Podcast appearances and mentions of james mirtle

In hour two, Mike & Jason dive into the text message inbox and answer some listener questions (3:00), plus they chat with The Athletic NHL's James Mirtle (31:21) about the Montreal Canadiens, and how they became the most successful rebuild of the cap era. This podcast is produced by Andy Cole and Greg Balloch. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

JD reacts to the Blue Jays fall in the American League standings after another loss to the Yankees in the Bronx. James Mirtle, senior writer at The Athletic, gives an inside look at the Maple Leafs continued off-season turnover. JD asks James if fan or player pressure impacted the firing of Craig Berube, what played into the departure of Brandon Pridham, if the likelihood of Auston Matthews leaving Toronto has increased, and the trade value and interest of Matthew Knies. JD and Producer Armen then discuss the Cleveland Cavaliers' historic collapse.  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.

James Mirtle, senior writer at The Athletic, analyzes how he would utilize the first overall pick, the biggest dominos from winning the draft lottery, what direction the front office may lean, what the Leafs roster needs to be competitive again, and the biggest challenges this off-season for John Chayka. JD and Producer Armen end the show discussing Bobby Webster's end-of-season media availability.  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 hour one, Mike & Jason look back at a busy weekend in sports including the Montreal Canadiens moving on to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs (3:00), plus they discuss a big change to the Maple Leafs front office with The Athletic Toronto's James Mirtle (28:56).  This podcast is produced by Andy Cole and Greg Balloch. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill are joined by The Athletic's James Mirtle for a wide-ranging breakdown of the Maple Leafs' ongoing GM search and the latest intel surrounding the process.Mirtle confirms reporting from Elliotte Friedman that Toronto did, in fact, request permission from Tampa Bay to speak with Julien BriseBois during their search — a request that was ultimately denied. From there, he dives into where things stand with the Leafs narrowing in on John Chayka, how the process has unfolded behind the scenes, and what level of due diligence actually went into the organization's evaluation of candidates.He also weighs in on the timeline, noting the uncertainty around when a final decision will be made, suggesting it could stretch into mid-May and expressing surprise if a hire is in place ahead of the draft lottery. Other names still in the mix include Scott White, while Mike Gillis remains a peripheral option despite not receiving an in-person interview.Mirtle also addresses the Tie Domi angle, making clear that Tie Domi is not expected to land any formal front-office role, citing both optics and the fact that his son, Max Domi, is a core part of the current roster. He's also asked about what makes Chayka an appealing candidate, but admits it's a difficult question to answer without more clarity from team president Keith Pelley.The conversation rounds out with thoughts on potential turnover in the AGM ranks, the fact that Mats Sundin brings zero front-office experience despite his appeal as a figurehead, and whether head coach Craig Berube is truly secure long-term given contract structure and his relationship with management.

Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill break down a wild night in the Stanley Cup Playoffs as two perennial contenders, Edmonton and Dallas, were both sent packing. They also unpack the latest on the Maple Leafs' ongoing GM search, where all signs continue to point toward a potential Sundin–Chayka pairing at the top of the organization. Meantime, Elliotte Friedman reports that the Leafs did request permission from the Lightning to speak with Julien BriseBois as part of the process—but were ultimately turned away, adding another twist to an already intriguing search.Later, The Athletic's James Mirtle stops by to provide the latest intel on the Leafs' GM search and how the situation is taking shape behind the scenes.

JD asks James Mirtle, senior writer at The Athletic, about the Maple Leafs search to hire a new president of hockey operations or a general manager. JD and James discuss what Matt Sundin's influence could be on the front office, John Chayka's history as a front office executive, how Tie and Max Domi's relationship with Chayka may affect decisions, and try to see a future where the Leafs can compete with the upstart Montreal Canadiens.  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.

JD and James Mirtle, senior writer for The Athletic, break down Auston Matthews' comments about not being able to predict the future and how the team reacted to his injury from the Radko Gudas hit. JD asks James if the Maple Leafs would consider trading William Nylander, the evolution of player empowerment, the differences between the general managers the Leafs are considering, and how the timeline of the search could unfold.  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.

