Jeff Blair. Stephen Brunt. Richard Deitsch. As long-time journalists they’ve all experienced writer’s block, but they never run out of things to say! Opinions, insight and analysis from three of the smartest sports observers in the country. Writers Bloc… sharp takes, not hot takes.
Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning connect with Maple Leafs legend, Mats Sundin! He begins with thoughts on his former teammate Alexander Mogilny, along with fellow competitors Zdeno Chara and Joe Thornton, following their inductions to the Hockey Hall of Fame. Mats also touches on Toronto's offseason decisions ahead and his memories of playing in Canadian markets. Later, former MLB catcher turned Sportsnet Blue Jays analyst, Caleb Joseph, shares his view on Kevin Gausman's response after Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was hit by yet another pitch. The trio also dive into Gausman's strong eight innings of work, Max Scherzer's outlook after his promising return to the mound, and what's ahead for the Jays as their road trip continues into Fenway Park. The morning duo close the week with more sound from Brad Treliving and details of Cristiano Ronaldo's new contract.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.
Ben & Brent dive into the NHL as the draft kicks off tonight and free agency looms. They discuss the Maple Leafs' GM's recent comments on key players like Marner, Tavares, and Knies. The duo then welcomes MLB Network's Jon Morosi (26:47), who just returned from Italy, to dissect the Blue Jays-Guardians game, focusing on the "code" surrounding player hits and past incidents. They also explore potential trade deadline moves in the American League.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 affiliate.
Ben & Brent discuss the Blue Jays' 6-0 series-clinching win over the Guardians in Cleveland. They highlight Kevin Gausman's impressive eight-inning performance and Chad Green's shutout. The hosts delve into the escalating tensions between the teams, sparked by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. being hit by a pitch for the second game in a row. They consider whether Vladdy might miss time for an upcoming series in Boston. The hour closes with a discussion on the NBA draft and the Pelicans' response to trade criticism, leading to a broader look at which Toronto sports teams are most affected by external opinions (27:24).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 affiliate.
Ben and Brent follow up on their conversation last hour with Nick Kypreos by continuing to discuss some news and notes from around the National Hockey League. They discuss two trades from the hockey world yesterday with Evander Kane heading to Vancouver and the start of a potential Sabres fire sale. B&B also get into reports on a new CBA shaping up earlier than expected between the NHL and NHLPA which could include more regular season games. To close out the show, the duo check in with MLB Network's Adnan Virk (26:55) to take a quick look around the majors. They chat about Max Scherzer's Blue Jays return, along with the state of the American League East and where Toronto's divisional rivals currently stand.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.
Ben & Brent discuss the Blue Jays and Max Scherzer's return, with insights from Sportsnet's Shi Davidi, who was at the game. They cover Scherzer's performance, expectations for his postseason contributions, and the impact on the pitching lineup. The duo then shifts to the Leafs ahead of the NHL draft and free agency, joined by Nick Kypreos (24:18) to tackle how the team can replace Marner and Tavares, and their playoff prospects.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 affiliate.
Ben & Brent kick off Thursday's show discussing the Blue Jays' loss to the Guardians, with Jose Ramirez sealing the game for Cleveland in the tenth inning. Despite the defeat, they express optimism about Max Scherzer's performance in his second start since March 29th and discuss what expectations should be moving forward. The hosts also highlight missed opportunities for the Jays and review notable pitching performances. They then shift focus to the Raptors, covering their NBA Draft picks and a player who went viral post-selection (31:08).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 affiliate.
Ben and Brent reset on the Blue Jays with a quick look back on last night's win. The hosts welcome on Dan Shulman, TV voice of the Blue Jays on Sportsnet, to chat about how solid Eric Lauer has been in 2025, Ernie Clement's impressive season, and what Andrés Giménez brings to the team. They then tee up Max Scherzer return to the mound tonight with thoughts on the uncertainty that surrounds him and how important he could be to the rotation moving forward. The a.m. duo then turn their attention to the Leafs with the NHL draft quickly approaching on Friday. B&B look at the team's recent poor history at the draft and what the strategy might be without a pick in the first round. The Athletic's Joshua Kloke (24:13) stops by to talk about some potential targets, before pivoting to the soccer pitch to examine Canada's pursuit of the Gold Cup after winning their group and advancing to the next round of the tournament.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.
