Ben Nicholson-Smith, MLB editor for Sportsnet and co-host of the At The Letters podcast, joins JD, Blake and Ailish to discuss the Blue Jays’ early-season offensive woes, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s recent dip in extra-base hits, Teoscar Hernandez’s struggles since returning to the lineup, Juan Soto’s trade value around baseball, and the absence of swing-and-miss ability in the Jays’ bullpen. Afterwards, Sam McKee, co-host of The Golf Show, stops by to offer his favourite bets for this weekend’s PGA...
May 19, 2022•49 min
JD, Blake and Ailish discuss the Flames’ 9-6 win over the Oilers in Game 1 of their much-anticipated second round series, the lack of defensive structure from both teams, and the overall sloppiness in the game. Joe House, host of The Ringer's Fairway Rollin’ podcast, joins the show to chat about the PGA Championship, Tiger Woods’ chances this week at Southern Hills, Phil Mickelson’s continued absence from the Tour and his tarnished reputation, Jordan Spieth’s quest for the career grand slam, and...
May 19, 2022•48 min
JD, Blake and Ailish discuss ESPN’s Buster Olney reporting that the Blue Jays might be interested in trading for Juan Soto, the organization’s continued desire to supplement their lineup with a quality left-handed bat, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s lack of meaningful production despite his career-best 15-game hit streak. Later, Ailish presents her daily edition of the A-List (31:47)! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect t...
May 19, 2022•52 min
Justin Bourne, co-host of Real Kyper and Bourne, joins JD, Blake and Ailish for the hour to discuss the disconnect between the Leafs’ front office and the fan base, the sense of apathy that was displayed by Brendan Shanahan and Kyle Dubas during yesterday’s season-ending press conference, and the notion that this year’s playoff exit was “different.” Later, the crew weighs in on how Dubas should approach this off-season and what realistic changes can be made to the roster (38:12). The views and o...
May 18, 2022•50 min
Caleb Joseph, former MLB catcher and current Blue Jays radio analyst, joins JD, Blake and Ailish to discuss Jose Berrios’ effective use of his two-seam fastball on Tuesday night, the unique deception on his pitches, Alejandro Kirk’s improvement as a game-caller behind the dish, Yusei Kikuchi’s refined arsenal, and how Pete Walker’s work with Robbie Ray has influenced Kikuchi’s growth this season. Later, the team tees up the betting lines for tonight’s Blue Jays-Mariners series finale and assembl...
May 18, 2022•49 min
JD, Blake and Ailish weigh in on the Blue Jays’ 3-0 shutout win over the Mariners on Tuesday, Jose Berrios notching his best outing of the season, Alejandro Kirk’s improved skill set behind the plate, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s current home run drought. Sean McIndoe, senior NHL writer for The Athletic and founder of Down Goes Brown, joins the show to discuss his cathartic post-mortem piece on the Leafs’ season, the consternation among Leaf fans regarding Brendan Shanahan and Kyle Dubas’ season-...
May 18, 2022•49 min
JD, Blake and Ailish discuss their takeaways from the Maple Leafs’ season-ending exit interviews, the messaging from Brendan Shanahan and Kyle Dubas, and the prevailing sentiment about how the team will navigate this off-season. Later, Ailish presents her daily edition of the A-List (32:46)! 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.
May 18, 2022•52 min
Steve Dangle, hockey YouTuber and host of The Steve Dangle Podcast, joins JD, Blake and Ailish to share his thoughts on if the Leafs should run it back next season, William Nylander being a possible trade chip this summer, Jack Campbell’s free agency situation, and whether Kyle Dubas will alter his roster-building philosophy. Later, the team heads back to the text line to field more comments from listeners (24:36). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guest...
May 17, 2022•50 min
Jake Arrieta, former Cy Young Award winner, 2016 World Series champion, and co-host of the Starting 9 podcast, joins the show to discuss his foray into the media world, his experience being teammates with Kevin Gausman in Baltimore and his emergence as an ace, the characteristics that make a great pitching coach, and why he’s confident the Blue Jays will be firmly entrenched in the AL playoff picture. Later, JD, Blake and Ailish tee up the betting lines for tonight’s Blue Jays-Mariners game and ...
May 17, 2022•48 min
Sportsnet hockey reporter Luke Fox stops by to discuss his biggest curiosities heading into today’s Maple Leafs season-ending media availabilities, questions about the team’s roster construction, Kyle Dubas’ loyalty to Sheldon Keefe, and why this organization should be judged on the basis of competing for a championship and not simply winning a playoff round. Later, JD, Blake and Ailish head to the text line to field comments and questions from listeners (24:52). The views and opinions expressed...
