Overview of Spittin’ Chiclets Episode 646
This episode is a fast-moving playoff recap heavy on NHL series reactions, with the crew breaking down Colorado’s win over Minnesota, Buffalo vs. Montreal, and Vegas vs. Anaheim, then pivoting into a major Oilers coaching discussion with Bob Stauffer. The conversation also veers into team-building philosophy, injuries, officiating controversies, and a few classic Chicklets-style side stories from R.A. and Army.
Main Playoff Takeaways
Colorado Avalanche vs. Minnesota Wild
- The crew agreed Colorado was simply too deep, too fast, and too dominant to let the series go long.
- Minnesota’s injuries to key players, especially Joel Eriksson Ek and Jonas Brodin, were viewed as the biggest reason the Wild couldn’t finish the series.
- Biz took heat from Wild fans after celebrating Colorado’s overtime winner, but explained he was more relieved the series ended than actively rooting against Minnesota.
- The panel repeatedly stressed that playoff success requires:
- a true No. 1 center
- strong center depth
- multiple mobile defensemen who can handle heavy minutes
- They debated whether Minnesota is a “fraud squad” or just a good team hit hard by injuries. The consensus was closer to “good, but not complete enough yet.”
Buffalo Sabres vs. Montreal Canadiens
- Buffalo’s Game 4 win was framed as a gritty turnaround: they battled through bad bounces, penalties, and what the hosts saw as questionable officiating.
- The Sabres were praised for:
- staying in the game
- getting timely offense
- showing resilience in a hostile building
- Montreal also drew criticism for:
- diving complaints
- inconsistent offensive pressure
- relying heavily on goaltending to hold leads
- R.A.’s in-arena report from Montreal added color:
- electric atmosphere
- confusion on the disallowed goal review
- fans not knowing exactly what was happening until after the fact
- The crew leaned toward Montreal and Buffalo going the distance, with both sides seen as capable of winning the series.
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Anaheim Ducks
- Vegas was praised for its ability to survive stretches where Anaheim looked like the better team.
- Pavel Dorofeyev got major shout-outs for a huge game, including a clutch goal and strong playoff play.
- Jack Eichel was again highlighted as a postseason difference-maker.
- Anaheim’s young talent was discussed, especially:
- Leo Carlsson
- Olen Zellweger
- the impact of lineup changes and injuries
- The crew thought Anaheim had chances, but Vegas’ playoff experience and structure were seen as the edge.
Bob Stauffer on the Edmonton Oilers
Bob Stauffer joined for a long segment focused on Edmonton’s decision to move on from Chris Knoblauch.
Why Edmonton made the coaching change
- Stauffer explained that Knoblauch may have been the right coach at the right time when he arrived, but the team regressed this season.
- He emphasized:
- the Oilers need a coach with experience, structure, and gravitas
- the team’s special teams and defensive structure were not good enough
- McDavid and Draisaitl’s public comments about needing better coaching and adjustment were meaningful
- He framed the move as a “win now” decision with McDavid’s window narrowing.
What kind of coach Edmonton wants
- Stauffer said Edmonton is likely targeting a veteran, proven coach.
- Names discussed included:
- Bruce Cassidy
- Paul Maurice
- Craig Berube
- Todd McLellan in passing as part of coaching comparisons
- He also suggested Edmonton needs a coach who can manage personalities and get buy-in from the roster.
Bigger organizational concerns
- The crew and Stauffer debated whether the issue is coaching or roster construction.
- Key concerns included:
- goaltending inconsistency
- blue line issues
- lack of defensive accountability
- whether management has done enough to support the stars
- The conversation made clear Edmonton is under pressure to maximize a short championship window.
Other Notable Topics
Toronto Maple Leafs
- The Leafs came up as a cautionary tale, with Craig Berube’s situation discussed as another example of a team in transition and under pressure.
Team-building philosophy
- A recurring theme was that championship teams need:
- depth through the middle
- balance across the roster
- buy-in from stars who may take less money
- The hosts repeatedly referenced Florida, Vegas, and Colorado as examples of teams built around structure and depth rather than pure star power.
R.A.’s Montreal adventure
- R.A. delivered a very funny side story from Montreal:
- got briefly threatened in a bathroom by a stranger
- accidentally sat in a legendary Yvon Cournoyer seat at the Bell Centre
- described the atmosphere, food, and postgame scene in detail
- He also admitted to being in the arena for the controversial goal review and the overall chaos of the night.
Recommendations / What to Watch Next
- Keep an eye on:
- Edmonton’s coaching hire
- whether Montreal/Buffalo continues to trade wins in a long series
- whether Vegas closes out Anaheim or gets pushed deeper
- The hosts clearly expect the playoff picture to keep shifting, but they believe:
- Colorado remains a favorite
- Edmonton is in a critical offseason
- Buffalo/Montreal is still one of the most entertaining series on the board
Final Take
This episode was classic Chicklets: playoff analysis, hard takes, coaching drama, and lots of personality. The biggest story was Edmonton’s coaching change, but the most entertaining stretch was the back-and-forth over Minnesota’s injuries, Colorado’s dominance, and the ongoing chaos of the Buffalo-Montreal series.