JD explains how he feels about the Blue Jays amidst their six-game losing streak. JD asks James Mirtle, senior writer at The Athletic, if there are front-running candidates for the Maple Leafs general manager job, Sunny Mehta's fit with Toronto, who the next Leafs head coach could be, James' reporting on Mike Gillis and what role Gillis views himself in, if there's any clarity about the Leafs hiring a president alongside a general manager, and Auston Matthews' level of involvement during the Leafs hiring process. JD ends the hour touching on a report stating the Chicago Bulls potential interest in Masai Ujiri.  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 hour three, Mike & Jason chat with The Athletic NHL's James Mirtle (1:40) about the possibility of the Toronto Maple Leafs hiring Mike Gillis as their next General Manager, and what kind of fit that would be, plus the boys tell us what they learned (27:00). This podcast is produced by Andy Cole and Greg Balloch. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

Mike & Jason discuss a busy weekend in sports including a Saturday Canucks loss to the Utah Mammoth, plus they speak with The Athletic NHL's James Mirtle about the possibility of the Toronto Maple Leafs hiring Mike Gillis as their next General Manager, and what kind of fit that would be.  This podcast is produced by Andy Cole and Greg Balloch. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

JD reacts to the Maple Leafs firing general manager Brad Treliving and reflects on what the lesson(s) learned are. JD asks James Mirtle, senior writer at The Athletic, why the Leafs made this decision now, if the new general manager will be hired by a hiring firm, how wide Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment might cast their net, how other teams around the league have turned their failures into success, what the biggest concern is as the decision-making begins, and if this changes the timeline or decision on Craig Berube.  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.

JD reacts to the Maple Leafs win over the Boston Bruins and doesn't understand why the organization isn't embracing the tank. JD and James Mirtle, senior writer at The Athletic, discuss why the Leafs seem adverse to tanking, if it'd be different without Craig Berube behind the bench anymore, what the Leafs decision-makers may be thinking about this teams chances in the near future, and if trading William Nylander or Auston Matthews should be considered. JD then touches on Victor Wembanyama's MVP case.  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.

JD reacts to the World Championship news coming from the NHL General Manager meetings and explains why he thinks the World Championships may become the premier international hockey tournament. The Athletic's James Mirtle joins JD (10:00) to dive into how they felt about the World Championships of the past and predict what the next tournament may be like. Next (20:00), JD and James get into the ripple effects from the Auston Matthews - Radko Gudas incident and how it's permeating in the organization. Later, JD tries to give a positive spin on an otherwise nightmare Maple Leafs 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.

JD reacts to the Maple Leafs activity, or lack thereof, at the NHL trade deadline. The Athletic's James Mirtle joins JD to compare Kyle Dubas' tenure in Toronto to Brad Treliving, if the litany of no-move clauses stumped the Leafs trade creativity, Craig Berube's imprint and if he has a future with the Leafs, why the Leafs considered trading Matthew Knies, how Auston Matthews complicates the Leafs direction, what the Leafs are sacrificing by prioritizing a retool over a rebuild, and if no-move clauses will become harder to acquire. The hour ends with JD's thoughts on the start of the World Baseball Classic.  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.

JD and James Mirtle, senior writer at The Athletic, discuss the directions the Maple Leafs could take, what the paths back to contention could be, prospective trades for Anthony Stolarz and Matthew Knies, the human dynamics on trade deadline day, and Brad Treliving's past moves.  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.

James Mirtle, senior writer at The Athletic, talks about the compact post-Olympic NHL schedule, if the World Cup will gain traction, the conversation surrounding goaltending and goaltending development in Canada, the weight on Auston Matthews as he returns to the Maple Leafs, and the Leafs looming decision to buy or sell at the trade deadline. The show ends with 'What We Missed!' (41:00) 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 hour one, Halford & Brough look back at the previous day in sports including Canada losing gold in OT to the USA in Women's hockey (3:00), plus they preview today's Men's hockey semifinal action with The Athletic NHL's James Mirtle (27:18). This podcast is produced by Andy Cole and Greg Balloch. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

JD weighs the pressure on Canada's men's hockey team in this tournament versus Olympics in the past that included the best players in the world. The Athletic's James Mirtle joins JD (8:00) to debate if this is the most pressure Canada has faced at Olympic hockey, David Pastrnak's "best team ever" comment, if future non-Olympic tournaments should include a smaller or bigger pool of teams, if Canada has overperformed considering their talent, and where Macklin Celebrini ranks among the best players in the NHL. 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.

