. I want another shot.

[Merle]

Imagine we did RA Night at the Hawks game, though. I'd be pretty lit.

[John Gruden]

I'm coming on the bench if I.

[Keith]

If he's.

[John Gruden]

If he's going out there.

[Merle]

That's what I'm saying. I feel like you could facilitate that. You're the coach. Maybe even put him out on D for one game.

[John Gruden]

Yeah, we might have to win a few more games.

[Keith]

Hey, blast. I got last question here. Presented by rollback. Use code [e-mail] for generous 20 off your first order through the end of the week. C-I C L-E-T S on R H O-B-A-K.com hoodies, joggers, and more. Rollback. Check it out right now. Keith and I are good buddies with Matt Grizzly, and he went over there. He had a good year last year, points wise. And he ends up on a pto. I kind of want to ask because Biz and I were on a PTO in St. Louis. Made the guys laugh for a couple weeks. Then they told us to take. Take a hike. But he got a contract out of the whole thing. He's leading your team in plus minus right now. When somebody comes on a PTO in your career as a coach, is it do you know who's gonna get a deal or is it really like a true tryout in a sense that's, it's.

[John Gruden]

Actually a great question because I think there's different situations.

[Keith]

You know, I think we were the fake ones.

[Hockey Analyst (possibly a Bruins or NHL analyst)]

Yeah.

[John Gruden]

You know what I mean? Sometimes, sometimes I don't know. I mean sometimes you almost feel like the poor guy's there for, for the veteran rule in the exhibition game. That. That sucks.

[Keith]

You know.

[John Gruden]

So like honestly when he came I wasn't sure if he. I wasn't sure where it would end up and, and you know, and he ended up playing really, really good, you know, really liked having him around. He's been awesome. He's a great, great guy. I actually met his father when we were out in Boston. What a good guy he is too. So. Yeah, so. So he's been great. He's been great. But it was it. There was no guarantee I can tell you that it wasn't like hey, you know, we think we're gonna sign you come. It was like it's honestly, we'll see. And, and, and he did a great job kind of winning that job.

[Keith]

Good for him. Good for him. Well, hey, we appreciate.

[Merle]

We got the clip of RA and we're gonna roll it for. For gosh.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

Yeah.

[John Gruden]

I want to see this in case you need it.

[G]

In case you need a winger.

[Merle]

That this is ra. No that's us sticking them in the nuts to congratulate him.

[Keith]

Bowed down, he did the bow for the crowd so maybe we'll get back out there.

[Merle]

My last, my last question would be tell us your favorite RA story and if maybe I'm jamming you up, at least tell us your favorite coupe story.

[John Gruden]

Oh yeah, well I got way more Coop stories, I can tell you that. So like I got way more but we'll have to. We'll have have to get together sometime. But he's problem with me telling Coop stories. Any Coop story I have, I was right there next to him. So. Okay, he's got any on me that I got on him.

[Keith]

Well who, who played better at the member guest at Gazer this summer, you or him?

[Biz (Dave Portnoy)]

Him.

[John Gruden]

I gotta be honest. Him like all right, you were getting.

[Merle]

A phenom ready for the season.

[John Gruden]

I. I missed the putt. I know that we're in the shootout and I missed. Now I thought he could have got a little tighter for me but that's.

[Darren McCarty]

The way it goes.

[Keith]

You had to blame him a little bit. That's what right there.

[Merle]

Your guys are going to see you pointing the finger on spitting chicks, man. It's not good talk.

[John Gruden]

We like fingers over thumbs, for sure.

[Merle]

Yeah.

[Keith]

All right, Jeff. Hey, congrats on that. Way everything's going right now and we appreciate you coming on. That was awesome, dude.

[John Gruden]

All right. Thanks, guys.

[Keith]

All right.

[Merle]

Yeah. That was so good. That was so.

[Keith]

I didn't know RA Hooked that up. Shout out RA I know he's watching right now. We appreciate that, buddy. You're crushing it right now.

[Merle]

I thought we were gonna get RA and maybe we could call him in like Bruins. I know you're buzzing, boys.

[Keith]

We should. We should. We should have him and G text RA Right now. Have him come on the show for a minute because we'll wait for the Bruins talk right now. And somebody in the comment section made a good. Made a good point. We cannot, cannot sit there and talk about Edmonton like that and not mention this ABS Team. They got one loss in regulation. They're the reason we had to have stuff on to address Northern Alberta and Oilers fans all over the world. But I don't know if anyone's going to be able to beat Colorado if they continue on this path. And there are ups and downs, but McKinnon is out of this world right now. Maar is on pace for, I think 117 points. I really think he'll get 100 this year. That would be his first time with 100. I believe he's a complete superstar. They're just getting. They're getting guys chipping in on every line and they are the fastest team in the NHL. Would you agree, B? Like, Toronto's the slowest team, but Colorado the fastest.

[Merle]

They are lights out. Like, if they're on, I'm watching like, that's it. That's the.

[Keith]

They're the top of my list.

[Merle]

Nathan McKinnon's the best player in the world right now. There's no arguing because we've said that repeatedly over the last few seasons. Where. Where there ain't no slow starts for Nathan McKinnon. He's galloping up and down the ice doing whatever the he wants. He had two goals. I believe he had two and two against Edmonton in that pounding getting out of the penalty box.

[Keith]

Oh, that one was crazy because he looked quick. He looks to see if, like, he's got to help for two on one. He's like, no, thanks. I'll just snap this thing 94 miles an hour past. I think it was Walman and I think it was Picard at that point. Like there might as well been a shooter tutor in there.

[Merle]

So how about this? This lineup I get from the grace of God for Tuesday night on on tnt. I got the Leafs and Bruins as an appetizer.

[Keith]

Go be there.

[Merle]

Gob there. And then the Anaheim Ducks in Colorado Avalanche. Two of the most electrifying teams to watch.

[Keith]

I gotta take a nap Tuesday. I gotta take a nap.

[Merle]

I am so I won't even need to take Red Bull before the second show.

[Keith]

Just.

[Merle]

I will be snorting that match up up all night long, baby. Like a big Hollywood. You know what I mean? A nice Hollywood honker for me on the late night slate.

[G]

Hey, usually you dread late one but the first one you just have to get through that and then you get the big boys. That's going to be a bloody.

[Merle]

And we kind of got cut off because we had our guests come on before Anaheim. Like that's the perfect example of why you strip it to the ground. You go through three, four years of hell. You bring in the rights guy veterans who some teams seem to be throwing away Rangers and you surround them with these young studs and obviously the cutter go Che with that was like a. That was a prayer shots.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

Right?

[Merle]

You're able to get rid of a demon who's like middle tier and, and he's going to be a 40 goal guy if he's not already this year.

[Keith]

Getting 40 this year.

[Merle]

And. And another guy who doesn't even get mentioned enough and. And that has a Baron contract is Troy Terry. Like nobody even talks about him anymore.

[Keith]

He's giving those little dishes to Leo.

[G]

Love his dishes.

[Merle]

Love it. And he's making what, 8 million bucks. So another great veteran Kreider net front great veteran Trubo looks like Kale McCarth 2.0. Pasha's fire. He's in shambles. Pasha's in shambles in that room the other day. He's scooping up his dog's poop right now. Delivering me glasses with this for the show. Like my goddamn maid in shambles. So between those two teams, man, unreal to watch out west and, and yeah, going back to Colorado. I think they're the team to beat right now.

