1d ago
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by former NHL president, general manager and head coach Doug MacLean (5:07) to chat about the deteriorating Maple Leafs in performance and standings, why a change in the coaching staff around Craig Berube is needed, Tristan Jarry's injury and if the Edmonton Oilers will dip back into the goaltending market, and how the new ownership in Pittsburgh could affect the Penguins and general manager Kyle Dubas' approach. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee head to the text line to answer listeners' questions! 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.
1d ago
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Toronto Maple Leafs' 4-0 loss to the Washington Capitals. They react to Craig Berube's post-game comments on the team's passion and discuss the power play going 0-for-5. Then, they debate whether Berube will or should be fired and whether Peter DeBoer could turn the team around as his replacement. Later, Nick, Justin and Sam hit the Leafs Line to answer your calls and questions. 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.
2d ago
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Sportsnet's Sean Reynolds (4:51) to chat about some of the reasons why the Winnipeg Jets' offence has struggled outside of their top line, where he sees areas the team can improve, the Jets not being able to match the speed of other NHL teams, the decrease in minutes for Jonathan Toews, the difficulties of building around the team while committing to long-term deals with their core players, and why the Jets could be on the verge of losing out on a playoff spot in their games rounding out December. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee look at the 'next moves' from Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin, the new owners of the Pittsburgh Penguins, and for Peter DeBoer. 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.
2d ago
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee get set for the Toronto Maple Leafs' matchup against the Washington Capitals. They discuss the Leafs' decision to start Dennis Hildeby, Easton Cowan's move up to the second line, Scott Laughton's usage and John Tavares' scoring slump. Then, they get into Matias Maccelli's extended stay in the press box and when he might get a chance back in the lineup. Later, Nick, Justin and Sam dip into the Midweek Mailbag to answer your questions! 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.
3d ago
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by NHL on Sportsnet host David Amber in-studio (0:26) to chat about general manager Bill Guerin turning the Minnesota Wild into a destination for NHL players with the bold move of trading for Quinn Hughes. Then, they discuss if Connor McDavid can surpass Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux in points per game in the regular season, whether Connor Bedard's injury could impact his spot on Team Canada, who would round out the Olympic roster, and the state of the Canadian NHL teams before the holiday break. Later, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee look at the St. Louis Blues roster and landing spots for some of their players, if Jordan Binnington can earn another big contract, and the Pittsburgh Penguins selling the franchise to the Hoffmann family. 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.
3d ago
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Toronto Maple Leafs' 3-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks. They review Craig Berube's post-game locker room address and discuss the team's slow start, Auston Matthews' response to the fans' third-period boos, and whether the Leafs can take any meaningful takeaways from the incomplete effort. Later, as the Leafs prepare for a Thursday-night matchup against the Capitals, Washington head coach Spencer Carbery joins the show (32:27) to discuss the Caps' recent form, Alex Ovechkin's usage, navigating Pierre-Luc Dubois' absence, the importance of locker room speeches, and the lingering Olympic question for Logan Thompson and Tom Wilson. 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.
4d ago
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne get MSG analyst and CEO of Clear Sight Analytics Steve Valiquette's thoughts (4:34) on the goalie swap between the Edmonton Oilers and Pittsburgh Penguins, whether either Tristan Jarry or Stuart Skinner can perform better with their new teams and why it was the right time to trade goaltenders. Then, Vally shares why he sees a lack of confidence in Jacob Fowler, goalies being able to avoid letting pucks past their helmets, and the connection between the Minnesota Wild scouts and the Vancouver Canucks following the organisation's acquisition of Quinn Hughes. Then, on Grill the Panel, Valiquette asks which NHL team's environment is the best to play for as a goaltender. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee discuss Jarmo Kekäläinen's first press conference as the Buffalo Sabres' newest general manager and Seth Jones' elbow to Brandon Hagel. 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.
4d ago
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look ahead to the Toronto Maple Leafs' matchup against the Connor Bedard-less Chicago Blackhawks on Joe Bowen night. They discuss what to expect from the leaders after being called out by Craig Berube on Saturday, how Auston Matthews will respond, Joseph Woll's return to the lineup, and more. Then, they chat about Connor Bedard's season and whether his recent injury provides Hockey Canada with an excuse not to select him for the Olympic team. Later, the Chicago Sun-Times' Ben Pope joins the show (32:12) to share a Blackhawks perspective on tonight's contest, the latest on Bedard's status, how he's evolved in his third professional year, Chicago's prospects in the pipeline, and Spencer Knight's Vezina-level play. 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.
5d ago
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Jason Brough (5:18) co-host of Halford & Brough to chat about the Vancouver Canucks trading away Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild, his assessment on the return with Marco Rossi, Liam Ohgren and Zeev Buium plus a first-round pick in 2026, the commitment from Hughes' former teammates for the Canucks organization, who's the next leader in the locker room, if the organization is fully transitioning into a rebuild, and if there's still confidence in the front office group. Then, The Athletic's Michael Russo (32:50) shares his thoughts on the Minnesota Wild side of the deal, if there's any discourse on the return for Quinn, if the Wild now have higher expectations for this year, and if GM Bill Guerin still has enough assets to go big-game hunting on the trade market. 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.
5d ago
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Toronto Maple Leafs' 6-3 loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday. They discuss Auston Matthews' decline, the Leafs' decision to make him unavailable to the media post-game, and his response to Craig Berube calling out the team's leadership group. Later, they receive updates on Chris Tanev and Joseph Woll's injuries, share their thoughts on Connor McDavid's highlight-reel goal, and discuss the current uncertain status of Anthony Stolarz. 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.
Dec 12
Former NHL head coach, GM and President Doug MacLean (2:22) returns with Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne to weigh in on the Edmonton Oilers trading away Stuart Skinner to the Pittsburgh Penguins for Tristan Jarry in the main part of the deal, if the Oilers could've afforded to wait a bit longer and if one or both of Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid would've approved before the move. Then, Mac discusses why the Vancouver Canucks also can't afford to let their Quinn Hughes saga drag on through another season, and which teams in the West and East conferences he has written to make the playoffs. Later, Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice joins the guys (27:42) to chat about the difficulties of returning to the 'Cats' identity, how he's changed as a two-time Stanley Cup-winning coach, Brad Marchand's presence in the locker room stepping up with Aleksander Barkov out, navigating the Winter Olympic schedule, and the state of the Atlantic Division. 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.
Dec 12
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 3-2 loss to the San Jose Sharks in overtime. They discuss the concerning trend of blown leads, Oliver Ekman-Larsson's injury, first impressions of the William Nylander-led third line, Auston Matthews' poor backcheck in overtime, and Dennis Hildeby continuing to prove he belongs. Then, they revisit Anthony Stolarz's extension and whether the Leafs moved too quickly in locking him up for four more years. Later, they look ahead to the Leafs' Saturday matchup against the Edmonton Oilers after they swapped Stuart Skinner for Tristan Jarry. Finally, Nick, Justin and Sam hit the Leafs Line to answer your calls and questions! 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.
Dec 11
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne welcome in TNT analyst and former NHLer Eddie Olczyk (4:23) to kick off the second hour. They get into what Olympic hockey does to 'grow the game,' why Kyle Connor should be a lock for Team USA, Matthew Knies' Olympic chances, and whether the holiday season can be a distraction for players. Later, Nick and Justin regroup with Sam McKee to listen back on Adam Foote's comments on Quinn Hughes trade talk creeping into the Canucks' locker room and discuss how the team should deal with the distraction. 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.
Dec 11
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee begin their gameday edition to react to Ryan Reaves' pre-game comments about the end of his tenure with the Maple Leafs, Chris Tanev update, Craig Berube's thoughts on Macklin Celebrini's 2025-26 season, his chances at cracking Team Canada's Winter Olympics roster and top six lines. Then, Sam asks true or false questions on whether Dennis Hildeby will make more starts for the rest of the season over Anthony Stolarz, in the scenario that the Leafs are in the playoffs, if Troy Stecher will be in the top four defensive pairings, and if the Leafs will hold onto their 2028 first-round pick after the 2026 trade deadline. To round out the hour, former NHLer Dan Boyle (32:50) weighs in on Celebrini's performance, Dan's experience in getting selected and participating with the Canada Hockey team, how they should construct the Olympic roster, how he navigated a struggling power play, and his advice to Berube's squad. 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.
Dec 10
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the busy 10-game Tuesday night slate, including a pair of last-second goals for the Ducks and Oilers. Hockey Night in Canada's Garry Galley joins the show (6:35) to discuss the Senators' struggles since Brady Tkachuk's return, the Canadiens calling up top goalie prospect Jacob Fowler, whether the Habs need to get bigger, and the Oilers' inconsistency. Later, sports orthopaedic surgeon Jason Smith stops by (34:10) to share insight on the uptick of injuries around the league, Chris Tanev's situation, and why teams and surgeons are still wary of Jack Eichel's artificial disc surgery. 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.
Dec 10
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee begin the hour, touching on Craig Berube's decision to drop William Nylander to the third line alongside Dakota Joshua and Nicolas Roy for Wednesday's practice and the expectations for Willy and his linemates heading into their game against the San Jose Sharks. Then, they react to Bobby McMann's one-game suspension for high-sticking and the Maple Leafs being the most suspended team in the George Parros era. Later, Sportsnet's Luke Fox stops by (30:38) to chat about Ryan Reaves' return to Toronto, the fallout between Reaves and the organisation during last year's trade deadline, Sharks' report, what could have been the reasoning for the second and third line changes, and Henry Thrun's potential main roster debut. 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.
Dec 9
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne start the second hour with a look at the jumbled-up standings before bringing in former NHL goaltender and CEO of Clear Sight Analytics Steve Valiquette (6:20). Vally shares his thoughts on NHL 'parity,' Andrei Vasilevskiy's injury, the Leafs' goaltending situation, the increase of goalie injuries around the league, the difficult environment for Thatcher Demko in Vancouver, the underlying numbers for why Auston Matthews' scoring is down, why Montreal should call up standout goalie prospect Jacob Fowler, and more. Later, Nick and Justin regroup with Sam McKee to discuss Vince Dunn's massive hit on Mats Zuccarello, Bill Daly's update on the Olympic ice, and the Avalanche lining up to use Nordiques jerseys against the Habs in their January meeting. 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.
Dec 9
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Toronto Maple Leafs' 2-0 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. They discuss Dennis Hildeby's impressive shutout, whether Bobby McMann will be suspended after his game misconduct, the team embracing a low-event style, and the power play's continued struggles. Later, they chat about Matias Maccelli's extended stay in the press box and whether the team has given up on him being a factor this season. Finally, Nick shares an update on Chris Tanev, who is considering surgery to make a return this season. 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.
Dec 8
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee share their thoughts on Jon Hamm's commercial with Team USA to tee up the Olympics before welcoming in Sportsnet's Iain MacIntyre (5:35) to share the latest on the Canucks and Quinn Hughes. They get into the reports linking Hughes to the New Jersey Devils, what the Canucks would be looking for in a trade return, and the direction for other expiring contracts in Kiefer Sherwood and Evander Kane, as well as franchise cornerstones in Elias Pettersson and Thatcher Demko. Later, Nick, Justin and Sam discuss the Oilers' surge, Florida's comeback over the Blue Jackets after being down 4-1, Dean Evason's postgame comments on the hand-pass rule, and the standings crunch in both conferences approaching Christmas. 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.
Dec 8
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee recap the Maple Leafs' 2-1 loss in a shootout to the Montreal Canadiens, Dennis Hildeby slotting in to start in net on Saturday Night, Alexandre Texier's one-handed shootout goal, and the top six struggling to produce on offence. The guys shift their attention to the Monday Night game against the Tampa Bay Lightning with Calle Järnkrok slotting back in for Nick Robertson, and Jonas Johansson taking the recently shelved Andrei Vasilevsky's place in Jon Cooper's net. 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.
Dec 5
Pro Hockey Group and Sportsnet hockey analyst Jason Bukala joins in-studio (0:32) with Nick Kypreos and guest host Gord Stellick to chat about the upcoming 2026 World Juniors, the concerns from NHL organisations on potential injuries from their prospects in playoff-like hockey games, how a potential smaller ice-rink in the Winter Olympics would affect the choices countries will make for their rosters, Macklin Celebrini and Connor Bedard's chance at cracking Team Canada, and the trends in Canada vs. USA producing goaltenders. Then, Nick, Gord, and Sam McKee continue their discussion on the IIHF's reassurance of having a completed ice rink and building for the 2026 games, as well as recent controversial calls on goaltender interference and hand passes. 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.
Dec 5
Nick Kypreos, Gord Stellick — in for Justin Bourne — and Sam McKee look back on the Toronto Maple Leafs' 5-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes to close out their road trip. They start with Joseph Woll's injury and whether the Leafs need to trade for a goalie in his and Anthony Stolarz's absence. Then, they discuss Troy Stecher's impact, Max Domi and Dakota Joshua's solid stretches after being healthy scratches, and Matthew Knies showing his potential as a star power forward. Afterwards, they revisit Stolarz's recently signed extension and whether the Leafs jumped the gun with a four-year term. Finally, Nick, Gord and Sam hit the Leafs Line to take your calls and questions! 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.
Dec 4
Former NHL coach and front office executive Pierre McGuire joins Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne (4:46) to chat about coaching Nick with the Hartford Whalers, what it could mean for the Maple Leafs closing their road trip with a win over the Carolina Hurricanes, why the Winnipeg Jets' 'problem' doesn't involve the goaltending, if it would hurt the Montreal Canadiens' chemistry and development if they were to call up a prospect like Jacob Fowler, Quinn Hughes landing spots, and how the reported smaller ice rink could affect the players when the Winter Olympics come around. Then, Nick and Justin are joined by former NHLer and ESPN hockey analyst Ray Ferraro (27:03) to discuss the differences in the Leafs and Florida Panthers' rosters compared to the 2024-25 successful teams, the difficulties NHL teams have to go through navigating the salary cap and trade market especially for the Vancouver Canucks, and the path for the Edmonton Oilers to get back on track. 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.
Dec 4
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look ahead to the Leafs' Thursday-night test against the Carolina Hurricanes. Then, they discuss the team's decision to go back to Joseph Woll against the Canes and whether the Leafs' goaltending play frees them up to trade a goalie away. After, they get into the Leafs' dominance in the faceoff circle and revisit yesterday's chat on Auston Matthews' form. Later, three-time Stanley Cup champion Justin Williams joins the show (33:50) to tee up the Hurricanes' side of tonight's matchup and shares his thoughts on Jaccob Slavin's absence, the goaltending trio's play so far this season, and GM Eric Tulsky's emphasis on analytics. 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.
Dec 3
Jets beat writer for the Winnipeg Free Press, Ken Wiebe, joins Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne (6:53) to chat about Jonathan Toews' adjustment into the team's system, Mark Scheifele carrying the top line to success and Team Canada contention, the recent struggles without Connor Hellebuyck in net, the fallout of a closed-door players-only meeting, and the state of the Canadian-NHL teams. Then, Nick, Justin, and Sam McKee discuss the correlation between the lack of goals and shot attempts across the league, Steven Stamkos reaching 1,200 points, and Connor Bedard's spectacular goal against the Vegas Golden Knights, as well as his chances of making the Winter Olympic roster. 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.
Dec 3
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee open with a look back on the Leafs' 4-1 win over the Florida Panthers in Sunrise. They discuss the surprisingly subdued play from the Cats, the third line starting to gel, Troy Stecher giving the backend a different look, and why it's time to abandon the five-forward power play. Then, they evaluate Auston Matthews' season and whether he can return to his pre-injured form. Later, they dip into McKee's Midweek Mailbag to answer your Leafs-related questions! 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.
Dec 2
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne, and Sam McKee start with a discussion about the size and status of Olympic ice following Pete DeBoer's comments on Monday's show. Then, Steve Valiquette joins the show for his weekly appearance (4:13). He gets into the parallels between the Rangers' and Leafs' seasons, the Stars' November surge, why he's not worried about Sergei Bobrovsky's lull, the Jets in free fall without Connor Hellebuyck, whether Jesper Wallstedt's play is sustainable in Minnesota and why a Jordan Binnington trade could save the Oilers. Later, they react to Brendan Dillon's eventful 1,000th NHL game and Sidney Crosby's two-goal game against the Flyers. 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.
Dec 2
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look ahead to the Leafs' matchup against the Florida Panthers, a battle between the two teams at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. They reflect on the Leafs' playoff exit to the Panthers a season ago before discussing Florida's struggles this year. Then, they get the latest developments on Brandon Carlo, Chris Tanev, and Anthony Stolarz's injuries. Finally, Florida Hockey Now insider George Richards stops by (30:56) to discuss the Panthers' lengthy list of injuries, Sergei Bobrovsky's play, Brad Marchand's comments on the Leafs, and much more. 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.
Dec 1
Former NHL head coach and Team Canada assistant coach Pete DeBoer (4:57) joins Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne to chat about the process leading up to the 2026 Winter Olympics, the rise of the young players across the NHL, how much of the 4 Nations Face-Off roster will stay the same or be different to the team headed to Milan, Sidney Crosby's leadership, how stressful it is for a head coach to construct a game day lineup including deciding who will be a healthy scratch, and the expectations for the ice rink and IIHF rules in February. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee take a look at the injured Tampa Bay Lightning riding a 7-game win streak, Adam Fox's injury in New York, and Mitch Marner's usage in Vegas vs. in Toronto. 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.
Dec 1
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' weekend back-to-back, consisting of a convincing win against the Penguins and a bad loss to the Capitals. They discuss Morgan Rielly's recent play in the defensive zone, Joseph Woll's consistency despite a losing result, Dennis Hildeby earning a larger role, and Dakota Joshua's bounce-back after being scratched. Then, they revisit William Nylander's relationship with Craig Berube after Chief's comments about him at today's skate and forecast what Easton Cowan could be for the Leafs down the line. Finally, they chat about Brandon Carlo's setback and the state of the depleted blue line. 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.
Nov 28
NHL on Sportsnet host David Amber joins Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne to weigh in on if there should be a change in overtime, the points system, the dwindling numbers of Canadian teams not in the playoff picture, if it would be better to raise the issue in the Edmonton Oilers' net vs. the blueline, the thought of swapping Stuart Skinner and Jordan Binnington, how the Vancouver Canucks can (re)build around Quinn Hughes, and if they would be enticed to trade Hughes for Jesper Bratt and Simon Nemec. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee touch on William Nylander not playing in their game against the Washington Capitals and more on The Leafs Line! Finally, Nick and Justin wrap up the show with Gord Stellick (49:40) ahead of puck drop, Joseph Woll starting his 6th straight game, the changes in media coverages on the Leafs from his time as a general manager to now, and if the organization will benefit from an outgoing or quiet leader. 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 affiliate.
Nov 28
Former NHLer and Capitals analyst Alan May joins Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne to help set the stage for the Toronto Maple Leafs' afternoon matchup in Washington (9:40). They discuss the impact of Tom Wilson's intimidation, what's behind the Caps' slow start, Ryan Leonard's confidence, and the chances that Wilson and Logan Thompson make Team Canada. Later, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee hit the Leafs Line to take your calls and questions! 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.
Nov 27
On this American Thanksgiving edition, Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee share what they are thankful for, including Bourne's New York Islanders' season, Kyper on the Maple Leafs Alumni group, NHL players participating in the 2026 Winter Olympics, the rise of the younger teams across the leagues, and the increase in 'player-power' similar to the NBA. Then, Nick and Justin are joined by former NHLer and actor Terry Ryan (33:45) to chat about his transition from playing the pros to working on Shoresy, learning from notable actor Jason Momoa and the Shoresy Fall Classic in which Nick Kypreos will participate. 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.
Nov 27
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 2-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets in overtime. They discuss Joseph Woll's standout performance, Easton Cowan's energy, William Nylander and Craig Berube's bench conversation, and Auston Matthews' return from injury. Then, they reflect on the team's decision to scratch Dakota Joshua and Matias Maccelli and whether the lineup remains the same on Friday against the Capitals. Later, Leafs radio analyst Jim Ralph (34:40) shares his thoughts on Matthews' return, the team needing more from Bobby McMann and Cowan finding a fit on the second line. Finally, the guys discuss the return of the five-forward power play. 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.
Nov 26
Sportsnet Flames analyst Eric Francis (3:36) joins Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne to discuss Calgary's recent three-game winning streak and President of Hockey Ops Don Maloney's comments on a potential rebuild. He shares how the Calgary faithful would stomach a rebuild, GM Craig Conroy's Flames future with an expiring contract, and what comes next for popular trade targets Nazem Kadri and Rasmus Andersson. Later, Nick, Justin and Daniele Franceschi look back on another blowout loss for the Edmonton Oilers to the Dallas Stars, if Kris Knoblauch is in trouble, and who they'll target on the goalie market with Pittsburgh's Tristan Jarry and St. Louis's Jordan Binnington both seemingly available. Finally, they react to reports that Quinn Hughes is fully committed to Vancouver. 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.
Nov 26
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Daniele Franceschi look ahead to the Toronto Maple Leafs' matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets as Auston Matthews makes his return to the lineup. They hear from the captain's pre-game sound before discussing the Leafs' decisions to waive Sammy Blais and make Dakota Joshua and Matias Maccelli healthy scratches in Columbus. Then, the guys discuss Joshua's season so far, how Matthews' return can spark a turnaround, and whether Matthew Knies can develop the enforcer side of his game. Finally, Hockey Night in Canada's Craig Simpson (33:27) weighs in on the Leafs' opportunity to set a new first impression as injured players begin to return, and what to expect out of Matthews against the Jackets. 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.
Nov 25
Co-host of Donnie and Dhali, Rick Dhaliwal joins Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne (2:41) to chat about the President of the Vancouver Canucks, Jim Rutherford, declaring the organisation needs to focus on getting younger, Kiefer Sherwood's trade market, why the Canucks' future hinges on Quinn Hughes, and if Adam Foote will continue to lead the bench. Then, Pro Hockey Group and Sportsnet's Jason Bukala stops by (31:55) to discuss the 2025 CHL USA Prospects Challenge, why Gavin McKenna might not be the clear number one prospect, how high an NHL franchise can draft to get a difference maker for 2026 and whether a top-3 pick could sway the Canucks' decision on Hughes. 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.
Nov 25
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look ahead to the Toronto Maple Leafs' matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Wednesday as Auston Matthews, Matthew Knies and Nic Roy make their return to the ice in practice. They discuss whether Matthews should be rushed back for the Leafs' road trip and how well the team needs to play down the stretch to make a bid for the playoffs. Then, they review Kyper's trade board and discuss whether the Leafs should consider selling pieces. Later, Sportsnet's Luke Fox (31:40) weighs in on the Leafs' recent spotty practice schedule, the vibes around the team, and the latest on Anthony Stolarz and Jake McCabe. 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.
Nov 24
Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman (7:40) joins Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne to chat about the growing trade speculation surrounding Carolina Hurricanes' Andrei Svechnikov, Brad Lambert's trade request, why it would be very difficult for the Maple Leafs to make a move, Craig Berube's future, Calgary Flames' president Don Maloney claiming that the franchise are not in a rebuild, and if the Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators could be buyers at the deadline. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee discuss why we could see a copy and paste of the 4 Nations Face-Off Team Canada roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics before running through the state of the NHL standings. 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.
Nov 24
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' loss to the Montreal Canadiens over the weekend. They get into the second-period collapse, the talent disparity between the two teams, Dakota Mermis's fight, and what the team's ceiling is when fully healthy. Then, they evaluate Craig Berube's lineup decisions through a quarter of the season and whether the Leafs could benefit from a coaching change. Later, the guys go through the Leafs' potential trade options if they decide to sell at the deadline and discuss the flawed way they handle injury information. 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.
Nov 21
Former president, general manager and head coach Doug MacLean joins for his weekly chat (1:12) with Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne to chat about why the Maple Leafs have the highest chance of not making the playoffs for the 2025-26 season, if he would swap Morgan Rielly and Darnell Nurse, who he would add to Team Canada's forwards list, the New York Islanders' dominant road trip, if the Habs core is good enough to win a Stanley Cup, and responds to Bill Simmons proclaiming that the Blue Jackets are the most irrelevant franchise in professional sports. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee touch on Connor Bedard getting fired up with an official after arguing a penalty, before heading to the Text Line to hear from listeners! 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.
Nov 21
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' overtime loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets at home. They discuss Easton Cowan's long-term fit in the top six, Joseph Woll's stabilising presence in net, Max Domi's costly turnover in overtime, and what's behind the blue line's fall-off from last season to this one. Then, they chat about why Morgan Rielly is a change-of-scenery candidate and identify Erik Karlsson as a potential target for a blue line swap. Finally, Nick, Justin and Sam open up the Leafs Line to take your calls and questions! 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.
Nov 20
Former NHLer and executive VP & general manager of the Winnipeg Jets Kevin Cheveldayoff (3:36) joins Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne to chat about how longtime Chicago Blackhawk Jonathan Toews has acclimated himself on his hometown team, how he would compare his hockey club's 2024-25 year to this season, if Mark Scheifele could crack Team Canada, extending Adam Lowry's contract, and the state of the trade market. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee touch on the Edmonton Oilers' continuing horror movie and question the timeline in the Buffalo Sabres' rebuild. 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.
Nov 20
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look ahead to the Leafs' matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets, where they will have Scott Laughton back but still be without Auston Matthews and Anthony Stolarz. They react to today's update that Stolarz's injury is more serious than originally thought, discuss Matthews' availability issues in recent seasons, and ask if the captain will ever return to his Hart form. Then, they get into Calle Jarnkrok's move to the top line, Jacob Quillan's potential, and whether the quick ramp-up will become too much for Joseph Woll. Finally, Aaron Portzline (34:05), Blue Jackets reporter with The Athletic, shares his impressions of Columbus through 20 games, Kirill Marchenko's superstar potential, Yegor Chinakhov's future with the team after demanding a trade, and much more. 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.
Nov 19
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne welcome in Sportsnet Oilers reporter Mark Spector (4:49) to discuss the feeling in Edmonton approaching the American Thanksgiving benchmark. He gets into why he's confident the Oilers will bounce back from their familiar early-season struggles, their options in the goalie trade market, and Trent Frederic failing to meet expectations of his 8-year deal. Then, he reviews Evan Bouchard's case for a spot on Team Canada at the Olympics and what Jack Roslovic's next contract might look like after a year on Leon Draisaitl's line. Later, Nick, Justin and Sam react to Mikko Rantanen's game misconduct after a hit on Isles' Alexander Romanov, Patrick Roy's fiery response, and Eetu Luostarinen's off-ice injury. 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.
Nov 19
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee dive into the Maple Leafs' OT win over the St. Louis Blues, Matthews Knies added to a long list of players missing games due to an injury, Troy Stecher's blue line debut since being claimed off waivers, William Nylander's spectacular overtime winner, the ideal type of player Nylander could evolve into, his own goal on Joseph Woll, and John Tavares' 3-on-1 battle leading towards Willy's game winning goal. Then, the guys list some injury updates before jumping into McKee's Midweek Mailbag. 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.
Nov 18
Steve Valiquette joins Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne (6:45) to chat about the fallout from the Edmonton Oilers' loss to the Buffalo Sabres, Joseph Woll's return in net for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Anthony Stolarz's regression in blocking shots and connection to a weak defence, the correlation between shot attempts being down while pucks are still getting by goalies, and Jonathan Quick taking charge in a post-game brawl. Then on Grill the Panel, Steve asks how much a goaltender can move on a left-sided faceoff, when goaltenders should start backing up on an offensive breakaway, and more. To wrap up, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee touch on Evan Bouchard's case for a spot on Team Canada. 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.
Nov 18
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on Brad Treliving's press conference on Tuesday. They review each of the Leafs' GM's answers and discuss the timing of the presser, his confidence in Craig Berube's messaging, how his criticisms reflect on Auston Matthews' leadership, and the expectations for the offseason additions. Then, they discuss the potential impact of Treliving's comments on the team's play. Later, The Athletic's Jim Rutherford stops by (34:40) to help tee up the Leafs' matchup against the St. Louis Blues, parallels for Berube from his situation in St. Louis to now, what's behind the Blues' disappointing start to the season, and Jordan Binnington still searching for his form. 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.
Nov 17
TVA Sports' Ren Lavoie (4:39) joins Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne to weigh in on if he would dive a bit deeper into what happened with Jack Hughes' off-ice hand injury, why the Montreal Canadiens' recent skid doesn't negate the positives to their start to the season, Toronto Maple Leafs being handcuffed from moving pieces and why it needs to be a big change to break through, the Habs' 'rebuild' being over, Ryan O'Reilly expecting himself to be traded away, Brendan Shanahan's potential return to an NHL front office, and if the league will get involved in the New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings bench clearing brawl. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee dive deeper into the Rangers-Red Wings scrum and the unwritten rules of hockey, Matthew Schaefer's impressive rookie season, and Adrian Kempe's 8-year contract extension with the L.A. Kings. 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.
Nov 17
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 3-2 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday, Toronto's fifth straight loss. They get into the Leafs' elevated effort despite the loss, Joseph Woll's return to the ice, power play struggles and Easton Cowan's heavy workload. Then, they discuss whether the Leafs should take drastic action — be it a coaching shake-up or a trade — to attempt to salvage the season. Later, they look at the defensive lines at practice with Troy Stecher drawing in for Philippe Myers and Brandon Carlo being moved to the IR, and they chat about William Nylander's quiet last couple of games after being called out in practice by Craig Berube. 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.
Nov 14
Former NHL President and GM Doug MacLean (2:25) joins Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne to weigh in on how the Toronto Maple Leafs aren't playing as a team through their tough stretch, if it's possible to change the 'culture' mid-way through the season without firing the head coach, the similarities how the year has unfolded for the Leafs and Edmonton Oilers, and why Jim Rutherford is avoiding the word 'rebuild'. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee look at the status of the 2026 Winter Olympics' rink and the concerns from the NHL before heading to the text line for some Q&A! 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.
Nov 14
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 4-3 loss to the LA Kings in overtime. They discuss the Leafs' second-period woes this season, their difficulty breaking the puck out, what the best version of the team would look like, and Craig Berube's interaction with William Nylander on the bench. Then, CHSN and NHL on TNT analyst Darren Pang joins the show (37:17) to help tee up the Leafs' matchup against the Blackhawks on Saturday, weigh in on what Toronto's biggest flaw is, and discuss Connor Bedard's third-year jump. 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.
Nov 13
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on another overtime win for the Edmonton Oilers over the Flyers and whether they're back before welcoming in long-time NHL coach Peter Laviolette (5:24). He discusses his time away from the bench, the league's youth movement, the increased importance of speed in the modern game, what's different for the Leafs in a second year under Craig Berube, and his potential return to the league. Later, Nick, Justin and Sam react to the Tkachuk brothers starting a podcast, Rasmus Andersson trade rumours and what his next contract might cost, the Senators locking up Shane Pinto to a four-year, $30M extension, and they remember the legendary Hall of Fame hockey writer Larry Brooks. 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.
Nov 13
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee share their expectations for the Leafs' game against the L.A. Kings without Auston Matthews, who is sidelined with an injury, how Matthews could be weighing his options to participate in the 2026 Winter Olympics in a similar situation towards last year's Four Nations Face-Off, William Nylander's thoughts on if it is harder to score goals versus playing defence, reaction to the front office and David Kämpf agreeing to terminate their contract together and what could be next for him, and why a trade for Flames' defenceman Rasmus Andersson wouldn't work. Then, Kings' President Luc Robitaille joins the guys (31:41) to chat about Anže Kopitar's longevity and future in the NHL, Corey Perry's contributions to the Kings' offence, contract talks with Adrian Kempe, and Quinton Byfield's development. 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.
Nov 12
Former NHLer and Sportsnet colour analyst Garry Galley (3:25) joins Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne to chat about if Kevin Lankinen is ready to step into the role as the Vancouver Canucks' top goaltender with Thatcher Demko out with an injury, the demand around Connor McDavid on and off the ice, why the Montreal Canadien's goal this season is nothing more than reaching the playoffs, and the buy-in from the Anaheim Ducks. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee touch on the reasons why Nikita Zadorov did not want to fight Max Domi, and who they would choose to start an NHL franchise today. 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.
Nov 12
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' bad 5-3 loss to the Boston Bruins. They discuss the team's response to Nikita Zadorov, a lack of team toughness, and whether the Leafs can dig themselves out of this poor stretch. Then, they get into Auston Matthews and Anthony Stolarz's injuries and how the Leafs will fare in their potential absences. Finally, they weigh in on whether the issues stem from coaching or personnel, who is first on the block if the front office starts feeling desperation, and the consequences of potentially missing the playoffs. 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.
Nov 11
Former NHL goaltender and CEO of Clear Sight Analytics Steve Valiquette (5:35) joins Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne to look at some of the numbers that reveal how bad the start to the Nashville Predators' season is, why he expects major changes on their roster, how the New York Rangers turned around their defensive performance, why goaltenders' save percentages are trending downward, and how the Canadian goaltenders rank in the NHL ahead of the Winter Olympics. Then on Grill the Panel, Vally asks the guys who is the top clutch scorer, playmaker, and goaltender in the NHL today. 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.
Nov 11
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look ahead to the Leafs' rematch against the Bruins in Boston. They discuss the importance of the game after a rough weekend, Craig Berube's demeanour behind the bench, the defensive depth, Auston Matthews and William Nylander splitting up in the top six, and whether the Leafs will seek retribution on Nikita Zadorov after his hit on Scott Laughton on Saturday. Later, NESN Bruins analyst Billy Jaffe stops by (34:26) to share a Boston perspective of tonight's matchup, what's behind their recent surge, how much credit goes to Marco Sturm early on, and Fraser Minten's maturity. 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.
Nov 10
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by former NHLer and Edmonton Oilers analyst Rob Brown looks at the team's inconsistency from their coaching staff to the players' performances on the power-play, why too much line juggling can hurt the chemistry, Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard future, Connor McDavid and Evan Bouchard's tense exchange at practice, and Jack Roslovic's incredible decision making. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee take a listen to Kris Knoblauch's post-game comments against the Colorado Avalanche on the magnitude of a 9-1 loss, and how the Oilers are comparable to the 2024-25 team in the same month of November. Finally, the guys touch on Flyers' captain Sean Couturier calling out his teammate Matvei Michkov. 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 affiliate.
Nov 10
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee reflect on their game at the Easter Seals charity tournament on Friday before looking back on the Leafs' weekend where they lost back-to-back games to the Boston Bruins and Carolina Hurricanes. They discuss Anthony Stolarz's play, defensive struggles and Craig Berube's impact. Then, they ask what's wrong with Auston Matthews and whether the Leafs are at serious risk of missing the playoffs. Later, they react to John Tavares's critical postgame comments calling the team 'immature.' 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 affiliate.
Nov 6
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Hockey Hall of Famer Adam Oates (5:45) to chat about Alex Ovechkin netting in his 900th NHL goal, how much has Auston Matthews' offence changed over the years, Trevor Zegras' impressive start to the year with the Philadelphia Flyers, the evolution of the power-play, and if Macklin Celebrini could crack the Team Canada roster. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee react to Jordan Binnington pocketing Ovi's puck, why Nazem Kadri is the hottest name in the trade market, and Sidney Crosby and Ovechkin meeting for the 99th time. 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.
Nov 6
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 5-3 win over the Utah Mammoth on Wednesday night, their third straight win. They discuss Craig Berube's system, the stars rounding into form, Matias Maccelli's play after being scratched, Dakota Joshua getting more comfortable, and whether Max Domi will enter the press-box rotation. Then, they get into Anthony Stolarz's heavy workload and project when Joseph Woll will draw back in. Later, Sportsnet Leafs reporter Luke Fox (32:43) weighs in on Auston Matthews' role in the team's recent streak, John Tavares pushing for a spot on Team Canada, Matthews' leadership, Matthew Knies' playmaking, and who will be the odd man out from the Leafs' bottom six. 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.
Nov 5
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by former NHLer and NHL Network analyst Nate Thompson (3:23) to chat about Evan Bouchard's costly error against the St. Louis Blues, how Matthew Schaefer has handled a new level of physical play, why he believes in Macklin Celebrini cracking Team Canada's Olympic roster, Justus Annunen knocking off the net from its moorings on the Wild's controversial game-winning goal, and the Montreal Canadiens' surprising start to the 2025-26 season. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee discuss whether a goaltender should be penalised for displacing the net and what has gone wrong for the defending Stanley Cup Champion Panthers. 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.
Nov 5
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look ahead to the Toronto Maple Leafs' Wednesday-night matchup against the Utah Mammoth. They discuss whether the Leafs can build off a big third period against the Penguins, Scott Laughton making his season debut, Easton Cowan getting the game off, and Nick Robertson's rising stock. Later, KSL Sports insider Cole Bagley (32:23) shares the state of the Mammoth ahead of their head-to-head against the Leafs, what's behind their hot start, Nick Schmaltz showing out early in a contract year, the ownership's impact, and how aggressive Bill Armstrong will be in the trade market. Finally, Nick, Justin and Sam react to Cowan being sent down to the AHL. 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.
Nov 4
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on Monday night in the NHL, including Brock Boeser's buzzer-beater to give the Vancouver Canucks an overtime win over the Nashville Predators. Then, MSG analyst and CEO of Clear Sight Analytics Steve Valiquette stops by (4:21) to discuss Anthony Stolarz's play with a heavier workload to start the year, Thatcher Demko beginning to cool off, what's behind Dustin Wolf's early-season struggles, Europe's goalie takeover, and why Alex Ovechkin has been kept off the scoresheet recently. Later, Nick, Justin and Sam discuss Evan Bouchard's play leading up to the Blues' game-winner over the Oilers, whether the Oilers should bench him, and which team Brendan Shanahan might land with next. 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.
Nov 4
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Toronto Maple Leafs' comeback win over the Pittsburgh Penguins after being down 3-0. They get into the effort disparity between the first 40 minutes and the third period, the Leafs' 5-on-5 offence, the defence corps' all-around struggles, and power play woes. Later, Nick, Justin and Sam go through the mailbag and discuss the chances that Nick Robertson gets traded, when Joseph Woll will be back on the ice, which of Craig Berube or Auston Matthews is most to blame for the Leafs' inconsistent play, and much more. 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.
Nov 3
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee begin the hour sharing their reactions to Chris Tanev's on-ice collision, how the Leafs could change the way they play after the incident, Easton Cowan finding the net for his first NHL goal, Nick Robertson's increased production, if Sammy Blais has convinced Craig Berube to become a mainstay, and David Kämpf's future in Toronto. Then, former NHLer and Monday Night Hockey analyst Jody Shelley (30:45) stops by to chat about the Pittsburgh Penguins' potential to sneak into the playoffs, Evgeni Malkin's biggest adjustment to his game, how Auston Matthews can learn from Sidney Crosby's experience in playing alongside different linemates throughout his career, and John Tavares' presence in the Leafs' locker room. 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.
Nov 3
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee reflect on the Toronto Blue Jays' crushing Game 7 loss in the World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Then, they react to the Oilers playing the World Series on their jumbotron during live play. Later, former NHLer and Avalanche analyst John-Michael Liles joins the show (29:45) to discuss Colorado's play to start the year, early returns on Brent Burns, their struggles in overtimes and shootouts, Martin Nečas's outlook with a new big-money extension, and what to expect from Cale Makar's next contract. 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.
Oct 31
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Philadelphia Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet (10:10) to get his thoughts on the Toronto Blue Jays' run to the World Series, then to his team's performance to start the season, if Trevor Zegras is ready to lead and take the next steps with the Flyers, Sean Couturier's presence on the ice and in the locker room as captain, and if his goaltending tandem can lead them back to Stanley Cup contention. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee look at Craig Berube's decision to healthy scratch Nick Robertson ahead of their Saturday Night meeting against the Philadelphia Flyers before heading to The Leafs Line to hear fans' calls on the hockey club and the Blue Jays! 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.
