Spittin' Chiclets Episode 614: Featuring Rob Blake

Summary of Spittin' Chiclets Episode 614: Featuring Rob Blake

by Barstool Sports

2h 44m•January 23, 2026
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Overview of Spittin' Chiclets Episode 614: Featuring Rob Blake

This episode (recorded in-person in L.A. and released Jan 2026) mixes locker-room banter, NHL news and hot takes, plus a long sit-down with Hall of Famer Rob Blake. Hosts (Biz, Whitney and crew) hit current NHL storylines (Olympics, injuries, trades, goalie play, viral moments), personal anecdotes from the road, and an in-depth career conversation with Blake — covering his farm upbringing, Bowling Green, early LA years, the move to Colorado and the 2001 Stanley Cup, plus his post-playing roles (management, youth development, training/skills). The episode also includes sponsor spots, promo codes and product plugs.

Key segments & structure

  • Opening banter: Pink Whitney, Barstool life updates, tour dates (Coast to Coast, Penn State), Netflix availability updates.
  • Hockey news & hot takes: NHL injuries, Olympics roster changes, goalie fights, breakout players and team hot streaks.
  • Viral/locker-room moments: warm-up rituals, goalie fight clip, Garnet Hathaway empty-net blunder.
  • Long-form interview: Rob Blake (career, Hall of Fame, Olympics, Stanley Cup, youth hockey, front-office lessons).
  • Recap / promos: Skills × Spittin' Chiclets training aids, Roback apparel coupon, Prime Monday Night Hockey / Paramount+ promos.

Top takeaways — hockey news & analysis

  • NHL Olympic roster change: Seth Jones out of the U.S. Olympic team; Jackson LaCombe (often referenced as “Jackson Lacombe” in the convo) named as replacement. Discussion of roster fit (size vs. puck-moving ability) and Montreal/Canadiens fan reaction re: Lane Hudson.
  • Goalie fight social-media moment: Hosts praised the Nedeljkovich vs. “Bob” (Bobrovsky) goalie scrap — credited for emotion and team spark. Hosts want leagues to embrace big moments (goalie fights > goalie goals).
  • Breakout goalies: Brandon Bussi / “the Bussy” — incredible hot stretch (18 wins in first 22 starts historically notable). Praise for his skating and rebound control; ascent from signing/waivers to starter.
  • Luke Hughes injury concern: Serious right-shoulder injury to Luke Hughes (Devils); hosts and guest Pasha discussed rehab vs. surgery timing and long-term career concerns. Jack Hughes also reported not fully right (top-hand), compounding Devils’ worries.
  • Player snubs & Olympic debate: Jason Robertson left off U.S. roster (alongside Cole Caulfield/Jason Robertson/Brinkett talk). Hosts debate merit and USA staff’s resistance to outside pressure (Billy G’s approach).
  • Team notes:
    • Tampa Bay Lightning: credited for strong retooling; Cooper-era turnaround praised.
    • Carolina Hurricanes: Brandon Bussi impression, team depth.
    • Pittsburgh Penguins: surprising resurgence (Crosby, Malkin renewed form). Rumors of Malkin’s willingness to take pay cut for a one-year deal; Penguins balancing cap/roster.
    • San Jose Sharks: trade for Kiefer Sherwood — viewed as a sensible, cheap scoring add.
    • Dallas Stars: Jason Robertson’s contract-year breakout discussed (potential trade bait; RFA market value).
    • Florida Panthers: travel/schedule issues hurting results; Bill Zito’s leadership discussed.
  • Viral plays & memes:
    • Garnet Hathaway empty-net blunder (quicksand/hesitation) — hosts both laughed and sympathized; archetypal “you live with it” blooper.
    • Noted appreciation for intangible veteran value (e.g., Ryan Nugent-Hopkins’ 1,000th game with Edmonton — celebrated as rare franchise longevity).