[Keith]

Yeah, dude, they are a wagon.

[G]

Wagon.

[Keith]

It's the team speed that just is like they just make plays and this is without. There's some, some ABS fans not thrilled with Brock Nelson so far. At least offensively. I mean 7 million. Like I. I get that they want a little bit more But I also think Biz, you're saying of the older guys and it taken 20, 30 games.

[Darren McCarty]

Yeah.

[Keith]

Don't get impatient with Brock Nelson yet.

[Merle]

I just think that they should pull the trigger now and try to go get cadre.

[Keith]

I just, I think every. I think every team that needs. I think there's like 15 teams calling about Kadri.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

Yeah.

[Merle]

And, you know, it's like sometimes it just. It was a right fit. You got to get back with the ex. You take a little bit time away.

[Keith]

You know, dog back.

[Merle]

You get your dog.

[Keith]

Well, Biz, I want you to. I got bad news. Ra can't come on. He's actually at the hospital. I guess he's got a big cyst on his foot. I hope everything's okay.

[Merle]

Is it from scratching? He's always scratching.

[Keith]

He scratches his feet a lot. He scratches his butt more than his foot. But hopefully he's okay. He's got a foot procedure getting done. So he'll be back with us Thursday. Recording Friday drop Ra's world. Biz, we need you, and I'm very excited for this. We need you to do an ad for RO Sparks. A live ad. Can you pull that up and crush this thing like you did last time, buddy? Remember Keith? We cheered him on like a true teammate, John Gruden style. Let's do this biz.

[John Gruden]

Come on.

[Merle]

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[Keith]

Great job based. Great.

[G]

Wow.

[Merle]

Nine out of ten I lost.

[Keith]

Yes, you lost it. One little step, but you're talking about Sex back in. And when it's talking about. When you're talking about sex, you know, things go a little haywire in that brain here, so great job.

[Merle]

I do have to go to the bathroom now, so take it over for a quick minute.

[Keith]

Okay. Why don't we bring. Oh, he already put one under his tongue, folks. He's ready to go. Gee, hop on here right now, buddy, because I have been just all over the Bruins, all over them preseason into the beginning of the year. And you were all over them, too, a little bit. But I want to let you discuss what is happening right now with the Boston Bruins. Can you explain. Is this. Is this fake? Or are you starting to maybe believe a little bit here?

[Hockey Analyst (possibly a Bruins or NHL analyst)]

No, not. Not fully believing just yet. But if you do, remember, when I came on here, I said the Boston Bruins are going to play competitive hockey through the trade deadline. I said they will play competitive hockey. I didn't say they're going to be a Cup contender, but competitive hockey through the trade deadline, and that's exactly what they're doing right now. This is a home run right now. Victor Arvidson looks awesome. Casey Midtown looks pretty good, too. And. And those are the guys we came into the season kind of with a vendetta against. And Bruins fans should be rooting for those guys harder than anyone, because if the plan. If the. If this goes according to plan, Victor Arvinson is traded at the trade deadline. Casey Middlestad has traded the trade deadline. So you should want these guys to score and gain their value and raise their value every single night, and they've been doing that. Middle stats hurt right now, so it kind of sucks.

[Keith]

But the team's playing the plan B, though. Even so, your plan is play solid, be in the mix, and then deal guys away. There's no plan in your mind that. That. That has the playoffs like, as opposed to try to get in.

[Hockey Analyst (possibly a Bruins or NHL analyst)]

I just still. I still don't see this team being a. A Cup contender just yet. And I still think you have to. You have to bite the bullet. It's one of those years. It's going to be a tough year. It's. You don't want to be in Philadelphia Flyer purgatory where you finish in eighth, ninth place every year. And if they make the decision, so help me God, at the trade deadline, to buy that would just be so stupid. But there are a few bright, bright spots on this season so far. I think Frazier Mitten is one of them. This kid's looked incredible. Fish, I have some audio. I thought it was Great. Zadorov talking about new players coming into the league and how Frazier Mitten looks compared to the players of the past. So play that.

[G]

What stood out to you about a.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

Younger guy like Fraser Minton in terms.

[G]

Of just how advanced his game, especially as a two way player?

[Keith]

His stick, I mean the guys coming.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

In this league, it's the young players.

[John Gruden]

They have their stick on their shoulders.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

They don't really protect the passing lanes, they don't really read the game like he does.

[John Gruden]

It's unbelievable.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

I was actually watching the whole game against Shawn, his position wise, the way.

[Keith]

His stick was on the ice.

[Darren McCarty]

It was fun to watch.

[John Gruden]

You know, he's a great player.

[Darren McCarty]

He's been a great addition to our team.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

Really happy for him. For the young guys, I think the hardest part is to play on a.

[John Gruden]

Consistent level for 82 games. So I think it's definitely going to.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

Be some bumps during his career during the year.

[John Gruden]

But I mean he's been great so far. You know, it's his unbelievable player for sure.

[Hockey Analyst (possibly a Bruins or NHL analyst)]

He's awesome.

[Keith]

He gets that big goal when the Leafs are trying to tie it up. Saturday night he makes it 5:3 in Toronto. That was cool and I, I think it's crazy we haven't mentioned Zadorov's play.

[Hockey Analyst (possibly a Bruins or NHL analyst)]

I mean unbelievable.

[Keith]

He's really growing on Bruins F I saw the best adorov I ever saw was on Vancouver that year that Edmonton beat him in seven two years ago. I was like this guy is a horse and he could skate. He skates way better than I thought and I believe he called me out one time. What the you talking about? I can skate and he can. He's got a rocket of a shot that hit. I don't like seeing a buddy Scott Lawton get hit like that. Piece of holy and I don't know biz you had. I don't think you'll agree with this, but there were Leafs fans like calling for a suspension. It's like that is the patented body checks I've ever seen. He just ran right over him.

[Merle]

As the ambassador of the Toronto Maple Leafs, I'm good with it.

[Hockey Analyst (possibly a Bruins or NHL analyst)]

When I think he's been the best defenseman on the team so far this year though. I mean and that's a team with Charlie McAvoy. I don't think McAvoy's looked great to start the season.

[Keith]

He's been playing better in the past few.

[Hockey Analyst (possibly a Bruins or NHL analyst)]

He's played better that overtime the other night he took over. He just absolutely over. But Zadorov I think is probably the One shining bulb of one shining star of the season outside of Frazierman.

[Merle]

Well, it's because he needs a coach who's going to tell him to wake the up and he likes that. Gets him going. Get some hard like a rose spark.

[Keith]

Yeah, fair enough. Fair enough. Also, I was happy to see Lord.

[Merle]

Did you guys play the video of. Of Marco Sturm losing it on the boys?

[Keith]

No, we didn't. We have.

[Merle]

I think that's important to show man. He was not happy with the way they were playing.

[Keith]

You sent it over. I don't even think he lost it that bad. We'll play it, but it's more like enough guys enough.