Oct 31
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look ahead to the Jays' potential World-Series clinching Game 6 before welcoming in former NHL President, GM and head coach Doug Maclean for his Off-the-Rails Friday appearance (10:37). Mac gets into Linus Ullmark's recent comments calling the Senators immature, the Leafs' concerning play, the surging Penguins' ceiling, and whether the Flames, Blues or Panthers will bounce back from their bad starts. Later, Nick, Justin and Sam take a closer look at Pittsburgh's hot start and whether it changes Kyle Dubas's goals for the season, as well as Ullmark's comments to the media. 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.
Oct 30
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee dive into why they think there's a work ethic problem amongst the Maple Leafs this year after their 6-3 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, Auston Matthews not being a threat on offence, and John Tavares scoring his 500th goal. Then, Gord Stellick stops by (30:12) to chat about not seeing a sense of urgency from the Leafs' roster, why Easton Cowan can use a change in scenery for his development, and how Craig Berube can shift the team's mindset. 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.
Oct 30
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee reflect on the Blue Jays' Game 5 win over the LA Dodgers to move to 3-2 going back to Toronto. Then, former NHL executive and agent Brian Lawton (10:19) shares some thoughts on the Jays before discussing the NHL's raised-cap contract landscape, the Leafs' slow start, the Canadiens taking strides, the Penguins' unexpected hot streak and Matthew Schaefer's immediate impact with the Islanders. Later, Nick, Justin and Sam discuss Martin Nečas' big extension with the Avalanche, Brad Marchand's leave of absence, and Zach Hyman nearing a return for the Oilers. 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.
Oct 29
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with a look back on the Leafs' 4-3 win over the Calgary Flames. They get into Max Domi's two-goal night, the Leafs' team structure still working up to speed, how they can improve the struggling power play, and Anthony Stolarz showing slight signs of regression. Later, Blue Jackets GM and President of Hockey Ops. Don Waddell joins the show (31:18) ahead of his team's matchup against the Leafs to discuss Columbus's start to the year, the trade landscape in a raised-cap world, Yegor Chinakhov's trade request, and much more. 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.
Oct 29
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee open the show with thoughts on Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s momentous home run to help the Blue Jays tie up the World Series at 2-2. Jason Gregor, host of The Jason Gregor Show , dives into Edmonton's win last night over the Mammoth and the state of the team 11 games into the season. He zeroes in on the concerns surrounding Evan Bouchard, which netminder provides more confidence, and Paul Coffey's departure for the organization. After the break, the boys take a closer look at how to view Logan Cooley and Thomas Harley's long-term extensions in the NHL's changing contract landscape. 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.
Oct 28
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne, and Sam McKee examine the state of the Leafs' defensive core through 9 games, the lack of success in defending the rush and Max Domi's search for his role this season. Then, they search for some optimism for the team's offence. Later, Sportsnet.ca's Eric Francis (30:00) stops by to chat about the type of team Toronto will be facing with the Calgary Flames, Nazem Kadri's fit, Dustin Wolf's prior post-game comments on the team's performance to start the year, if the organisation will look to shift into a rebuild, and the expectations for the young defenceman Zayne Parekh. 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.
Oct 28
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Blue Jays' World Series loss to the Dodgers in an 18-inning marathon before welcoming Steve Valiquette in for his weekly appearance (11:54). Vally weighs in on Dustin Wolf calling out the Flames' offence, the challenges for Joseph Woll to get back up to speed, and Team Canada's thin options in net for the Olympics, and more. Later, Nick, Justin and Sam discuss Sidney Crosby reaching the 1,700-point mark, the Penguins' unexpected hot start, and the shaken-up Atlantic Division landscape. 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.
Oct 27
Hockey Hall of Famer Eric Lindros joins Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne to chat about the upcoming "Celebrity Hockey Classic" featuring NHL Alumni and Nick, Justin and producer Sam McKee with proceeds supporting Easter Seals Ontario, before looking back at participating in the Winter Olympics, the importance of representing your country on the ice, Matthews Knies' potential and the pressure to perform in the big markets. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam recap the Leafs' back-to-back against the Buffalo Sabres, Jake McCabe's controversial hit, the 3rd line's emergence, Nick Robertson on the top line, John Tavares' consistency, the comparisons between the club's performance heading into November from 2024 and this season, and Craig Berube's comments on Joseph Woll's return-to-play process. 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.
Oct 27
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with a chat on the early surprises of the NHL season, including Nick Schmaltz leading the league for points for a surging Mammoth club, the Blues' slow start in the Central, and the Devils' impressive early streak. Then, Canucks Central's Dan Riccio joins the show (9:25) to share his thoughts on the Canucks' start, Quinn Hughes' injury, what the newly acquired Lukas Reichel brings to Vancouver, early returns on Adam Foote and Evander Kane, and much more. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam discuss Nazem Kadri trade landing spots and Macklin Celebrini's prospects for a spot on Team Canada at the Olympics. 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.
Oct 24
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee begin the hour reacting to the news of goaltender Joseph Woll rejoining the team to resume team activities as part of his return-to-play, before going into the debut of Craig Berube's new top line pairings and expectations against the Buffalo Sabres, Matthews Knies playing alongside John Tavares, and Easton Cowan slotting in for the healthy-scratched Nick Robertson. Then, NHL on Sportsnet's colour analyst Craig Simpson (31:50) weighs in on the effect of Woll's absence from the team, shuffling their two top lines, Robertson's future with the Leafs, and the reunion between William Nylander and Auston Matthews. 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.
Oct 24
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Oilers' 6-5 win over the Canadiens and discuss some questionable officiating, Habs players voicing their complaints post-game, and whether Josh Anderson deserved an unsportsmanlike penalty for 'showing up the refs.' Former NHL scout Jason Bukala (13:02) shares his thoughts on the call, the Habs' ceiling, the sustainability of Matthew Schaefer's early-season impact, the Sharks' upward trajectory with budding stars in Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith, and much more. Later, Nick, Justin and Sam share some Jays thoughts ahead of Game 1 of the World Series, look at the Penguins' unexpected hot start, and discuss how the Lightning get back on track from their slow start. 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.
Oct 23
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee weigh in on Craig Berube's changes promoting Bobby McMann and William Nylander to the top line with Auston Matthews, while Matthew Knies and Matias Maccelli move down with John Tavares. Then, they debate what Auston Matthews' leadership role is and what it should be. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam head to The Leafs Line, hearing your calls and questions on the Maple Leafs' start to their 2025-26 season. 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.
Oct 23
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on Dustin Wolf's post-game comments calling out his team after the Flames' overtime loss to the Canadiens. Then, Islanders GM Mathieu Darche joins the show (12:34) to discuss his early impressions of first overall pick Matthew Schaefer, his transition to GM, succeeding Lou Lamoriello, and how the Isles take the next step towards contention. Later, Nick, Justin and Sam discuss whether the Flames should tank this season, if the Canadiens' strong start is sustainable, and who the Habs might target in the trade market. 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.
Oct 22
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back at the Maple Leafs 5-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils, Jack Hughes' growing star status after registering a hat trick in Toronto, the Leafs' top line's slow start especially coming from Auston Matthews, and Anthony Stolarz's performance in net after his critical post-game comments after their game vs. the Seattle Kraken. Then, the guys discuss some updates coming from the hockey club, including Joseph Woll and the future of the goaltending tandem. Finally, they dip into McKee's Midweek Maple Leaf Mail Bag to answer your questions! 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.
Oct 22
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on Brad Marchand's emotional return to Boston in the Panthers' win against the Bruins before welcoming former NHLer and Hockey Night in Canada's Garry Galley (13:20). They discuss Matthew Schaefer's impressive start to his NHL career, the Senators' early-season struggles, and which teams' hot starts he's buying into. Then, Nick, Justin, and Sam discuss the Mammoth's playoff chances this season, the Leafs' decision to move their weekend games to accommodate the Blue Jays and the World Series, and whether it's getting late early for the Sens. 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.
Oct 21
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee draw parallels on how the Maple Leafs can learn from the Blue Jays' historic return to the World Series, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. walking into Game 7 with an Auston Matthews sweater, having the supporting cast come through, and the mounting pressure on the Leafs' first game after the Jays' win. Then, New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald stops by (26:11) to chat about his head coach, Sheldon Keefe, entering his second season with the hockey club, where his team's timeline is at in hopes of a Stanley Cup run, Jack Hughes's development, and Connor Brown's acclimation with his new team. Finally, Nick, Justin and Sam share why Easton Cowan should go down to the AHL. 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.
Oct 21
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with their reactions to the Toronto Blue Jays advancing to the World Series! Then, Steve Valiquette, MSG analyst and CEO of Clear Sight Analytics, stops by for his weekly appearance (9:45) to discuss the Rangers' early-season offensive woes, the Wild's lethal power play, Anthony Stolarz's comments calling out the Leafs, the Red Wings' ceiling with John Gibson and the goalies in the most difficult environments two weeks into the season. Finally, Nick, Justin and Sam discuss Vlad Guerrero Jr. sporting an Auston Matthews jersey to Game 7 and Brad Marchand's return to Boston. 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.
Oct 20
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee react to Anthony Stolarz's sounding off on his team following their 4-3 OT loss to the Seattle Kraken, debating whether it was the right time and right place to call out his teammates, and how will it impact the locker room moving forward. Then, former goaltender and Maple Leafs radio analyst Jim Ralph stops by (33:10) to chat about Stolarz's post-game comments challenging his teammates, the team's overall performance through six games, Morgan Rielly's impact on both ends of the ice and working with the legendary voice Joe Bowen. 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.
Oct 20
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee open the week by sharing their thoughts on the Blue Jays forcing a Game 7 in the ALCS against the Mariners before looking back on the weekend's action in the NHL, including Tom Wilson's big hit on Filip Chytil. Then, former NHLer and NHL Network analyst Jason Demers (11:50) weighs in on whether Wilson's check was dirty, Mason Marchment's collision with Anthony Stolarz, the Leafs' goalie's post-game comments and the Oilers' slow start. Later, Nick, Justin and Sam dicuss the Red Wings' quick turnaround, what the top of the Atlantic might look like by playoff time, Brad Marchand's antics against the Sabres and much more. 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.
Oct 17
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on last night's NHL action, including Mark Scheifele's Hart-calibre start to the season, Evan Bouchard's costly giveaways, and Anthony Stolarz carrying the Leafs to a 2-1 win over the Rangers. Doug MacLean swings by for his Off-The-Rails Friday appearance (12:50), and he discusses the Canadiens' encouraging start, the Leafs' lineup flaws, the Canucks' ceiling, Matthew Schaefer's heavy workload for the Islanders, and much more. Later, Nick, Justin and Sam answer your questions and comments on the text line! 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.
Oct 16
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee revisit the Leafs' response to hits on Easton Cowan against the Nashville Predators before jumping into useful or useless stats, including the team's offensive zone time, forecheck, and the blue line's offensive production. Then, Kyper shares why he wouldn't trade away Nick Robertson amid the rumours that the Leafs are shopping the 24-year-old winger. Later, MSG Network's hockey analyst Dave Maloney stops by (32:30) to chat about Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad's offensive outlooks this season, the shift in attitude on the roster with the addition of J.T. Miller, head coach Mike Sullivan's acclimation with his new team and where he sees NYR stacking up in the Metropolitan Division. 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.
Oct 16
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Sabres' first win of the season, an 8-4 victory over the Brady Tkachuk-less Ottawa Senators. They look at the Atlantic Division standings with the Red Wings in the top spot early before welcoming Sportsnet Jets reporter Sean Reynolds to the show (10:20). He gets into this season's goals for the reigning Presidents' Trophy winners, whether Jonathan Toews can put them over the top, why the Jets will go big-game hunting at the deadline, and if Kyle Connor's extension signals a culture shift on the management side in Winnipeg. Later, Nick, Justin and Sam react to Carter Hart joining the Golden Knights on a PTO. 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.
Oct 15
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 7-4 win over the Nashville Predators on the back-to-back. They discuss Craig Berube's effective timeout call, Matias Maccelli fitting in with the second line and the team's lack of response to a pair of greasy plays on Easton Cowan. Then, they run through the roster and gauge which Leafs CAN provide that physical response. Later, Sportsnet reporter Luke Fox stops by (30:33) to share his early impressions of the Leafs, why a strong October is crucial, Auston Matthews' healthier look, how long Cowan can hold on to a top-line spot, the blueline's slow start and the different atmosphere around the team. 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.
Oct 15
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on Tuesday's NHL action, including the Canadiens' overtime win over the Kraken after honouring the late legend Ken Dryden, the Leafs beating up on the Preds, and the Rangers' historically slow start to the season. TVA analyst Renaud Lavoie joins the show (10:25) to discuss what a successful season would be for the Habs, Sidney Crosby as a potential trade target, Ivan Demidov's upside, Lane Hutson's extension, Patrik Laine's reduced role, and early returns on Noah Dobson. Later, Nick, Justin and Sam dive deeper into Crosby's situation with the Penguins, Brady Tkachuk getting a second opinion, and the Sabres' winless start. 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.
Oct 14
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back at the Maple Leafs dropping both home-and-home games to the Detroit Red Wings, the expectations laid out for William Nylander after three games, Craig Berube continuing to work out the top line now with rookie Easton Cowan slotting in, and who would be the ideal playmaker on their power-play. Then, the guys continue their conversation on Cayden Primeau's incoming debut in net against Nashville and who has stood out from the defensive core to begin the regular season. 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.
Oct 14
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the tough Thanksgiving weekend for Canadian sports teams, Lane Hutson's team-friendly extension with the Canadiens, and the Senators losing Brady Tkachuk for four weeks. MSG analyst and CEO of Clear Sight Analytics Stephen Valiquette (11:05) joins the guys to break down Hutson's deal, Linus Ullmark's start, shooters learning the book on Dustin Wolf, the Leafs' impractical offensive approach, the Panthers picking up where they left off, and much more. Later, Nick, Justin and Sam discuss the Kings' direction, Lindy Ruff wasting no time calling out the Sabres' early-season effort, and Josh Norris facing another injury setback. 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.
Oct 10
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Gord Stellick (6:05) to get his thoughts on the debut of the new look Leafs roster, how long it could take for Auston Matthews to get acclimated with his new linemates, how the Atlantic Division is shaping up in the first week of the NHL season, and the current state of the Leafs' power-play. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee discuss the expectations for Matthews' scoring this season, the uncertainty of Easton Cowan's spot on the roster, before going to the text line to hear your questions on which Blue Jay would most likely translate into becoming a hockey player, Fraser Minten's Boston Bruins debut and more! 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.
Oct 10
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee review Thursday's slate in the NHL, including the Red Wings' rough first impression, a scrappy game between the Canucks and Flames, and Alex Nedeljkovic's late-game gaffe for San Jose against the Golden Knights. NHL Network analyst and former NHLer Mike Rupp joins the show (14:25) to discuss the Rangers' outlook this season under Mike Sullivan, what to make of the Penguins and Bruins' hot starts, why the Leafs are built for the postseason, and whether Stuart Skinner can be the man for the Oilers. Later, Nick, Justin and Sam discuss Kyle Connor's hat trick after signing long-term, Andrei Vasilevskiy fading for Tampa Bay, and Matthew Schaefer's debut before answering your questions on the text line! 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.
Oct 9
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Maple Leafs' head coach Craig Berube (6:19) to chat about his assessment of the team's performance in a season-opening win against the Canadiens, if he'll consider line tinkering early in the year, Matias Maccelli's debut on the top line with Auston Matthews, Morgan Rielly's skating, and Easton Cowan potential. Then, Nick, Justin and producer Sam McKee look across the ice on the Montreal Canadiens' first game of the year and how aggressive the Leafs will be in the top-six forward market. 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.
Oct 9
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on Wednesday's NHL action, including the Calgary Flames' comeback, shootout win over the Edmonton Oilers to start the season. Then, host of Canucks Central Satiar Shah joins the show (13:32) ahead of Vancouver's season opener against the Flames, and he discusses the the team's outlook this season, whether Elias Pettersson can turn things around, Quinn Hughes' future in Vancouver, and what to expect from Adam Foote in his coaching debut. Later, Nick, Justin and Sam react to the Vegas Golden Knights' opening-night loss to the LA Kings, break down Jack Eichel's extension, and discuss the impact of Alex Pietrangelo's absence. Finally, they go through the busy, 14-game Thursday slate and share what makes each matchup interesting. 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.
Oct 8
Ahead of the Toronto Maple Leafs kicking off their 2025-26 season against the Montreal Canadiens, the Leafs Hour returns! Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee set the stage for the game, discuss Easton Cowan being a healthy scratch for the home opener, the new-look bottom six, and Matias Maccelli's outlook on the top line. Then, they take a wider view and share their expectations and biggest concerns for the Leafs' season. Later, they discuss the pressure on the team to win this season and what's at stake if the Leafs can't stay a Stanley-Cup competitor without Mitch Marner. 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.
Oct 8
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee kick off the first two-hour edition of Real Kyper and Bourne of the season recapping all the action from Opening Night in the NHL! They touch on the Blackhawks' promising start and the Kings' stumble out of the gates, before sharing their thoughts on Kyle Connor's eight-year, $96 million extension with the Winnipeg Jets. Sportsnet's David Amber (10:12) stops by ahead of tonight's Maple Leafs-Canadiens clash to discuss the Buds' outlook without Mitch Marner and the optimism surrounding the Habs. D.A. also shares a bold prediction about the Senators, how the Canucks can bounce back, and what to expect for Connor Bedard in his third season. Later, they listen to some audio from Connor McDavid's teammates after signing his two-year, $25 million extension in Edmonton and discuss its greater impact around the league. 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.
Oct 7
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne, and Sam McKee break down the latest NHL goalie moves — including the Ducks sending down Ville Husso and the Sabres waiving Alexandar Georgiev — before welcoming MSG analyst and Clear Sight Analytics CEO Steve Valiquette (5:45). Vally discusses what Cayden Primeau brings to the Maple Leafs, Toronto’s search for a reliable backup, the pressure on Dustin Wolf after signing his new long-term deal with the Flames, the Canadiens’ outlook with Sam Montembeault in net, and whether stars like Elias Pettersson, Auston Matthews, and Jeremy Swayman can rebound in the 2025-26 NHL season. Later, Nick, Justin and Sam get into the suspension fallout from the Lightning and Panthers' preseason battle, the Panthers' Cup rings, and Alex Pietrangelo being ruled out for the season. 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.
Oct 6
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start the week reacting to the big news out of Edmonton that Connor McDavid has signed to a two-year, 12.5 AAV extension. They break down the team-friendly deal, the Oilers' next steps, and how McDavid's deal impacts other extension-eligible stars. Then they discuss the Leafs' weekend roster moves, waiving Michael Pezzetta and claiming Sammy Blais and Cayden Primeau. Later, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman joins the show (27:52) to discuss McDavid's contract, Sportico's recent franchise evaluations, the Penguins' potential ownership sale, the league's approach to further expansion, preseason feistiness, complaints about state taxes, and much more. 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.
Oct 3
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee share some thoughts on the Leafs' penultimate preseason game, a 3-1 loss to the Detroit Red Wings, before bringing in Doug MacLean (5:30) for his Off-The-Rails Friday appearance! Mac shares his thoughts on the Leafs' lineup heading into the season, Kirill Kaprizov's mega-deal, the Oilers' outlook in the West, Jackson LaCombe's extension with the Ducks, and the NHL's increased-cap landscape. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam discuss the Leafs waiving David Kämpf, Scott Laughton's week-to-week injury and Easton Cowan's camp. Finally, they close out the week by answering your questions on the text line! 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.
Oct 2
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee react to more contract movement around the league, with Niko Mikkola signing an 8-year, $40M extension to stay in Florida, and the Ducks locking in young defenceman Jackson LaCombe to an 8-year deal carrying an AAV of $9M. MSG analyst and CEO of Clear Sight Analytics Steve Valiquette (4:41) weighs in on the deals, the immense pressure on today's goalies, Anthony Stolarz's team-friendly extension, the top five netminders over the last three years, and much more. Then, Vally introduces a new game for his weekly appearances: Grill the Panel! Later, Nick, Justin and Sam discuss the NHL franchise value rankings ahead of the start of the season. 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.
Oct 1
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee react to the New Jersey Devils locking up Luke Hughes to a 7x9 extension. Then, fresh off signing Kirill Kaprizov to a record-setting deal, Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin joins the show (7:15) to discuss the NHL's rising-cap landscape, the plan to build around Kaprizov, the pressure on the star winger after becoming the NHL's highest-paid player, and how he's managing dual responsibilities with the Wild and Team USA. Later, Nick, Justin and Sam discuss the best-value contracts in the league, the Oilers trading for Connor Ingram, and the Canadiens' and Senators' scrappy preseason meeting. Finally, they play a quick game of 'True or False.' 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.
Sep 30
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee kick off the show reacting to Kirill Kaprizov's record-setting extension to stay in Minnesota, an 8-year, $17M AAV deal. Then, Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli (10:15) stops by to discuss how Kaprizov's contract impacts Connor McDavid and others' negotiations, Vegas as a potential landing spot for Carter Hart and how the Leafs' roster crunch might play out. Later, Jason York (32:19) of the Coming in Hot Sens podcast joins Nick and Justin to share his thoughts on Ottawa's outlook this season, concerns about Linus Ullmark, whether the club is ready to join the group of perennial playoff teams in the East, and Jake Sanderson's potential. 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.
Sep 29
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee share some thoughts on the Blue Jays clinching the AL East before getting into Anthony Stolarz's 4 x $3.75M extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Hockey Night in Canada's Elliotte Friedman (7:02) stops by to go behind the scenes of Stolarz's negotiations, the situation with Joseph Woll, Mason McTavish's 6 x $7M extension in Anaheim, how cap increases are impacting contract talks around the league, and the latest around Connor McDavid and Kirill Kaprizov. Later, Nick, Justin, and Sam discuss who the Panthers might target with cap freed up from Aleksander Barkov's injury, take a deeper dive into Stolarz's deal, and react to the Jets losing Dylan Samberg for 6-8 weeks due to a wrist injury. 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.
Sep 26
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee kick off with some thoughts on Aleksander Barkov's potentially season-ending injury before getting to Doug MacLean (2:48) for his first Off-The-Rails Friday appearance of the season! Mac shares his predictions for the Atlantic Division, how the Leafs will manage without Mitch Marner, and the outlook for Connor McDavid and Kirill Kaprizov's extensions. He also discusses the most improved teams from last year and what Jonathan Toews can bring to the Jets after missing the last two seasons. Later, Nick, Justin and Sam react to the Leafs signing James Reimer to a PTO and answer your questions on the text line! 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.
Sep 25
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne welcome Oilers analyst Jason Gregor (5:09) to the show to discuss the angst in Edmonton as Connor McDavid remains without an extension. They get into McDavid's mindset, what moves the Oilers can make to entice him to stay, and how the team looks beyond the expiring superstar. Later, Nick and Justin regroup with Sam McKee to discuss whether the Leafs or Oilers would be interested in recently waived goalie Connor Ingram, Easton Cowan's chances of making the Leafs' lineup, and where David Kämpf and Calle Järnkrok fit within the Leafs' roster. 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.
Sep 24
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager Brad Treliving (4:48) to share some thoughts on the offseason and the team heading into the 2025-26 season. The GM discusses the slow summer across the NHL, the ongoing search for a top-six forward, Easton Cowan's encouraging camp, the options in net in Joseph Woll's absence, Anthony Stolarz's contract negotiations, competition in the bottom-six, and Morgan Rielly's shape entering the year. Later, Nick and Justin regroup with Sam McKee to talk Jonathan Toews' return to NHL ice with the Winnipeg Jets, the new playoff salary cap rules, and the Leafs' biggest need for this season. 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.
Sep 23
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee pick up on yesterday's conversation around offseason contract drama with a look at Quinn Hughes' situation with the Vancouver Canucks. Then, they discuss the Toronto Maple Leafs' netminding position with Anthony Stolarz eligible for an extension and Joseph Woll taking a personal leave, the pressure on Auston Matthews this year, and whether there's concern the Leafs miss the playoffs this season. Finally, they review the Leafs' camp roster, including the bubble players, where Easton Cowan fits in, the New York Rangers naming J.T. Miller captain, and much more. 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.
Sep 22
The boys are back for a fifth season! Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee catch up before kicking off the new year with the biggest storyline heading into the season: Connor McDavid's uncertain future with the Edmonton Oilers. They discuss what the superstar needs to see to stay, whether the goaltenders in Edmonton play a role in his decision, and whether the Oilers will consider a trade at any point this season. Then, they get into Kirill Kaprizov turning down an NHL-record contract, Anže Kopitar's final season, the chances McDavid is thinking Toronto in 26-27, and why a Sidney Crosby trade makes sense for both Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins. 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.
Jul 4
On the season finale of Real Kyper and Bourne, Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne welcome in former NHL executive, GM and head coach Doug MacLean for a final Off-the-Rails Friday (6:30). Mac weighs in on the Leafs bringing a horse into rookie development camp, the teams that have improved the most so far this offseason, Kirill Kaprizov's future in Minnesota, issues with the new CBA, Brock Boeser's bizarre deal to stay with the Canucks, and he grades the Leafs' offseason so far. Later, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee head into the summer break with a trip to the text line to answer your questions! 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.
Jul 3
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with their reaction to Nikolaj Ehlers signing with the Carolina Hurricanes before welcoming in LA Kings GM Ken Holland to the show (5:13). He discusses his transition from Edmonton to Hollywood, the Kings' moves so far this offseason, the significance of Quinton Byfield's development, and how the team gets over the 'Oilers hurdle' next season. Later, Nick, Justin and Sam share their thoughts on the Sharks picking up Dmitry Orlov and the Blues' bargain deal for Pius Suter. Finally, they react to Sportsnet's Top 25 NHL players list and play a game of 'True or False.' 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.
Jul 2
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Vancouver Canucks on Sportsnet host Dan Murphy (4:20) to chat about the magnitude of Brock Boeser unexpectedly re-signing with the organization, the state of their centremen depth, how comfortable and confident Canucks' front office are with Thatcher Demko after signing an extension, Adam Foote leading the charge as head coach, why their playoff hopes will depend on how Elias Pettersson performs, and whether general manager Patrik Allvin will continue to add to the roster. Then, Oilers analyst Jason Gregor (26:10) stops by to discuss the Edmonton Oilers' offseason building process, their plans in net, Evan Bouchard's extension, the impact of losing Corey Perry in the locker room, and Connor McDavid's next contract. 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.
Jul 2
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with their thoughts on Mitch Marner's introductory press conference with the Vegas Golden Knights. Then, they discuss Brendan Shanahan's role in Marner's unceremonious exit, listen to Vegas GM Kelly McCrimmon's comments on the team's process, and share their thoughts on the Leafs' moves on July 1. Later, Leafs GM Brad Treliving joins the show (27:40) to share reflections from the NHL's opening day of free agency, his process in the search for a top-six forward, if there are any regrets from Marner negotiations and what the team is getting in Nicolas Roy, Matias Maccelli and Michael Pezzetta. 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.
Jul 1
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee continue their coverage of the opening day of NHL free agency by reviewing the top names that have signed so far. They discuss Corey Perry's fit with the Kings, Brock Boeser sticking around in Vancouver, Evan Bouchard's mega-extension in Edmonton, how the Oilers can entice Connor McDavid to stay, Thatcher Demko's deal with the Canucks and the Panthers' UFA's paycuts. Later, Hockey Night in Canada's Elliotte Friedman (30:00) stops by the studio to review the day's action, the sense around the league on 'tampering,' Bowen Byram's market, the rumours around Sidney Crosby, Mitch Marner's fit in Vegas and where Nikolaj Ehlers might land. 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.
Jul 1
The markets are open! Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee react to the latest moves around the NHL before diving deep into Mitch Marner's official departure from the Toronto Maple Leafs as they send him to Vegas for Nicolas Roy. They discuss how Marner will be remembered in Toronto, what Roy brings, and how the Leafs' negotiations with Mitch fell apart. Then, they get into Brock Boeser's surprising 7-year deal with the Canucks, Matias Maccelli's outlook in 2025, what the Leafs are getting in Michael Pezzetta, Steven Lorentz leaving money on the table, the decision to not qualify Pontus Holmberg and much more. 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.
Jun 30
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start the busy Monday show with a reaction to reports around the Vegas Golden Knights tampering for Mitch Marner. They discuss the rumoured Marner-Nicolas Roy trade, how the 'tampering' allegations impact negotiation leverage, and what measures the NHL might take if the Leafs file an official complaint. Then, they break down Matthew Knies' team-friendly extension, what the newly acquired Matias Maccelli brings to Toronto, potential cap casualties in Toronto, and how Aaron Ekblad's extension in Florida impacts Brad Marchand's chances to stick around with the Cats. Finally, Nick, Justin and Sam look at extension talks around the league ahead of July 1, including the Canucks' progress on Thatcher Demko, Claude Giroux's extension in the nation's capital, Nikolaj Ehlers landing spots and much more. 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.
Jun 27
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee kick off with their reaction to the Leafs locking up John Tavares to a 4x4.38 extension before welcoming in Doug MacLean (7:28) for his Off-the-Rails Friday appearance! Mac weighs in on Tavares's extension, the Canadiens' trade for Noah Dobson, the vibes around the decentralised draft, the new CBA's proposed extended regular season, Trent Frederic's 8-year deal in Edmonton and much more. Later, Nick, Justin, and Sam dive deeper into the Dobson trade and how it sets the market for tradeable defensemen for the Leafs, and other players that Brad Treliving is kicking tires on. 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.
Jun 25
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee kick off the show by reacting to the Edmonton Oilers trading Evander Kane to the Vancouver Canucks. Then, former NHL scout Jason Bukala (6:41) stops by to share his thoughts on the Kane trade, the Canucks' next priority, the Islanders' decision on Noah Dobson, the Ducks' paltry return for Trevor Zegras and headlines to look out for on draft day. Finally, Nick, Justin and Sam discuss what lies ahead for Connor McDavid before going to McKee's Midweek Mailbag to answer your questions! 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.
Jun 24
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee share some thoughts on the Panthers' cup parade before getting into Kyp's recently published trade board heading into the NHL draft. They delve into how the Leafs need to get creative with a Mitch Marner deal, Brad Marchand's reported 4-year, $9 million contract in Toronto, Jason Robertson landing spots, and the Canucks' looming decision on Elias Pettersson. Later, they predict how July 1st will go for Connor McDavid and the Oilers, why the Islanders should try to hang on to Noah Dobson and the Leafs' options for Morgan Rielly. Finally, they react to the 2025 Hockey Hall of Fame class, headlined by Alexander Mogilny FINALLY getting the call. 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.
Jun 23
Justin Bourne, JD Bunkis and Sam McKee check in on the Panthers' Cup parade and discuss whether some aspects of the celebration are getting out of hand. Then, they discuss why Brad Marchand is a perfect fit for Toronto, John Tavares' reportedly rocky contract negotiations and whether there's a chance the Leafs let him walk. Then, the three look at the 2025 UFA class, potential impact players for the Leafs to target, trade options and Mitch Marner landing spots. 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.
Jun 20
Nick Kypreos, Gord Stellick and Sam McKee kick off the Friday edition with a look at the Panthers' Cup parade and Sam Bennett's declaration that he's staying in Florida. Former NHL GM, coach and executive Doug MacLean (5:52) shares his thoughts on the Panthers' Stanley Cup run, Connor McDavid's comments on his future, why the Leafs will regret Mitch Marner's departure, Jonathan Toews landing with the Winnipeg Jets and much more. Later, Nick, Gord and Sam discuss the latest around the NHL heading into free agency, including the Leafs' interest in Brad Marchand, Aaron Ekblad's value on the open market and John Tavares' options outside of Toronto. 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.
Jun 18
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee discuss the Florida Panthers' Game 6 victory over the Edmonton Oilers to claim the Stanley Cup for a second straight season. They get into the Panthers' dynastic performance, McDavid and Draisaitl's flat finish to the series, the Oilers' depth's fall-off, the impact of Zach Hyman's absence, Stuart Skinner's rough game, what an Evan Bouchard extension would cost and Sam Reinhart's 4-goal effort. Later, they discuss Sam Bennett's future after winning the Conn Smyth and Florida's plan for their other expiring UFAs in Aaron Ekblad and Brad Marchand. 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.
Jun 17
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look ahead to Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers in Sunrise. They get into the Oilers' decision to start Stuart Skinner before Hockey Night in Canada's David Amber joins the show (4:17) to discuss the Panthers' unsung offensive efficiency, what another Final loss would mean for Connor McDavid's legacy, the Oilers needing more from their depth and what lies ahead for looming UFAs Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad and Brad Marchand. Later, Nick, Justin and Sam react to Tage Thompson calling out his Sabres teammates and they make their picks for Game 6. 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.
Jun 16
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee reflect on the Edmonton Oilers' loss to the Florida Panthers over the weekend to fall behind 3-2 in the Stanley Cup Final. Hockey Night in Canada's Craig Simpson joins the show (8:10) to share his thoughts on Game 5 and the series as a whole - the Oilers' lack of urgency, Mattias Ekholm's lapses, Brad Marchand's tremendous series, why Sam Bennett is most productive in the playoffs and why Stuart Skinner should get the Oilers' net in Game 6. Later, Nick, Justin and Sam react to the initial six names announced for each Olympic hockey team, Connor Hellebuyck being left off Team USA's list and murmurs about John Tavares' next contract. 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.
Jun 13
Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Edmonton Oilers' 5-4 comeback win over the Florida Panthers in Game 4 to tie up the Stanley Cup Final. The Athletic's Shayna Goldman (8:30) shares her take on Game 4 and digs in on the Oilers' resilience, the Panthers' collapse, why Edmonton needs to stick with Calvin Pickard for Game 5, the importance of blueline production and Sam Bennett's open-market value. Then, Justin and Sam react to reports that Mitch Marner will not return to Toronto next season and project where he might land in free agency. They close out the week by answering your questions on the text line! 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.
Jun 12
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne look ahead to tonight's Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final and discuss the Edmonton Oilers' decision to stick with Stuart Skinner in net. Then, Stanley Cup champion and TNT analyst Eddie Olczyk (6:07) shares his takeaways from the Panthers' Game 3 blowout, Florida's versatility, what other GMs can learn from the Cats' blueprint, Sam Bennett's impact, and the Oilers needing their depth to step up. Later, Nick and Justin discuss the Rangers trading Chris Kreider to the Ducks, Brad Marchand's potential fit in Toronto, Anže Kopitar winning the Lady Byng trophy and Cale Makar winning the Norris trophy. 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.
Jun 10
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with a look back on the Panthers' 6-1 win over the Oilers in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final before welcoming in MSG analyst and CEO of Clear Sight Analytics Steve Valiquette (8:13). Vally breaks down the Cup Final goalie battle by the numbers, why the Oilers should turn to Calvin Pickard in Game 4, Sergei Bobrovsky's elite speed in the crease and much more! Later, Nick, Justin, and Sam discuss the Oilers' response to Florida's physicality, what adjustments they need to make for Game 4, and the rapid rise of Brad Marchand's free-agent stock. 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.
Jun 9
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start the week with a look back on Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final where the Florida Panthers evened up their series against the Edmonton Oilers in double overtime. They marvel over Connor McDavid's highlight-reel assist before welcoming in Hall of Famer Chris Pronger (7:15), who weighs in on McDavid's standing among the all-time greats, the Oilers needing more from their depth, Sam Bennett's antics in the crease, Stuart Skinner's play, and more. Later, Nick, Justin and Sam discuss Senators owner Michael Andlauer not committing to spending to the cap and Capitals coach Spencer Carbery winning the Jack Adams Award. 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.
Jun 6
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with reaction to Peter DeBoer's dismissal in Dallas before welcoming in former NHL president, GM and head coach Doug MacLean (5:14) for his Off-the-Rails Friday appearance! Mac gets into the DeBoer news, the Stars' next steps behind the bench and the Penguins' decision to hire first-time head coach Dan Muse. Then, they dive into Cup Final storylines, Panthers concerns after Game 1, Stuart Skinner's resilient play, Sam Bennett's NHL evolution and much more. Finally, Nick and Justin regroup with Sam to discuss the Leafs hiring Derek Lalonde as an assistant head coach and take your calls and questions on The Canada Line! 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.
Jun 4
The Stanley Cup Finals have finally arrived! Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look at the Game-1 injuries before welcoming in Oilers analyst Jason Gregor (5:36). He looks at the build-up to Game 1, Edmonton's path back to the Final, the pressure on Connor McDavid, who needs to step up in Zach Hyman's absence and much more. Later, Nick and Justin regroup with Sam to look at each team's keys to winning the Stanley Cup, the Colorado Avalanche extending Brock Nelson and what a John Tavares extension in Toronto could look like. 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.
Jun 3
The wait for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals continues as Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with a reflection of Connor McDavid's tenure and future in Edmonton. MSG Analyst and CEO of Clear Sight Analytics Steve Valiquette (6:55) digs in on the legacy stakes for McDavid, how the Panthers stop Edmonton's offence off the rush, how the Oilers slow down the Cats' forecheck, where Sergei Bobrovsky is susceptible and why Stuart Skinner matches up well against Florida's style. Then, Vally weighs in on the Pete DeBoer/Jake Oettinger drama and why the relationship may be permanently fractured. Finally, Nick, Justin and Sam review each name on Nick's newly published trade board and where they might land. 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.
Jun 2
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start the show with a chat about the timing of the Stanley Cup Final and whether the delayed start is hurting the hype. They are joined by Hockey Night in Canada and 32 Thoughts' Elliotte Friedman (8:08), who shares a peak into the offseason with potential trades ahead of July 1, the Canucks' plans for Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes, how the Leafs change their 'DNA,' Sam Bennett's reasons to stay in Florida, Mitch Marner landing spots, Lou Lamoriello's role with the Islanders and much more. Later, Nick, Justin and Sam look at names potentially on the move, including the Wild's Marco Rossi, Vegas' Nic Hague, and whether Morgan Rielly would lift his no-move clause. 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.
May 30
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Oilers' 6-3 win over the Stars to clinch a spot in the Stanley Cup Final, and they discuss Pete DeBoer's decision to pull Jake Oettinger after 2 shots and 2 goals. Former NHL president, GM and head coach Doug MacLean (6:30) joins the show for his Off-the-Rails Friday appearance to discuss DeBoer's decision and post-game comments on his goalie, Connor McDavid reaching new levels of excellence, Aleksander Barkov's defensive dominance and the Islanders' outlook under new GM Mathieu Darche. Later, Nick and Justin regroup with Sam to discuss McDavid touching the Campbell Cup and to answer your calls and questions on the new Canada Line! 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.
May 29
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Ed Jovanovski (3:50), former NHL defenceman and Panthers TV analyst to chat about Florida's return to the Stanley Cup Final after taking down the Carolina Hurricanes, Sam Bennett and Seth Jones' impact on the roster, the differences between the 2024 winning team, and what went wrong for the Canes. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee touch on Paul Maurice's disagreement with Rod Brind'Amour after the game. Afterwards, Hockey Night in Canada's Craig Simpson (29:52) weighs in on the Edmonton Oilers' ability to outscore the Dallas Stars, Mattias Ekholm's playoff debut, the Stars' roster flaws and their chances to come back in the series. 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.
May 29
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee bring back the Leafs Hour to break down GM Brad Treliving's press conference today. They discuss general takeaways, the timing of the presser, comments on 'changing the team's DNA,' and the uncertainty surrounding Mitch Marner and John Tavares's future. Later, Sportsnet Leafs insider Luke Fox joins the show (35:11) to share his thoughts on Treliving's availability, the next steps on Matthew Knies, positional priorities in free agency and the plan for Morgan Rielly. 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.
May 28
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Oilers' Game 4 win over the Stars to take a 3-1 series lead and discuss how Zach Hyman's season-ending injury changes Edmonton's playoff outlook. Joining the conversation, Oilers analyst Jason Gregor (6:36) weighs in on who needs to step up in Hyman's absence, how Edmonton has been able to shut down the Stars' offence and Corey Perry's presence on and off the ice. Later, former NHLer and GM Brian Lawton (30:40) discusses his viral courtside moment in the late stages of the NBA's Western Conference Final Game 4 before sharing his takeaways from the NHL's Conference Finals. 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.
