Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with a look at the Leafs' matchup tonight against the lowly Sharks and the wide range of competitiveness across the NHL. Then, a look at Leafs' goaltending, Jones once again getting the nod over Hildeby, an update on Samsonov's progress away from the team, whether he should get some AHL run and potential spaces for him to make his NHL return. Afterwards, on Nick Robertson getting scratched and how the Leafs should use him. Finally, NHL Network's Ja...
Jan 09, 2024•50 min
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start the second hour with more on William Nylander's freshly signed extension and the financial advantage of playing in Toronto. They are joined by Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman (7:46), who shares his thoughts on the contract details, the timing of the deal and how it impacts Mitch Marner and John Tavares' future contracts as well as other stars with pending extensions around the league. Then, the man of the hour, William Nylander (25:51) shares his tho...
Jan 08, 2024•50 min
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with their reactions to William Nylander signing an 8-year, $11.5 million AAV extension with the Leafs earlier today, their thoughts on the figure and term, the timing of the deal and the complete no-move clause. Later, a deeper dive into how the extension impacts key contracts looming shortly like Mitch Marner's, why this season's result is crucial for planning next year's cap situation and how Brad Treliving can get the edge ahead of Marner negot...
Jan 08, 2024•50 min
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee are joined by Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch (6:24), who discusses the start to his head coaching career beginning mid-season, what it means to coach a talent like Connor McDavid (again, in his case), and the goaltending issues he's dealt with all year. Afterwards, the guys take your questions via the text-line (590-590)! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the posit...
Jan 05, 2024•49 min
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee begin by previewing Leafs at Sharks this coming weekend - is there any concern that the Leafs will play down to their opponent in San Jose, despite the Sharks sporting one of the worst records in the league? They also discuss Nick Robertson's play, accountability at-large on this Leafs squad, and get into the presence of Michael Nylander in his son's negotiations with the team. Afterwards, Doug MacLean (29:12) stops by for Off The Rails Friday! The views...
Jan 05, 2024•50 min
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee are joined by Stanley Cup Champion and former NHL head coach Craig Berube (6:33), as they discuss what it means exactly to be a head coach in the league. They chat about handing down discipline to different players, how to handle goaltending tandems, and other intricacies of being a coach. Afterwards, the guys chat about other storylines around the league, including Christian Dvorak's season-ending injury and Jason Zucker getting suspended for three game...
Jan 04, 2024•50 min
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee break down the Leafs' 2-1 OT win over the Ducks in the second game of a back-to-back - has Martin Jones changed people's minds on what he is at this stage of his career? How much of it is related to the play of the defence? They discuss Auston Matthews' league-leading 30th goal, the low scoring affair, and the recent play of Bobby McMann. Afterwards, they bring on former New York Rangers goaltender Mike Richter (30:09) to discuss what can be done with a ...
Jan 04, 2024•50 min
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee bring on Sportsnet 650's Jason Brough (5:36), host of Halford and Brough, to discuss the Canucks' stellar season so far - with the team near the top of the NHL standings, how confidence should everyone be about their postseason chances? What has driven their play this season? What - if anything - do the Canucks need to do at the trade deadline...should they be buyers? Afterwards, they chat about the upcoming NHL All-Star Game in Toronto, and the idea tha...
Jan 03, 2024•50 min
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee revisit the William Nylander contract negotiations and make some comparables around the league, including David Pastrnak - is that where the conversation begins and ends for Nylander? Is the next logical step after signing Nylander to a long-term extension approaching Mitch Marner as the 'next guy up'? Afterwards, they break down the Leafs' 3-0 shutout win over the Kings, and bring on Sportsnet's Luke Fox (36:57) from Anaheim where the Leafs take on the ...
Jan 03, 2024•50 min
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee discuss the Winter Classic, a shutout win for the Kraken at T-Mobile Park. To help them break it down, Eddie Olczyk (8:16) joins to chat the Kraken's big win, their season to-date, and the Winter Classic as a whole as both a hockey game and a spectacle for the NHL. Afterwards, they debate the play of Andrei Vasilevskiy, which team is the best in Canada, and discuss what Cole Perfetti said about the recent incident with Ryan Hartman and Kirill Kaprizov. T...
