Live Laugh Leafs

00:00 - No evidence to say this Maple Leafs team is differentThe Maple Leafs will be judged on what they do in the playoffs, where the team's superstar core have repeatedly struggled to make an impact but a shaky start to the regular season, including some worrying underlying metrics, suggest Toronto is no more prepared than before for the tests that await.Also on this week's Shot Volume:11:57 - How to truly evaluate NHL goaltending?21:04 - John Tortorella's culture paying dividends Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

00:00 - Things Sam Chang missed while on vacation14:12 - Maple Leafs need Mitch Marner to be great not ok25:01 - NHL Player Safety consistency was short lived27:30 - Chicago's handling of Corey Perry's absence creates questions31:03 - What do non-NHL fans think about the league? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

American Thanksgiving historically means cutoff time for the NHL playoff race. If you're not in by holiday season, your chances of making the playoffs are slim but Edmonton and Minnesota are among the Western Conference teams hoping to buck that trend this year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

William Nylander and Elias Pettersson are both approaching free agency but do their standout starts to this season prove they perform under pressure and deserve every dollar of their next contract?Also on this week's episode of Zone Time:NHL regional blackouts have have gone too farWhat happened to Patrik Laine's magic?Predicting Team Canada's roster for 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can Craig Conroy manage Calgary through a fire sale?3-on-3 overtime rule changes would be unpopular among fansPanarin has point to prove, making Rangers a problem Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Connor McDavid says he found out about Jay Woodcroft's dismissal like everyone else but it's hard to believe the Oilers captain had no input in the hiring of Kris Knoblauch, his coach in junior hockey, as new bench boss in Edmonton. Also on this week's show:Unexpected destination for Nikita Zadorov following trade requestConnor Bedard is already elite, and he knows itLeafs should re-sign Nylander regardless of consequencesIs he a Hockey Hall of Famer? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why trading for an NHL goaltender is harder than everTandem goaltender setups have become increasingly popular across the NHL, with only a select group of teams playing a bonafide No. 1 starter. As a result, the Edmonton Oilers are faced with limited trade options after putting Jack Campbell on waivers.Also on this week's Shot Volume:Oilers have narrow margin for error after nightmare startEdmonton's struggles to find reliable goaltending are well documented but the Oilers still have a top-10 power play and will rely on Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl to raise their production if the team is to recover and make the NHL playoffs.Vancouver Canucks: Team of destinyAfter missing the playoffs by 12 points last season, the Vancouver Canucks are off to the best start in franchise history (9-2-1) but how long can Quinn Hughes, Elias Pettersson and particularly goaltender Thatcher Demko keep the juggernaut rolling? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brady Tkachuk and Ottawa's young core are currently playing below the sum of their talent and while head coach D.J. Smith has been instrumental in their development, the Senators might need to make a change on the bench if the team is to make the playoffs this season.01:05 - Dysfunction in Ottawa07:34 - Leafs desperately need secondary scoring16:19 - Can things get any worse for Oilers, Flames?21:31 - Sharks are playing historically bad26:41 - Canucks are best team in Canada29:23 - Johnny Gaudreau not delivering on promise31:59 - Mangipane suspension is very lenient 33:19 - Second former player sues Blackhawks Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Power-play opportunities per team are up from an average of 2.99 per game between 2014 and 2023 to 3.57 so far this season. More penalties mean more goals but not everyone is convinced it's good for the game. Also this week's episode of Shot Volume:Penguins did themselves a hole but is the team playing better than its record suggests?Goaltending not the problem for Tampa Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Calgary Flames (2-6) are likely to rally from a terrible start to the NHL season but management are already facing questions about the long-term future of the current roster, and whether the team should be sellers come trade deadline.Also on this week's episode:Behind the scenes at NHL Heritage ClassicShould NHL coaches be able to review missed penalty calls?NHL rallies around safety after Adam Johnson tragedy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anthony Petrielli and Nick Ashbourne discuss if Alex Ovechkin is showing signs of slowing down, the most impressive NHL teams and their takeaways from 'Frozen Frenzy.'0:00 - Impressive teams5:32 - Alex Ovechkin13:53 - Frozen Frenzy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Travis Dermott used Pride Tape despite the NHL's ban. How will the league respond? Also on the episode:- What's going on with the Oilers?- Andersson's hit on Laine and Calgary appealing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Shot Volume this week:-The value of Maple Leafs' Ryan Reaves-Why zone defense is taking over the NHL-Can Logan Cooley contend for the Calder Trophy? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Connor Bedard has shown why he's one of the most highly touted prospects in recent history and there's a pressure that comes with that.Also on this week's show:Can Auston Matthews hit 65+ goals?Ryan Reaves and the Maple Leafs' goal song controversyEverything cool, Edmonton?Can Vancouver sustain its early season success? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