May 27
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee kick off with a look ahead to Thursday where Leafs GM Brad Treliving will finally face the media. Then, Steve Valiquette (10:18), MSG analyst & CEO of Clear Sight Analytics, joins the show to discuss Stuart Skinner's inconsistency, what's behind Dallas' dried-up scoring, the Hurricanes' flawed shooting philosophy, and why he's still counting out Carolina after their 3-0 win over the Panthers in Game 4. Later, Nick & Justin regroup with Sam to break down Darnell Nurse's slash on Roope Hintz. 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.
May 23
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Doug MacLean (5:13) – former NHL president, general manager and head coach to chat about why the Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers series was won at the trade deadline, why changes in the front office doesn't exclude looking into their scouting department, whether the Edmonton Oilers can overcome their Game 1 loss to the Dallas Stars, Tyler Seguin's impact for the Stars, the New York Islanders hiring Mathieu Darche as their new general manager, and why his concerns with the Carolina Hurricanes starts with their goaltending. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee answer more text questions from fans across Canada! 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.
May 23
On the final Leafs Hour of the season, Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on MLSE president & CEO Keith Pelley's availability following the dismissal of team president Brendan Shanahan. They discuss Pelley's optimistic outlook, the decision to forgo the team president position, how Brad Treliving's role will change and what to expect from the franchise going forward under Pelley's watch. Finally, they close out with one final trip to the Leafs Line to answer your calls and questions! 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.
May 22
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee reflect on Brendan Shanahan's tenure with the Toronto Maple Leafs after it was announced today the team will be parting ways with its long-time President. Sportsnet studio host David Amber (13:00) weighs in on Shanahan's 11-year tour of duty, the evolution of the President's role, where the Leafs' organization needs to improve post-Shanahan and the front office's next steps. Then, they get into Team Canada's stunning elimination from the Hockey World Championship quarterfinals at the hands of the hosting Team Denmark, the Oilers' third-period collapse in Game 1 and Stuart Skinner's concerning play in the WCF opener. Later, they regroup with Sam to discuss the upcoming docuseries on the 1980s Oilers, The Great Ones. 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.
May 21
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Kevin Lowe (7:05) – 6-time Stanley Cup Champion and Hockey Hall Of Famer to chat about the differences in today's game compared to when he was playing, the growing amount of blueliners scoring goals, what a Cup could mean for Connor McDavid, the familiarity of facing the same team in playoffs, and why the Oilers need to instil confidence in Stuart Skinner. Then, Rick Tocchet (26:15) – the new head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers stops by to discuss what drove him back to be behind a bench following his tenure with the Vancouver Canucks and the fallout between him and the front office. 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.
May 21
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee kick off with their reaction to reports that Brendan Shanahan has been granted access to meet with the New York Islanders. They discuss Shanahan's likely looming dismissal, how new management could impact Mitch Marner's future and whether the franchise is revisiting its management structure ahead of any major decisions. Then, they look back on Shanahan's Toronto tenure and go through the best and worst decisions during his decade with the team. 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.
May 20
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Steve Valiquette (5:45) – CEO of Clear Sight Analytics to discuss who's the best goaltender amongst the final four teams left in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, whether Sergei Bobrovsky can handle the Hurricanes' rush attack, Joseph Woll's performance after being thrust into the series against the Florida Panthers and what he needs to focus on during the offseason, and how pressure manifests for goalies. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee look at the Boston Bruins re-signing general manager Don Sweeney to a two-year contract, and Connor Hellebuyck's comments on his game in the regular season compared to the post-season. 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.
May 20
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' availability from today's locker room cleanout day press conferences. They get into Craig Berube's reflection and evaluate his first year behind the Leafs' bench, the pressure baked into the Toronto market, Auston Matthews staying quiet on his injury status and Brendan Shanahan's future with the franchise. Later, Sportsnet Leafs insider Luke Fox joins the show (37:55) to share his takeaways from the team's availability today and discuss potential imminent changes at the top, Anthony Stolarz's injury and the growing narrative surrounding Leafs fans and media. 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.
May 19
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne welcome in Pro Hockey Group & Sportsnet's Jason Bukala (8:25) to chat about the end of the Winnipeg Jets' season, what type of players the organization should look into in the offseason, Nikolaj Ehlers free-agency future, Jake Oettinger's performance in comparison to Connor Hellebuyck, and why Seth Jones was a perfect fit for the Florida Panthers. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee take a quick look at Mitch Marner's market outlook on free agency, Jack Eichel's next contract, and the Edmonton Oilers' outlook as the lone Canadian team in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. 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.
May 19
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee react to the Toronto Maple Leafs' 6-1 loss to the Florida Panthers in Game 7 on Sunday and discuss what led to the familiar season finale. They reflect on the enduring playoff failures of this core, the Leafs' sloppy start and what needs to change for next season. Then, they dig into the postgame availability and dissect Auston Matthews' comments on 'passengers' in Game 7. Later, they discuss the likely end of Mitch Marner's Toronto tenure and what the team could look like without him next year. Finally, Nick, Justin and Sam discuss and debate the growing narrative around the pressure of playing in the Toronto market. 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.
May 16
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Doug MacLean (3:45) – former NHL president, general manager and head coach to chat about the Maple Leafs' comeback chances against the Florida Panthers, the biggest differences between Toronto and Florida, the ramifications if the Leafs end their season early, Florida's legacy, whether the Winnipeg Jets can capitalize on their Game 5 shutout victory and Rick Tocchet's new gig in Philadelphia. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee weigh in on the Washington Capitals season ending at the hands of the Carolina Hurricanes, Alex Ovechkin's future, and Jamie Benn's punch on Mark Scheifele. 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.
May 16
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look ahead to Game 6 as the Leafs look to extend their second-round series against the Florida Panthers in Sunrise tonight. They check the pulse of Leafs Nation before getting into how the team responds to the Game 5 blowout, Craig Berube turning back to Pontus Holmberg and Calle Jarnkrok, the decision to keep Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner on a line together, and what to expect from Joseph Woll. Later, they answer your calls and questions on the Leafs Line! 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.
May 15
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by former NHLer Rob Brown (6:45) to chat about his former team Edmonton Oilers advancing to their second straight conference final, how both Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard played a role in their playoff run so far, why the team has excelled behind Kris Knoblauch's adjustments during a series, and how the Oilers could match-up against the Dallas Stars or Winnipeg Jets. Then, former goaltender and Stars analyst Daryl Reaugh (28:45) stops by to discuss what has fueled Dallas' success so far against the Jets, Thomas Harley's evolution, and Miro Heiskanen's presence since returning to the team. 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.
May 15
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 6-1 loss to the Florida Panthers at home as the Cats now have a 3-2 series lead. They break down the game and reflect on the Core Four's playoff failures, why the top forwards struggle at this time of year, the general lack of compete and Mitch Marner's future in Toronto. Later, they get into how Game 6 might look and what lineup changes Craig Berube might make. 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.
May 14
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne welcome in former NHLer Blake Wheeler (5:35) to chat about his transition into working as an analyst for the Stanley Cup Playoffs coverage, Auston Matthews' playoff scoring struggles, the potential cause for Connor Hellebuyck's poor road-game performances, and the key to cutting out the outside noise. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee weigh in on the coaching changes with Rick Tocchet joining his former team in Philadelphia, while Adam Foote gets promoted in Vancouver. To wrap up, Pro Hockey Group and Sportsnet's Jason Bukala stops by (31:49) to chat about the Canucks signing Tom Willander to an entry-level contract, if the Flyers are ready for the playoffs next year, and if the Edmonton Oilers have risen back to Stanley Cup favourites. 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.
May 14
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look ahead to tonight's Game 5 between the Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers in Toronto. They outline the stakes of the game with the second-round series tied 2-2 and bigger-picture consequences if the Leafs win or lose the series. Then, they get into the potential lineup changes for each team, how Craig Berube can help free up Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews and much more. Later, Leafs legend Wendel Clark joins the show (33:45) to discuss the team's keys to victory in Game 5, how physical play evolves through the playoffs and Matthew Knies' evolution. 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.
May 13
Steve Valiquette – analyst for the New York Rangers on MSG and CEO of Clear Sight Analytics joins Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne (5:17) for his weekly chat to break down the save percentages from goaltenders in the playoffs and what it could mean for a future Stanley Cup winner, why there shouldn't be indecisions off the rush at this stage of the season, Connor Hellebuyck's continuing struggles on the road, and how he sees Sergei Bobrovsky in his series against the Maple Leafs so far. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee discuss the LA Kings' plan to name Ken Holland GM, Lou Lamoriello's next move in his career and Miro Heiskanen's return for the Stars. 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.
May 13
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee kick off with a look at the Leafs' skate where there were no changes to the lineup and debate whether David Kämpf or Nick Robertson should be in for Game 5 against the Florida Panthers on Wednesday. Then, they discuss the pressure on Auston Matthews, whether the Panthers will look for retribution on Max Domi and Anthony Stolarz's return to the ice. Later, former Leafs GM Gord Stellick (35:50) shares reasons to feel optimistic that the team can come through in the back half of the series and weighs in on the criticism on the core, Florida's greasy style and the importance of a strong start at home in Game 5. 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.
May 12
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne welcome in Jody Shelley (7:19) – former NHLer and current TNT hockey analyst to share his thoughts on the feeling of the 'dog days' in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, his assessment of Washington Capitals vs. Carolina Hurricanes, how long of a leash Frederik Andersen has, why he's not concerned about the Maple Leafs dropping two straight games in Florida, and if the Edmonton Oilers have enough defence to stretch their post-season run. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee discuss Nicolas Roy not receiving a suspension for his cross-check on Trent Frederic, Max Domi's fine after boarding Aleksander Barkov, and the controversial goal call on Connor Hellebuyck. 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.
May 12
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' pair of losses to the Florida Panthers in Games 3 & 4 over the weekend. They discuss the dipping play of Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, the Leafs' undisciplined start in Game 4, the Panthers getting greasier and much more. Then, they look at potential adjustments ahead of Game 5, including a different look for the 5-forward power play, whether Matthews and Marner should be split up, and other possible lineup changes. 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.
May 9
Doug MacLean – former NHL President, general manager & head coach makes his weekly appearance (1:12) with Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne to chat about the early success of the Edmonton Oilers over the Vegas Golden Knights, Calvin Pickard exceeding expectations since coming in net, the differences in the Maple Leafs' roster against the Florida Panthers, a general manager's voice in roster changes during the playoffs, and the front office vacancies across the league. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee discuss Nicolas Roy's cross-check in overtime against the Oilers before answering your questions and takes on the text line! 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.
May 9
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look ahead to Game 3 between the Leafs and Florida Panthers as the second-round series flips from Toronto to Sunrise. They get into the Leafs' mindset going into the game, secondary scoring delivering, Chris Tanev's impact on the overhauled blue line and whether the wear and tear of Florida's playoff past is catching up to them. Later, they answer your calls and questions on the Leafs Line! 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.
May 8
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Devan Dubnyk (6:15) – former NHL goalie & current NHL analyst to chat about Mikko Rantanen's rising production with the Dallas Stars, what it was like facing off against Mikko during his netminding days, how much trust you can put on your defense as a goaltender, how Calvin Pickard has given the Edmonton Oilers a boost, and if there's an art in selling calls in net. Then, Aaron Ward (31:16) – Stanley Cup Champion with the Carolina Hurricanes stops by to look at how the Canes can beat the Washington Capitals, their consistency in the playoffs, and who he thinks will clinch the East Final between the Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers. 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.
May 8
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 4-3 win over the Florida Panthers in Game 2 to secure a 2-0 series lead. They get into the Leafs' resilience against Florida's best, Max Pacioretty's postseason revival, Auston Matthews' shutdown play, William Nylander's scorching stretch and Joseph Woll's strong game. Then, they discuss Sergei Bobrovsky's series so far, questionable penalty calls and a quiet pair of games for Florida's stars. Later, Leafs radio analyst Jim Ralph (37:05) weighs in on what's led to the team's 2-0 series lead, Pacioretty's surge, Craig Berube's imprint and the top line's defensive commitment. 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.
May 7
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne welcome in Jack Michaels (5:43) – play-by-play for the Edmonton Oilers on Sportsnet to chat about the team's run through the second round, the depth of the roster finding its form, whether the Vegas Golden Knights can keep it a close series, Kris Knoblauch's influencing demeanour on the players, and who's stepped up in the absence of Mattias Ekholm. Then, Sean Reynolds (28:05) – Sportsnet reporter for the Winnipeg Jets & HNIC – takes a look back at their Game 7 victory, whether Connor Hellebuyck can find his game in Round 2 against the Dallas Stars, and how he views Mikko Rantanen matching up against Kyle Connor. 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.
May 7
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look ahead to Game 2 between the Leafs and Florida Panthers. They get into the news that Anthony Stolarz has been ruled out, Joseph Woll's outlook and how the Leafs should respond to Sam Bennett. Then, they discuss how Aaron Ekblad's return changes the matchup, power play adjustments, and William Nylander's strong postseason so far. Later, Sportsnet Leafs insider Luke Fox (34:15) lays out the stakes in Game 2 before sharing his thoughts on the team's mindset on Bennett, Auston Matthews' scoring struggles and the blue line's offensive production. 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.
May 6
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Henrik Lundqvist (4:45) – former NHL goaltender and NHL analyst for TNT to chat about Connor Hellebuyck's drastic differences in performances from the regular season to the playoffs, Lundqvist's experience in preparing for the most important games of the year, defending against physical forwards, how he would've reacted if he was in Anthony Stolarz's pads being hit by Sam Bennett, and how much pressure Calvin Pickard feels after being thrusted into the number one goaltending spot for Edmonton. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee revisit their picks from Round 1, make their Stanley Cup Playoffs semi-final picks, discuss Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon both committing to Team Canada at the World Championship, Connor Bedard's decision not to join the guys in Stockholm, and the New York Islanders winning the first pick of the 2025 NHL Draft. 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.
May 6
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 5-4 win over the Florida Panthers in Game 1 of Round 2. They get into the Leafs' physical start before discussing Anthony Stolarz's exit from the game, Sam Bennett's dirty play and whether the league should have disciplined the Florida forward. Then, they break down Joseph Woll's effort in relief, the plan in net for Game 2, line matchups, and Matthew Tkachuk going after Mitch Marner late in the game. 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.
May 5
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee open the national hour by discussing the thrilling comeback win from the Winnipeg Jets in Game 7 before bringing in Steve Valiquette, CEO of Clear Sight Analytics (6:36). Vally shares his thoughts on Connor Hellebuyck's overall performance against the St. Louis Blues, whether he can find his form against the Dallas Stars, if Jake Oettinger can control and limit offensive rebounds from the Winnipeg Jets, Anthony Stolarz's leash against the Florida Panthers, how the Maple Leafs can attack Sergei Bobrovsky, and whether Calvin Pickard is now the number one goaltending for the Edmonton Oilers' post-season run. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam chat about Mikko Rantanen's efforts to help his current team advance to the semi-finals against one of his former teams and why it was important for him to beat the Colorado Avalanche. 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.
May 5
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee check in ahead of Game 1 of the Leafs' second-round matchup against the Florida Panthers. They discuss what's changed for the Leafs since the last time they met in the playoffs in 2023, the team's underdog mentality, the importance of a strong start, how to handle Florida's physical style and their expectations for the core forwards. Later, former NHLer and Panthers analyst Bill Lindsay (37:56) discusses what led to Florida's 4-1 series win over the Lightning in Round 1, how they've grown since their Stanley Cup win last year, Sergei Bobrovsky's clutch playoffs so far and much more. 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.
May 2
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne welcome in former NHL president, GM and coach Doug MacLean (4:10) for his Off-The-Rails Friday appearance! Mac gets into what led to the Kings' collapse vs. the Oilers, this offseason's coaching carousel after Rick Tocchet's Canucks divorce and Mike Sullivan landing with the Rangers, the Jets needing more Connor Hellebuyck ahead of Game 6 tonight, how the Leafs approach their second-round matchup against the Panthers and much more. Later, Nick and Justin regroup with Sam McKee to discuss Brandon Hagel's comments on Aaron Ekblad's hit and answer your questions on the text line! 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.
May 2
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 4-2 win over the Ottawa Senators in Game 6 as they close out their first-round series and move on to face the Florida Panthers in Round 2. They discuss Craig Berube's business-like approach, Max Pacioretty's meaningful impact, the core's performance and the near lineup mix-up with the Nylander brothers. Then, they look ahead to Round 2 and debate who should start in net for Game 1. Later, they answer your calls and questions on a playoff-winning edition of The Leafs Line! 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.
May 1
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Hockey Night in Canada and Sportsnet's David Amber (5:50) to chat about the state of the Canadian NHL teams in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. They get into late hits across the league in Round 1, the Montreal Canadiens' bright future, and why Dallas Stars could become Stanley Cup favourites if they take down the Colorado Avalanche. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee discuss Scott Arniel and Jim Montgomery's testy comments about Brayden Schenn's hit on Mark Scheifele, Jon Cooper's future behind the bench for the Tampa Bay Lightning, and the Aquilini family considering selling their part of Canucks ownership. 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.
May 1
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look ahead to Game 6 between the Leafs and Ottawa Senators as Toronto gets its third straight chance to close out their first-round series. They get into the panicky pulse of Leafs Nation, the importance of starting strong, expectations for Anthony Stolarz after a shaky stretch, pressure on the core four and much more. Then, they break down Craig Berube's decision to promote Max Pacioretty to the second line. Then, former Leafs GM and current analyst Gord Stellick (32:41) outlines the stakes in tonight's contest, why the Leafs have struggled in closeout games, and the focus on Auston Matthews. 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.
Apr 30
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Colby Armstrong (5:11) – former NHLer and Sportsnet hockey analyst to chat about the Edmonton Oilers pushing the L.A. Kings to the brink of elimination, how Calvin Pickard has given the Oilers a boost in net, if he believes the Maple Leafs will avoid being reversed swept by the Ottawa Senators, Game 5 between the Winnipeg Jets and St. Louis Blues, and what has surprised him the most about the Montreal Canadians. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee discuss why Connor Hellebuyck needs to show why he's the number one goaltender in Winnipeg, Aaron Ekblad's suspension, and if the Habs can extend their series against the Washington Capitals. 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.
Apr 30
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 4-0 loss to the Ottawa Senators in Game 5. They get into the Leafs' closeout struggles, why there's still reason to be optimistic, Auston Matthews' rough game, the team's lack of leadership and compete, and much more. Hockey Night in Canada's Craig Simpson (34:21) shares what's changed for the Senators in the last two games, why the Leafs' core continues to struggle in the postseason and the team's lack of accountability. 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.
Apr 29
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne welcome back Steve Valiquette (5:50) – analyst for the New York Rangers on MSG, CEO of Clear Sight Analytics to break down Connor Hellebuyck's numbers in net against the St. Louis Blues' offence, what adjustments he needs to make, why he's not changing his stance on Linus Ullmark, reasons to have started Joseph Woll in Game 4 against the Ottawa Senators, and both Washington Capitals and Montreal Canadiens losing their starters in Game 3. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee discuss Rick Tocchet not returning to the bench for the Vancouver Canucks and the future of the franchise, before wrapping the show with a look at Aaron Ekblad's high hit on Brandon Hagel. 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.
Apr 29
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee set the stage for Game 5 between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Ottawa Senators. They share their confidence levels up 3-1, how Anthony Stolarz can bounce back from his subpar Game 4 outing, whether the Leafs' should consider subbing David Kämpf into the lineup, the 'hate factor' of the series and much more. Later, former Leaf and Stanley Cup champ Gary Roberts (32:41) shares his impressions of the series, how the Leafs' skilled players can generate more offensively, modern playoff physicality vs. physical play in his era, Chris Tanev's impact and how players battle injuries during this time of year. 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.
Apr 28
Washington Capitals analyst Alan May joins Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne to discuss the Caps taking a 3-1 series lead over the Montreal Canadiens (6:05). He gets into how Washington has matched up against the Habs' top line, the importance of being physical in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Logan Thompson's status moving forward, Ivan Demidov's potential and much more. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee chat about Connor Hellebuyck's continuing struggles in net for the Winnipeg Jets, why the Edmonton Oilers have taken the reigns in their series against the L.A. Kings, and the controversial suspension vs. no suspension for Brandon Hagel and Matthew Tkachuk in the Battle of Florida. 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.
Apr 28
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 4-3 loss to the Ottawa Senators in Game 4 as the series rolls on to Toronto for Game 5. They get into the lack of urgency in the closeout game, Artem Zub's late headshot on John Tavares, the team needing more from Auston Matthews, whether they should've turned to Joseph Woll in net for Game 4 and the heightened stakes for Game 5. Later, former NHLer and host of the Coming In Hot Sens podcast Jason York (31:18) shares what changed for Ottawa on Saturday, the Senators' blue-line adjustments, and which playoff debutants have impressed so far in Round 1. 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.
Apr 25
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by former NHL President, GM and Head Coach Doug MacLean (5:00) to chat about the Edmonton Oilers’ bold decision to start Calvin Pickard in Game 3, what this series could mean for Connor McDavid’s future, why the Ottawa Senators still aren’t built for postseason success, Mitch Marner’s motivation in Toronto, Brandon Hagel’s controversial hit on Aleksander Barkov, and what Barkov’s potential absence could mean for the Panthers’ Stanley Cup hopes. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee continue discussing Hagel's potential suspension and how the Oilers are hurting the prime years of McDavid. 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.
Apr 25
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 3-2 overtime win over the Ottawa Senators in Game 3 to take a 3-0 series lead. They get into Simon Benoit's unlikely overtime heroics, the team's defensive buy-in, Nick Cousins' fine from warm-ups, the top line delivering, the urgency needed in Game 4 and much more. Later, they answer your calls and questions on The Leafs Line! 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.
Apr 24
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Rob Brown (4:49), former NHL forward and Edmonton Oilers analyst for CHED to give his take on Edmonton's Round 1 matchup against the L.A. Kings. The guys discuss the impact of Evander Kane and John Klingberg returning to the lineup, the Oilers' early struggles, what needs to change for them to stay alive and how much credit the Kings deserve through 2 games. Then, Marty Turco (30:27), former NHL goaltender and Special Assistant to the President of the Dallas Stars, shares his thoughts on the Stars' 2-1 series lead over the Colorado Avalanche, Jamie Benn’s leadership, Jake Oettinger’s presence in net, the significance of Gabriel Landeskog’s return, and how Mikko Rantanen is adapting to his first playoff run with Dallas. 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.
Apr 24
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee get set for the Leafs' Game 3 matchup against the Senators in Ottawa as they look to stretch their series lead to 3-0. They react to Max Pacioretty subbing in for Nick Robertson and whether the team should have gone with David Kämpf instead. Later, former NHLer and Hockey Night in Canada analyst Kevin Bieksa (27:02) joins the guys in-studio to share his impressions of the Leafs' play so far, Craig Berube's trust in Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews in the defensive end, what Pacioretty can bring to the series, Simon Benoit's impact and much more. 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.
Apr 23
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Jason Bukala (5:35) of Pro Hockey Group & Sportsnet to chat about the Edmonton Oilers' lineup changes from Game One to Two, how Evander Kane and John Klingberg can ease their way back to on-ice speed, whether the Montreal Canadiens are capable of winning their series against the Washington Capitals, what to expect from offensive d-men Lane Hutson and Evan Bouchard in their defensive zone and Mikko Rantanen searching for chemistry in Dallas. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee dive into the Battle of Florida, Matthew Tkachuk's return, and how the Ottawa Senators can get back in their series against the Maple Leafs. 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.
Apr 23
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' Game 2 win over the Ottawa Senators in overtime to take a 2-0 series lead. They get into Max Domi's overtime heroics, Anthony Stolarz pushing back against Ridly Greig's antics, potential lineup changes for Game 3, the Leafs' defensive style and much more. Later, former Leafs GM and analyst Gord Stellick joins the show (32:01) to share his early takeaways from the series, whether the Leafs should consider David Kämpf or Max Pacioretty for Game 3 and his thoughts on Game 1 in the Battle of Florida. 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.
Apr 22
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne welcome in Sportsnet Jets reporter Sean Reynolds (4:35) to look back on Winnipeg's 2-1 win over the St. Louis Blues to take a 2-0 series lead. He gets into what the keys to success have been for the Jets through 2 games, Mark Scheifele elevating in the playoffs, Logan Stanley's series-shaking hit on Jordan Kyrou, why the team isn't living and dying with Connor Hellebuyck like Jets teams of the past and much more. Later, Nick and Justin regroup with Sam McKee to look back on last night's playoff action including Connor McDavid and the Oilers' wasted comeback, and Alex Ovechkin's overtime heroics in Game 2 against the Habs. Finally, the three react to the Islanders dismissing GM Lou Lamoriello and discuss what comes next for the veteran executive. 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.
Apr 22
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee get set for the Leafs' Game 2 matchup against the Ottawa Senators as they look to keep the ball rolling after a 6-2 Game 1 win. They discuss the discourse around Ottawa's 5-on-5 play, what to expect from a physical standpoint, how the Leafs push back against Ridly Greig's antics, Anthony Stolarz's status, Pontus Holmberg's promotion to the second line and much more. Later, All Elite wrestler and Leafs superfan Adam Copeland (35:35) helps share the pulse from Leafs Nation ahead of Game 2. 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.
Apr 21
Hockey Hall of Famer and L.A. Kings President Luc Robitaille joins Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne (7:01) to break down the Kings’ mindset heading into their first-round playoff match-up with the Edmonton Oilers, if this is the best version of his team, Darcy Kuemper’s Vezina-caliber performance, and how his game-day routine has evolved since moving from the ice to the front office. Later, Nick, Justin, and Sam McKee react to Jim Rutherford’s comments on Quinn Hughes’ future in Vancouver and whether mentioning the Hughes brothers playing together qualifies as 'tampering.' Finally, former NHLer and current Avalanche analyst John-Michael Liles (29:30) jumps on to shares his take on Colorado’s dominant Game 1 performance vs. the Dallas Stars, their improved center depth, the potential return of Gabriel Landeskog, and Jared Bednar’s steady hand behind the bench. 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.
Apr 21
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 6-2 win over the Ottawa Senators to kick off their first-round series. They get into the game's officiating, Ridly Greig's cross-check on John Tavares, Anthony Stolarz's shut-down outing, Linus Ullmark's postseason ghosts resurfacing, Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner's defensive zone play and much more. Then, they get more into Greig's early-series villainy, Brady Tkachuk's quiet night, Max Domi's demotion and potential line changes going into Game 2. 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.
Apr 18
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Garry Galley, former NHLer and colour analyst for Sportsnet & Hockey Night in Canada to look at some of the Round One matches with the playoffs getting started on Saturday (5:07). They discuss the goaltending tilt between Jordan Binnington and Connor Hellebuyck, whether the Montreal Canadiens can continue their special season against the Washington Capitals, why it's a perfect matchup for the Caps, the Ottawa Senators being a perfect test for the Maple Leafs, how the Sens can control the series, worries about Edmonton Oilers' depth, and how important will the Battle of Florida be dictated by the status of Matthew Tkachuk. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee share their series picks for the First Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. 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.
Apr 18
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 4-3 overtime win over the Detroit Red WIngs to close out the regular season. They discuss Philippe Myers' highlight-reel goal and Scott Laughton's OT heroics before prepping for Game 1 on Sunday against the Ottawa Senators. They get into what to expect from the inexperienced Sens, how the Leafs counter the dynamic defensive duo of Jake Sanderson and Thomas Chabot, the pressure in Toronto and why this year feels different. Finally, they go to the Leafs Line to answer your questions and get you set for Game 1! 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.
Apr 17
Justin Bourne and Sam McKee are joined by TVA Sports' Renaud Lavoie (4:07) to discuss the Montreal Canadiens punching their ticket to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, whether this current roster is ready to perform in the postseason, which players can be a playoff difference makers, the evolution of Martin St. Louis' coaching, how he views the matchup between the Washington Capitals and Habs in Round One and his first impressions of Ivan Demidov. Then, Justin and Sam welcome in Sportsnet writer Jacob Stoller (30:19) to share his thoughts on Neal Pionk inking a six-year extension with the Winnipeg Jets and whether the team is healthy enough to compete against the St. Louis Blues in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. 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.
Apr 17
Justin Bourne and Sam McKee welcome Sportsnet.ca Leafs insider Luke Fox in-studio to help tee up Toronto's final game of the regular season against the Detroit Red Wings. They discuss how the Leafs approach the zero-stakes matchup before making their playoff lineup projections. They get into the options at 2LW, where Max Domi fits best and a different feeling for the core under Craig Berube. Later, they ask burning Battle of Ontario questions including who will be the most hated figure in the series, the biggest storylines, x-factors, the nightmare-scenario for each team and the potential consequences if the Leafs lose the series. 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.
Apr 16
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee take a look at the Maple Leafs clinching the Atlantic Division locking up a playoff series against the Ottawa Senators, Mitch Marner notching 100 points for the first time in his NHL career and if this milestone will help him in the post-season, bottom six lines, Toronto's physicality against Ottawa, and Linus Ullmark's performances in the playoffs. Then, the guys look towards the Montreal Canadiens' chance to clinch a post-season spot against the resting Carolina Hurricanes, Darnell Nurse's one-game suspension, and fighting in the NHL. 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 affiliate.
Apr 15
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne welcome in MSG analyst Steve Valiquette (6:11) to dig into the potential goaltending matchup between the Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators, how goalscoring changes in the postseason, which teams have improved their defence against the rush, how Mattias Ekholm's absence affects Stuart Skinner in net and whether Connor Hellebuyck can find postseason success with 60+ games under his belt. Then, Cory Sarich, former NHLer and Calgary Flames analyst stops by (30:55) to chat about Calgary's chances of sneaking into the playoffs and what they'll need to prioritize when they reach the offseason. Finally, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee discuss Darnell Nurse's game misconduct, Ivan Demidov's eventful debut in Montreal and Gabriel Landeskog getting called back up to the Avalanche ahead of Game 1. 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.
Apr 15
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look ahead to the Leafs' penultimate matchup of the regular season against the Buffalo Sabres needing only a point to lock up the Atlantic Division. They check in on the statuses of Jake McCabe and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, how the team stays healthy ahead of Game 1 of the playoffs, Max Domi getting more run on the second line, Craig Berube's comments on the team's identity and much more. Later, former NHLer Brad May (30:43) discusses the Leafs/Sabres rivalry and the underlying cause for the Sabres' miserable season. Finally, he shares the recipe for success for Toronto in the playoffs should they meet the Sens in Round 1. 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.
Apr 14
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne open the floor for the returning Sam McKee to explain how he lost a Columbus Blue Jackets jersey gifted by Don Waddell on the TTC and how he was able to get it back. Then, Rob Brown – former NHL forward and Edmonton Oilers analyst – joins the show (7:52) to discuss how the team will be impacted without Mattias Ekholm on their playoff roster, who he sees stepping up in his absence, the path to success getting by the Los Angeles Kings in the first round, and why the future of Edmonton's goaltending will be in the spotlight for the post-season. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam chat about Gabriel Landeskog's road back to the Colorado Avalanche, Logan Couture calling it a career, and the Winnipeg Jets locking up the Presidents' Trophy. 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.
Apr 14
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and the returning Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' pair of wins over the weekend after sharing their thoughts on Rory McIlroy's big win at the Masters. They discuss the defensive effort against Montreal despite being short a defenceman, Craig Berube's late-season line shuffling, how the team manages players' workloads ahead of the playoffs and positive signs from Morgan Rielly. Then, the three weigh in on whether 'this year is different' for the Maple Leafs. Finally, they dig into Auston Matthews' recent play and the Leafs' plan in net for the postseason. 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.
Apr 11
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Daniele Franceschi discuss what comes next for the eliminated Canucks before they are joined by former NHL president & GM Doug MacLean (7:00) for his Off-The-Rails Friday appearance! Mac shares his thoughts on the Canucks' disappointing season, owner Michael Andlauer's impact in Ottawa, the Leafs' top line peaking at the right time, and teams with major changes coming in the offseason. Later, Senators' President of Hockey Ops. & GM Steve Staios joins the show (33:51) to reflect on his squad's long journey to a postseason berth, Linus Ullmark's importance, returns on Dylan Cozens and the potential for a first-round Battle of Ontario. 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.
Apr 11
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Daniele Franceschi look back on the Leafs' 4-3 overtime win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday. They get into the difference between the team's play in Sunrise and Tampa, Matthew Knies evolving into a leadership role and Mitch Marner getting closer to the 100-point mark. Then, they look ahead to the Leafs matchup against Montreal on Saturday where they will be short a defenceman with OEL out. Finally, former Leafs GM Gord Stellick (31:03) shares his takeaways from the back-to-back in Florida before discussing Knies' expanding role, the importance of a division title and potential third-line options in the playoffs. 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.
Apr 9
Hockey Hall of Fame defenceman Chris Pronger joins Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne to kick off the second hour (3:40). They discuss what's spurred the Blues' scorching stretch, the increase of 'waterbug' defencemen, NHL leadership archetypes, realistic expectations for Ivan Demidov in Montreal and teams on 'upset watch' in the first round. Nick and Justin regroup with Daniele Franceschi to share their thoughts on the Senators clinching a playoff spot, Gabriel Landeskog on the precipice of a long-awaited NHL return and the Canucks' late rally against the Stars. 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.
Apr 9
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Daniele Franceschi kick off the show discussing the Leafs latest loss against the Panthers. They discuss Morgan Rielly and Matthew Knies comments after last night's game. Then, they look at what the loss meant in the big picture, how Joseph Woll performed in his first game against Florida this season, and the importance of tonight's contest in Tampa Bay. Later, Sportsnet colour commentator Craig Simpson joins the show to discuss Leafs vs. Lightning, what the bottom six should look like in the playoffs and if it matters where the Leafs finish in the Atlantic. 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.
Apr 8
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Steve Valiquette (4:28), former NHL goaltender, current MSG Networks analyst, and CEO of Clear Sight Analytics to discuss 'The Quiet Eye' technique for athletes and how it can be applied to goaltenders in the NHL, Alex Ovechkin's effectiveness on a one-timer, who is better at scoring goals and the best spots to attack as a left-handed or right-handed shooter and whether Martin Brodeur's win record can be broken. Then, Sportsnet and Pro Hockey Group's Jason Bukala (35:30) stops by to chat about the change in direction by the Montreal Canadiens to sign one of their top prospects Ivan Demidov and the expectations for the KHL winger. 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.
Apr 8
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Daniele Franceschi honour and remember Greg Millen, former NHL goalie and hockey broadcaster, who passed away on Monday. Then, they look ahead to the first half of the Leafs' Florida back-to-back against the slumping Florida Panthers. They discuss Joseph Woll getting the net, whether Mitch Marner and William Nylander's milestone chases could become distractions, and they review Paul Maurice's game-day availability. Later, former NHLer and Panthers analyst Jeff Chychrun (31:05) discusses his son, Jakob's big-time extension with the Capitals before weighing in on the Panthers' tanking conspiracies, the Atlantic Division playoff picture and Sam Bennett's contract situation. 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.
Apr 7
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Brooks Orpik (6:47), former NHL defenceman and two-time Stanley Cup champion to chat about his playing days with the league's new all-time greatest goal-scorer Alexander Ovechkin, the evolution of his scoring abilities, durability of hockey players, and the Washington Capitals' front office continuing to build around the Great 8. Then, Nick, Justin and filling in for Sam McKee, Daniele Franceschi discuss potential playoff matchups across the NHL divisions. 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.
Apr 7
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Daniele Franceschi kick off with some thoughts on Alex Ovechkin's record-breaking moment over the weekend before looking back on the Leafs' 5-0 win over the Blue Jackets. They get into Nick Robertson's 2-goal outing and whether it gives him an edge for a spot in the playoff lineup, Brandon Carlo's steadying presence, the Panthers losing ground to the Senators in the Atlantic and much more. Later, former Leaf Curtis Joseph joins the show (29:45) to discuss Ovechkin's goal record and his experience playing against the Great 8. Then, CuJo weighs in on the Leafs' goaltending heading into the playoffs, what a playoff mindset means in net and the increase of goalie interference calls. 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.
Apr 3
The Athletic's Shayna Goldman joins Justin Bourne and Sam McKee to help break down the playoff picture with the regular season coming to a close (6:15). They discuss the Montreal Canadiens' surprising season, why the Lightning are poised for a deep run, how the Oilers match up against the Kings in a likely postseason rematch and the balance in other potential First Round matchups. Later, Senators writer Alex Adams (29:33) looks closer at a possible Battle of Ontario series in Round 1, Dylan Cozens' impact since the deadline, why David Perron is a playoff x-factor, the levels of trust in Linus Ullmark and why Travis Green deserves more love in the Jack Adams conversation. 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.
Apr 3
JD Bunkis joins Justin Bourne and Sam McKee with Nick Kypreos away to look back over the Leafs' 3-2 win over the Florida Panthers on Wednesday, clinching a spot in the postseason. They get into the stakes of the win, Mitch Marner's role in playoff-style games, third-line concerns and how the lineup changes when Max Pacioretty returns. Then, they evaluate Craig Berube's season with the Leafs and how he compares to former bench boss Sheldon Keefe. Later, they discuss Patrick Roy's scathing post-game comments on Anthony Duclair and Brad Marchand's muted role in Florida. 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.
Apr 1
Justin Bourne and Sam McKee kick off the second hour with some April Fools memories before welcoming in former NHL scout Jason Bukala (4:21). He discusses what to expect from Boston College star Ryan Leonard as he joins the Washington Capitals, prospect development in the U.S. vs. Canada, the challenge of cross-league prospect comparisons, Lane Hutson's case for the Calder, and much more. Later, Canucks Central's Dan Riccio joins the show (31:13) to discuss the circus in Vancouver this season, Quinn Hughes's standing amongst the NHL's best players, Rick Tocchet's future with the team and the potential consequences if they miss the playoffs. 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.
Apr 1
Justin Bourne and Sam McKee are without Nick Kypreos for the week, and they start by looking ahead to the Leafs' matchup against the Florida Panthers on Wednesday, a pivotal game for the division standings. They discuss Max Pacioretty's return to practice, Nick Robertson's role, Anthony Stolarz getting the nod in net and the challenge of staying disciplined against Florida. Later, they go to McKee's Midweek Mailbag to answer your questions! Finally, Leafs writer Anthony Petrielli (29:26) assesses the team's approach to the playoffs, how they'd match up against Florida, Tampa or Ottawa, the sustainability of the power play's recent production, expectations for the bottom six in the postseason and much more. 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.
Mar 31
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne welcome in Andy Strickland (5:50) of the Cam & Strick Podcast to discuss the St. Louis Blues' scorching stretch as they hold the second Wild Card spot in the West. He gets into the massive impacts of offer-sheet acquisitions Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway, what's spurred the team's post-deadline turnaround, what to expect from College call-up Jimmy Snuggerud, and the Jim Montgomery effect. Later, Nick and Justin regroup with Sam McKee to discuss the increase of behind-the-scenes access to GM decisions, Niko Mikkola's fine for unsportsmanlike conduct, and the Avs signing Cale Makar's brother, Taylor. 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.
Mar 31
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' weekend sweep in California over the L.A. Kings and Anaheim Ducks. They get into the top line's recent play, what's still left to learn ahead of the postseason, what the Leafs' playoff bottom six might look like, Brandon Carlo's fight, Matthew Knies's elite jump and much more. Later, they discuss John Tavares's recent form and how playoff results impact how the Leafs approach his free agency. 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.
Mar 28
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by former NHL president, GM, and head coach Doug MacLean (2:17) to discuss John Tortorella losing his job in Philadelphia late in the season, potential head coaching candidates like Joel Quenneville and Rick Tocchet for the Flyers, and why a 'heavy and hard' team could lead to Stanley Cup success. The guys also discuss the potential for a Battle of Ontario in round one of the playoffs, as well as Sidney Crosby’s future in Pittsburgh. Later, Nick, Justin, and Sam McKee talk about Alexander Ovechkin’s pursuit of the all-time goal-scoring record and answer your questions on the text line! 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 affiliate.