[Hockey Analyst (possibly a Bruins or NHL analyst)]

We don't have it ready just yet. But wait. One point I do want to make to you is what you just brought up. Low rye and I think low rise been a big question mark for everyone this season coming in. He started off the season first pairing with McAvoy and I think you did a disservice by putting him on that top pairing. He's not ready for top pairing minutes. He's not ready to go against top pairing guys. You want to toss him on number one power play. Love that. I think that's what. That's his role. But he's not a top pairing guy. So I think sitting him down four or five games, that was good. He's back in there now. But I like. I like him playing with that asparag guy. He's very sound defensively. He can kind of make up for what lower I gives you offensively. And I think the way it's going, I think you got to keep him in the lineup.

[Keith]

I just didn't want to see him kind of get buried and I don't think that's the case. But it. I thought it might be a one or two game, healthy scratch and then they're winning. So it was five. I think it was five games. But I still believe in that kid. And maybe it's because I. I don't. I didn't have his skill level, but I kind of see a little bit of how I played where I understand there's. There's the occasional pizza here and there, but he could create and he could pass the puck. He's got good vision and I do still think Mason Lowright can be a really good player in the NHL. And it just seemed like I was like, whoa. I don't know when he's getting back in the lineup here, but he's back now. And. And Pasha. Pasha has said numerous times to me, Pavel, Zach's, horror. Like those exact words. He's not.

[Merle]

He's in shambles right now. Nothing's going his way. Truba's playing the best he has in his whole career. He's crying his spare bedroom right now.

[Keith]

No, Pasha is actually the happiest person ever because as he pointed out to us, the New Jersey Devils have won more games at their home building than the Rangers have scored goals in their home building. Wow, that is a power stat from Pasha right there. That really is.

[Merle]

And the Rangers, that's a real spark.

[Keith]

If the Rangers, who do they have tonight? Who the hell. They have Nashville at MSG tonight if they don't. Dude, if they lose this one. And. And now fairness, they are really good on the road. Very good on the road. But at some point, I mean, I could just picture some poor guy, some poor. That finally got season tickets to the Rangers this year. Any. And maybe he missed the Sharks game, but he's been to the other six and he's seen one goal and no wins.

[Merle]

What if he's got a ten pack and. And four of the games he's been through have been shutouts.

[Keith]

That's very realistic. There's.

[G]

You get your money back.

[Keith]

Reach out. Somebody reach out to us. There's got to be somebody out there that bought a 10 pack that four of them have already happened and he hasn't seen a goal, let alone a win. So just crazy craziness in New York. I don't know what's going on there.

[G]

If they don't score more than three tonight, I'm done with them for the year.

[Keith]

Done. This is it. This is it. Okay, well, that could help because the last time somebody quit on a team on this podcast, it was me on the Oilers. They went to the cup final, and that was after they lost to one of the worst teams I've ever seen in San Jose a few years back. But maybe the Rangers get shot out again and Keith is officially off that train.

[Hockey Analyst (possibly a Bruins or NHL analyst)]

We got that Stern video if you guys want to run it here.

[Merle]

Yeah, I just quickly. I wouldn't mind showing the fans what we're talking about. Him losing his mind.

[Keith]

Calm and everything.

[Merle]

Be nice.

[John Gruden]

Whatever that now. It has to stop now.

[Keith]

Okay. You guys been through it last year.

[John Gruden]

How does it feel in the summer? Right?

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

But he can't play an open game.

[Merle]

Like this and then hope you're gonna win. No, you can't get him rights, man.

[Keith]

Marco, let's go play an open game in this league. You can't. Even if you got McDavid and dry saddle you're seeing. Everton, you cannot play run and gun hockey and win consistently in the NHL. It's impossible.

[Merle]

Especially if you're the shipbag Bruins. You gotta lock it in.

[Keith]

Exactly. And, and speaking of bag, you, you, you were, you were very excited and things were turning around the Leafs. I mean, Boston beats him at home and then the Sunday game last night. That could have. That could have been. That could have been 12 to 4 that game.

[Darren McCarty]

Oh.

[Merle]

So all you people who listen to this podcast who constantly chirp about me slurping the Leafs and talking about the Leafs every show. I don't want to talk about the Toronto Maple Leafs. And all you also online hating on me. You don't talk enough about the Detroit Red Wings. Give us our love. Even though you haven't made playoffs since Christ is a cowboy. Drop our surprise guest right now. G. That's party.

[Darren McCarty]

Wow. What's up, boys?

[Keith]

Another one.

[Hockey Analyst (possibly a Bruins or NHL analyst)]

Darren.

[Keith]

What's up, buddy?

[Darren McCarty]

Good to see you with Yan's as always. Hold on. I got the iPhone 6 so ro co backslash chiclets. The read was good, but the cell was the exit. Biz you actually like that every time. The boys are in there, so mine's coming. Appreciate you guys having me on there. It is the end.

[Keith]

That thing's real thin at the end, but. Hey, Darren, thanks for coming on. What a backdrop, dude. Incredible. Seeing number 25 in the red and white behind you, that's awesome. How you been doing?

[Darren McCarty]

I've been doing great, boys. Obviously anybody and. And biz. 100 right? 100 right. As far as like, why would you talk about the Red Wings other than. We just. It's a hundred year celebration. We had our fan fest this weekend, so that gives you a reason to talk about them, but they haven't made the playoffs in a long time and trying to change that stuff here. So, you know, I. I adhere to everything you say about the wagon. The unit being Colorado. That is must see tv. Like I said, I was gonna borrow one out of Yanza's book, seeing like it looks like you sniffed the the game a little too early because the nose is looking a little extra large right now. But that's where that's where we're at. So we just spent this last weekend had about 70 alumni and celebrating 100 years of the celebration. So getting to talk, talk to all the boys again. You know how that goes.

[Keith]

That's awesome. And is there anyone that you got to see you hadn't seen in a long time? It was just real. I Mean, a bunch of guys, I'm sure great to catch up with, but. Anyone in particular you hadn't caught up with in a while?

[Darren McCarty]

Yeah. You know what? This. This was really cool, dude, because. And you guys know him real well. Sean Avery, who was sort of one of my young bucks, and he was telling a story. Story that it goes back to is I always used to make him start my car, right? Like, it was always, like, stuff like this. You're trying to teach him a little bit something. So I've always held a special place in my heart with Sean. I understand Sean, you know what I'm saying? And. And just to catch up with what he's doing, you know, how he. You know, he does what Sean does, and just. Just to see him, you know, owning his life and stuff like that. So always catching up is a little different because, you know, hockey's what we did. It's not who we are. Right. We do so many different things. So that was great catching up with the Swedes. Right? Obviously, you guys don't think Nick Lidstrom talks, but he does when he's around the boys. So hearing some of those perspective from the quiet guys, you know, of was.

[Merle]

What's he saying? Is he. Is he chirping sometimes too ab.

[Darren McCarty]

Well, he is, subtly. Right. And we always. You got to understand, we got Homer, right? So it's always trying to translate because he told us this year we're getting too old. It's our hearing. It's not his Swinglish. So he's always the. He's always the comic relief and he always gets chirped. But the boys being around, obviously Stevie catching up with. With Shannon, he's always special because of our relationship. And then the young guys, you know, like the Matthew Dandino's and. And Aaron Ward's guys that. Guys that you lived, you know, your life and you got. You guys know this is that when the boys get back together, no matter what role they hold in the world of hockey, it's back to the locker room. And I think that's what you miss the most. But we had. We had an absolute riot.

