Show Notes
Raptors writer Joe Wolfond joins JD to dive into the first week of the Raptors season. JD and Joe get into the team's disappointing loss to the Timberwolves, how important RJ Barrett is to the team, the Jakob Poeltl problem, concern about how Kawhi Leonard looked and more. The show ends with 'What We Missed!' (35:00)
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.
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JD and Sam McKee, from Real Kyper and Bourne, get into a couple light red flags for the Maple Leafs, how the Leafs stack up against the rest of their division, how the responsibility shifts without Kirill Marchenko, Easton Cowan's continued importance, the Leafs improved fourth line, and John Chayka's comments about improving the team.
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JD reacts to a weekend of hate in the NHL, before breaking down the Maple Leafs' impressive 7-2 win over the Edmonton Oilers. JD brings on James Mirtle, senior writer at The Athletic, to see if Mirtle is buying the good vibes of the Leafs after covering the team for nearly two decades. Then, JD and James get into Auston Matthews' leadership, Easton Cowan's leap, if Morgan Rielly and Troy Stecher can continue this pace of play, if they're surprised Ben Danford hasn't been called up from the Toronto Marlies, Jim Hiller's continued pressure to maximize Gavin McKenna, and Hiller's decision to start Stolarz versus the Oilers. Later (40:00), JD then asks James about the Winnipeg Jets' return for Connor Hellebuyck.
JD asks David Fizdale, 20-year NBA coach and NBA TV analyst, about his first impressions from the NBA's opening day and the statement the Thunder made, before moving on to the Raptors. JD and Coach Fizdale discuss Kawhi Leonard's return timing works for Toronto and Scottie Barnes, Darko Rajakovic's challenge of going from a growing team to a contender, and what to expect from RJ Barrett this season. The show ends with 'What We Missed!'
JD reacts to Kirill Marchenko's return to Columbus and brings on Sportsnet's Luke Gazdic to dive into the Maple Leafs. JD and Luke begin with Adam Fantilli's pointed comments about his ex-linemate Marchenko, if the Leafs have shown pieces of their identity in the last couple wins, Jim Hiller's intent with Gavin McKenna, what about Easton Cowan has been most impressive, how the Leafs lines and power play units may shake out as the season progresses, and Morgan Rielly's best game in a while. JD closes the hour discussing Brady Tkachuk's return to Ottawa (44:00).