Oct 16, 2026 · 2h 9m
Edmonton’s hot start raises McDavid’s historic ceiling
Spittin' Chiclets Episode 676: Featuring Bob Stauffer
The episode weighs whether Edmonton’s early dominance reflects sustainable depth and structure or another season resting on extraordinary individual talent.
- 1Edmonton’s unbeaten-in-regulation start renews debate over Connor McDavid’s potential to challenge historic scoring records.
- 2Bob Stauffer credits Edmonton’s depth, goaltending, coaching, and Vasily Podkolzin’s fit alongside its top stars.
- 3Boston, the Rangers, Winnipeg, and other early surprises complicate the season’s emerging Western and Eastern Conference picture.
Don't miss
Bob Stauffer and the hosts debate whether Connor McDavid can challenge historic scoring records after Edmonton’s dominant start.
The brief
The hosts revisit Pierre’s memorable Chicklets Cup appearance, Biz’s latest vice, and Frozen Frenzy before turning to the NHL’s early-season fault lines.
Detroit’s DeBrincat decision, Boston’s depth, Philadelphia’s collapse, and the Rangers’ defensive improvement become tests of how quickly teams should trust early results.
Edmonton’s unbeaten-in-regulation start and Connor McDavid’s spectacular Frozen Frenzy performance drive the episode’s central question: can this season reach historic territory?
Bob Stauffer joins for an extended examination of Edmonton’s depth, goaltending, coaching, Vasily Podkolzin’s fit, and the long-term choices surrounding McDavid and Draisaitl.
Rear Admiral’s World shifts from Boston and NHL blackouts to conspiracy theories, blind hockey, mushroom gummies, concerts, and late hockey notes.
Books & mentions
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