In the second hour, Ben & Brent discuss hockey, focusing on the Maple Leafs and their fallout with Mitch Marner. They ponder whether this will influence GM Brad Treliving's decisions, particularly regarding Morgan Rielly's no-movement clause. The hosts also celebrate Alexander Mogilny's long-awaited induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame and debate the criteria for Hall of Fame worthiness, especially for goalies like Carey Price who didn't make the cut. They conclude with insights from former Leafs GM Gord Stellick (27:27) about the team's upcoming offseason challenges.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 affiliate.
Ben & Brent kick off discussing the Blue Jays' strong start to their road trip, highlighted by a 10-6 win over the Guardians. They analyze Eric Lauer's potential as a solid rotation starter and emphasize the team's often-overlooked defensive strength, which contributes to their success. The duo also praises George Springer's crucial Grand Slam while expressing concern over the bullpen's performance and the uncertainty surrounding Max Scherzer as a starter. They wrap up the hour with a look at the upcoming NBA draft, the Celtics' strategies, and the Nuggets considering trading the Joker (32:26).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 affiliate.
Ben and Brent continue to look ahead to NHL free agency as July 1st quickly approaches. The pair focus on what the Maple Leafs need to do to "change their DNA" as GM Brad Treliving has indicated. Anthony Petrielli of Maple Leafs Hotstove joins the conversation to discuss what's next for Toronto's pending UFAs Mitch Marner and John Tavares. They also debate if the team could actually get better, even if both players are lost to the open market. Later on, Sportsnet's Joe Siddall (27:40) checks in from Cleveland ahead of the first game of the Blue Jays' road trip tonight against the Guardians. The trio discuss why this upcoming stretch is so important for the ballclub, the state of the starting rotation, and the level of trust in the bullpen with Jeff Hoffman closing.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.
Ben & Brent dive into NHL chatter ahead of the draft and free agency. They discuss the pressure on Maple Leafs' GM Brad Treliving to "change the DNA" of his team, along with the new contract for Oilers' Evan Bouchard and Trevor Zegras's trade to the Flyers. Next, they welcome Sportsnet's Jason Bukala (30:51), who shares insights on the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft in L.A., the Islanders' first pick, and the slow progress of the Leafs' offseason.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 affiliate.
Ben and Brent kick off The FAN Morning Show by exploring rumours around Maple Leafs' UFAs. They start with Mitch Marner, noting that Vegas is a potential frontrunner for him, and a short-term deal seems likely. Next, they address John Tavares, highlighting the lack of progress on a deal and its implications for both the team and player. They consider what it would mean for the Leafs if they lost both. The hour wraps up with a discussion on Vladimir Guerrero Jr. leading All-Star voting for first basemen, questioning whether it's due to his market power or his standing in the league (33:41).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 affiliate.
Ben and Brent reset on the NHL and what the market is looking like with July 1st quickly approaching. The hosts dive into Jonathan Toews getting set to resume his NHL career after two years away by joining the Winnipeg Jets on a bonus-heavy deal worth up to $7M. Was there a possible fit in Toronto? Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff stops by to help gauge the NHL free agent market with thoughts on John Tavares and the Panthers' UFA trio including Sam Bennett, Brad Marchand and Aaron Ekblad. Later on, Sportsnet's own Ben Nicholson-Smith (26:00) checks in on the Blue Jays to discuss the team's biggest needs, the progress of their internal developments, and what's in store ahead of the trade deadline.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.
Ben & Brent discuss NHL offseason news following the Florida Cup parade, focusing on the Maple Leafs and John Tavares, who are reportedly far apart in contract talks. They analyze his potential market value and possible contract solutions. The duo also speculates on Brad Marchand possibly joining Toronto, weighing the pros of adding a fourth year to his deal and considering potential linemates. To wrap up, they chat with Michael Grange (22:42) from Sportsnet about the NBA Finals, including OKC's recent win, SGA's legacy, and the Eastern Conference's outlook for next season.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 affiliate.
