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

Coaching Still Matters, Just Ask The Oilers

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick off “Marek Monday” by considering whether this could be McDavid’s last chance to win a Cup (5:35). Then, Jeff Marek gets into what he loves the most about the series, why coaching still matters and the series' scheduling and travel factors. Next up, former NHL forward and current analyst Rob Brown (25:54) joins from Edmonton to discuss the atmosphere in Edmonton, the Oilers' bold mid-season coaching change and Knoblauch's effective postseason moves. To clos...

Jun 03, 202450 min

So Close, So Far Away, the Story of the Oilers

Kelly Hrudey joins Justin Cuthbert and Donnovan Bennett to share his thoughts on Sam Bennett's evolution and Stuart Skinner's playoff bounceback. Plus, some insight into how he played and why certain athletes use anger to fuel them. Then, Justin and Donnovan give their thoughts on the news of Alek Manoah suffering an elbow sprain and how it will affect the Blue Jays (18:20). Later we are live in Jersey with Aaron Bronsteter ahead of UFC 302 (26:53). He looks at the card and a wild June ahead wit...

May 31, 202450 min

PWHL Champ/MVP Describes First Ever Walter Cup

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert are joined by DJ Bean (3:19) to help preview Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Florida Panthers & the New York Rangers and gives his thoughts on the Edmonton Oilers impressive Game 4 win. Later, Taylor Heise (19:40) from PWHL Minnesota, fresh off winning the Walter Cup and Playoffs MVP. She recaps an incredible year from being the no. 1 overall pick, getting “chosen” by Toronto in round 1 of the playoffs and the heartbreak of thinking they ...

May 30, 202450 min

The Bigger “Stars” Might Be On The Oilers

Justin Cuthbert and Jesse Rubinoff preview Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals between the Edmonton Oilers & the Dallas Stars and discuss what the Oilers need to do differently to tie the series. Then, Dan Shulman (15:26) on what Vladdy is doing specifically to turn his season around and a much improved attitude with the team these days. Later, President of Hockey Content for DailyFaceoff.com Frank Seravalli (28:03) discusses what happened to the Oilers in Game 3, the heat on Darnell Nur...

May 29, 20241 hr 15 min

Dallas The Next City of Champions?

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert look at the Panthers and Oilers both being down 2-1 and which team they trust more. Then, to Sunrise, FL where Garry Galley (6:16) is set to call tonight’s game and how the Rangers' specific changes after Game 1 have spurred a couple of wins. Then, his thoughts on Jacob Trouba, why they need him playing that style and how he’s a difference maker. Later, NBA Insider Marc Stein (26:06) on the Mavs' potential run to the NBA Finals, how they did it, how they stack u...

May 28, 202450 min

Oilers Went Old School and It’s Working

Jeff Marek kicks off the week with Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert and looks at how the Oilers have made a major shift this season by embracing more of a defensive style of play (5:00). Then, to the Kris Knoblauch's strategy with the refs and how he holds the officials accountable. Then, back to Edmonton with rinkside reporter Kyle Bukauskas (25:57) who looks at the Oilers' turnaround, the specific things they did when times were tough earlier this season and why Stuart Skinner is different th...

May 27, 202450 min

“Canada’s Team” and Why Oilers Are A Tough Sell

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert start with Jody Shelley (5:39) from FOX and TNT discussing the Rangers and Panthers, why Matt Rempe is being held out of the lineup, plus a closer look at the Oilers and Stars. He discusses the need for toughness in the playoffs and why some of those players have a hard time getting ice time as well. Later, former Raptors VP and now the President of the WNBA Toronto franchise, Teresa Resch (26:08), discusses her new role, what she learned from the Raptors and wh...

May 24, 202450 min

Jays In Need of More Jacks, Not Jackets

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert are joined by Former Blue Jays GM JP Ricciardi (5:58), who describes what’s up with the Jays, why the HR jacket is a spark that they need badly and why he feels the current Jays managers are anything but aggressive. Later, what it says if you trade Vlad, Bo or both and how it's impossible to win trades when you are dealing stars. Next up, Frank Seravalli (26:08) on the Conference Finals, why the Canucks failed to challenge the Oilers' goaltending and how, in the...

