Spittin’ Chiclets Episode 620: Featuring T.J. Oshie
Date: February 13, 2026
Hosts: Ryan Whitney, Paul Bissonnette, Rear Admiral, Mike Grinnell
Special Guest: T.J. Oshie
Episode Overview
This episode dives deep into the first round of men's and women's hockey at the 2026 Milan Olympics, the drama around Team Canada’s accommodations, lively debates about player selection, and a nuanced, wide-ranging interview with American Olympic hero T.J. Oshie. The show also delivers its signature banter, wild stories from the Olympic village, and an irreverent take on trending sports and pop culture topics.
Key Topics & Segments
1. Canada–USA Rivalry & Olympic Village Drama
Timestamps: 02:00–17:00
- The guys open with heated, hilarious banter about the Canada-USA men’s hockey team rivalry, ignited further by news that Team Canada is not staying in the Olympic Village, opting for a luxury hotel.
- Paul Bissonnette (Biz) (03:44): “This’ll be my biggest talking point: too good for the Olympic village.”
- **Ryan Whitney pokes fun at Canadian “prima donnas” and discusses superstitions and routines.
- The crew debates if Team Canada’s decision offers a real competitive edge.
- Wild rumors abound: an STD outbreak, performance-enhancing skiers, Red Bull-fueled Swedes.
- Both teams exchange social media jabs—with much laughter—about snarky chirping and national pride.
- Biz (07:44): “If we met in the finals, we’re gonna fucking bend you so fucking far over. No spit, no lube, sandpaper finish.”
2. Olympic Hockey Game Breakdowns
Timestamps: 09:00–48:00
Team Canada Impresses
- Detailed breakdown of Canada’s dominant win over the Czechs:
- Celebrini, McDavid, McKinnon, and Crosby light up the scoresheet.
- Tom Wilson brings physical edge.
- Josh Morrissey leaves with injury; panel discusses impact.
- Biz calls goaltender Jordan Binnington a “big game goalie.”
- Biz (14:35): “McDavid called Wilson ‘forecheck God’...It was like, Eddie Murphy-level comedy line.”
- Panel praises Canada’s ability to roll four “superstar” lines.
- Whitney (11:23): “You’re literally looking at guys who may go down as the best ever, just connecting on goals.”
- Leadership nuggets: how stars like McDavid lift guys like Tom Wilson to another level.
Team USA Insights
- USA detail: Two goals called back vs. Latvia; game closer than score suggests.
- Offside and soft goalie interference highlight Olympic rule quirks.
- Jack Hughes’ performance—debate over his Olympic selection and injury absence from NHL team.
- Devils social media cuts Quinn Hughes out of a brothers photo; Pasha explains the bizarre running “joke.”
- Standout U.S. players: Tage Thompson, Brock Nelson, Noah Hanifin, Larkin line, Hughes brothers, Tkachuk brothers.
3. Olympic Women’s Hockey & Atmosphere
Timestamps: 31:06–33:33
- The U.S. women’s team dominates Canada, signaling a potential changing of the guard.
- U.S. leans into youth and speed; Canada brings veteran roster.
- Biz (31:47): “Some of them might be bigger than the Latvian men...Layla Edwards...”
- Both women’s teams opt for hotel over village.
- Raucous atmospheres in Milan venues—Italy’s surprising competitiveness thrills home fans.
4. Other Olympic Hockey Storylines
Timestamps: 53:00–63:31
- Slovakia upsets Finland, with Juraj Slafkovsky starring again.
- Germany beats Denmark (31).
- Sweden narrowly overcomes host Italy; Italian goalie Damian Clara wows before injury.
- Odd coaching decisions: Forsberg and OEL barely used (or scratched) for Sweden.
5. Commercial Break (Skip)
Ads and sponsorship reads omitted.
Featured Interview: T.J. Oshie
Timestamps: 71:04–120:00
On NHL to Olympic Broadcast Booth (71:25–74:10)
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Oshie reflects humorously on feeling awkward as a TV rookie, especially on timing analysis “between the benches.”
Oshie (71:25): "I can honestly tell you I feel comfortable 0% of the time when I’m speaking, I feel like I speak too slow. My thoughts don’t come to me fast enough… but it’s always fun being on the show."
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Contrasts in what you see at ice level vs. up high.
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Staggered by the younger generation’s speed, “the acceleration, the edges... my hips would be shredded if I skated now like these kids.”
On Olympic Experience and Team Camaraderie (76:26–84:00)
- Packing for the Olympics: “Deck of cards and a bunch of cash.” Would pack more snacks next time.
- The difference between NHL and Olympic hockey—less space, every line like facing an NHL top line.
On Team Building & Chemistry (84:58–89:00)
- Deep admiration for team chemistry, even with new teammates in single-elimination tournaments.
- Camaraderie stories: warming up Barrett Jackman’s bed as a rookie, team-wide card games on the bus.
- Oshie (79:11): “Jackman’d make a joke, ‘Go warm up my bed,’ and I went and did it. I was a super-rookie.”
On NHL Player Intelligence vs. Skill (85:11–89:52)
- The need for smarter players, not just more skilled ones.
- Importance of situational awareness and older mentors: “So many skilled, fast kids, but their heads...they just don’t know where everyone is. The more info you have, the better your decisions.”
