Prattcast on Sports

David Pratt and Ben Kuzma from Postmedia are both self isolating and so is most of the world as the COVID-19 pandemic effect much of normal daily life. Dave & Ben talk about the current situation with the NHL being paused for the for seeable future, what effect will that have on players and will we see a Stanley Cup Playoffs? Meanwhile, Tom Brady leaves Boston!  They my be stuck at home but there is lots to talk about on this episode of the Prattcast on Sports. 

In a global news event that is moving quickly David Pratt and Ben Kuzma from Postmedia talk about the effects COVID-19 is having on sports. Teams playing to empty stadiums, seasons canceled, the list goes on. Will this effect the NFL playoffs? Will the Canucks be playing to empty arenas?  And in Breaking News while recording this episode, Ben Kuzma shares the latest on Chris Tanev who is week-to-week with a lower body injury.

David Pratt and Ben Kuzma from Postmedia being this edition of the 'Prattcast on Sports' talking about the loosening of the precarious grip that the Canucks have on their Wild Card playoff spot as they let another game get away. They discuss how the Achilles heel in their line-up is unquestionably their inability to defend - all stemming from Markstrom's mystery surrounded injury and it's unknown severity. The guys talk Shotgun Jake Virtanen and the conspiracy theory around his playing opportunity being restricted with him out of the top 6 forwards. Dave and Ben dig into the jam-packed Wild Card race in the West. The guys wonder whether Canuck head coach Travis Green survives should the team miss the post-season yet again. Dave and Ben wrap up switching from the ice to the grid-iron and give an update on the continuing 'Brady-watch 2020.'

Dave Pratt and Ben Kuzma from Postmedia reflect on the memory from a decade ago of the golden goal by Sidney Crosby at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. Then Ben's investigative journalism insight on the road with the Canucks and what is going on with Jacob Markstrom? Later, where will Tom Brady end up in the NFL?

Dave Pratt and Ben Kuzma from Postmedia start by talking the Tyler Taffoli trade and whether the Canucks have a decent shot of re-signing Tyler come the summer.The guys debate if Boeser is injury prone or just unlucky. Dave and Ben chat on Quinn Hughes and how he has exceeded even the most optimistic expectations in this record breaking season, and how Markstrom is the Canucks MVP. They discuss team toughness and whether the Canucks have enough - or not. Dave and look ahead to the Bruins tilt on Saturday and says the Boston is the best team in the NHL bar none and playing the Bruins is the best test in the league to see how good the Canucks are. Dave has the Bruins winning the Cup while Ben feels Tampa is the team that will hoist Lord Stanley come June. Dave 'guarantees' that the Leafs miss the playoffs and ownership will clean house because of that firing Sheldon Keefe, and firing Kyle Dubas for creating the cap nightmare that he built in Toronto. The guys get into the mini renaissance happening with the Pens and how Crosby is still amazing at making the players around him great and Dave feels he has one more serious playoff run left in him. The guys wrap up talking NFL including Drew Brees coming back at 41 years old.

Dave Pratt and Ben Kuzma from Postmedia this week talk about their experiences of the night The Sedin’s numbers were retired at Rogers Arena. The Canucks celebrate all month long for Henrik & Daniel. Will other former Canucks be honoured? Then, what is the current state of Canucks injuries and how are the playoffs looking?

Dave Pratt, Ben Kuzma from Postmedia this week reflect of the tragic event and sudden loss of Kobe Bryant. The Superbowl is around the corner, and who will be crowned Champion on Sunday? Later, The Canucks are back from the All-Star and Dave has some new hope for their playoff chances!

Dave Pratt, Ben Kuzma from Postmedia and special guest Glen Suitor dig into a number of topics during the Canucks bye week starting with Larry Walker getting into the Baseball Hall Of Fame and the legacy of his success. The guys reflect on the NFL's championship games and look forward to the Super Bowl and the QB match-up. Dave, Ben and Glen look back at the 2019 Grey Cup and talk the Keith Urban halftime show. The guys talk about what they see the future holding for the CFL on and off the field. Quinn Hughes made the NHL All Star game and Dave says that's the only reason he will be watching.The guys talk about the crowded Pacific standings with the Canucks at the top, including chatting about Shotgun Jake. 

