The FAN Morning Show Sportsnet

On Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show, Ben and Brent are joined by Craig Simpson, former NHL forward and current Sportsnet analyst, to discuss the Maple Leafs’ 6-4 loss to the Lightning on Wednesday, Nikita Kucherov joining the 100-assist club, his overall assessment of the Leafs’ 2023-24 regular season campaign, how the Leafs might deploy their forward lines in Round 1 against Boston, and the coaching battle between Sheldon Keefe and Jim Montgomery. Later, Sportsnet’s Michael Grange stops by to chat about Jontay Porter’s lifetime ban from the NBA, the Raptors’ response and handling of the situation, and what this incident could portend for the NBA’s future relationship with gambling partners (24:30).

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.

Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show begins with Nick Kypreos, co-host of Real Kyper & Bourne, stopping by to discuss the Maple Leafs’ four-game losing streak heading into the playoffs, why the stakes have never been higher for Sheldon Keefe and Brendan Shanahan, how Keith Pelley’s arrival at MLSE could affect the Maple Leafs’ future, Toronto’s potential forward machinations for Game 1 against Boston, and if T.J. Brodie might be the odd man out on the Leafs’ playoff blue line. Then, Ben and Brent chime in on Mitch Marner’s future beyond this season, if he’d consider waiving his no-trade clause, Jeff Carter’s retirement from the NHL, and the Arizona Coyotes shutting the door on their time in the desert. Afterwards, the guys discuss Jontay Porter’s lifetime ban from the NBA and the overlooked human element of Porter’s gambling issues (33:16).

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.

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning discuss Auston Matthews finishing the regular season with 69 goals, the Maple Leafs heading into the playoffs on a four-game losing skid, Matthews’ Hart Trophy chances after falling short of the 70-goal mark, and the biggest positives from the Leafs’ 2023-24 regular season campaign. Later, the guys chime in on the Blue Jays squandering a two-run lead to the Yankees on Wednesday, John Schneider’s curious bullpen deployment, and Daulton Varsho’s recent offensive surge (32:13).

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.

On Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show, Ben and Brent are joined by Luke Gazdic, former NHL forward and Sportsnet analyst, to discuss the NHL Hart Trophy race, why he’s bullish on the Leafs’ chances against Boston, how frequently players are scoreboard-watching throughout the course of a game, and the Oilers’ form heading into the playoffs. Afterwards, Mike Francesa, host of "The Mike Francesa Podcast", stops by to chat about the current landscape of New York sports, Jalen Brunson’s ascent to stardom, Yankee fans’ adoration for Juan Soto, the growing love affair with Anthony Volpe, and his legendary radio partnership with Chris “Mad Dog” Russo (23:52).

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.

Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show begins with Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning discussing the Maple Leafs’ first-round matchup against the Boston Bruins and if this Leafs team will be impacted by previous playoff failures against the Bruins. Then, the guys weigh in on last night’s chaotic conclusion to the NHL’s Eastern Conference playoff race and the Golden State Warriors’ deflating loss to the Sacramento Kings in the NBA Play-In Tournament. Later, Damien Cox (24:14), our resident Leafs historian and long-time Toronto Star contributor, joins the show to discuss the officiating in last night’s Leafs-Panthers game, Sheldon Keefe’s temperament amidst Auston Matthews’ 70-goal chase, and the biggest challenges facing Toronto in their first-round matchup against Boston. 

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.

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning open the show by discussing the Maple Leafs’ 5-2 loss to the Panthers, Auston Matthews remaining stuck on 69 goals, the chances he suits up for Wednesday’s regular-season finale against Tampa, and the Leafs drawing Boston in the opening round of the postseason. Afterwards, the guys weigh in on the Blue Jays’ 5-4 victory over the Yankees on Tuesday, Yusei Kikuchi’s impressive start to the season, the importance of today’s start for Kevin Gausman, Jordan Romano reassuming his role as the Blue Jays closer, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s improved patience at the plate (29:39).

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.