Spits & Suds Podcast

The Stars face the Winnipeg Jets on Friday night. To break it down, Connor Hrabchak who covers the Jets, joins host Gavin Spittle. The guys talk about the trade deadline and how the Jets had a disappointing one by not addressing a second line center. The guys discuss the Mikko Rantanen deal for the Dallas Stars and how it was nice for two weeks for the Jets to avoid him when he was in Carolina, but now he’s going to be in Dallas for the next 8 years. The guys look ahead at the playoffs and what kind of run Connor thinks Winnipeg can have. Connor warns the Stars to not take a penalty because this Jets power play has been really good. The narrative of Connor Hellebuyck not being able to win the big games is a narrative people in Winnipeg are tired of. 

You see his Dallas Stars Cartoons on social media where he is known as Sportstoons. Sports Editorial Cartoonist Steve Hill drops by to talk about drawing various Dallas Stars players with host Gavin Spittle. Steve talks about his love of hockey and where his love of the Stars came from. Which players he loves to draw the most. The art of not just the cartoon but the subject matter that needs to go along with it. How quickly he can create a Stars cartoon and how he watches the games at the same time. How hockey and art have come together for Stars fans on today's Spits and Suds. 

After a back to back in Canada, host Gavin Spittle and Spits and Suds NHL/Stars insider Sean Shapiro discuss if this Stars defense has what it takes? Sean talks about a Miro Heiskanen return/timeline. The guys also recap the weekend of Mikko Rantanan. Other topics include thoughts on Jim Nill taking home his third straight GM of the Year award, the process for full face masks in the NHL based on the most recent Roope Hintz injury plus Spits and Suds listener questions including,  do players fly commercial when they are sent home with an injury? Lots of Dallas Stars fresh info on today's edition of Spits and Suds. 

Casey DeSmith has been on fire for the Stars. He wins his 6th straight start as the Stars defeated Vancouver 4-1 Sunday night. Host Gavin Spittle talks about the performance of DeSmith this season. He talks about the 4th line playing well in this game and Mikael Granlund scoring his first goal as a Dallas Star. Then he answers tweets from listeners and goes around the NHL. 

The Stars lose to the Edmonton Oilers 5-4. Host Gavin Spittle talks about the game and how the Stars defense couldn’t keep up with the Oilers offense. This was not Jake Oettinger’s fault the Stars lost. Gavin is tired of people blaming this guy for them losing games. The defense wasn’t up to par against Edmonton. Then he talks about the offense. Johnston continues his heater that he’s been on and Rantanen gets a goal and an assist in his Stars debut. Gavin addresses the Rantanen contract gripe from fans and why he thinks it’s a fair deal. He wraps with reading tweets from listeners. 

Houston is always at the top of the discussion when it comes to NHL expansion or relocation. Hockey Day in Houston is proving that the area loves its hockey. Committee Chairs Lance Rosenberg, Ryan Brooks and Marc Tushnet join host Gavin Spittle to talk about this viral day which had lines out the door drawing thousands. The guys also give their thoughts on the NHL finding a new home in Houston with the rich history of the Aeros. 

Our Spits and Suds Stars insider Robert Tiffin hops on with host Gavin Spittle following Jim Nill's press conference as the GM makes his biggest trade since being with the Stars acquiring and signing Mikko Rantanen. Robert gives his thoughts on the trade, Logan Stankoven leaving and what Rantanen brings to the team. Robert also discusses the Wyatt Johnston extension as well as the moves Winnipeg and Colorado made at the deadline. 

The Stars win a thriller against the Calgary Flames in Overtime. Host Gavin Spittle talks about the experience he had as he was in the barn for the game. Gavin talks about the performance from Jason Robertson and the big saves from Jake Oettinger to keep the game tied in overtime. Gavin buried the lead with his opening, as he digs into the Elliott Friedman report that the Stars are engaged in trade talks with Mikko Rantanen. He ponders what would it take to land Rantanen in Dallas. He wraps by reading tweets from listeners. 

Trades are already happening in the NHL and Carol Schram, feature writer for The Hockey News jumps on with host Gavin Spittle to talk about the trades that have already happened and some thoughts on potential buyers and sellers. Carol adds her thoughts on the Dallas Stars, the impact of owner Tom Gagliardi, players that might be on the move, what moves some of the Stars Central Division rivals might make and Carol and Gavin discuss Alex Ovechkin nearing the all-time goals record in the NHL. 

The Stars defeat the Devils 4-3 after Tomas Harley’s game winner with five seconds left in the game. Host Gavin Spittle is joined by David Castillo from D Magazine to recap the game. The guys discuss the Stars bench lighting up for Ilya Lyubushkin goal, that ended a long scoring drought for him. The Stars were in command when it was 3-1 but they allowed New Jersey back into the game with penalties and power play goals for the Devils. What should the Stars do as the trade deadline is just days away. Should Stars fans be worried with how much Thomas Harley is being used? The guys talk about who they would rather play in the playoffs, Avalanche or the WIld. The guys wrap by going around the NHL.