May 17, 2022•49 min
JD, Blake and Ailish discuss the Blue Jays’ 6-2 win over the Mariners on Monday, Yusei Kikuchi delivering another effective start, Pete Walker’s influence on Kikuchi’s improved mechanics, and the Blue Jays’ injury-plagued bullpen. Afterwards, with the help of some truth serum, the team chats about what questions they would like to have answered during today's Maple Leafs exit interviews. (27:48). Later, Ailish presents her daily edition of the A-List (41:55)! The views and opinions expressed in ...
May 17, 2022•52 min
Elliotte Friedman, NHL Insider for Sportsnet and co-host of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, joins JD, Blake and Ailish to discuss the consternation among Leaf fans following another first round playoff exit, John Tavares' role heading into next season, the possibility of Mitch Marner moving over to the centre position, the likelihood of Kyle Dubas returning as GM for at least one more year, Justin Holl being a likely trade candidate this summer, and Jack Campbell's impending free agent negotiations. A...
May 16, 2022•48 min
Nick Kypreos, former NHL forward and co-host of Real Kyper and Bourne, joins JD, Blake and Ailish to discuss the Maple Leafs' improved style of play this post-season, the lingering holes in their lineup, the team's confounding cap situation, if Toronto should run it back, Nick Paul's emergence as a difference-maker for Tampa, Sheldon Keefe's job security, and the pressure facing the Leafs' front office to find playoff success with only two years remaining on Auston Matthews' existing contract. A...
May 16, 2022•50 min
JD, Blake and Ailish share their positive takeaways from the Leafs’ first round series, including Jack Campbell’s strong play, Mitch Marner exorcising his past playoff demons, and Jason Spezza’s leadership. Afterwards, the team dives into their negative observations, ranging from the Leafs’ inconsistent depth contributions to John Tavares’ revolving door of linemates (19:29). Later, the crew chats about the Blue Jays dropping two of three against Tampa and the team’s ongoing offensive struggles....
May 16, 2022•50 min
JD, Blake and Ailish discuss the Maple Leafs’ Game 7 loss against Tampa, whether the Leafs should run it back next season, Sheldon Keefe’s future and the merits of a possible coaching change, and Kyle Dubas’ job security. Later, Ailish presents her daily edition of the A-List (40:59)! 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.
May 16, 2022•51 min
James Mirtle, NHL scribe for The Athletic, weighs in on John Tavares’ body language after last night’s overtime loss, the potential fallout if the Leafs lose Game 7, Toronto’s tortured history of failing to close out a playoff series, and whether Saturday night’s game will determine the fate of Sheldon Keefe and Kyle Dubas. Afterwards, JD, Blake and Ailish head to the text line to gauge the temperature of Leafs Nation ahead of Game 7 (23:38). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are ...
May 13, 2022•47 min
Anthony Stewart, former NHL forward and current Sportsnet analyst, joins the show to discuss Alex Kerfoot coming under siege after his shaky performance in Game 6, why the Leafs should be optimistic about their chances in Game 7, Jack Campbell’s strong body of work in this series, and Jason Spezza adopting a key leadership role on this team. Later, JD and Blake set the betting lines for Ailish’s participation in a charity hockey tournament this weekend. The team also tees up the odds for tonight...
May 13, 2022•50 min
Frank Seravalli, NHL Insider and President of Hockey Content for DailyFaceoff.com, joins JD, Blake and Ailish to discuss how the Leafs' performance in this series has changed peoples' perception about the team's core group, what a potential Game 7 loss would mean for Toronto's off-season, and Auston Matthews being a finalist for the Hart Trophy. Later, Jackie Redmond, studio host for NHL Network and rinkside reporter for the NHL on TNT, stops by to chat about why she's confident that the Leafs c...
May 13, 2022•49 min
JD, Blake and Ailish discuss the Maple Leafs’ 4-3 overtime loss to the Lightning in Game 6, the Leafs’ strong response after falling behind 2-0, Toronto’s psyche heading into Game 7, the emotional roller-coaster that comes with being a Leafs fan, and the officiating in last night’s game. Later, Ailish presents her daily edition of the A-List, including Joel Embiid’s criticism of James Harden following the 76ers’ elimination from the playoffs (39:02) The views and opinions expressed in this podca...
May 13, 2022•53 min
Craig Simpson, former NHL forward, two-time Stanley Cup champion, and current Sportsnet analyst, shares his thoughts on whether the Leafs can finally get over the hump, how killer instinct actually manifests itself in a playoff game, William Nylander’s turnaround in this series, and how Tampa’s championship pedigree might impact Game 6. Later, Dan Shulman, voice of the Blue Jays, stops by to chat about Jose Berrios’ outing against the Yankees on Wednesday, Toronto’s scuffling offence, Vladimir G...
