The FAN Pregame - podcast cover

The FAN Pregame

Sportsnetwww.sportsnet.ca
Get ready for tonight's games with Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert as they discuss the stories that matter most to sports fans. Airing live on Sportsnet 590 The FAN weekdays from 6pm-7pm ET.
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Episodes

Hour 1: Leafs Must-Win Meter + Can Matthews Take Over In Game 5?

JD, Blake and Ailish discuss Morgan Rielly’s post-practice comments on Monday about the Leafs learning from past playoff failures, where Game 5 falls on the must-win meter, the scrutiny facing John Tavares, the pressure facing Auston Matthews to put his imprint on this series, and potential lineup changes for Game 5. Later, Ailish presents her daily edition of the A-List (40:48)! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the...

May 10, 202251 min

Hour 4: Toronto-Tampa Parallels w/ Ryan Callahan + Can Campbell Bounce Back?

Dave Andreychuk, Hockey Hall of Famer and current Lightning studio analyst, joins the show to discuss the game-to-game momentum swings in this series, the Leafs' depth contributions, Sheldon Keefe and Jon Cooper tinkering with their respective power plays, and Tampa's increased sense of urgency when coming off a loss. Then, JD, Blake and Ailish weigh in on Keefe’s decision to pull Jack Campbell in the second period and how it might affect his mindset heading into Game 5 (16:49). Ryan Callahan, f...

May 09, 202249 min

Hour 3: Leafs Playoff Ghosts w/ Justin Bourne + Wake and Rake!

Justin Bourne, co-host of Real Kyper and Bourne, joins JD, Blake and Ailish to discuss the Leafs’ disheartening performance in Game 4, Sheldon Keefe’s messaging after the loss, the lingering effects of past playoff failures, how Tampa imposed their will on Sunday night, Auston Matthews’ usage in this series, and John Tavares’ poor fit with William Nylander. Later, JD voices his gripe with the NBA’s injury report and its adverse impact on sports betting markets (25:34). Afterwards, the team assem...

May 09, 202250 min

Hour 2: Jays' Cold Bats, F1's Miami Takeover, and UFC 274 Fallout

JD, Blake and Ailish discuss the Blue Jays’ difficult weekend in Cleveland, Toronto’s sustained offensive woes, Teoscar Hernandez's return to the lineup, concerns about the team’s bullpen depth, and if the Jays can unlock their full potential. Later, the crew chats about the continued proliferation of Formula 1 in North America, this past weekend’s inaugural Miami Grand Prix, the NBA’s anti-climactic second round, and the biggest winners and losers from Saturday night’s UFC 274 card (23:47). The...

May 09, 202249 min

Hour 1: Leafs Game 4 No-Show + Searching For A Killer Instinct

JD recounts his experience attending a wedding reception on Friday night during the Maple Leafs’ Game 3 win over the Lightning. Afterwards, the team discusses the Leafs’ 7-3 blowout loss in Game 4, Sheldon Keefe’s comments about being satisfied with a split in Tampa, Toronto’s lack of a killer instinct, Auston Matthews struggling to find his rhythm in five-on-five situations, and William Nylander’s disappointing Game 4 performance (11:50). Later, Ailish presents her daily edition of the A-List (...

May 09, 202251 min

Hour 4: Bo's Turnaround and Berrios' Inconsistency w/ Dan Shulman

Blue Jays play-by-play voice Dan Shulman checks in from Cleveland to discuss Teoscar Hernandez’s impending return to the lineup, the Jays’ sputtering offence, Bo Bichette breaking out of his early-season funk, and Jose Berrios’ rough outing on Thursday. James Mirtle, senior managing editor and NHL columnist for The Athletic, joins the show to chat about which Leafs players have the most pressure on their shoulders heading into Game 3, Jack Campbell being under the microscope going head-to-head a...

May 06, 202248 min

Hour 3: Can Sheldon Keefe Push The Right Buttons In Game 3? + Wake and Rake!

ESPN NHL reporter Kristen Shilton joins JD, Blake and Ailish to discuss Sheldon Keefe’s looming lineup decisions for Game 3, the potential benefits of reinserting Jason Spezza on the fourth line, and how Toronto might respond to their latest encounter with playoff adversity. Later, the crew tees up the betting lines for tonight’s Blue Jays-Guardians game and the Leafs’ Game 3 showdown against the Lightning. They also assemble their daily Wake and Rake parlay (24:18)! The views and opinions expre...