Ben & Brent kick off the week discussing the NBA's conclusion, with the Thunder winning their first championship, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the first Canadian to earn Finals MVP. They debate SGA's status as Canada's greatest player and explore the impact of Tyrese Haliburton's injury on the Pacers and the East next season. The duo then reflects on the Blue Jays' disappointing weekend, losing two of three games at home, and highlights a potential new “choker” in golf (32:59).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 affiliate.
Ben and Brent kick off The FAN Morning Show's final hour of the week talking Blue Jays and the team's recent run of form. Sportsnet's own Shi Davidi joins the conversation to discuss Toronto's main needs as they near the midway mark of the season. He looks into how to address the starting rotation, why moving Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to third in the order has payed off, who (or what) could carry this team to the postseason, and the odd man out in the Jays' soon to be overcrowded outfield. To end the week, the boys revisit Connor McDavid's situation in Edmonton as he heads into the final year of his contract (25:29). Ben and Brent investigate what could sway his decision to stay in Edmonton, what the organization could do to make sure he's happy, and where his other main destinations might be.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.
Ben & Brent analyze the NHL season, focusing on the Panthers' repeat championship and lessons for the Maple Leafs. They welcome The Star's Damien Cox to discuss Florida's dominance and what Toronto can emulate. The conversation shifts to the Leafs' offseason objectives and Connor McDavid's uncertain future in Edmonton, highlighting his recent comments at the end-of-season press conference about fans' concerns over his contract status (37:55).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 affiliate.
Ben & Brent dive into the NBA Finals, focusing on the surprising Game 7 between the Pacers and Thunder, with ailing star Tyrese Haliburton still making an impact. They discuss the pressure on SGA and OKC as they chase their first title and speculate on the legacy of this Finals. The duo also touches on an NBA conspiracy theory regarding the Lakers and a star acquisition. In the latter part of the episode, they shift to the Blue Jays, analyzing Kevin Gausman's struggles and the team's recent offensive bursts, suggesting they're still competitive (33:27).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 affiliate.
Ben and Brent continue to dissect the NHL world following the Panthers' back-to-back Stanley Cup victories. The hosts enlist the help of SN590's Sam McKee to get into everything from how dominant Florida has been and how they're constructed, to the state of the Oilers and what losing consecutive Finals means for the group, specifically Connor McDavid. Of course, the trio have to relate it back to the Leafs and how it should impact the team's offseason decisions as they try to become true contenders. Next, the a.m. pair bring on MLB Network's Adnan Virk (31:53) to help break down the current AL East hierarchy with the recent Blue Jays surge and the Yankees struggling to score runs.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.
Ben & Brent continue discussing the Oilers, focusing on captain Connor McDavid and the implications of losing in the Stanley Cup Final again. They ponder whether he will re-sign with Edmonton by July 1st and the concerns if he doesn't. The hosts also examine player extensions, including Frederic in Edmonton, and how this impacts NHL free agency, particularly for the Maple Leafs, who need centers. They then check in with Sportsnet's Michael Grange (22:40) in Indianapolis for insights on the NBA Finals, discussing what Indiana needs to force a Game 7 and the potential for SGA to secure OKC's first title. The trio also touches on the Raptors' offseason and potential big-name targets.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 affiliate.
Ben & Brent discuss the Blue Jays' latest win, highlighting an unexpected start and the lineup's performance since Addison Barger joined the top three. They analyze Eric Lauer's outing and its potential impact on the Jays' playoff hopes. The duo also shares insights on the NHL's investigation into the Oilers' use of LTIR with Evander Kane and the implications of the timing (13:35).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 affiliate.
The final hour of The FAN Morning Show with Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning live from Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville for the Joe Carter Classic 2025, kicks off with Blue Jays legend Ernie Whitt, discussing last night's comeback win and Addison Barger's rise in the MLB. NHL Hall of Famer Jeremy Roenick shares insights on the Florida Panthers' back-to-back Stanley Cup wins and free agency implications for Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand. Next, Russell Martin dives into Alejandro Kirk's impressive season and the Jays' promising performance. Finally, Cito Gaston reminisces about the Jays' championship run and Ricky Henderson's impact, wrapping up with thoughts on Mitch Marner's free agency.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 affiliate.
