The Leafs' Uncomfortable Familiar Story and How It Changes w/ Kris Versteeg and Mike Futa
JD gives his thoughts following the Maple Leafs' two losses to the Panthers down in Florida over the weekend, drawing their second round series at two (00:00). Two-time Stanley Cup champion, Kris Versteeg, joins the show to break down the stars' struggles, Matthew Knies' break through as a playoff performer, the importance of matchups to create more offence, how Craig Berube should adjust to the momentum swing, and the unflappability of William Nylander (09:04). JD shares a note from Auston Matthews' first professional playoff experience in Zurich (49:51). Mike Futa, co-host of The FAN Hockey Show, jumps on with JD to continue the conversation around the Leafs, the differences between Games 3 & 4, the importance for Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner to produce offensively, Joseph Woll's ability to settle into the series, and the likelihood Max Domi receives supplemental discipline for his hit on Aleksander Barkov (51:31). Finally, JD details his time in Montreal for UFC 315, before getting into “What We Missed” (01:29:56).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.
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1:37:10
Have the Leafs Done Enough to Change the Off-Season w/ Frank Seravalli + Curtis Granderson on Devers, the AL East and Playing in Toronto + Ryan Goins
JD teases the Maple Leafs' weekend in Florida with a chance to return home with a Conference Finals berth (00:00). Frank Seravalli (10:00), hockey insider and president of content at Daily Faceoff, discusses why he chose the Panthers to beat the Leafs, William Nylander's contract value and the decline in Auston Matthews' production. JD and Frank also debate how the Leafs can judge their core and if Matthew Knies is a NHL unicorn. Former MLB all-star and MLB analyst at TBS, Curtis Granderson, gives his thoughts on the tension between the Boston Red Sox and Rafael Devers, if the American League East is the worst division, the Blue Jays' outlook when it feels like Groundhog Day, and his experiences as a Toronto Blue Jay (51:00). Ryan Goins, former Toronto Blue Jay and current Los Angeles Angels infield coach, joins the show to chat about players getting called up from the minors at younger ages, how development has taken a back seat to results, fun memories from the 2015 Jays season and being a professional athlete in Toronto (1:21:30).The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
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1:37:45
Embrace the Hope. How the Leafs Ended up 2-0 and the Near Future in Net w/ James Mirtle and Carter Hutton
JD feels the "force" shift in the Maple Leafs' Stanley Cup Playoff run (00:00). James Mirtle (7:00), senior NHL writer at The Athletic, joins JD to delve into the Leafs commanding 2-0 series lead against the Florida Panthers. JD and James get into the series' biggest surprise, Auston Matthews' lack of goal scoring, how Craig Berube has excelled in Toronto and earned his players' trust, the post-whistle battle and the latest on Anthony Stolarz' health. JD then expresses his sorrow for another heartbreaking Blue Jays loss (45:00). Former NHL goaltender, Carter Hutton, joins JD to evaluate Joseph Woll's performance thus far, how goaltending permeates through the team, what can factor in a goaltenders focus, the concern level for Sergei Bobrovsky, and Stolarz' not travelling to Florida (52:30). JD ends the show with a Mikko Rantanen discussion. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
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1:36:42
Leafs-Panthers Success Factors, P.A. Parenteau on What Toronto Can Roll Over From Game 1 + Ben Ennis on What’s Actually Good for the Jays
JD and Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN Morning Show, break down the Blue Jays' loss to the Angels in Anaheim. They discuss the underperforming offence, where the Jays' fit within the AL East, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s impact following his mega-contract signing, pressure on the back of the bullpen, and what can be done to turn it all around. (00:00) After the break, JD and Ben look ahead to Leafs-Panthers Game 2 at Scotiabank Arena and the pulse of the city compared to other Canadian markets (40:04). Later, former Maple Leafs forward, P.A. Parenteau, joins the show to chat about his time with the Leafs, the energy in the building for playoff games in Toronto and Montreal, the response to Sam Bennett taking out Anthony Stolarz, and playing with John Tavares (49:09). Finally, JD takes a look at his keys for the Leafs in Game 2 against Florida (01:18:57). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
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1:36:04
The Leafs Impress, But Sam Bennett Goes Unpunished For His Crimes...Again w/ Kris Versteeg & Derek Lalonde
JD touches on an eventful Game 1 between the Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers, before bringing on two-time Stanley Cup champion, Kris Versteeg (8:00), to dive into Sam Bennett's elbow on Anthony Stolarz, the Leafs' hot start, Auston Matthews' game, the Leafs stumbling powerplay, and Matthew Knies' importance. Former NHL head coach, Derek Lalonde, gives his thoughts on Bennett receiving no supplemental discipline, Craig Berube trusting his depth, and how Knies' has showcased growth (54:00). JD ends the show discussing the NHL Draft Lottery and national team commitments (1:30:00). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
JD Bunkis breaks down the biggest stories in sports every weekday morning. Honest, direct, and a touch of diablerie. Airing live on Sportsnet 590 The FAN from 9am-11am ET.
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