By extending Mark Scheifele and Connor Hellebuyck, the Winnipeg Jets are not giving up on its current core, but rather than trying to maintain competitive respectability, do NHL teams need to tear the roster down to return as cup contenders?Also on Shot Volume this week:- How much is elite NHL goaltending really worth?- Which contract year could have a big impact on the NHL? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Winnipeg has doubled down on the team's core by extending Connor Hellebuyck and Mark Scheifele to the tune of $8.5M annually per player but can the Jets realistically compete in the Western Conference? Also on this week's show:NHL painting themselves into a corner with pride tape banLogan Cooley will shine in Connor Bedard's shadowNHL Predictions: Elias Pettersson's contract year will benefit CanucksNHL Predictions: Atlantic will put squeeze on Sens, SabresNHL Predictions: Nazem Kadri will have a career seasonWill Connor McDavid or Auston Matthews lift the Stanley Cup? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 2023 first-overall pick hasn't played a minute of meaningful NHL hockey but Connor Bedard's performances for the Chicago Blackhawks in preseason have been very impressive. On the first Zone Time episode of the season, the crew also discuss:Are the Penguins a playoff team?Pressure building on Canadiens' Slafkovsky projectIs Tampa Bay in trouble without Andrei Vasilevskiy? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Toronto forward William Nylander is reportedly looking for a new contract north of $10M but while playoff performances suggest the 27-year-old is as valuable as his better-paid teammates, the Maple Leafs can't afford to sign another double-figure deal.On the season finale of Zone Time, Julian and crew also ask which general managers should be allowed to cook and who should be shut down after the free-agency flurry, and they make some bold offseason predictions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Flames face a potential crisis this offseason with Elias Lindholm, Mikael Backlund, Tyler Toffoli and Noah Hanifin all entering the final year of their contracts, and none of this group of key players willing to consider an extension in Calgary.Also on this week's edition of Zone Time:Matvei Michkov a 'no-brainer' pick in NHL draftNo-trade clauses: NHL teams are to blame not playersThree free agents the Maple Leafs should pursue Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist is certain to enter the Hockey Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. On this week's episode of Zone Time, Julian and crew debate the Hall of Fame cases for goaltenders Curtis Joseph and Corey Crawford, and they also discuss the teams and GMs under pressure in the NHL offseason. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Florida has struggled to contain the Golden Knights' offense in the Stanley Cup Final, while the Panthers have also lost the scoring touch that fuelled their run through the playoffs.Also on this week's edition of Zone Time:Jonathan Marchessault's story deserving of Conn SmytheAidin Hill latest to defy NHL goaltending logicHow much is Pierre-Luc Dubois worth to the Montreal Canadiens? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A section of Toronto fans are accusing Kyle Dubas of disloyalty after he was hired as President of Hockey Operations by the Pittsburgh Penguins but Omar and the Zone Time crew believe it's time to move on from the Dubas era and respect the former Leafs GM decision.On this week's episode, Arun joins Julian, Sam and Omar to discuss:Connor Bedard speaking outWhat Leafs fans should expect from Brad TrelivingHow did Mike Babcock make it back to the NHL?NHL expansion to Salt Lake CityIs Vegas still the bad guy? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As two Florida franchises prepare to play for a championship, Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk joined the NBA on TNT panel during the pregame show. Rubbing shoulders with Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal, Tkachuk looked at ease but can the NHL capitalize and market its stars better? Also on this week's show:Would Kyle Dubas prefer a longer-term project in Ottawa over a win-now mission in Pittsburgh?Why the Flames must avoid a Johnny Gaudreau 2.0NHL Trivia: Changing places & being traded Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kyle Dubas is out as Maple Leafs general manager but president Brendan Shanahan remains. If Toronto fails to improve on its 2022-23 showing next season, regardless of who the coach or players are, Shanahan will be held responsible for the course correction gone wrong. The Zone Time ask what kind of GM do the Leafs need and discuss if Sergei Bobrovsky is playing himself into the Hockey Hall of Fame? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Everything is up for debate in Toronto after the Maple Leafs disastrous second-round loss to the Panthers. General manager Kyle Dubas says he'll either resign in Toronto or take a break while all signs point to head coach Sheldon Keefe taking the fall for the team's failure. Meanwhile, with one year left on his contact, Auston Matthews says his intention is to extend his stay in blue and white. Canada's Stanley Cup hopes are over for another year after the Oilers lost to the Golden Knights. Edmonton's window is still open but Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl missed a golden opportunity to go all the way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Toronto Maple Leafs face an impending offseason in which almost half of its roster will be free agents, Auston Matthews will be entering the final year of his contract and the fanbase will be eager for change on the bench and in the front office if the team fails to rally from a 3-0 second-round deficit to Florida.On the latest playoff edition of Zone Time, Julian and crew also explore how the Seattle Kraken are proving that balance and depth can win in the NHL and celebrate Leon Draisaitl, who is playing like he's tired of losing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Boston put together an historic regular season, perhaps the best the NHL has ever seen but winning the Presidents' Trophy gave the Bruins no protection when they were dumped out in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs by the Florida Panthers. In that series, Matthew Tkachuk put his team on his back from 3-1 down and would be a strong candidate to win the Hart Trophy if it wasn't for come guy called Connor McDavid.The Zone Time crew also discuss Jacob Trouba's bit hit on Timo Meier and make predictions for the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Maple Leafs are on the brink of winning a first-round playoff series for the first time since 2004 but should the franchise and its fans treat this season as a success if they fall at the next hurdle?On this week's playoff edition of Zone Time, Julian and crew laud Ryan O'Reilly, unpack the Cale Makar 'dirty player' discourse and ask if Leon Draisaitl a better playoff performer than Connor McDavid? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Stanley Cup Playoffs are upon us so it's time for the Zone Time crew to nail their flags to some contending masts. Rangers vs. Devils seems to close to call, can the Kings really upset the Oilers and is this the year the Maple Leafs bury their first-round demons? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hopes were high for the Calgary Flames ahead of the 2022-23 season but expectations were quickly met with a disastrous reality as the team missed the playoffs. Changes are now unavoidable, and the franchise must decide whether to move on from head coach Darryl Sutter, the team's style of play or indeed some of its biggest stars.Julian is joined by Arun, Sam and Omar for a playoffs preview, and they also ask if Erik Karlsson's 100 points are worthy of the Norris Trophy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Boston Bruins may go down as the greatest regular season NHL team ever but only twice in the salary-cap era has the Presidents' Trophy winner gone on to lift the Stanley Cup.Julian, Sam, Omar and Avry also discuss the Western Conference wild card race, the prospect on an in-season NHL tournament, and ask if NHL stars be activists, role models or just athletes? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Boston Bruins are on course for franchise record wins and points totals, leading some to consider them one of the greatest regular-season wins of all time but which Eastern Conference rival will be the most dangerous in the Stanley Cup Playoffs?On this week's episode of Zone Time, Julian, Sam, Omar and Avry also ask if Erik Karlsson deserves to win the Norris Trophy and reveal the preseason NHL predictions they got wrong. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Calgary Flames are hanging onto hopes of securing a Western Conference wild card spot despite a season that has failed dramatically to meet expectations. Julian and the Zone Time crew wonder if the Flames can find a way to salvage things down the NHL run-in despite themselves.They also discuss why the Golden Knights should be feared by any Western Conference Stanley Cup contender, despite goaltending inconsistency and question if playing for pride could cost the Vancouver Canucks dear when it comes to the NHL Draft Lottery. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Eastern Conference Wild Card race is heating up as numerous teams vie for a spot in the NHL playoffs. With goaltender Ilya Sorokin performing at a Vezina level, the New York Islanders play a style of hockey that can cause problems for any opposition and might be the team the Presidents Trophy-elect Boston Bruins fear facing the most in the first round.On this week's episode, Julian asks the Zone Time crew which rule change they would advocate for if they were an NHL general manager in Florida this week for their annual assessment of the game.Trivia is also back! Do you know which Sedin brother finished his NHL career with more points? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Maple Leafs lost two out of three on a Western Canada road trip and Toronto fans are not happy with the performances. To make things worse, trade deadline acquisition Ryan O'Reilly is out indefinitely with a broken finger, while John Tavares will miss Tuesday's game in New Jersey. The Leafs are locked in a playoff spot but some of their key players are playing below standard, notably defenceman Morgan Rielly. On the latest episode of Zone Time, Julian asks Omar and crew if the panic within the fanbase is really justified?They also discuss the post-trade deadline mood in Edmonton, Vancouver and Calgary and wonder which NHLer, if anyone, could host Saturday Night Live. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the Eastern Conference contenders load up for the playoffs, Julian and the Zone Time crew ask what a first-round pick is really worth. They also wonder why things are so quiet in the Western Conference ahead of the NHL trade deadline. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patrick Kane's best days may be behind him but the 34-year-old is a three-time Stanley Cup champion and remains a powerful offensive weapon. Kane is in the final season of the eight-year, $84 million contract but his no-movement clause, and his questionable defence may be dissuading teams from making Chicago an offer.On the latest episode of Zone Time, Julian and crew also ask if 'trade-related' scratches such as Jakob Chychrun impact a player's market value and discuss the implication of the Maple Leafs' deal for Ryan O'Reilly. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Edmonton Oilers would have to send at least one of their talented young defencemen plus draft picks to the San Jose Sharks if they hope to add Erik Karlsson to a win-now roster. Reports suggest that Oilers' stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are keen for the team to trade for a puck-moving defenceman like Karlsson or Jakob Chychrun, even if it shortens their window of contention to the next couple of years.On this week's episode of Zone Time, Julian is joined by Omar, Avry and Arun to discuss all things NHL trade deadline, including the futures of Jakob Chychrun, Erik Karlsson and Patrick Kane. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With less than a month before the NHL trade deadline, the Zone Time crew discuss the players on this year's market that teams should be wary of, and lessons learned about overpaying for playoff-type players.They also share their discontent at All-Star Weekend, react to Sidney Crosby's comments about the playoff format and decide if Bo Horvat's extension in New York will be worth it for the Islanders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New York Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello said he would take responsibility for his team's struggles and he made a blockbuster move, acquiring Vancouver Canucks captain Bo Horvat in exchange for forwards Anthony Beauvillier and Aatu Räty, plus a protected 2023 first-round draft pick. On this week's edition of Zone Time, Julian and crew discuss the implications of such a huge deal coming so early ahead of the March 3 deadline, including what it means for other team's and trade value. Does Bo Horvat make the Islanders contenders and who will be the next captain in Vancouver?They also preview the lowly anticipated All-Star weekend and discuss the ongoing controversy regarding NHL Pride Nights and the wearing (and not wearing) of special warmup jerseys. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bruce Boudreau is gone, Rick Tocchet arrives to a chorus of boos. On the latest episode of Zone Time, Sam Chang describes the fallout as the bleakest moment Vancouver Canuck's history.Julian and crew also ask is Darryl Sutter's style becoming outdated and do NHL free agents like Johnny Gaudreau have a responsibility to fans? They also discuss the small matter of the Boston Bruins remaining on course to become the greatest regular-season team ever. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a strange press conference, Canucks President of Hockey Operations Jim Rutherford refused to give head coach Bruce Boudreau his full support. Following months of instability and rumours, Boudreau should consider quitting his post before his inevitable firing.On the latest episode of Zone Time, Julian and the crew also ask how much Cole Caufield is worth to the Montreal Canadiens. They discuss Connor McDavid's socks and his views on shootouts, and Omar starts the long road towards a first-round meeting between the Leafs and Lightning. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Connor McDavid is on pace to be the first player with a 150-point season since Mario Lemieux tallied 161 in 1995-96 but the overall flawed Edmonton Oilers also look destined to miss the playoffs.Meanwhile, at the midway point of the 2022-23 NHL season, the Boston Bruins lead the list of Stanley Cup contenders with 68 points through 40 games. Remarkably, the Bruins are still icing multiple players from their 2011 championship team.On this week's episode, Julian and the crew also discuss:Why the Florida Panthers are the biggest disappointment at the halfThe need for a new NHL All-Star formatBest and worst goal songs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.