The FAN Morning Show with Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning rolls on at the Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario, on site for the 2025 Joe Carter Classic. Sportsnet's Luke Fox joins the conversation live from Sunrise, Florida, on the heels of the Florida Panthers' second-consecutive Stanley Cup victory. Luke dives to deeper into the Cats' recipe for success with thoughts on the team's depth contributions, top line talent, and to what extent they can "run it back". They wrap up with a chat about where the Edmonton Oilers go from here and this year's Conn Smythe winner, Sam Bennett. Pierre Frappier (24:33), President and CEO of AMJ Campbell, hops aboard to discuss his experience so far as a coach at the charity tournament. Later, former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher, Dave Stewart (31:15), shares his thoughts on the Athletics' move to Sacramento, what his role as Special Assistant with the club entails, his move to Toronto in 1993, and how the game has changed in the modern era. This hour wraps up with the man himself, Joe Carter (43:40), who swaps some stories from his time with the Blue Jays, before reflecting on the what the tournament means to him in it's sixteenth year.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.
The FAN Morning Show broadcasts live from Glen Abbey Golf Club for the 2025 Joe Carter Classic. Ben and Brent discuss the Panthers' back-to-back Stanley Cup wins and whether Florida should be considered a dynasty. They debate potential Hall of Famers and analyze Connor McDavid's situation after the Oilers' championship losses. Maple Leafs legend Rick Vaive joins to talk about Florida's success, the Leafs' future, and his golf game. They close the hour with James Dodds (35:06), tournament co-chair and SVP of TD Bank, discussing the event's history and its charitable impact.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 affiliate.
The FAN Morning Show is live from Glen Abbey Golf Club for the 2025 Joe Carter Classic. Ben & Brent kick off discussing the Stanley Cup Final, where the Panthers defeated the Oilers to repeat as champions. They highlight Sam Reinhart's four goals, the series impact of Brad Marchand, and MVP Sam Bennett, along with injury updates on key Florida players and head coach Paul Maurice's legacy. Later, they touch on the Blue Jays' thrilling comeback win and the Giants introducing Rafael Devers (31:20).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 affiliate.
Ben and Brent go into the final hour of today's FAN Morning Show focused again on the Stanley Cup Final and Game 6 tonight. The hosts wonder if this could be a Connor McDavid game where he wills his Oilers into a chance at a championship. B&B bring on NHL Network's Billy Jaffe, who has been working between the benches for this series. The trio get into how good Brad Marchand has been, the Panthers' ability to roll lines which leads to their dominance, McDavid's performance so far, and how Florida has limited him to a certain degree. To close out the day, Ben and Brent check in with SN590's own, former big leaguer, Kevin Barker (25:03)! He helps tee up this week's Blue Jays homestand with thoughts on Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s year, what's behind his lack of power, and if Alejandro Kirk's success is sustainable.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.
Ben & Brent dive into NHL news in their second hour, starting with Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final in Sunrise, Florida. They discuss the Oilers' goaltending situation and its implications for Edmonton. The duo also examines the Panthers' potential for a dynasty and the financials behind it. They touch on rumors of the Leafs' interest in Mika Zibanejad as a possible 2C solution. To wrap up, they chat with Jon Morosi (26:11) from MLB Network about the surprising Rafael Devers trade by the Red Sox and its implications, along with the Blue Jays welcoming the D-Backs and former prospect Gabriel Moreno's return.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 affiliate.
Ben & Brent start Tuesday by discussing the Thunder's close win in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, just one victory away from their first title. They analyze OKC's potential to become a dynasty based on their assets. The conversation shifts to Haliburton's off night leading to the Pacers' loss and what next season's Eastern Conference landscape might look like. They also explore potential trade candidates and whether the Raptors could bolster their contender status. The episode wraps up with Ohtani's return to the mound and the Red Sox's trade of Rafael Devers, plus a look at Olympic hockey rosters, highlighting the absence of goalies for Canada and the U.S (30:10).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 affiliate.