[Merle]

The ISER plan should add Shanahan to the mix because they used to be. They were tight when they played. There's actually that famous photo that Avery, he sent it to me. I'm pretty sure he's posted it. When they were Batman and Robin.

[Darren McCarty]

Absolutely. For. For Hollywood. Well, here's the one thing, and. And I don't think I'm talking out of school, but Chany really hasn't had a chance, like, to just enjoy life, being in hockey and obviously being the president of Toronto. So I think just from talking to him is the kids are at an age where he can enjoy traveling and they can enjoy doing some of those things. He'll be back. He's such a smart hockey mind and whatever. And maybe this weekend biz. I don't know. Because the better we get, the more we get to get you. So it don't matter, because at the end of the day, when we're doing this regular, because Toronto and Detroit are back with that rivalry. And you know what? Like, going to the conference finals and stuff. There you go.

[Merle]

Maybe we'll see it.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

That's.

[Darren McCarty]

Maybe we'll see.

[Keith]

Photo Batman a little better than me.

[Merle]

Yeah.

[Keith]

Yeah.

[Darren McCarty]

A little bit different. Well, you know, like, she. We all know Shanny, right? Shani's got that Irish in him and stuff like that. I'll tell you a story. Story, right. That. That he. We were doing. Myself, Mickey Redmond, Brendan Shanahan, and Nick Lidstrom. We're on the stage and we're talking. We're doing a big event at the Fox Theater, which is a big theater in Detroit for the fans, and we're talking about the fight night at The Joe the. 3-26-97. And Shannon brought something up that I wasn't aware of, and I don't recollect, but it's out of Shannon's mouth. So it must be true is the fact that in the first period before all that came happened, Igor Larianov, you know, the all 5 foot 5, 140 pounds, soaking wet, pulled Shannon I by the collars, and he said, listen, you. I'm sick and tired of this stuff. Just you jump on. We're gonna make it happen. So I guess it was Igor had the plan all along for March 26th. So that's who everybody.

[Merle]

Hey, I feel like you're such a. You're. You were like an extension of the team because you were so close with the fans. You used to, like, have that band that would perform, like, after and stuff like that. Being around the team as you still are, they must be fired up that there's this new youth movement. Eiserman's back. It seems like the plan is really starting to evolve right now. So what's it been like and how fun has it been for you kind of watching this team get to where they are right now?

[Darren McCarty]

Well, it's frustrating, right? Because, like, I'll sit here and. And talk just like Stevie, like, frustrate. We want it quicker, but it can't be done quicker. Right. You were mentioning about Anaheim. Who's manager Anaheim. Pat for big. Word, Pat for big. He's Stevie. Stevie guy or whatever like this. Which means you got to do it the right way, right? Well, look at how you nailed it. How they've hit it on some guys with like the Crider and the Troopers at the Resurrections. But guys like Terry, that secondary scoring, they're get. They're get like a major scoring. But they have a team but. But they stunk for a while. So they're the. The bottom of the barrel. What we love here now is we see the youth, we see the guys and we're willing for this youth to earn it. We had a seventh round pick and Emmett Finney play. Why can he play in this game right now and be effective like you said? Because he does the things that Zadorov was talking about Mitten doing, right. These young kids, they can skate, right. The toughness of when even you guys came into the league or that like that sandpaper and the way that you had to adapt to sort of the physicality of speed. They don't have to adjust to the speed. That's the one thing to. Your question is what we like as you look at the team that's being put on the ice now. Right. We can skate with those teams. I agree Colorado is the fastest team. But our Detroit team's real good. You had blash on earlier. His Chicago team, they. They operate with a lot of speed and a lot of youth. Not Bedard is unbelievable to watch him. Unbelievable. But so progress, not perfection. We're getting it done. You've. You've added these veteran guys as Appleton who, you know, you need the fourth line guys. You know, you got the Hammondix and the Dockers on defense. Ben Sherratt stepping his game up, playing with the young guy. You look at the Johansson and the Edson, so it's like Marco Caspers, I can name all these guys. It's just still learning. You're still down there, right? I don't think we're as we relate to the. The Phillies and The like the 8, 9, 10. A lot like we gotta get to that next level. And that's what that wiser plan is all about. So it's hard biz you. You do these games and watch you every night or whatever. Like every game it's just a different regular season is different because it's. What have you done for me lately? I think what the Red Wings have done really well, so far this year is when they, they haven't, they've shut it down, they haven't given up that last minute goal to tie it up and go into the extra fame they've taken against your Leafs. They've taken the two points and not given anybody in the east that extra point. When you give the extra point, give it to the other conference. You go out west, who cares with the three point game if you can get it. So, so it's, it's, it's. We're, we're progress, not perfection. But I think I can answer the question as we like the direction that we're going. We can see it now. So for me, I started my clock right this, this year opening night when the youth, the youth movement was there. So I just hope and pray because. But at the end of the day, boys, it ain't about making the playoffs. You're talking to a guy who never missed the playoffs and that's four Stanley Cups. Talk to me when you're Edmonton. Talk to me when you're a team that can get right over the night. Because what about when you go to training camp? You think your team can win?

[Merle]

You got four, you got four rings, eh?

[Darren McCarty]

Yeah, I lost two. Two. Biz.

[G]

Who was. Obviously you guys had countless amount of hall of Famers in town last week. Like, who is the one guy that you, you know, heard all these legends talking about that they're excited to, you know, be watching and that everyone in Detroit should be watching.

[Darren McCarty]

Like, as far as the new, whether.

[G]

It'S Maurice, like if you know, Lidstrom's.

[Darren McCarty]

Talking, I think, you know what the beauty is, is it's different, right? Like, and I think that like we always focus in on how the youth and the guys are doing, but it's, it's. You watch Dylan Larkin and you know, like we always say when he can get that he needs his Fedorov, right? He needs his Zetterberg Datsu, you know, but, but in saying that I understand the why is you're not in a position to get that guy, but you're building that. You know, you watch the development, you watch the games of Lucas Raymond. I'm a big Alex DeBrincat fan, right? The way that he shoots it, the way that he plays it, we know he's more like Shanny, where like if he gets one, he gets five. So it's turning guys on like that. I think, I think more so Yan's is, it's the defense and the development and it's always the young Kids. But we like, you know, the guys like Andrew Kopp and. And you know, the. The Compers and the guys that have to carry the load and the experience to get them to the next level. So I think we're just all happy that we're fast enough, like we can play. And then we got two veteran guys in goal and Talbot and Gibson, and that can get you to the playoffs.

[G]

That's funny because you even think of those Detroit teams and like, you think of you. Malpe Draper, like, you guys were like, we had to play against you guys. Me and Whit were mostly playing against third line. Like it was a nightmare. And like you guys were.

[Keith]

And you guys could all move wins.

[G]

Yeah.

[Darren McCarty]

And that's the difference. And you know what I've sort of noticed in the conversation. And you guys watch more hockey than I do, but it's the development now it's sort of like you need that first line, but you need two seconds and then the third. Fourth combo as your fourth line that can play. You know what made us great through our cup runs and our greatness is that we had four lines, but our fourth line was a second line on some teams.

[John Gruden]

Yeah.

[Darren McCarty]

Right. And we. We could play against the best guys and shut them down and also contribute.