Mar 28
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 6-5 shootout loss to the San Jose Sharks, getting swept in the season series despite the late rally to force overtime. They discuss Scott Laughton finally getting on the board in his Leafs threads, a tough blow in the team's division title hopes, what's behind Joseph Woll's recent fall-off, blue-line inconsistencies and much more. Later, the three go to the Leafs Line to answer your questions! 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 affiliate.
Mar 26
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Ken Wiebe (4:54) – Jets' beat writer for the Winnipeg Free Press to chat about if there's a chance for the team he covers to face off against the Washington Capitals again but in the Stanley Cup Final, how Scott Arniel's team looks heading into the post-season compared to 2024, why the only expectation is to clinch a Final berth, Brandon Tanev and Luke Schenn's fit on the roster since the trade deadline and how he gauges who will sneak into the Western Conference Wild Card. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee discuss John Tortorella's future with the Philadelphia Flyers and why Canucks' coach Rick Tocchet makes sense in Philly next season. 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 affiliate.
Mar 26
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 7-2 beat down over the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday. They get into the inspiring recent play of John Tavares and the second line, what the Leafs' ideal bottom six would look like, Nick Robertson's chances at starting Game 1 in the playoffs, William Nylander hitting the 40-goal mark and much more. Then, they weigh in on the Flyers' future and head coach John Tortorella's frustrated post-game comments. Finally, they go to McKee's Midweek Mailbag to answer your questions! 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 affiliate.
Mar 25
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Steve Valiquette (4:58) – analyst for the New York Rangers on MSG, CEO of Clear Sight Analytics – to chat about Thatcher Demko's return in net for the Vancouver Canucks against Jacob Markström, how Canucks balance Demko's starts in hopes to sneak into the Wild Card, which team has the toughest decision on which one of their goaltenders play in game one. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee weigh in on Jakob Chychrun's extension with the Washington Capitals and the New York Islanders’ disallowed goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets. 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.
Mar 25
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start by forecasting potential first-round matchups for the Toronto Maple Leafs and which team between the Senators, Lightning and Panthers they'd measure up best against. Then, they set the stage for the Leafs' game tonight against the Flyers and get into the discourse around Scott Laughton in his first game vs. his former squad, how the team rebounds off a bad loss to the Predators, whether Morgan Rielly's role needs to be reduced, and much more. Later, PHLY Sports Flyers analyst Charlie O'Connor (34:50) discusses the Philly side of tonight's game in Toronto, Laughton's adjustment, rumours about Rick Tocchet's return, and the next steps in their rebuild. 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.
Mar 24
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne welcome former NHL executive Brian Burke into the studio to share his impressions of the 4 Nations Face-Off, the role of fighting in today's NHL, potential league expansion, and why the decentralized draft is a mistake. Then, the three discuss Canadian teams with Stanley Cup hopes, the significance of deadline additions, the NHL's tax advantage problem and much more. Later, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee get into Devils coach Sheldon Keefe calling out Johnathan Kovacevic, Lane Hutson's rise in Montreal and pressure on future top pick Gavin McKenna. 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.
Mar 24
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee recap the Maple Leafs sleeping at the helm against the Predators in Nashville, Craig Berube's outburst during practice, the importance of experimenting with different lines down the stretch, and how they can extract success out of Scott Laughton. Then, former Leafs general manager and analyst Gord Stellick (32:45) chats about why it's a good goal to win the division, if Toronto is ready to showcase a different style of play in the playoffs, if the change in 'C' has affected Auston Matthews and John Tavares, goaltender decisions for game one, his assessment of Laughton, and the ideal bottom six lines. 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.
Mar 21
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with a look at Connor McDavid's injury status in Edmonton before being joined by former NHL GM and President Doug MacLean (4:02) for Off-the-Rails Friday! Mac gets into the overpopulation of teams' personnel staff around the league, potential NHL expansion, the Leafs' depth, the Rangers' long-term plans and much more! Finally, Nick, Justin and Sam close out the week by discussing the value of an NHL franchise before going to the text line to answer your questions! 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.
Mar 21
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 4-3 win over the New York Rangers to complete their back-to-back sweep. They dig into the Leafs' winning formula and whether it could be sustainable in the playoffs, John Tavares' case for the Hockey Hall of Fame, the standard in net, and much more. Finally, they close out the hour by going to the Leafs Line to answer your questions! 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.
Mar 20
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by President and GM of the St. Louis Blues Doug Armstrong (3:23) to chat about his team's trade deadline moves, the NHL's playoff format, and head coach Jim Montgomery's impact since taking the job. Then, Doug puts on his Hockey Canada GM hat to discuss the 4 Nations Face-Off's success, the future of international events with the NHL, and the decision to roll with Jordan Binnington. Afterward, Nick, Justin, and Sam McKee touch on the conversation coming out of GM meetings in Florida and what we can expect in future NHL All-Star Games. 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.
Mar 20
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 2-1 win over the Colorado Avalanche. They get into the team embracing a defensive identity, Joseph Woll gaining momentum with the starting goalie job, Auston Matthews staying on track, official Kelly Sutherland getting an assist on Steven Lorentz's game-winner, Scott Laughton's role and much more. Later, MSG Rangers analyst Dave Maloney (32:52) helps tee up the second half of the Leafs' back-to-back in New York and discusses Igor Shesterkin's play this year, underwhelming seasons from the Rangers' stars, and potential consequences if they miss the playoffs. 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.
Mar 19
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne welcome in Jason York (10:30) – co-host of the Coming In Hot Sens Podcast and former NHLer – to chat about the Ottawa Senators' recent performance behind Dylan Cozens, what an elite goaltender does to a team's focus, Brady Tkachuk's playoff style, how Ottawa has bought into head coach Travis Green's system and habits in playing from behind, and their chances of holding onto the Wild Card spot. Then, Aaron Ward (32:13) – Stanley Cup Champion with the Carolina Hurricanes – stops by to discuss the Canes' perspective on the Mikko Rantanen experience, how the team has played after the trade, whether their defensive-first style of play is sustainable, and how Carolina will approach making transactions after striking out with Jake Guentzel and Rantanen. 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.
Mar 19
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look ahead to the Leafs' home matchup against the Colorado Avalanche in the first half of a back-to-back. They discuss Joseph Woll getting the net, the schedule tightening up, playing with 'predictability,' and the keys to slowing down MacKinnon and Makar. Later, sports orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jason Smith (31:32) discusses Gabriel Landeskog's injury and what boxes are left to check in his long journey back to a potential recovery in the playoffs. Finally, Nick, Justin and Sam weigh the Leafs' options on a Matthew Knies extension. 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.
Mar 18
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne welcome back Steve Valiquette (4:38) – analyst for the New York Rangers on MSG, CEO of Clear Sight Analytics – to chat about Dustin Wolf's performance against the Maple Leafs, his list of goaltenders who could be starting in their respective Game 1's of the playoffs, why he's leaning on Joseph Woll to start in net for Toronto, how late in the season will a head coach make his decision on who's starting, and how Linus Ullmark can find some consistency between the posts. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee discuss the NHL's return to Sweden with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Nashville Predators set to face off for the 2025 NHL Global Series and the playoff implications surrounding the Winnipeg Jets and Vancouver Canucks game. 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.
Mar 18
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 6-2 win over the Calgary Flames to snap their losing streak. They get into Auston Matthews' two-goal performance, a 3/3 night from the power play, Nick Robertson making up for a couple of bad penalties, Max Domi's strong stretch and much more. Later, Sportsnet.ca Leafs insider Luke Fox (31:37) shares his thoughts on the game before discussing the battle for the starting goalie job, what the bottom six might look like in the playoffs and what to expect in their Wednesday matchup against a surging Avalanche team. 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.
Mar 17
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Spencer Carbery (10:15) – head coach of the Washington Capitals – to chat about his team's strong performance throughout the season, how Alexander Ovechkin is as a player and leader in the locker room, his goal record chase, the Caps' reestablished blueline and Rasmus Sandin's transformation. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee discuss the Calgary Flames' path to get into the Wild Card and the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference. 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.
Mar 17
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 4-2 loss to the Senators on Saturday as the team's slide continues. They share their panic levels and discuss Craig Berube's emphasis on urgency, whether the system needs a change, Mitch Marner's mentality, Scott Laughton moving down to the 4th line, Jake McCabe's recent slide and much more. Later, Hockey Night in Canada analyst Craig Simpson (34:50) looks at the Leafs' playoff outlook after this recent slump, how this season's team differs from previous years, and where their focus should be down the stretch. 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.
Mar 14
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne welcome back Doug MacLean (4:43), former GM and President, to chat about whether there is 'buyers' remorse' after a trade deadline, the Toronto Maple Leafs' additions and a potential first-round matchup against the Florida Panthers, the Senators' playoff hopes, the Edmonton Oilers' struggles coming out of the 4 Nations break, and the parallels between the Calgary Flames and Montreal Canadiens. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee share their thoughts on whether the NHL should reconsider changing their points system, before taking listener's calls! 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.
Mar 14
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 3-2 loss to the Florida Panthers on Thursday night. They discuss the Leafs' lack of energy after Max Domi's fight, a recent increase in careless mistakes, Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner's struggles, Chris Tanev's return and much more. Later, they go to the Leafs Line to answer listeners' questions! 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.
Mar 13
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by PJ Stock (8:10) – former NHLer to share his thoughts on the trade deadline, the importance of playing meaningful games for the young players on the Montreal Canadiens, Lane Hutson's potential, whether Juraj Slafkovský can become a true power forward, and the mental fortitude of being an NHL player. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee discuss Dougie Hamilton's injury, Alex Ovechkin potentially breaking the goal record on an empty netter, and Western Conference contenders. 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.
Mar 13
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look ahead to the Leafs' matchup against the Florida Panthers tonight in a battle for the top spot in the Atlantic Division. They discuss whether the team should rush Chris Tanev back, Max Domi downplaying the game, the Leafs needing more physicality from Matthew Knies, and whether the Panthers are 'the team to beat' in the East. Later, former Panther and current Panthers analyst Ed Jovanovski (32:17) helps tee up the Florida side of tonight's matchup and discusses Aaron Ekblad's suspension, his confidence in Sergei Bobrovsky, Sam Bennett's looming free agency, early returns on Seth Jones and much more! 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.
Mar 12
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Rick Dhaliwal (7:38) – co-host of Donnie and Dhali to tee up the Vancouver Canucks' clash with the Calgary Flames with just a point separating them for the Wild Card in the West. He gets into the biggest on-ice issues for the team, Quinn Hughes' status, and what Canucks fans should be hopeful for in their team's future. Then, Eric Francis (33:30) - senior columnist and Flames analyst for Sportsnet joins the show to chat about the timeline of Calgary's 'rebuild', Ryan Huska's influence on the roster, if Rasmus Andersson will re-sign with the team, and Nazem Kadri's future with the organization. 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.
Mar 12
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee check in around the Atlantic ahead of the Leafs' matchup against the Florida Panthers tomorrow with the division's #1 seed up for grabs. They discuss the Bruins' surge since the deadline, the ideal first-round matchup for the Leafs and Dylan Cozens finding success with the Senators. Then, they get into Chris Tanev's injury status, the Leafs' identity and Auston Matthews' inconsistency. Finally, they answer listener questions in McKee's Midweek Mailbag! 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.
Mar 11
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Steve Valiquette (4:47) – analyst for the New York Rangers on MSG and CEO of Clear Sight Analytics -- to chat about how the Ottawa Senators' playoff hopes hinge on Linus Ullmark, whether Sergei Bobrovsky can replicate another successful Stanley Cup run, Anthony Stolarz's dip in performance, which goaltender in the East can push their team through the post-season and the difficulties of having a groin injury as a netminder. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam discuss Rasmus Dahlin refuting a rumour about wanting out of Buffalo. 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.
Mar 11
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' late-night 4-3 shootout win over the Utah Hockey Club on Monday night. They discuss the Leafs' recent lack of commanding wins, questionable officiating, Simon Benoit's fight, defensive struggles with Chris Tanev out of the lineup, Calle Jarnkrok's fit in the top six and much more. Later, Leafs radio colour analyst Jim Ralph (31:30) weighs in on where the team stands after the deadline, their ceiling this season, and why Craig Berube's system has become less effective lately. 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.
Mar 10
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start the hour with a chat about Patrik Allvin's comments on Brock Boeser trade negotiations after the deadline. Utah Hockey Club owner Ryan Smith (5:41) joins the show ahead of his squad's matchup against the Leafs tonight to discuss the process of bringing the NHL to Utah, what he's learned from owning both UHC and the Jazz and how he'll approach team spending with the salary cap on the rise. Later, Nick, Justin and Sam revisit Brad Marchand's unceremonious exit from Boston, react live to Aaron Ekblad's 20-game suspension, and weigh in on Rod Brind'Amour's comments on Mikko Rantanen. 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.
Mar 10
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start the week with trade deadline fallout and reports about the Leafs attempting to trade Mitch Marner for Mikko Rantanen. They discuss Marner's comments, how the reports impact his perception and future in Toronto and whether this story will distract the Leafs down the stretch. Later, they look back on the Leafs' 7-4 loss to the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday and dig into the forgettable Leafs debuts for deadline additions Scott Laughton and Brandon Carlo. 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.
Mar 8
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by former NHL President and general manager Doug MacLean (1:15) for a deadline edition of Off-The-Rails Friday! Mac gets into the Mikko Rantanen situation, what Scott Laughton brings to Toronto, the Panthers' last-second swing for Brad Marchand, the Canucks' quiet deadline, whether the Oilers did enough and much more. Later, Leafs GM Brad Treliving (24:38) joins the show to recap his moves today and discuss what Brandon Carlo brings to the blue-line group, the pressure put on by in-division trades and how the day impacts negotiations with Mitch Marner. Finally, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee discuss the Jets' additions and which teams improved their Cup odds the most on deadline day. 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.
Mar 7
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee recap NHL Trade Deadline Day, beginning with Mikko Rantanen who ultimately lands with the Dallas Stars long-term. They discuss the Toronto Maple Leafs involvement in the Rantanen sweepstakes, just how big an offer Toronto put on the table, and why Carolina Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky decided to ship the superstar out west instead. The conversation pivots to the Florida Panthers, who acquired Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand in exchange for a conditional first round pick. Nick, Justin, and Sam react to Marchand and Boston's inability to reach a contract extension, the relatively low cost Florida paid for the 16-year veteran, and the Bruins unwillingness to enter trade discussion with Toronto. Then, the trio dissect the Leafs' adding Scott Laughton and Brandon Carlo, and whether they kept pace with their divisional rivals. Afterwards, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman joins the show (29:30) after a marathon day breaking trades. Elliotte provides insight on the Rantanen saga, where contract talks broke down between Boston and Marchand, the Ottawa Senators swapping Josh Norris for Dylan Cozens, and more. 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.
Mar 6
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne bring on Oilers analyst Rob Brown (4:46) to discuss the front office's focus ahead of the trade deadline, why they aren't projected to repeat a Stanley Cup Final run with their current roster, who could be moved out, Connor McDavid's post-4 Nations Face-Off slump, and his experience as a former player around the NHL trade deadline. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee chat about Brock Nelson's future with the New York Islanders and whether Brad Marchand played his final games as a Boston Bruin. 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.
Mar 6
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start the show discussing the Leafs' lack of activity with less than 24 hours to the trade deadline. Then, they look back on the Leafs' 5-2 loss to the Golden Knights in Vegas and get into Joseph Woll's shaky stretch, Matthew Knies' fight, the blue line struggling without Chris Tanev and much more. Later, they chat about the Leafs' interest in Mikko Rantanen and why Knies is the key to a potential deal. Finally, they answer listener questions on a deadline edition of the Leafs Line! 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.
Mar 5
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Don Waddell – President of Hockey Operations and General Manager for the Columbus Blue Jackets to chat about his focus heading towards the 2025 Trade Deadline (5:03). He discusses Dean Evason's tenure as head coach, Mathieu Olivier's contract extension, ongoing negotiations with Ivan Provorov, and much more! Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee discuss why it's important for the Edmonton Oilers to compete for a Stanley Cup while having Connor McDavid on their team and the latest around the Mikko Rantanen sweepstakes. 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.
Mar 5
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee kick off with their reaction to the Lightning (re)acquiring Yanni Gourde and Oliver Bjorkstrand from the Seattle Kraken as the Atlantic Division improvements begin to put pressure on Brad Treliving. They discuss the remaining difference-makers on the market including Brock Nelson and Charlie Coyle, and what the Leafs should be willing to move. Later, Golden Knights reporter Danny Webster (37:19) helps tee up their matchup against the Leafs tonight and projects how Vegas approaches Friday's trade deadline. 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.
Mar 4
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne welcome back Steve Valiquette (5:31) to discuss whether he would trade or keep Elias Pettersson, who's performing better by the numbers between Joseph Woll or Anthony Stolarz, and if the Edmonton Oilers need to bolster their goaltending. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee chat about Sidney Crosby's future in Pittsburgh, the prospect of forming a 'Big 3' of Crosby and Brad Marchand alongside Nathan MacKinnon, and Carolina preparing to shop Mikko Rantanen. 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.
Mar 4
Nick Kypreos and Sam McKee welcome Justin Bourne back to the cohost chair before looking back on the Leafs' 3-2 shootout loss to the Sharks on Monday. They get into Auston Matthews' play, whether his issues are mental or physical, questions around Craig Berube's process, Macklin Celebrini's potential and much more. Later, they reexamine how aggressive the Leafs should be on Brayden Schenn, what it would cost to acquire him and how a potential move for him would impact John Tavares' future in Toronto. Finally, Sam cooks up some mock trades for the Leafs' different targets at the deadline. 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.
Mar 3
Nick Kypreos and Gord Stellick are joined by Sportsnet's Dan Murphy (8:52) to chat about why it's important for the Vancouver Canucks to make the playoffs, their approach to the upcoming trade deadline and why he doesn't see Elias Pettersson being moved. Then, he weighs in on the state of the Canucks' goaltending, how Rick Tocchet has navigated through the 2024-25 season behind the bench, and the fans' viewpoint on the franchise. Then, Gord shares some stories from his days as a general manager around the trade deadline with Nick and Sam McKee and the three discuss the biggest rumoured names approaching the trade deadline. 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.
Mar 3
Nick Kypreos, Gord Stellick and Sam McKee kick off the week with a look back on the Leafs' pair of wins over the weekend. Then, they look ahead to Friday's trade deadline and discuss the Leafs' need for blue-line help, the Panthers acquiring Seth Jones from the Blackhawks, Matthew Tkachuk's move to LTIR, Toronto's tradeable pieces and more. Later, after climbing some franchise records lists this weekend, they chat about how the Core Four is viewed in the context of Leafs' history. Finally, Sportsnet Leafs insider Luke Fox (34:32) helps tee up the team's game against the San Jose Sharks tonight and weighs in on Brad Treliving's mindset approaching the deadline. 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.
Feb 28
Nick Kypreos, Gord Stellick and Sam McKee look back on the Panthers' victory over the Oilers in the Stanley Cup final rematch last night and Connor McDavid's recent struggles. Doug MacLean (4:30) joins the show for his Off-the-Rails Friday appearance to share his thoughts on Brayden Schenn, Scott Laughton and Mikko Rantanen as potential trade targets for the Leafs, Columbus' playoff push, the Senators' trending down as they approach the deadline, and much more. Finally, Nick and Gord regroup with Sam McKee to discuss the Lightning's near-undefeated February and to answer listener questions on the text line. 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.
Feb 28
Nick Kypreos, Gord Stellick and Sam McKee kick off the Friday show with a look ahead to the Leafs' matchup against the New York Rangers tonight. They get into Ryan Reaves' return to the lineup with heavyweight Matt Rempe on the opposing bench, Chris Tanev's absence and how the Leafs handle their goalie tandem down the stretch. Then, they discuss Craig Berube's effusive praise of Brayden Schenn and the latest on Brad Treliving's negotiations with the Blues. Finally, they go to the Leafs Line to answer listener calls! 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.
Feb 27
Nick Kypreos and Gord Stellick are joined in-studio by former NHL scout and Sportsnet analyst Jason Bukala to chat about the prospects of Mikko Rantanen getting traded twice in one season, what he would cost and which team would have the best chance to re-sign the Finnish forward. Then, they discuss the market for Colton Parayko, teams in the best position ahead of the trade deadline, the Bruins' direction, and more. Then, Nick, Gord and Sam McKee weigh in on Connor McDavid's comments about his play since coming off the success of the 4 Nations Face-Off Final, why the Edmonton Oilers should trade for Jordan Binnington and the Senators' rocky February. 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.
Feb 27
Nick Kypreos, Gord Stellick, and Sam McKee kick off with a discussion on the Leafs' reported interest in Mikko Rantanen and Brayden Schenn and who the team should prioritize at the deadline. Then, Leafs head coach Craig Berube (10:50) joins the show to discuss his brand of hockey, the lead-up to the deadline, how 4 Nations intensity helps Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews and much more. Later, Leafs radio analyst Jim Ralph (34:10) reflects on the unexpectedly stellar goaltending in Toronto this season, Matthews' recent scoring woes and the team's biggest need at the trade deadline. 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.
Feb 26
Nick Kypreos and Gord Stellick are joined by former NHLer and general manager Brian Lawton (8:33) to chat about an organization's approach to constructing a roster line by line, the use of analytics, Mikko Rantanen's future in Carolina, Seth Jones' frustrations in Chicago, if we'll see the Vancouver Canucks and Brock Boeser come together on a contract extension, and if it's the right time for the St. Louis Blues to look at offers for Jordan Binnington. Then, Nick, Gord and Sam McKee look at the Canucks' trade deadline plans after moving off from J.T. Miller and the different dynamics of the rising salary cap. 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.
Feb 26
Nick Kypreos, Gord Stellick and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 5-4 overtime win over the Boston Bruins after trailing 3-0. They discuss the Leafs' slow start, Anthony Stolarz keeping the team alive, the plan for a suddenly surging Nick Robertson, Mitch Marner building off 4 Nations momentum and Auston Matthews' 'tired' play. Later, sports orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jason Smith (36:05) checks in on Chris Tanev's shoulder injury, the worst and best cases in terms of severity, and the implications of Craig Berube's diagnosis of 'day-to-day.' Finally, they discuss Kyp's latest trade board and the Leafs' potential interest in Mikko Rantanen. 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.
Feb 25
Nick Kypreos and fill-in host Gord Stellick welcome in MSG Network analyst Steve Valiquette (3:35) to share his impressions from 4 Nations, how the tournament helps hockey viewership in the US and how Jordan Binnington's play for Team Canada impacts his trade stock. Then, they get into whether the Oilers try to upgrade in goal ahead of the deadline, the Ducks acquiring Ville Husso from the Red Wings and Kevin Lankinen's big extension in Vancouver. Later, Nick and Gord regroup with Sam McKee to discuss Matthew Tkachuk's Fallon appearance and the idea of 'growing the game' in the US. 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.
Feb 25
Nick Kypreos, Sam McKee and Gord Stellick, filling in for Justin Bourne, look ahead to the Leafs' matchup tonight against the Boston Bruins. They discuss why the Leafs' focus should be on a division title down the stretch, the consistency in their crease, Calle Järnkrok nearing a return and the cap juggling required to get him back in the lineup. Then, they debate whether the Leafs should go big or add around the margins at the deadline. Later, NESN analyst Andy Brickley (31:25) shares a Boston POV of tonight's game, Charlie McAvoy's 4 Nation injury, the feeling of the fanbase with the team outside the playoff picture, what to expect from them at the deadline and much more. 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.
Feb 24
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne welcome in TVA Sports' Ren Lavoie (5:15) to chat about the fallout of the 4 Nations Face-Off, future injury risks with the Winter Olympics on the horizon and Matthew Tkachuk's health status for the rest of the season. Then, he gets into which direction the Montreal Canadiens will take ahead of the trade deadline, Brad Marchand's future with the Boston Bruins, why Elias Pettersson isn't untouchable, and the Edmonton Oilers' path back to the Stanley Cup Final. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee discuss Alex Ovechkin closing the gap to Wayne Gretzky's goal record, Trevor Zegras's three-game suspension for interference against Michael Rasmussen, and concerns for Auston Matthews' scoring woes. 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.
Feb 24
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' pair of wins over the weekend over the Hurricanes and Blackhawks. They get into the play of Matthews, Marner and Nylander coming back from 4 Nations, Alex Steeves' role, concerns over the bottom D pair, Max Domi's uncertain role, Auston Matthews' even-strength scoring slump, and much more. Later, they discuss Colton Parayko as a potential target for the Leafs and what he would cost. 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.
Feb 21
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne welcome in former NHL President and general manager Doug MacLean (1:30) to reflect on 4 Nations Face-Off exceeding expectations, tensions between Canada and USA off the ice, Jordan Binnington’s heroics, Sam Bennett raising his stock in a contract year, and the injury fallout from the tournament. Afterwards, Canadian actor Kevin Zegers joins the show (29:50) to discuss ‘Skate For LA Strong’ – a charity NHL hockey event to support the fire recovery efforts in Los Angeles. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee react to Kevin Lankinen’s 5-year extension with the Vancouver Canucks and take calls from The Canada Line. 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.
Feb 21
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on Team Canada's overtime victory over Team USA in the 4 Nations final on Thursday night in Boston. They get into Canada 'needing a win,' Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews stepping up on the winner-take-all stage, Jordan Binnington's game-saving performance, Connor McDavid's OT heroics and much more. Then, they wrap up on the US side of the game before discussing the success of the 4 Nations Face-Off at large and potential tweaks for the next running of the tournament. Finally, they take some calls on the Canada Line! 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.
Feb 20
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start the second hour with their expectations for the physicality and animosity between Canada and USA in the 4 Nations final. Olympic gold medalist Eric Lindros (10:08) shares his impressions of the inaugural running of the tournament, the intensity going into the final game and what style of play he expects from Team Canada tonight. Later, Hockey Hall of Famer Jeremy Roenick (29:16) shares a USA POV of the game and discusses the politics around the tournament, emotional stakes for both sides of the matchup and the game's x-factors. Finally, Nick and Justin regroup with Sam to listen to some of Team Canada's game-day availability and make final predictions for the game. 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.
Feb 20
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee give a pulse check ahead of tonight's 4 Nations Face-Off final between Canada and USA with the stakes rising as they get closer to puck drop. They discuss whether the US surpasses Canada as a hockey nation with a win, the political backdrop of the game and whether the mistreatment of Charlie McAvoy's injury impacts the tournament's future. Later, Olympic Gold medalist and Hockey Hall of Famer Scott Niedermayer (28:23) helps tee up the game and shares how winner-take-all international games compare to NHL playoff intensity, the growth of Drew Doughty, how Cale Makar changes the matchup and much more. Finally, Nick, Justin and Sam discuss where this game ranks among the most important in recent history and how the hockey world gears back into the regular season slog. 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.
Feb 19
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with the latest injury news ahead of the 4 Nations final with Quinn Hughes officially ruled out and the US calling Tage Thompson and Brett Pesce into Boston. Hockey Hall of Famer Kevin Lowe (7:13) joins the show to discuss his impressions of 4 Nations, whether Team Canada regrets any roster decisions, his expectations for the style of play in Thursday's final, the rise of US hockey and much more. Later, Hockey Night in Canada's Elliotte Friedman (27:44) weighs in on the roster circus at 4 Nations, Charlie McAvoy's injury and potential mistreatment, and whether the illness going around 4 Nations locker rooms will affect Thursday's final. Finally, Nick, Justin and Sam discuss Brad Marchand's mind games and Matthew Tkachuk exchanging barbs with Brandon Hagel through the media. 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.
Feb 18
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee kick off with their reaction to Team USA calling Quinn Hughes into Boston to play in the 4 Nations final against Canada on Thursday if they lose another defenceman. Then, the Daily Faceoff's Carter Hutton (15:32) discusses the pressure on goalies at the tournament, Jordan Binnington's mindset ahead of the final and where he holds the edge over opponent Connor Hellebuyck. Later, Nick, Justin and Sam share their thoughts on Team Canada's media day including some passionate comments from Brandon Hagel, Auston Matthews's status after missing Team USA's last round-robin game against Sweden, the US getting inspiration from the political landscape and much more. 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.
Feb 17
On the back nine of Real Kyper and Bourne, Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee go live to the 4 Nations Face-Off in Boston alongside TNT's Eddie Olczyk. He gauges the atmosphere during Canada's matchup against Finland this afternoon, before sharing his thoughts on the trio of fights in Saturday's battle with the United States and the fanfare surrounding the Tkachuk brothers. Later, the boys discuss if the physical play is good for the game and how the NHL can bridge the gap between the 4 Nations Face-Off and the playoffs. After the break, Sportsnet's Luke Fox checks in from TD Garden to discuss the rocky end to Canada's clash with the Finns, how Cale Makar's presence changes the lineup's dynamic, as well as Mitch Marner and Sam Bennett's play (28:30). Nick, Justin and Sam wrap up preview of Thursday's rematch with USA, along with thoughts on Sidney Crosby and Jordan Binnington's postgame comments. 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.
Feb 17
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee drop the puck on this episode of Real Kyper and Bourne reviewing Canada's 5-3 victory over Finland to set up a rematch with the United States in the 4 Nations Face-Off Final. The trio dive into the tense moments to end the game after three late goals from the Finnish side and the decision to start Jordan Binnington in a win-or-go-home game. After the debrief, they switch gears to discuss Canada's battle with the United States on Saturday, how it stacks up in terms of the greatest games of all time, the physical play on display from the outset, and how Canada will line up on Thursday. Later on, Nick, Justin and Sam sort through some postgame audio from Jon Cooper and set the stage for the final game of the tournament (32:00). 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.
Feb 14
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look ahead to Saturday's 4 Nation showdown between Team Canada and USA. Joining the conversation, former NHL President and GM Doug MacLean (5:30) - on for his Off-The-Rails Friday appearance - gets into how the political landscape adds to the rivalry, Canada needing more from Connor McDavid's line, Team USA's chemistry and much more. Finally, Nick, Justin and Sam close out the week by dipping into The Canada Line to answer listener questions about the national team! 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.
Feb 13
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on Team Canada's 4-3 win over Sweden to kick off the 4 Nations Face-Off. They get into Canada's torrid start, Shea Theodore's injury, Sidney Crosby's vintage performance, Mitch Marner's overtime heroics and Jordan Binnington's play in the win. Later, they look ahead at tonight's matchup between Team USA and Finland, discuss possible lineup changes for Team Canada ahead of Saturday's game against the States, and dip into McKee's Midweek Mailbag! 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.
Feb 12
The 4 Nations Face-Off is finally here, and Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne welcome in Hockey Hall of Famer and Olympic Gold medalist Chris Pronger (1:32) to discuss international tournament dynamics. They get into the chemistry-building process on national squads, what to expect in terms of intensity, the state of Canadian hockey and more. Later, 4 Nations play-by-play announcer Chris Cuthbert (30:54) helps set the stage for the tournament's opening game between Canada and Sweden in Montreal tonight and reflects on the long-awaited return of international best-on-best hockey. Finally, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee discuss how the tournament can boost hockey's popularity and the pressure on Team Canada to hit the ground running. 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.
Feb 11
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start the hour with a chat about what to expect in terms of intensity from the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off. MSG Network's Steve Valiquette (4:52) joins the show to discuss Team Canada naming Jordan Binnington their starter, the pressure on Connor Hellebuyck, Canada's outlook in Game 1 against Sweden on Wednesday and more. Then, he weighs in on the Leafs' rumoured interest in Dylan Cozens and possible centre alternatives that would fit the lineup better. Later, Nick, Justin and Sam review sound from Team Canada head coach Jon Cooper's availability today. 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.
Feb 10
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Jason Bukala (5:28) of Pro Hockey Group and Sportsnet to discuss his overall expectations for the NHL's mid-season break for the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off, Team Canada's goaltenders, Drew Doughty returning from an injury and into the tournament and how the games will prepare Seth Jarvis for the upcoming Olympics. Then, he gets into trade risks for the Buffalo Sabres and Dylan Cozens, how scouts are used ahead of the trade deadline, and the number of assets a team needs to make a deal. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee chat about Quinn Hughes not participating for Team USA, the American's line pairings, Sidney Crosby's participation, and whether Brad Marchand's performance impacts his future free agency. 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.
Feb 10
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee share some thoughts on the Super Bowl before looking back on the Leafs' 2-1 loss to the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday as they head into the 4 Nations Face-Off break. Then, they discuss whether now is the right time to make a trade, the Leafs' biggest need and who they should target at centre. Next, they share takeaways on the loaded-up second line, Max Domi's struggles and Morgan Rielly's strong road trip. Later, Gord Stellick (32:43) joins the show to weigh in on how the 4 Nations tournament can help participating Leafs, the lineup's tradeable pieces and Craig Berube's postseason outlook in Toronto. 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.
Feb 7
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne welcome in Sportsnet's Sean Reynolds (3:45) to discuss whether the Winnipeg Jets are willing to deal at the trade deadline despite their strong success this season and the front office's "promise" to the core. Then, he gets into what's behind the Jets' power play's success, whether Mark Scheifele will slot in for Team Canada as an injury replacement, how Winnipeg has changed their locker room culture, and whether the Canucks can change the trajectory of their season after trading away J.T. Miller. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee go through Kyper's trade board and discuss who could be on the move ahead of the deadline. 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.
Feb 7
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 3-1 road win over the Seattle Kraken on Thursday night. They start with Anthony Stolarz's strong return and project how the Leafs will deploy the tandem come playoff time. Then, they discuss the debut of a Marner-Tavares-Nylander second line, Matthew Knies getting away with a high-stick goal and Bobby McMann staying hot on the road trip. Finally, they answer your calls on the Leafs Line! 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.
Feb 6
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne welcome back Luc Robitaille (4:25) – Hockey Hall of Famer, and President of the L.A. Kings to chat about how Drew Doughty has fit back into the lineup after a lengthy stint on the shelf, the state of the Western Conference and the division his team is playing in, what the young defencemen Brandt Clarke brings to the table, and his expectations for the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee share their thoughts on Marcus Pettersson's extension becoming official with his new team in Vancouver, the outlook for the Canucks' defensive core, Quinn Hughes pending return, and much more! 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.
Feb 6
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look ahead to the Leafs' matchup against the Seattle Kraken. They discuss Anthony Stolarz's return to action and whether it's the right time, the new second-line combination of William Nylander, John Tavares and Mitch Marner, Auston Matthews' outlook without Marner as a linemate, Morgan Rielly moving off the power play and much more. Later, Kraken announcer John Forslund (32:59) shares where Seattle stands ahead of the 4 Nations break, their player development progress, returns on Kaapo Kakko and players who could be on the move as they approach the deadline. 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.
Feb 5
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne welcome in Hockey Hall of Fame coach Ken Hitchcock (3:57) to discuss his role with the St. Louis Blues, what direction they might go at the deadline and how the team's adjusted to midseason hire Jim Montgomery behind the bench. Then, he shares his thoughts on the Red Wing's turnaround under Todd McLellan, Craig Berube's season with the Leafs, the next steps for J.T. Miller in New York and much more. Later, Nick and Justin regroup with Sam McKee to discuss Sidney Crosby's status putting his 4 Nations availability at risk and evaluate the early returns of newly traded faces in Vancouver, New York, Carolina and Colorado. 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.
Feb 5
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 6-3 road win over the Calgary Flames. They dig into William Nylander's hat trick, positive signs from Morgan Rielly, and Auston Matthews' play without Mitch Marner. Then, they discuss the disallowed goals, the impact of goal reviews on the pace of the game and potential solutions to fix the slow review process. Finally, they dip into McKee's Midweek Mailbag to answer listener questions - including the feasibility of a Dylan Cozens deal. 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.
Feb 4
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne welcome on MSG Network's Steve Valiquette (3:16) to discuss early returns from J.T. Miller for the Rangers, the next steps for New York and Filip Chytil's health concerns. They also get into what it means for goalies to 'steal a win,' how careful the Leafs should be with Anthony Stolarz's return, the difficulty for goalies to repeat breakout seasons and the importance of net-front save percentage. Later, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee catch up to weigh in on Miro Heiskanen receiving knee surgery, Ryan Hartman getting a 10-game suspension and how Mathew Barzal's injury impacts the Islanders' deadline direction. 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.
Feb 4
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look ahead to the Leafs' matchup against the Calgary Flames tonight as their Western Conference road trip rolls on. They discuss Joseph Woll getting the nod as the team awaits Anthony Stolarz's return, Mitch Marner's status, Max Domi getting a look on the first line, Morgan Rielly's return to PP1 and much more. Then, they evaluate John Tavares' steady season and what it means for his future in Toronto. Later, Sportsnet Flames columnist Eric Francis (32:38) weighs in on what's spurred Calgary's unexpected season, early returns from Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee, Jonathan Huberdeau's bounce back and whether the team's deadline direction of not selling is the right call for their future. 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.
Feb 3
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Mike Halford (4:25) – co-host Halford & Brough on Sportsnet 650 – to give his overview of the Vancouver Canucks trading away J.T. Miller, what the future holds for Elias Pettersson, how the recent moves affect Quinn Hughes, if it's the right call to extend Marcus Pettersson, Filip Chytil and Victor Mancini's fit on the roster, and the players' view of the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee discuss Ryan Hartman's roughing on Tim Stutzle, the Buffalo Sabres' lack of response to their centreman Tage Thompson receiving a high hit, and much more from the weekend's slate of NHL games. 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.
Feb 3
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 4-3 win over the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday night to snap their 3-game skid. They discuss the longevity of this winning formula, Joseph Woll's statement in net, the top line's 200-foot game, Morgan Rielly's effort and much more. Then, they get into Leafs' trade targets at centre and whether they should look into Brayden Schenn as a potential option at the deadline. Later, Sportsnet Leafs insider Luke Fox (34:25) weighs in on Canadian fans booing the American anthem, shares the latest injury news on Mitch Marner, Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Anthony Stolarz, and evaluates Craig Berube's season behind the bench so far. 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.
Jan 31
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne begin the national hour with Sportsnet’s Ryan Leslie to examine the Calgary Flames acquiring forwards Joel Farabee and Morgan Frost from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for Andrei Kuzmenko and two draft picks. The trio goes on to discuss contributions from the Flames’ veterans including Jonathan Huberdeau and Rasmus Andersson, Dustin Wolf’s success as a rookie, and what the future holds for Kuzmenko in Philadelphia (2:00). Afterwards, Frank Seravalli joins the show to break down the NHL’s projected salary cap increase over the next few years, what it means for player contracts, whether every market can spend to the cap ceiling, the implications for pending free agents like Mikko Rantanen, and much more (27:00). 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.
Jan 31
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look ahead to the Leafs' 4 games ahead of the international break starting with a measuring stick match against the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday. Then, they react to Brandon Saad signing with the Golden Knights and where it leaves the Leafs in their search for secondary scoring. Next, they get into the NHL's latest cap estimates and how they impact Mitch Marner's extension negotiations. Finally, Nick, Justin and Sam answer listener calls on The Leafs Line! 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.
Jan 30
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne begin the national hour reflecting on the passing of longtime Ottawa-based sports broadcaster Shawn Simpson. The conversation continues with Jason York; former NHLer and co-host of the Coming In Hot podcast (5:45). York evaluates the Ottawa Senators’ needs ahead of the trade deadline, Brady Tkachuk snapping his 10-game goal drought, Thomas Chabot’s bounce back campaign, and Sens mascot Spartacat committing a jersey foul. Later on, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee touch on playoff odds across the Canadian markets, what the compete level will be at 4 Nations Face-Off, who’s wearing a letter at the event, and Jaromir Jagr selling a majority stake in his hometown Kladno Knights. 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.
Jan 30
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 3-1 loss to the Minnesota Wild, their third defeat in a row. They discuss the team's recent lack of offensive production, whether it could be blamed on personnel or Craig Berube's coaching style, and whether the team needs to look outside the organization for answers. Then, they suggest possible solutions for the struggling Morgan Rielly and Max Domi. Later, Gord Stellick (33:01) discusses the Leafs' stretch into the international break, Berube's patience and how a good 4 Nations Face-Off performance could energize Team USA captain Auston Matthews and other participating Leafs. 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.
