The FAN Pregame

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert welcome Mike Futa to the show who was at the Leafs/Bruins Game 6. He looks at a new approach under Brad Treliving and reminds people that they are NOT better without Matthews. Then, his take on which Bruins goalie should start tomorrow night. Later, the Canucks are trying to end their series and what it’s going to take to beat the Preds. Finally, Vegas went from 2-0 to down 3-2 and why for a young team they still create pressure to perform in the playoffs. We close with a look at UFC 301 and why Ken Rosenthal says he is keeping his eyes on the Blue Jays. 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.

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert are all over Game 6 between the Bruins and the Leafs. First, the man calling the game for Sportsnet – Chris Cuthbert – joins us from the arena where there is focus on Matthews and his mysterious absence (6:00). The criticism of the crowd and if Boston is feeling more pressure than the Leafs. Later, we move to Sid Seixeiro (25:25) who paints a picture of a loss vs a win. Why big changes might be ahead and how the hockey world is circling Sheldon Keefe. Plus, even during a Leafs chat, Sid struggles to keep his Jays thoughts quiet. 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.

We open the show with Andrew Raycroft (5:31) in Boston as the former Leafs and Bruins goalie sets up Game 5, how Brad Marchand differs from the Leafs' players, and why it could be a perfect spot for Toronto to steal a game. Next up, John Bartlett (24:51) in Winnipeg on why Connor Hellebuyck has struggled in his series against the Avs. Finally we head to Vancouver where Thomas Drance (37:30) from SN650 joins us ahead of Canucks and Preds Game 5 and explains why they were able to reach to the point of moving onto the second round. 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.

After a wild weekend of hockey, Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert ask which team down 3-1 has the best chance to win. Then, they are joined by ESPN and Sportsnet analyst Ray Ferraro (19:04), who shares his thoughts on the Leafs - the poor play, fighting on the bench and what they will look to do in Game 5. Later, thoughts on the Oilers, backup goalie heroes in the playoffs and how the Canucks got 3 wins with 3 goalies. Next up, over to Vancouver with Frank Servalli (34:49) who is covering Canucks/Preds. He takes a look at how the Canucks are getting it done, why Elias Pettersson is frustrated, how the Jets are losing in a shocking way and why he feels a Leafs loss will result in significant changes from coach to core. 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.

Elliotte Friedman joins Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert in the studio for a chat about the Stanley Cup playoffs, the difficulty of reporting injuries and how it can expose a player's vulnerability like in the William Nylander case. Potential consequences if the Leafs burn out once again in Round 1, how Mitch Marner's series impact extension negotiations and a theory on what the Bruins are going to do with their goalies for the rest of the series. Later, Ben Verlander (25:15) on how Shohei Ohtani first year with the Dodgers has gone so far, why the Dodgers are still not a World Series team, love for Teo Hernandez and what he sees in the Blue Jays 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.

Former NHL Head Coach Dallas Eakins joins Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert with a coaching perspective on both the Oilers and Leafs (5:00). He gives his take on injuries, reporting and everything going on with the William Nylander situation. Plus, insight into negativity and how it can always find a way into the dressing room. Later, the art of coaching against the Oilers and McDavid and the one thing you just can’t do against Edmonton. Finally, down to the rink where Kristen Shilton (25:15) of ESPN is covering Leafs/Bruins, Nylander remains out and why the Leafs are different this year – and the Bruins have taken notice. 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.

Frank Seravalli joins Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert from Vancouver covering the Canucks/Preds and the breaking news of the day is Thatcher Demko's injury - out tonight and maybe for the series (5:02). Then, a look around the first round - Stone scoring for Vegas and the Avs goalie situation. Later, Liam McHugh (28:03) from the NHL on TNT, the bets he’s made with Paul Bissonnette and being open about being a diehard Islanders fan. Both Frank and Liam discuss the Leafs, the performance of Matthews last night and why he’s changed people’s opinions. Then, on Connor McDavid's dominant playoff performance and what it’s like working with Wayne Gretzky. 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.

Jeff Marek joins Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert to discuss the hottest topic in the NHL today – “what’s up with Nylander” – and how the secrecy of injury reporting was supposed to improve with legalized gambling and essentially teams are being openly dishonest (3:20). Later, Ailish was in attendance for the latest PWHL attendance record (in Montreal) and we close with the home teams are 6-0 in the NHL and 8-0 in the NBA. A win by Edmonton and Dallas tonight would make 16-0 for the first time in history. 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.

We now have all the matchups set for the Stanley Cup Playoffs and with that, Frank Seravalli (5:20) from Daily Faceoff joins Ailish Forfar & Justin Cuthbert for a round of “Fact or Fiction” which then turned into “Frank or Fiction.” We get his take on every series, the chances for an upset and one specific reason that this year is different for the Leafs. Later on, our Western Conference bracket which leas us into Ailish and Justin’s pick for The Stanley Cup. 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.

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick off the last night of the NHL with Luke Gazdic (2:45) as the Oilers are awaiting either LA or Vegas. He looks at how the Edmonton series has evolved, why the Jets have one of the best locker rooms in the league and why Rick Tocchet’s turnaround of the Canucks might be the most impressive of all Canadian teams. Later, Ailish and Justin fill out their Eastern Conference bracket for the NHL Playoffs, the one area that they differed the most and tomorrow we look at the Western Conference. 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.

