Episodes
The Winnipeg Jets are flirting with first place as they flip the calendar to April. Free Press sports editor Steve Lyons and columnist Mike McIntyre discuss the team’s successful, and very lengthy, recent road trip and set the stage for the final 20 games of the regular-season. They also look at the decision to put the team’s three best forwards together on the same line and debate which defenceman should be exposed in the upcoming expansion draft. The guys also tee-up Thursday’s start of the...
Published 03/31/21
The Winnipeg Jets are in the middle of a marathon road trip, with one victory and two losses through the first three games of the seven-game trek through western Canada. Free Press sports editor Steve Lyons and columnist Mike McIntyre discuss what they’ve seen so far from the club, along with areas of concern that could be addressed through a trade — including the latest rumblings ahead of the Apr. 12 deadline. They also look at late-breaking developments from the CFL, which could be good...
Published 03/24/21
The Winnipeg Jets drew have officially hit the midway point of their truncated 56-game season. Free Press sports editor Steve Lyons and columnist Mike McIntyre discuss the highs and lows of the 17-9-2 club, which sits just four points out of first place. They also look ahead to the upcoming trade deadline and whether general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff should step up to the plate and take a big swing. The duo also explore the intriguing relationship between the CFL and XFL and what it could...
Published 03/17/21
The Winnipeg Jets drew first blood Tuesday night as they kicked off three straight games against first place Toronto. Free Press sports editor Steve Lyons and columnist Mike McIntyre break down how their 4-3 victory followed a familiar blueprint, starting with stellar goaltending, and how sustainable this style of play is. They also look ahead to the trade deadline and what Kevin Cheveldayoff might be in the market for, and the Seattle explanation draft. Other topics include the one-year...
Published 03/10/21
The Winnipeg Jets won’t be enjoying much home cooking for a while as they hit the road for 12 of their next 14 games beginning Thursday in Montreal. Free Press sports editor Steve Lyons and columnist Mike McIntyre discuss what’s ahead for the 14-7-1 club following an impressive 60-minute effort in their latest victory on Tuesday. They also look at whether backup goalie Laurent Brossoit deserves more starts, valuable contributions from their depth forwards and the top six stars shining bright....
Published 03/03/21
The Winnipeg Jets are off to an impressive 11-6-1 start to their season. But 13 of those 18 games have come against non-playoff teams in Ottawa, Vancouver and Calgary. Now the real test begins, with 23 of the next 34 against Toronto, Edmonton and Montreal beginning Thursday. Free Press sports editor Steve Lyons and columnist Mike McIntyre discuss how the hockey club might handle this tougher stretch, whether their current style of play can lead to sustainable success, the breakout performance...
Published 02/24/21
The Winnipeg Jets just passed the quarter-mark of their season, and Free Press sports editor Steve Lyons and columnist Mike McIntyre go all-in discussing the 9-5-1 club. What has stood out? Who has stood out? And how about that Jacob Trouba for Neal Pionk and Ville Heinola trade? Plenty of puck talk today, including their votes for most improved player, and what they’d both like to see more of from the club going forward. They also talk about life on the farm with the Manitoba Moose,...
Published 02/17/21
Pierre-Luc Dubois is finally out of quarantine and on the ice. Free Press sports editor Steve Lyons and columnist Mike McIntyre discuss his debut, which ended in another late loss by the Winnipeg Jets. And what to make of the balanced lines coach Paul Maurice rolled out? Spoiler: One of the guys absolutely hated them. They also look at the sudden death of TSN 1290, the Moose and Goldeyes releasing schedules this week, the start of CFL agency and why Steve is excited about a new bike and Mike...
Published 02/10/21
The Winnipeg Jets and Calgary Flames have split the first two games of their mini-series against each other. Free Press sports editor Steve Lyons and columnist Mike McIntyre discuss the action so far, and Winnipeg’s 6-3-1 overall record through 10 games. They also look at which players have been notable — both good and bad — and how things might play out in the coming weeks with the addition of Pierre-Luc Dubois to the lineup. The duo also preview this Sunday’s Super Bowl, chat about fat...
Published 02/03/21
The dust has started to settle on the Patrik Laine trade. Free Press sports editor Steve Lyons and columnist Mike McIntyre break down why the Winnipeg Jets felt they had to move the Finnish sniper and what they’re getting in return from Pierre-Luc Dubois. They also dissect the team’s 5-2-0 start to the new season and how they have measured up so far in the Canadian division. The duo also talk about outdoor activities during a polar vortex, a need for speed and Steve’s attempt to fight the...
Published 01/27/21
The Winnipeg Jets are 2-1 to start the new NHL season, but the way they’ve played leaves plenty to be desired. Free Press sports editor Steve Lyons and columnist Mike McIntyre break down the club’s first three games, including who has stood out, and who has not. They also discuss travelling this first road trip from the comforts of home due to travel restrictions and look at the busy week ahead. Other topics include the Toronto Blue Jays making a big splash in free agency, the Winnipeg Blue...
Published 01/21/21
The NHL is back. And on the eve of the Winnipeg Jets season-opener, Free Press sports editor Steve Lyons and columnist Mike McIntyre look at how the squad is shaping up, the club’s strength and weaknesses and what could be in store for the intriguing Canadian division. They also preview the paper’s coverage of the 56-game campaign, including why it’s important to travel to all road games in the midst of the pandemic. They also turn their attention to fat bikes and cross-country skiing and...
