The FAN Morning Show

On Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show, Ben and Brent are joined by Joshua Kloke, Maple Leafs reporter for The Athletic, to discuss his biggest point of curiosity heading into Saturday’s Game 1 between the Leafs and Bruins, Mitch Marner’s optimal deployment in Toronto's lineup, William Nylander’s recent offensive dry spell, the chances Calle Järnkrok suits up for Game 1, and Ilya Samsonov’s leash entering the post-season. Later, the guys connect with Jake Gardiner, former Leafs defenceman, to chat about his experience competing against the Bruins in the playoffs, how the Leafs rallied around Auston Matthews amidst his 70-goal pursuit, the importance of team toughness during the post-season, and what it’s like playing against Brad Marchand (25:15). Ben and Brent close the show discussing their ideal lineup machinations for Saturday’s playoff opener. 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.

Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show begins with Ben and Brent discussing their biggest reasons for optimism and pessimism as the Maple Leafs head into their first-round series against the Bruins. Then, the guys discuss Mitch Marner’s role in the Maple Leafs’ lineup and if he should begin post-season alongside Auston Matthews. Later, Jimmy Murphy, Editor-in-Chief of Boston Hockey Now, stops by to chat about the Bruins’ shaky finish to the regular season, the level of pressure on Boston after back-to-back first-round exits, the Bruins’ commitment to their goaltending rotation, and the versatility that Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm provide on the blue line (22:33).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 affiliate.

Happy Friday! On the eve of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Ben and Brent dive into the Maple Leafs’ first-round matchup against the Bruins. They discuss the Bruins’ unique goaltending deployment, their current confidence level in Ilya Samsonov, why starting on the road might benefit the Maple Leafs, Sheldon Keefe’s impending lineup decisions for Game 1, and which players could be the biggest X-factors for each team. Afterwards, Ben and Brent discuss their expectations for Yariel Rodriguez as he prepares to make his second MLB start on Friday, how John Schneider might deploy his bullpen this weekend, the sustainability of Daulton Varsho’s recent offensive surge, and if Orelvis Martinez is on the precipice of a big-league call-up (38:55).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.

On Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show, Ben and Brent are joined by Craig Simpson, former NHL forward and current Sportsnet analyst, to discuss the Maple Leafs’ 6-4 loss to the Lightning on Wednesday, Nikita Kucherov joining the 100-assist club, his overall assessment of the Leafs’ 2023-24 regular season campaign, how the Leafs might deploy their forward lines in Round 1 against Boston, and the coaching battle between Sheldon Keefe and Jim Montgomery. Later, Sportsnet’s Michael Grange stops by to chat about Jontay Porter’s lifetime ban from the NBA, the Raptors’ response and handling of the situation, and what this incident could portend for the NBA’s future relationship with gambling partners (24:30). 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.

Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show begins with Nick Kypreos, co-host of Real Kyper & Bourne, stopping by to discuss the Maple Leafs’ four-game losing streak heading into the playoffs, why the stakes have never been higher for Sheldon Keefe and Brendan Shanahan, how Keith Pelley’s arrival at MLSE could affect the Maple Leafs’ future, Toronto’s potential forward machinations for Game 1 against Boston, and if T.J. Brodie might be the odd man out on the Leafs’ playoff blue line. Then, Ben and Brent chime in on Mitch Marner’s future beyond this season, if he’d consider waiving his no-trade clause, Jeff Carter’s retirement from the NHL, and the Arizona Coyotes shutting the door on their time in the desert. Afterwards, the guys discuss Jontay Porter’s lifetime ban from the NBA and the overlooked human element of Porter’s gambling issues (33:16).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 Ennis and Brent Gunning discuss Auston Matthews finishing the regular season with 69 goals, the Maple Leafs heading into the playoffs on a four-game losing skid, Matthews’ Hart Trophy chances after falling short of the 70-goal mark, and the biggest positives from the Leafs’ 2023-24 regular season campaign. Later, the guys chime in on the Blue Jays squandering a two-run lead to the Yankees on Wednesday, John Schneider’s curious bullpen deployment, and Daulton Varsho’s recent offensive surge (32:13).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. 

On Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show, Ben and Brent are joined by Luke Gazdic, former NHL forward and Sportsnet analyst, to discuss the NHL Hart Trophy race, why he’s bullish on the Leafs’ chances against Boston, how frequently players are scoreboard-watching throughout the course of a game, and the Oilers’ form heading into the playoffs. Afterwards, Mike Francesa, host of The Mike Francesa Podcast, stops by to chat about the current landscape of New York sports, Jalen Brunson’s ascent to stardom, Yankee fans’ adoration for Juan Soto, the growing love affair with Anthony Volpe, and his legendary radio partnership with Chris “Mad Dog” Russo (23:52). 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.

Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show begins with Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning discussing the Maple Leafs’ first-round matchup against the Boston Bruins and if this Leafs team will be impacted by previous playoff failures against the Bruins. Then, the guys weigh in on last night’s chaotic conclusion to the NHL’s Eastern Conference playoff race and the Golden State Warriors’ deflating loss to the Sacramento Kings in the NBA Play-In Tournament. Later, Damien Cox (24:14), our resident Leafs historian and long-time Toronto Star contributor, joins the show to discuss the officiating in last night’s Leafs-Panthers game, Sheldon Keefe’s temperament amidst Auston Matthews’ 70-goal chase, and the biggest challenges facing Toronto in their first-round matchup against Boston.  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 Ennis and Brent Gunning open the show by discussing the Maple Leafs’ 5-2 loss to the Panthers, Auston Matthews remaining stuck on 69 goals, the chances he suits up for Wednesday’s regular-season finale against Tampa, and the Leafs drawing Boston in the opening round of the postseason. Afterwards, the guys weigh in on the Blue Jays’ 5-4 victory over the Yankees on Tuesday, Yusei Kikuchi’s impressive start to the season, the importance of today’s start for Kevin Gausman, Jordan Romano reassuming his role as the Blue Jays closer, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s improved patience at the plate (29:39).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. 

Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show kicks off with Jeff Blair, co-host of Blair & Barker, checking in to discuss the Blue Jays’ offensive woes, the continued lack of offence at Rogers Centre, if the team would entertain a trade for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. or Bo Bichette, the impact one more bat in the lineup would make, Toronto's inability to lock up Vlad or Bo to long-term deals, and next steps for Alek Manoah in his quest to rejoin the rotation. Later, Ben and Brent are joined by Bruce Boudreau, former NHL head coach and current NHL Network analyst, to chat about Auston Matthews’ 70-goal pursuit, the stresses that Sheldon Keefe is likely experiencing with Matthews on the doorstep of a historic milestone, how the Leafs match up with Boston and Florida, and the dynamic between a head coach and his starting goaltender (26:46). 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.

On Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show, Ben and Brent discuss the Maple Leafs’ current injury situation heading into their penultimate game of the regular season, Sheldon Keefe’s goaltending deployment leading into the playoffs, and how the Panthers might approach tonight’s game with first place in the Atlantic Division still hanging in the balance. Then, the guys weigh in on Cavan Biggio’s hot start to the season and debate which Blue Jay player has seen his reputation undergo the biggest evolution. Later, Sportsnet’s Luke Fox stops by (25:10) to chat about the Leafs’ injury-plagued forward group, Auston Matthews’ 70-goal chase, how Sheldon Keefe might navigate Matthews’ availability for Wednesday’s game against Tampa, what we can deduce from Keefe’s comments on Saturday about Matthews’ usage, and Max Domi’s injury status.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 Ennis and Brent Gunning discuss the Blue Jays’ series-opening win over the New York Yankees, Chris Bassitt’s impressive outing on the mound, the Jays’ persistent offensive flaws, the team’s baserunning blunders on Monday night, Rogers Centre’s evolving reputation as a pitcher-friendly ballpark, Danny Jansen’s activation from the IL, and Bassitt’s comments about what he attributes to the influx of pitcher injuries in MLB. Later, the guys are joined by legendary golf broadcaster Verne Lundquist (31:09) to chat about his retirement after 40 years of covering The Masters, how he became synonymous with the 16th hole at Augusta National, his viral interaction with Tiger Woods on Sunday, and Scottie Scheffler’s dominant start to the 2024 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.

On Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show, Ben and Brent are joined by Frank Seravalli, NHL Insider and President of Hockey Content for DailyFaceoff, to discuss Sheldon Keefe’s coaching performance this season, his reputation around the NHL, Keefe’s comments on Saturday night about Matthews’ 70-goal chase, the arbitrary importance of 70 goals, and Joel Quenneville’s future in the NHL. Later, Joe Siddall, former MLB catcher and current Blue Jays Central analyst, stops by to chat about José Berríos’ impressive start to the season, Kevin Gausman’s early-season struggles, Yariel Rodriguez’s intriguing repertoire, and the team’s recurring offensive issues (27:15). 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.

