416 Sports Show

Both the Maple Leafs & Raptors head out on the road on losing streaks. (2:11) The Leafs need a little more toughness in their game--from the players already on the roster. And don't blame William Nylander. (12:56) As The Lowry Turns? Raptors avoid soap opera drama, but their point guard needs to help right the ship. (23:17) The Winter Meetings begin, and Ross Atkins might be shopping a couple of his veteran players. (33:58) A crazy Week 14 in the NFL doesn't bring a whole lot of clarity to the playoff picture.

The William Nylander saga has mercifully reached its conclusion. Matt gives his reaction to the contract and the process, and tries to preach looking forward to the hockey, not the next contract negotiation. (15:12) - The Toronto Raptors are in 1st place in the NBA, but the road ahead gets a little tougher. Singing the praises of Pascal Siakam. (23:27) - The Toronto Blue Jays are using hot dogs to distract you from how bad the team might be next year. Godspeed in Atlanta, Josh Donaldson. (28:38) - Every night is game night. Taking you through the schedule for the next 7 days.

Is Kawhi Leonard the best Raptor ever? It's early, but a case can already be made, and he's been a driving force behind this team feeling, once again, different. It's been an up-and-down start to the "sans Matthews" era for the Maple Leafs. A look at who needs to step up, and why you need to back off the "trade Nylander" talk. The Blue Jays are working to finalize their coaching staff, and don't expect any big free agent news soon. Follow Matt on Twitter @di_nic .

Auston Matthews is out for a month. What does that mean? (1:40) Matt examines the impact of the star centre's absence on the rest of the line-up. Don't expected it to hasten the negotiations between the club and William Nylander, either. (14:48) Nick Nurse is undefeated as Raptors head coach so far. Which buttons has he been pushing to get the most out of this club, and is maybe the best yet to come? (24:00) A tip of the cap to the Boston Red Sox for winning the World Series--and the former Blue Jays who got them there. The Jays have a new manager, so what can we expect from him and the club in the offseason? (31:22) A look at the next 7 days in Toronto sports.

The Maple Leafs have started the new season with wins in five of six games. The most recent contest was easily their best. Matt breaks down the road trip, and improved special teams play. 13:00 - As the Raptors begin the NBA campaign, some key questions will be analyzed throughout the duration of the season. 19:49 - The Blue Jays need a new manager. A quick look at some of the names being considered, and an update on the MLB Playoffs. 26:11 - Tom Brady vs Patrick Mahomes I was awesome. We want the rematch (and a potential Super Bowl matchup that might top it). 29:22 - Running you through the schedule for the next seven days of sports.

Puck drop is just days away, and Matt reacts to the Leafs roster cuts, while lamenting the impact the salary has had on fan enjoyment of the game. (18:58) - Kawhi Leonard made his Raptors preseason debut over the weekend. It's a preseason of adjustment and experimentation under new coach Nick Nurse (25:02) - TFC is hanging by a thread, but with big games ahead on the schedule, continue their push to make the MLS playoffs (28:26) - Gibby is gone. Was the lovefest weird? His predecessor will have a monumental task ahead of him. (35:04) - Your weekly rundown of the next 7 days on the sports calendar.

Hello again! Matt Di Nicolantonio (@di_nic) returns for Season 2 of the 416 Sports Show, and today he's talking about Toronto's new star players. (5:45) The Maple Leafs & William Nylander are in a contract dispute. Are you worried this will linger into the season? Will Nylander's spot on Auston Matthews' wing be guaranteed when he returns? There's a dual for the backup goalie spot and the decision is more nuanced than you might think. Plus, which depth defenders might influence the long-term direction of the team. (20:56) Kawhi Leonard is a Toronto Raptor. But for how long? Will he be fully engaged, or just play out the string and bolt for LA? He's not the only one with something to prove. (30:17) For TFC, the playoff dream isn't dead, but it's on life support. But maybe that's not a bad thing. (32:33) It's been a lost season for the Blue Jays, but Monday night the fans did the right thing. (35:30) A look ahead to everything on the schedule for Toronto sports.

3:45 - It had to be Game 7. Steady Freddy, spread offense and the Leafs can advance and show us what they're made of. 17:33 - Josh Lewenberg (TSN 1050 radio) joins to break down the Raptors & Wizards, including DeMar's growth, VanVleet's absence, and confidence in the team. 41:21 - TFC can do something no Canadian team has ever done before. But they'll need more from their star players. 44:15 - Accepting apologies for the slandering of Curtis Granderson, praise for Teoscar and Happ, a call for Stroman to deliver.

