Opening Day Optimism with Kirk Muller and David Amber

Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and fill-in producer Daniele Franceschi recap the Maple Leafs' 5-4 win against the visiting New York Rangers, Troy Stecher netting the game-winning goal late in the third period, the reaction from the Leafs' bench, how Jim Hiller has envisioned his fourth line, the team calling up defensemen Dakota Mermis and Cole McWard after Marshall Rifai & Nick Blankenburg have been placed on injured reserve, and why they did not recall Ben Danford. Then, Leafs radio colour analyst and former NHL goaltender Jim Ralph (28:10) joins Nick and Justin to weigh in on the game against New York, if Sergei Bobrovsky has lived up to his expectations, the state of Toronto's d-core, how the team's identity has changed throughout the lineup, why he thinks save percentage has gone down drastically, and Leafs' first meeting against the Edmonton Oilers.

Doug MacLean, former NHL president, general manager and head coach joins Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne in-studio (0:28) to discuss his new book 'Game Day', building relationships, balancing the competition between the general managers and agreeing to making a trade to help the team, player empowerment when he was in the league vs. today's game, and his transition into working in sports media. Then, the guys talk about Brady Tkachuk's reception in his return to face his former team in Ottawa. Afterwards, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee continue the conversation on the Senators' win, Tim Stützle's statement game, and Linus Ullmark's injury.

Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee get set for the Toronto Maple Leafs' matchup against the New York Rangers. They discuss Jake McCabe returning to practice after taking a high stick to the eye, Auston Matthews' early-season resurgence, and whether Brady Tkachuk's welcome back to Ottawa was harsher than John Tavares' reception on Long Island. Then, MSG Rangers analyst Dave Maloney stops by (31:08) to reflect on the life and legacy of former Ranger Ron Duguay before discussing what the Leafs can expect against New York, Dylan Garand's hot run in relief of the injured Igor Shesterkin, Adam Fox's return to his Norris-level form, and Alexis Lafrenière's strong start.

Sportsnet and ESPN NHL analyst Ray Ferraro joins Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne for his new biweekly appearance (5:08)! They discuss Brady Tkachuk's much-anticipated return to Ottawa, the Senators players hosting him for a pre-game dinner, Dylan Larkin expanding his trade list, the situation in Winnipeg with Connor Hellebuyck's suspension set to end, whether Devon Levi is the long-term answer for the Oilers in net, and whether the Bruins' hot start is sustainable. Later, Nick and Justin regroup with Sam McKee to listen to Tkachuk's pre-game availability, revisit what led to the trade, and share what they expect from the game.

Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee begin the show recapping the Maple Leafs' 6-2 win over the Blue Jackets in Columbus, Matthew Knies and Kirill Marchenko facing off their former teams for the first time, why there's a culture problem in Rick Bowness' locker room, Easton Cowan logging his first three-point game, an early evaluation of the Jim Hiller Leafs, and Jake McCabe's injury. Then, former Leafs general manager Gord Stellick joins the guys (30:13) to chat about Auston Matthews' performance so far this season, running Cowan and Gavin McKenna full-time on the top six lines, why not developing a defenseman has hurt the team long-term, Nick Paul slotting in for the injured John Tavares, strong penalty kill early, Sergei Bobrovsky's starts, and how many boxes has Hiller checked off as the first-time head coach.