Dave Pratt is joined by Hockey Hall of Famer Jim Robson - a few days ahead of his 85th birthday -  as usual contributor Ben Kuzma is stuck in a snowstorm. Dave and Jim talk the Gallant firing, whether the Canucks are overplaying Markstom, Quinn Hughes making the NHL All Star game, Cheech nearly winning a car at the '83 All Star game, and look ahead to the upcoming tribute night next month for the Sedins. The guys look back at Pavel Bure's incredible time in Vancouver. Robson chats on his favourite moments in the Canucks 50 seasons, and some of his play by play calls that have become iconic.

Dave Pratt and Ben Kuzma from Postmedia start this episode of the pod talking Tom Brady most likely being done playing for the Pats, but still wanting to play and where he could land next? Dave and Ben look ahead to the NFL Divisional Playoff weekend including the Hawks vs Packers and does Seattle's success totally revolve around Beastmode's success? The guys delve into the pesky problems  behind the ugly 9-2 bump that ended the Canucks win streak at the hands of Tampa Bay, and look ahead to their challenging road schedule and lingering questions for the balance of this season. Dave goes 1 on 1 with Canucks standout JT Miller. The guys wrap up chatting on how the NHL All Star Game has become unappealing to players with Ovie sitting out again.

With 2019 coming to a close, Dave Pratt and Ben Kuzma from Postmedia share their frustrations with the Canucks recent games. Does this mean an end to the Canucks playoff hopes? Later Dave & Ben reflect on the NFL Monday Night Football game and the rise of a new quarterback star. To end the show-off we hear from Troy Stecher, Adam Gaudette, Elias Pettersson, Quinn Hughes and Jacob Markstrom of the Vancouver Canucks, about their New Years Resolutions and Goals for the New Year.

Dave Pratt and Ben Kuzma from Postmedia start this episode chatting on on Canucks D-man Quinn Hughes and his chances of winning the Calder, and how it seems a head-to-head battle with Cale Makar. The guys discuss the success of the Canucks young core and how much credit should go to the Canucks scouting staff doing their homework. Dave and Ben recap the Leaf game and Dave says the Canucks outplayed the Leafs everywhere except in net and wonder if that will be an issue going forward - or just in November. The guys discuss the latest injury news with Ferland and the ramifications of him not being in the line-up for any length of time - and whether Zack MacEwan can play that role. The guys chat on how NHL commish Gary Bettman is treating the league's 'Me Too' moment.The guys turn their attention to week 15 of the NFL and Lamar Jackson and ask why the NFL is letting it be 'open season' on him?

Dave Pratt and Ben Kuzma from Postmedia delve into all the fallout from the stories of coaching abuse in the wake of the Babcock firing and Bill Peters' saga and where the line is for today's coaches. And what the changes are that are coming from the NHL and how will they be implemented. Dave sits down with Canucks head coach Travis Green and gets his thoughts on the current wave of coaching stories and his experiences as a player and a coach and where that line is in motivating your team and players. The guys get into Alex Burrows Ring of Honour ceremony and great speech and discuss some of Alex's biggest moments, and impacts he had on the Canucks.Dave and Ben dive into the current edition of the Canucks and the impact of the injury to Edler as they get ready for home dates against Buffalo and the Leafs. The guys get into the NFL and look ahead to four big match-ups in Week 14, and the troubles the Pats have. They also talk Hawks and Russ' comments on similarities between the 2019 and 2014 Seahawks. 