May 06, 202249 min

Hour 2: Redemptive Marner w/ Sean Avery + Justin Gaethje on UFC 274

Sean Avery, former NHL forward and host of the No Gruffs Given podcast, joins the show to discuss Tampa’s championship mettle, Mitch Marner’s strong start to the series, the Leafs’ lack of discipline in Game 2, how Toronto’s blue line stacks up against the Lightning’s forward group, and potential lineup changes for the Leafs in Game 3. Then, the crew chats about the Blue Jays’ 6-5 loss to the Guardians on Thursday night, George Springer’s omission from the lineup, and Jose Berrios’ poor outing (...

May 06, 202251 min

Hour 1: Leafs Must-Win Scale + Game 3 Pressure Index

JD discusses his Friday night plans and how he intends to watch Game 3 between the Leafs and Lightning while also attending a wedding. Afterwards, the team chats about where Game 3 ranks on the Leafs’ must-win scale and which players are facing the most scrutiny heading into tonight’s game (13:44). Later, Ailish presents her daily edition of the A-List (32:25)! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers...

May 06, 202250 min

Hour 4: Bunting's Impactful Return + Keefe vs. Cooper w/ Rick Tocchet

Colby Armstrong, former NHL forward and current Sportsnet analyst, stops by to chat about Tampa’s resounding performance in Game 2, Alex Kerfoot’s positive impact on both ends of the ice, Michael Bunting’s return to the lineup, and the tight whistle on Wednesday night. Afterwards, Rick Tocchet, former NHL head coach and current NHL on TNT analyst, joins the show to discuss the coaching battle between Sheldon Keefe and Jon Cooper, the Leafs’ effectiveness with their transition game, Tampa’s impro...

May 05, 202250 min

Hour 3: Can John Tavares Find His Mojo In Game 3? w/ Nick Kypreos + Wake and Rake!

Nick Kypreos, former NHL forward and co-host of Real Kyper and Bourne, weighs in on Wayne Simmonds’ undisciplined play in Game 2, the potential of reinserting Jason Spezza into the lineup for Game 3, John Tavares’ lack of involvement offensively and his diminishing footspeed, and Jack Campbell’s jittery presence in the crease on Wednesday. Later, JD, Blake and Ailish tee up the betting lines for tonight’s Blue Jays-Guardians game and assemble their daily Wake and Rake parlay (24:56). The views a...

May 05, 202249 min

Hour 2: Is It Time To Be Concerned About The Jays' Depth? w/ Ben Ennis

Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN Drive Time, joins JD, Blake and Ailish to discuss the Blue Jays’ cold bats, lingering concerns about the team’s lineup depth, Toronto’s need for a quality left-handed bat, the Jays’ reliance on their pitching so far this season, and the modern discourse surrounding officiating in sports. Later, the team chats about their go-to gifts for Mother’s Day and why Cinco de Mayo isn’t widely celebrated in Canada (40:40). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are ...

May 05, 202248 min

Hour 1: Leafs Game 2 Letdown + Tavares-Nylander Conundrum

JD, Blake and Ailish discuss the Maple Leafs’ 5-3 loss to the Lightning in Game 2, Tampa’s improved play after the Leafs’ blowout win in the series opener, John Tavares and William Nylander struggling to find their rhythm, Toronto’s inability to stay out of the penalty box, and Sheldon Keefe’s impending decisions on the fourth line. Later, Ailish presents her daily edition of the A-List - featuring a special birthday shoutout (38:11)! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of...

May 05, 202251 min

Hour 4: Leafs' "Power" Kill w/ Craig Simpson + Ricky Romero on Jays' Quiet Bats

Craig Simpson, former NHL forward, two-time Stanley Cup champion, and current Sportsnet analyst, stops by to discuss the Leafs generating momentum from their penalty kill, Toronto learning from their past playoff shortcomings, and the atmosphere inside Scotiabank Arena during Game 1. Former Blue Jays pitcher Ricky Romero checks in to chat about Toronto’s recent offensive dryspell, Alek Manoah’s dominant start to the season, Bo Bichette starting to find his rhythm at the plate, Nate Pearson’s jou...

May 04, 202249 min

Hour 3: Should Bunting Rejoin The Leafs' Top Line? + Wake and Rake!

Sportsnet’s Luke Fox joins the show to discuss Michael Bunting’s status for Game 2, if he should immediately rejoin the Leafs’ top line, Jason Spezza likely being a healthy scratch for a second straight game, and the Lightning’s power play issues in Game 1. Later, JD, Blake and Ailish tee up the betting lines for tonight’s Leafs-Lightning tilt and the Blue Jays’ series finale against the Yankees. They also assemble their daily Wake and Rake parlay (24:17). The views and opinions expressed in thi...