JD reacts to Marie-Philip Poulin getting injured in Canada's first game. James Mirtle, senior writer at The Athletic, and JD talks about the Maple Leafs strategy heading into the Olympic break, and how different the Leafs blue line can look next season. JD and James pick which Leafs' players are most likely to be off the team by next season. The duo also discuss what could save or end Brad Treliving's job with the Leafs. Finally, JD talks about the dunk contest opportunity in the NBA. 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.  

James Mirtle, Senior Writer for the Athletic (2/3/26) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

James Mirtle, senior writer from The Athletic, gets into the Maple Leafs' negative indicators both on and off the ice. James and JD discuss options the Leafs front office should consider if their losing streak continues into the Olympic break, Craig Berube saying it wasn't his call for Anthony Stolarz to not play a game in the AHL before starting for the Leafs, and why Elliotte Freidman's report detailing that Auston Matthews agreed to re-signing with the Leafs two years before Matthews' was a free-agent, as long as the Leafs didn't fall way off the winning track, is relevant now. 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 Athletic's James Mirtle joins JD Bunkis to talk about the high-rates of overtime in the NHL, the Maple Leafs injury bug, Joseph Woll's vote of confidence, what to expect in Mitch Marner's return, and Brad Treliving kicking tires. The show ends with 'What We Missed!' 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.  

JD explains how his thought about the Maple Leafs has changed because of the team's 10-game stretch. The Athletic's James Mirtle (9:00) chimes in on the Leafs' dramatic turn around, which players influenced the attitude change, how a Bobby McMann contract extension may play out, Dougie Hamilton's fit on the Leafs blue line, and the goaltending rotation with the return of Anthony Stolarz. JD then touches on another playoff loss for the Pittsburgh Steelers (45:00). 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.

JD reacts to the Raptors' win over the Hawks last night, before bringing on The Athletic's James Mirtle. JD and James dive into their biggest Maple Leafs storylines halfway through the season (12:00),  along with the most disappointing and most underrated aspects at the midway mark. Finally, JD shares his letter grades for each Maple Leaf on the roster (40:00). 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 Athletic's James Mirtle joins JD to analyze if Nick Robertson has increased his trade value, what statistics have bolstered the Maple Leafs success, if the Leafs should offer Troy Stecher a contract extension, Chris Tanev's recovery process, and the potential trickle down effects of Dennis Hildeby's impressive stretch of starts. The show ends with 'What We Missed!' (43:00)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.  

JD reacts to the wins from the Maple Leafs and Raptors, before bringing on James Mirtle (12:00), senior writer from The Athletic. JD and James get into the Leafs' best performance of their season, if they're buying stock in the third line after their encouraging performance, why Scott Laughton's presence has made a difference, Troy Stecher's surprising impact, the Leafs poor powerplay, Auston Matthews' play and Brandon Carlo's timeline. 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 Athletic's James Mirtle joins JD to dive into the uptick of injuries in the NHL; if it's impacting the product and how it compares to other leagues. Then, JD and James discuss Dakota Joshua's scratch and reemergence in the lineup, how to productively shake up the lines, and what the Leafs' case is for getting involved in the bubbling trade market. JD and Producer Armen hit 'What We Missed!' (36:00)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.  

JD open with his reaction to some MLB free agency news, before looking into Brad Treliving's address to Maple Leafs Nation. The Athletic's James Mirtle gives his takeaways from Treliving's press conference and discusses the heat on Auston Matthews, Joseph Woll's performance, Matthew Knies' injury and the Leafs short-term outlook (14:00). 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.  

