Overview of Spittin’ Chiclets Episode 648
Episode 648 is a playoff-heavy NHL episode that opens with a deep dive into the conference finals, especially the Golden Knights-Avalanche matchup and the Canadiens-Hurricanes preview, before shifting into a long, insightful interview with Montreal Canadiens president Jeff Gorton. The crew also touches on Buffalo’s playoff exit, coaching news around the league, and a few quick-hit hockey storylines.
Playoff Breakdown: Vegas vs. Colorado
Key themes
- The hosts were very high on Vegas’s depth, structure, and ability to win with contributions from role players as well as stars.
- Colorado’s biggest issue, in their view, was the absence of Cale Makar, which they felt was far more damaging than Vegas missing Mark Stone.
- They emphasized that Vegas was:
- winning battles in the house,
- blocking a ton of shots,
- getting strong goaltending,
- and benefiting from a complete, balanced lineup.
Colorado concerns
- The Avalanche were criticized for not getting enough traffic or second-chance opportunities around the net.
- The panel felt Colorado looked less threatening without Makar’s breakout ability and power-play quarterbacking.
- They also noted Colorado’s top players, especially Nathan MacKinnon and Nazem Kadri, needed more impact in key moments.
Vegas standouts
- The Knights were praised for elite team speed, strong fourth-line play, and constant pressure.
- Mitch Marner was highlighted as a playoff force, with the crew marveling at his point production, takeaways, and overall impact.
- Brett Howden and other depth players got major credit for timely scoring and reliable minutes.
Canadiens vs. Hurricanes Preview
Montreal’s surprising run
- The hosts praised Montreal’s resilience after multiple Game 7 wins and called out how young the roster is.
- They pointed out that the Canadiens are playing with a “no pressure” feel, which may actually help them against Carolina’s more seasoned, structured group.
Why Montreal is dangerous
- Montreal’s speed and transition game were described as a strong matchup against Carolina’s forecheck-heavy style.
- The Canadiens’ younger players may be benefiting from not fully understanding the pressure of the moment.
- The panel repeatedly mentioned the team’s belief, confidence, and the city’s energy.
Carolina’s challenge
- Carolina was framed as the more complete and rested team, but there was concern about whether the layoff would cause rust.
- The opening 10 minutes were identified as critical: if Carolina starts fast at home, Montreal could be in trouble early.
Buffalo’s Exit and What Comes Next
Game 7 takeaways
- Buffalo was said to have played well enough to win Game 7 but lacked enough finishing and goaltending consistency.
- The crew felt the Sabres’ season should still be viewed as a major success, given how much they improved and how connected the room looked.
Future building blocks
- They discussed:
- Tage Thompson and whether he’ll take a team-friendly deal,
- Owen Power as a long-term core piece,
- the strong young defense group,
- and the uncertain future of Buffalo’s goaltending situation.
Jeff Gorton Interview: Building a Contender
The interview with Canadiens president Jeff Gorton was one of the main highlights of the episode.
Background and career path
- Gorton talked about starting in hockey at the bottom of the organization, working in PR, scouting, stats, video, and other entry-level roles.
- He stressed the importance of learning every part of an NHL organization from the ground up.
Montreal’s identity
- Gorton said the team’s success comes from:
- a strong young core,
- a coach players want to play for,
- and a clear organizational direction.
- He praised Martin St. Louis for his communication, energy, and ability to keep things from getting stale.
- He also highlighted Nick Suzuki as the calm, steady captain whose leadership has been crucial.
Key roster-building decisions
- Gorton discussed:
- drafting and developing young players,
- making bold trades for core pieces,
- and adding players like Noah Dobson to accelerate the rebuild.
- He stressed that the team wanted impact players who fit the age timeline, not just future assets.
Players discussed
- Lane Hutson was singled out for his elite work ethic, motor, and puck-winning ability.
- Jake Evans was praised as a versatile, dependable, low-drama player.
- Josh Anderson was described as a playoff weapon and a difficult player to handle.
- Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook were also discussed as important parts of the young core.
Culture and leadership
- Gorton emphasized that winning teams need strong relationships, trust, and room for players to speak honestly.
- He said the most rewarding part of the job is hearing players have fun and enjoy the process after wins.
Other Hockey News and Quick Hits
- Bruce Cassidy / Vegas: The crew discussed the controversy around Vegas reportedly blocking Cassidy from talking to division rivals, and whether coaches should have more freedom in contract exits.
- Vancouver coaching search: Adam Foote’s departure and the likelihood of Manny Malhotra getting the job came up.
- New hockey media content: They mentioned a documentary project on Gavin McKenna and praised the production quality.
- PWHL note: Montreal’s Walter Cup win was briefly shouted out as another positive sign for the city’s hockey buzz.
Main Takeaways
- Vegas’s depth and structure were viewed as championship-level, especially if Colorado remains without Makar.
- Montreal’s youth, confidence, and transition game make them a legitimate threat against Carolina.
- Buffalo’s exit was disappointing, but the organization appears to be heading in the right direction.
- Jeff Gorton’s interview reinforced that the Canadiens are building patiently but aggressively, with a clear emphasis on youth, culture, and fit.
Notable Lines / Ideas
- “Rest vs. rust” was the key framing for Carolina entering the series.
- The crew repeatedly praised players who “just go about their business” and don’t need a lot of external hype.
- Gorton’s overarching message: successful teams are built by people who buy in, trust each other, and keep improving together.