Spits & Suds Podcast

Stephen Meserve from 100 Degree Hockey joins host Gavin Spittle to recap the 2026 Texas Stars season. Stephen explains what changed with the team, from the sluggish start at the beginning of the year to making the playoffs. Gavin brings up Scott White being pursued by other teams and Stephen shares how much he has meant to the organization. They transition to the players who stood out this season on the Texas Stars. Stephen picks 3 players from Texas that could potentially play for Dallas next season. 

The guys discuss Sean’s latest article from D Magazine “It’s Up To Jamie Benn To Save the Stars From Themselves.”

Our NHL Insider Sean Shapiro joins host Gavin Spittle to discuss Kade O’Rourke having his exceptional status denied by the OHL. He will return with the Toronto Jr. Canadiens next season.

Our NHL Insider Sean Shapiro joins host Gavin Spittle to discuss Kade O’Rourke having his exceptional status denied by the OHL. He will return with the Toronto Jr. Canadiens next season. The guys discuss Sean’s latest article from D Magazine “It’s Up To Jamie Benn To Save the Stars From Themselves.” NHL Trade Rumor dot com floated the idea of San Jose weighing trading their second overall pick for Jason Robertson. Gavin and Sean say they would do that without hesitation, if they were the Sharks. The guys wrap up by discussing the fascinating goaltender matchups among the teams remaining in the playoffs.

NHL Trade Rumor dot com floated the idea of San Jose weighing trading their second overall pick for Jason Robertson. Gavin and Sean say they would do that without hesitation if they were the Sharks. The guys wrap up by discussing the fascinating goaltender matchups among the teams remaining in the playoffs.

Jim Nill spoke with the media today to put a bow on the end of the 2025-2026 season. Host Gavin Spittle and NHL Insider Sean Shapiro go through what Nill had to say. Glen Gulutzan and  Nill both want to see Jamie Benn back on the Stars next season. The guys give their thoughts on that. Sean thinks the Stars are aiming to get a deal with Jason Robertson done before July 1st so they can get that done and then address the rest of the roster. If they were to trade him, what team will offer the Stars a package that is a fair return for Robertson? Could Dallas land McDavid in a hypothetical trade with Edmonton? Gavin and Sean give their thoughts on this. 

Stars broadcaster Brien Rea joined K&C Masterpiece on 105.3 The Fan in-studio for the hour to discuss the Stars season and dip into some Gridiron Gravy!

The Stars had their exit interviews on Monday. Glen Gulutzan said Jamie Benn should come back next year. Gavin and Sean Shapiro give their thoughts on the future of Jamie Benn. Jake Oettinger said he wants to get advice from Ben Bishop this offseason and wants to accomplish more goals for next season. Mavrik Bourque wants to return to the Stars next season. Gavin runs through the list of players that are locked up for next season. The Stars bring back all of their defensemen, but Tyler Myers really struggled after being traded to the Stars. Will Lian Bichsel get his minutes increased? Sean throws that out as an option. The guys transition to the other playoff games. They give credit to the Montreal Canadiens and Martin St Louis for the season they have had and advancing to the second round with just 9 shots on net. They look at the second round matchups and discuss how well the ratings will do for these games.

The guys transition to the other playoff games. They give credit to the Montreal Canadiens and Martin St Louis for the season they have had and advancing to the second round with just 9 shots on net. They look at the second round matchups and discuss how well the ratings will do for these games.

The Stars had their exit interviews on Monday. Glen Gulutzan said Jamie Benn should come back next year. Gavin and Sean Shapiro give their thoughts on the future of Jamie Benn. Jake Oettinger said he wants to get advice from Ben Bishop this offseason and wants to accomplish more goals for next season. Mavrik Bourque wants to return to the Stars next season. Gavin runs through the list of players that are locked up for next season. The Stars bring back all of their defensemen, but Tyler Myers really struggled after being traded to the Stars. Will Lian Bichsel get his minutes increased? Sean throws that out as an option.

Getting you ready for a pivotal game 5 tonight from the AAC. Host Gavin Spittle sets the stage with an injury update on Roope Hintz and Nils Lundkvist. Mats Zuccarello practiced and could play in game 5, Gavin says that is a massive development for Minnesota's power play if he returns to the lineup. Broadcaster Bob Wischusen of the The NHL On ESPN joined Shan and RJ on 105.3 the Fan to preview game 5.