James Mirtle, senior writer at The Athletic, joins JD to dive into the pool of problems with the Maple Leafs (00:00). JD and James try to discern what the team's identity is, what the eye test and analytics is telling them about Toronto's poor defense, who deserves a slice of the blame pie and why, what the reason(s) for optimism are, and the strong play from John Tavares, William Nylander, Matthew Knies and Nick Robertson. The show ends with 'What We Missed!' (33:00) 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. 

JD hopes the Leafs can use their comeback victory to begin formulating a team identity (0:00). James Mirtle, senior writer at The Athletic, joins JD to discuss the Leafs volatile effort, how the Leafs can separate from the mushy-middle of the Eastern Conference, if he's buying what he's seeing from Nick Robertson, Matias Macelli being healthy scratched by Craig Berube, Bobby McMann's role and fit on the team, a necessary powerplay shakeup, and Chris Tanev's health (14:00). 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.   

JD reacts to the results from the first day of postseason baseball, including Tarik Skubal's dominant performance for the Tigers and the comeback by the Red Sox to beat the Yankees, before giving his ranking of the best playoffs in sports (00:00). James Mirtle, senior writer at The Athletic, joins JD to discuss the Maple Leafs' offseason and training camp news with real games just a week away (9:44). They get into the expectations for this group after losing Mitch Marner, Auston Matthews' health and ability to shoot the puck at an elite level, Anthony Stolarz' contract extension with Joseph Woll's continued absence, Easton Cowan likely breaking camp with the Leafs on the fourth line to start the season, and the tough decisions to be made with the bottom six. After the break, JD looks at the latest chapter in the Kawhi Leonard cap circumvention reports after he spoke on the subject at the Clippers' media day (46:33).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 hour two, Mike & Jason look at a wild Week 4 with Too Deep Zone NFL insider Mike Tanier (2:13), plus they talk the latest NHL news with The Athletic's James Mirtle (26:24). This podcast is produced by Andy Cole and Greg Balloch. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

JD reacts to the Blue Jays' latest stressful comeback victory over the Houston Astros in their series-opener, following the news that Bo Bichette would be placed on the IL (00:00). James Mirtle, senior writer at The Athletic, joins the show to discuss the Maple Leafs as they prepare to open training camp, including the additions made over the offseason and the projected line combinations, expectations for Easton Cowan's development in the pros, potential changes to the powerplay with Mitch Marner's departure, the status of Auston Matthews' health, and the goalie situation with Anthony Stolarz heading into a contract year (9:48). Later, JD breaks down Marner's latest comments on playing in Toronto, and the new reports around Kawhi Leonard's free agency negotiations (45:46).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.

JD dives into the John Tavares and Matthew Knies' contract extensions with the Maple Leafs, before James Mirtle (00:00), senior writer at The Athletic, joins the show to chat about what Tavares could've gotten on the open market and what the deal means for Tavares' legacy in Toronto, before assessing the Knies extension. Then, they take a look at Mitch Marner's situation, the odds a sign-and-trade gets done with the Vegas Golden Knights, what the tampering allegations change about the negotiations, the chances Brad Marchand becomes a Leaf, and what the other options might be in free agency (17:44). Finally, JD gives Ilia Topuria his flowers for his victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 (48:58). 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.

JD breaks down the Oklahoma City Thunder's NBA Championship win in Game 7 against the Indiana Pacers, with thoughts on the prolific season from the Thunder and Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (00:00). James Mirtle of the Athletic joins JD to chat about the rumours surrounding John Tavares, whether or not they can come to a team-friendly agreement, and the lack of centre depth available in free agency (10:32). JD and Mirtle shift to the Matthew Knies situation, what's led to the expected divorce with Mitch Marner, and the likelihood that the Leafs make an offer on July 1st. Later, JD dives into Kevin Durant's trade to the Houston Rockets (47:49). 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 final hour, the guys discuss James Mirtle's saying, "Nashville Predators reportedly do not see a realistic path of being good," on the Leafs Report podcast. To end the hour, Jared Stillman joins DVD to discuss the Predators and the Stanley Cup finals.

