Spits & Suds Podcast

Host Gavin Spittle and NHL Insider Sean Shapiro discuss Elite Prospects’ annual print magazine, unpack the Connor Hellebuyck presser and analyze the Central Division race. Plus, they look at Steven Stamkos’ strong showing in Nashville, discuss the newest class of Hockey Hall of Fame eligibles, and break down all four new PWHL expansion teams.

Remi Poirier is back with the Dallas Stars after being claimed off waivers. Robert Tiffin (NHL.com, StarsThoughts.com) joins host Gavin Spittle to break down the waiver process and explain why Dallas can’t send Poirier directly to the AHL—he must stay on the NHL roster or be placed back on waivers.

They also discuss Trey Taylor’s reassignment to the AHL, though Robert cautions that the move doesn’t necessarily signal Miro Heiskanen’s return just yet. Later, they look at Sam Steel’s recent five-game slump and discuss how Glen Gulutzan remains confident the Stars offense is due for a breakout. Finally, the guys wrap up the show with New Jersey’s controversial decision to sit Connor Hellebuyck for his return to Winnipeg on Tuesday.

NHL Insider Sean Shapiro joins Gavin Spittle. Casey DeSmith draws the start tonight against Columbus. Sean says load managing Jake Oettinger to ensure he is completely healthy and ready for a playoff run at the end of the season is the correct approach. The guys transition to the Plano voters rejecting the Dallas Stars arena funding under Proposition A. They wrap with various countries opting out or refusing to play against Russia in IIHF competitions.

Joey Erickson from Locked On Stars joins Gavin Spittle on today’s Spits and Suds. The guys recap the Stars 6-5 win against Washington Tuesday night. If Heiskanen is out for a while with an injury, Joey and Gavin discuss potential defenseman pairings. They transition to the standings 15 games in. Regarding Jason Robertson, the guys break down the different scenarios the Stars could face. Joey, the voice of the Corpus Christi IceRays, says to keep an eye on their goaltender Yegor Batsokin.

Dallas holds on to a 6-5 win against the Capitals behind Jason Robertson’s natural hat trick. Host Gavin Spittle and David Castillo from Stars Stack recap the win. They start with Robertson’s hat trick and then transition to Washington’s comeback effort from down 4 to nothing. Miro Heiskanen left the game with an injury and will be evaluated, David points out when Heiskanen misses time, this team really struggles. If Heiskanen has to miss time, the guys give their opinion on what the defensive pairings should be. They go through tweets from the Sudsies to wrap. 

The Dallas Stars unveiled their new uniform. Gavin Spittle and Sean Shapiro give their thoughts on the look for the Stars' new Hometown Remix uniform and all of the teams in the NHL. They give their thoughts on the win against Columbus. They evaluate the trade Dallas attempted for Zach Werenski, which he declined. Moving onto the Dylan Larkin drama, Sean updates what has developed with Larkin and the Red Wings, and discusses Nikita Kucherov wanting out of Tampa Bay. Sean says the Stars should figure out the Jason Robertson situation.

A 5-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens for the Stars. Gavin Spittle recaps the game. The Stars are getting dominated by the speed of their opponents in the last two games. Gavin points out that they aren’t being physical enough and aren’t winning puck battles. Jakub Dobes was not challenged enough by the Stars offense. It had been 9 days since he was in net and the Stars didn’t test him or create traffic in front of the net.

The Athletic’s Jesse Granger joins Gavin Spittle to discuss his latest piece, “A subtle movement has helped Jake Oettinger be the NHL’s top goalie.” Jesse breaks down the technical adjustment in Oettinger’s game driving his early-season success, how the Stars netminder holds himself to an elite standard, and what he’s seen so far from Casey DeSmith. Plus, the guys tackle the league-wide confusion surrounding goalie interference and react to Devin Cooley’s viral weekend interview. Jesse also shares a great story about Marc-Andre Fleury.

Idaho Steelheads Head Coach and General Manager Everett Sheen joins Gavin Spittle for a one-timer edition of Spits and Suds as Idaho heads to Allen, Texas, to battle the Americans. Everett looks back at his stacked U15 youth team and why they finished third that season, reflects on his transition from college hockey to behind the bench, and breaks down the daily challenges of balancing dual roles as coach and GM. He also discusses his long-standing friendship with Neil Graham, evaluates the Dallas Stars prospects currently developing in Idaho, and gives his assessment of goaltender Arno Tiefensee from last season. Finally, Coach Sheen previews the upcoming two-game set against the Americans and outlines what the Steelheads must do to bounce back from last week's tough pair of losses.

University of Vermont senior and McKinney, Texas native Kaylee Lewis joins host Gavin Spittle for a Spits and Suds one-timer. Kaylee breaks down her summer offseason training in Texas, what head coach Jim Plumer and the coaching staff have taught her, and the special bond shared among her Vermont teammates. She also shares how the current season is unfolding, details the body-checking rules in women’s hockey, and discusses her options for the draft or a possible fifth year of college eligibility.