The FAN Morning Show Sportsnet

On Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show, Ben and Brent are joined by Joshua Kloke, Maple Leafs reporter for The Athletic, to discuss his biggest point of curiosity heading into Saturday’s Game 1 between the Leafs and Bruins, Mitch Marner’s optimal deployment in Toronto's lineup, William Nylander’s recent offensive dry spell, the chances Calle Järnkrok suits up for Game 1, and Ilya Samsonov’s leash entering the post-season. Later, the guys connect with Jake Gardiner, former Leafs defenceman, to chat about his experience competing against the Bruins in the playoffs, how the Leafs rallied around Auston Matthews amidst his 70-goal pursuit, the importance of team toughness during the post-season, and what it’s like playing against Brad Marchand (25:15). Ben and Brent close the show discussing their ideal lineup machinations for Saturday’s playoff opener.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show begins with Ben and Brent discussing their biggest reasons for optimism and pessimism as the Maple Leafs head into their first-round series against the Bruins. Then, the guys discuss Mitch Marner’s role in the Maple Leafs’ lineup and if he should begin post-season alongside Auston Matthews. Later, Jimmy Murphy, Editor-in-Chief of Boston Hockey Now, stops by to chat about the Bruins’ shaky finish to the regular season, the level of pressure on Boston after back-to-back first-round exits, the Bruins’ commitment to their goaltending rotation, and the versatility that Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm provide on the blue line (22:33).

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.

Happy Friday! On the eve of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Ben and Brent dive into the Maple Leafs’ first-round matchup against the Bruins. They discuss the Bruins’ unique goaltending deployment, their current confidence level in Ilya Samsonov, why starting on the road might benefit the Maple Leafs, Sheldon Keefe’s impending lineup decisions for Game 1, and which players could be the biggest X-factors for each team. Afterwards, Ben and Brent discuss their expectations for Yariel Rodriguez as he prepares to make his second MLB start on Friday, how John Schneider might deploy his bullpen this weekend, the sustainability of Daulton Varsho’s recent offensive surge, and if Orelvis Martinez is on the precipice of a big-league call-up (38:55).

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 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.