The Leafs Impress, But Sam Bennett Goes Unpunished For His Crimes...Again w/ Kris Versteeg & Derek Lalonde
JD touches on an eventful Game 1 between the Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers, before bringing on two-time Stanley Cup champion, Kris Versteeg (8:00), to dive into Sam Bennett's elbow on Anthony Stolarz, the Leafs' hot start, Auston Matthews' game, the Leafs stumbling powerplay, and Matthew Knies' importance. Former NHL head coach, Derek Lalonde, gives his thoughts on Bennett receiving no supplemental discipline, Craig Berube trusting his depth, and how Knies' has showcased growth (54:00). JD ends the show discussing the NHL Draft Lottery and national team commitments (1:30:00). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
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1:37:05
Leafs-Panthers Preview w/ Ed Jovanovski & Nick Kypreos + Is Hope on the Horizon for the Jays w/ Ben Nicholson-Smith
JD starts the show with his recap of the wild weekend in the NHL, including the Winnipeg Jets' Game 7 comeback win over the Blues (00:00). Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith joins the show to break down the Blue Jays' issues through the first month of the season, their place within the AL East, where the team still needs to improve, and the most recent additions to their pitching depth (15:00). Then, JD details the dual Game 7s for Denver area teams on Saturday night (47:44). Panthers TV analyst and former Panthers defenceman, Ed Jovanovski, comes on to help preview the Leafs' second round series against Florida, including the addition of Brad Marchand to the Panthers, the lack of weaknesses amongst the Cup champs, and the recent history between the two teams (53:03). Later, Nick Kypreos, co-host of Real Kyper and Bourne, joins JD to continue the conversation around the Leafs, the differences from their last playoff matchup, and the keys for the Leafs to move on (01:19:48). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
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1:37:03
Sweet Relief. The Leafs Are on to the Next One w/ Brian Boyle, Jackie Redmond & Hockey Illuminati
JD is joined off the top by Frank Crupi, a.k.a. Hockey Illuminati, to react to the Toronto Maple Leafs advancing past the Ottawa Senators in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs (00:00). They discuss the relief of moving on, Max Pacioretty's game-winning goal, contributions from up and down the lineup, the effect of Craig Berube on this team, and Anthony Stolarz' play to secure the win, before looking ahead to the second round matchup against the Panthers. Jackie Redmond from NHL on TNT and the NHL Network jumps on with the guys to recap her experience covering Game 6 in Ottawa including the impressive response by Toronto after giving up a two-goal lead (31:37). Later, former NHL forward and NHL Network analyst, Brian Boyle, joins JD to continue the conversation around the Leafs, the difference between this year and previous seasons, and how Toronto can beat Florida this time around (52:55). Finally, JD previews the Leafs-Panthers series before taking a look at “What We Missed” (01:22:11).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
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1:37:19
The Leafs Multiverse and Atkins Clock Watch w/ Ben Ennis, How the Leafs Adjust w/ Rick Bowness + Dan Shulman's Signs of Optimism
JD starts with his thoughts on the Maple Leafs' demons heading into Game 6 of the "Battle of Ontario" (8:00). Sportsnet's Dan Shulman joins the show to discuss the Blue Jays' comeback victory over the Red Sox, signs of power from Anthony Santander, the offence with Daulton Varsho back in the lineup, and bullpen usage without a fifth starter (00:00). Former NHL head coach Rick Bowness jumps on to chat about the Stanley Cup Playoffs, pressure on Craig Berube and the Leafs, coaching up players in the playoffs, and building success within a short window (34:30). Later, Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN Morning Show, joins JD to continue the Leafs conversation including previous playoff failures and potential reactions based on the results of the series (53:00). Finally, the pair take another look at the Blue Jays' season so far and project where things are headed (1:25:00).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
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1:38:10
The Leafs Demons Wake Up, Can Toronto Put Them to Bed? w/ James Mirtle and Kris Versteeg
James Mirtle, senior writer for The Athletic, joins JD at the top of the show to discuss the Leafs' Game 5 loss to the Ottawa Senators (00:00). They break down the lack of offensive output from the stars, the feeling in the room post-game, what's gone wrong since going up 3-0 in the series, the pressure to show up in Game 6, what lineup changes should be made, and the debate around physicality in the playoffs. Then, JD takes a look at the Blue Jays and their recent slump, detailing the areas of concern that need to be addressed (50:49). Later, Kris Versteeg, two-time Stanley Cup champion, joins the show to continue the conversation around the "Battle of Ontario". They examine the Leafs' play up and down the lineup against the Sens, the lack of coaching adjustments by Craig Berube, and how Ottawa has gotten back into this series (52:10). Finally, JD jumps into what he missed over the weekend (01:29:06). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
JD Bunkis breaks down the biggest stories in sports every weekday morning. Honest, direct, and a touch of diablerie. Airing live on Sportsnet 590 The FAN from 9am-11am ET.