In hour two, Mike & Jason discuss all the latest wild news around the Dallas Stars with DLLS_Sports' Owen Newkirk (2:05), plus the boys discuss NHL trade rumours following the draft combine with The Athletic's James Mirtle (27:37). This podcast is produced by Andy Cole and Greg Balloch. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

Mike & Jason look back at the previous day in sports, including a dominant Game 3 win from the Florida Panthers, they chat Stanley Cup Finals action with ESPN Hockey's Greg Wyshynski, plus they discuss the latest hockey trade rumours following the Draft Combine with The Athletic NHL's James Mirtle. This podcast is produced by Andy Cole and Greg Balloch. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

JD reacts to the Blue Jays' mostly good weekend and the obvious trade that needs to materialize (00:00). The Athletic's James Mirtle checks-in from the NHL combine to discuss the buzz among front offices (3:00) including teams interested in Mitch Marner, Sam Bennett's rising stock, plus the positioning of John Tavares and Morgan Reilly. JD and James finish the conversation deliberating who or what would actually change the Maple Leafs DNA (30:00). 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 hour two, Mike & Jason chat with The Athletic NHL's James Mirtle (2:26) about whether or not the NHL has a "sunbelt problem", and if Canadian teams have a hard time attracting players due to the added pressure, plus they talk a disappointing Concacaf Champions Cup final loss for the Whitecaps, as soccer analyst Ben Steiner (27:06) joins the show live from Mexico.  This podcast is produced by Andy Cole and Greg Balloch. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

JD is joined by NHL writer James Mirtle from The Athletic to analyze if the Maple Leafs should take anything away from the Florida Panthers drubbing of the Carolina Hurricanes, which team makes the most sense for Mitch Marner, what we learned from Keith Pelley's media conference, the off-season decisions that will shape the Leafs future roster, and what a Matthew Knies' extensions couild look like (00:00). JD closes the show reacting to the New York Knicks 20-point comeback in game 3 (45:00).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. 

JD reacts to the Toronto Maple Leafs losing 6-1 on home ice to the Florida Panthers in Game 7 (00:00). He's joined by James Mirtle of The Athletic (11:40) to digest the failures of the "Shanaplan", where blame lies for the growing toxicity in hockey's biggest market, the likelihood of Mitch Marner and John Tavares' tenures in Toronto coming to a close, and the potential for organizational changes coming beyond the "Core Four". Afterwards, JD digs deeper into the Leafs' disappointment with two-time Stanley Cup champion, Kris Versteeg (54:05). Together, they discuss Toronto's accountability culture, the responsibilities of players and management to uphold that standard, and postgame remarks from key figures on either side of the Game 7 result. 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.  

JD reacts to the putrid performance from the Maple Leafs in their 6-1 loss to the Florida Panthers in Game 5 (00:00). The Athletic's James Mirtle joins JD to break down what went wrong for the Leafs and how Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews shrunk again (10:00). JD and James also peak ahead to the potential off-season outlook for Marner and the Leafs. Blake Wheeler, 16-year NHL forward and former Winnipeg Jets captain, joins JD to analyze the mindset required from a top line, what he saw from Matthews and Marner, the value in splitting them up, being open to change as a star player, if the Panthers have any vulnerabilities, and how being a captain impacts your day-to-day (53:00). The show ends with lingering Leafs thoughts (1:28:00). 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.      

JD feels the "force" shift in the Maple Leafs' Stanley Cup Playoff run (00:00). James Mirtle (7:00), senior NHL writer at The Athletic, joins JD to delve into the Leafs commanding 2-0 series lead against the Florida Panthers. JD and James get into the series' biggest surprise, Auston Matthews' lack of goal scoring, how Craig Berube has excelled in Toronto and earned his players' trust, the post-whistle battle and the latest on Anthony Stolarz' health. JD then expresses his sorrow for another heartbreaking Blue Jays loss (45:00). Former NHL goaltender, Carter Hutton, joins JD to evaluate Joseph Woll's performance thus far, how goaltending permeates through the team, what can factor in a goaltenders focus, the concern level for Sergei Bobrovsky, and Stolarz' not travelling to Florida (52:30). JD ends the show with a Mikko Rantanen discussion. 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 hour one, Mike & Jason look back at the previous day in sports, including a busy night of NHL playoff action (3:00), plus they talk the Leafs moving onto the second round with The Athletic Toronto's James Mirtle (28:49). This podcast is produced by Andy Cole and Greg Balloch. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