[Keith]

So.

[Darren McCarty]

And then, you know, if it was going the way it is, then we. We play down the roster. But it's sort of elevating your game and what you mean. And at the end of the day, it's about roles. Know your role and own your role. And. And you see comes down to it is that when you look at teams that are successful, the guy next to you is more important to you than you are to yourself. So that's what we're building towards.

[Keith]

D. Mac, I want to ask you about one thing because I think not only were Red Wings fans excited to hear this, but I. Hockey fans in general. January. January 12th, they're retiring 91 finally.

[Darren McCarty]

Absolutely. Dude. I will tell you this. That the best part and. And for sure to. Of who came back, who was there and being around and how grateful and excited and all weekend, Sergey Fedorov and to catch up with him. And that's my guy. And I always tell everybody, listen, Sergey Betterov might be one of the most misunderstood human beings, but not to us and not to the love and just to have him come back and. And to see how much it meant to him his interaction with Mrs. Like Mrs. Ilitch, man, she's 92 and she told me she's gonna. She's gonna live to 100 and she looks as good as like interact. She was out hanging out after the game and. And like just like it used to be. So. But Sergey Fedorov because him going into the rafters and I never realized this until it was sort of announced or whatever. Like we got all. We all got a piece of that, right? That's like an honor to all our teams and stuff like. Like that. But. But it's. I guess to me I'm a big karma guy. So the red wing world sort of on the outside and everything is getting right. So on the ice. So we get it right. Started with the Hockey Town logo. Goes to survey in the Raptors biz. Look out, look out.

[Merle]

This.

[Darren McCarty]

You know what I'm saying?

[Merle]

It's coming. The ISER plan's coming together, baby.

[Darren McCarty]

It is because it's culture. And so yes, that'll be a great January 12th to be a great day if you get. If you get to check out anything online or anything socials with surrogate because they also had. We had Vladdy out there also. And you see them interacting. So you know who also anybody asked that wants a Vladimir Constantino update. Same thing, man. He said like every time we see him, it's like he's better. He's gotten better. His interaction and sort of conversation with the guys and stuff like this. He knows everybody. So with everybody. And you guys are at the age where that was right? In the hockey of. Of what it went down of how it's hockey and in sport is bigger. It's big. The life is bigger. So to everybody who's. Who's prayed for Vladimir Konsatinov know that he's doing great and he appreciates it.

[Merle]

This has been awesome and we. We can't thank you enough for joining us. Going back to Fedorov now like you're. You're old school, right?

[G]

Want some coaching the Red Wings.

[Merle]

What's that?

[G]

Didn't. Don't you want him?

[Keith]

That was Merles.

[Merle]

That was Mers.

[Darren McCarty]

No, no, no, no. We all for whatever. Whatever before Todd came in or whatever, we were all like maybe Igor, maybe Sergey or whatever. But I. Sergey's enjoying. So each coach and won championships at KHL and the team that he's involved with. Apologize that I don't remember which one, but he does. He's more in the ownership and he does some of the skills, but gets to be around it. Not as much, you know, because again, Sergey Fedorov is like. He's one of the greatest ever to do it, but he has Interest outside of the game. But you like. I think the way that it works and the more that the team does these things where guys are around just will be influential.

[Merle]

I was going, going back to what I said, you're very old school. And obviously some of these hilarious stories that happen behind the scenes, stay behind the scenes. But is there anything that, like when you think of Federod, there's a funny story that comes to mind because, I mean, these guys were larger than life at the time, right? These guys were. Were global superstars. He was lighting the league on fire. He was playing four, playing defense. He was zipping around town and very fast cars, apparently getting speeding tickets or at least let off. What are the. The crazy or the fun things that pop out to you when you think of Sergey Fedorov?

[Darren McCarty]

Dude, I know I'll tell you mine.

[Keith]

I.

[Darren McCarty]

You know me, I always tell myself, you know, you can go get my book. My. My last fight to start a hockey rock star or the graphic novel dude that I tell you all. And why I love Sergey Fed off is. You'll appreciate this from when I came in in 92. 93. My first training camp was 92. But when I made the team in 93, first week we're there, he, Sergey, took me to my first concert, which was Stone Temple Pilots and the Meat Puppets at Cobalt Hall. Limo, limousine, whatever, like this. And we went all the after parties. He introduced me to all the guys I needed to know in the city that night. So I've been locked in. I've been 21 with Detroit, thanks to my boy Sergey Fedorov, because he. And, and, and like electric and. And that's the biggest thing. Sergey's like, has one of the biggest hearts and one of the greatest teammates and like I said, misunderstood because it wasn't like he was so talented. It just looked like it was so easy for him. But he was one of the guys where it'd be like, yo, Serge, a little help over here. And he'd be like, oh, you guys need my help? Look at all the greatness. But okay, and then jump on his back and he'd be done. But I'll always. All the extracurriculars like that, like, and just. Just to do that just for the team and stuff. And. And we, you know, even we were talking about it. So that's what for all of us. They brought Joey Kosher back, right? We call him Papa. He was for us younger, you know, Canadian guys, myself and Drapes and Malts and Ozzy and. And wore it like this. He put the tether on us. But the Scotty brought in, you know, Igor and Slava and as Sergey says, they've known him since he was 16. So they got him to realize the importance. And so we all matured. And when we matured, we ended up winning. So that was good.

[Keith]

And another cool thing that, that I just kind of thought of and asked G. The. The only player to ever win the heart trophy and the Selkie. Sergey Fedorov. Is that correct?

[Merle]

And I think Bobby Clark did it as well.

[Keith]

Bobby Clark, but that's only a few. MVP and the best defensive player in the league. Like, that's how good he was. He could just shoot back and play D if he wanted to, dude.

[Darren McCarty]

And he did, right? We want Cups with him on D because he's so like. I mean, and you know how hard like imagine him in this game? Oh, like he was one of these guys that just Tr. Like unbelievable. I mean, they made white skates for him. Dude, Biz. Don't even think about. I asked too. And they would like. Not even.

[Merle]

They wouldn't let you.

[Keith]

No, not for you.

[Darren McCarty]

No, Never, never. Stuff like that.

[Merle]

I want to ask you. So Stevie, why the fact that he did it like he did as a player and now doing it as a gm? Like obviously a very intense individual. Did you ever have some fun, like silly run ins with him? Like maybe where you guys were, were getting intense or bizarre.