Dave Pratt and Ben Kuzma from Postmedia, start Episode 9 of the Prattcast on Sports by discussing the firing of Mike Babcock in Toronto and what went wrong with the highest paid coach in the NHL for the Leafs organization, and how his replacement Sheldon Keefe, who has never coached a game in the NHL will fare in the centre of the hockey universe. The guys get into what’s behind the miserable November thus far for the Canucks and what they need to do to on the ice to bump their losing slump of late. Dave and Ben get into what they saw go down in Dallas where the Stars where able to put up 6 goals on the Canucks - and how the road trip doesn’t get any easier for the goalies with Nashville and Washington on the horizon, and an eventual back to back with the Oilers to end the roadie. The guys talk the latest fallout on the Grapes firing and Ron’s statement on HNIC on Saturday, and Hayley Wickenheiser going into the HHOF. Dave and Ben turn their attention to the NFL and this week’s biggest match-ups, Lamar Jackson’s ascension to the top of the MVP race, what Gronk is up to, and the Kaep tryout and whether he will ever get to play another down in the NFL.

Dave and Ben tackle the major sports story of the week... Don Cherry. Has he now missed his opportunity to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame? Plus, how did that beat between Dave and Ben go from last week? It's episode #8 of the Prattcast of Sports!

David Pratt and Ben Kuzma from Postmedia begin by discussing the comeback against St. Louis and head coach Travis Green's comment that it was a 'big boy game' and how happy he was with his team's push-back against the reining Stanley Cup champs. Dave and Ben explain taking 3 out of 4 against the Blues mean that the Canucks are 'real' with their early season success and how teams are aware what is happening in Vancouver. The guys get into Petey. winning NHL Player of the Week, and how he is even showing up in the 'hits' column on the stats sheet. Dave and Ben look ahead to the 2 upcoming tests against Dallas and Nashville over the next couple of weeks, and how the Canucks will handle it's goaltending. The guys chat with Canucks back-up goalie Thatcher Demko, then discuss the 'cadillac problem' the Canucks have of having 2 guys that are both legitimate number one goalies and what kind of extension the Canucks will end up with during their contract negotiations with Jacob Markstrom. And how critical the way the Canucks handle their goaltending situation now will play into their success for years to come. The guys touch on the story of a Vegas casino suing Evander Kane and wonder why he keeps having off-ice issues that distract from what should be a great NHL career. Dave and Ben look ahead to the Hawks and 49ers upcoming huge MNF game and few of the other big week 10 match-ups. 

David Pratt and Ben Kuzma from Postmedia start by talking about the Canucks goal-a-palooza of late and what is behind their great start to the 2019-20 season. On the other side of the coin the guys talk about Loui drawing back into the line-up and how no one complained when the Canucks originally signed him as a free agent. Dave and Ben chat on how Shotgun Jake is progressing as he seems to be doing the right things to stay in the line-up. The guys discuss Micheal Ferland and wonder  whether he can regain his previous form in his last season with the Flames or last season with the Canes - or if what we are seeing thus far with the Canucks is who he is now. Dave asks what the right move is for 'Cadillac problem' goaltending tandem the Canucks have where both goalies have shown that they are capable of winning games. The guys turn their attention to Utica and talk about how the Comets have had an incredible start, including Cole Lind - and who will get the first recall from the crop of top players that are performing so well in the AHL. Dave and Ben talk about the Niners and their incredible D, especially Nick Bosa, that has made them 7-0 to start the NFL season and look forward to some of the big match-ups this Sunday. The guys touch on Tiger's win in Japan and whether he will play for the US at the 2020 Olympic Summer Games in Japan.

Dave Pratt and contributor Ben Kuzma from Postmedia start Episode 5 by recapping the successful road trip and talk about the impact that Canucks goaltending coach Ian Clark has had on Vancouver's two current net minders, especially Jacob Markstrom and debate what Markstrom will be worth for Vancouver to retain him. The guys rejoice that Quinn Hughes has finally made it on to PP1 and what that unit has become with his addition. They check in on Jake Virtanen and discuss how he has managed to end up on the first line and got his first goal of the season. Dave wonders if the Canucks - looking as good as they do starting the season - can win the Pacific Division? Dave and Ben chatted on the Washington Caps and Ovie at 34 is still a rockstar both on-the-ice, and off. They chatted on the great start to the season that Utica is having with Lind and Baertschi. The guys asked if the Raptors can win in the post season without Kawhi. Looking at the NFL Sunday Night game the guys talk about whether KC should risk playing Mahomes or not, and weigh-in on the rumours of Brady considering hanging it up at the end of this NFL season.

