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 rig...
Apr 08, 2024•50 min
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...
Apr 04, 2024•50 min
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 game...
Apr 04, 2024•50 min
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 a...
Apr 03, 2024•50 min
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 returnin...
Apr 03, 2024•50 min
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 poi...
Apr 02, 2024•50 min
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...
Apr 02, 2024•50 min
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 surpa...
Apr 01, 2024•50 min
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 ana...
Apr 01, 2024•50 min
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 an...
Mar 29, 2024•50 min
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...
Mar 29, 2024•50 min
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 leav...
Mar 27, 2024•50 min
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 Tam...
Mar 27, 2024•50 min
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 w...
Mar 26, 2024•50 min
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...
Mar 26, 2024•50 min
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 ...
Mar 25, 2024•50 min
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 deepe...
Mar 25, 2024•50 min
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 Isla...
Mar 22, 2024•50 min
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, conce...
Mar 22, 2024•50 min
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 ...
Mar 21, 2024•50 min
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...
Mar 21, 2024•50 min
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...
Mar 20, 2024•50 min
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 ...
Mar 20, 2024•50 min
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. Final...
Mar 19, 2024•50 min
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 Har...
Mar 19, 2024•49 min
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...
Mar 18, 2024•50 min
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 hel...
Mar 18, 2024•50 min
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 podca...
Mar 15, 2024•50 min
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 d...
Mar 15, 2024•50 min
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...
Mar 14, 2024•49 min