May 04, 202249 min

Hour 2: Marner's Picasso, Leafs Urgency, and Masai's Murky Messaging

Jeff Marek, host of The Jeff Marek Show and co-host of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, joins JD, Blake and Ailish to discuss how Tampa might respond to adversity, Mitch Marner’s brilliant Game 1 performance, and the Leafs’ effective special teams play. Later, the crew chats about their takeaways from Masai Ujiri’s season-ending press conference, including the lack of clarity regarding the Raptors' path to contention (26:54). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and g...

May 04, 202249 min

Hour 1: Blue Jays' Scuffling Offence + Leafs-Lightning Curiosities

JD, Blake and Ailish discuss the Blue Jays’ 9-1 loss to the Yankees, Alek Manoah delivering another solid outing, the Jays’ mounting offensive woes, Bo Bichette’s recent defensive struggles at shortstop, and the missed calls from the umpiring crew during last night’s seventh inning. Then, the team chats about which storylines they’re most curious about heading into tonight’s Game 2 between the Leafs and Lightning, including Michael Bunting’s potential return, Jason Spezza’s lineup status, and Ta...

May 04, 202251 min

Hour 4: Kampf's Versatility w/ Kris Versteeg + Hall of Famer Chris Chelios

Kris Versteeg, former NHL forward and two-time Stanley Cup champion, discusses the Maple Leafs’ crucial five-minute penalty kill early in Game 1, Alex Kerfoot’s lineup versatility, David Kampf’s importance to the Leafs’ success, and Tampa’s lack of urgency in Game 1. Afterwards, Chris Chelios, Hockey Hall of Famer and current ESPN studio analyst, stops by to chat about his takeaways from the Leafs’ shutout win on Monday, Toronto’s dominant two-way game, and Kyle Clifford's potential punishment f...

May 03, 202250 min

Hour 3: Should Kerfoot Stay On The Leafs' Top Line? + Wake and Rake!

Jennifer Botterill, three-time Olympic Gold Medalist and current Sportsnet analyst, joins the show to discuss the Leafs’ poise in Game 1, Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner starting the post-season on a positive note, Alex Kerfoot’s tenacious disposition and his fit on the Leafs’ top line, Kyle Clifford’s ill-advised hit on Ross Colton, and Toronto's added physical edge. Later, JD, Blake and Ailish tee up the betting lines for tonight’s Blue Jays-Yankees game and assemble their daily Wake and Rake...

May 03, 202248 min

Hour 2: Have The Leafs Found Their Killer Instinct?

JD, Blake and Ailish head to the text line to field comments and questions from listeners! The crew covers several topics including the Leafs’ quest to develop a killer instinct, Tampa’s sluggish performance in Game 1, and Toronto's physicality in the series opener. Afterwards, Blue Jays radio play-by-play voice Ben Wagner stops by to chat about Toronto's 3-2 loss to the Yankees on Monday, Yimi Garcia’s back-to-back rough outings, the early taxation on the Blue Jays’ bullpen, and Hyun-Jin Ryu’s ...

May 03, 202248 min

Hour 1: Leafs Set The Tone + Marner Magic!

JD, Blake and Ailish discuss the Leafs’ resounding 5-0 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 1, the electric atmosphere at Scotiabank Arena, Toronto’s dominant special teams play, David Kampf’s prowess as a penalty killer, Mitch Marner snapping his playoff goalless drought, and the influx of penalties during last night's series opener. Later, Ailish presents her daily edition of the A-List (39:36)! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not n...

May 03, 202252 min

Hour 4: Leafs Optimism w/ Edge + Series X-Factors w/ Justin Bourne

Justin Bourne, co-host of Real Kyper and Bourne, joins JD, Blake and Ailish to discuss his confidence level in Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner heading into the playoffs, Sheldon Keefe’s decision to omit Jason Spezza from the fourth line, Keefe’s job security, Jack Campbell’s importance to the Leafs’ chances of unseating the Lightning, and Toronto’s blue line depth. WWE superstar Edge stops by to chat about his excitement for the playoffs, why he’s confident the Leafs’ depth stacks up well again...

May 02, 202249 min

Hour 3: Matthews and Marner Pressure w/ Steve Dangle + Wake and Rake!