The Stars fell to the Wild in overtime 3-2 and the series is tied headed back to Dallas on Tuesday. Host Gavin Spittle recaps the game. The penalty kill continues to do its job. They held Minnesota 0/4 in the game and the Wild are 1 for their last 15. Gavin points out how massive losing Nils Lundvkist was in this game and it made the Stars have to play with 5 defensemen for the rest of the game. The goaltending in the game was incredible. Gavin gives credit to both goalies and points out how Oettinger struggled in game 1 but has been absolutely brilliant in the rest of these games. He wraps by answering tweets from the listeners. 

Robert Tiffin from Stars Thoughts dot com joins host Gavin Spittle to preview game 4 of Stars/Wild. The guys talk about late puck drop times in the playoffs and how it keeps impacting the players and fans. Robert explains why we haven’t seen Michael Bunting in this series. They transition to Jamie Benn taking bad penalties and how he needs to be smarter with those in the playoffs. Matt Duchene has come into his own as a playoff competitor and Gavin attributes that to his playoff experience. It’s a game 4 preview with Robert Tiffin on this edition of Spits and Suds!

Our NHL insider Sean Shapiro joins host Gavin Spittle to recap the Stars' double-overtime win against Minnesota. The guys discuss how fast players are developing from the AHL to the NHL in the Stars organization. Wyatt Johnston's game-winner evoked shades of Joe Pavelski. Gavin and Sean compare Johnston to Brayden Point and review the numbers that back up the comparison. They transition to Miro Heiskanen and question why people still underrate him. Jamie Benn continues to take bad penalties, what should the Stars do about this? Sean wants to see a little bit more from Thomas Harley in these playoff games. The guys also touch on the proper time to ask a question at a press conference and when to hold back. 

Wyatt Johnston wins it in game 3 for the Stars in double OT against Minnesota. Host Gavin Spittle points out the special teams being the story of the game. Dallas held Minnesota to 1 for 7 on the power play and Dallas went 3 for 8 on the power play. Gavin says the Wild let off the physicality because they wanted to stay out of the box but it didn’t work. He has wanted to see Miro Heiskanen take more shots from the point and it worked for the Johnston goal. Spittle addresses Jamie Benn’s penalties and how Glen Gulutzan should handle that. Gavin wants to see Michael Bunting in the lineup. He ends by going through tweets from the Sudsies.

Our NHL Insider Sean Shapiro joins host Gavin Spittle to recap the game 2 win for the Stars. They talk about the late night start time for two teams in the Central time zone. The guys go through comments from Nick Foligno and Brock Faber after the game. Should the Stars switch anything up in their lineup even though they just won in game 2? Sean gives his thoughts on Mikko Rantanen’s penalty after Matt Duchene’s goal. Sean and Gavin give their thoughts on the play of Nils Lundvkist and Jake Oettinger. Sean notes that Oettinger doesn’t have back to back bad games. Oettinger elevates everyone's game when he has performances like he did in game 2. Sean also gives his thoughts on if either team should make any lineup adjustments for game 3. 

The Stars beat the Wild 4-2 and evened the series 1-1. Host Gavin Spittle praises Jake Oettinger's performance. He says Minnesota could have led 3-1 in the first period with the opportunities they had but Oettinger made big saves. He says it was significant that the Stars scored first and energized the crowd. Gavin points out the Stars' physicality. He comments on Nick Foligno’s remarks about the Stars being unable to compete with the Wild at five-on-five. Gavin wants to see Michael Bunting play in Game 3. He also points out the significant jump Nils Lundkvist has made from last year's playoffs to this year's.

The voice of the Minnesota Wild, Joe O'donnel joins host Gavin Spittle to talk about game 1 of Stars/Wild and preview game 2.

The Stars lost game 1 to the Minnesota Wild. Host Gavin Spittle says thank goodness they play a 7 game series. The Stars have had trouble with game 1’s recently and they have to find a way to get away from that. He brings up how the Wild went with Jesper Wallstedt and he played a great game. That’s not an easy decision by Minnesota to go with their younger goalie but it worked out for them. Shots on net continues to be a problem for the Stars. They were held to 14 shots in the first two periods. Gavin addresses the Jake Oettinger blame from fans on Twitter. He goes through tweets from the Sudsies. 