It's Playoff Time! Matt sits down with Justin Bourne (The Athletic) to break down every detail of the Leafs opening round series against the Boston Bruins. How important is home ice? Does line matching really work? Will the ghosts of 2013 play a factor? Who can be a surprise hero for the Leafs? 26:48 - The Raptors play the waiting game, as their first round opponent and schedule remains up in the air. 29:22 - The bullpen has bent, but not broken, and that's really the only area of concern for the Blue Jays after a successful first 11 games. 33:58 - Toronto FC faces a daunting task playing in Mexico City against Club America, with a berth in the CONCACAF Champions League Final on the line.

The long crawl towards the postseason has nearly reached it's conclusion. But before then, a small bit of business to take care of. 2:35 - The Raptors will have home court advantage through the East playoffs. Now, they have to actually use that advantage. 14:30 - Finalizing the final details of the roster and their play are the only items on the docket for the final two games. Then the focus shifts to beating Boston AND Tampa--not one or the other. 25:43 - Another massive win at BMO Field, but overshadowed by some tunnel traffic. Will there be a carryover effect into leg 2 in Mexico City?31:30 - You have to pleased with what you've seen from the Blue Jays after one week, as they take their show on the road for the first time this season. 37:28 - It's a crossover! Matt's appearance on Clayton Hansler's "Stringer Podcast". Subscribe to his great show!

The Toronto Raptors saw their winnng streak snapped at 11 games by the NBA refere--uh, OKC Thunder. While health down the stretch is the #1 priority, figuring out what to expect from the refs might be #2. 11:20 - Curtis McElhinney, NHL star of the week, potential off-season trade chip? No Matthews return (yet), but the Leafs continue to find scoring from their reserves, and can feel good about their playoff odds. 22:20 - TFC loses, but wins. A loss in Mexico still means advancement in CONCACAF, but the MLS results are lacking. Is this a worrisome start for the defending champs? 26:36 - The Blue Jays appear to be tabbing J.A. Happ to start on Opening Day. A few thoughts on why that might not be the best idea.

As we reflect on the week that was, maybe it's time to stop caring so much about what everyone else things, and appreciate how far the city has come. 1:00 - The Raptors snap Houston's 17-game win streak and widen the lead on first place in the East. But tough tests in the playoffs loom. 15:05 - The Maple Leafs set a franchise record with their 10th consecutive home win. Is a climb to 2nd place possible? And when will we see Auston Matthews again? 28:03 - Some news and notes from spring training, where the countdown to opening day clicks closer. Anthony Alford has a fan in a Blue Jays rival. 34:35 - TFC makes history with a win over Mexican side Tigres, and are 90 minutes away from punching a ticket to the CONCACAF semis.

While dealing with another injury to Auston Matthews, the Leafs also have to deal with new additions to rival clubs in their division following the NHL Trade Deadline. What do the moves do to the balance of power between Toronto, Boston, and Tampa Bay? Are we done with NHL outdoor games yet? [18:21] - The Raptors rebounded after a bad loss with a pair of wins, but the remainder of the season is all about tinkering to make sure they're putting the best foot forward when the playoffs start. [23:15] - Nagging injuries to Marcus Stroman & Troy Tulowitzki are really the only storylines out of Spring Training. Have the Blue Jays fallen to 4th in the Toronto Sports Power Rankings? They'll need to avoid another Awful April to stay relevant. [33:57] - TFC advances to the CCL Quarterfinals, and it will be a busy couple of weeks for the reds right off the hop to start the season, testing depth and their new acquisitions.

While Canada takes care of business at the Olympics, Toronto is taking care of things at home. The Leafs have won 11 of their last 13 games, and face some difficult decisions ahead of Monday's trade deadline. 18:52 - The Raptors went into the All Star break winners of seven in a row, but the focus over the final 25 games needs to be getting themselves ready to dominate the postseason. 24:48 - Not a single pitch has been thrown in a game, but the long-term future of both Marcus Stroman and Josh Donaldson has come into question in the first week of Blue Jays' spring training. 35:57 - The medals of the week highlight a wonderful initiative from the 30 MLB clubs.