Jan 29
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Jeff Jackson (4:15), CEO & President of Hockey Operations for the Edmonton Oilers to chat about the change in performance from his team at the start of the 2024-25 regular season, the differences between the Stanley Cup Final clinching roster from a year ago, if their recent success changes their approach to the trade deadline, the coaching staff's belief in John Klingberg, and his expectations for the 4 Nations Face-Off. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee discuss Drew Doughty's return from the IR, Utah Hockey Club's final list of team names, and injuries hitting hockey clubs across the league. 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.
Jan 29
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look ahead to the Leafs' matchup against the Minnesota Wild without their star Kirill Kaprizov. They get into the Leafs' recent dominance over the Wild, Max Pacioretty returning to the ice and Max Domi's unclear role. Then, they discuss the St. Louis Blues buying out Brandon Saad and evaluate Toronto as a potential landing spot. Later, they debate who should fill in for Alex Pietrangelo on Team Canada's 4 Nations roster - Chris Tanev or someone else? Finally, Wild GM Bill Guerin (33:15) shares how the team weathers Kaprizov's absence, the ceiling of their young core, balancing GM duties for Minnesota and Team USA and how he's approaching the trade deadline. 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.
Jan 28
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne welcome in Satiar Shah (4:54), host of Canucks Central, to get his thoughts on the conflicting comments about tensions in the Vancouver Canucks locker room from J.T. Miller and general manager Jim Rutherford, why the Carolina-Colorado trade hinders the market for the Canucks, if Vancouver would be interested in trading Morgan Rielly for Miller, and the diminishing story of Quinn Hughes' 2024-25 season so far. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee discuss Kirill Kaprizov's injury, options for Team Canada to replace Alex Pietrangelo for the 4 Nations Face-Off, and which teams could be front-runners to sell near the trade deadline. 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.
Jan 28
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with stories from Monday's Leafs' Blue & White night. Then, they get into the Leafs' light schedule ahead of the 4 Nations break and project where Anthony Stolarz will make his return. Next, they discuss Morgan Rielly's season and put forward hypothetical trades for the struggling blue liner, including a swap for J.T. Miller. Later, fresh from the Blue & White Gala, former NHLer Brad May (33:58) discusses the Leafs' brand, the importance of claiming the Atlantic Division title, Ryan Reaves' role, Max Pacioretty's importance, and much more. 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.
Jan 27
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman to break down Friday night's surprise blockbuster that sent Mikko Rantanen to Carolina. The crew discuss previous contract negotiations between Rantanen and Colorado, the winger's likelihood of signing with the Hurricanes, the Vancouver Canucks' trade market, and the announcement of preseason games scheduled in Quebec City next year. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee (33:57) chat Alex Pietrangelo's decision to withdraw from the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament and his likely replacement, and Logan Thompson's new deal in Washington. 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.
Jan 27
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 2-1 loss to the Senators on Saturday night. They discuss the lack of emotional investment, Bobby McMann's play on the top line, Shane Pinto's polarizing game-winner and Nick Cousins' collision with Jacob Quillan. Then, they get into how the Mikko Rantanen trade impacts the discussion around pending FA Mitch Marner. Later, Hockey Night in Canada's Craig Simpson (33:05) weighs in on the Leafs' lack of secondary scoring, their need for blue-line production and whether Auston Matthews is back to 100%. 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.
Jan 24
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne welcome in former NHL President and general manager Doug MacLean (6:15) to chat about an emotionally checked out Vancouver Canucks performance against the Edmonton Oilers, the potential fallout of the J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson saga, how to make sense of the Eastern Conference Wild Card race, whether the Washington Capitals are a true Stanley Cup contender, and much more. Later on, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee discuss Tony DeAngelo signing with the New York Islanders, if the Ottawa Senators are comfortable with Linus Ullmark playing in the 4 Nations Face-Off, and how long Gary Bettman could stay on as NHL commissioner. 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.
Jan 24
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee kick off the Friday show with a look at the Leafs' matchup against the Ottawa Senators on Saturday. They discuss the Sens recent scoring struggles, Bobby McMann's move to the top line, Craig Berube demanding 'emotional investment,' Anthony Stolarz nearing a return and much more. Later, they answer your questions on The Leafs Line! 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.
Jan 23
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Sportsnet’s Jason Bukala (0:25) to discuss Matthew Schaefer’s case for #1 overall in 2025, Montreal Canadiens prospect Ivan Demidov shining overseas, J.T. Miller’s diminishing trade value, if the Calgary Flames should stand pat, what’s fueling Montreal’s extended hot streak, and much more. Afterwards, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee debate how much protection star NHLers deserve and if the Carolina Hurricanes should part ways with Martin Necas to acquire Miller. 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.
Jan 23
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 5-1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets at home. They discuss the Leafs' effort in the loss, Ryan Reaves finally dropping the gloves, Auston Matthews' comments on the Toronto crowd, Morgan Rielly's continued struggles, Matthew Knies' injury and Dennis Hildeby's rough night. Later, they get into Craig Berube's decision to pull the goalie with nine minutes left in the game and Joseph Woll's comments on getting the night off. Finally, Nick, Justin and Sam play a Leafs' themed game of True or False! 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.
Jan 22
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by ESPN's Emily Kaplan (3:47) to give her thoughts on the ongoing tensions within the Vancouver Canucks, the potential of a J.T. Miller trade, the New York Rangers' turnaround and whether the New Jersey Devils are good suitors for the Canucks forward. Then, they get into Connor McDavid's suspension, whether the NHL can look at the NFL in protecting its' star players, which road the Boston Bruins will take ahead of the trade deadline, and the view of the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off in the United States. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee dive into the Edmonton Oilers sending a press release on McDavid's 3-game suspension and Canucks' head coach Rick Tocchet's comments about his team's struggles. 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.
Jan 22
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee react to the Leafs calling up Jacob Quillan after moving Max Pacioretty to IR before looking ahead to the Leafs' matchup against the Blue Jackets. They discuss Joseph Woll getting the night off, the Blue Jackets' unexpected season and ideal players for the Leafs to target via trade. Then, they dip into the Midweek Mailbag to answer your questions. Later, Fox Sports' Jody Shelley (32:11) discusses the Blue Jackets' recent hot stretch ahead of their matchup in Toronto, Zach Werenski's Norris-level season, their plans between the pipes and how GM Don Waddell is approaching the trade deadline in light of the team's recent success. 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.
Jan 21
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne welcome on MSG Network's Steve Valiquette to weigh in on the suspensions handed out to Connor McDavid and Tyler Myers. The trio also discuss some of the goalie prospects on the horizon, the increased level of injuries to netminders across the league, Auston Matthews' theory on where the best place to shoot the puck is, and Dustin Wolf's size and speed contributing to his stellar rookie season. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee listen to reactions from Edmonton Oilers players on their captain's recent suspension (34:54), and offer thoughts on how star players in hockey are officiated in comparison to other sports. 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.
Jan 21
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne, and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 5-3 win over the Lightning—their third straight victory. They discuss how the Leafs' energy has shifted between their three-game losing streak and three-game winning streak, William Nylander's laid-back mentality, Auston Matthews getting closer to 100%, and much more. Later, Sportsnet Leafs reporter Luke Fox (34:06) discusses Nylander and Craig Berube's unique relationship, the team's ongoing search for a blueline partner for Morgan Rielly, Max Domi as a potential trade candidate and why this is the year for Brad Treliving to be bold at the deadline. 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.
Jan 20
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by CHEK's Rick Dhaliwal of Donnie and Dhali to discuss the trade proposal that almost sent J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers, and the pieces that were expected to return to Vancouver. The crew talks the desperation for the Canucks to move Miller, the dynamic between the player and coaching staff, Rick Tocchet's status as head coach beyond this season, and how the team manages negotiations with Brock Boeser. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee weigh in on Saturday's exchange of late game cross-checks from Connor McDavid and Tyler Myers (32:47), and speculate on the suspension lengths for both players. The guys wrap with thoughts on a potential Pittsburgh fire sale, and Penguins goalie goal mania. 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.
Jan 20
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 7-3 win over the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday night. They discuss the Leafs' first period to forget, Bobby McMann earning a spot in the top six, Craig Berube's patience with William Nylander paying off, Morgan Rielly's struggles, and more! Later, Lightning reporter Erik Erlendsson (34:36) shares his thoughts on Tampa's standing ahead of their Monday night matchup in Toronto, where they'd be looking to add at the trade deadline, Andrei Vasilevskiy regaining some form and Jake Guentzel's fit as Stamkos' successor. 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.
Jan 17
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne welcome back former NHL President and general manager Doug MacLean (4:43) to chat about the butting heads in Vancouver, how they can resolve the lingering situation near the trade deadline and Thatcher Demko's future in net. Then, the three discuss the Edmonton Oilers signing John Klingberg, positive progress in Montreal, which playoff bubble teams are most dangerous and how the Maple Leafs bounced back from their short losing skid. To close out the week, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee answer some of your questions on the text line! 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.
Jan 17
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 4-3 overtime win over the New Jersey Devils to snap their 3-game losing streak. They get into the Leafs 'out-Keefe-ing' Sheldon Keefe, Auston Matthews' regaining his scoring touch, the power play finding a way, Morgan Rielly's waning confidence, William Nylander's effort inconsistencies and more. Later, they answer your calls on the Leafs Line! 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.
Jan 16
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman (0:32) to chat about when the players' association and the league will start negotiating a new CBA, parity amongst the teams, tax advantages, the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, Alexander Ovechkin's record chase, the evolution outdoor NHL games and league expansion. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee get into the criticisms of Kyle Dubas's track record in his first seasons as Pittsburgh Penguins' general manager and Connor McDavid's unpenalized elbow. 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.
Jan 16
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with an evaluation of Craig Berube's season behind the bench and whether his 'accountability culture' has lived up to offseason expectations. Then, they look ahead to the Leafs' matchup against the New Jersey Devils and discuss the impact of John Tavares' absence as he moves to the IR, Max Domi's opportunity on the second line, Sheldon Keefe's return to Toronto and more. Later, Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald (33:08) discusses his squad's recent stretch, how he's approaching the trade deadline and parity in the Eastern Conference. 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.
Jan 15
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by former Detroit Red Wings and 4-time Stanley Cup Champion Darren McCarty (3:30) to chat about his former team's recent surge through the new calendar year, coaches holding players accountable, substantial changes implemented by new head coach Todd McLellan, how he views the current generation of hockey players and when to respond with dropping of the gloves. Then, Sportsnet and Hockey Night in Canada's David Amber (28:35) stops by to tee up Hockey Day in Canada, the chance to have all Canadian teams in the playoffs, Vancouver Canucks' trade deadline plans, Winnipeg Jets' top line, and the Montreal Canadiens' turnaround. 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.
Jan 15
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 4-1 loss to the Dallas Stars - their third straight loss. They discuss John Tavares exiting today's skate, Craig Berube's lack of accountability, William Nylander's polarizing comments on the losing streak and the Leafs beginning to fall back on old habits. Later, they dip into the mailbag to answer your Leafs questions, including what's behind Morgan Rielly's struggles, how big the team needs to swing at the deadline and more! 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.
Jan 14
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne welcome in Steve Valiquette (3:35) to chat about the Calgary Flames' success with Dustin Wolf in net, taller vs. shorter goaltenders, playing with different stick sizes, Stuart Skinner's improvements against the rush, leaders in the Vezina race, and the Maple Leafs' struggles on the power-play. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee preview Filip Hronek's return to the Vancouver Canucks' lineup, Adrian Kempe getting fined for slew-footing Connor McDavid, and Boston Bruins' ability to win games through a down season. 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.
Jan 14
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee kick off with a look-ahead to the Leafs' matchup against the Dallas Stars. They discuss Steven Lorentz's move up to the top line, Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner's low-energy play, Joseph Woll's workload and more. Then, they review Brad Treliving's midseason availability from Monday, centres for the Leafs to target at the deadline and their reported interest in a John Klingberg reunion. Later, Stars executive Marty Turco (35:36) shares his thoughts on the state of the team ahead of their game in Toronto. 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.
Jan 13
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Sportsnet's Garry Galley (7:39) to tour the Canadian teams in the NHL, including rookie Dustin Wolf's solid goaltending with the Calgary Flames, Leon Draisaitl's push for the Hart Trophy this season, the Ottawa Senators' sprint for a wild card spot, a hot Montreal Canadiens club, and managing a bed of relationships in Vancouver. Next, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee chat Cutter Gauthier's fiery return to Philadelphia, Eric Staal's case for a Hockey Hall of Fame bid, and the Senators’ arena situation for the future. 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.
Jan 13
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee kick things off by looking back on the Leafs' 3-0 loss to the Vancouver Canucks Saturday night in the first of a three-game homestand. The trio discuss the team's lack of passing ability, the need for adjustments on the power play, and Mitch Marner's most recent post-game comments. Next, Sportsnet's Gord Stellick (33:05) weighs in on Steven Lorentz's effort level leading to a promotion to the top line, Dennis Hildeby's start against the Canucks over the weekend, how the Leafs can shore up their performance with the man advantage, and the big defensive void left without Jake McCabe. 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.
Jan 10
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Sportsnet and Hockey Night in Canada's Sean Reynolds (6:36) to chat about the Winnipeg Jet's sustainability staying atop of the central division, plans ahead of the trade deadline, expectations for Cole Perfetti's and Nikolaj Ehlers' next contract, and Patrik Laine in a Jets uniform vs. Habs uniform. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee discuss the rumours surrounding a rift between David Pastrňák and Brad Marchand. 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.
Jan 10
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 6-3 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes to close out their road trip. They get into the defensive struggles from the top lines, Jake McCabe's notable absence, a rare stinker from Joseph Woll, flaws of the five-forward power play beyond the short-handed goal allowed and much more. Then, the guys answer your questions with the debut of the Leafs Line! 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.
Jan 9
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by hockey analyst and former NHLer Ray Ferraro (5:39) to chat about the lingering elephant in the room surrounding the Vancouver Canucks, if it's been blown out of proportion, why it's difficult to trade away J.T. Miller or Elias Pettersson, and the best teams out of each conference. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee share their thoughts on Jeremy Roenick's comments about Connor Bedard, whether current players are knowledgeable about the NHL's past, and expectations for the Florida Winter Classic. 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.
Jan 9
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look ahead to the Leafs' matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes tonight with a chance to extend their win streak to 6 games. They dig into the Leafs' newly mixed-up d-pairs, Max Pacioretty getting the night off, whether Craig Berube needs to send William Nylander a message to break his slump and much more. Later, former NHLer Aaron Ward (34:21) tees up the Carolina side of tonight's matchup and discusses the Hurricanes' championship window, their analytics-driven roster construction and their carousel of budget goaltending. 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.
Jan 8
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by TVA Sports' Ren Lavoie (5:06) to chat about the Montreal Canadiens' recent success through the new calendar year, Lane Hutson's two-way prowess, Patrik Laine elevating his teammates, Jakub Dobeš's ceiling in net, the Habs' trade deadline plans, and when he sees Ivan Demidov slotting onto the roster. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee pick out the best teams across the league and debate who would slot into a hockey version of the 'Champions League'. 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.
Jan 8
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 3-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers to pick up their fifth straight victory. They get into the history of Toronto and Philly's rivalry, Ryan Reaves' role, the Leafs' sleepy start and whether it could be chalked up to a late night out on the mentor's trip. Then, they discuss options for the struggling power play, the top line's dominance and another stellar start from Joseph Woll. Finally, they dip into the mailbag to answer your Leafs-related questions, including what a Matthew Knies extension would cost, Craig Berube's case for the Jack Adams Award and the Leafs' top targets at the trade deadline. 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.
Jan 7
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne catch up with MSG analyst Steve Valiquette (6:15), back for his regular appearance. The three discuss what's behind the Rangers' recent spiral, Thatcher Demko's mechanical change after his injury, Jakub Dobeš's near-flawless start in Montreal, the Capitals' 'Junior Hockey' culture and much more. Later, Nick and Justin regroup with Sam McKee to discuss parity in the Eastern Conference, the Blue Jackets' underrated progress and the World Junior gold-medal game ending in 3-on-3 OT. 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.
Jan 7
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee kick off with reflections on the Leafs' season at the midway mark and their standing atop the Atlantic Division. Then, they look ahead to the Leafs' matchup against the Flyers tonight and discuss Ryan Reaves getting back into the lineup, the defensive pairs without Jake McCabe, the team needing more from Morgan Rielly, Bobby McMann moving up to the second line and more. Later, Flyers GM Daniel Brière (32:38) weighs in on Garnet Hathaway's physicality, the team's performance at the halfway point, Matvei Michkov's development and their plan for the trade deadline. 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.
Jan 6
Nick Kypreos, Gord Stellick and Sam McKee check in on the Canucks' situation with Elias Pettersson and JT Miller and the development that both could potentially be on the move. Then, comedian Gerry Dee (9:53) joins the show to share his thoughts on Canada's disappointing exit in the World Juniors tournament, youth hockey in Canada and some thoughts about the Canadian NHL teams at the midway point in the season. Finally, Nick and Gord regroup with Sam to discuss the reported disconnect between Rangers GM Chris Drury and coach Peter Laviolette, the Senators' options in net without Linus Ullmark, and World Juniors reflections after Team USA claimed gold on Sunday. 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.
Jan 6
Nick Kypreos and Sam McKee are joined by Sportsnet’s Gord Stellick for Leafs Hour to discuss the stellar return of Auston Matthews over the weekend following a six-game absence, and the likelihood of the centre suiting up for USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off. Then, the team offers thoughts on Matthew Knies’ dominant performance on Saturday to earn his first career hat-trick against the Bruins, a slumping second line led by William Nylander, and Dennis Hildeby’s steadiness against the Flyers possibly earning him another start this week. Later, the guys break down the fisticuffs between Garnet Hathaway and Jake McCabe on Sunday, leading to the latter’s placement on injured reserve by the team, and the streaky nature of scoring from the Leafs’ blueline. 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.
Jan 3
Justin Bourne and Sam McKee welcome in Sportsnet’s Sam Cosentino to offer his thoughts on Canada’s loss at the World Junior Championships, where the blame lies in the disappointment, and the direction needed to get back on track. (1:31) Then, they take a look at the U.S. development program, and what has allowed the Americans to improve so vastly, before getting into what the ‘Canadian’ style of hockey looks like, the parallels between the World Juniors roster and the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off roster, and what could change ahead of the 2026 Olympics. Later, the guys take a look at the strange play in Colorado last night involving Scott Wedgewood and Zach Benson, and finish the show by answering some of your texts. (49:51) 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.
Jan 3
Justin Bourne and Sam McKee are joined for the Leafs’ Hour by Sportsnet’s JD Bunkis. To open the show, the guys give their takeaways from Team Canada’s loss to Czechia in the Quarterfinals at the World Juniors, and have the bigger conversation around minor hockey in Canada. They bring it back to Leaf-land by looking at Easton Cowan’s performance in the tournament, and what should be made of it. Then, they discuss Phillipe Myers’ contract extension and how he fits into the Leafs’ defensive group moving forward, before the conversation turns to Auston Matthews, his injury, and what the plan should be with his status still in limbo. Later, the guys discuss the Leafs’ potential interest in Jonathan Toews returning to the NHL, and what has changed for Matthew Knies since his injury earlier this season. (49:56) 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.
Jan 2
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne, and Sam McKee open the National hour discussing the New York Rangers amidst their struggles, and debate some potential trades the team could make to try to turn things around. Sportsnet’s Jason Bukala (7:28) joins the show to chime in on the Rangers, before breaking down the challenges that have faced Team Canada at the World Juniors, ahead of their Quarterfinal matchup with Czechia. Later, Rick Dhaliwal (32:07) stops by to continue the conversation around the Canucks. They go through Patrik Allvin’s comments about Elias Pettersson, the expectations around the young star, and the likelihood of a trade including him or J.T. Miller. (50:00) 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.
Jan 2
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne, and Sam McKee open the first show of the new year with Auston Matthews’ latest comments on his injury. They discuss the confusion around the severity of the injury in question, and what the Leafs can and should do going forward with the 4 Nations Face-Off coming up next month. Then, they chat about Matthew Knies’ recent play, and Joseph Woll’s upcoming workload. Later, The Athletic’s Arthur Staple (32:14)joins the guys to tee up the second half of the Leafs’ home and home with the Islanders, and to speak on the direction of the Isles’ as currently constructed, before commenting on the Rangers’ freefall out of contention in the Eastern Conference. (49:47) 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 affiliate.
Dec 30, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne, and Sam McKee welcome Frank Seravalli from The Daily Face-off to debate the state of the New York Islanders, Pattrick Roy's future with the team, and whether their playoff hopes are over. Next, the three discuss the New York Rangers, whether Peter Laviolette is under fire, the state of the Calgary Flames and Ottawa Senators, and why there hasn't been much talk about free agency this year. Finally, the guys wrap up with some World Juniors talks and the state of the Edmonton Oilers (33:53). 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 affiliate.
Dec 30, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne, and Sam McKee open the show by discussing Saturday night's game against the Washington Capitals. They questioned whether goaltending was to fault, whether they could keep first place in the Atlantic Division despite injuries, and their concerns regarding Auston Matthews. Later, Sportsnet Writer Luke Fox (31:34) joins the show to discuss Auston Matthews' likely return date, whether he will compete in the 4 Nations Face-off tournament, whether Matthew Knies can regain his flow, Max Pacioretty's importance to the roster the Leafs' scoring abilities from the defensive end and finally his thoughts on the goaltending tandem. 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 affiliate.
Dec 24, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Gord Stellick are joined by former NHLer and GM Brian Lawton to discuss the New York Rangers' roster, including which players might be considered untouchable. The group also debates whether the Rangers and Nashville Predators have signaled trouble in their respective markets. They cover Matt Rempe’s 8-game suspension following his hit on Miro Heiskanen and explore potential solutions to the reported friction between J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson. The conversation shifts to Macklin Celebrini's impressive rookie season and Connor Bedard's performance in his sophomore year. To close out the show, Nick, Gord, and Sam McKee weigh in on the chemistry struggles in Vancouver. 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.
Dec 23, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Gord Stellick, and Sam McKee host a special edition of the Leafs Hour to break down the Maple Leafs' 5-2 loss to the Winnipeg Jets. The trio assess the team's play style under Craig Berube as they head into the Christmas break and discuss whether fatigue is beginning to impact the players. They also share Toronto's head coach’s post-game comments. The conversation continues with a look at William Nylander's extended power-play shift and the strategies behind pulling the goaltender for an extra attacker in the third period. To close the hour, they revisit concerns over Auston Matthews' injury and its impact on the team. 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.
Dec 20, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by former NHL President and GM Doug MacLean (2:45) for Off-The-Rails Friday! Mac discusses potential fixes for the spiralling Sabres, the Senators' playoff hopes, the Leafs' injury concerns in net, the Rangers' dysfunction, how the Canucks manage the Pettersson/Miller relationship and the Oilers starting to separate from the pack. Finally, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee dip into the mailbag and answer your questions on the text line! 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.
Dec 20, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look ahead to the Leafs' weekend doubleheader against the Buffalo Sabres and New York Islanders. They share what to expect from Matt Murray in his return to the NHL, Craig Berube's comments on Auston Matthews 'fighting through it' and the shuffled blue-line pairings. Later, The Buffalo News' Mike Harrington (32:45) discusses the Sabres' recent play through their 11-game losing streak, the fallout of Terry Pegula's team meeting, whether major changes are coming and players on the table for trade. 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.
Dec 19, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne welcome NHL on TNT's Eddie Olczyk (3:45) for an in-depth discussion on the New York Rangers' struggles this season. They dive into the trade of Kaapo Kakko to the Seattle Kraken, explore whether players can reinvent themselves easily, and assess what Will Borgen could bring to the Rangers' defence. The trio also examines the Buffalo Sabres' ongoing losing streak. Later, Sportsnet's senior columnist Eric Francis (29:54) joins the show to evaluate the Calgary Flames heading into the Christmas break. They discuss whether the Flames are looking to add pieces at the trade deadline, Nazem Kadri and Rasmus Andersson trade rumours and Jonathan Huberdeau’s recent return to form. 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.
Dec 19, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne look back on the Leafs' 5-3 win over the Dallas Stars. They discuss Joseph Woll's stellar effort, the Leafs' defensive resilience, the team calling up Matt Murray, the third line's big night and a rough start for the 'MNM' line. Later, The Athletic's Josh Kloke (31:02) dives deeper into the Leafs' goalie situation without Anthony Stolarz, Woll's opportunity in the interim, Murray's recent play in the AHL and whether Stolarz's injury history has shaken his faith in the goaltender. Finally, he weighs in on the loaded-up top line, Auston Matthews' play since his return from injury and the sustainability of the third line. 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.
Dec 18, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin (7:18), who provides his assessment of the team through 30 games. They discuss the importance of having a full training camp with head coach John Hynes, the players' buy-in to the system, and Kirill Kaprizov's performance and future contract projections. Guerin also shares his thoughts on areas he plans to strengthen on the roster and offers insight into his approach to building the Team USA roster for the 4 Nations Face-Off. Later, Nick, Justin, and Sam McKee evaluate Patrik Laine's shot among the league's top goal scorers and discuss the Buffalo Sabres' struggles as they continue their losing skid. 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.
Dec 18, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look ahead to the Leafs' matchup tonight against the Dallas Stars. They get into what to expect from the loaded-up top line, their belief in Joseph Woll as he takes over the starting role, David Kämpf's return, the bottom-six line combinations, and much more. Later, Stars' GM Jim Nill (29:55) joins the show to discuss his squad's season through 30 games, the urgency to add after losing Tyler Seguin, their blue-line strength and much more. 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.
Dec 17, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee take a look at the Florida Panthers edging out the Edmonton Oilers in the 2024 Stanley Cup Final rematch, the future of the New York Rangers' core players and Kaapo Kakko's comments after his healthy scratch. Then, Nick and Justin are joined by Mike Halford (27:55) of Halford & Brough to chat about Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet navigating his way when speaking to the media about the team's performance this year, Elias Pettersson's and J.T. Miller's relationship on the ice, Kiefer Sherwood's exceeding expectations out West, and whether Thatcher Demko has rounded back into form. 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.
Dec 17, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne catch up with the returning Sam McKee as he returns to the show. Then, they discuss the update on Anthony Stolarz as he is set to miss 4-6 weeks, the level of concern for his absence and where the Leafs turn to in net as they await his return. Next, they share their expectations for the Leafs' loaded-up top line of Auston Matthews, William Nylander and Mitch Marner. Later, sports surgeon Dr. Jason Smith (30:50) explains Stolarz's injury and shares a long-term outlook for his recovery. Finally, Nick, Justin and Sam weigh in on Fraser Minten being sent back to the AHL. 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.
Dec 16, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Jason York (2:41), former NHL defenceman and co-host of the Coming In Hot Podcast, to discuss the Ottawa Senators' surging three-game win streak, Linus Ullmark's return to form, Drake Batherson's scoring ability, which areas the front office will look to improve in, Michael Andlauer's 'soft-tampering' comments, and more. Then, he looks at what has gone wrong for the New York Rangers and Buffalo Sabres. Later, Nick, Justin and Daniele Franceschi preview the 2024 Stanley Cup Final rematch between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers and discuss Elias Pettersson's standing in Vancouver following Rich Tocchet's post-game rant. 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.
Dec 16, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Daniele Franceschi look back on the Leafs’ back-to-back games this weekend, including a 4-2 loss to the Red Wings on Saturday night, and a 5-3 win over the Sabres on Sunday. They reflect on Dennis Hildeby’s third start of the season, and his attempt at the empty net late in the game against Buffalo. Then, they get into John Tavares’ hat-trick, and Max Domi scoring his first goal of the season. Later, Gord Stellick (32:11) joins the show to discuss the Leafs’ depth scoring, finding a permanent partner for Morgan Rielly, and what might still be bothering Auston Matthews. 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.
Dec 13, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by former NHL President and GM Doug MacLean (2:25) to chat about J.T. Miller's return following a leave of absence, his experience handling players' issues off the ice, why there's more to the general manager's role than constructing a team, how to judge coaching when there's a lack of talent on the roster, and why change is on the horizon for the Detroit Red Wings. Then, Nick and Justin bring on Jason Bukala (33:26) to take an early look at the 2024 World Juniors, Gavin McKenna's projections, then to the NHL with Macklin Celebrini's season with the San Jose Sharks, and Easton Cowan's value on the trade market. 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.
Dec 13, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee reflect on the Leafs' 3-2 win over the Ducks on Thursday night. They dig into Anthony Stolarz's injury, his 'day-to-day' timeline to return and a big-picture view of his knee injury history. Should the Leafs have started Stolarz off one day's rest? Then, they get into Jo Woll's relief effort, Morgan Rielly's struggles and Max Pacioretty's 3-point night. Later, they dip into the mailbag and answer your Leafs questions! 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.
Dec 12, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne go around the league with NHL Network's Mike Rupp (3:13). They look at the Sabres' playoff hopes, what moves are next for the Rangers, why the Avalanche's struggles go beyond goaltending, the Islanders' roster construction missteps, Kevyn Adams's 'palm trees' comments, and much more. Later, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee discuss JT Miller's return to the Canucks lineup, his unclear address to the media and project what Brock Boeser's next contract might cost. 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.
Dec 12, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee preview the Maple Leafs' matchup against the Anaheim Ducks with a look at the decision to slot Anthony Stolarz in net, why the guys aren't worried about the team's ability to create offence with the current group of players, and how Craig Berube can bring out the best of Max Domi on the ice. Then, Nick and Justin are joined by Hockey Hall of Famer Scott Niedermayer (28:45) to get his perspective on the Ducks' rebuild timeline, whether Jacob Trouba will fit in on the roster, Trevor Zegras' tenure with the organization, and a look at the return of international hockey competition with the 4 Nations Face-Off. 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.
Dec 11, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne bring in Oilers analyst Rob Brown to discuss Edmonton's recent surge. He gets into Darnell Nurse's simplified play since his return from injury, Evan Bouchard making a case for an 8-figure extension, internal belief in Stuart Skinner, where they need to add the most, and much more. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee project what Connor McDavid's extension might cost. Finally, Canucks analyst Dan Murphy (30:37) discusses Rich Tocchet airing frustrations with the Vancouver media, Thatcher Demko's season debut and JT Miller getting closer to returning to the lineup. 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.
Dec 11, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 2-1 overtime win over the Devils. They discuss Anthony Stolarz stealing two points, the Leafs' flat first two periods, Auston Matthews' play, a quintessential Sheldon Keefe loss, the power play's Matthews problem, and much more. Later, they dive deep into Max Pacioretty's identity change this season, his massive hit on Jack Hughes and a familiar lack of response from Keefe and the Devils. 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.
Dec 10, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne welcome back Steve Valiquette (2:30) to chat about the New York Rangers' struggles, why Alexandar Georgiev will benefit from playing behind the San Jose Sharks roster, expectations from Thatcher Demko making his season debut, why John Gibson is easy to read and much more. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee touch on Patrik Laine's first few games as a Montreal Canadien, Anaheim Ducks' throwback sweaters, and notes from the NHL Board of Governors meeting. 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.
Dec 10, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look ahead to the Leafs' matchup tonight against the New Jersey Devils. They discuss Jake McCabe's lingering injury, the ideal defensive partner for Morgan Rielly, expectations for Max Domi's return as he's activated off IR, the sense of urgency in the bottom six, Max Pacioretty's role and Auston Matthews still working back to 100%. Later, Devils analyst Ken Daneyko (33:55) shares a Jersey POV of the game and discusses how they differ from last year, their up-and-down offence and the addition of Jacob Markström. 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.
Dec 9, 2024
Former NHLer and Hockey Night in Canada's Garry Galley (4:56) joins Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne to discuss how the Ottawa Senators take the next steps towards playoff contention, why the Winnipeg Jets aren't far away from being contenders again, how Thatcher Demko's return changes the Vancouver Canucks' vibes, whether Stuart Skinner is the guy for the Edmonton Oilers, and the changes behind the bench in Chicago and Boston. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee dive into the conversation of flopping in the NHL, the Colorado Avalanche and San Jose Sharks swapping goaltenders and Sens' owner Michael Andlauer calling foul on Brady Tkachuk trade rumours. 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.
Dec 9, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee share some takes on Juan Soto signing with the New York Mets in MLB before looking back on the Leafs' back-to-back losses to the Capitals and Penguins over the weekend. They get into the Leafs' 5-on-5 struggles, Max Pacioretty's unnatural fit on the first line and the bottom six's lack of production. Then, New Jersey Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe (30:45) joins the show to discuss his new coaching home, managing star players' egos, the team's offensive identity and Jesper Bratt standing out. 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.
Dec 6, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne react to the Rangers extending Igor Shesterkin before they welcome former NHL president and GM Doug MacLean (4:00) for Off-The-Rails Friday. Mac weighs in on the Rangers trading away Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks, his similar situation involving the threat of putting a player on waivers and conducting a deal with then-Ducks' GM Brian Burke, if Trouba's addition can change the trajectory of Anaheim's hockey club, the timing of Shesterkin's extension after trading their captain, and the rumour surrounding Brady Tkachuk potentially being added to the New York roster. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee answer your questions on the text line! 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.
Dec 6, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee kick off by reacting to the Rangers trading Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks, how trading the captain impacts New York's locker room and their next steps. Then, they look ahead to the Leafs' matchup tonight against the Washington Capitals and discuss Jake McCabe's status, Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews sticking together on a line and the schedule picking up. Next, they evaluate Morgan Rielly's play this season. Finally, former NHLer Kris Versteeg (29:32) shares how the Leafs differ from previous years, how they compare to the Cup-winning Blackhawks teams he played for and why they should hold off on a Marner extension until the playoffs. 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.
Dec 5, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne bring in Sportsnet's David Amber (0:45) to chat about the announced rosters for the 4 Nations Face-Off, which players caught him by surprise making the team and being snubbed off, the Chicago Blackhawks firing Luke Richardson, Connor Bedard's sophomore frustrations, and if size will be an issue between international teams. Then, Keith Jones (28:00), President of Hockey Operations for the Philadelphia Flyers, stops by to chat about his team's performance, how Matvei Michkov has fit in on John Tortorella's system, Travis Sanheim's Canada call-up, his outlook on the organization ahead of the trade deadline and when he sees the team competing again. 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.
Dec 5, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 3-2 win over the Predators for their third straight victory. They get into Craig Berube reuniting Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews on the same line, the longevity of the move and how it impacts the rest of the lineup. Then, they discuss whether this is the best we've seen from Marner, Fraser Minten earning a bigger role, Jani Hakanpää's recent surgery and the idea of the Leafs' reacquiring Luke Schenn. Finally, they look over the Atlantic Division landscape and why this could be the year the Leafs finally win it. 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.
Dec 4, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne welcome in Hockey Hall of Famer Mark Messier in-studio to chat about the behind-the-scenes of the "Game 7" docu-series, what it was like to be named on a national team's roster for an international tournament, the league's return to the Olympics, the role of a 'Captain' and what's going on with the Rangers. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee discuss if the Boston Bruins and New York Rangers would look into helping each other out with a trade to get back on track this season, Laine scoring in his Habs debut and an emotional night in Calgary between the Flames and Columbus New Jackets. 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.
Dec 4, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee share some final thoughts ahead of Team Canada's official roster announcement for the Four Nations Face-Off today. They discuss how the tournament can impact the Leafs' season and Jani Hakanpää getting selected to Team Finland. Then, they look ahead to the Leafs' matchup against the Predators tonight and get into Nashville's failed offseason experiment, Jake McCabe's absence, the goalie tandem's recent play and more. Finally, to help look at the Preds' side of the game, Nashville radio host Robby Stanley (33:17) shares what's gone wrong for them this season and their chances of climbing back into contention. 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.
Dec 3, 2024
MSG analyst Steve Valiquette (1:25) joins Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne after covering the Rangers' 5-1 loss to the Devils last night. He addresses his comments on Jack Hughes' breakaway attempt and the social media fallout before getting into the Rangers' defensive dysfunction, his Team Canada goalie projections, what's sparked the Leafs' elite play in net and much more. Nick, Justin and Sam McKee close the show with some Team Canada roster projections for the Four Nations Face-Off before Wednesday's official announcement. 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.
Dec 3, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 4-1 win over the Blackhawks on Monday night. They discuss Auston Matthews notching his first goal in a month, Fraser Minten making an impact, Nikita Grebenkin's physical edge and Phillippe Myers' game. Then, they react to Ryan Reaves's first comments to the media since his suspension. Later, Leafs' radio analyst Jim Ralph (33:13) breaks down Anthony Stolarz's performance last night, the team's effective defensive structure, Connor Bedard's uphill battle in Chicago and more. 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.
Dec 2, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne welcome in Columbus Blue Jackets' general manager Don Waddell (4:25) to chat about his most recent trade sending David Jiříček to the Minnesota Wild, where he sees the trajectory of his team moving forward, the haul on future draft picks in return, Elvis Merzlikins' maturity behind the net and in the locker room, and his focus at the trade deadline. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee look ahead to the landscape of the trade market, Jake DeBrusk's goalscoring since joining the Vancouver Canucks, and the outlook on the teams at the bottom of the Atlantic Division. 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.
Dec 2, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 5-3 win over the Lightning on Saturday night. They get into Nick Robertson breaking his scoring drought, Auston Matthews' return, Pontus Holmberg's poor fit in the top six and another elite game from Joseph Woll. Then, they discuss Jake McCabe's injury, whether we've seen the last of Jani Hakanpää after his move to IR and a rare down-game for OEL. Later, Darren Pang (31:33) helps set the stage for the Leafs' game tonight against the Blackhawks and discusses the pressure on Connor Bedard and how Chicago enters the next steps of their rebuild. 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.
Nov 29, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Sportsnet reporter Sean Reynolds (6:34) to chat about the Winnipeg Jets slowing down after their successful start to the 2024-25 season. He gets into Adam Lowry's fit with the Jets and potentially Team Canada, what's held back the Ottawa Senators from taking the next step, and the number of games Winnipeg will have Connor Hellebuyck in net with the 4 Nations Face-Off in mind. To close out the week, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee answer your questions on the text line! 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.
Nov 29, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee check in with the Leafs' injuries as they head into a weekend matchup against the Lightning. They discuss the returns of Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies, the secrecy around Matthews, what to expect from the 5-forward power play, murmurs of movement on a potential John Tavares extension and Nick Robertson's future in Toronto. Later, JD Bunkis (30:45) joins the show to discuss how the organization handled Matthews' injury, the locker room politics of Mitch Marner's extension and which of the call-ups have a shot at staying up with the big boys when the team heals up. 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.
Nov 28, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne bring in Jason Brough (4:11) of Sportsnet 650's Halford & Brough to chat about the Vancouver Canucks' loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins, Filip Hronek's injury, the volatility of their roster, how Rick Tocchet has managed the rotating cast of players, and Erik Brännström's and Arturs Silovs' performances. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee go through the news and notes around the NHL including Patrick Roy's post-game comments about his roster following the New York Islanders' loss to the Boston Bruins and Charlie Lindgren's own goal giving Brayden Point a hat trick. 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.
Nov 28, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 5-1 loss to the Florida Panthers on Wednesday. They dig into Bobby McMann joining the Leafs' already lengthy injury list, Fraser Minten earning a spot in the lineup, a long-term plan for Nikita Grebenkin and Nick Robertson's confidence crisis. Then, they discuss building interest around the league for the Leafs' AHL goalies and what they could fetch in a trade. Later, they are joined by Hockey Night in Canada's Craig Simpson (34:15) weighs in on the Leafs' effort last night, the period of opportunity for young players, Robertson's struggles and the state of the Panthers. 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.
Nov 27, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne welcome St. Louis Blues GM Doug Armstrong (8:45) to chat about why it was the right time to have a coaching change and bring in former Boston Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery, whether the change turns his focus at the trade deadline and his roster moving forward, plus what he's looking for in Team Canada's 4 Nations Face-Off roster. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee look at the playoff picture at American Thanksgiving and discuss which teams are already locked in and which spots are up for grabs. 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.