Host Gavin Spittle shares his thoughts on Stars/Wild for the upcoming series. He says the bottom lines could be the difference. He wants to see the Stars stay out of the penalty box, as Minnesota took advantage of penalties the last time these two teams met in the regular season. He’s interested to see how the Stars counter against a big physical third and fourth line for the Wild. Gavin breaks down the Wild defensemen and what they bring to the table in this matchup. Then we replay Brent Severyn with Shan and RJ to preview the Stars/Wild series. 

NHL Insider Sean Shapiro joins host Gavin Spittle to preview the Stars/Wild series. Sean and Gavin talk about how great it is to see the love of hockey growing in DFW. Sean discusses gatekeeping for fans and that they shouldn’t be able to tell people how to be fans. The guys then transition to Nils Lundkvist being extended to a two year deal. They both applaud Jim Nill on the value of this deal. Gavin and Sean transition to Stars/Wild. They share what worries them the most about the Wild. They also talk about how great it is in Dallas to continue seeing this team make the playoffs and have great seasons. Not all fan bases have experienced that feeling.

Gavin and Sean transition to Stars/Wild. They share what worries them the most about the Wild. They also talk about how great it is in Dallas to continue seeing this team make the playoffs and have great seasons. Not all fan bases have experienced that feeling.

The guys then transition to Nils Lundkvist being extended to a two year deal. They both applaud Jim Nill on the value of this deal. Gavin and Sean transition to Stars/Wild.

NHL Insider Sean Shapiro joins host Gavin Spittle to preview the Stars/Wild series. Sean and Gavin talk about how great it is to see the love of hockey growing in DFW. Sean discusses gatekeeping for fans and that they shouldn’t be able to tell people how to be fans.

Dallas Stars President and CEO Brad Alberts joins Gavin Spittle on this edition of Spits and Suds. Brad explains how the organization is also left in the dark until the league makes the announcement when the playoffs start. Brad has debated with schedulers with late puck drops for the Stars when they play in the late game. He says the league acknowledges it but they don’t have a fix for it. When Brad first took over in 2011 the team was not having the kind of success it has had recently. He says he doesn’t take that for granted. He explains how season ticket prices are determined, the multi-year discussions about AAC renovations, Brad’s love for the eye emoji, the Stars hosting the Stadium Series this year and the success of players moving from the Texas Stars to the Dallas Stars. 

The Stars concluded the regular season with a shootout win against the Buffalo Sabres. Host Gavin Spittle brings up how Dallas lost 7 games in a row to limp into the playoffs last year, but this year they won 5 in a row. He brings up all the injuries this team dealt with all season, yet they put together 50 wins. The Stars have so much depth, which is crucial in the playoffs. They finished with a league-leading 71 power-play goals, 20 regulation losses and tied their third-best total points in franchise history with 112. Gavin points out the players who stood out in the game against Buffalo. 

Connor Hrabchak from Winnipeg Sports Talk joins host Gavin Spittle to preview the first round playoff series between Dallas and Minnesota. The guys discuss the Stars' injuries coming into this series, how to slow down Quinn Hughes given how explosive of a player he is and the goaltending from both teams. Does Casey DeSmith see any games for the Stars? How quick is the hook for Filip Gustavsson if he has a bad game? Gavin shares his concern with Matt Boldy, who has always had success against the Dallas Stars. Connor shares what the Winnipeg Jets did this season to be successful against the Wild. The guys go through the playoff format and matchups for round one. Connor gives his prediction for Stars vs Wild and the guys discuss the press conference from Rick Bowness where he threw his entire team under the bus.

The Stars were down 3-0 in the first period and then turned it on to beat the Maple Leafs 6-5. Mavrik Bourque had a hat trick to carry the Stars in the game. Gavin tells fans not to be surprised if we don’t see Heiskanen or Hintz at the beginning of the series with Minnesota. He points out the season Matt Duchene has had and the impact he has on his teammates' success. He revisits Glen Gulutzan calling out Mavrik Bourque and Nils Lundkvist in the preseason to motivate them and they have answered the call this season.

