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 2: Making Sense of the Raptors' Slump

JD, Blake and Justin get into the Raptors' recent struggles as the losses continue to mount without key players available. They break down the shooting slump by Gary Trent Jr., the ability of Pascal Siakam to elevate the play of those around him, and the still-terrific season by rookie Scottie Barnes (1:03). Afterwards, the trio discusses UFC 272, manufactured drama between Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal, and the lack of stars in the UFC lineup (38:50). The views and opinions expressed in th...

Mar 07, 202250 min

Hour 1: What's the Leafs' Biggest Area of Need?

JD, Blake and Justin recap the weekend of sports and kick things off by discussing the struggles of Jack Campbell in another high-scoring affair - this time with the Vancouver Canucks - and how Leafs' defence is struggling without Jake Muzzin (7:55). They also get into the goaltending market ahead of the trade deadline, and discuss what Kyle Dubas' priority will have to be in a few weeks (23:10). Plus, the A-List (44:36)! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts an...

Mar 07, 202250 min

Hour 4: Evolution of Leafs' Coverage w/ Ron MacLean + Ariel Helwani on UFC 272

Ron MacLean joins the show to talk about the Leafs' tough night against the Sabres, how the team is covered, why Sheldon Keefe might be trying different looks, the pressure of playing goaltender, and Rogers Hometown Hockey heading back on the road (0:28). Afterwards, Ariel Helwani and JD trade their usual barbs, then he rips into the promotion of UFC 272's Covington vs. Masvidal battle, and what the future holds for both fighters (25:37). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are thos...

Mar 04, 202249 min

Hour 3: Are Media & Fans More Forgiving of the Raptors than the Leafs? + Wake and Rake

Amy Audibert stops by to chat about another win over the Raptors by Dwane Casey and the Pistons, Pascal Siakam's struggles since the All-Star break, if there's any cause for concern, and what she's liked from Precious Achiuwa’s game (0:43). Next, JD, Blake and Justin discuss how the Leafs and Raptors are covered, and whether the Raps get more leeway when struggling (15:11). Afterwards, the morning team puts together their daily Wake and Rake parlay with Coolbet's Kris Abbott (25:00). The views a...

Mar 04, 202247 min

Hour 2: Leafs Goaltending Deep Dive + Colby Covington on His Feud w/ Jorge Masvidal

JD, Blake and Justin dig in on the Leafs and take a deep dive into the current goaltending struggles, and whether Campbell or Mrazek will win the job (0:25). Then they discuss Sheldon Keefe’s candor in post-game interviews, how it’s different compared to other coaches, and wonder how much he is to blame for the team’s defensive issues (11:28). Next, #1 Welterweight contender Colby Covington joins the show ahead of his headlining bout versus Jorge Masvidal at UFC 272 (26:10). Finally, the morning...

Mar 04, 202249 min

Hour 1: Revisiting Dwane Casey's Raptors Departure + 2021 NBA Re-Draft

JD, Blake and Justin chat about the Raptors falling again to to Dwane Casey and the Pistons, evaluate why can’t Nick Nurse beat Casey and how much it bothers him, and the Raptors' comeback in the 4th, before looking back at Casey’s dismissal in Toronto, evaluating his performance as Pistons coach and his future (2:03). Then they discuss whether there's anything to Pascal Siakam’s struggles post All-Star break, and with Scottie Barnes lining up against Cade Cunningham, Jalen Suggs, and Evan Moble...

Mar 04, 202249 min

Hour 4: Managing Lulls w/ Kris Versteeg + Malachi Flynn Seizing the Opportunity

Kris Versteeg joins the show to discus what it’s like the day after getting torched, trade deadline anxieties as a player, the Leafs handling of Nick Robertson, how Rasmus Sandin has been dealing with pressure in Toronto, playing both the left and right side on defence, how Sandin impressed him with his post game comments following a tough game, and what impresses him most about Michael Bunting (0:35). Then Alvin Williams comments on the Raptors' matchup with Dwane Casey and the Pistons, Malachi...