Ben and Brent continue the hockey talk into the final hour on Monday. The hosts welcome on Daily Faceoff insider, Frank Seravalli, to break down the Stanley Cup Final. He debates if Edmonton's goaltending situation is one of the main reasons they're a game away from losing the championship in consecutive years. They then look ahead to the upcoming free agent market and parse through some of the top names set to hit the market. They discuss if Brad Marchand could get a higher AAV than Sam Bennett and what Mitch Marner will be seeking. The morning duo then check in with Blue Jays Central analyst, Madison Shipman (28:55), to talk about Toronto's MLB team and how they can reset returning to Rogers Centre this week after getting swept to close out their road trip. The trio discuss Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s tendency to walk over hitting for power, as well as what has made Alejandro Kirk so consistent and productive this season.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.
In the second hour, Ben & Brent discuss the NHL, focusing on the Stanley Cup Final where the Panthers lead the Oilers 3-2. They debate whether Edmonton is being outplayed or is cursed if they lose again. The hosts consider if the Panthers are a dynasty and how they rank among recent champions. Former NHL GM and analyst Gord Stellick joins to share insights on the series and the upcoming free agency, mentioning players like Marchand and Marner. They also explore Marner's potential short-term deal and the implications of his camp not negotiating with the Leafs, which may extend beyond July 1st (32:16).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 affiliate.
Ben & Brent kick off the week discussing a thrilling U.S. Open at Oakmont, highlighting J.J. Spaun's incredible win and the tough course that challenged top golfers, including Rory's frustration with the media. They then shift to MLB, focusing on the Blue Jays, who were swept in Philadelphia, dampening the positive vibe of their road trip. The hour wraps up with news of a surprising trade involving a divisional rival's superstar (30:41).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 affiliate.
Ben and Daniele keep the focus on the Stanley Cup Final and look back on last night's instant classic in Game 4. The hosts get into what it means for the series moving forward and dive deeper into it with TVA Sports' Renaud Lavoie, who was in the building and has been covering the series. Ren tells B&D what the feeling was in the building at different points of the game and what players were key factors in the outcome. The trio also discuss the expectations now in a best-of-three series, especially as it heads back to Edmonton for Game 5. To end the week, today's a.m. duo check in with Adnan Virk (23:20) of MLB Network and Amazon Prime Monday Night Hockey. After some initial thoughts on the Cup Final, the three turn their attention to the Blue Jays to discuss the signs that they are true contenders in the American League, the players that are pivotal to their success, and what moves the organization can make to solidify it.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.
Ben & Daniele recap the Stanley Cup Final, highlighting standout players and debating if Leon Draisaitl should be the Conn Smythe favourite due to his OT winners, while also considering Calvin Pickard's chances. They also discuss the NBA Finals and the importance of Game 4 for Canadian MVP SGA and OKC's championship hopes. The duo then speaks with Jason Bukala (26:04) from Sportsnet about last night's game where Bukala's former team blew a three-goal lead, analyzing goaltending, leadership, and crucial coaching decisions in this now best-of-three series.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 affiliate.
Ben and guest host Daniele review an action-packed Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final. They discuss Florida's early 3-goal lead, Edmonton's goaltending change, and the dramatic final moments, including Leon Draisaitl's record-setting fourth OT goal. They also consider Corey Perry's influential speech during the first intermission. The duo then analyzes the recent NHL awards, particularly the Vezina and Hart trophies received by Connor Hellebuyck, debating their legitimacy. They wrap up with a look at potential trade targets for the Blue Jays' starting rotation (29:55).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 affiliate.
Ben and Brent begin the final hour of The FAN Morning Show with full focus on Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final. The hosts start with their expectations for tonight and how much of a factor the referees could be, especially given how the previous game ended. Sportsnet's Mark Spector joins the show to give his perspective on the officiating throughout the playoffs, as well as the state of the Oilers mentally and physically after holding an off-day practice. Next, B&B check in with another Sportsnet personality who has his finger on the pulse in Edmonton, Luke Gazdic (22:55). The former NHLer discusses tonight's pivotal Game 4 with thoughts on Connor McDavid's legacy, the Oilers' keys to success, and the important pieces to watch for as they try to even up the series. 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.