May 23, 202450 min

Changes to the Jays Becoming Inevitable

Ailish Forfar & Justin Cuthbert are joined by Keegan Matheson (5:10), who outlines how bad things can get if the Blue Jays lose their series to the White Sox and goes through the roster to evaluate what various players' trade markets look like if the team does decide to punt on the season. Later, Jennifer Botterill (25:19) joins the show to discuss the Conference Finals, whether or not Canada is getting behind the Oilers, why Alex Barkov is such an underrated player and how - in the West - i...

May 22, 202450 min

Coach's Perspective on the Conference Finals

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick off with former NHL Head Coach Dallas Eakins who will be IN Dallas for the conference finals, and he shares his relationship with coaches like Pete DeBoer, how Kris Knoblauch has done this season, why coaches end with “battle scars” and why he’s personally rooting for Paul Maurice (2:20). Later, his thoughts on Craig Berube joining the Leafs and some insight into Brad Treliving and what he’s like to with. Next, Ben Nicholson-Smith (25:53) joins us from Roge...

May 21, 202450 min

Leafs Get Berube – Scheffler Gets Jail Time!

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert have two guests ahead of two pieces of breaking news. First, to Elliotte Friedman (1:20) who broke the news today that the Leafs have hired Craig Berube as their head coach. He goes through the search, other people they interviewed and moving forward the possibility that Rod Brind’Amour is the next hottest name to hit the market. Next up, Adam Stanley (10:40) on the bizarre story of Scottie Scheffler going from jail to the golf course today and what it was like ...

May 17, 202450 min

Coaching Under Microscope as Oilers/Canucks Shift to Vancouver

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert set up Game 5 of the Oilers and Canucks in Vancouver tonight where Frank Seravalli joins us for a debate about which team has dictated most of the play in the first 4 games. He gets into the battle of the backup goalies and how Evan Bouchard has risen to the challenge during the postseason. Later, how the Hurricanes scrappiness pulled them back in the series against the Rangers. Next, Craig Simpson (25:40) from Vancouver on the Oilers/Canucks, the mind games and...

May 16, 202450 min

Battle of the Backups

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert are joined by Carter Hutton (4:15) from Daily Faceoff to discuss Silovs, Pickard and goaltending across the board with the remaining teams. He takes a look at ability, skill, experience and which teams are at a great advantage. He shares some examples from his own career and how he prepared for specific shooters. Next up, Marc Stein (25:18) on the NBA Playoffs, Jokic deserving his MVP and dragging his team back in the series, Jamal Murray’s injury concern, SGA’s...

May 15, 202450 min

Behind The Scenes of Another Athlete Power Couple

Busy night ahead with Canucks/Oilers Game 4, and with that, Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert go to Edmonton with Randip Janda from Hockey Night in Punjabi and SN 650 (1:14). The stories of the day are the Oilers now going to Calvin Pickard and how Edmonton responds to the McDavid cross-checks late in Game 3. Later, a chat with Kendall Coyne Schofield (14:09) from PWHL Minnesota on the team getting back into the series with Toronto and her new documentary, “Hockey Mom” about balancing hockey wit...

May 14, 202450 min

NHL Puts Value on McCross-Check(s)

Jeff Marek kicks off Marek Monday with Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert with the Canucks receiving a fine and suspension today in the fallout of Game 3 (3:30). Next, why the Rangers should stop apologizing for their stellar goaltending and why Carolina always find a way to be the better team and still lose. Later, on Alexander Barkov becoming the new Patrice Bergeron and how he does it all without being the fastest skater. Finally, a look in on updated Conn Smythe odds and why the Orioles' buil...