Jan 02, 2024•50 min
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee are back from their holiday break, and discuss Ilya Samsonov getting waived over the past few days. Is it a good thing for Samsonov to be sent down, what would success look like for the beleaguered goaltender in the AHL, and what would it take for the Leafs to call him back up? Plus, they get to the corresponding move that saw the team call up Dennis Hildeby from the Marlies and chat about what it would take for him to see a start on the road trip out we...
Jan 02, 2024•50 min
On the final episode of 2023, Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee continue the holiday special by sharing their favourite Christmas presents from their childhood. They are joined by Doug MacLean (3:16), who thinks back on the hockey holiday seasons and his thoughts on the holiday break in the NHL. Then, David Amber (17:00) gives his take on the time off and evaluates which Canadian team is the best so far. Later, former scout Jason Bukala (30:40) tees up the World Juniors tournament, how t...
Dec 21, 2023•50 min
On the last episode before a break, Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with Gord Stellick (2:57) for some holiday cheer! He also looks at tonight's Leafs' game against the Sabres and Buffalo's bleak season so far. Then, PJ Stock (14:48) gives a player's POV of the holiday season. Afterwards, some thoughts on Samsonov, Keefe losing confidence in him and if the Leafs might consider bringing Matt Murray back into the fold. Later, Sens' analyst Jason York (32:59) reminisces on Christmas...
Dec 21, 2023•50 min
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with some behind-the-scenes on media meals and who boasts the best spread. They are joined by Jets' GM Kevin Cheveldayoff (4:22), who shares how his squad has been able to stay competitive after a drama-filled end to last season, the rewarding returns of the Pierre-Luc Dubois trade and the next steps for in-season improvement. After, a chat about Ehlers' usage and the whole league's need for a right-shot defenceman. Finally, news and notes - rumour...
Dec 20, 2023•50 min
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with the Leafs' 5-2 loss to the Rangers last night, Martin Jones' bad puck luck, reasons to be optimistic despite the result, Bertuzzi's game running out of 'snot,' Domi's inconsistency and the team's inability to draw penalties. Later, Sportsnet's Luke Fox (32:45) joins the show to share some insight into Samsonov's mental state, how the Leafs should employ the netminding tandem before the holiday break and the pressure on Sheldon Keefe. The views...
Dec 20, 2023•50 min
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with Flyers' President of hockey Ops. Keith Jones (4:37), who shares how he has transitioned from media to management, the development plan for Matvei Michkov, working with John Tortorella, the surprising jump from the D-corps and what he would see as a successful result this season. Later, news and notes - how important a coach implementing their personality on a team is in the modern NHL, whether Crosby would ever play outside of Pittsburgh, Calg...
Dec 19, 2023•50 min
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee with their holiday-shopping plans before looking ahead at the Leafs' matchup against the Rangers tonight. They discuss John Tavares, who will be honoured for his 1000th point back in Toronto and they reflect on his Leafs' legacy. Is he a lock for the Hall of Fame? Then, where and how to work Samsonov in. Later, Rangers analyst Steve Valiquette (27:38) tees up tonight's game, Panarin starting to tail off, the non-physical style of play at the top and para...
Dec 19, 2023•50 min
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with more on DJ Smith's dismissal in Ottawa before they are joined by Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman (8:06) for a full breakdown of the events. He delves into the timing, the team's short-term goals with Jacques Martin in the interim role, potential long-term solutions behind the bench and what part the fans played in the decision. Later, news and notes - Sam voices his issues with Pastrňák avoiding a suspension for his charge on Lindgren, the Wild ...
Dec 18, 2023•50 min
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee react to the news out of Ottawa that the Senators will be relieving DJ Smith of his duties, the timing of the news, what Jacques Martin can bring to the team as interim and the Daniel Alfredsson factor. Then, onto the Leafs and their 7-0 beatdown on the Penguins in Dubas' return to Toronto. They get into the contributions of Treliving's signings, Knies' electrifying physical game and the fact that they did it all without Matthews and Brodie. Later, more ...
Dec 18, 2023•50 min
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne start the second hour with Doug MacLean (1:14) for his weekly, Off-the-Rails Friday appearance! Mac weighs in on the Blue Jackets' wild win over the Leafs, Berube's dismissal in St. Louis, Crosby carrying the struggling Penguins and the Jets' miraculous turn-around after last year's mess. Later, news and notes - Jordan Kyrou gets emotional after getting booed on home ice, Stuart Skinner has some refreshing honesty in his post-game presser and the league investigati...