In the second hour, Ben & Brent discuss the Stanley Cup Final, focusing on the Oilers' unexpected practice after previously declaring a day off. They debate whether this indicates panic and its implications for the last Canadian team remaining, particularly for Connor McDavid amid a potential second straight Finals loss. They also question the goalie situation for Edmonton. Later, they welcome Sportsnet's MLB insider Shi Davidi (24:48) to discuss the impressive performance of the Toronto Blue Jays this season and highlight key contributors.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 affiliate.
Ben & Brent dive into the Blue Jays' recent sweep of the Cardinals, spotlighting Ernie Clement's contributions and analyzing the sustainability of the bullpen's performance. They discuss whether the Jays can compete with the division-leading Yankees. The duo then shifts to the NBA Finals, examining the Pacers' 2-1 lead, SGA's struggles, and the trade market for Kevin Durant, questioning if the Raptors should pursue him amidst the Knicks' coaching situation (32:17).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 affiliate.
To start the final hour, Ben and Brent are joined in studio by Sportsnet's own Blake Murphy. The host of Jays Talk Plus begins by discussing just how impressive the Blue Jays' recent run has been, especially the performance of Alejandro Kirk. The trio also get into some other unexpected names that are contributing, before pivoting to the NBA Finals to chat about what this year's playoff run has told us about the state of the Eastern Conference. To close out today's show, the hosting pair head to Florida to talk with ESPN's Greg Wyshynski (26:07), who covering the Stanley Cup Final. Wysh weighs in Connor McDavid's quest for the Cup and what coming up short again would mean. The trio wrap up with thoughts on Florida's dominance and why Sam Bennett fits perfectly there.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.
In the second hour, Ben & Brent discuss hockey rumours, starting with the Maple Leafs. They explore the possibility of acquiring Brad Marchand and whether off-ice endorsements could entice him. They also talk about Max Pacioretty's potential return, the status of extensions for Tavares and Knies, and whether Toronto should consider trading for Jason Robertson from the Stars. The hour wraps up with a Golf Report featuring Adam Stanley (25:59), who previews the U.S. Open, covering course conditions and expectations.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 affiliate.
Ben & Brent are diving into the Blue Jays, MLB's best team over the last 31 games, as they aim for another series win. They discuss last night's game, highlighting manager John Schneider's praise for different players stepping up each night, and debate the season MVP. The focus then shifts to pitching, covering closer Jeff Hoffman and starter Chris Bassitt. They also preview Game 3 of the NBA Finals and touch on the Pacers naming streets after players, as well as Giannis trade rumors. Finally, they address Rod Brind'Amour's comments about not shaking hands after losing to Paul Maurice and the Panthers (26:34).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 affiliate.
Ben and Brent once again focus in on the Stanley Cup Final with a look back on Game 3. To help project what the rest of the series holds, they enlist the services of Sportsnet's own David Amber, who is in Florida as part of the broadcast crew. The trio anticipate how the Oilers will respond and bounce back from a dismal performance Monday night, as well as how far the series will stretch and how the atmosphere in Sunrise compares to that in Edmonton. The a.m. pair continue the conversation alongside Sportsnet's Luke Fox (23:07). He offers his insight into what caused the Oilers to lose their composure, along with what makes Florida so good at getting under their opponent's skin. They also take a look at a couple pending UFAs for the Panthers who could potentially don Blue and White next season.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.
Ben & Brent discuss the Stanley Cup, focusing on Panthers' Sam Bennett, the favourite for the Conn Smythe. They debate how his performance might affect his free agency status, including potential interest from teams like the Maple Leafs versus a return to Florida. The hosts also react to the NHL Commissioner's comments on state tax issues in the league. Shifting to baseball, they welcome MLB Network's Jon Morosi (28:54) to analyze the Blue Jays' recent success over the past month.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 affiliate.