May 13, 202425 min

How the WNBA Toronto Dream Came True

We hit up the hottest city in the playoffs – NYC – with Arda Ocal from ESPN (11:59) in the middle of a Rangers and Knicks run with the possibility of “New York vs. Boston” in both the NHL and the NBA, discuss why the Rangers have been on a streak, and the pressure Skinner has in net for the Oilers. Next, Michael Grange (28:34) explains how the WNBA made it’s way to Toronto, why Larry Tanenbaum went out on his own to make this happen, the impact on the Canadian prospect pool and where we can expe...

May 10, 202450 min

Keefe Was Easy, Leafs' Next Steps Are Complicated

Luke Fox, who has covered Sheldon Keefe's entire Maple Leafs career, joins Justin Cuthbert and Jesse Rubinoff to reflect on his firing today, favourite stories, what he was like to cover and ultimately why it made sense that he was the fall guy (5:22). He gets into to other candidates and whether the team needs a “motivator” or a “Ted Lasso” type of coach. Then, the contracts, the no-trade clauses and how the Leafs will navigate. Later, NBA Insider Marc Stein (26:13) discusses SGA’s runner up pl...

May 09, 202450 min

Will Canada Rally Behind Canucks/Oilers Winner?

Game 1 of Canucks and Oilers from Vancouver tonight and Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert are joined by Frank Seravalli who is in the building for the series opener and they discuss whether the entire country will rally behind the winner going forward. Frank looks at the Leafs' situation and why there needs to be cultural change. Then later, back to Oilers/Canucks with Cassie Campbell-Pascall (26:05) who breaks down the most important part of the series and where she thinks it will be won. Then ...

May 08, 202450 min

Canada Collides On and Off The Ice in Round 2

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert welcome in Colby Armstrong (5:14) to the show who reflects back on the Leafs' week and why it will all come down to waving no trade clauses. Then, over to the other series in round 2, why the Rangers are up to the task, why Pens fans are pulling for the Canes, why the Avs look like the best threat and expectations for Canucks/Oilers battles on the ice and in social media. Then, Auston Matthews does not get nominated for the Hart and the Jays face Whit Merrifield...

May 07, 202425 min

Tough Decisions In Aftermath of Another Leafs Exit

Jeff Marek kicks it off with Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert with his reaction to the Leafs' end-of-season and speculation of potential firings and trades to come in the summer (5:40). Other than Matthews, Nylander and Brad Treliving, he says everyone is open season. Jeff looks at other needs and what they might do with their pending UFAs. Next, Jason Bukula (30:10) on a potential trade for Mitch Marner, why you won’t get full value but how reinvesting money could make a deal work. The views a...

May 06, 202450 min

A Wedding On Game 7 – A Lesson in Sports Etiquette

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert welcome Mike Futa to the show who was at the Leafs/Bruins Game 6. He looks at a new approach under Brad Treliving and reminds people that they are NOT better without Matthews. Then, his take on which Bruins goalie should start tomorrow night. Later, the Canucks are trying to end their series and what it’s going to take to beat the Preds. Finally, Vegas went from 2-0 to down 3-2 and why for a young team they still create pressure to perform in the playoffs. We cl...

May 03, 202425 min

Sid Seixeiro, Chris Cuthbert Set Up Game 6

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert are all over Game 6 between the Bruins and the Leafs. First, the man calling the game for Sportsnet – Chris Cuthbert – joins us from the arena where there is focus on Matthews and his mysterious absence (6:00). The criticism of the crowd and if Boston is feeling more pressure than the Leafs. Later, we move to Sid Seixeiro (25:25) who paints a picture of a loss vs a win. Why big changes might be ahead and how the hockey world is circling Sheldon Keefe. Plus, even...

May 02, 202450 min

Canucks on the Brink, Leafs & Jets on the Edge

We open the show with Andrew Raycroft (5:31) in Boston as the former Leafs and Bruins goalie sets up Game 5, how Brad Marchand differs from the Leafs' players, and why it could be a perfect spot for Toronto to steal a game. Next up, John Bartlett (24:51) in Winnipeg on why Connor Hellebuyck has struggled in his series against the Avs. Finally we head to Vancouver where Thomas Drance (37:30) from SN650 joins us ahead of Canucks and Preds Game 5 and explains why they were able to reach to the poin...