May 12, 2022•48 min
Former Maple Leafs forward Steve Thomas joins the show to discuss Toronto's depth contributions against Tampa, John Tavares getting off the schneid in Game 5, Jason Spezza’s leadership, and why Game 6 might be the Leafs’ best opportunity to close out this series. Later, JD, Blake and Ailish tee up the betting lines for tonight’s Leafs-Lightning game and assemble their daily Wake and Rake parlay (26:44). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not...
May 12, 2022•51 min
Jeff Marek, host of The Jeff Marek Show and co-host of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, joins JD, Blake and Ailish to discuss Jack Campbell battling through adversity in Game 5, Victor Hedman asserting himself as the best defenceman in the NHL, and this series being an audit on the Leafs’ vision and approach. Afterwards, on the heels of CM Punk sporting a John Tavares jersey on Long Island last night, the team breaks into a spirited debate about which sports jersey would generate the biggest heel react...
May 12, 2022•49 min
JD, Blake and Ailish weigh in on the Blue Jays dropping back-to-back games in the Bronx, the team’s continued struggles at the plate, and Jose Berrios’ inconsistency on the mound. Afterwards, the crew discusses if the Leafs can activate their killer instinct in Game 6, where tonight’s game falls on the must-win scale, and the importance of having a good start. Later, Ailish presents her daily edition of the A-List (37:52)! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts a...
May 12, 2022•50 min
Kris Versteeg, former NHL forward and two-time Stanley Cup champion, joins JD, Blake and Ailish to discuss William Nylander emerging as an offensive catalyst for the Leafs in Game 5, Justin Holl's gritty performance on the blue line, Toronto's susceptibility to slow starts, and Mitch Marner's ability to take over games with his skill and IQ. Later, the team chats about Jon Cooper’s comments following Game 5 and his unwillingness to give the Leafs any credit in this series (34:00). The views and ...
May 11, 2022•49 min
Nick Kypreos, co-host of Real Kyper and Bourne, joins JD, Blake and Ailish to discuss the Leafs’ sluggish start in Game 5, John Tavares finding success in the dirty areas, Jack Campbell’s resiliency, Auston Matthews’ elevated physicality, and if the Leafs have finally located their killer instinct. Later, the team tees up the betting odds for this afternoon’s Blue Jays-Yankees game and assemble their daily Wake and Rake parlay (23:52). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those o...
May 11, 2022•48 min
Jennifer Botterill, three-time Olympic gold medalist and current Sportsnet analyst, joins JD, Blake and Ailish to discuss Jason Spezza’s leadership and the cache he carries in the Maple Leafs’ locker room, John Tavares’ productive night, and the biggest keys for Game 6 in Tampa. Then, the team weighs in on Jordan Romano’s ninth-inning meltdown on Tuesday, his recent dip in velocity, and how the Blue Jays should manage his workload (17:37). Later, the crew chimes in on Yusei Kikuchi’s positive ou...
May 11, 2022•49 min
Ailish discusses her experience attending the Maple Leafs’ Game 5 win at Scotiabank Arena last night. Afterwards, the team chats about Toronto’s epic comeback, Jason Spezza rallying his teammates after a flat first period, the Leafs’ "core 4" all contributing in the win, Jack Campbell elevating his game, and Justin Holl’s strong performance in Game 5. Later, Ailish presents her daily edition of the A-List (36:37)! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests...
May 11, 2022•52 min
Aaron Ward, former NHL defenceman and two-time Stanley Cup champion, joins JD, Blake and Ailish to discuss Tampa’s resounding response after their Game 3 letdown, the pressure on Jack Campbell to bounce back in Game 5, the Jekyll and Hyde of Toronto’s blue line, and whether Sheldon Keefe should remove Justin Holl from the lineup on Tuesday night. Later, the team weighs in on Tom Brady signing with FOX to become a lead NFL analyst after his playing career ends. The crew also fields more texts fro...
May 10, 2022•50 min
John Buccigross, NHL play-by-play announcer and studio host for ESPN, joins the show to discuss John Tavares’ struggles so far against Tampa, the pressure on Auston Matthews to elevate his game, the Lightning's championship acumen, and the value of having a type-A personality in the dressing room. Afterwards, JD, Blake and Ailish sift through some more texts from listeners. Later, the team tees up the betting lines for tonight’s Blue Jays-Yankees matchup and Game 5 between the Leafs and Lightnin...
May 10, 2022•49 min
Luke Fox, NHL scribe for Sportsnet, joins JD, Blake and Ailish to discuss the Maple Leafs’ possible lineup adjustments for Game 5, the importance of last change in terms of setting matchups, Toronto’s lack of killer instinct in Game 4, and the versatility of Tampa’s Point-Killorn-Cirelli line. Afterwards, the crew chats about the Raptors’ reported interest in Rudy Gobert and if he’d be a good fit in Toronto (17:11). Later, the team heads to the text line to field comments and questions from list...
May 10, 2022•49 min