Mar 03, 202249 min

Hour 3: Leafs Red Flags w/ Nick Kypreos + Wake and Rake

Nick Kypreos phones in to talk about whether this is the worst Leafs loss of the season, defensive issues that Sheldon Keefe needs to clean up, why a Sandin-Rielly pairing can't work, the continued struggles of the Tavares-Nylander line, and why the team's use of Nick Robertson is not helping increase his trade value (1:06). Afterwards, Blake and Justin go over last night's bets and assemble their daily Wake and Rake parlay (26:37). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of t...

Mar 03, 202249 min

Hour 2: Key Numbers and Dates in MLB CBA Talks w/ Jon Morosi

Jon Morosi stops by to give his take on MLB's labour situation, how different this stoppage is compared to the 1994 stoppage, why it's important to get a deal done before Jackie Robinson day April 15 (the 75th anniversary of his debut), Mike Trout's comments on the lockout, and reasons for optimism (0:49). Next, CBS Sports' James Herbert weighs in on James Harden's play since being traded to Philadelphia, who the MVP favourite should be right now, Kevin Durant’s return to the Nets who have slid ...

Mar 03, 202249 min

Hour 1: Dissecting a Listless Loss to the Sabres

Blake and Justin recap the Leafs' 5-1 loss to the Sabres Wednesday night, and discuss Toronto getting booed off the ice in their first game in front of fans in 81 days, the team's defensive issues, the blue line pairings and struggles of Sandin-Rielly, Petr Mrazek's tough night in net, if the goaltender stared down Rasmus Sandin, if Jack Campbell gets the start Saturday, and John Tavares' goalless streak hitting 14 games (1:04). Later, it's the A-List which includes: can the Kraken salvage their...

Mar 03, 202249 min

Hour 4: Jordan Romano on Cancelled Games, CBA Limbo, and Long-Term Lockout Impact

Ben Ennis joins the show to discuss the animosity between MLB and the MLPBA, the challenge of getting small market owners to sign off on a new CBA, and why this lockout is especially unnerving for Blue Jays fans (0:26). To wrap, Jordan Romano weighs in on MLB cancelling games, being stuck in limbo waiting for a resolution, and the potential long-term impact of these contentious negotiations on the future of baseball (29:00). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts...

Mar 02, 202248 min

Hour 3: Overrated and Underrated Leafs Storylines w/ David Amber + Wake and Rake

David Amber stops by to dive into the biggest questions surrounding the Leafs with a special segment of "overrated or underrated", and also weighs in on Alex Ovechkin being thrust into the spotlight given his longtime support of Vladimir Putin (0:27). Afterwards, the morning team tees up the betting odds for tonight's Leafs-Sabres game, and assembles their daily Wake and Rake parlay (25:35). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily...

Mar 02, 202247 min

Hour 2: Manfred's CBA Debacle + Dragić Boo Birds

Ben Nicholson-Smith joins the morning show to discuss Rob Manfred announcing the cancellation of regular season games after yesterday's failed CBA talks, the false optimism that was conveyed in the 24 hours leading up to Tuesday's deadline, how the lockout is affecting the Blue Jays, and when the PA and league may reconvene to resume negotiations (1:42). Later, the morning crew chats about the Raptors' thrilling win over the Nets, the return of full capacity crowds at Scotiabank Arena, Goran Dra...

Mar 02, 202250 min

Hour 1: MLB Lockout Vent Session

JD, Blake and Justin discuss MLB and the MLBPA failing to strike a deal on a new CBA before yesterday's 5pm deadline, Commissioner Rob Manfred's comments in wake of the stalled negotiations, and the residual effects on fan support in baseball (0:50). Later, it's an abbreviated version of the A-List (45:40). The views and opinions 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 02, 202252 min

Hour 4: Leafs Blue Line Shuffle w/ Craig Simpson

Craig Simpson joins the show to talk about what it's like working with Justin's dad, Chris Cuthbert, John Tavares' performance on Monday, the Leafs' response to Tom Wilson's altercation with Tavares, Sheldon Keefe shuffling his blue line pairings, and the need to add more depth on the back end before the trade deadline (0:18). To wrap, the morning team heads to the text line to field more comments and questions from listeners (26:26). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of...