Our NHL Insider Sean Shapiro joins host Gavin Spittle to break down the Stars signing of Wisconsin Forward Christian Fitzgerald. The Texas Stars could host play-in games in Frisco because of a conflict in Cedar Park. Gavin and Sean discuss the return of Bunting and Faksa. Sean shares his story about Kade O’Rourke, a teenager from Texas who could become the next star in the OHL. Jonathan Quick is calling it a career after his final NHL game tonight. Gavin and Sean reflect on Quick’s career. 

Sean shares his story about Kade O’Rourke, a teenager from Texas who could become the next star in the OHL. Jonathan Quick is calling it a career after his final NHL game tonight. Gavin and Sean reflect on Quick’s career.

Gavin and Sean discuss the return of Michael Bunting and Radek Faksa to the lineup against Toronto Monday night.

Our NHL Insider Sean Shapiro joins host Gavin Spittle to break down the Stars signing of Wisconsin Forward Christian Fitzgerald. The Texas Stars could host play-in games in Frisco because of a conflict in Cedar Park.

The Stars clinch 2nd place in the Central after beating the Rangers 2-0. How do the Stars keep finding ways to win with the injuries they’re dealing with? Host Gavin Spittle shares concerns he has with the slow starts and the penalties the Stars are committing. With the playoffs just a week away, they have to clean up the penalties and need to get the scoring going earlier. He breaks down Jake Oettinger’s numbers for the season and reminds fans how good Oettinger is. Gavin wants to see Adam Erne get another contract from the Stars. Anže Kopitar bid a farewell to the Kings fans for the final regular season home game for him. Gavin goes through his career numbers. 

It was a great win for the Stars against the Wild on Thursday night. Robert Tiffin from Stars Thoughts dot com joins Gavin Spittle to recap the game. Robert points out the Stars 4th line having the performance they had and Colin Blackwell solidifying himself in a playoff roster spot when guys get back from injuries. Robert talked to Glen Gulutzan after the game and got his thoughts on the penalty calls. Miro Heiskanen left the game against Minnesota, Robert gives an update on his status and other injured players. The guys breakdown the advantages the Stars have on the Wild with the upcoming first round playoff series approaching. Robert brings up how the Stars were the better 5 on 5 team, Gavin thinks the Stars have the better goaltending. 

Huge two points for the Stars against Calgary in a 4-3 overtime win. Minnesota beat Seattle, but with Dallas winning, they hold a 2 point lead ahead of Thursday night’s tilt with Minnesota. Colorado clinched the 1 seed in the Western Conference, it will be the Stars and Wild in round 1 of the playoffs. Gavin points out the heater the Wild have been on with their 4th straight win. He goes through the game and breaks down how Dallas turned it on in the third period and they cannot keep winning games that way especially against Minnesota in the playoffs. He goes through tweets from the Sudsies and looks at the remaining schedule for Dallas. 

Our NHL Insider Sean Shapiro joins host Gavin Spittle to talk about the hire of John Tortorella in Vegas and Pete DeBoer being hired with the New York Islanders. The guys discuss why those hires happened so late in the regular season. The Calgary Flames are 6-3-2 in their last 11, they will not be an easy win for the Stars tonight despite their record. Sean reminds fans how good this league is and there are no guaranteed wins. The Stars have just a 2 point lead on the Wild with a huge tilt against each other on Thursday. The Frozen Four semifinals are Thursday and the Championship is Saturday. The guys talk about University of Denver coach David Carle and if an NHL head coaching job is in his near future.

The Frozen Four semifinals are Thursday and the Championship is Saturday. The guys talk about University of Denver coach David Carle and if an NHL head coaching job is in his near future.

The Calgary Flames are 6-3-2 in their last 11, they will not be an easy win for the Stars tonight despite their record. Sean reminds fans how good this league is and there are no guaranteed wins. The Stars have just a 2 point lead on the Wild with a huge tilt against each other on Thursday.

Our NHL Insider Sean Shapiro joins host Gavin Spittle to talk about the hire of John Tortorella in Vegas and Pete DeBoer being hired with the New York Islanders. The guys discuss why those hires happened so late in the regular season.

