Episodes
Ben & JD open the show looking ahead to the start of the Stanley Cup Final between the Lightning and Canadiens, particularly the goaltending matchup between Andrei Vasilevskiy and Carey Price, and what this Stanley Cup would mean to Price’s legacy. Hockey Central’s Justin Bourne weighs-in on Vasilevskiy/Price, the recent history of Vezina-winning goaltenders, potential Conn Smythe candidates, and the Maple Leafs bottom-six. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those...
Published 06/28/21
Ben & JD open with a conversation about the Montreal Canadiens ousting the Golden Knights in OT of Game 6 to reach the Stanley Cup Final. Hockey Central‘s Jeff Marek & Sportsnet’s Habs’ beat reporter Eric Engels chime in with their takes on the run by Dominique Ducharme’s squad. 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 affiliates.
Published 06/25/21
Colby Armstrong, former NHL forward and current Sportsnet analyst, discusses his experience visiting Ryan Kesler’s house, Vegas’ Game 1 win over the Canadiens, and what adjustments Montreal can make ahead of Game 2. 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 affiliates.
Published 06/15/21
Justin Bourne, co-host of Hockey Central, joins Ben & JD to discuss the Islanders’ playoff success, whether the Maple Leafs’ decision to move on from Lou Lamoriello was premature, and how the Montreal Canadiens stack up against the Golden Knights. 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 affiliates.
Published 06/14/21
Jeff Marek, co-host of Hockey Central and 31 Thoughts: The Podcast, joins Ben & JD to discuss Nazem Kadri’s history of playoff suspensions, the Vegas Golden Knights eliminating the Colorado Avalanche, the legacy of the North Division, and the Maple Leafs’ philosophy regarding roster construction.  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 affiliates.
Published 06/11/21
Sportsnet NHL Insider Chris Johnston joins Ben & JD to discuss the legacy of the North Division, Montreal’s playoff success, Zach Hyman’s future, and the Maple Leafs’ potential targets in free agency.  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 affiliates.
Published 06/09/21
Ben & JD share their thoughts on the Montreal Canadiens punching their ticket to the semi-final round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs and residual pain for Maple Leafs fans. Anthony Stewart, former NHL forward and current Sportsnet analyst, discusses the Habs’ heightened confidence after their opening round win over Toronto, Montreal’s dominant sweep of the Jets, and why the Habs’ style is conducive to playoff success.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the...
Published 06/08/21
Justin Bourne, co-host of Hockey Central, joins Ben & JD to discuss his lasting takeaways from the Maple Leafs’ playoff exit, what went wrong against the Canadiens, Mitch Marner’s lack of accountability, Zach Hyman’s value on the open market, and Toronto’s top priorities this off-season. 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 affiliates.
Published 06/07/21
Ben & JD discuss the latest speculation surrounding Zach Hyman’s free agent value and his future in Toronto. Shane O’Brien, former NHL defenceman and co-host of the Missin’ Curfew podcast, stops by to chat about Mark Scheifele’s four-game suspension for his hit on Jake Evans, Mitch Marner’s recent playoff struggles, and the Leafs’ quest to develop a “killer instinct.” The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect...
Published 06/04/21
Ben & JD share their takeaways from the Maple Leafs’ end-of-season media session on Wednesday. Elliotte Friedman, co-host of 31 Thoughts: The Podcast, weighs in on the messaging from the Leafs’ front office, the team’s lack of a “killer instinct,” and the criticism levied against Mitch Marner. Steve Dangle, co-host of The Steve Dangle Podcast, chats about his frustration regarding the Leafs’ latest playoff disappointment, the team’s salary cap crunch, and Toronto’s top priorities heading...
Published 06/03/21
Ben & JD discuss their expectations for the Maple Leafs’ end-of-season media sessions and the big questions facing general manager Kyle Dubas. Sportsnet NHL Insider Chris Johnston stops by to chat about Mitch Marner’s future, the Leafs’ top priorities this off-season, and Zach Hyman’s impending free agency situation.  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...
Published 06/02/21
Ben and JD share their thoughts on the Leafs’ Game 7 loss to the Canadiens, the lack of urgency from Toronto’s top stars, and Mitch Marner’s extended sample size of playoff struggles. Later, the guys sift through some texts and tweets from Leafs Nation. Kris Versteeg, former NHL forward and current Sportsnet analyst, weighs in on Sheldon Keefe’s lack of adjustments, the Leafs’ power play woes this season, Marner’s future in Toronto, and the team’s poor body language. Nick Kypreos, former NHL...
Published 06/01/21
Justin Bourne, co-host of Hockey Central, joins Ben and JD to discuss the Leafs’ Game 6 loss to the Canadiens on Saturday, Toronto’s history of Game 7 disappointments, why tonight’s series-deciding game could be a legacy-defining moment for Auston Matthews & Mitch Marner, and Sheldon Keefe’s lineup decisions for Game 7. Bruce Boudreau, former NHL head coach and current NHL Network analyst, stops by to chat about his experience coaching in Game 7s and the Leafs’ issue with slow starts....
Published 05/31/21
Ben and JD share their thoughts on the Leafs’ 4-3 overtime loss to the Canadiens in Game 5, Toronto’s slow start on Thursday night, and the return of fans for Game 6 in Montreal. David Amber, studio host for the NHL on Sportsnet, weighs in on Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner’s struggles in this series against Montreal, and the biggest storylines heading into Game 6. Colby Armstrong, former NHL forward and current Sportsnet analyst, discusses Rasmus Sandin’s defensive lapses in Game 5, William...