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert welcome Adnan Virk on the show as he describes why Juan Soto is an absolute difference maker and how the Yankees are one of the best teams in baseball even without Cole pitching (8:40). Then, his thoughts on the Jays - why Kirk and Varsho might be on the right path, why Berrios is a Cy Young-worthy pitcher and how the Jays' top-3 starters can keep carrying the team. Finally, thoughts on the legendary John Sterling who announced his retirement this week. Later, Shayna Goldman (26:45) from The Athletic shares what goes into Hart Trophy voting, the rise of Matthews, what stood out about McDavid and which player she is leaning toward. 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.

Jeff Marek makes his weekly appearance with Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert to discuss playoff races, why people won’t feel sorry if Detroit misses again and the Coyotes' situation with the move to Utah all but being official (5:35). Then, Jeff explains why hockey will return to the desert and how the NHL is making this more of a temporary move. Afterward, to Canada winning the Women’s World Championship in what’s being called the best women’s game of all time. Later, Kaitlyn McGrath (25:20) from The Athletic on the new series with the Yankees, why Justin Turner has been everything they wanted and more and perhaps the Jays offseason has been better than suggested. Finally, a look at pitchers, the debut of Rodriguez and if there is legit concern around Kevin Gausman. 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.

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert start with an in-depth chat with Jays radio analyst Chris Leroux (6:53) ahead of the series against the Rockies. He goes into Kevin Gausman’s start, how surprised he was to see his velocity drop in cold weather and what it’s like as a pitcher dealing with that. Then, the Jays' depth, bullpen injuries and the importance a catcher makes and why Danny Jansen’s return will be so important. Next up we head to Las Vegas where Aaron Bronsteter (26:12) is covering UFC 300. He goes over the card, and why it’s more about depth instead of the headliner. Then, while we speak to Aaron he gets the chance to interview a couple of fighters live on the show with both Kayla Harrison and Max Holloway. 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.

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert open with news emerging from the Shohei Ohtani saga and leaked details on how his interpreter stole $16M. Next up, a chat with Mike Malott (8:58), UFC Welterweight and SN analyst this weekend for UFC 300. He gives us a great behind-the-scenes view of the life of a fighter and then his views on the card and what it takes to get back in the octagon when getting over injuries. Finally, what’s next for him and a surprise text he received today regarding his future. 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.

Frank Seravalli joins Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert to take a look at some of the most popular US-born players, where Auston Matthews ranks and why in the US a Canadian player from a Canadian team is the most popular player overall south of the border (5:18). Then, some news on Jack Hughes and the divisions that could be settled this evening. Later, we head to the site of The Masters with Adam Stanley (25:40) as he prepares for the tournament this week. A look at the field, the players coming over from LIV and where we might all stand in a year from now. Finally, assessing the Canadians in the field and a couple of sleeper picks. 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.

David Price makes a rare appearance as he joins Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert ahead of the Blue Jays' home opener and why - of all the team he played for - Toronto was his favourite (3:38). He reflects on his first game in Toronto, how Jays players acknowledge they are playing for an entire country and why that’s important and then what it takes to come together and go on a true playoff run. Later, a chat with Jose Bautista (30:47), memories of home openers in Toronto and why he’s following this year's team closely. 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.

It’s the start of a new era at MLSE and with that, their new CEO, Keith Pelley, joins Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert to discuss his new role, plans and priorities, lessons learned from his time with European Golf and how sports have now become a global product (25:52). He looks back at his time running Rogers Media and why this new role was likely the only way he would come back home. Later, Kelly Hrudey (56:35) looks at the stretch drive for the playoffs and why he can’t help but cheer for Crosby and the Penguins. Finally, Arash Madani (1:17:09) on March Madness, Zach Edey winning his 2nd straight Player of the Year Award and Vince Carter being named to the Basketball Hall of Fame this weekend officially. 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.

John Scott, former NHLer, enforcer, tough guy and host of Dropping The Gloves podcast joins Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert to look back at the Rangers/Devils brawl, why he feels for Rempe and why he ultimately loved what was on display (4:35). Then, what it was like playing against both Crosby and Ovie. Later, Seeret Sohi (26:33) from The Ringer on NBA title contenders vs. frauds, the disastrous season for the Raptors, what Vince Carter meant to Canada and Caitlin Clark's incredible run during women’s March Madness. 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.

Frank Seravalli from Daily Faceoff joins Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert to rank their top 5 Stanley Cup Contenders (4:11). They discuss the lack of Canadian teams at the top and Vegas missing the cut. Which teams have the edge in net and which teams' performance of playoffs past tells the most interesting story? Next up, Dan Shulman (31:50) from Houston ahead of Jays/Astros and everyone is up in arms about Davis Schneider being out of the lineup tonight after the game-winning HR last night. Do you go with the matchup (vs righty) or stick with a hot bat and a solid HR hitter? Finally, some thoughts on what he’s seen after the first 6 games of the season and which team he likes to win March Madness. 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.

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert welcome Madison Shipman (2:30) into our studios coming off of last night’s no-hitter, why the Jays were unable to adjust and the glaring difference in their lineup when Bo Bichette is not there. Later, former NHL goalie Carter Hutton (25:46) helps us to power rank the Canadian NHL goalies and weighs in on Ilya Samsonov's story and how he’s made the case for being the Leafs' clear #1 goalie. He finishes with some Jeff Skinner memories as a teammate as the Buffalo Sabre celebrates 1,000 games played tonight. 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.