Apr 30, 202450 min

Ray Ferraro, Frank Seravalli, Let’s Talk Hockey!

After a wild weekend of hockey, Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert ask which team down 3-1 has the best chance to win. Then, they are joined by ESPN and Sportsnet analyst Ray Ferraro (19:04), who shares his thoughts on the Leafs - the poor play, fighting on the bench and what they will look to do in Game 5. Later, thoughts on the Oilers, backup goalie heroes in the playoffs and how the Canucks got 3 wins with 3 goalies. Next up, over to Vancouver with Frank Servalli (34:49) who is covering Canuck...

Apr 29, 202450 min

Elliotte Friedman on Playoffs, Reporting on Injuries

Elliotte Friedman joins Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert in the studio for a chat about the Stanley Cup playoffs, the difficulty of reporting injuries and how it can expose a player's vulnerability like in the William Nylander case. Potential consequences if the Leafs burn out once again in Round 1, how Mitch Marner's series impact extension negotiations and a theory on what the Bruins are going to do with their goalies for the rest of the series. Later, Ben Verlander (25:15) on how Shohei Ohta...

Apr 26, 202450 min

Dallas Eakins: Advice for Mitch, Willy and Fans!

Former NHL Head Coach Dallas Eakins joins Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert with a coaching perspective on both the Oilers and Leafs (5:00). He gives his take on injuries, reporting and everything going on with the William Nylander situation. Plus, insight into negativity and how it can always find a way into the dressing room. Later, the art of coaching against the Oilers and McDavid and the one thing you just can’t do against Edmonton. Finally, down to the rink where Kristen Shilton (25:15) of...

Apr 24, 202450 min

The Matthews/McDavid Flex

Frank Seravalli joins Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert from Vancouver covering the Canucks/Preds and the breaking news of the day is Thatcher Demko's injury - out tonight and maybe for the series (5:02). Then, a look around the first round - Stone scoring for Vegas and the Avs goalie situation. Later, Liam McHugh (28:03) from the NHL on TNT, the bets he’s made with Paul Bissonnette and being open about being a diehard Islanders fan. Both Frank and Liam discuss the Leafs, the performance of Matt...

Apr 23, 202450 min

How The Nylander Secrecy Exposes an NHL Flaw

Jeff Marek joins Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert to discuss the hottest topic in the NHL today – “what’s up with Nylander” – and how the secrecy of injury reporting was supposed to improve with legalized gambling and essentially teams are being openly dishonest (3:20). Later, Ailish was in attendance for the latest PWHL attendance record (in Montreal) and we close with the home teams are 6-0 in the NHL and 8-0 in the NBA. A win by Edmonton and Dallas tonight would make 16-0 for the first time ...

Apr 22, 202425 min

Stanley Cup Playoff Preview Pt. 2

We now have all the matchups set for the Stanley Cup Playoffs and with that, Frank Seravalli (5:20) from Daily Faceoff joins Ailish Forfar & Justin Cuthbert for a round of “Fact or Fiction” which then turned into “Frank or Fiction.” We get his take on every series, the chances for an upset and one specific reason that this year is different for the Leafs. Later on, our Western Conference bracket which leas us into Ailish and Justin’s pick for The Stanley Cup. The views and opinions expressed...

Apr 19, 202450 min

Stanley Cup Playoff Preview Pt. 1

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick off the last night of the NHL with Luke Gazdic (2:45) as the Oilers are awaiting either LA or Vegas. He looks at how the Edmonton series has evolved, why the Jets have one of the best locker rooms in the league and why Rick Tocchet’s turnaround of the Canucks might be the most impressive of all Canadian teams. Later, Ailish and Justin fill out their Eastern Conference bracket for the NHL Playoffs, the one area that they differed the most and tomorrow we loo...

Apr 18, 202450 min
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