Published 05/28/21
It’s Maple Leafs playoff game day! Ben & JD discuss the Leafs seeking their first playoff series win since 2004 and John Tavares returning to the ice on Thursday morning. Sportsnet NHL Insider Chris Johnston checks in from Scotiabank Arena to discuss Tavares’ brief on-ice workout this morning, the next steps in his recovery, Nick Foligno’s injury status, and the potential fallout for the Canadiens if they lose this series. Marc Methot, former NHL defenceman and co-host of the Wally and...
Published 05/27/21
Ben & JD share their thoughts on the Leafs’ 4-0 Game 4 win over the Canadiens, Sheldon Keefe’s lineup tinkering, and Alex Kerfoot’s strong start to the playoffs. Julian McKenzie, Associate NHL Editor for The Athletic and host of the Hockey Inside/Out podcast, weighs in on the Canadiens’ goal-scoring woes, Montreal’s questionable roster construction, and the effectiveness of Toronto’s depth. Former L.A. Kings assistant GM Mike Futa chimes in on Keefe’s growth as a head coach, Jack...
Published 05/26/21
Ben & JD share their thoughts on the Leafs’ 2-1 win over the Canadiens in Game 3, William Nylander’s strong start to the playoffs, and Jack Campbell’s stellar Game 3 performance. Jeff Marek, co-host of Hockey Central, weighs in on the Jets’ sweep of the Oilers, Nylander’s added physicality through three games against Montreal, and Cole Caufield’s insertion into the Canadiens’ lineup. Guy Carbonneau, former Canadiens forward and head coach, discusses Dominique Ducharme’s decision to sit...
Published 05/25/21
Justin Bourne, co-host of Hockey Central, joins Ben & JD to discuss the Maple Leafs’ 5-1 win over the Canadiens in Game 2, Mitch Marner’s struggles on the power play, Rasmus Sandin’s strong bounce back performance, Pierre Engvall’s insertion into the lineup, and the Oilers’ collapse against the Jets in Game 3. Gord Stellick, former NHL general manager and co-host of Leafs Nation on Sportsnet 590 The FAN, weighs in on Auston Matthews’ dominance and Toronto’s improved power play execution...
Published 05/24/21
Ben and JD discuss John Tavares being stretchered off the ice after taking a knee from Corey Perry during Thursday’s 2-1 loss to the Canadiens. Later, the guys share their thoughts on the Leafs’ impending lineup changes with Tavares sidelined and Nick Foligno instigating a fight with Perry after the incident. NHL on Sportsnet’s Kris Versteeg discusses Ben Chiarot’s questionable hit on Tavares before his frightening collision with Perry, the Leafs’ lingering power play struggles, and the best...
Published 05/21/21
Patrick Lalime, former NHL goalie and current TVA Sports analyst, discusses Carey Price’s return to the Canadiens’ crease for Game 1 and Dominique Ducharme’s lineup decisions. Sportsnet NHL Insider Chris Johnston weighs in on the potential of fans returning to Scotiabank Arena during the playoffs, Rasmus Sandin usurping Travis Dermott on the blue line, and the leash on Price in his return from injury. Adam “Edge” Copeland, WWE superstar and avid Maple Leafs fan, stops by to chat about why...
Published 05/20/21
Justin Bourne, co-host of Hockey Central, stops by to chat about the Canadiens’ current injury situation, Jack Campbell officially being named the Leafs’ playoff starter, and Toronto’s biggest x-factors for their Round 1 matchup against Montreal. 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 affiliates.
Published 05/17/21
Steve Dangle, co-host of The Steve Dangle Podcast, joins Ben and JD to reflect on the Maple Leafs’ top moments from the regular season and some of the more overrated and underrated narratives that were discussed throughout the year. 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 affiliates.
Published 05/14/21
Ben and JD share their thoughts on Frederik Andersen’s return to the crease and the Maple Leafs’ lingering powerplay woes. Former NHL head coach Bruce Boudreau stops by to chat about Andersen’s performance against Ottawa and how Sheldon Keefe can manage his goaltending tandem. Kevin Woodley, goalie expert for InGoal Magazine, discusses his takeaways from Andersen’s first start since March 19 and Jack Campbell’s steady presence for the Leafs this season. The views and opinions expressed...
Published 05/13/21
Ben and JD share their thoughts on the Leafs and Canadiens meeting in the opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs and Toronto’s potential line combinations for the post-season. Marc Methot, former NHL defenceman and co-host of The Wally and Methot Show, checks in to chat about the Senators’ strong finish to the season and Frederik Andersen’s return to the Leafs’ lineup. Sportsnet NHL Insider Chris Johnston weighs in on Kyle Dubas’ management of the salary cap, Andersen’s return, and Jack...
Published 05/12/21
Ben and JD share their thoughts on Jack Eichel’s fiery season-ending media conference and his frustration with the Sabres. Jeremy White, co-host of Howard and Jeremy on WGR 550 in Buffalo, weighs in on the Sabres’ handling of Eichel’s neck injury, his future in Buffalo, and the team’s prolonged struggles.  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 affiliates.
Published 05/11/21