[Darren McCarty]

Listen, then this is where I should. You can use this line because it happens to you, right? You. This has nothing to do with marriage because that's a choice. But in life you will be somebody's. Whose are you? That's the question, right? Like, and we learned this from Scotty Bowman. One of the many things. Because he had Barry Smith, right? The. His assistant coach. That was. That was the guy he would rail on. I mean, on the bench, Scotty be like, Scotty wouldn't yell at you. He would yell at. Turn to Barry and go, barry. Barry the McCarty. Whoever does that again, I'm never playing on ship. And then he'd walk away, wouldn't even say anything. Barry go. You get that? Yeah. Shut up, Barry. Like, so in saying that, obviously it took me three years to stop crying and sucking my thumb in the corner to realize that Steve Eisenman picked on me because he cared about me, so I was his. And thank God Manny Legacy came along because then, oh, it went off to him. But. But always with the intensity of Stevie. This is what he is. He's full of truth and he's that one guy that he will just tell you no matter what, whether you need to hear it or whatever, the honest truth of how he feels and make. When you're younger, you hate it, but it's true because you don't want to be accountable. But he's the reason I'm here today. The reason that tomorrow's my 10 year sobriety anniversary is for. For men like him, right? It's for men like him and the fact of always like in the guy and we all have them in the hot guys who are in the back of your head, right. Guys who you don't want to see when you know that you're doing it wrong. Right. But they get you to the point. Steve Eisenman is, is that for me, obviously everybody knows drapes is also an accountability. But it was always Steve Eisenman and Ted Lindsay in that dressing room, right. That you never wander. Oh man, Ted would run to my stall and ream my ass out mo. You know, a lot of time. But it, but I thank God for that because. And that to me is, you know, the culture and the history and stuff like that of, of. Of battling through. That's why we love all this stuff. Just, you know, I have so many great Steve Iserman stories, right. Just know he'll let it loose about twice a year.

[Keith]

Okay.

[Darren McCarty]

So. Right, exactly. But, but and to this day, and now, now even, and you guys know this and trying to translate is that like to have conversations like the other day and, and to even talk hockey or to you know, pick opinion or ask him questions. He's going to tell me the truth, right? Like he's going to tell me where he stands and I'm the biggest, like I'm the first person like I. Woodward Sports Network, right? You'd. We do it. We, we. I do it Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. We even have Woodward wings. 10:30 in the mornings. On Saturdays you can check in or do post game shows and stuff like this. I'm waiting, I'm the guy waiting to jump on him to tell you that it's not true. But I'm trying to translate that. I understand because I listen to him and it's just Stevie's the guy that, you know, you're like this and you're like now. And he's like, no, now.

[Merle]

He's like, nope.

[Darren McCarty]

And then you're like now. And he's not even looking at. He's not even looking at you, right? So you just learn to go, okay, he'll let me know when it, when it's ready. So it's a lot. A lot of trust and a lot of things like that. And. And I will chirp him this way and saying for a guy who spends as much time on the driving range as he does, he sucks.

[Merle]

I heard he's not a good golfer.

[Darren McCarty]

He's the first one to admit it, dude. So it's no fun. You know who you don't want a piece of? Boys. You don't want a piece of? Mrs. Eiserman. She. She will wax his status. She's got game. Really?

[Keith]

Okay. Yeah.

[Hockey Analyst (possibly a Bruins or NHL analyst)]

That's the one.

[Darren McCarty]

That's the one. He'd send her out and beat your ass up and down biz. You would not have a chance. By the way, any you clowns want to come to Detroit? I belong to that cardinal.

[Keith]

We need him.

[Darren McCarty]

They had to live event. I want to do a golf freaking thing, dude. Manny's ready. Fish is ready. Joey's right.

[Keith]

Whatever.

[Hockey Analyst (possibly a Bruins or NHL analyst)]

You, you.

[Merle]

Let's do it.

[Darren McCarty]

Bring your little like.

[Hockey Analyst (possibly a Bruins or NHL analyst)]

Absolutely.

[Merle]

Would you guys. Would you guys travel if we got you somewhere like 100 million. We should bring it down, dude.

[Darren McCarty]

I'll go anywhere for golf.

[Keith]

I love it.

[Darren McCarty]

We'll absolutely travel. This.

[Merle]

This has been unbelievable. Thank you so much for your time. Like you're a living legend. And. And two congrats on your 10 year sobriety.

[Keith]

Yeah. That's amazing.

[G]

Dude.

[Merle]

That's incredible.

[Hockey Analyst (possibly a Bruins or NHL analyst)]

And.

[Merle]

And you're an inspiration to so many. And. And we need to get you on more often. If you're down for it, you reach out.

[Darren McCarty]

I'm there, boys. It's not that hard like that. G had hooked up with my boys here at Woodward. And why I wanted it to do it here is because, you know, to show everybody like the hockey doesn't get as much love. You guys are the pillar of out there of spreading the love in the way how we love the game and. And it's just a different way. Like so Justin Satawa and Spencer Rockster who work their ass off here behind the scenes and doing everything. It's just given some love back. And it's also too because they're. I love talking hockey with people that you know their perspective. You know, Justin goes to Western Michigan. They just won last year. He's buddies with all the team and stuff like that. So we got great insight on that stuff. So whatever makes the hockey world go round. And I'd rather do the chirping instead of over here on the golf course.

[Keith]

Course.

[Darren McCarty]

That'd be more fun, buddy.

[Merle]

If we're getting you on Once a month I'll have Red Wings fans should be kissing my ass right now for delivery.

[Keith]

They will be Biz.

[Darren McCarty]

Did I. I'm gonna leave your the rest of your fan with it. Do you know the greatest bet I ever made in my life? And I don't want to hear I don't bet anymore. Greatest bet when I was 10 years. 10 years old with my cousin Chad Cowan, who's a die six months young. He's like my brother, he's a die hard Maple Leafs fan. And I bet him when I was 10 years old who'd win the Cup, Leafs or the Wings. The fact I scored the Stanley cup clincher in 97. I made him pay me 200. Right. He re bet right. I can never lose that bet because he ain't gonna score a goal for the Leafs.

[G]

No.

[Darren McCarty]

But I'll tell you this. His nephew, my cousin Easton Cowan might. So you gotta chance. Wow, that is. That is Robert's blood. You have that. That is why you have a chance. I told Ally. Afraid he knows the whole story. Exactly. You have a chance. But as far as the new bet was is the Lions and Leafs and I don't think you're gonna win it either.

[Keith]

And, and, and your goal. An all time undressing. Was it. Was it Nina?

[Darren McCarty]

Good guy.

[Keith]

I. I remember. So I was a good guy.

[Darren McCarty]

No good dude.

[Keith]

I mean, I didn't mean to do it to him.

[Darren McCarty]

If I had a choice, it wouldn't have been him. Hey, I don't have a choice. I beat one guy one on one.

[G]

I got one thing.

[Merle]

Red. Red Wings fans must be going crazy in the chat right now, are they not?

[G]

Yeah.

[Merle]

You guys have the chat up Biz.

[G]

I. I need to thank DMACC too. My first year we were playing you in Calgary. There was a scrum and I kind of came in, grabbed someone from behind and all I heard was the most polite threatening was unless you wanted die, you should probably get out of this scrum. And I turn around and I see you and I'm like, I'm out of here. Thank you for letting me live and that I got to play.

[Merle]

You're threatening our co host.

[Darren McCarty]

No, no. Yeah, but the whole thing, right? The diplomatic way and understanding and. And those are the little things we're like. And. And I. I love the fact that Chaser and Holly are doing ice guardians because you hear the little comp, right? Because we're not all Neanderthals at times it's polite. Yet that's not Yan. I knew who you that Wasn't your role. I gave you an option. Right. That's like life options. It's about options and consequences.

[Keith]

I cannot wait till we fly you guys down to Florida. You pick your two guys and we bring you guys down. You put you guys up and we'll have an all time day on the list. Thank you.

[Merle]

Being blunts with you when we're on that call.

[Darren McCarty]

Absolutely, dude. And I'll find a way to get the Darren McCarty brand down there.

[Biz (Dave Portnoy)]

Yeah.