- Celebrates Macklin Celebrini’s work ethic and hockey IQ—reminds Oshie of his college self.
On NHL Power Play & Team USA Roster Talk (99:07–104:04)
- Favors Quinn Hughes running the U.S. top power play unit for his poise and ability to keep pucks alive.
Olympic Legacy and ‘Once-in-a-Lifetime’ Opportunity (95:25–96:54)
- Cautions U.S. players to “leave it all out there” because another chance may never come.
- Oshie (95:25): “I really didn’t think that was the last time I was going to play in the Olympics – and it was.”
Team USA’s Shot at Canada, “Stanley Cup Pedigree” (92:36–94:53)
- Sees Team USA as closer than ever to Canada on paper—but highlights the Canadian roster’s overwhelming Stanley Cup experience and the importance of “big-game DNA.”
- Oshie (92:36): “Every game…is like a Game 7. Who’s going to show up in those moments?”
Olympic Memories & Pop Culture
- Shares a fun anecdote about filming a Super Bowl commercial with Kurt Russell as “Herb Brooks.”
- Oshie (108:44): “Kurt Russell’s at the bar…dressed as this mythical ski instructor guy...Standing next to Chloe Kim and Kurt Russell—just like in a maze. That’s my only part but still—really cool.”
Panel Riffs & Memorable Moments
NHL Game Flow vs. Olympic Flow (64:57–68:35)
- Loud panel consensus: Fewer commercial breaks at the Olympics makes for a far better watching experience.
- Biz (65:00): “The flow of the game, so much better…NHL owners need to watch that product.”
- Intermission traditions, game presentation changes post-COVID.
Oshawa Generals’ “Stinky Fans” Scandal (123:38–128:50)
- Team emails season ticket holders to address body odor crisis in the arena.
- Whitney: “Imagine your wife seeing that email…‘Babe, it’s not everybody…’”
- Wide-ranging hygiene advice ensues; Biz gives a passionate screed about hygiene and shower routines.
Barstool Mincey Plane Debacle (143:02–152:38)
- The crew erupts over Ben Mintz’s “airplane splay-out” viral incident.
- Whitney unloads a loathing rant: “He never apologizes...he doesn’t do anything to me but...the way he goes through life—it just drives me nuts. Everything that he does is just inconsiderate to others constantly...”
- Calls for Mintz to fight in Rough N’ Rowdy against RA.
Olympic Highlights & Social Moments
Timestamps: 53:00, 141:10
- Norwegian biathlete gives awkward medal confession—admits on-air to cheating on girlfriend, hoping to win her back.
- Snoop Dogg’s antics at the Olympics (“sledding, wearing huge ‘Snoop’ USA jackets”) amuse the panel.
- French figure skating judges accused of blatant bias, allegedly stealing gold from Americans with suspect scoring.
- Whitney: “Blatant cheating. There needs to be an inquiry.”
- Italy puts up a heroic fight against Sweden in men’s hockey; home crowd goes wild.
RA’s World: Quick Notes & Classic Picks
Timestamps: 130:00–155:42
- Gold medal game will be 3-on-3 overtime, no shootout.
- Discussion of pressure differences: Stanley Cup Final OT vs. Olympic OT.
- Whitney: “When you’re playing, you’re not nervous. When you’re sitting on the bench, you’re a fan and ass-puckered up.”
- U.S. Women’s team celebrated for skill, speed, future dominance.
- Shout-out to Swiss goalie Leonardo Genoni (38) for Olympic shutout.
- Movie rec: “Witness” (1985, Harrison Ford).
Notable Quotes
- Biz (07:44): “If we met in the finals, we’re gonna fucking bend you so fucking far over. No spit, no lube, sandpaper finish.”
- Oshie (95:25): “You never know when it’ll be your last Olympics. Leave it all out there.”
- Whitney (151:04): “Fat, dumb, and stupid is no way to go through life.”
- Biz (14:35): “McDavid called Wilson ‘forecheck God’...Eddie Murphy-level Comedy line.”
Essential Timestamps
- 02:00 – Start of Canada–USA chirps & Olympic Village debate
- 09:15 – Canada vs. Czechia game breakdown
- 17:27 – Analysis: Tom Wilson and physical play
- 29:53 – Women's hockey segment
- 43:10 – USA player standouts & lines
- 53:00 – Slovakia and other Olympic upsets
- 59:26 – Sweden–Italy recap
- 71:04 – Start of T.J. Oshie interview
- 95:25 – Oshie on Olympic legacy advice
- 123:38 – Panel riffs: Oshawa Generals hygiene scandal
- 143:02 – Mincey airplane viral story/rant
- 155:42 – Closing, teasers for next episode
Tone & Style
The episode is classic Chiclets: raucous, irreverently honest, and heavy on inside jokes and panel chemistry, mixing expert hockey insight with laugh-out-loud banter. The Oshie interview adds heartfelt, humble perspective.
For New Listeners:
- Get ready for fast-paced, highly opinionated conversation with real insight on the Ice—especially the Olympic tournament.
- If you’re an NHL/Olympic hockey fan, don’t miss the T.J. Oshie interview (71:04–120:00).
- If you love sports and ridiculous side-stories, tune in for the viral news (Oshawa Generals, Mintzy, Norwegian biathlete) and sharp panel takes throughout.
Full episode and more available at Spittin’ Chiclets.