Rob Blake interview — highlights

  • Career summary (key points Rob mentions):
    • Grew up on a farm in Simcoe, Ontario; learned hockey on the pond.
    • Junior & college path: Stratford (junior B) → Bowling Green (NCAA). Late bloomer who chose college over jumping early to major junior.
    • Drafted, developed in LA; early mentors included Marty McSorley and Wayne Gretzky; later trade to Colorado and Stanley Cup with Avalanche (2001).
    • NHL totals noted by hosts: lengthy career (over 1,200 NHL games referenced).
    • Post-playing: front-office work with Kings, emphasis on player development and youth hockey, involvement with Skills training aids.
  • On playing style & preparation:
    • Shoulder injuries early in career shaped his defensive/hitting style (learned to use hip checks and positioning).
    • Warm-up routines: rob’s process and how copying other greats (e.g., Nick Lidstrom) helped him prepare mentally and physically.
    • Gretzky’s influence: anecdote — Gretzky demanded shooters “hit the net” (a clear expectation for NHL shooters).
  • Management & development philosophy:
    • Passion for development work; importance of simple fundamentals (“do it the farmer’s way” mentality).
    • Recounted Manchester/OHL/AHL development stories; praised the Kings’ development pipeline and staff who emphasize teaching “what I wish I knew when I played.”
  • Olympic & Stanley Cup memories:
    • Nagano (1998) / Salt Lake (2002) reflections: value of being sheltered in the Olympic village; quick transition back to NHL schedules after Olympic success.
    • Winning the Cup in Colorado: pressure and expectations; teammates like Joe Sakic, Peter Forsberg, Adam Foote, Ray Bourque were influential.
  • Practical notes:
    • Still involved in hockey: youth clinics, Skills co-branded training aids (available at Dick’s & Pure Hockey), and encouragement for young players to develop fundamentals and mindset.

Notable quotes & moments

  • “If you want to get it from the best player in the world, make sure you’re hitting the net.” — Rob Blake on Gretzky’s expectations.
  • “Bring back the violence.” — Host’s hot take on hockey toughness and fighting.
  • “Nuge is the only guy to reach 1,000 games with the Oilers.” — Hosts highlight Ryan Nugent‑Hopkins’ franchise longevity and value.
  • Rob Blake on development: “If I knew that when I played…” — the phrase hosts said youth coaches hang above their room.

Viral clips / moments covered

  • Nedeljkovic vs “Bob” (goalie fight) — major social traction.
  • Garnet Hathaway empty-net mishap — widely shared clip; hosts reacted with equal parts sympathy and amusement.
  • Warm-up “aquarium”/TikTok culture: concerns about performative groin stretches and fan behavior filming under glass.

Sponsors, products & promos mentioned

  • Pink Whitney / New Amsterdam: frequent mentions/banter and sponsor plugs.
  • Tropical Smoothie Café: seasonal protein blends.
  • Paramount+ — new UFC home promo (events 324 and 325).
  • Prime Monday Night Hockey on Amazon Prime — upcoming Oilers vs Ducks game promo.
  • Skills × Spittin’ Chiclets hockey training aids — available in-store at Dick’s and Pure Hockey: Universal Shooting Target, Hockey Shooting Trainer, Foam Shooting Targets.
  • Roback apparel: code CHICKLITS for 20% off (RHOBack.com referenced).
  • TaxAct and Pizza Hut spots briefly read in the outro.

Action items / recommendations

  • Watch the Rob Blake interview segment for long-form Hall‑of‑Fame perspective on playing, winning and player development.
  • If you coach or practice hockey: check Skills × Spittin’ Chiclets training aids at Dick’s or Pure Hockey.
  • Streaming / viewing:
    • Spittin’ Chiclets episodes are on Apple/Spotify; recent episodes/series also on Netflix (available in Canada and some international territories per hosts).
    • Prime Video carries Monday Night Hockey (check region restrictions).
    • Paramount+ for upcoming UFC content.
  • Keep an eye on major storylines: Luke Hughes’ recovery timeline, goalie breakouts (Bussi), and Olympic roster developments (potential roster shake-ups).

Quick list of guests & appearances in this episode

  • Main guest: Rob Blake (Hall of Famer, Stanley Cup champion, former Kings/Avalanche defenseman).
  • Live in-studio guests and callers: Pasha (Devils content reference), panel conversation with hosts Biz & Whitney.
  • Mentions of prior/other guests: Tom Brady, Fedorov, Tim Jackman clips referenced as Netflix content.

Final notes

  • Tone: mixture of deep hockey knowledge, humorous locker-room banter, and opinionated hot takes — useful for fans who want both news and personality-driven discussion.
  • Best for: NHL fans who want a single-episode catch-up on recent storylines (Olympics, injuries, breakout players), a long-form Hall‑of‑Fame interview (Rob Blake), and viral/human-interest NHL moments.