[Darren McCarty]

For us that day. I will. I will. Plethora pact. And. And the biggest thing coming out in December is my CBD topical, which will be, you know, all around and stuff. But I got some gas and everything else, which thank you for anybody else. Like I said to the plant, I always say, save my life. Know that it's an option. No, you have an option. Without it, I wouldn't be here. So that's why I protect it now like I protected my teammates.

[Keith]

Hey, the chat is saying the realest of all time, dude. Thank you so much.

[Darren McCarty]

Hey, look forward. Hey, I. I got my guys ready. You let us know. You let me know when you want to come back. I love all of you guys for what you do, not only for this game, but being the people that you are. Absolutely.

[Keith]

Four rings. Hey, dmacc. Also right here, I'm reading the sherb cream pie from dmacc. Brand is my favorite strain ever. Boom.

[Darren McCarty]

My fave shrimp cream pie is my favorite out of the back. That's from Spenmo racks. I love that.

[Keith]

I love it. All right, we'll talk to you soon. What a guy. And honest, I'm glad the chat was kind of going off like, dude, tomorrow. Ten years sober. Keith and I have a buddy just got a year. My dad just got three years. That's like an incredible, incredible accomplishment. And to show what type of guy he is, he shout note all the guys in the back. Similar to the way you do biz at Woodward Sports. Like that guy. The realest of all time.

[Merle]

Because the guys like that who set the example for us, Shane Doane would have done that. Yan's would have done that. Adrian, a coin would have done that. What a.

[Keith]

Surprise guest buddy. We just got a sandbagger out of that.

[Merle]

Yeah. Me and G have been working hard to kind of surprise you guys. And ultimately it's about you and also the fans. And I'm just. Even though Red Wings fans have been very mean.

[Keith]

No, they gotta, like, they're gonna be. They gotta love you. Hey, that made up for their. Their drumming by the Blackhawks yesterday. I think they're all a little happier now hearing from the legend himself. So that's awesome. Before we wrap up, I. I did want to bring up what was kind of a weird story in Philly, and it is a weird story. Can we play this clip I sent over to you? G. About. Hold on one second for one sec. The Flyers. There's a Flyers fan base or partly group of the Flyers fans who are furious with Sean Katerier, who think that he threw Matt Bay Mitchkov kind of under the bus. And you'll hear these quotes and we'll just address it after. But play the video.

[Merle]

Threw him under the bus about what, though?

[Keith]

His game. Just listen to this.

[John Gruden]

Yeah, he's a great goal scorer and has a lot of skill.

[Keith]

I think you just got to find.

[John Gruden]

A way to contribute to helping the.

[Darren McCarty]

Team win in other ways.

[Keith]

When.

[Darren McCarty]

When you're struggling, you're not always going.

[John Gruden]

To be scoring goals every game. So, you know, I thought he's.

[Darren McCarty]

I've seen improvement in the way he's.

[Keith]

He's, you know, not cheating as much.

[Darren McCarty]

And being on the right side of.

[John Gruden]

Pucks and, you know, I'm sure it's a little different for him, but, you.

[Keith]

Know, if he sticks to playing, you.

[John Gruden]

Know, more the right way, I think it's going to be better for the team overall.

[Merle]

Have you sensed a weight off his shoulders a little bit after scoring that goal in Nashville and then tonight as well?

[John Gruden]

I think so. I think you can tell tonight he.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

Was trying to make a lot of plays with the puck, holding on to the puck.

[John Gruden]

So, yeah, I think he's definitely, you.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

Know, feeling good about himself.

[Merle]

I. A couple things here. It's like you're asking another guy about another guy on the team, which is kind of like, I guess, like, other than like, teeing him up to pump a guy's tires, it's clear that Meov has kind of been going through something. Now, keep in mind, he showed up for his teammates this year out of shape. Okay, that's confirmed. So that shows to you what he thinks of showing up to camp and how he should be treating his teammates given the fact that they're relying on him heavily. Another thing. I said all that exact same about Connor Bernard last year when he wasn't doing the little details and the things that mattered as part of the game. Because when you're not getting the offense, you know, one and one every night, where else are you helping the team win? Well, maybe you made a couple good plays inside your blue line. To get the puck out. And they're little simple minor details that help you win hockey games. So everything I heard from him was probably just like, you know, we're working with this guy to figure out the North American game and how to win hockey games at the next level, kind of why am I being asked about him? But if I'm being asked about him, I'm going to be 100 honest and truthful about it. So whoever those small fan base is can lick my cornhole.

[Keith]

Yeah. And. And they. That clip was the one that was kind of going viral within Florida Flyers, Twitter. It didn't like the whole question was actually asked. Like he got off the Schneider. I think it gets the Predators. He had a tough start and then he had scored again that night. I don't. Was it the Wild? I don't remember who he scored that goal against, but there was kind of more to it. It wasn't like he was just like saying, oh, we need more from him or he's got to do more when he's not scoring. And he's also the captain of the team. And I think there are times Flyers fans have this thing about Michkov that like he. You can't.

[John Gruden]

Touchable.

[Merle]

You can't. You can't say he's got a choppy stride.

[Keith]

I've said that and they despise me for it. But it's like you can't say anything about him. And anytime he doesn't play 20 minutes, they're all over whoever the coach is. You got to play them more. You got to play them or you're going to ruin them. And Mechkov had come out and said after last season that he liked playing for Tortorella. And he hasn't really said anything bad about. Not anything bad at all about Talk it he. Apparently he was in. I don't know if it was a car accident or something happened in Dubai and the details are murky, but he wasn't training or skating for three or four months in the off season, which led to the coming in out of shape and not really ready to go. Talk had mentioned that last game was the fastest he had looked for for this entire season. He's an incredibly skilled player, but right now, as a young, skilled goal star.

[Merle]

What'S he doing in Dubai dumping on chick's chest?

[Keith]

I don't know. Russians love Dubai and a bunch of KHL imports. A bunch of imports, they take their break, they go to Dubai making that.

[Merle]

Russian Dubai chocolate combo.

[Keith]

I think you're going there on your own right now. I'm not saying that. I'm just saying he was in Dubai. And my thing with Mitchkov is like, you cannot cheat the game. Like, and there's nights you want Flyers fans. If you can't admit to me that you watch some nights, he's on the wrong side of the puck. The puck is coming up the wall. He's hoping to maybe poke, check it by the defenseman and get a two on one or a breakaway. No, you got to stop in front of the defense and get the puck out. And he doesn't do it all the time. And I think Talkett's noticed it, and I think Couturier's noticed it. And when you're not scoring a goal, two goals a game, you can't do that. You can get away with. You want to score 55.

[Merle]

And if that's how you have to cheat the game in order to get your offense, you're not helping anyone. No, it's the same re I.

[G]

Literally, if you are, you better be scoring 50.

[Keith]

Yes.

[Biz (Dave Portnoy)]

Yeah.

[Merle]

Yeah.

[G]

And Couturier, like you said, wit, he has never cheated the game once in his life. Like, he is a really reliable player. And I played with Coots. Like, he's obviously French. Like, it might come off like he's talking smack, but he's not at all. And Coots would be saying that same exact stuff to his face. That he is the most. One of the most honest guys you ever played with. That I ever played with. Tells you how it is, how you look like, even if he's not playing well, like, he's almost like an extension of the coaches in there. Like, he is a great leader. And if anything, Meov should be listening to him and being like, okay, if he's saying it, I need to get better. And I'm sure he is.