Tuesday February 13, 2018 by 416 Sports Show

The storied rivalry of Toronto vs Boston is ... not so storied. But we might be headed that way this spring. Will the Raptors and Celtics have enough to knock the Cavs off the perch in the Eastern Conference? Do the Raptors need to make a trade before the deadline? (2:50) And what about the Maple Leafs? A solid bounce-back from a loss to the Bruins on the weekend, but should the rest of their season be geared with an eye on how to beat the Bruins? Will they be major buyers at the NHL trade deadline in three weeks? (17:47)

As the Toronto Raptors intensify their pursuit of the No. 1 seed in the NBA's Eastern Conference, something looked all too familiar over the weekend. Have the Raptors made enough progress to take the next step once the postseason rolls around? (2:05) The Leafs looked solid in back-to-back road victories to head in to the All Star Break. With the return of a pair of veteran defencemen on the horizon, what is the most pressing need for the club at the trade deadline? And are we sure the solutions aren't already in the organization? (17:30)

The Maple Leafs captured just three of six points, but have responded well to words from their veteran players; some young defenders have stepped up in the absence of Morgan Rielly; what exactly is goalie interference remains a mystery--should it be scrapped from reviews? (1:35). The Toronto Raptors earned a couple of low-scoring wins, and with craziness all around them, remain one of the most stable NBA franchises at the moment (16:39). The Blue Jays have brought in another outfielder. What does this mean for Zeke and others? What's the potential opening day lineup look like? The next wave of Blue Jays earn some love in Top 100 Prospects lists (24:23)

After a big week for the Toronto Raptors, Matt talks about where they stand in the NBA's big picture halfway through the year (1:42). The Maple Leafs struggled through their 6-game home stand, and face more tough tests this week. What's gone wrong over the last three weeks? (17:06). The Blue Jays continue to #RaiseTheFloor, but is there more to come? (23:26) And after a wacky divisional round of NFL playoffs, you might find yourself cheering for the Patriots (30:30).

After a brief hiatus to deal with holidays and illness, Matt returns to talk everything Toronto sports. The Leafs failed their first test against East-leading Tampa Bay, but responded with a pair of shootout wins, and Travis Dermott made his NHL debut. A look at the Leafs halfway through the season (2:03). Can 2018 be the Year of the Raptor? DeMar DeRozan has gotten things off on the right foot, and a huge week ahead can turn some eyeballs North (17:32). A few quick thoughts on the Blue Jays minor trade on Saturday, and the slow-developing free agent market (29:00). Wild Card Weekend is a wrap and unfortunately for Bills fans, it's a one and done. Divisional Round matchups and picks. Follow Matt on Twitter (di_nic ), and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Google Play, and anywhere else you get your podcasts.

All is merry and bright as Christmas descends upon Toronto with both the Leafs and the Raptors in favourable positions in the standings. Matt discusses the recent resurgence of Mitch Marner and William Nylander in relation to the team's success. With the Raptors on another 6-game winning streak, Daniel Reynolds of RaptorsHQ drops by to discuss the Dinos. Subscribe to the 416 Sports Show on iTunes, Google Play, and wherever you get your podcasts.

It's a championship edition of the 416 Sports Show, where Matt breaks down TFC's MLS Cup victory over Seattle (1:37). The Maple Leafs won three in a row, despite allowing over 40 shots per game. Will William Nylander ever get out of the doghouse? (9:50). The Raptors have extended their winning streak to six, and are making it look easy (21:00). After seeing AL rivals strengthen their clubs over the weekend, what's the next step for the Blue Jays? (26:25) And as always, the look ahead to the week to come (33:02). Subscribe on iTunes & Google Play.

In a special edition episode, Matt is joined by Terry Dunfield to break down Toronto's Eastern Conference Final win over Columbus, and dive into the matchup for Saturday's MLS Cup Final against Seattle. How is the opposition different this time around? Who are the key players to watch? And if it goes to penalties, who would Terry send forward to win the game for Toronto?

Only three weeks till Christmas! This week, Matt chats about TFC making it back to the MLS Cup for a rematch with Seattle (1:11). The Maple Leafs showed well in Western Canada, but left points on the table (6:35). Jeff Veillette [faceoffcircle.ca] drops by for a chat about the Leafs, Marlies & TFC (14:09). The Raptors made Dwane Casey angry, but the young guys can still have some fun (36:58)

Toronto followed up the Perfect Week with an up-and-down seven days. First off, Matt is joined by Terry Dunfield to discuss all things MLS playoffs (1:40). The Leafs managed just one victory, despite some efforts that deserved better results (14:30). A mixed bag for the Raptors despite some soft matchups (28:55). And the Argos are Grey Cup Champions (34:24).