Dec 15, 2023•50 min
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne start with the Leafs' 6-5 overtime loss to the Blue Jackets and the team once again playing down to their opponent. They are joined by Gord Stellick (6:46) to break it down, why the Leafs' start was so flat, whether the lack of regulation points to effort lapses or team resilience and the decision to leave Samsonov in after 5 goals. Then, he shares his thoughts on the Leafs' goalie situation and how they should employ Martin Jones in Woll's absence. Later, they are...
Dec 15, 2023•50 min
Nick Kypreos starts the second hour by sharing his theory for how to fix the Blue Jackets with Justin Bourne and Sam McKee. Former NHL scout Jason Bukala joins them (4:47) to weigh in on the play from Fantilli this season, how Team Canada stacks up with other top units at the World Junior tournament kicking off later this month and surprises in the Calder race. Later, news and notes - Blues fans point the blame at the GM Armstrong, Luongo gets inducted into the Canucks' Ring of Honour and things...
Dec 14, 2023•50 min
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee kick off with a look at tonight's Leafs' game against the lowly Blue Jackets, the team's tendency to let down in these spots, Gregor getting another look on the top line and Keefe trying to limit the team leaders' workloads. Then a look at Easton Cowan and Fraser Minten making Canada's world junior team, how the tandem of Samsonov and Jones will split time and whether the Leafs prefer a blueline rental or a defenceman with term in a trade. Finally, Blue ...
Dec 14, 2023•50 min
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with Craig Berube's dismissal in St. Louis and whether or not it was the right move. Then, some quick takeaways from the first meeting between Connor McDavid and Connor Bedard last night. They are joined by Blues analyst Andy Strickland (7:40), who shares his thoughts on the decision in St. Louis, the team's goals for the rest of this season and what they have in interim coach Drew Bannister. Later, news and notes - Brady Tkachuk boils over after P...
Dec 13, 2023•50 min
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with the Leafs' 7-3 win over the Rangers off a back-to-back, the team's resiliency, Gregor's pay with the top six, Jake McCabe's big hit, whether the Rangers are as good as their record and Matthews looking dominant now that he's playing with urgency. They are joined by Leafs' radio analyst Jim Ralph (29:30), who shares his takeaways from last night's game, the offence starting to come alive, if it's time to run Matthews and Marner together again a...
Dec 13, 2023•50 min
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with a look at tonight's clash between Connor McDavid and Connor Bedard and why it will never live up to rivalries like Ovechkin vs. Crosby. Flames analyst Eric Francis joins the show (3:55) to discuss Chris Tanev's injury last night, how his and Markström's injuries change the team's immediate direction and the future of the team tied to their young contributors. Finally, news and notes - checking in on the dads on the Leafs' dads' road trip, Rant...
Dec 12, 2023•50 min
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with the Leafs' overtime loss to the Islanders, John Tavares reaching 1000 points in dramatic fashion and his reception back on Long Island. They continue with overall impressions of the game - Matthews starting to play with more urgency, a potential shuffle coming to the defensive pairs and a rough one from Samsonov. Finally, Rangers & Isles columnist for The Athletic Arthur Staple (33:18) discusses why Islanders fans are right to keep a grudg...
Dec 12, 2023•50 min
Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne start with a wellness check for Sam McKee after Ohtani's decision and share some Shohei conspiracy theories. They are joined by former NHLer PJ Stock (5:39) who shares his thoughts on the Canadiens' long-term process, the expectations on Slafkovský and the significance of Suzuki to hold the team together. Then, he weighs in on the uptick of hit-from-behind penalties this season, if players aren't protecting themselves well enough and where to draw the line when it ...
Dec 11, 2023•50 min
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with reactions to Shohei Ohtani's decision over the weekend before discussing the Leafs' 4-0 victory over the Predators on Saturday. They get into what was a rare complete effort from the Leafs, Samsonov's strong play coming off his illness and an excellent showing from the fourth line. Then, onto tonight's matchup against the Islanders with Tavares just two points away from hitting the 1000-career-point mark. They are joined by former Islander def...
Dec 11, 2023•50 min
Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee start with perhaps a final look at the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes as his signing feels imminent. They get to the Leafs' win in last night's edition of the Battle of Ontario, starting with Joseph Woll's injury - his fantastic play before going down and the goalie landscape going forward. Then, an evaluation of the D-corps and whether Timmins is ready for NHL game speed. Later, some news and notes - Patrick Kane makes his Red Wings debut, the Flames potenti...
Dec 08, 2023•50 min