Mar 01, 202248 min

Hour 3: Do the Leafs Have a Starting Goaltender? + Wake and Rake

Steve Valiquette joins the show to weigh in on the Leafs' goaltending situation, Jack Campbell's unprecedented regression over the past two months, stylistic concerns about Campbell and Petr Mrazek, and if the Leafs should entertain pursuing a goalie on the trade market (0:38). Later, the crew chats about their bets from last night, handicap the betting odds for today's MLB-MLBPA CBA talks, and assemble their daily Wake and Rake parlay (28:22). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast ar...

Mar 01, 202247 min

Hour 2: Does Malachi Flynn Deserve More Run? + Evaluating Scottie's Development

The morning crew weighs in on the Raptors' blowout win over the Nets on Monday night, Scottie Barnes' career-best performance, and Malachi Flynn getting a start in the absence of Fred VanVleet (0:40). Later, JD, Blake and Justin head to the text line to answer questions from listeners (36:04). The views and opinions 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 01, 202249 min

Hour 1: Is John Tavares on the Verge of Breaking Out?

JD, Blake and Justin discuss MLB and the MLBPA inching closer towards a new CBA after a marathon day of negotiations on Monday, John Tavares showing signs of breaking out of his slump, Justin Holl's strong performance on the blue line, and Petr Mrazek potentially earning extended looks as the Leafs' primary goaltender (1:14). Later, it's a short A-List (47:18). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers...

Mar 01, 202253 min

Hour 4: Breaking Down the Leafs' Goaltending Issues w/ Kevin Woodley

Justin Bourne joins the show to chat about Sheldon Keefe's decision to start Jack Campbell on Saturday night, Timothy Liljegren inheriting an expanded role on the Leafs' banged up blue line, finding the ideal D-partner for Morgan Rielly, John Tavares' prolonged slump, and the potential acquisition cost of a defenceman (1:00). To wrap, Kevin Woodley comments on Jack Campbell's regression over the pas couple of months, his confidence issues, and Petr Mrazek's chances of usurping Campbell down the ...

Feb 28, 202248 min

Hour 3: Wayne Gretzky on Matthews, Marner, and Russia

Wayne Gretzky joins the show to weigh in on the Leafs' 10-7 win over the Red Wings, how Sheldon Keefe might handle things after that wild outing, his impression of the Leafs' top line, the team's search for playoff success, Toronto's goaltending situation, where he sees Auston Matthews in the Hart Trophy race, John Tavares' struggles, his feeling that Mitch Marner will be able to maintain his level of play in the postseason, and the IIHF's response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine (5:36). Afterwa...

Feb 28, 202250 min

Hour 2: Raptors All-Star Hangover + Is Baseball Alienating Fans?

JD, Blake and Justin discuss the Raptors' back-to-back losses coming out of the All-Star break, the battle for playoff positioning in the East, Thaddeus Young's increased involvement over the weekend and concerns over Khem Birch's lineup fit (0:53). Later, Ben Nicholson-Smith chats about whether a new CBA will be reached between MLB/MLBPA before today's league-imposed deadline, the biggest areas of concern between the two sides, and if baseball is at risk of alienating fans (29:38). The views an...

Feb 28, 202248 min

Hour 1: Leafs Goaltending Crisis and Reshaping the Blue Line

JD and Blake host alongside Justin Cuthbert. The team chats about the Leafs' wild 10-7 win over the Red Wings Saturday, Sheldon Keefe's handling of the team's goaltending situation, Jack Campbell's prolonged slump, and the pressure facing Kyle Dubas to supplement his depleted blue line (1:24). Later, it's the A-list sans Ailish which includes: Kris Abbott's success in Vegas, the Carabao Cup final, and the Canadian senior men's national basketball team's 4-0 record thus far in FIBA World Cup qual...