Nov 27, 2024
It is finally a Leafs game day, and Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee set the stage for their matchup against the reigning champion Florida Panthers. They discuss the Panthers' recent struggles, Auston Matthews missing yet another game, Nick Robertson getting a top-six chance, whether or not to split Matthews, Mitch Marner and William Nylander across three lines and much more. Later, Sportsnet.ca's Luke Fox (31:18) joins the show from Florida to discuss the picture at the top of the Atlantic Division, Anthony Stolarz's revenge spot, the Panthers' Stanley Cup hangover and which of the Leafs' call-ups can stick around when players return from injury. 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.
Nov 26, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne bring in Sportsnet's hockey analyst Luke Gazdic (0:31) in-studio to chat about where Brock Boeser fits on the Vancouver Canucks roster as he returns from his injury, the Oilers' depth and blueline deficiency, the Flames' long-term focus following their unexpected success, and what it's like to be in the locker room with a midseason head coaching change. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee discuss the disclosure of injuries in the NHL compared to other leagues and hand out NHL Awards at the season's quarter mark. 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.
Nov 26, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee check in with the latest on Auston Matthews' injury and discuss where in the lineup he'll go when he does return. They look at the lines from practice with Matthews and chat about who deserves a top-six look on his line more - Pontus Holmberg or Nick Robertson. Then, they get into the goalie tandem and why the team might secretly want Jo Woll to win the starting job. Later, Gord Stellick (33:40) weighs in on why the team plays better without Matthews, expectations for the power play with his return and Mitch Marner and John Tavares' contract questions. 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.
Nov 25, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne welcome in St. Louis Blues rink side reporter and co-host of The Cam & Strick Podcast Andy Strickland (3:37) onto the show to discuss Drew Bannister's short tenure behind the bench, Jim Montgomery's return to the club, which players will be on the roster during Montgomery's time as their head coach, Doug Armstrong's history with firing coaches, and what will Armstrong look for nearing the trade deadline. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee dive into the New York Rangers potentially looking at making a big change to their roster, specifically with their core. 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.
Nov 25, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 3-2 win over Utah HC on Sunday. They discuss the team's slow start, Joseph Woll inspiring confidence, Chris Tanev's impact and Mitch Marner proving his worth without Auston Matthews. Does Marner hold all leverage in extension negotiations? Later, The Athletic's Josh Kloke (31:29) weighs in on the Leafs' winning stretch without Matthews, why the team should spread talent across three lines when he returns, Woll's consistency and the odd man off the roster when players return from IR. 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.
Nov 22, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by former NHL head coach and GM Doug MacLean (2:38) to chat about the importance of having "belief" in a locker room, how that has powered the Minnesota Wild and New Jersey Devils, the Oilers' inconsistency, Connor Bedard's sophomore slump, and why Nazem Kadri could be a good fit to return on the Maple Leafs' roster. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee revisit the Wild's focus on signing Kirill Kaprizov to a long-term contract, discuss Martin Necas's red-hot goal-scoring abilities and answer your questions on the text line! 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.
Nov 22, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look ahead to the Leafs' Sunday matchup against the Utah Hockey Club. They discuss Matthew Knies going on IR, Alex Nylander's signing as a corresponding move, Nick Robertson's potential final top-six opportunity and John Tavares' recent elevated play. Later, they dip into the mailbag to answer your Leafs questions and touch on the Atlantic Division landscape, a potential Toronto reunion with Nazem Kadri, Max Domi's struggles, and much more. 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.
Nov 21, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne welcome in sports performance psychologist Dr. Dana Sinclair (3:25) to discuss JT Miller stepping away from the Canucks due to reported burnout, the importance of managing emotions and the work she does with pro athletes to build mental strength. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee react to Darnell Nurse's comments on Ryan Reaves as he returns to the ice and Alex Ovechkin's goal chase getting put on hold as he's ruled out week-to-week. Finally, Sportsnet's Garry Galley (30:45) weighs in on Zach Whitecloud's hit on Matthew Knies, the Canucks' next-man-up mentality and what went wrong for Jim Montgomery in Boston. 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.
Nov 21, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee reflect on the Leafs' 3-0 win over the Golden Knights on Wednesday. They get into the debutants Fraser Minten and Nikita Grebenkin making an impact and the team's composure in the late stages. Then, they debate whether Zach Whitecloud's hit on Matthew Knies was dirty or clean and discuss how the Leafs responded to Vegas' physicality. Later, they chat about Joseph Woll's shutout effort and identify how the team should deploy the goalie tandem in the next few games. Finally, they check in on Auston Matthews and his potential return. 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.
Nov 20, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Calgary Flames GM Craig Conroy (3:04) to discuss his team's overall successful start to the season, Dustin Wolf's agility in the net, what makes Rasmus Andersson the team's MVP so far, how his team's performance affects the front office's approach to the trade deadline and future of the franchise, Justin Kirkland's first year with the Flames, and Nazem Kadri's veteran presence in the locker room. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee look at the Ottawa Senators falling back into a familiar November skid and Thatcher Demko's potential imminent return. 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.
Nov 20, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look ahead to the Leafs' matchup against the Golden Knights and discuss injuries piling up for Toronto. They discuss the loss of Max Domi and David Kämpf, what to expect from call-ups Fraser Minten and Nikita Grebenkin, and Craig Berube's choice to leave William Nylander and Mitch Marner on the wing despite the desperate need down the middle. Then, they chat about Joseph Woll getting the nod in net against a premiere Vegas team. Later, The Athletic's Jesse Granger (32:04) shares a Vegas POV of the game and discusses what the Leafs can expect from the Knight's yearly visit to Scotiabank Arena. 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.
Nov 19, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee react to J.T. Miller taking indefinite leave of absence from Vancouver Canucks before bringing on former goaltender and CEO of Clear Sight Analytics Steve Valiquette (3:50). He discusses the revolving door of players on the Canucks, Jonathan Quick's back-to-back shutouts, Jeremy Swayman's struggles, what makes Alexander Ovechkin's wrist shot so effective and if Logan Thompson slots into Canada's 4 Nations Faceoff roster. Then, Dr. Jason Smith (34:08) stops by to take a deep dive into Auston Matthews' injury and the reason behind travelling to Munich, Germany. Finally, Nick, Justin and Sam react to Jim Montgomery getting let go in Boston and discuss what comes next for the Bruins. 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.
Nov 19, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee check in on Auston Matthews with the news that he's seeing a specialist in Munich. They speculate what may be ailing the captain, the idea of placing him on LTIR til the playoffs and how it'll impact his availability for the 4 Nations Face-Off. Then, they look at David Kämpf going on IR, Fraser Minten getting called up and whether the Leafs should move Mitch Marner to centre. Later, former scout Jason Bukala (29:27) weighs in on potential answers down the middle without Matthews or Kämpf, what to expect out of Minten, Nikita Grebyonkin's AHL progress and Leafs prospects with trade value. 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.
Nov 18, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by 32 Thoughts and Hockey Night in Canada's Elliotte Friedman (5:00) to chat about the NHL issuing Ryan Reaves a 5-game suspension for his hit on Darnell Nurse, the league potentially surpassing their original projected salary cap for the 2025-26 season, Mitch Marner's next contract, how future deals will be affected with a new CBA, the landscape of professional hockey in Winnipeg and the prospect of Kyle Dubas leading a rebuild in Pittsburgh. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee discuss Rick Tocchet benching J.T. Miller in the third period against the Nashville Predators, Connor Bedard's sophomore slump and Alexander Ovechkin closing the gap to Wayne Gretzky's record. 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.
Nov 18, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee quickly share some thoughts on the Toronto Argos taking home the Grey Cup in the CFL before looking back on the Leafs' 4-3 overtime win over the Oilers on Saturday. They discuss the team's resilience, Chris Tanev's impact and Mitch Marner stepping up in Auston Matthews' absence. Then, they debate how much Marner would cost in free agency and whether a 5-game suspension was appropriate for Ryan Reaves' hit on Darnell Nurse. Later, they discuss Bobby McMann's 2-goal statement, Evan Bouchard's costly late-stage mistakes and Matthews' mysterious status. 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.
Nov 15, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne welcome in former NHL President and GM Doug MacLean (3:13) to discuss Rick Tocchet issuing an apology to Vancouver Canucks fans about their home woes, the impact of the Hughes brothers on the roster, Connor McDavid's road to his 1,000 points, which teams are leaning towards reconstructing their new roster from the offseason, if the Ottawa Senators can rally up in the standings and whether Martin St. Louis needs help on the bench. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee react to Marty McSorley's interview on Halford & Brough about his incident with Donald Brashear. 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.
Nov 15, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look ahead to the Leafs' matchup against the Oilers on Saturday and discuss Auston Matthews's status as he is ruled out again. They get into the secrecy around Matthews, the Leafs needing more from Max Domi, the idea of William Nylander or Mitch Marner moving to centre and how they defend Connor McDavid. Later, Sportsnet's Luke Fox (34:45) weighs in on the Leafs' recent play, the vibes in the locker room, the lack of depth up the middle, the effectiveness of Berube's low-event philosophy and Anthony Stolarz building a case for a spot on Team USA. 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.
Nov 14, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by New Jersey Devils' GM Tom Fitzgerald (5:30) to share his assessment of his team near the quarter mark of the season, Sheldon Keefe's transition with a new team, the philosophical focus on big defencemen, Dougie Hamilton's resurgence, and the controversial calls and video reviews across the league. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee discuss Igor Shesterkin's and Mitch Marner's looming contract decisions. 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.
Nov 14, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne, and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 4-3 comeback win over the Capitals and discuss Bobby McMann's play in the top 6, Alex Steeves & Jani Hakanpää's season debuts, and John Tavares stepping up in Auston Matthews' absence. Then, they review the Leafs' three disallowed goals. Finally, Oliver Ekman-Larsson (35:42) joins the show following his 1000th NHL game and he reflects on the milestone and his unique career path. 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.
Nov 13, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Coming in Hot Sens Podcast host Jason York (6:14) to chat about the importance of Ottawa's win over the Maple Leafs, whether they've solidified their blue line, Linus Ullmark's performance in net, Brady Tkachuk's and Tim Stützle's maturity in the locker room and on the ice and if the team can sneak into the playoff picture. Then, Nick and Justin welcome in former NHLer and Sportsnet's hockey analyst Landon Ferraro (30:47) to discuss Elias Pettersson finding his groove on offence, Jonathan Lekkerimäki's NHL debut, what the Vancouver Canucks could look to improve on their roster and if Quinn Hughes can win the Hart Trophy. 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.
Nov 13, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 3-0 loss to the Senators and discuss Toronto's lack of secondary scoring, whether this group best fits Craig Berube's style and Max Domi losing confidence. Then, they look ahead to the Leafs' matchup against the Capitals tonight and share expectations for Joseph Woll who gets the starting nod in the back-to-back. Later, Hockey Night in Canada's Craig Simpson (32:03) weighs in on the Leafs' lack of depth, Berube's messaging and the attention to detail on defence. 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.
Nov 12, 2024
MSG analyst & Clear Sight Analytics CEO Steve Valiquette joins Nick Kypreos and Gord Stellick for his weekly appearance (1:04). He digs into the right time for a coach to pull a struggling goalie, relationships between starting and backup goalies, Kevin Lankinen's play in Vancouver, Dustin Wolf's speed and the easiest and hardest teams to play goalie for. Then, Nick and Gord regroup with Sam McKee to discuss Lankinen's emergence and reflect on Monday's Hockey Hall of Fame induction ceremony. 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.
Nov 12, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Gord Stellick and Sam McKee look ahead to the Leafs' matchup against the Senators in the season's first Battle of Ontario. They discuss where Ottawa ranks on the list of Leafs' rivals, the state of the Senators' rebuild, a setback in Auston Matthews' recovery, Max Domi's point drought, Connor Dewar's return to the lineup and much more. Later, Washington Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery (30:55) discusses what's behind his squad's hot start to the season, early returns on PLD, Dylan Strome standing out, what it's like to coach a legend in Alex Ovechkin and what he learned from his time as an assistant in Toronto. 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.
Nov 11, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne and joined by Winnipeg Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff (4:27) to weigh in on what has fueled his team's hottest start in NHL history, which players have elevated their roles on the ice, whether the team is better poised for the post-season, Josh Morrissey's performance on the blueline and what he thinks are the biggest challenges are to make it out of the Western Conference. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee discuss how Matvei Michkov has handled his healthy scratch in Philadelphia before diving into the rumour mill surrounding Evan Bouchard's, Noah Dobson's and others' next contracts. 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.
Nov 11, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back over a pair of Leafs' wins over the weekend over Detroit and Montreal and discuss the team's heightened level of play without Auston Matthews in the lineup and what Berube can take away from that trend. Should the Leafs move Matthews down to the second power-play unit when he returns? Then, they get into Conor Timmins making the most of his ice time, the sorry state of the Habs, Max Pacioretty moving to IR, and who steps up into the top-6 in his absence. Finally, sports doctor Jason Smith (38:04) shares his POV of Pacioretty's injury, Calle Järnkrok's 'setback' and their long-term outlooks. 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.
Nov 8, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Sam McKee are joined by former NHL President and GM Doug MacLean (5:30) to chat about the upcoming Hockey Hall of Fame induction ceremony, why Colin Campbell deserves this honour in the builder category, Vladislav Namestnikov's impact on the Winnipeg Jets' second-line, whether Jim Montgomery benching David Pastrnak helps him or hurts him in the long run behind Boston Bruins' bench, how much pressure is weighing on Steve Yzerman, and how teams have found ways to attack Connor Bedard. Then, Nick and Sam read and answer listeners' texts. 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.
Nov 8, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Sam McKee look ahead to the Leafs' matchup against the Red Wings where Auston Matthews will once again be absent as the Leafs move him to IR. They are joined by JD Bunkis (4:58) to discuss what Matthews' move to IR means in the long-term, the Leafs' 'Jekyll and Hyde' act game to game and how social media has added to the scrutiny players in Toronto face. Later, former Leaf, Flames forward and author Nazem Kadri (26:52) discusses his new book, Dreamer , why he chose to write at this point in his career and he shares stories from his time with the Leafs. 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.
Nov 7, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by former NHLer and Hockey Hall of Fame's newest member Jeremy Roenick (1:54) to chat about his upcoming induction ceremony and what it means to him to have this honour. Then, Sportsnet's Jason Bukala (30:05) stops by to weigh in on the approval to lift CHL's eligibility ban to the NCAA, how this fundamentally changes the development for young hockey players, which schools could benefit from this decision, how players can earn money and how could this affect smaller market teams in the CHL. 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.
Nov 7, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee dive deeper into Auston Matthews' status and debate how safe the Leafs should play his return. Then, they discuss David Kämpf still searching for his role, Max Domi's lack of scoring touch and the sustainability of Max Pacioretty's physical play. Later, The Athletic's Josh Kloke (32:52) shares the latest on Matthews, who comes out of the lineup for the returning Connor Dewar and Jani Hakanpää, and whether the power play can build off a successful night in Boston. Finally, Kyp & Bourne regroup with Sam for a Leafs-themed game of True or False. 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.
Nov 6, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Sportsnet's Dan Murphy (2:37) to share an update on Thatcher Demko, if the Vancouver Canucks met their pre-season expectations a month into the year, where other teams in the Pacific Division rank in comparison to the Canucks, how Kiefer Sherwood is outperforming his contract, Jake DeBrusk's transition from Boston to Vancouver and the consistency on the ice from Conor Garland. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee share their thoughts on Connor McDavid's speedy return from injury, Barry Trotz pondering a rebuild in Nashville and John Tortorella's future with the Philadelphia Flyers. 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.
Nov 6, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 4-0 drubbing over the Bruins and discuss the team rising in Auston Matthews' absence, the bounce-back on the power play, Matthew Knies' star potential, Anthony Stolarz's shutout effort, Chris Tanev's boarding penalty and Conor Timmins turning into a positive presence. Later, former NHL forward Brad May (31:20) shares his thoughts on Craig Berube's physical philosophy, Bobby McMann figuring out his role, whether a physical edge can be taught and how concerned he is for the Leafs as they adjust to a new coach's style. 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.
Nov 5, 2024
Steve Valiquette joins Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne (1:45) to discuss the Maple Leafs' chances to get past Jeremy Swayman without Auston Matthews in the lineup tonight, whether Matthews can get back to his scoring ways when he returns, goalies he's projecting to slot onto Canada's 4 Nations Face-Off roster and the dwindling number of developing goaltenders in Canada. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee chat about Connor McDavid ramping up his recovery, the state of the Pacific Division, the Predators starting to panic and Macklin Celebrini returning for the Sharks. 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.
Nov 5, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look ahead to the Leafs' matchup tonight against the Boston Bruins and discuss a surprise injury designation for Auston Matthews, Max Domi's opportunity on the top line and Bobby McMann lacking a physical edge. Then, on the Boston side - their slow start and Jim Montgomery's seat heating up after public spats with Marchand and Pastrňák. Helping them dive deeper on the Bruins, NESN analyst Andy Brickley (31:31) discusses their back-to-back shutout wins over the weekend, the returns from their offseason additions, Montgomery's benchings and the depth forwards delivering. 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.
Nov 4, 2024
The Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli (2:52) joins Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne to discuss whether November is a good time to make changes to teams' rosters, the impact of the new faces in Washington, the long-term effects of David Pastrňák's benching in Boston, Nicholas Robertson's activity on other GM's phone lines, Vancouver's search to shake up their blueline, head coaches on the hot seat and the pressure on Kevyn Adams in Buffalo. Then, former NHLer and Capitals analyst Alan May (31:04) jumps on to chat about Alexander Ovechkin's goal-scoring in 2024, Pierre-Luc Dubois' fit on the second line, Spencer Carbery's second year behind the bench, and their chances of another post-season berth. 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.
Nov 4, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on a pair of back-to-back Leafs losses over the weekend and discuss Auston Matthews' early slump, Matthew Knies emerging as a top-end player, Anthony Stolarz solidifying himself as the starter, the return of the five-forward power play and much more. Later, they evaluate the team's D corps a month into the season, the lack of depth production and Domi's overtime gaffe against the Wild. 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.
Nov 1, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne welcome in Doug MacLean (0:40) for the return of Off-the-Rails Friday! Mac shares his impressions of the Leafs under Craig Berube, the Hurricanes' strong start, whether the Oilers need to make a move in McDavid's absence, the Predators' lost identity, the Bruins spiralling under Jim Montgomery and much more. Later, they regroup with Sam McKee to discuss Matvei Michkov getting benched in Philly, look at the sputtering Bruins' dwindling playoff hopes and answer your questions on the text line! 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.
Nov 1, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 4-1 win over the Kraken on Halloween and discuss Nylander benefitting from constant coaching, another strong showing from the new-look second line, Woll returning to form in his second outing and Benoit's slow start. Later, Sportsnet's Luke Fox (31:52) shares his thoughts from the game and delves into the Leafs' forward depth, the two power-play units, Nick Robertson's future in Toronto and Willy demanding more ice time. 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.
Oct 31, 2024
Former NHLer and Oilers analyst Rob Brown (2:07) joins Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne to discuss Edmonton's task ahead without Connor McDavid. He discusses their schedule picking up in difficulty, how they're different from this time last season, whether they need to make a trade and their Broberg regret. Then, he shares his thoughts on the Pacific Division landscape this season. Kyp and Bourne regroup with Sam McKee for news and notes - Pettersson's concerning play in Vancouver, Valeri Nichuskin returning to Avs practice and pressure mounting on Montgomery in Boston. 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.
Oct 31, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee begin the show sharing their reactions to the Maple Leafs trading away Timothy Liljegren to San Jose, Toronto's history in drafting prospects, the long-term outlook of the Leafs' second line with Max Pacioretty, John Tavares and William Nylander, and Nylander's ice-time cut down. Then, Sportsnet's Jason Bukala (34:30) joins the guys to share his view of Liljegren's usage since being drafted in 2017, how scouts feel about their players being moved, if the path to a Stanley Cup includes drafting and developing prospects and the potential need to bolster Toronto's centre position. 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.
Oct 30, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by former Winnipeg Jets head coach Rick Bowness (4:45) to chat about his former team's successful start to their season, how Connor Hellebuyck handles poor outings in net, coaches vs. star players controlling the locker room, his thoughts on Boston Bruins' head coach Jim Montgomery yelling at Brad Marchand on the bench, and assistant coaches speaking to the media. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee go around the NHL with a look at the struggling Montreal Canadiens who've had a promising season ahead, Martin St. Louis's tenure coaching the Habs, and the Pittsburgh Penguins honouring Marc-André Fleury. 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.
Oct 30, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee share some quick World Series thoughts before looking at the Leafs' off-day skate. They discuss the long-term feasibility of two equal power-play units, Nylander's dwindling ice time, Robertson once again being left off the lineup and Liljegren's Leafs' future. Later, Gord Stellick (35:00) evaluates Craig Berube's adjustment process to a new team and shares what to expect from the Leafs players coming off IR. 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.
Oct 29, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Steve Valiquette (4:15) for his weekly chat to discuss Stuart Skinner's performance through 10 games of the season, his bottom-10 goalie ranking, what modern-day goalies are getting beat by and who's more valuable between Igor Shesterkin and Artemi Panarin. Then, Dr. Jason Smith (32:42) weighs in on Connor McDavid's knee collision with the boards and his potential road to recovery for the Oilers. 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.
Oct 29, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee reflect on the Leafs' 6-4 win over the Winnipeg Jets to end their undefeated start. They dig into the Leafs' sense of urgency in the bounce-back performance, strong returns from a Tavares/Nylander/Pacioretty second line, Knies' growing importance and the new-look power play showing progress. Later, Leafs radio analyst Jim Ralph (34:10) shares his thoughts on Craig Berube's lineup decisions and the players whose stock has risen and fallen under Chief. 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.
Oct 28, 2024
Jets reporter Sean Reynolds joins Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne to break down Winnipeg's perfect start to the season through eight games (2:32). He gets into the sustainability of their start, Rick Bowness' lingering influence, Nikolaj Ehlers' unique usage and tees up their matchup against the struggling Maple Leafs tonight. They regroup with Sam McKee for news and notes around the league - Steven Stamkos returns to Tampa Bay, the Predators' new additions adjusting slowly and the Bruins' nebulous negotiations for a Brad Marchand extension. 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.
Oct 28, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee recap the Maple Leafs' overtime loss to the Boston Bruins, the tug-of-war between Craig Berube's style of play versus the players' approach on the ice and if they can sustain Chief's method through 82 games. Then, the guys dive into the new power-play units ahead of their matchup against the undefeated Winnipeg Jets. Afterwards, Nick, Justin and Sam share their thoughts on Jake McCabe's freshly signed contract extension. 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.
Oct 25, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look at a jumbled-up Atlantic Division with the Bruins and Leafs getting off to rocky starts. Former player, agent and GM Brian Lawton (5:05) shares his thoughts on struggling power-play units in Toronto and Edmonton, Alexis Lafrenière's 7-year extension with the Rangers, Mikko Rantanen's looming contract situation with the Avalanche and more. Later, Kyper regroups with Sam McKee to go over news and notes around the league and answer your questions on the text line! 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.
Oct 25, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee begin Friday's show examining St. Louis' 5-1 drubbing of the Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. They get into the poor play of Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner and their accountability after Thursday's loss. Which player is more to blame for their line's recent struggles? Next, they get into the play of Joseph Woll in his season debut, Craig Berube's post-game comments regarding the Leafs being too cute at times, and the woeful powerplay. Finally, the guys discuss the players' reaction to the Blues loss and whether Matthews has changed his style of play now that he's captain. 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.
Oct 24, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee react to the Vegas Golden Knights extending Shea Theodore to a 7-year extension. Then, Hall of Famer Adam Oates (6:51) weighs in on why perennially elite power-play units have gotten off to slow starts, the adjustment period that comes with switching teams for the first time, modern hockey's confounding hitting culture and Lane Hutson's development in Montreal. Later, they regroup with Sam for news and notes - Montgomery goes off on Marchand, the unveiling of 4 Nations faceoff jerseys and Sam Bennett's extension negotiations progressing slowly in Florida. 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.
Oct 24, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look at the decision to slot Joseph Woll in for his season debut against the St. Louis Blues and Craig Berube facing his former Stanley Cup-winning team. Then, Blues reporter Andy Strickland (30:39) joins Nick and Justin to chat about the 2024-25 version of the roster, the personal stakes for the Chief, the lead-up and fallout of the franchise moving on from their former head coach, Philip Broberg's and Dylan Holloway's additions to the team, and Jordan Binnington's performance to start in net. 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.
Oct 23, 2024
Sportsnet's David Amber joins Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne in-studio to discuss the early success of the young Calgary Flames, what's behind the undefeated start for the Winnipeg Jets, if Stuart Skinner lost his edge in net, whether Elias Pettersson can play up to his contract and the biggest surprise from the Ottawa Senators. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee look at the Washington Capitals' playoff hopes, whether Alexander Ovechkin's best chance of beating the goal-scoring record is with the Caps and Jacob Trouba's controversial hit on Justin Barron. 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.
Oct 23, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne, and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' shocking 6-2 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets and discuss the sustainability of Berube's demanding style, a familiar lack of accountability, Hildeby's rough night, Robertson's role moving forward, and much more. Later, The Athletic's Josh Kloke (33:19) shares his thoughts on the Leafs' hung-over performance last night, the make-up of the forward lines and how Joseph Woll's standing has changed during his injury absence. 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.
Oct 22, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by former goaltender and CEO of Clear Sight Analytics Steve Valiquette (4:12) to chat about one adjustment to Andrei Vasilevskiy's game, Anthony Stolarz's NHL journey, the Maple Leafs' approach to splitting Joseph Woll's playing time moving forward and the best goaltenders across the league early in this season. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee discuss how Tampa Bay Lightning's power play has become less threatening on the ice, if we could see six Canadian NHL teams in the playoffs, will Sam Bennett sign a long-term contract with the Florida Panthers and much more. 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.
Oct 22, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 5-2 win over the Lightning and discuss Prime's broadcast, Berube's early impact, another excellent Stolarz performance, OEL's fine for his hit on Guentzel, Tanev's commitment to blocking shots and more. Later, Prime hockey broadcaster Jody Shelley (36:12) shares his thoughts on the game and weighs in on how the Leafs are different this year before setting the stage for their matchup tonight against the Blue Jackets. 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.
Oct 21, 2024
Sportsnet analyst Garry Galley joins Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne (6:30) to share some early-season impressions on the Canadian teams, including the Flames' flying start, why the Jets' regular-season play doesn't matter, the Sens' inconsistency, Pettersson's slow start for the Canucks and what it means to be a captain in Canada. Later, they regroup with Sam McKee for news and notes - the Atlantic Division shaping up similar to last season and the Jets' concerning crowd numbers. 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.
Oct 21, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined in-studio by Maple Leafs legend and Hockey Hall of Famer Mats Sundin to chat about his journey writing his biography and reliving parts of his career, becoming Toronto's captain, the relationship between a head coach and a captain, the evolution of Swedish hockey players and the potential of a return to the NHL in some capacity. Then, Kyper, Bourne and Sam McKee look back at Toronto Maple Leafs vs. New York Rangers on Saturday - Anthony Stolarz's usage, a lack of individual quickness, their continuing early-season struggles on the power-play, a centre line switch between Max Domi and John Tavares and whether Max Pacioretty can find a consistent role. 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.
Oct 18, 2024
Justin Bourne and guest host Gord Stellick welcome in Sportsnet analyst Luke Gazdic (2:45) to discuss the Edmonton Oilers' slow start to the season, Leon Draisaitl's benching, why he's not worried about their defensive core, Elias Pettersson's scoring woes, how Calgary Flames' head coach Ryan Huska has connected with his young players and goaltending struggles in Colorado. Then, Justin, Gord and Sam McKee field listener's questions on the text line including the best nicknames in hockey. 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.
Oct 18, 2024
Justin Bourne and Sam McKee welcome in Gord Stellick with Kyper away, and they start the off-day edition by sharing their early impressions of Craig Berube behind the Leafs' bench. They get an update on Joseph Woll's status, discuss the battle between Liljegren and Timmins for 6th D and evaluate the play of a Holmberg/Tavares/Robertson line. Finally, MSG analyst and former Rangers defenceman Dave Maloney (39:31) shares his thoughts on New York's season ahead of their matchup against the Leafs on Saturday. 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.
Oct 17, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Coming In Hot podcast host Jason York (7:35) to get his thoughts on the Ottawa Senators' roster construction and performance to start the season in comparison to last year, the team's goaltending depth, if Tim Stützle is ready to lead the Sens in the future, Travis Green's coaching style, Jake Sanderson's star potential and the team's projections for the playoffs. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee look at both Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin hitting milestones against the Buffalo Sabres, who starts in net for the international teams in the 4 Nations Face-Off, and fun facts of the NHL season. 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.
Oct 17, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 6-2 win over the Kings last night and discuss LA missing Doughty badly, the Leafs taking their foot off the gas after going up early and Berube getting hot on the bench. Then, they get into Tavares' diminishing role, Liljegren's flawed season debut, the decision to scratch Pacioretty and the Matthews/Marner/Knies lines' synergy. Finally, they share their thoughts on Bobby McMann's two-goal night, vintage OEL and Stolarz taking over the starting job. 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.
Oct 16, 2024
ESPN analyst Ray Ferraro joins Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne fresh off his induction into the BC Hall of Fame (4:05). He digs into Edmonton's frantic start, the significance of early-season momentum, the increase of goalie interference calls and the Leafs' offseason additions making early impacts. Then, the guys regroup with Sam McKee for news and notes - Filip Gustafsson's goalie goal, the Blue Jackets and Panthers' touching tribute to Johnny Gaudreau and Ovechkin reaching the 700-assist mark. 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.
Oct 16, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee discuss the potential lineup changes in the Leafs' matchup against the Kings tonight, Max Domi's playmaking vs. scoring skills, if he can perform as a centreman, Timothy Liljegren carving a role under Craig Berube and whether Anthony Stolarz has become the Maple Leafs' No. 1 goaltender. Then, Hockey Hall of Famer and Los Angeles Kings President Luc Robitaille (27:38) shares why Jim Hiller was the perfect fit to be the team's coach, the void without Drew Doughty in the lineup, how Adrian Kempe has developed his shooting and the franchise's window for the Stanley Cup. 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.
Oct 15, 2024
MSG Rangers analyst Steve Valiquette joins Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne to share some early-season goalie takeaways (4:00). He dives into Linus Ullmark's surprise injury yesterday, Stuart Skinner's slow start, the Leafs' goaltending situation with Anthony Stolarz slotting in as the de facto number 1 and the Red Wings waiving Ville Husso. Nick & Justin regroup with Sam McKee to discuss Alex Ovechkin's move to right-wing, the Avalanche's concerning start and time running out on the Red Wings' rebuild. 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.
Oct 15, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne, and Sam McKee start the off-day edition with an update on Jo Woll's mysterious injury and Oliver Ekman-Larsson's move to the first power-play unit. Then, they play a game of True or False around different Leafs' season props. Former Leafs GM Gord Stellick (28:40) hops aboard to discuss Steven Lorentz's early-season opportunity, Chris Tanev's impact, why it's too early to panic about the stars' production and power-play stagnation and whether Stolarz has claimed the starting job with Woll out. 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.
Oct 14, 2024
Sportsnet's Eric Francis joins Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne to chat about this weekend's rendition of the Battle of Alberta (2:27). They start with the Calgary Flames' hot start, their plans in net for the rest of the year and why the front office saw a fit for Anthony Mantha alongside Jonathan Huberdeau. Then, why Edmonton Oilers fans shouldn't worry about their winless start and they address the ongoing debate on goalie interferences. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee take a deeper dive into the reigning Western Conference champion's struggles, the identity of the aging Pittsburgh Penguins, and Buffalo Sabres' captain Rasmus Dahlin's skirmish with Peyton Krebs at practice. 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.
Oct 14, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee begin a Thanksgiving edition with a look back on the Leafs' 4-2 win over the Penguins on Saturday. They get into the Leafs slowly buying into a Berube brand of hockey, Ekman-Larsson's usage, the power play now 0-9 on the season and Knies' impressive start. Then a chat about Marner after getting on the scoreboard Saturday and the Leafs' future with & without him. Finally, Sportsnet.ca's Luke Fox (36:58) shares his thoughts on the Buds three games in and discusses which players' stocks are going up & down with Berube at the helm. 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.
Oct 11, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by former NHLer and Sportsnet hockey analyst Colby Armstrong (5:21) in-studio to discuss if there are concerns with the Pittsburgh Penguins' veteran players' ages catching up to them, expectations for the club this season, the bigger picture from Sidney Crosby signing a 2-year extension. Then, he discusses Barry Trotz's aggressiveness during the offseason, the Nashville Predators' outlook, and how Craig Berube can push the current Maple Leafs' core. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee wrap up the week by reading out listener's texts. 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.
Oct 11, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee break down the Leafs' 4-2 win over the Devils - a solid debut from Dennis Hildeby, beating Sheldon Keefe, depth delivering with the core four staying quiet and persisting power play struggles. How should Craig Berube rejig the two PP units? Later, Hockey Night in Canada's Craig Simpson (33:14) shares his first impressions of a Craig-Berube-led Leafs team, why the core four has struggled to start, what's wrong with the power play and Timmins' opportunity to prove himself. 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.
Oct 10, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by former NHL head coach Mike Keenan in-studio to chat about what it was like to coach Nick with the New York Rangers, his coaching styles with 'star' players, before jumping into his newest book "Iron Mike: My Life Behind The Bench", what got him interested into writing about his career and life off the ice and some behind the scenes stories from the 1993-94 Stanley Cup winning team. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee take a look at the Vancouver Canucks blowing a 3-goal lead in their home opener to the Calgary Flames, Linus Ullmark's real-life comparisons to a start of a new year, and the Ottawa Senators' bad track record to begin the regular season. 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.
Oct 10, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 2024-25 season opener, a 1-0 loss against the Montreal Canadiens. They discuss the end of the Leafs' 252-game shutout streak, Stolarz's stellar debut, power play concerns and the scoreless effort from the team's forward group. Later, they look ahead to the Leafs' test tonight against Sheldon Keefe's New Jersey Devils, break down the ex-Leafs bench boss's pregame availability and react to Toronto’s lineup changes for game 2, including a change in the crease with Dennis Hildeby getting the nod in the back-to-back. 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 affiliate.
Oct 9, 2024
Edmonton Oilers analyst Rob Brown (3:55) joins Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne to discuss the team's hopes for a second consecutive run to the Stanley Cup Final, the x-factors for the 2024-25 season, which areas of the lineup they could improve in and expectations for Connor McDavid. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee look around extensions across the league including Linus Ullmark's fresh new contract with the Ottawa Senators and Carter Verhaeghe's long-term deal with the defending Stanley Cup champion Panthers. 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 affiliate.
Oct 9, 2024
After a long summer, it's finally a Leafs game day! Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee get you all set for game 1 of 82, including a late scratch for Jo Woll, what to expect from Stolarz's Leafs debut and Hildeby getting the call-up over Murray. How worried should Leafs fans be with the freshly-extended young goalie's long-term health? Finally, former NHLer PJ Stock (31:45) helps set the stage for Leafs/Canadiens tonight, shares his expectations for their seasons and weighs in on each team's offseason changes. 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 affiliate.
Oct 8, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Sportsnet 650's Satiar Shah (4:41) to discuss what the expectations are for the Vancouver Canucks ahead of the 2024-25 season, Thatcher Demko's uncertain status, an outlook on the defensive pairings, how Jake DeBrusk fits in the top six and Rick Tocchet's focus from training camp. Then, former NHLer and Utah HC analyst Dominic Moore (29:16) jumps on to set the scene for the city's newest franchise and the projections for GM Bill Armstrong's roster. Finally, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee wrap up the show with their thoughts on Igor Shesterkin rejecting the New York Rangers' latest offer. 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 affiliate.
Oct 8, 2024
The NHL regular season is here! Ahead of the Leafs' first game on Wednesday, Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee check in on GM Brad Treliving and Craig Berube's practice availability. The guys dig into how games will be split between Woll and Stolarz, a worrying update on Hakanpää and whether donning the 'C' will change Matthews' leadership approach. Finally, Leafs radio analyst Jim Ralph (32:46) shares his thoughts on the adjustment period to Berube's play style, the goalie tandem and the burden of being captain in Toronto. 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 affiliate.
Oct 7, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne begin their national hour by bringing on former NHL goalie and NESN analyst Andrew Raycroft (3:35) to discuss Jeremy Swayman and the Bruins agreeing to a contract extension, how the team's relationship and his performance will be affected and the state of the Atlantic Division. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee chat about a waived James Reimer getting claimed by the Anaheim Ducks, the New Jersey Devils' regular season ceiling and expectations for the plucky Sabres and Red Wings. 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 affiliate.
Oct 7, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee kick off the week with reaction to the Leafs signing Steven Lorentz & Max Pacioretty to round out their season-opening roster. Then, they share their thoughts on the projected lineup for opening night, McMann on the outside looking in, an increased role for Holmberg and the players trending up and down Berube's list of favourites. Later, they address blue line depth, the intensity of the Leafs' camp and Cowan getting sent down. 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 affiliate.
Oct 4, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne bring back former NHL president and general manager Doug MacLean (1:26) to chat about which Canadian franchise had the best offseasons, the uncertainty around the Flames' rebuild, if the Canucks can leapfrog over the Oilers in the Pacific Division and his perspective of Jeremy Swayman's contract fallout with the Boston Bruins. Then, sports orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jason Smith (31:38) jumps on to discuss the mystery behind Thatcher Demko's rare muscle injury, how much toll a body takes in hockey versus other sports and how carefully Patrik Laine needs to rehab his MCL injury. 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 affiliate.
Oct 4, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 2-0 preseason win over the Red Wings, in which Nick Robertson added two more goals to his superb camp so far. They break down Stolarz's effort in net, Jo Woll's preseason inactivity and Liljegren's role moving forward. Then, a conversation about Amazon's Faceoff series. Finally, Sportsnet's Luke Fox (32:08) discusses Berube's influence on the Leafs' camp, a possible end to the Willy-at-centre experiment, how Tanev can add to Rielly's game and much more. 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 affiliate.
Oct 3, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne welcome former NHL goaltender and New York Rangers analyst Steve Valiquette (4:07) to discuss the way they keep their body in shape off the ice, why Rangers fans should be worried about Igor Shesterkin entering the final year of his contract, if Linus Ullmark can push the Senators into the playoffs, how the Leafs split time with their goaltenders and the stalemate between the Bruins and Jeremy Swayman. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam weigh in on the fine lines of fighting in today's NHL following Conor Geekie vs. Josh Davies before quizzing Nick on his teammates from October 6, 1989 - his NHL debut with the Washington Capitals. 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 affiliate.
Oct 3, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look ahead to the Leafs preseason game against the Red Wings and discuss who's still competing for the team's open roster spots. They dig into the outlooks for Easton Cowan, Steven Lorentz, David Kämpf & Calle Järnkrok. Should the Leafs give Cowan a nine-game trial? Later, former GM Gord Stellick (30:13) weighs in on the Leafs' offseason changes, Nylander's move to the middle, Max Pacioretty's upside, expectations for Chris Tanev and much more. 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 affiliate.
Oct 2, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Sportsnet's draft and prospect analyst Jason Bukala to chat about evaluation processes during the preseason, whether Jake DeBrusk can co-exist alongside Elias Pettersson on the Canucks' second line, the ramifications of WHL's Braxton Whitehead verbally committing to the NCAA and if the Sens can climb back into the points within the Atlantic Division. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam share their thoughts on a heated preseason game between the Montreal Canadiens and Sens and Arber Xhekaj's hit on Tim Stützle. 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 affiliate.
Oct 2, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with a chat about the value of team bonding in the preseason. Then, they discuss Matthews taking over as captain and how both his and Tavares' roles will change. Later, they take a look at the Leafs' crease and project how the team will split time between Woll & Stolarz. Finally, they dive deep into the blueline group and discuss roster bubble players. 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 affiliate.