Does talking about a Perfect Week ruin a Perfect Week? Well, Toronto had a perfect week. (0:57) - The Leafs posted back-to-back shutouts to run their winning streak to six. Andersen is hot, and the Leafs found ways to win without Matthews. (10:01) - DeMar & Kyle are awesome, but there are many unsung heroes contributing to the Raptors four-game run. (18:15) - Arrrrrggoooooos. A Toronto club will play for the championship this week. Apologies for the lack of TFC preview. Due to some unforeseen circumstances, Terry Dunfield was unable to join today.

It was a pretty good week on the scoreboard for Toronto. The Maple Leafs went 4-0, an impressive feat without Auston Matthews for the past three games (0:53). The Raptors were one shot away from sweeping the week, should they have tried something different in the final minute? (11:17). We were devastated by the loss of former Blue Jays' ace Roy Halladay. Here's an excerpt from the 7th Inning Stretch Podcast with Matt & Asher Roth (20:16)

After a wild weekend, (0:55) Matt breaks down Toronto FC's playoff tie with New York, which saw the Reds advance to the Eastern Conference Final--but at a cost. (8:58) The Leafs continue to scuffle, with the losses piling up, and some uncertainty in the health of their best player. It's time for Mike Babcock to step up. (18:02) A lacklustre effort in the first game back from the road for the Raptors, as they continue to find their way.

Playoffs!! Toronto FC open up their quest to be MLS champions with a tie against New York Red Bulls. The first guest of the podcast, Terry Dunfield, joins to break down the matchup. (12:40) - The Leafs have now lost 3 of 4 as they head West. What's been the biggest issue during the slide? Goaltending? What's wrong with Tyler Bozak? (26:00) - The Raptors lost two close games to start the road trip, but rebounded to beat the Lakers. Give them time to work things out. (29:15) - The World Series has been awesome, but MLB dropped the juiced ball by not suspending Yuli Gurriel. Some harsh criticism for their disciplinary strategy.

After the Maple Leafs were humbled by Ottawa on Saturday, focus shifts to a three-game home stand, starting with a titanic battle with the Los Angeles Kings. What does the signing of Roman Polak mean for the team's other young defencemen? (13:36) - The Raptors took care of business, starting the season 2-0, but now the real work begins with a 6-game road trip. Can they put the NBA on alert with some big wins out west? (17:39) - A record-setting regular season is in the books for TFC and Sebastian Giovinco. Now they await their first round opponent in a tough Eastern Conference playoff picture. (22:06) - With the World Series beginning Tuesday, a look at what to expect from two of the best teams in the league.

The Maple Leafs snapped their 14-game losing streak vs Montreal. The offence continues to shine, but the D still needs work. (13:58) - TFC also beats Montreal, making more MLS history in the process. The Eastern Conference playoff seeding (and their first opponent) is wide open. (19:57) - The Dodgers vs Astros World Series Collision Course inches nearer. Both are up 2-0, but Joe Maddon might be the reason why the Cubs haven't won. A rant on closer use ensues.

The Most Amazing Sports Month rolls on, and the Maple Leafs have opened the season with a 3-0 record. Matt has been encouraged by their play, but acknowledges there's still lots of work to be done. (10:21) - The MLB playoffs have been electric on the field, but news off it as well with the firing of John Farrell in Boston. Stephen Strasburg turns down Game 4 ALDS assignment -- how would you feel if a Blue Jays pitcher did that? (21:47) - The Raptors dominated in their preseason win last night. Some praise for Norm Powell and the new-look offense. (24:00) - TFC is back in action this week, Matt thanks his crew for another great TFC II season.

This was supposed to be the first video show, but due to technical difficulties it is once again audio-only. TFC won the Supporters Shield! A history of what that means and where Toronto ranks in all-time MLS seasons. (3:44) - The Leafs are just about set to begin the regular season, so a quick look at where they might finish in the standings.(9:35) - Raptors preseason is underway, and after a frenetic NBA offseason, where does this team fit in the Eastern Conference landscape? (11:53) - The MLB postseason opens this week, and with five new teams entering the fray from last year, it promises to be a very exciting October.

In the podcast premiere of the 416 Sports Show, Matt discusses the Maple Leafs' preseason to date, and the few key roster battles that remain (0:55); TFC have dropped back-to-back games for the first time in months, but there's no reason to panic (11:24); and Jose Bautista played his final home game as a Blue Jay - let's relive some fond memories and look ahead to 2018 (16:43). Follow Matt on Twitter @ di_nic.