Feb 28, 202251 min

Hour 4: GOAT Status w/ Marie-Philip Poulin

Marie-Philip Poulin joins the show to discuss what it was like competing in Beijing without fans or family present, her knack for coming up clutch in big moments, the special dynamic of this year's Olympic team, the program's four-year quest for redemption after losing to Team USA in 2018, and the state of women's hockey in Canada (0:27). Afterwards, Jim Bowden stops by to chat about the ongoing negotiations between MLB and the MLBPA, why the Blue Jays are primed for championship contention, and...

Feb 25, 202249 min

Hour 3: Campbell-Mrázek Dynamic w/ Luke Fox + Wake and Rake

Luke Fox phones in to chat about Auston Matthews' candidacy for the Hart Trophy, his continued growth as a two-way player, and Sheldon Keefe adopting a hot hand approach with his goaltenders (0:45). Later, Pat Gregoire stops by to tee up the betting lines for tonight's Raptors-Hornets matchup, and the crew assembles their daily Wake and Rake parlay (25:05). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Spo...

Feb 25, 202249 min

Hour 2: Jorge Masvidal Sounds off on Rivalry w/ Colby Covington

Jorge Masvidal joins the show to chat about his upcoming fight against Colby Covington at UFC 272, and how his relationship with Covington has spiraled from friends to foes (1:52). Later, the team discusses the Raptors' return from the All-Star Break, and the most intriguing storylines for the second half of the season (33:20). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affilia...

Feb 25, 202247 min

Hour 1: The Hart of Matthews' Success

JD, Blake and Ailish discuss Auston Matthews' dominant performance against the Wild on Thursday, his case for the Hart Trophy, and which goaltender should get the start Saturday vs. Detroit (4:30). To wrap, it's Ailish's A-List which includes: Bronny James' impressive NIL deal, Alek Manoah's Twitter feud, and more (32:32). The views and opinions 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....

Feb 25, 202250 min

Hour 4: Leafs Concerns and Deadline Fits w/ James Mirtle + NBA Second Half Storylines

James Mirtle joins the show to comment on the Leafs' goaltending situation, the holes on the blueline, Jack Campbell's contract, Rasmus Sandin being thrust into a bigger role, and potential deadline fits (0:26). Afterwards, the group looks at NBA storylines for the second half of the season (36:00). 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 affiliate.

Feb 24, 202249 min

Hour 3: Toronto Goaltending Pressure Cooker w/ Andrew Raycroft + Wake and Rake

Andrew Raycroft phones in to discuss Jack Campbell's recent struggles, his personal experience dealing with media scrutiny during his tenure in Toronto, the value of goaltending in today's NHL, and teams investing goaltending tandems (0:34). Afterwards, the team tees up the betting lines for Leafs-Wild and they assemble their daily Wake and Rake parlay (30:33). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers...

Feb 24, 202249 min

Hour 2: Canada Leaves No Doubt w/ Natalie Spooner

Jeff Marek joins the show to discuss Jake Muzzin heading to LTIR, the Leafs being up against the cap, whether the salary cap is healthy for the NHL, and the fickle nature of evaluating goaltending in the league (0:31). Later, Natalie Spooner stops by to discuss the gold medal celebrations in Beijing, her viral pre-game quote before the gold medal final against Team USA, and the group's commitment to redemption after coming away with silver in 2018 (26:33). The views and opinions expressed in thi...

Feb 24, 202248 min

Hour 1: Mid-Season Raptors "Blake Bag"

JD, Blake and Ailish indulges in a special edition of the "Blake Bag", responding to listener questions about the Raptors, which include whether the org. should've signed or could use the buyout market to sign a traditional centre, and the team's philosophical approach on where they are in their winning cycle (7:10). Afterwards, it's Ailish's A-List which takes a look at the number two-Kevin Fiala connection, and more (37:36). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hos...

Feb 24, 202251 min
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