Hour two of The FAN Morning Show begins with Gord Stellick, former NHL GM, stopping by to discuss Auston Matthews’ deployment during Saturday’s game against the Red Wings, Sheldon Keefe’s malleability amidst Matthews’ 70-goal chase, the Leafs’ new-look forward machinations since Mitch Marner’s return to the lineup, and his current confidence level in Ilya Samsonov. Then, Ben and Brent reflect on the Raptors’ tumultuous 2023-24 season and discuss the team’s biggest questions heading into the off-season. Afterwards, the guys weigh in on Scottie Scheffler’s lopsided victory at The Masters, the lack of drama during Sunday’s final round at Augusta, and Scheffler’s current status as the most dominant force in professional golf (26:08).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 Ennis and Brent Gunning discuss Auston Matthews scoring his 69th goal of the season on Saturday night against Detroit, Sheldon Keefe’s post-game remarks about Matthews’ 70-goal chase being “a distraction,” how the Leafs might manage Matthews’ deployment over the final two games of the regular season, and Ilya Samsonov’s form heading into the playoffs. Later, the guys weigh in on the Blue Jays’ series win over the Rockies, Jose Berrios’ red-hot start to the season, first impressions of Yariel Rodriguez, and Alek Manoah’s curious comments after his first Triple-A outing with the Buffalo Bisons (31:52).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.

Brent Gunning and guest host Jesse Rubinoff head into the weekend talking about the pros and cons of Auston Matthews’ chase of 70 goals this season with Sportsnet 590’s own, Sam McKee! They start off with some golf talk as The Masters roll on into day two, before getting into last night's narrow Maple Leafs loss, if Mitch Marner should be re-inserted on the top line, confidence in both the defence and netminders, and the team's ongoing penalty kill issues. Next up, ESPN's Greg Wyshynski takes a trip around the NHL as the regular season winds down to look back on some of this year's greatest moments, NHL award candidates, and of course, the playoff picture (25:36). Later, the trio weigh in on the possibility of the Coyotes moving to Utah, the idea of NHL expansion, and Sid the Kid’s incredible quest for another postseason. 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.

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Brent Gunning & guest host Jesse Rubinoff have a quick discussion about Max Domi’s clear understanding and role wearing the blue & white and turn their focus on the confidence in Ilya Samsonov for the playoffs. Next, Brent & Jesse bring on former MLB player, Sportsnet 590’s own Kevin Barker (23:36) to talk the offence getting going, some of the players they hope to add back to the mix soon and the urgency facing manager John Schneider to win this early in the season. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake!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.

Brent Gunning is joined by guest host Jesse Rubinoff to kick off The FAN Morning Show on Toronto’s top superstar closing in on 70. The duo though may have an even bigger takeaway from that game, which is that Max Domi understands what it means to be a Maple Leaf. After that, they look at what was a bit of a rough night for Ilya Samsonov and the best way to get him back on track as well as the defence pairings now with some players returning from injury. The hour ends with some takeaways from day one at The Masters (31:39).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 rides into its final hour with hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning getting set for Maple Leafs game day with Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli! They discuss the team's strong stretch of play, the catalyst for this run, Toronto's playoff expectations and Auston Matthews' NHL award candidacy. Next up, we turn our attention to baseball and bring on MLB Network's Adnan Virk for a look around the league (29:28). They dive into the string of notable pitching injuries early in the year, along with some positives to take away from Blue Jays' season so far. Ben and Brent wrap up with some thoughts on The Masters that will (hopefully) get underway today. Like Tiger Woods, they love golf! 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.

On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning dive into a comment made by the Seattle hero yesterday Cal Raleigh after his game-winning tenth-inning home run, that was directed at Jays manager John Schneider. They look at what the comment stems from and the history between Raleigh, Schneider & the Jays as well as what truth there could be to it; again just the perception around Toronto’s bench boss. Ben & Brent then bring on their Leafs historian, the Star contributor, Damien Cox to weigh in on the Hart Trophy debate, the season Auston Matthews is having and how he could be considered for multiple NHL awards (22:48).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.