Published 01/13/21
Free Press sports editor Steve Lyons and columnist Mike McIntyre discuss the start of Winnipeg Jets training camp, including Wednesday’s scrimmage, and break down the situations with disgruntled players Patrik Laine and Jack Roslovic and what might be behind it all. The duo also look at a slew of signings by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, the prospects of a new CFL season and whether they made any New Year’s resolutions.
Published 01/06/21
‘Twas the podcast before Christmas, and Free Press sports editor Steve Lyons and columnist Mike McIntyre discuss the gift to hockey fans in the form of a shiny new season that begins next month. The pair also look at whether provincial government and health officials could still play Scrooge to Canadian teams, and how the Jets stack up against their northern neighbours. They also reflect on 2020 as a whole and discuss holiday traditions that will be a bit different this year.
Published 12/23/20
Free Press sports editor Steve Lyons and Columnist Mike McIntyre discuss the ongoing investigative series by colleague Jeff Hamilton into former junior hockey coach Graham James, who sexually abused multiple players. The duo also discuss the final details still to be worked out regarding the NHL’s upcoming season, their varied views on shopping in malls, debate the merits of a White Christmas, literally compare apples and oranges and Mike’s strange aversion to using food delivery services.
Published 12/16/20
Get ready for a new hockey season, folks. The NHL is on the verge of a return after a major roadblock was removed this week in ongoing negotiations between players and owners. Free Press sports editor Steve Lyons and sports columnist Mike McIntyre discuss what that means here in Winnipeg, where the Jets have received the green light to skate despite the ongoing Code Red. They also look at problems plaguing the World Juniors in Edmonton, the Lou Marsh vote for Canada’s top athlete, and provide...
Published 12/09/20
What does encouraging news on the COVID-19 vaccine front mean for the leagues and games we love to watch? Free Press sports editor Steve Lyons and sports columnist Mike McIntyre break down the latest when it comes to the NHL’s upcoming season, discuss the NFL’s longest week, the start of NBA training camp and plans for a curling bubble in Calgary. The guys also go on their usual tangents about plenty on non-sports topics, including recent Netflix and Prime shows they’ve watched and pet peeves...
Published 12/02/20
NHL players and owners are playing a silly game of chicken these days, leading to an impasse in negotiations over the upcoming hockey season and putting a Jan. 1 start in jeopardy. Free Press sports editor Steve Lyons and sports columnist Mike McIntyre discuss why both sides stand to lose if they can’t work out their differences soon. They also talk about the intriguing hiring of Dave Lowry to be the new assistant coach with the Winnipeg Jets, Manitoba golfer Aaron Cockerill making waves...
Published 11/25/20
This should have been the crown jewel of the CFL’s calendar, with the Grey Cup set for Sunday in Regina. Oh what a party it would have been, perhaps with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers going for a championship repeat. Unfortunately, COVID-19 shut the league down indefinitely, turning the “Grand National Drunk” into a virtual event this year. Free Press sports editor Steve Lyons and sports columnist Mike McIntyre tackle the prospects of a 2021 campaign based on this week’s comments from...
Published 11/18/20
When will the new NHL season begin? Are the Jets going to make any other moves? How long will minor hockey in Winnipeg be shut down for? Who won the U.S. election?! So many questions, so few answers in these uncertain times, but that doesn't stop Free Press sports editor Steve Lyons and sports columnist Mike McIntyre from delving into the burning topics of the day. The dynamic duo also discuss sports icons like Bobby Orr and Jack Nicklaus coming under fire for expressing their political...
Published 11/04/20
Grab some maple syrup and poutine: talk of an all-Canadian division in the NHL next season is heating up! Free Press sports editor Steve Lyons and sports columnist Mike McIntyre weigh in on whether that would be a good thing for the Winnipeg Jets, and how they might stack up against their northern neighbours. They also discuss the state of minor hockey in the city in the midst of a global pandemic where local numbers have been soaring, an eventful World Series which included two massive...
Published 10/28/20
The Patrik Laine saga is not going away. Free Press sports editor Steve Lyons and sports columnist Mike McIntyre discuss the latest trade rumours and whether it would be a mistake for the Winnipeg Jets to move the 22-year-old Finnish sniper. They also discuss the many challenges getting fans back in rinks and stadiums without a COVID-19 vaccine, what that may eventually look and feel like, the continued silence from the CFL regarding future plans, the beauty — or horror — of having snow on...
Published 10/21/20
Free agency didn't exactly bring a frenzy around these parts, and Free Press sports editor Steve Lyons and sports columnist Mike McIntyre discuss why NHL players may be reluctant to take their talents to Winnipeg, along with the challenges that brings for Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff. As for the moves the club did make, reviews are mixed to say the least. They also discuss the latest on the Jack Roslovic trade rumours, the state of Winnipeg's defence going forward and the NBA and...
Published 10/14/20
The draft! Free agent frenzy! Trade rumours! Free Press sports editor Steve Lyons and sports columnist Mike McIntyre break down a busy week, looking at the newest prospects in the Winnipeg Jets pipeline and who they may be targeting for immediate help. Is Cole Perfetti a future franchise centre? Are they really going to trade Patrik Laine? Could Paul Stastny be on his way back? Will Travis Hamonic be coming home? Let the speculation run wild. They also turn their sights to fall ball and...
Published 10/08/20
It “only” took 361 days, but the NHL season is finally over! Sports columnist Mike McIntyre, on his way back home from the hockey bubble in Edmonton, joins sports editor Steve Lyons to discuss the Tampa Bay Lightning’s Stanley Cup victory, including what it felt and sounded like inside the rink. They also tackle claims from some players who claimed they felt like they were in a prison and look ahead to what next season might involve. They also discuss the start of MLB playoffs, vacation plans...
Published 09/29/20