Steve Dangle, co-host of The Steve Dangle Podcast, joins the show to discuss his level of optimism heading into the playoffs, Jack Campbell’s strong form since returning from injury, Mitch Marner’s evolution as a goal scorer, and the pressure facing Marner and Auston Matthews this post-season. Later, JD, Blake and Ailish tee up the betting lines for tonight’s Leafs-Lightning game and Blue Jays-Yankees series opener. They also assemble their daily Wake and Rake parlay (25:44). The views and opini...

May 02, 202249 min

Hour 2: Bo's Early Woes and Gausman's Devastating Splitter w/ Jeff Blair

Dave Randorf, play-by-play announcer for the Tampa Bay Lightning, joins the show to discuss the Lightning’s quest for a three-peat, their stretches of inconsistency during the regular season, and Andrei Vasilevskiy’s impressive post-season resume. Jeff Blair, co-host of Blair and Barker, stops by to chat about the Jays’ encouraging results in April, Kevin Gausman’s dominant splitter and his prolific start to the season, and Bo Bichette’s early struggles at the plate (25:46). The views and opinio...

May 02, 202250 min

Hour 1: Are The Leafs Ready To Overcome Their Playoff Demons?

JD, Blake and Ailish discuss the short turnaround between the end of the regular season and the start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Sheldon Keefe’s pre-series comments about Tampa’s physicality, the gamesmanship between Keefe and Jon Cooper, and the pressure facing Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner to deliver this post-season. Afterwards, JD discusses his experience watching Kevin Gausman dominate the Astros at Rogers Centre on Sunday (26:22). Later, Ailish presents her daily edition of the A-List...

May 02, 202251 min

Hour 4: Tampa or Boston? Who Is The Leafs' Ideal First Round Opponent?

Howard Beck, senior NBA writer for Sports Illustrated and co-host of The Crossover NBA Show, weighs in on the Raptors’ unique team-building philosophy, the need to have a superstar-calibre player in order to compete for a championship, and how the 76ers match up against the Heat in their second round playoff series. Later, JD, Blake and Ailish discuss Sheldon Keefe’s decision to rest Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and Jack Campbell for tonight’s regular season finale and whether Tampa or Boston p...

Apr 29, 202248 min

Hour 3: How Close Are The Raptors To Being Contenders? + Wake and Rake!

Sportsnet's Michael Grange checks in to discuss the Raptors’ reasons for optimism heading into the off-season, Scottie Barnes’ emergence as a potential franchise cornerstone, Gary Trent Jr.’s future as he heads into a contract year, and the Raptors being in the early stages of their competitive window. Later, the JD, Blake and Ailish tee up the betting lines for tonight’s Leafs-Bruins regular season finale and Blue Jays-Astros game. They also assemble their daily Wake and Rake parlay (23:46). Th...

Apr 29, 202249 min

Hour 2: Raptors Off-Season Snapshot w/ Bobby Marks

Bobby Marks, former NBA executive and current front office insider for ESPN, joins the show to discuss the Raptors’ playoff exit at the hands of the 76ers, Pascal Siakam elevating his game to an All-NBA level this season, Toronto’s need to reinforce their backcourt this off-season, the team’s big gap to championship contention, and Chris Boucher’s potential market in free agency. Later, JD, Blake and Ailish chat about their experience attending yesterday’s Blue Jays-Red Sox game at Rogers Centre...

Apr 29, 202250 min

Hour 1: Raptors' Game 6 Meltdown + Post-Elimination Reflections

JD, Blake and Ailish discuss the Raptors being eliminated by the 76ers, the team’s second half meltdown in Game 6, the totality of the Raptors’ growth this season, how Toronto takes the next step towards championship contention, and the Sixers finding their rhythm after two dejecting losses in Games 4 and 5. Later, Ailish presents her daily edition of the A-List (38:33)! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position...

Apr 29, 202251 min

Hour 4: The Raptors' Comeback Blueprint w/ Dwane Casey

Justin Bourne, co-host of Real Kyper and Bourne, stops by to discuss the results of the NHLPA’s annual players’ poll, the Leafs’ optimal blue line pairings for the playoffs, and lingering lineup decisions in the team’s bottom six. Dwane Casey, former Raptors head coach and current Detroit Pistons bench boss, joins the show to discuss how the Raptors’ size and length has disrupted Joel Embiid, the challenge of closing out a playoff series, OG Anunoby’s development, the Raptors’ biggest matchup ad...

Apr 28, 202249 min
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