James Mirtle, senior writer for The Athletic, joins JD at the top of the show to discuss the Leafs' Game 5 loss to the Ottawa Senators (00:00). They break down the lack of offensive output from the stars, the feeling in the room post-game, what's gone wrong since going up 3-0 in the series, the pressure to show up in Game 6, what lineup changes should be made, and the debate around physicality in the playoffs. Then, JD takes a look at the Blue Jays and their recent slump, detailing the areas of concern that need to be addressed (50:49). Later, Kris Versteeg, two-time Stanley Cup champion, joins the show to continue the conversation around the "Battle of Ontario". They examine the Leafs' play up and down the lineup against the Sens, the lack of coaching adjustments by Craig Berube, and how Ottawa has gotten back into this series (52:10). Finally, JD jumps into what he missed over the weekend (01:29:06). 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.

JD and James Mirtle, senior writer for The Athletic, break down the Maple Leafs' win over the Sens to take a 2-0 series lead in their first round series (00:00). They discuss the Leafs' ability handling of the moment with Craig Berube behind the bench, past playoff experiences benefitting Toronto, Anthony Stolarz' impressive play and penalty against Ridly Greig, where the Leafs could make a lineup change heading into Game 3, and what the crowd could look like in Ottawa. Then, JD details some concerns around the Blue Jays after their fourth-consecutive loss (47:08). Later, Leafs legend Ed Belfour joins the show to chat about his "Battle of Ontario" memories, his relationship with Tie and Max Domi, being in the zone as a goaltender, and the feeling of playing in front of Leafs Nation (51:46). Finally, JD and the producers take a look at “What We Missed” (01:17:54).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. 

James Mirtle, senior writer for The Athletic, joins JD to discuss the Leafs clinching the Atlantic Division to set up the Battle of Ontario in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs (11:05). JD and James talk through the excitement of the playoff matchup, the plan for Anthony Stolarz as the starting goalie, what the line combinations should look like, the plan for the final game of the season, and the effect on the backend with Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Jake McCabe's injuries. JD takes a look at Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors in their Play-In victory over the Grizzlies (50:13). Later, Caleb Joseph, Blue Jays Central analyst, jumps on to recap the Jays' offensive burst against the Braves (53:13). They react to Anthony Santander finding his groove at the plate, the challenge of keeping starting pitchers efficient, the plan at third base, and missing the power from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Finally, JD and the producers take a look at “What We Missed” (01:23:26).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 affiliates. 

JD is joined by James Mirtle, senior writer at The Athletic, to break down the Toronto Maple Leafs' crucial win over the Tampa Bay Lightning last night (6:50). They discuss Matthew Knies' exponential growth, Anthony Stolarz' edge over Joseph Woll as the postseason starter, Max Domi's imperfect bottom-six fit, and why the Leafs are set up better than ever for a long playoff run. Then, JD reacts to Ross Atkins speaking with the media yesterday, and a sudden feeling of optimism around Bo Bichette's future with the Toronto Blue Jays (47:18). Afterwards, JD catches up with Devante Smith-Pelly, Stanley Cup champion with the Washington Capitals (52:30). Devante reflects on being in attendance to see Alex Ovechkin break the all-time record NHL goal record, the Great 8's ability to bond an entire dressing room, and how the Capitals overcame their playoff ghosts to win it all in 2018. Later, the conversation shifts back to the MLB with Jared Carrabis, co-host of the Baseball is Dead and Section 10 podcasts (1:20:08). Jared comments on Boston Red Sox fans' hopes of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. reaching free agency and his impressions on the Blue Jays following three straight wins at Fenway Park.  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.