[Merle]

And I bet you that all Coots did was probably reiterate exactly what Talket has said at probably a press conference and saying that you don't think that Coots and talk are having conversations about how. How to help mold this guy into what they need for winning hockey. Like, it's. Buddy, it's this, it's. Yeah, it's fires. Fans think you know what it is.

[Keith]

Nobody against them.

[Merle]

It's like, dude, it's sensitivity to the fact that they lost Cutter. He's off lighting it up. Bedard's lighting it up. Maxella Brini's lighting it up. Leo Carlson's lighting it up. How come our guy isn't.

[Keith]

Oh, they need their guy. They like they've had in their mind we have our superstar and I think at times you don't see it and it's rattling to them. But if you say, hey, this kid doesn't look great right now, they scream in your face.

[Merle]

So that's what Buddy Hawks fans still DM me and message me about like, oh yeah, pond hockey. It's like, bud, that's how you're, that's how he was playing last year. Completely different. And now he's having success and you didn't have the balls to tell him. All you want to do is glaze him when he was throwing 40 foot saucer passes. Are we getting batted down going the other way for chances while they were taking penalties on them?

[Biz (Dave Portnoy)]

Come on.

[Keith]

We want to shout out Rasmus. Darlene. We talked about his wife needing just an insane, like it was, it was her heart. A very scary thing this summer. He went back home to Sweden. I don't think his, his return. There's a, there's a timetable on his return, but just want to shout him out and his wife and his family going through what they're going through. Also, did you see the clip of Joe Thornton reading the lineup for the. His old junior team, the St. Thomas Stars, where he came up? He was getting emotional. He even said, like, I'm gonna. Let's. Oh, I didn't know we had it.

[G]

Nice.

[Keith]

Play this.

[Hockey Analyst (possibly a Bruins or NHL analyst)]

We can't play the clip. We're just showing the screenshots.

[Keith]

Okay, well, he went, he went in, read the lineup off and, and I think he knew one of the kids. He was kind of saying, what's up to him? And that's his jacket biz from when he was a little kid for the same time. So he came in and you could tell like there's been another clip of him. When he found out Matthews wore his jersey to the game, he's like, oh, and there's another.

[Darren McCarty]

Probably the best he's ever looked.

[Keith]

And then he said, what does it mean to, to you to be in the hall of Fame? He's like, it means you're awesome. Like, the guy is just, he's full of all time white whale for us. I hope it works out. We gotta get celebrity and Smith to stay on him. But Duncan Keith was on the panel for TSN with Jeff o' Neill and had a, you know, funny line. He said it's, well, not a funny line. He said the hardest player he ever played against. That was the question. O dog said Scott Stevens and Zidane Ochara and Duncan Keith was like Connor McDavid. He's like, it wasn't even, wasn't even close. Like, I'd never seen speed like that. So that was cool and should be a very special night. Shout out Jack Parker, once again. I can't wait to hear his speech. He crushes speeches and biz peak. It's coming out. Talk about that. And also after, before that, sorry, can we play the trailer for the Chiclets Club vlog that's coming out? This is probably the most intense off ice playoff NHL, AHL hockey I've ever seen.

[John Gruden]

Like it.

[Keith]

It's, it's, it's vicious. We are not worthy. You're big. You're big. You gotta stay big.

[John Gruden]

You gotta breathe.

[Hockey Analyst (possibly a Bruins or NHL analyst)]

All right.

[Keith]

This is grown men playing hockey. That'll fire you up. Got it.

[G]

Go.

[Keith]

Busy, busy. That's a great video. I can't wait. G. Is that. Is that Thursday? Wednesday this week?

[Hockey Analyst (possibly a Bruins or NHL analyst)]

That drops tomorrow at noon.

[Keith]

Nice. Tuesday at noon. Tuesday at noon. Then we got game notes, Wednesday at noon and biz. Talk to me about peeking. I've seen Donnie had different tweets. You guys have switched it a couple times.

[Merle]

Listen, like, I also hadn't seen episode two until recently. So it was about an hour and a half in length because we ended up doing that special hike at the end with, with Tyler Chaser that David Vora. So after consuming everything they're. It's jam packed enough where now we're going to do three episodes. So it's great. We're going to have one dropping for Whistler, we're going to have one dropping for Tofino and then the third one is like halfway down down the island when we leave to Fino. And it's a place called Moat Lake. And that's where we met up for that very special final hike with, with the amputees. So we're going to be dropping episode one of peaking and these will be about between like around like 40 to 50 minutes in length, maybe a little bit more. So each around close to an hour. Episode one will drop November 19th, episode two will drop November 25th, and then episode three, December 5th. So we'll give everybody a little bit of time to consume each one. And then yeah, I'm. I'm super fired up. Like each, like I said, each episode has its own feel to it. It's its own energy and, and there's a lot going on. So probably one of the most proud things I've ever been a part of and releasing and shout out to Tyler Corey Wonton. For editing it. And you know, I'm sorry we had to change things up. But when you finally see it, it makes sense to you. And then you can kind of make the decision on how to roll it out. And we didn't want to jam everybody out with a. With an hour and a half long video as the second episode. And it works out. It's three different locations. So I'm fired up. And then also the sandbagger is coming out. What date is that coming out on? We talked about it earlier. It's a 3V3.

[John Gruden]

Yeah.

[G]

Bruins.

[Stoff (Bob Stauffer)]

The Bruins.

[Keith]

Boy Krug and Tuka. Tuko. Tuka came back. He had some payback for us, right? That's November 20th. That's coming out. Then we'll have two more sandbaggers for before the end of the year. We'll have three Chiclets. You before the end of the year. So we're trying to bring you guys content. Game notes is crushing it. I don't know if you guys saw. Army is kind of calling guys out and they're immediately scoring. So Army's got this new thing where I believe he. He mentioned boom, goal. And then Landis Scott got one. They called it back. I don't know if he has one yet, but army called somebody else who scored. So. Shout out the game notes, boys. Shout out Ra for getting us Jeff Blash. He was awesome. Darren McCarty. Great job, Biz. We got the stuff, man. We always need the stuff, man. Edmonton's gonna get it going against Columbus tonight. And what else?

[Merle]

I was just gonna ask G. I don't know if he can pull it up now to play the peing trailer too, since you guys played the other the. The chick behind the scenes. So it'd be fun to just see if we got the peaking trailer. But other than that, boys, that was a jam packed show. I had a blast hanging with you boys. Dmax a legend. BL is doing an incredible job in Chicago. So we covered that. And then the Oilers.

[G]

I think that thirst trap stuff.

[Merle]

I.

[Keith]

Think rose right when he said the Oilers. It makes him freeze up. That's how scared he is of the Oilers being a Leafs fan. Wild got to get things going. Maybe we'll chat about the Wild when we record on Thursday for Friday's show. But gee, can we play that? Biz just put that we. We don't have to pick a trailer. We will run it. We will run it next week. I think business is frozen right there. Look at that guy. Look at that nose. Jesus Christ. Everyone have an awesome awesome rest of the week. Check out game notes Thursday and we will be back.