Oct 1, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Stanley Cup champion and head coach of the Florida Panthers Paul Maurice (1:52) to look back at their Game 7 win over the Edmonton Oilers, his approach to the upcoming season, if he expects his team to have a slow start and how he'll fill the void on their blueline without Brandon Montour and Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee discuss Patrik Laine's knee injury and the standoff between the Boston Bruins and Jeremy Swayman. 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.
Oct 1, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee return with the first Leafs Hour of 2024-25! The guys open the show by discussing what will be different about this version of the Toronto Maple Leafs. What have they seen in preseason to indicate how Craig Berube will change the team's structure? Next, they move to Mitch Marner's contentious summer, how much is riding on the Maple Leafs superstar's season and a potential future contract to remain with the Blue and White. Does Marner's situation parallel at all with what William Nylander went through last season? On the Nylander front, Nick, Justin and Sam close the hour by discussing the Swede's potential move to centre and whether the Leafs will stick with this plan. 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.
Jul 3, 2024
In the final show of the 2023-24 season, Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with their favourite moments and the biggest NHL stories of the year. Then, they each share their thoughts on the best signings of the offseason so far, what the Leafs still need to add and the Panthers' tax advantage. Next, they hand out awards for the best guests on the show throughout the year. Later, they discuss the NHL quietly reinstating Bowman, Quenneville and MacIsaac and Jessica Campbell becoming the first full-time female NHL coach with Seattle. They close out the show and the year by answering your questions on the text line! 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 .
Jul 2, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Gord Stellick and Sam McKee look back on yesterday's action-packed open to free agency and the biggest stories of the day. They start with Stamkos' move to Nashville and the Lightning's cut-throat decision to let him go. Then, they dig into the Leafs, their new trio of defencemen - Chris Tanev, Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Jani Hakanpää, the plan in the crease and captaincy questions for John Tavares. Next, they discuss the Canadian teams' movement so far - Slafkovský's big extension with the Habs, the latest on the Oilers' GM search and more. Finally, they weigh in on the Blues' activity today and the Rangers' plan for Trouba. 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 .
Jul 1, 2024
On the final hour of the Real Kyper and Bourne NHL free agent frenzy, Nick Kypreos and Sam McKee are joined by Sportsnet.ca's Luke Fox to examine the Toronto Maple Leafs' signings on July 1, including Chris Tanev, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Anthony Stolarz. Next, they move onto the Mitch Marner situation, what a Marner contract extension could potentially look like, and Nick Robertson's trade request. To close out the show, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman joins Nick (25:19) to unpack the day's events, including Steven Stamkos' shocking departure from Tampa Bay. 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 affiliate.
Jul 1, 2024
In the second hour of the free agency special, Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee evaluate the Leafs' additions, resignings and losses thus far and discuss Nick Robertson's trade request. Then, a chat about Tavares' final season under contract and the Leafs weighing the option of removing his 'C.' Later, they check in with the latest moves - Jakob Chychrun heads to DC on a surprisingly cheap return, the Devils nab Brett Pesce and the Predators load up. Lighting insider Erik Erlendsson (25:09) discusses the next era of Bolts hockey without long-time captain Steven Stamkos, how the addition of Guentzel impacted negotiations and the shock Sergachev trade. Finally, free agency winners and losers so far. 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 .
Jul 1, 2024
With NHL free agency kicking off today, Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start the three-hour special edition by reviewing some of the morning moves. They start with live reaction to Stamkos signing with the Predators before touching on the Leafs bringing in Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Then, they get more in-depth on Toronto's moves - Stolarz's role, Tanev's term and Domi's hometown discount. Later, they discuss Reinhart's contract with the Panthers, Matt Murray re-upping in Toronto, the Canucks landing DeBrusk and the Leafs sticking with Liljegren. Finally, they close the first hour with some Mitch Marner thoughts. 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 .
Jun 28, 2024
It's the final Off-the-Rails Friday of the season! Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee discuss last night's NHL Awards, the Canucks abandoning efforts to re-sign Zadorov and his potential fit in Toronto. Former NHL president, GM & coach Doug MacLean (7:36) shares a front office's POV of draft night, the Lightning's impasse with Stamkos and why the Leafs should be careful on a potential Marner trade. Then, he weighs in on what to expect from the Leafs in free agency, the Flames' rebuild plan, Saros' extension and the Panthers' outlook with their myriad of expiring contracts. Later, they regroup with Sam McKee to discuss Kadri's future in Calgary and answer your questions on the text line! 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 .
Jun 27, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee discuss the Canucks hanging on to Dakota Joshua and Teddy Blueger, their cap-saving trade with Chicago and what those moves say about their interest in Guentzel. They review Leafs' GM Brad Treliving's draft presser - his uncertain stance on Marner and how he approaches the team's pending free agents. Then, a chat about the goalie market and how confident they are in Joseph Woll as the Leafs' uncontested no. 1 netminder. Lightning & Team Canada head coach Jon Cooper (28:37) shares his thoughts on his state rival raising the Stanley Cup, how he balances his different coaching duties and his part in the selection process for Canada's roster. 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 .
Jun 26, 2024
Frank Seravalli joins Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne to look ahead at what could be a chaotic next few days leading up to the draft (6:01). He gets into the latest on Mitch Marner, the Panthers' plan for Reinhart, the Red Wings' focus on the goalie market, what return the Jets are looking for in a McGroarty trade and Alex Meruelo walking away from Coyotes ownership. Later, they regroup with Sam McKee to discuss the elements surrounding a Leon Draisaitl extension and what it might look like. Finally, they dive deeper into the Leafs' options for Marner, Jeff Skinner's buy-out market and Guentzel landing spots. 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 .
Jun 25, 2024
The Florida Panthers are Stanley Cup champions, and Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on their Game 7 victory over the Oilers. They discuss McDavid's performance in the closeout game, him not coming out for the Conn Smythe, whether Bobrovsky deserved the honour more, the soft, eventual winning goal allowed by Skinner and more. Then, they listen to some of the post-game sound from last night. Later, they react to the announcement of this year's Hockey Hall of Fame class. Afterward, a chat on the Oilers' offseason plans and projecting what Leon Draisaitl's extension might look like. Finally, they share their thoughts on the Senators acquiring Linus Ullmark from the Bruins and Jo Woll nearing an extension with the Leafs. 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 .
Jun 24, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee are all geared up for tonight's Game 7 as the Oilers look to complete their 3-0 series comeback against the Panthers. They discuss the national excitement heading into the do-or-die contest, the legacies on the line and the historical significance of the game. Hall of Fame goalie Grant Fuhr (6:48) shares his thoughts on the Oilers' resilience this season, Skinner's mentality and the pressure on Bobrovsky. Later, they listen to game-day availabilities and break down the keys to the game for each team. 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 .
Jun 21, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee get set for Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final as the Oilers look to push the Panthers to a Game 7. On for his Off-the-Rails Friday appearance, Doug MacLean (5:10) shares his takeaways from Tuesday's tilt, McDavid's dominance, Paul Maurice's role in the closeout game and how the Oilers' shut-down penalty kill changes the series. Then, he gets into the Markström trade, Mitch Marner rumours and projects how PLD will do in DC. Later, they regroup with Sam for news & notes around the league and to answer your questions on the text line! 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 .
Jun 20, 2024
Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with a chat about pressure heading into Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final and whether it's shifted onto the Oilers as most expect them to force a Game 7. Former NHL scout Jason Bukala (5:24) shares his takeaways from the Final thus far and the main causes for the Oilers' turnaround. Then, he weighs in on the Markström and PLD trades yesterday and more player movement that could be in the pipeline ahead of and during the draft. Later, the guys cook up some Mitch Marner mock trades and consider which landing spot makes the most sense. 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 .
Jun 19, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee discuss the flurry of off-ice action today as the Kings trade Pierre-Luc Dubois to the Capitals and the Flames trade Jacob Markstrom to the Devils. Oilers' analyst Jason Gregor (6:34) helps break down the Oilers' season-saving win in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final, McDavid's dominance, Skinner's perseverance and more storylines heading into Game 6. Later, they regroup with Sam McKee to go over shifting Conn Smythe odds and review some off-day availability from each team. 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 .
Jun 18, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look ahead to Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final tonight and the keys for the Oilers to extend the series against the Panthers. Former NHL head coach Claude Julien (6:55) helps preview the game and shares his experience of losing a series after leading 3-0, the pressure of closeout games and Paul Maurice & Kris Knoblauch's respective roles in managing emotions. Panthers analyst Bill Lindsay (30:23) discusses the vibes in Sunrise after the drubbing in Game 4, his expectations for Bobrovsky and why Florida's power play has been so quiet. Finally, they regroup with Sam to go through some early offseason action. 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 .
Jun 17, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on Game 4 in the Stanley Cup Final as the Oilers thump the Panthers 8-1 to stay alive, and how the blowout could shake the series. TVA Sports' Ren Lavoie (6:03) shares his thoughts on whether the Oilers have identified a path to bounce back in the series, pressure on the Panthers and if Bobrovsky's rough outing cost him the Conn Smythe. To close, the guys go around the league with news & notes - murmurs that the Rangers may buy out Trouba and conflicting reports on the Leafs' plans for Marner. 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 .
Jun 14, 2024
Luke Fox joins Justin Bourne and Sam McKee to help break down Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final as the Panthers push the Oilers to the brink of elimination (1:44). He gets into the sleepy start from Edmonton, the lack of production from their stars, Barkov's elite two-way play, Tkachuk's reduced role and if there's any way the Oilers can fight back to win the series. What lessons can Edmonton's players and organization take away from the one-sided Final? Later, they go around the league for news & notes and answer your questions on the text line! 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 .
Jun 13, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start by looking ahead to tonight's Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final. Hockey Night in Canada's David Amber (7:56) weighs in on the Panthers' travel trouble, why a good start is crucial for the Oilers, Edmonton needing more out of Draisaitl and how big a factor home ice is for McDavid and co. Later, they regroup with Sam for news & notes - the Hurricanes take popular FA target Jalen Chatfield off the market with an extension, navigating the latest Marner rumours and the Blues name Alexander Steen as GM successor to Doug Armstrong. 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 .
Jun 11, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back over last night's Game 2 as the Panthers power to a 2-0 series lead over the Oilers. They get into the Panthers' resilience after a soft first goal from Edmonton, the Oilers' lack of production and Draisaitl's controversial hit on Barkov. Five-time Stanley Cup champ Charlie Huddy (11:57) discusses the physical aspect of Game 2, why the Oilers have struggled offensively, Paul Maurice's impact in the series and more. Finally, they regroup with Sam to review last night's postgame pressers, the Hurricanes announcing Eric Tulsky as GM and how much the cap increase changes team spending this offseason. 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 .
Jun 10, 2024
Hockey Night in Canada's Craig Simpson joins Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne to help break down Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final as the Panthers got away with a 3-0 victory over the Oilers with big thanks to a standout performance from Sergei Bobrovsky (3:07). They get into the Oilers' complete effort despite the loss, Barkov's dominant defensive play and how Edmonton can respond in Game 2. Then, they regroup with Sam McKee to listen to each team's game-day availability and share takeaways. Finally, the guys close with news & notes around the league. 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 .
Jun 7, 2024
After a long week of waiting, Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee get set for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final on Saturday. They discuss Connor McDavid's star factor before they are joined by former president, executive and head coach Doug MacLean (6:11) for Off-the-Rails Friday! Mac gets into his roots in Florida, how the Panthers defend McDavid, the keys to the series for each team, the coaching battle and more! Then, he discusses the dynamics of a Marner trade now that it's feeling more possible that he'll stay in Toronto for next season. Finally, they regroup with Sam for news & notes and to answer your questions on the text line! 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 .
Jun 5, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with the latest on the Mitch Marner saga as murmurs from his camp suggest he'd like to play out his contract in Toronto. Former NHL scout Jason Bukala (6:01) discusses how difficult it will be for the Leafs to find a partner in a Marner deal, Barkov's elite hockey IQ, how the Panthers can get under the Oilers' skin and what it means for Edmonton to be 'Cup or Bust.' Later, the Daily Faceoff's Carter Hutton (29:44) breaks down the goaltender matchup in the Cup Final - Bobrovsky's unique path back to the top of his game and Skinner's resilient postseason run. 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 .
Jun 4, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne start with a chat on the pros and cons of the long break ahead of Game 1 of the Cup Final and which team it benefits more in terms of health and rest. Hockey Night in Canada's Garry Galley (6:33) reflects on Shesterkin's play in the conference finals before diving in on how the Oilers and Panthers match up and where each is most vulnerable. Former NHL forward Ryan Smyth (35:48) reminisces on his finals run with the Oilers in '06, how the game has evolved since and the keys for the Oilers to reach the peak. Finally, news & notes - Ottawa fills out their coaching staff, the Leafs eye Lambert for associate coach and projections for Shesterkin's next contract. 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 .
Jun 3, 2024
The stage for the Stanley Cup Final is set and Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee get into the Oilers breaking their Cup Final drought, the bizarre scheduling and share brief takeaways from the weekend's elimination games. Oilers GM Ken Holland (5:36) reflects on his team's path to the Stanley Cup Final, the Knoblauch decision, how it changed the team and what they'll need to beat the Panthers. Then, they debate whether Edmonton is 'Canada's Team.' Oilers' analyst Jason Gregor (30:00) previews the Finals matchup, series X factors to watch and looks back over what went wrong for the Stars and Rangers in the Conference Finals. 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 .
May 31, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with a look ahead to tonight's Game 5 between the Oilers and Stars before they are joined by Doug MacLean (5:38) for Off-the-Rails Friday! Mac gets into Shesterkin's dominant series, Florida's leadership, Knoblauch's gutsy lineup decisions and the impact of Tanev's injury. Then, he shares his thoughts on the Leafs and why they should reconsider trading Marner this offseason. Later, they regroup with Sam to go through Paul Maurice's entertaining availability and answer your questions on the text line! 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 .
May 30, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Oilers' Game 4 win over the Stars to tie up the series and the back-and-fourth momentum swings throughout the WCF. NHL Network's Mike Rupp (6:12) shares his thoughts on the Oilers' period-to-period inconsistencies, their resilience after going down 2-0 and how the team responded to the heat on Darnell Nurse. Then, to the East, Rupp gets into the Rangers' broken defensive structure and their lack of star production. Later, TNT's Mark Messier (26:49) sets the stage for Game 5 at MSG, outlines the keys to the game for each team and chats about pressure and leadership at this time of year. 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 .
May 29, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Panthers' overtime win over the Rangers last night, Shesterkin's outstanding play despite the result and the Rangers' stars failing to show up so far in the series. Recently retired Jets coach Rick Bowness (5:41) discusses how Roope Hintz changes the WCF, the Stars' roster-building path to this point, Darnell Nurse's struggles and the right way to coach stars out of slumps in the postseason. Later, they get into the missed penalty-shot call in OT last night, the uptick in embellishment calls and a return to the ice to forget for Blake Wheeler. Finally, they review Darnell Nurse's frustrated game-day availability. 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 .
May 28, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with a look back on Game 3 in the WCF - Dallas flipping a switch in the 2nd to power their way to a 2-1 series lead over Edmonton. TNT's Eddie Olczyk (4:59) shares his takeaways from the game, whether the Oilers should start Skinner in Game 4, how Hintz changes the series and reminisces on his Cup run with the Rangers and Kyp 30 years ago. Later, some coach talk as only the Sharks remain active in the coaching market - the Devils' ceiling under Keefe, Berube meets with Marner and Arniel is announced in Winnipeg. Finally, they navigate Brady Tkachuk trade murmurs. 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 .
May 24, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with a look back on the Oilers' overtime win over the Stars in Game 1 of the Western Conference Final. ESPN's Ray Ferraro (4:05) tees up tonight's Game 2 between the Rangers and Panthers - what went wrong for New York in Game 1, how effective Matt Rempe can be in this matchup and pressure starting to grow for the Rangers' stars. Doug MacLean makes his weekly Off-the-Rails Friday appearance to share his thoughts on the Conference Finals thus far (27:50). Mac digs into the significance of Game 1s, the Maurice effect, offseason coaching hires and Waddell stepping down as Canes' GM. To close, he shares his takeaways from the Oilers' win in Game 1. 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 .
May 23, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Rangers' analyst Steve Valiquette (2:54) to break down the Panthers' 3-0 win over the Rangers in Game 1 of the ECF last night and how the Panthers' effective gameplan led to a clean score sheet for Bobrovsky. Then, he shares his thoughts on Oettinger's up-and-down play, what the Oilers can do as a team to help Stuart Skinner and the embracing of analytics around the league. Later, former NHL goalie Dwayne Roloson (31:42) - who played for both Edmonton and Dallas - reminisces on his Finals run in 2006 and shares his thoughts on the state of the Oilers' goaltending heading into Game 1. To close, the guys review the Canucks' locker close-out availability. 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 .
May 22, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look ahead to the Conference Finals as the Panthers and Rangers get their series underway tonight. Three-time NHL All-Star Alexei Kovalev (6:52) shares how the NHL has gotten faster, but not necessarily more skilled. Then, he reminisces on his Cup run with the Rangers 30 years ago and shares his biggest concerns for them in their matchup with the Cats. Later, Leafs' reporter Luke Fox (30:36) - in New York covering the ECF - shares why special teams are key to the series, what to expect from the scrappy Panthers and the vibes in New York. Finally, he discusses Berube's introductory presser and the trade market for Mitch Marner. 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 .
May 21, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee share reactions to the Oilers' win over the Canucks in last night's Game 7 to advance to the Western Conference Final. Jason Gregor, Oilers analyst, breaks down Edmonton's series win, the Knoblauch effect for the Oilers and their biggest positives & concerns heading into their matchup with the Stars (1:30). Then, a post-mortem on the Canucks - the critical loss of Boeser, Pettersson's postseason to forget and their next steps. Finally, they are joined by newly minted Leafs head coach, Craig Berube (35:39), who discusses his first priorities on the job and his overall coaching philosophy. 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 .
May 21, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee share their first impressions from today's introductory press conference for the Leafs' new head coach, Craig Berube. They get into the emphasis on accountability, the experience he brings and they project how he'll fit in the Toronto market and alongside the Leafs stars. Then, with a coach in the building, they debate the next top priority - making a big-splash trade, beefing up the blueline or finding a goalie? Finally, they go through the Leafs' expiring contracts and weigh in on who they should keep and who they should move on from. 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 .
May 17, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with a look back on the Canucks' late heroics in their win over the Oilers before being joined by Doug MacLean (2:26) for Off-the-Rails Friday! Mac weighs in on Craig Berube's fit in Toronto, the Canucks' resilience in Game 5, who the Oilers start in net for Game 6 and what went wrong for the Hurricanes. Then, he gets into the randomness of goaltending in Round 2, Makar carrying the Avs and why he expects Jeremy Swayman to lead the Bruins to a Game 7. Finally, they regroup with Sam to go over last night's action and answer your questions on the text line! 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 .
May 17, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee with a daily check-in of the Leafs' coaching search as reports come in live that the organization is closing in on hiring Craig Berube. They share their feelings about Berube, the old-school style of coaching he brings and how the core will respond to it. Later, SN650 reporter Joey Kenward (29:56) breaks down last night's dramatic win for the Canucks over the Oilers, the Vancouver faithful rallying around Pettersson, how they shut down the Oilers' lethal power play and Silov's break-out series. Finally, Andy Strickland (38:48) joins the show to share what Leafs fans can expect from Berube. 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.
May 16, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with a chat about the narrative around Elias Pettersson in Vancouver after his lethargic presser yesterday. Joining the conversation, Oilers analyst Rob Brown (7:00) weighs in on Pettersson's play, the Canucks' scrappy mentality, the Oilers' bold call in playing Pickard and their power-play dominance. Later, former NHLer Adam Graves (26:42) sets the stage for the Rangers/Hurricanes Game 6 - the pressure on the Rangers to close in Carolina, Chris Kreider's growing legacy in New York and Lafrenière's growth. 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.
May 16, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with a look at the Leafs' coaching search and where other head-coach-needy teams might be leaning in their respective searches. Former Leafs' GM Gord Stellick (10:44) weighs in on why NHL coaching news has dried up, what would be at the top of a new Leafs coach's to-do list and where they might go in the free agency market. Later, Panthers analyst Ed Jovanovski (27:36) tees up tonight's Game 6 between Florida & Boston - the Cats' dominant net-front game, Barkov changing his playoff narrative and Bobrovsky's shut-down play. 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.
May 15, 2024
Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Oilers tying up their series 2-2 with a 3-2 win over the Canucks last night. JD Bunkis shares his thoughts on Elias Pettersson's unimpactful play, the Leafs' coaching search, Tavares' awkward contract situation and what return he would want in a potential Marner trade (7:42). Dan Riccio of Canucks Central discusses whether Vancouver should rush Demko back with reports he's nearing a return, the narratives around Pettersson and how last night's game changes the series (27:14). Finally, Bruins analyst Pete Blackburn weighs in on Boston pushing the Panthers to Game 6, Montgomery's animated coaching in Game 5, Maurice's masterful approach to the media and the latest on Marchand (53:02). 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.
May 14, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne welcome in Oilers studio analyst Luke Gazdic (1:27) to tee up tonight's Game 4 between Edmonton and Vancouver - the decision to start Pickard over Skinner, the Oilers' depth deficiency and the Soucy suspension. Then, he weighs in on the Canucks' deadline additions making an impact and whether Silovs' play is sustainable. Later, Hurricanes analyst Tripp Tracy (33:02) discusses the Canes' chances at levelling the series after being down 3-0 to the Rangers, their faith in Freddy Anderson and how big of a distraction the Brind'Amour situation is. They close with Sam McKee for news and notes. 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.
May 14, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee go through leading candidates in the Leafs' coaching search as the news starts to dry out. They discuss McLellan's underwhelming history, Berube's accountability and how the Leafs compete with other destinations looking for a coach. Is it Berube or bust for Toronto? Former NHL referee Dave Jackson (31:39) reminisces on calling playoff games, discusses the state of officiation in the postseason this year and weighs in on the idea that refs should answer to the media after games. 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.
May 13, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with a reaction to Carson Soucy receiving a 1-game suspension for a cross-check after the final buzzer on Connor McDavid as the Canucks take the series lead. Hockey Hall of Famer Kevin Lowe (5:19) looks back on VAN/EDM Game 3, the Oilers losing confidence in Stuart Skinner and why the Canucks' game plan has been so effective thus far. Later, they stay out west with Avalanche reporter Aarif Deen (27:45), who sets the stage for tonight's pivotal Game 4 against the Stars and shares why the Avs haven't been able to beat Oettinger like they did Hellebuyck in Round 1. Finally, they regroup with Sam for news and notes. 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.
May 13, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with the latest on the Leafs' coaching search as Craig Berube and Todd McLellan appear to be run-away favourites for the job. Nevertheless, they discuss long-shot candidates in Joel Quenneville & Rod Brind'Amour and why the timing of the hire is crucial. Then, a chat about John Tavares' awkward contract situation, his captaincy going forward and if his play at the Worlds could help potential trade negotiations. Finally, former NHL scout Jason Bukala (32:05) gives an organizational breakdown for the Leafs including their draft capital, prospect pool and current contract conundrums. 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.
May 10, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on last night's NYR/CAR game as the Rangers take a 3-0 series lead, and how it impacts Rod Brind'Amour's contract status. Doug MacLean, on for his Off-the-Rails Friday appearance, weighs in on what today's Leafs' front office pressers say about the team's structure and offseason direction (5:25). Then, he gets into second-round matchups - the Oilers' panicky play against the Canucks, the Hurricanes' goalie problems and Boston's greasy Game 2 against the Bennett-less Panthers. Finally, they regroup with Sam for news & notes and to answer your questions on the text line! 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.
May 10, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with their takeaways from today's press conferences from MLSE President & CEO Keith Pelley, Leafs' president Brendan Shanahan and GM Brad Treliving. They get into what the overall address says about the team's offseason decisions - how Pelley factors into the front office hierarchy, attitudes towards a core four trade and other pressing personnel changes on the table. Later, Luke Fox (33:29) shares his takeaways from today's pressers, how Pelley's presence made it different from previous years, if firing Sheldon Keefe was enough change and the latest on the team's coaching search. 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.
May 9, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start the second hour with more on the Leafs dismissing Sheldon Keefe and whether they can follow the footsteps of the Canucks with their next coaching hire. They are joined by Craig Simpson (6:45), who shares his thoughts on Keefe before getting into the Canucks' comeback victory over the Oilers last night. He discusses how deflating a blown lead can be in the playoffs, Silovs' resilience and how important a bounce-back game is for Stuart Skinner. Finally, they regroup with Sam for news & notes. 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.
May 9, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee react to the news that the Toronto Maple Leafs have relieved Sheldon Keefe of his coaching duties. They discuss the timing, react to Keefe's video announcement and project what comes next for him. Then, they go through candidates and list what qualities the Leafs need most in their next head coach. Later, looking ahead at on-ice changes could be in store for this offseason. The DailyFaceoff's Frank Seravelli (36:18) shares the latest on the Leafs' coaching search, whether Joel Quenneville can factor in, the possibility of a trade and the market for Marner & Tavares and how much interest they have in retaining UFAs. 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.
May 8, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start the shortened show by discussing where the Leafs are with their offseason plans as the news cycle hits a lull. Then, they look at last night's Rangers gritty overtime win over the Hurricanes in Game 2. Later, to the Avs' 3-goal comeback over the Stars in Game 1 and how a drained Dallas team can respond in Game 2. Finally, Canucks analyst Dan Murphy (30:50) tees up the series opener between Vancouver and Edmonton - the keys to the series for the Canucks, the challenge ahead of Arturs Silovs and the latest on Thatcher Demko. 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.
May 7, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look at tonight's draft lottery and share who they would like to land Macklin Celebrini the most and which team fans would have the biggest issue with. Stars executive assistant Marty Turco (6:50) tees up Dallas' second-round series against the Avalanche with Game 1 kicking off tonight. He gets into Wyatt Johnston's playoff breakout, Oettinger's up-and-down year and goaltending across the playoffs in Round One. Finally, they regroup with Sam for news & notes - why VAN/EDM might be closer than most think, new coaches for the Sens & Blues, and the Kings' plan for PLD. 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.
May 7, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with a look back on the Bruins' win over the Panthers in Game 1 yesterday and if it changes their thoughts on the Leafs at all. Then, they look ahead to Friday's press conferences and whether Shanahan's presence answers questions about his future with the franchise. Later, they discuss Sheldon Keefe's status, Craig Berube as a favourite to replace him and other options in the coaching market. Finally, Luke Fox (31:27) shares his takeaways from the Leafs' locker clean-up day, what the team can build on for next season and their plans for pending UFAs in Domi, Bertuzzi and others. 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.
May 6, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined in studio by Elliotte Friedman to discuss the Leafs' looming offseason decisions after today's locker clean-out day. He gets into what role new MLSE CEO Keith Pelley plays in the front office direction, Shanahan's future as president, Keefe's future as coach and how the Mitch Marner trade market is shaping out. Then, what to do with the Leafs' pending UFAs and a quick preview of the second-round matchups. Finally, they regroup with Sam McKee for news & notes - the coaching carousel after Bowness announced his retirement, the reigning champs get eliminated and Matthews is named a finalist for Selke. 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.
May 6, 2024
The Leafs' season is over after losing to the Bruins in Game 7 on Saturday. Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee share some takeaways from the series and Game 7. How will this series be remembered by Leafs fans? Then, they break down the availability from today's locker clean-out day, including Marner's comments about being looked at 'like Gods.' Later, a bigger picture view of looming offseason decisions - Keefe's future, possible plans for Marner and if Shanahan is safe under the new MLSE ownership. 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.
May 3, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Doug MacLean for his Off-the-Rails Friday appearance! Mac goes through the remaining first-round matchups as the Leafs head to Boston for Game 7, the Canucks look to recover their grip on their series against Nashville and Dallas tries to close it out against the reigning champs. Then, he looks ahead at Round 2 matchups and which team's first-round play will propel them to a deep run. Finally, they regroup with Sam McKee for news and notes and to answer your questions on the text line! 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.
May 3, 2024
The Buds are back as they overcome a 3-1 series deficit to force a Game 7 against the Bruins. Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with their takeaways from Game 6 - Nylander's 2-goal effort, the d-corps' stellar shot blocking, Montgomery's panicky post-game comments, Woll's unmistakeable impact on the series and Knies' breakout. Finally, former Leafs GM Gord Stellick (31:37) shares his thoughts on how the series' tides have turned throughout the week, the Leafs' power play struggles, whether Matthews should be rushed back for Game 7 and the stakes for each side in the do-or-die showdown on Saturday night. 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.
May 2, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne welcome in Hockey Night in Canada's Kevin Bieksa to break down the first round. They go through each series - the Leafs' chances at coming back without Matthews, the Canucks' slow adjustment to playoff hockey, what went wrong for the Jets and much more. Later, they regroup with Sam McKee for news and notes - the Oilers' imposing special teams, Pietrangelo's costly slap on Seguin, Hellebuyck's interesting end-of-season presser and Rod Brind'Amour's bizarre contract situation in Carolina. 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.
May 2, 2024
It's game day, and Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee get set for Game 6 as the Leafs look to fight off elimination against the Bruins. They discuss the news of the day - Matthews being ruled out, speculating what the injury may be and the Leafs' management of the situation. Then, to the game, the pressure shifting over to Boston, home-ice issues and who will need to step up with Matthews out. Later, they dive deeper into Game 6 with Leafs' radio analyst Jim Ralph (35:39), who weighs in on the drop-off in offensive production, the team's strong defensive effort in front of Jo Woll and whether Willy is back to 100%. 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.
May 1, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee are up early to react to the Leafs' 2-1 overtime win in Game 5 to keep their series against the Bruins alive. They discuss Joseph Woll's standout performance inspiring confidence, the Bruins' tepid effort, strong play from the Matthews-less top line and Knies' heroics. Then, they get into Auston Matthews' unclear status and the Leafs' play without him in the lineup. Finally, they close with a look around the league as the Jets and Islanders get eliminated and the Canucks show cracks in Game 5. 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.
Apr 30, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with a review of what has been a lopsided first round for the favourites before they are joined by Rangers analyst Steve Valiquette (3:21) to break down New York's sweep over Washington. Then, he discusses the significance of 'bad goals' in the playoffs, the Islanders' goalie dilemma, how to explain Hellebuyck's struggles, the Canucks' outlook without Demko (or DeSmith) and more goalie situations around the first round. Finally, they regroup with Sam for news & notes - Stamkos' future in Tampa, what the summer's coaching carousel might look like and the two goalie interference calls in the Bolts/Cats' series-deciding game. 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.
Apr 30, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee are all set for Game 5 as the Leafs take on the Bruins down 3-1 in the series. They start with the story of the day in Auston Matthews' status for tonight as it is reported that he's dealing with an injury on top of his illness. Then, teeing up the game - how the Leafs line up without Matthews, the energy Woll brings and how the Bruins will play knowing they blew a 3-1 lead last year. They are joined by Luke Fox (30:28), who shares the latest on Matthews, the Leafs' confusing and distracting management of injuries, vibes around the locker room and offseason decisions that another first-round exit could accelerate. 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.
Apr 29, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee go over the weekend's playoff action, including an uncharacteristic, low-scoring Oilers win and a dramatic Canucks victory with their third-string goalie in net. Former NHL head coach & Team Canada assistant coach Jay Woodcroft (4:01) shares how he came about his new role with the national team ahead of the 2024 World Championship in Prague. Then, he discusses the challenge of scoring 'playoff goals,' how to get underachieving stars going, the evolution of NHL coaching and this year's coaching carousel. Finally, they regroup with Sam for a deeper dive into the weekend's action. 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.
Apr 29, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with a look back at the Leafs' Game 4 loss to the Bruins on Saturday, the series now 3-1 in favour of Boston. They get into the warranted fan reaction, the same old story for the Leafs, Matthews' mysterious illness and the viral disagreement on the bench. What's the biggest reason for the Leafs' stars' poor play in the playoffs - effort, nerves, playstyle or something else? Later, they discuss Nylander's return, Rielly's reduced impact and father time catching up to Tavares and Brodie. Finally, they evaluate Samsonov's series and debate who will get the net for Game 5. 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.
Apr 26, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee reflect on the first week of playoffs before they welcome Doug MacLean (2:10) for his Off-the-Rails Friday appearance! Mac shares some takeaways from the action thus far in Round 1 - impressive play from the Panthers, how the Canucks get Pettersson going, the Leafs' lack of 'big plays,' Skinner's concerning play in Edmonton and the Jets needing more from Hellebuyck. Later, he shares some memories of the late Bob Cole. Finally, they regroup with Sam to look ahead at the weekend's action and answer your questions on the text line. 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.
Apr 26, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start by sharing some memories of the late Bob Cole. Then, they look ahead at tomorrow's Game 4 between the Leafs and Bruins with Nylander potentially getting in the lineup after dealing with migraines. Has Willy's status been handled correctly? Later, they go through the lineup at practice with Brodie filling in for Lyubushkin on paternal leave and consider possible powerplay adjustments. Finally, Craig Simpson (31:00) shares some of his takeaways from the series thus far, the trend of the Leafs' production dipping in the postseason, power-play problems and Marner's struggles. 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.
Apr 25, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with the Leafs' 4-2 loss to the Bruins in Game 3 last night, now trailing in the series 2-1. They get into the muted fan atmosphere, Toronto's physical presence, the controversial missed calls, Marchand's effective gamesmanship and the Leafs' power play struggles hitting a breaking point. Then, on the core four - the absence of Nylander starting to become noticeable, Marner's up-and-down game and Matthews quiets down after his Game 2 break-out. Later, on Swayman's statement performance and if the Bruins would be crazy to continue rotating their tandem for Saturday. Finally, they get an update on Nylander's status and share what needs to be addressed in Game 4. 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.
Apr 24, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with a look back on last night's action as the Canucks fall without Demko and the Jets get another poor performance out of Hellebuyck. They are joined by Satiar Shah (3:55) of Canucks Central, who weighs in on the Canucks' play in Game 2, Demko's injury timeline, Pettersson's struggles and their defensive depth. They regroup with Sam for news and notes - a legendary goalie battle between Bobrovsky and Vasilevskiy, how significant Sam Bennett's injury is for the Cats, Carbery calls out Ovechkin and concerns starting to rise for 'playoff Hellebuyck.' 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.
Apr 24, 2024
It's game day and Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee are all dressed up to tee up Game 3 between the Leafs and Bruins. They discuss the importance of starting off strong, home-ice advantage and whether Nylander will finally make his postseason debut after participating in practice today. Then, on the Bruins' page - the Leafs' successful defence on Pastrňák, Montgomery complains over scheduling and Sam shares some thoughts on Marchand's Game 2 dive. Finally, former Leafs' GM Gord Stellick (30:45) shares how Game 2 shifted his perspective of the series, the Leafs' recent challenges on home ice and Marner's underwhelming play thus far. 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.
Apr 23, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with the news out of Vancouver that Thatcher Demko is questionable for the remainder of the first round and the Canucks' chances against Nashville without their number 1 netminder. They are joined by Oilers' analyst Rob Brown (6:02), who shares his thoughts on Edmonton's fiery start to the postseason last night, the Kings' series outlook after being outclassed in Game 1 and what makes McDavid and co. so lethal on the powerplay. Later, he weighs in on the other 3 Western Conference series and who's looked the strongest early on. Finally, they regroup with Sam to look back on last night's playoff action. 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.
Apr 23, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with the Leafs levelling the series with a 3-2 win over the Bruins in Game 2. They discuss defensive miscues on the goal at the end of the first period, more boneheaded penalties, Matthews' dominance and Samsonov's bounce-back performance. Then, to the other side of the rink - the decision to play Ullmark over Swayman and Bruins' stagnant offensive. To close, they discuss whether Marner needs new linemates, depth forwards shining, Nylander's status and how Game 2 changes their perspectives on the rest of the series. 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.
Apr 22, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee go over the Game 1 action over the weekend, a barn burner in Winnipeg and the hometown dominance thus far. They are joined by Hall of Famer Adam Oates (7:50), who dives deeper on the series openers we've seen thus far - Canucks getting secondary production at the right time, how the Leafs adjust to the Bruins' style of play, the pressure on Matthews and more! Later, they regroup with Sam McKee for news and notes - the Avs running out of options in net, Maurice downplays Reinhart's free-agent value and the Sabres name Lindy Ruff head coach (again). 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.
Apr 22, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Leafs' 5-1 loss to the Bruins in Game 1 on Saturday. First, they discuss the absence of Nylander, how cautious the Leafs should be with his workload and possible causes for his mysterious injury. Then, a more in-depth breakdown of the game - the Leafs' lack of discipline, an inability to create offensively, a characteristic slow start and Matthews and Marner not showing up. Later, evaluating the blueline's performance and if the Leafs should consider bringing Brodie back into the fold. Finally, a chat about Samsonov and who should get the net in Game 2. 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.
Apr 19, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne start the second hour by welcoming Doug MacLean in for Off-the-Rails Friday! Mac goes through every series to make picks and discuss the biggest storyline for each. Then, he shares his thoughts on the Coyotes' move to Salt Lake City. Later, they regroup with Sam McKee to make their own picks for the first round, conference finals and Conn Smythe before going through some of the exit interviews from eliminated teams. Finally, they answer your questions on the text line! 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.
Apr 19, 2024
It is the eve of the Stanley Cup playoffs, and Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee are locked in on the Leafs' first-round matchup against the Bruins. They get into storylines from the Leafs' skate today, whether Nylander's absence is an injury concern or just maintenance, Brodie missing the cut and Matthews and Marner staying split for now. Then, they compare the Leafs' and Bruins' positional groups and how they balance out. How good does Samsonov need to be to win the series? Will Woll enter the fray? Finally, Leafs legend Wendel Clark (32:47) shares his thoughts on the Round 1 matchup, the physical aspect and the keys to the series. 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.
Apr 18, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne start the second hour with Hockey Night in Canada's David Amber, who goes through the Canadian playoff teams, their Round 1 outlooks and which player will be the biggest difference-maker. Then, with the sale now official, he discusses the Coyotes' move to Salt Lake City, the emotional final game at Mullett Arena and what the league has learned from their nearly 30 years in Arizona. Finally, they regroup with Sam McKee for news and notes - the fallout in Arizona, Meruello not showing up to the final game and Jakob Chychrun's provides no certainty on his future in Ottawa. 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.
Apr 18, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with the Leafs' final game in the regular season, a 6-4 loss to the Lightning in Tampa. They get into Matthews gruellingly missing the 70-goal mark, powerplay struggles and Nylander's lacklustre effort. Then, a look at roster combinations before Game 1, if Matthews and Marner will be reunited, the odd men out on defence and who sneaks in due to injuries. Finally, a big-picture look at the Leafs' first-round matchup against the Bruins and what's at stake for Toronto from a front office, fan, coach and player point of view. 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.
Apr 17, 2024
The Leafs' first-round opponent is set! Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with a brief look at how Toronto matches up with Boston in a 7-game series before looking back at last night's 5-2 loss to the Panthers. They get into the overemphasis on getting Matthews to 70, the disaster second period and a missed opportunity for Woll. Then, a chat about which d-men are in the lineup for Game 1. Later, a more in-depth look at the Leafs' challenge against Boston in Round 1 - what role the history of the rivalry takes and where each team has the edge. Finally, catching up on an exciting night in the race for the final Wild Card spot in the East as the Capitals clinch in dramatic fashion. 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.
Apr 16, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start the second hour with a chat about the quality of the Wild Card race in the East and Lukas Raymond's heroics for Detroit last night. They are joined by former player, agent and GM Brian Lawton (6:45), who shares his thoughts on the race, which of the contending teams could steal a round if they sneak in and if the NHL would or should consider a play-in format. Then, he weighs in on the Coyotes' move and why it never worked out in Arizona. Finally, they regroup with Sam for news & notes - McDavid hits the 100-assist mark, Hart Trophy picks and Bruins commentator Jack Edwards announces his retirement. 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.