A 2-0 shutout loss to the Avalanche for the Stars Saturday. David Castillo from Stars Stack joins host Gavin Spittle to break down the game. Gavin and David say the Stars played the Avalanche well this year and if they meet in the playoffs they’ll be ready. Gavin and David revisit the Mikko Rantanen trade with Carolina that gave the Avs Necas and Drury who have both been really good players for the Avalanche. The Texas Stars clinched a playoff spot, the guys discuss the season turnaround from them after a slow start in the beginning. Tweets from Sudsies, the controversial no call on Necas in the final minute.

A much needed win for the Stars against the Winnipeg Jets. Host Gavin Spittle talks about how the Stars got out to a fast start and never looked back. They applied pressure in the offensive zone and created traffic in front of the net. Gavin goes through tweets from the Spits and Suds fans. 

NHL Hall of Famer Chris Pronger joins Gavin Spittle for a Spits and Suds One Timer. Chris tells Gavin about his book "Earn, The True Cost of Greatness." Chris goes through his 18 year career in the NHL, transitioning to public speaking and explains the development timeframe for young NHL defensemen.

Glen Gulutzan spoke about the team not playing with the intensity other teams are showing. Gavin brings up the narrative that the Stars are tired, but why aren’t the teams they are playing against also tired? Everyone is on the same condensed schedule this season because of the Olympics. The Stars limped their way into the playoffs last season and then went on a run to the Western Conference Finals, could it be the case again this year? Round 1 looks set in stone: the Stars will be facing the Minnesota Wild. He goes through tweets from the Sudsies after the Stars loss to Boston. 

Friends of the show, Sean Shapiro and Robert Tiffin are launching a hockey podcast called “Algorithmically Incorrect Hockey.” They join host Gavin Spittle to talk about what we can expect with their podcast. Jim Nill has been extended by the Stars. The guys discuss the reality of his contract ending this season so the Stars locking him down now was necessary and Rich Peverley getting promoted to Assistant General Manager. Going around the NHL headlines, Max Domi went after Radko Gudas. Cameron Hughes will be in the starting lineup tonight for the Stars against the team that first drafted him. 

Going around the NHL headlines, Max Domi went after Radko Gudas. Cameron Hughes will be in the starting lineup tonight for the Stars against the team that first drafted him.

Jim Nill has been extended by the Stars. The guys discuss the reality of his contract ending this season so the Stars locking him down now was necessary and Rich Peverley getting promoted to Assistant General Manager.

Friends of the show Sean Shapiro and Robert Tiffin are launching a hockey podcast called “Algorithmically Incorrect Hockey.” They join host Gavin Spittle to talk about what we can expect with their podcast.

A 2-1 low scoring overtime loss for the Stars against the Flyers. Host Gavin Spittle brings up the narrative that the Stars are tired. Philadelphia had to fly in from Detroit and they were able to win the game against the Stars. Arttu Hyry got his first NHL goal of his career on a shorthanded rush to tie the game. Gavin pivots to John Tortorella being named the Vegas Golden Knights new head coach. 

The Stars end their 4 game skid in a 6-3 win against the Penguins. Glen Gulutzan noted how the Penguins established their style in the first 11 minutes of the game, but the Stars were able to put together a 4-goal second period to take control of the game. Gavin goes through the scoring summary, Jason Robertson scoring his 40th goal of the year for the 3rd time in his career. Gavin looks ahead to the Flyers Sunday. He warns Stars fans the Flyers are 8-2-1 in their last 11 and have been one of the hottest teams in hockey. He says with both teams coming of a game Saturday, this will not be an easy game for either team. 

Host Gavin Spittle and NHL insider Sean Shapiro talk about the Frozen Four and the potential for Dallas to host the tournament in the future at the American Airlines Center. Gavin and Sean discuss how fans always like to blame the goalie. Sean explains why people assign blame to the goaltender when a puck goes in. They also emphasized that mistakes made by players like Miro Heiskanen or Mikko Rantanen are frequent but not amplified in the same way as a goalie's mistakes. Shapiro suggested the team needs to display more "natural aggressiveness". The absence of key players has forced others to elevate their offensive game, potentially leading them away from the aspects that made them effective middle-six players. Sean says the return of core players will help re-slot the lineup.