Dave Pratt and Ben Kuzma started by chatting about the ceremony naming Bo captain and his captain-like qualities that have been on display especially last season. The guys talked about Markstrom not being available and how we are all going to find out if Demko is ready to step into the starter role in the NHL. The big question for the Canucks this season remains who is going to score, especially on the PP. Dave still wonders why Quinn Hughes isn't on PP1, and asks are we expecting too much from Petey in his second season?  Dave visits the Canucks locker room and chats 1 on 1 with Bo Horvat. Bo gets into what being named captain means to him and how he is still processing it. Bo also talks about how he feels the team is progressing thus far and and more. Dave and Ben also get into Micheal Ferland and why he is having a slow start despite playing with top 6 players.Dave and Ben wrap-up this week's podcast talking about how impressive the Seahawks are playing to start the NFL season 5-1 and Russ is putting up MVP numbers again.

Dave Pratt and contributor Ben Kuzma of Postmedia are joined by the Hockey Hall of Famer, the Legendary Canucks Play-by-Play man Jim Robson for the full episode. Dave, Ben and Jim start by reviewing the Canucks bumpy 0-2 start and their need to get a 'W' in the 50th anniversary season home opener on Wednesday night. They guys dig into Petey's start and not having Quinn Hughes on PP1. Jim reminisces on key dates, events and players in the tumultuous Canucks 50-year history from the landing of the franchise, to the first ever opening night, to the '82 and '94 Cup runs, to towel-power, the ill-fated Neely trade, Messier's signing in Vancouver and taking the 'C' off of Linden, to the Sedins, Luongo and McLean, and much more.

On Episode 2 of the Prattcast on Sports with Dave Pratt and Contributor Ben Kuzma from Postmedia, the guys start by talking about the recent news on how the Canucks will wait to name their new captain until the home opener on October 9th . In the wake of the Boeser being cleared to return from the preseason concussion hit – which only drew a minor penalty - they ask why there is still a disconnect with NHL Player Safety and dangerous hits to the head? Dave sits down one-on-one with Canucks Head Coach Travis Green for an extensive interview on his NHL playing days and experiences he took from his coaches that he uses today with his Canuck players. Travis gives his assessments on the young top-end talent on his roster today and what his expectations are for the season ahead. 

Dave Pratt and contributor Ben Kuzma from Postmedia start the Prattcast on Sports by discussing the fallout from last night's pre-season game with Brock Boeser now going thru concussion protocol after the ugly hit by Sens' player Chris Tierney - will Brock be ready for the start of the regular season? They debate whether Elias Pettersson can be a point-a-game guy - or even crack 90 points this season? Ben breaks down how the PP1/PP2 units are balanced this season with Quinn Hughes, and the summer player additions to the team. The guys chat on what that could mean to take the heat off of Alex Edler. Dave and Ben delve into two of Canuck fan's favourite never ending stories, the trials of Jake Virtanen and Loui Eriksson. They guys ask who sits because Loui is playing. Dave lays out why he thinks goaltending is the biggest question mark for the Canucks and Kuz seriously disagrees. Dave rants that Travis Green's coaching gig is linked to making the playoffs. Dave and Ben wrap the podcast by making their predictions on whether this is the year the Canucks make the playoffs - and Dave lays down his 'guarantee'.

Legendary Vancouver sportscaster David Pratt is taking his broadcasting talents to his own podcast: The Prattcast on Sports. This new weekly podcast is the only place you can get Dave's strong opinions and off-beat hot takes that have made him a fixture on sports radio and TV for the last 3 decades. Dave is joined by Ben Kuzma of Postmedia, a wily opinionated media veteran in his own right who has covered sports for 3 decades plus himself.Nothing is off the table and no holds are barred when Dave and Ben sit down with some of the biggest names in sports and showbiz for the Prattcast.