Apr 16, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with a look at the Leafs' game tonight against the Panthers, a potential first-round preview. They discuss playoff scenarios and if teams want to draw Toronto in the first round and Nylander & Matthews' milestone chases. Then, to Florida where Sportsnet's Luke Fox (14:51) shares some injury updates, what the Leafs still need to work on in the last two games and which players are still competing for a spot on the Game 1 roster. Later, is there anything Joseph Woll could show tonight to dethrone Samsonov for Game 1? 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.
Apr 15, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne welcome former NHL executive and PWHL executive director Brian Burke in-studio to start the second hour. They discuss NHL load management, divisional vs. 1-8 playoff seeding and Canadian teams' cap disadvantage. Then, with the Coyotes' move to Salt Lake, he gives an argument against expansion. Later, he shares who he thinks will end up with the final Wild Card spot in the East, his pick in the Hart race and teams he likes in round 1. Finally, they regroup with Sam McKee for news & notes where they go through tonight's action, packed with playoff implications. 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.
Apr 15, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with the Leafs' 5-4 overtime loss against Detroit over the weekend. They get into Matthews' chase for 70 goals drawing the team's focus, how to best manage his minutes in the last two games and the Leafs running into the injury bug at the wrong time. Then, a chat about where the team stands in net after Samsonov's concerning start in Saturday's game. Finally, an evaluation of the Leafs' blueline heading into playoffs, confidence rankings, what McCabe's injury means and if Brodie is on the outside looking in for Game 1. 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.
Apr 12, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with a look at the Western Conference playoff picture as Edmonton has a chance to steal the Pacific Division lead from Vancouver and Mark Stone returns to practice for Vegas. They are joined by Garry Galley (7:55), who shares his thoughts on Stone's return, if McDavid's maintenance days are a concern going into the postseason, the tight MVP race and playoff dark horses. Finally, they regroup with Sam to answer your questions on the text line! 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.
Apr 12, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and (returning) Sam McKee start with some Masters takes before diving into the Leafs' 5-6 loss against the Devils last night. They discuss Matthews adding two to his total of 68 goals, whether his chase for 70 has now taken priority over team goals, a scary outing from Samsonov and how the goalies will be deployed in the final 3 games. Later, the voice of the Red Wings for Bally Sports, Ken Daniels (33:50), sets the stage for Detroit's game against Toronto tomorrow night, looks ahead at Patrick Kane's future in Detroit and evaluates Derek Lalonde's season behind the bench. 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.
Apr 11, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Daniele Franceschi start the second hour with a chat about reports around a likely relocation coming for the Coyotes with Salt Lake City as a landing spot. Joining the conversation, Elliotte Friedman (9:53) shares the latest on the move, the future of hockey in Arizona if they do move, where it went wrong for owner Alex Meruelo and how it impacts the players. Finally, they regroup with Daniele for news & notes - the Oilers closing in on the Canucks for the division lead, concern levels rising for Vegas and going over the results of the NHLPA's player poll. 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.
Apr 11, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne welcome guest producer Daniele Franceschi as they look at the Leafs' lines ahead of tonight's game against the Devils. They dive deep into the defensive pairs as Edmundson returns to the lineup tonight and how the blueline will be deployed before playoffs. Then, they discuss the importance of rest before the postseason and how to balance Matthews going for 70 vs. being well-rested for Game 1. Finally, the Athletic's Josh Kloke (32:17) weighs in on the rest vs. rust debate, which Leafs players need 'load management' the most and the goalie rotation in the final games with Samsonov now virtually locked in for the Game 1 start. 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.
Apr 9, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by MSG Network's Steve Valiquette, who weighs in on what type of goalie is needed to win a cup in the modern era and the importance of capitalizing on broken plays and net traffic in the playoffs. Then, he discusses Ilya Samsonov's playoff outlook, the emergence of Alex Nedeljkovic and Jake Oettinger heating up at the right time. Finally, they regroup with Sam McKee for news & notes - Jack Hughes ruled out for the season with shoulder surgery, Landon Dupont being granted exceptional status, the Canucks solidifying their position ahead of Edmonton and MVP picks. 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.
Apr 9, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with the Leafs' 3-2 overtime win over the Penguins. They discuss the hopeful vibes around the team and city, Brodie looking better, questionable officiating, Matthews' strong play without Marner and whether the Leafs should push for home ice in the playoffs. Then, on the Dubas element of the game. Later, former Leafs GM Gord Stellick (33:13) shares his thoughts on what's still unanswered with 5 games remaining, Matthews' hunt for 70, Keefe's late-season experimentation and if it will lead to any permanent changes in the playoffs. Finally, he looks at and makes predictions for the postseason race in the East. 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.
Apr 8, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with a look at the playoff race in the East as just 2 points separate 5 teams. They are joined by Oilers' analyst Jason Gregor (4:25) who looks at possible first-round matchups for Edmonton, if the Oilers did enough at the deadline, why Tanev would have been the perfect fit for them and confidence levels for Stuart Skinner as the uncontested no. 1 goalie. Finally, they regroup with Sam for news & notes - Tomáš Hertl gets set to make his Golden Knights debut, concerns rising for the slumping Canucks and the Sens take exception with the Devils sliding the puck in the empty net after the buzzer. 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.
Apr 8, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with a look ahead at tonight's Leafs' game against the surging Penguins and how Pittsburgh has been able to pull themselves back into the playoff picture. Then, on the Leafs' 4-2 win over the Habs on Saturday and Keefe's brand-new set of lines. Are the Leafs running out of time to solidify line pairings before playoffs? Later, Penguins radio analyst Phil Bourque (32:11) on Pittsburgh's late-season climb, Bunting's impact, Karlsson rising at the right time and Nedeljkovic playing his way out of Pittsburgh's price range. 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.
Apr 4, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start the second hour by looking back on the line brawl between the Devils and Rangers at MSG. NHL Network's Mike Rupp (3:08) gives his take on the scrap, whether it was inevitable, why fighting still belongs in the modern game and the emotional impact of a fight like that. Then, he sets the stage for tonight's chapter in the Ovechkin/Crosby rivalry as the Caps and Pens face off for crucial points in the Eastern Wild Card race. Finally, they regroup with Sam to answer your questions on the text line! 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.
Apr 4, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with a rare day in Toronto sports as the Leafs, Raptors and Jays all lost on the same night yesterday. They get into the Leafs' 4-1 loss to the Bolts, Tampa heating up at the right time, Toronto's special teams inconsistencies and if the goalie battle can finally be put to bed after an unremarkable outing from Joseph Woll. They are joined by Leafs' radio analyst Jim Ralph (32:27) who shares his thoughts on where the team stands after a pair of games against the Florida teams, Samsonov claiming the starting job, a more confident bottom 6 and what questions still need to be answered before playoffs. 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.
Apr 3, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with a look back at the Canucks' 6-3 loss to the Golden Knights last night and if they're running out of time to turn their play around before playoffs begin. They are joined by former NHLer PJ Stock (4:02), who discusses how the Habs' recent wins are coming at the cost of player development and how long the fans will remain patient with the rebuild. Then, he weighs in on the snail race for the Wild Card in the East, Tortorella's future in Philly and the Canucks' recent skid. They regroup with Sam for news & notes - checking in on the Wild Card race, Tom Wilson criticizes the media and breaking down Torts' latest rant. 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.
Apr 3, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with a look ahead to the Leafs' match-up against the Lightning tonight. They get into the emotions of the playoff rematch, Tampa's roster turnover and where Kucherov fits in the Hart conversation. Then, a Leafs POV - Matthews' chase for 70 and how the team is using rest ahead of the postseason. Finally, Lightning VP Dave Andreychuk (32:55), weighs in on the team's up-and-down season, the impact of the deadline additions, Vasilevskiy slowly returning to his Cup-winning form and Stamkos' future in Tampa. 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.
Apr 2, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne welcome NHL analyst Jamal Mayers into the studio to kick off the second hour. He looks ahead at first-round matchups and how various teams match up with their likely opponents in a 7-game series. Then, he shares which team has the edge for the final Wild Card spot in the East, John Tortorella's latest post-game outburst and the Senators' looming decisions. Finally, they regroup with Sam McKee for news & notes - checking in on award races, Crosby reaches the point-per-game mark for the 19th time, Torts' future in Philly and Jeff Skinner becomes the first player to get to 1000 career games without a playoff game. 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.
Apr 2, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with the Leafs' up-and-down win over the Panthers last night. They get into the near-blown lead, Nick Robertson making a case to be on the playoff roster, whether Samsonov has earned trust as the Game 1 starter and the positive presence of the forward depth. Later, Sportsnet's Luke Fox (31:19) shares how the Leafs' are using 'rest as a weapon' ahead of the playoffs, why the starting goalie spot isn't set in stone yet, who will be knocked out of the special teams units when the team is fully healthy and what the Leafs are getting in their latest signing, Jacob Quillan. 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.
Apr 1, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with a discussion about Connor McDavid closing in on a 100-assist season and a look ahead at a busy night around the NHL. They are joined by former NHLer Adam Oates (8:00), who evaluates Kucherov's stellar season, Bedard's rookie campaign and sleeper teams in the playoffs. Later, they regroup with Sam for news and notes - previewing a crucial matchup between the Isles and Flyers tonight, the Leafs' lack of powerplay production, Jonathan Quick surpassing Ryan Miller as the winningest American goalie and teams with the most demanding schedules before playoffs. 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.
Apr 1, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with reactions to Auston Matthews reaching the 60-goal mark on Saturday against the Sabres. They get into the game - Leafs fans taking over the Sabres' home ice, the scrum to end the game and Samsonov's shutout bringing him closer to securing the starting job heading into the postseason. Then, looking ahead to tonight's game against the Panthers and how the Leafs respond to Florida's physicality. Finally, former Panthers' defenseman and current analyst Ed Jovanovski (34:47) discusses Florida's untimely skid, their playoff outlook with heightened expectations, Reinhart's signature season and how the deadline additions are fitting in. 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.
Mar 29, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne welcome in Doug MacLean for his Off-the-Rails Friday appearance! Mac weighs in on the Wild Card race in the East, playoff expectations for Matthews, the Jets' and Canucks' untimely skids and Hyman hitting 50 goals. Then, he looks ahead at potential playoff matchups and who has the edge in the first round. Later, they discuss the Hart trophy race heating up as McDavid approaches a 100-assist season. Finally, they welcome in fill-in producer Tristan Marchegiani to answer your questions on the text line! 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.
Mar 29, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne start with the Leafs' 5-1 win over the Capitals last night and Bertuzzi's two-goal effort as he is heating up at the right time. Then, they break down Simon Benoit's 3-year, $1.35 million AAV extension and project which 6 defencemen will be in for Game 1 of the playoffs. Does Brodie need to win his job back? They are joined by former Leafs' GM Gord Stellick (32:49), who shares his thoughts on the rest vs. rust debate, whether Giordano will be used in the postseason, if Matthews' chase for 70 is a distraction and Tampa starting to threaten in the standings. 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.
Mar 27, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with a look back at last night's NHL action and the parity at the top of the league. They are joined by former NHL scout Jason Bukala (4:40), who shares his thoughts on the Capitals' & Predators' impressive stretch runs, Leafs' special teams problems, likely call-up college players to watch and what issues could arise if the NCAA lifts restrictions for CHL players. Finally, news and notes - the Bruins and Panthers scrap, Guentzel speaks on leaving Pittsburgh and a dream-come-true moment for Josh Doan. 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.
Mar 27, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with the Leafs' uninspiring loss to the Devils last night. They get into the Leafs taking their foot off the gas after a dominant first period, Keefe's heated post-game comments, lack of urgency and Nylander notching his 40th. Then, to the crease - concern levels after Woll's rough outing, how Keefe will utilize the trio down the stretch and if the Leafs have the most uncertain goalie situation amongst playoff teams. Finally, standings watch as Tampa starts to catch up and if it the Leafs might prefer to finish in a Wild Card spot. 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.
Mar 26, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with a look at the race for the Presidents' Trophy as only one point separates the top 7 teams. They are joined by former Red Wings goalie and now-analyst Chris Osgood, (6:15) who shares his thoughts on Detroit's sloppy finish to the season as they compete for the final Wild Card spot in the East, short & long-term solutions in net, the jumps from Mo Seider and Lucas Raymond, and Patrick Kane's impact on and off the ice. Finally, they regroup with Sam for news & notes - if Vegas missing the playoffs is a good or bad thing for hockey, rumours that Tortorella will move to management and which competing teams have the easiest schedules down the stretch. 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.
Mar 26, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with a look ahead at the Leafs' first encounter with the Devils this season. They get status updates on Marner, Samsonov, Rielly and Edmundson - the pair quietly dealing with tweaks. How careful should the Leafs be with their injuries down the stretch? Then, what the team needs to focus on ahead of the playoffs - the battle in net, staying motivated, solidifying lineup combinations and Matthews' hunt for 70. Finally, Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald (29:57) sets the stage for their critical game against the Leafs tonight, underlying reasons for New Jersey's disappointing season, long-term plans in goal and Timo Meier finally starting to settle in. 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.
Mar 25, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne welcome in Sportsnet's Luke Gazdic (2:45) fresh off his Hockey Night in Canada debut over the weekend. He shares his takeaways from the Oilers' loss to the Leafs on Saturday, a rare physical display from Toronto and the Edmonton's ceiling. Then, how they stack up against their Pacific Division rivals and Bobby McMann's impact since signing his extension. Later, they regroup with Sam McKee for news and notes - Ovechkin picking up the pace in his chase for Gretzky's record, the Penguins recover their stolen Jagr bobbleheads and a large change coming to Junior Hockey with the NCAA considering dropping restrictions for former CHL players. 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.
Mar 25, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee get right into a busy weekend in Leafs land as they pick up an impressive win over the Oilers and bring a great defensive effort despite the loss against the Hurricanes. They discuss the team starting to embrace a tougher identity, how they have rallied without Marner in the lineup, Domi becoming more consistent and McMann and Holmberg reinvigorating secondary production. Then, to the crease and a chat about Samsonov's mysterious injury. Finally, a deeper dive into the Hurricanes' playoff outlook, TJ Brodie's role on the team going forward and powerplay woes persist. 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.
Mar 22, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne start the final hour of the week with Doug MacLean for his Off-the-Rails Friday appearance. Mac shares his thoughts on the Tortorella/Couturier drama, the relationship between captain and coach, the Senators' biggest need as they head into a crucial offseason, the Lightning starting to roll and the difficulty of inspiring buy-in on a losing team. They regroup with Sam McKee for news and notes - Kuznetsov returns to Washington, Patrick Roy's odd response to the Islanders' rough loss to the Red Wings and Celine Dion reads out the Bruins lineups. Finally, answering your questions on the text line! 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.
Mar 22, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with a look ahead to the Leafs' test against the Oilers this weekend. They get into Marner's status, TJ Brodie slated to be scratched again, bizarre lineup combinations in practice, a Matt Murray sighting at morning skate and Domi and Matthews sticking together for at least one more game. Then, a chat about Matthew Knies' season and if his potential is hiding the flaws in his game. Finally, Luke Fox (32:56) sets the stage for tomorrow's game, concern levels for the Leafs' penalty kill, Keefe's management of the goalie tandem and which looming free agent would be best to be sign back this summer - Bertuzzi or Domi. 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.
Mar 21, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne welcome in Canucks' analyst Dan Murphy to start the second hour. He discusses what the Canucks are playing for in their final 13 games, their small lull since the All-Star Break, Pettersson's play since his contract, what the team's summer might look like with Lindholm headed for UFA & attention on Hronek as an RFA. Then a look around the three-headed race in the Central and which teams pose the biggest threat to Vancouver. Finally, they regroup with Sam McKee for news and notes - Tom Wilson suspension predictions, Sean Couturier gets scratched again and what the next GM in Columbus has in store for them this summer, including a potential Gaudreau trade. 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.
Mar 21, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with the Leafs' 7-2 win over the Capitals on the back of a 2-goal effort from Auston Matthews. They get into what was a rare quick start for the Leafs, returns on the Matthews/Domi/Bertuzzi line, where Marner will fit back in when he returns and Tom Wilson's high stick on Noah Gregor. Then, a chat about the pressure on the Capitals' young core to force the puck to Ovechkin. Later, they are joined by Craig Simpson (31:02), who shares his thoughts on Woll's performance and the Leafs' direction in net, the Domi/Matthews combo, whether TJ Brodie's season can be salvaged after his first healthy scratch of the year and the difficulties of lineup experimentation at this point in the season. 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.
Mar 20, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne start the second hour with Florida Panthers coach Paul Maurice. He gets into how the team has built its lauded physical identity, going from fringe playoff team to contender last season, lineup experimenting ahead of and during the playoffs, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson's resurgence. Then, he weighs in on Tortorella scratching Sean Couturier. Later, they regroup with Sam McKee for news and notes - Tortorella ducking questions on his Couturier decision, live reaction to the Leafs' scratching TJ Brodie, Rick Nash being named Team Canada GM for this year's world championship and Vegas' playoff spot becoming less certain. 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.
Mar 20, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with the Leafs' 4-3 loss to the Flyers last night, and if they have established any concrete lineup combinations during this stretch run. They get into the dysfunction of the Rielly/Brodie pair and optimal d-pairings, the Leafs' lack of urgency, Robertson's defensive lapses and the significance of the final 15 games for the depth forwards. Later, former NHLer and NBC Capitals reporter Alan May (32:55) sets the stage for the Leafs' match-up against the Caps tonight, how Washington climbed back into the playoff picture, the emergence of Charlie Lindgren, Ovechkin getting back to his vintage scoring ways and former Leafs assistant coach Spencer Carbery's impact. 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.
Mar 19, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne kick off the second hour with NHL Network's Mike Rupp (4:42), who weighs in on the Flyers' decision to make captain Sean Couturier a healthy scratch, why Tortorella continues to return to this coaching tactic and how this type of move impacts the locker room vibes. Then, a look at the Wild Card chases and the bunched-up Metro Division. Later, they regroup with Sam McKee to chat about possible landing spots for Sidney Crosby if he jumps off the Penguins' ship. Finally, news and notes - reviewing early returns of the big deadline acquisitions, changes coming from GM meetings and Ovechkin inching closer to Gretzky's record. 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.
Mar 19, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with the sad news of Chris Simon's passing today and Kyp shares memories of their head-to-heads in his playing days. Then, a significant note ahead of the Leafs' match-up with the Flyers tonight as Philly makes Couturier a healthy scratch. Later, a Toronto POV of the game - Leafs turn back to Samsonov, whether they should expect retaliation from the last time they faced off and Benoit making his return to the lineup. Finally, former Flyer Scott Hartnell (32:38) weighs in on the Tortorella experience as a player, what led to Couturier being scratched and if playoffs are still on the table for the Flyers. 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.
Mar 18, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start in Florida where the GMs are meeting to play some golf (and also attend GM meetings, apparently). They are joined by Sportsnet's Sean Reynolds, (5:22) live in Florida to share what's being discussed at the GM meetings and what isn't. Then, he shares his thoughts on the tightening playoff race in the Central division with the Jets, Avs and Stars all tied at 91 points for first in the division and if any teams on the outside can put pressure on Vegas in the West. Finally, they regroup with Sam McKee for news & notes - Dmitry Kulikov gets a hearing for his hit to Conor Sheary's head, Wayne Simmonds announces his retirement and the latest development in Arizona's search for a new arena. 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.
Mar 18, 2024
Nick Kypreos is back with Justin Bourne and Sam McKee and they start the week with a look back over the Leafs' loss against the Hurricanes this weekend. They get into the Leafs' crushing blown lead, the team missing Marner, early returns on the deadline acquisitions, special teams concerns and Samsonov gaining ground for the starting goalie job. Later, more on the Leafs' recent powerplay failures, how it all falls apart without Marner, whether moving Liljegren to the top unit over Rielly can help and Matthews showing his frustration while waiting wide-open in the slot. 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.
Mar 15, 2024
Justin Bourne is again joined by guest host Gord Stellick as they welcome Doug MacLean for his Off-the-Rails Friday appearance! Mac gets into the best way to prepare for the playoffs during a stretch run, Doug Armstrong being named GM of team Canada, the Red Wings' fighting in practice, if the NHL needs to close the LTIR cap loophole and what is discussed at GM meetings. Finally, they regroup with Sam McKee to answer your questions on the text line! 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.
Mar 15, 2024
Justin Bourne and Sam McKee welcome guest host Gord Stellick with Nick Kypreos away. They start with the Leafs' blowout win over the Flyers last night, whether Keefe 'broke the code' by running the top power-play unit late, the Leafs' lucking out on some bad goals, Samsonov's stellar play and Bertuzzi starting to roll. Then, they share their concern levels for Marner's ankle injury. They are joined by former NHL executive Mike Futa (31:53) who shares his thoughts on the Leafs' additions at the deadline, the offseason additions finding their way and he sets the stage for the Leafs' big test tomorrow against the Hurricanes. 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.
Mar 14, 2024
Justin Bourne and Sam McKee are joined in studio by Luke Gazdic, who shares his thoughts on the surging Oilers coming off a 7-2 win over the Capitals last night. He gets into Connor Brown FINALLY notching his first goal of the season, the Oilers' and Golden Knights' playoff collision course, Knoblauch's line combinations and Zach Hyman continuing his excellent scoring campaign. Then, a look around the league - Nashville's impressive point streak, the class of the West, if the Leafs did enough at the deadline and the Rempe suspension. Finally, news and notes - Zadorov calls MacKinnon the best in the league, the Red Wings and Canucks both get into fights at practice and Erik Karlsson is once again involved in trade rumours. 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.
Mar 14, 2024
Leafs hockey is back after a short break, and Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with a look ahead at their game against the Flyers tonight. To help preview the matchup, they are joined by Leafs writer Anthony Petrielli (6:59), who discusses how McMann went from healthy scratch to a new extension and goes through the roster to put together the team's optimal line combinations. Later, Charlie O'Connor (31:41) of PHLY Sports shares a Flyers POV of the game, their playoff chances after selling at the deadline, the buzz around Matvei Michkov and the Tortorella experience. 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.
Mar 13, 2024
Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start the second hour with a look at the Eastern Conference playoff picture as the Panthers continue to pull away from the pack after their comeback win over the Stars last night in which they trailed 3-0. ESPN's Kristen Shilton (4:09) shares her thoughts on the battle at the top of the Eastern Conference, Atlanta expansion rumours, Bedard embracing the 'next face of the league' role and whether Crosby would ever leave Pittsburgh to chase another cup. Later, news and notes from around the NHL - the Predators continue their 12-game point streak, Byram getting comfortable in Buffalo and the Sabres lack a response after UPL got run over. 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.
Mar 13, 2024
Justin Bourne and Sam McKee welcome in guest host JD Bunkis with Nick Kypreos away. They start with the news that Bobby McMann has signed a 2-year, $1.25 million AAV deal, and they share their thoughts on the price, contract comparables and his future role. Then, they discuss the pressure on the core four and predictions for who will take the starting netminding job. Finally, the guys rank the Leafs' 'Team Bs' over the years and where the supporting cast this season stands amongst previous groups. 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.
Mar 12, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start the second hour with their reactions to Matt Rempe receiving a 4-game suspension for his elbow on Jonas Siegenthaler last night. Former NHL coach Bruce Boudreau (3:05) shares his thoughts on the league sending Rempe a message, coaching tough guys, the Wild pulling their goalie in OT, Demko's injury and the most impactful trade from the deadline. Later, they regroup with Sam for news and notes - ranking the best defensive units in the league, checking in on award races and Anson Carter aims to bring the NHL back to Atlanta. 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.
Mar 12, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with their thoughts on ex-Marlies' Josh Ho-Sang's new hip-hop album as the Leafs get a needed day off. Then, they discuss Nick Robertson voicing his frustrations with his role. The Athletic's Josh Kloke (12:28) shares his thoughts on Robertson's comments, the team's cohesion a month away from the playoffs and what the deadline additions bring. Later, Leafs' radio analyst Jim Ralph (32:03) weighs in on how an 'underdog' label helps the team, who's winning the battle for the starting job in goal, Brad Treliving's focus on adding grit at the deadline and if Tavares is better suited for the second or third line. 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.
Mar 11, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with a look at the NHL's playoff picture as the Islanders claw their way back into contention on the back of a 6-game winning streak. They are joined by Panthers analyst Jeff Chychrun (2:19), who weighs in on Paul Maurice's impact on the team, Florida's physical presence, what Vlad Tarasenko brings and where Barkov ranks among the best players in the league. Then, he looks at what went wrong for his son, Jakob, and the Sens this season. Then, they regroup with Sam to chat about how the cap puts Canadian teams at a disadvantage and how the divide can be fixed. Finally, news and notes - the Wild pull their goalie in OT for a gutsy 2 points, Tortorella receives a 2-game suspension and the Canucks lose Demko to injury. 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.
Mar 11, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with some fallout from Friday's deadline as the Leafs enter into the final stretch of the regular season. Then, into Saturday's win against Montreal - Matthews' recent down stretch, back-checking miscues, Knies' improved play on the bottom 6, McMann playing himself out of Toronto's price range and evaluating the mixed-up lines without Marner. Who is the answer at second-line centre? Then, evaluating Connor Dewar and Joel Edmundson's Leafs debuts, the decision to pull Benoit from the lineup and who will be the odd man out of the defence corps come playoffs. Finally, an update on who's winning the starting battle in net. 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.
Mar 9, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined in-studio by Elliotte Friedman for post-trade deadline wind-down. He shares his thoughts on Vegas' unexpected trade for Hertl, teams that missed out on their targets, top-end goalies staying put and if there's any chance Sidney Crosby leaves the Penguins as they enter their rebuild. Later, Doug MacLean (30:36) hops on for his Off-the-Rails Friday appearance! Mac shares how deadline day has evolved before getting into the Hertl deal and Vegas' cap tactics, the drama in Pittsburgh after the Guentzel trade, the Devils pivoting from Markstrom to Jake Allen and more from this week's trades. 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.
Mar 8, 2024
The deadline is all wrapped up, and Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee break down the day headlined by Vegas' big splash at the buzzer for Tomáš Hertl. They get into the biggest stories of deadline day - potential injury and contract concerns around Hertl, the Oilers stay relatively quiet and the Jets make a push with a trade for Toffoli. Then, the guys discuss trade winners and losers. Later, Leafs' GM Brad Treliving (20:42) joins the show to share his thoughts on the team's moves at and ahead of the deadline, what newly acquired Connor Dewar brings, his faith in the group and looks ahead at a probable first-round matchup against the Bruins. Finally, some thoughts on the Leafs' greasy 4-1 loss to the Bruins last night. 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.
Mar 7, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with some thoughts on the influx of trades in the Western Conference and the budding arms race between the Avalanche, Canucks and Golden Knights. They are joined by Golden Knights reporter for the Athletic, Jesse Granger (4:57), who shares his thoughts on Vegas' moves for Hanifin and Mantha, why Vegas is going all-in this year and whether Guentzel or Buchnevich are still in play for them. What would be the most entertaining first-round opponent for Vegas? Later, they regroup with Sam for news and notes - the Devils shopping Toffoli, a look ahead at this summer's UFA class and the future of the Bruins’ goalie tandem. 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.
Mar 7, 2024
We have a deal! Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee kick off with a review of the Leafs' trade for Joel Edmundson from the Capitals completed earlier today. They discuss the team's focus on physicality, what he can bring to Toronto, where he fits into the lineup and what moves may follow. Have the Leafs done enough to keep up with their improving contemporaries? Then, looking back over the Leafs' sleepy 2-1 win over the Sabres last night. Finally, NESN Bruins analyst Andy Brickley (33:58) discusses Toronto and Boston's playoff collision course, their focus at the deadline and the market for Linus Ullmark. 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.
Mar 6, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start the second hour with more reflection over today's trades before they are joined by former scout Jason Bukala (5:31). He shares why the Byram/Middlestadt trade is a puzzler for both sides, Lindholm's fall-off in Vancouver and the unprecedented idea of the Canucks flipping him to Pittsburgh. Then, on what Walker brings to the Avs, Tampa making a long-term play for Hanifin and if Dallas has enough in-house to stand pat at the deadline. To close, they regroup with Sam to discuss Crosby trade rumours starting to float around, what he would cost and Rasmus Sandin signing an expensive extension to stay in Washington. 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.
Mar 6, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee catch up on a trade-heavy day in the NHL as GMs are eager to make moves ahead of Friday's deadline, though no moves from the Leafs yet. They get into the tough position Brad Treliving is in with the asset cupboards near empty, if the Leafs missed out on any of the players moved today and the improvements in the Eastern Conference competition. Later, Sam cooks up some bold fake trades for the Leafs. Finally, they welcome Brad May (28:20) into the studio to share how this time of year affects players' mentalities, the feeling of being traded, what the Leafs need to prioritize at the deadline and how Ryan Reaves' energy impacts the team. 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.
Mar 5, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start the second hour with a shocking report that Elias Lindholm may be back in trade talks as the Canucks eye a Jake Guentzel trade. Former NHL player, manager and agent Brian Lawton (8:13) shares his thoughts on the Guentzel sweepstakes, if the Penguins should consider a full rebuild and how deadline war rooms have evolved. Then, he goes around the league to discuss which players various teams need to target at the deadline. Finally, they regroup with Sam for news & notes - Brett Pesce's market, the Panthers pulling away from the pack and revisiting Dubas trade record in Toronto ahead of his first, high-pressure deadline in Pittsburgh. 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.
Mar 5, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with the Leafs' 4-1 loss to the Bruins last night. They get into what was another slow start for the Leafs, a night to forget for the Brodie/Liljegren pair, Boston's unkillable culture, Woll still working his way back to full speed and Rielly struggling as the power play QB. Then, a look around the league at available defencemen at the deadline and which would be the best fit in Toronto. Finally, the guys go through the lineup and discuss which combinations should be left untouched at the trade deadline, and which need to be addressed. 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.
Mar 4, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with the Canucks locking up Elias Pettersson to an 8-year extension over the weekend and they compare the contract terms to William Nylander's. They are joined by SN650's Satiar Shah (3:19), who shares his thoughts on Pettersson's extension, where the team is on a Guentzel trade, other targets at the deadline and who from the lineup is dispensable. Then, they are rejoined by Sam McKee to react live to the Devils parting ways with Lindy Ruff. Finally, news & notes - the idea of an NHL play-in tourney, the Penguins transitioning to full-out sellers and the Hanifin to Tampa Bay rumours growing stronger. 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.
Mar 4, 2024
It's trade deadline week! Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee kick off the week with a look back over the Leafs' shootout win over the Rangers on Saturday. They get into Rempe vs. Reaves, Rempe's dirty hits on Lyubushkin, the third line starting to solidify itself and Nylander getting benched. Then, looking ahead to tonight's game against the Bruins and Samsonov getting the nod to start. Finally, they are joined by NESN's Billy Jaffe (34:47) to share a Bruins' POV of tonight's game, how they'll approach the deadline with multiple pending UFAs, whether Jake DeBrusk is on the move and the recent dip in goalie play. 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.
Mar 1, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne start the second hour with reports around the Canucks and Hurricanes discussing an Elias Pettersson trade as extension talks remain stalled before Doug MacLean's Off-the-Rails Friday appearance (2:28)! Mac delves into how legit the Pettersson trade rumours are, the Canucks' options and whether the situation is a distraction for the team. Then, he weighs in on the Lyubushkin trade, rumours that Calgary was unwilling to trade with Toronto and landing spots for various players at the deadline. Finally, they regroup with Sam McKee to answer your question on the text line! 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.
Mar 1, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with the Leafs' late-night move, acquiring Ilya Lyubushkin (again) for a 3rd and a 6th-round pick. They discuss where he fits into the Leafs' lineup, the price and potential next moves for Brad Treliving. Then, they react to Treliving's availability, his openness to trading this year's first-round pick and who would be the likely target. Finally, Sportsnet.ca's Luke Fox (35:17) shares an update on Liljegren's injury status, his thoughts on Lyubushkin's return to Toronto, what he can bring in an off-ice capacity, Woll's return to the ice last night and the resurgence of Ryan Reaves. 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.
Feb 29, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne start with the Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli who gives an in-depth breakdown of the Chris Tanev trade, how it impacts the market for defencemen and why the Leafs were never really in the conversation. Then, he gets into the Canucks' progress in extension talks with Pettersson, potential destinations for Jake Guentzel and what happens with Hanifin after the Tanev trade. Finally, they regroup with Sam McKee for news and notes - Hyman scores his 40th goal, Bruce Cassidy returns to Boston and a look ahead at some of the action in the NHL tonight. 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.
Feb 29, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee kick off with the big news that the Flames have pulled the trigger on a Chris Tanev trade, sending him to Dallas. They get into Calgary's return in the deal, if the Leafs missed out and which right-handed defencemen the team should pivot their focus to. Later, a chat about Jo Woll returning to the net tonight after 85 days since his last start and Sheldon Keefe gets a $25k fine for his outburst. Finally, Coyotes' analyst Craig Morgan (32:25) sets the stage for tonight's game between Arizona & Toronto, the Leafs' odd inability to beat the Yotes at home, what's gone wrong for Arizona during this recent 12-game losing streak, the latest in the organization's search for a new arena and who will be available at the deadline. 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.
Feb 28, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne start the second hour with Milwaukee Admirals forward Cody Hodgson (2:25). He discusses his return to pro hockey after his diagnosis of a rare muscle condition, why he decided to come back to the game and what it was like to be back after 8 years away. Later, they regroup with Sam McKee for NHL news and notes - takeaways from Gary Bettman's presser in Winnipeg, Crosby keeping the Penguins relevant and the Canucks' skid continues. 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.
Feb 28, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with the anniversary of Sidney Crosby's Golden Goal and where they were during the special moment. Then, into the Leafs' streak-breaking loss to the Golden Knights last night - the team's play when they're down, Tavares' rare signs of frustration as he adjusts to his new role, Keefe getting tossed and concerning play from the all-left-handed d-corps. Finally, Rangers' MSG reporter Steve Valiquette (32:51) weighs in on Matt Rempe's gauntlet, why he needs to exercise more restraint and breaks down Ilya Samsonov's strengths and weaknesses through this recent stretch. 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.
Feb 27, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with a look at the playoff picture in both conferences and which teams are getting the most desperate ahead of the deadline. They are joined by Garry Galley (6:13) to share his thoughts on Zach Hyman's unlikely transformation into a 50-goal scorer, whether the Flames should be selling and why teams outside of the playoff picture like the Senators would want to buy at the deadline. Finally, they regroup with Sam to discuss the strange vibes emerging between the Canucks and Pettersson, the price for a possible extension and how much money has to do with his stagnating contract talks. 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.
Feb 27, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with a look ahead at the Leafs' game tonight against the Golden Knights at home. They discuss Vegas' injuries, what type of reception Rielly will get in his first game at home since the suspension, Reaves staying in the lineup over Gregor and the all-left-handed d-corps. Then, a discussion about available right-handed defencemen after Chris Tanev and what they would cost. Finally, former NHL goalie and the Daily Faceoff's Carter Hutton (27:44) weighs in on the Leafs’ goalie situation with Woll returning from injury and the dynamics of keeping 3 goalies on the roster. 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.
Feb 26, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start the second hour with a recap of an eventful weekend in the NHL, including an unexpected result in the Battle of Alberta. They are joined by Flames' analyst Eric Francis (3:32), who weighs in on Calgary's recent hot stretch, whether it changes their deadline plans at all, the price for Tanev and their hesitancy to make a move with ex-GM Brad Treliving in Toronto. Finally, they regroup with Sam for news and notes - rookie Matt Rempe turning heads with his fists in New York, Chelios gets his jersey retired in Kane's 'showtime' return to Chicago and the Canucks reportedly taking calls on Elias Pettersson. 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.
Feb 26, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with the Leafs' extending their win streak with a win against the Avalanche over the weekend. They discuss what's spurred this recent change in play, the power play starting to heat up and how much this streak changes perceptions of the team inside and outside the facility. Then, they get into Saturday's game, Colorado's intimidating top-end talent, Bertuzzi's birthday hat trick and the sustainability of the bottom six's elevated play. Later, a conversation about Samsonov's recent stretch, how much credit he deserves over the win streak and how Joseph Woll will be reintroduced to the team now that he's been cleared from his ankle injury. 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.
Feb 23, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne start the second hour with Doug MacLean for his Off-the-Rails Friday appearance! Mac delves into the Leafs' dominant stretch and how it affects their deadline approach, if there's any concern for the Canucks who've lost 3 straight and the Jets' attendance issues. Then, he goes through some of the headline trade targets and where they might land. To close out the week, they regroup with Sam McKee to answer your questions on the text line! 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.
Feb 23, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with the Leafs' win last night over the Golden Knights in Vegas. They get into one of the season's most impressive wins, a more balanced line rotation, how the Rielly/Greig incident rallied the team, Domi's expanded role and Rielly's return. Then, a wider view of the roster as is and why their recent win streak reinforces an 'all-in' approach to the deadline. They are joined by the Athletic's Joshua Kloke (35:59), who shares his thoughts on a more relaxed vibe around the Leafs' locker room, how this recent stretch has impacted their deadline plans and the evolution of their leadership group. 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.
Feb 22, 2024
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne start the second hour with NHL Network's Mike Kelly, who runs through award races - Auston Matthews' early case for the Hart Trophy, Quinn Hughes running away with the Norris and Faber vs. Bedard for the Calder. Then, he discusses which teams are better or worse than their records according to underlying analytics. They regroup with Sam McKee for news and notes - Quinton Byfield's entry for goal of the year, landing spots for Markstrom and Saros, the latest on the Coyotes' search for a new arena and Seattle on the verge of becoming sellers. 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.
Feb 22, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with the Leafs extending their winning streak to 5 games with their 6-3 win over the Coyotes last night. They get into the defensive pairing chemistry, Matthews reaching the 50-goal mark, Tavares' reduced role, Bertuzzi's struggles and Marner's recent stretch of incredible playmaking. They are joined by former captain of the Golden Knights Deryk Engelland (35:39), who tees up tonight's game between Vegas and Toronto and shares his thoughts on Vegas' title defence efforts thus far, Mark Stone's injury, who steps up in his absence and what weaknesses they need to address at the deadline. 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.
Feb 21, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with the Bruins and their recent struggles as the absences of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejčí finally start to take shape. Eddie Olzcyk (2:24) joins them to tee up Boston's game against the Oilers tonight, Edmonton's stretches of inconsistency, Paul Coffey's impact behind the bench and a look at teams' deadline outlooks around the league. Finally, they regroup with Sam to chat about the panic-mode Penguins, Dubas' presser, potential landing spots for Jake Guentzel and if Crosby should be made available for trade. 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.
Feb 21, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with a look ahead to the Leafs' game tonight against the Coyotes, Toronto's past struggles in the desert, Matthews eyeing his 50th in his homecoming and whether it's concerning how much the team relies on him. Is Keefe doing enough to get the most out of depth players? Then, a chat about trade deadline and all-in scenarios for the Leafs. Finally, they are joined Coyotes GM Bill Armstrong (25:50) to tee up tonight's game, the young core's development and how active they might be at the deadline. 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.
Feb 20, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start the second hour by revisiting Hartman vs. Perfetti as the Wild and Jets matchup tonight, Perfetti's comments post-game and the trend of players airing on-ice business to the media. Joining the conversation, Jets analyst Sean Reynolds (6:34) sets the stage for the game and discusses the Jets' early returns on Monahan, how active they will be at the deadline and Rick Bowness' Jack Adams case. They regroup with Sam for news and notes - a review of Jagr night in Pittsburgh, the Penguins' options at the deadline and Tampa at risk of missing the playoffs. 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.
Feb 20, 2024
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee are back from the long weekend and they start with the news that Morgan Rielly's suspension being upheld and the team's success without him. Then, they get into the Leafs' 4-2 win against the Blues yesterday - Marner and Matthews clicking, Knies having a bigger impact and a look at special teams with Nylander playing the PK and Bertuzzi getting the nod on PP1 over Tavares. Finally, former Leafs GM Gord Stellick (34:53) weighs in on the odd trend of the Leafs winning without top players in the lineup, McMann's grit, the goalie situation and why the Treliving should be conservative at the deadline. 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.