Toronto Blue Jays advance to World Series, Winnipeg Jets win over Calgary, Toews scores
[Music] [Applause] Hey [Music] around. This is Winnipeg Sports Talk Daily with Andrew Hustler Patterson and Michael Reis. What is up everyone and welcome to a big Tuesday edition of Winnipeg Sports Talk Daily. After a Monday night of sports that will not be forgotten anytime soon by most people, not just here in the peg, but from coast to coast. The Toronto Blue Jays on the back of a George Springer threerun home run in the bottom of the seventh hold off the Seattle Mariners and are going to the World Series for the first time since 1993. And uh as soon as that was finished and they started partying in the club that is the uh Jay’s dressing room facility, the Winnipeg Jets were mounting a comeback of their own. Jonathan Taves with his first as a Winnipeg Jet and returning to the NHL, followed up by a beauty from Mark Schiffley in the Jets win their fifth in a row last night over the Calgary Flames. We’re going to get to all of it. We’ll hear from Jonathan Taves, from Scott O’Neal, from Mark Schiffley, and we will definitely be talking about the upcoming World Series and the moment last night. One of many, the Springer Dinger Hoffman shutting down the Mariners in the ninth inning. Um Josh Goldberg was in the building yesterday. He’ll be first up today. Kevin Sawyer was in the building in Calgary last night. He will join us for an extended Jets conversation. Um, and then before the end of the program, Patty and Jake are going to jump on. They were both at the game last night. I’m not sure whether either of those two have settled down yet, but uh, looking forward to having the boys on. Um, and speaking of Pat and Jake, we are doing another uh, tomorrow night is uh, October 22nd, which means that it’s the next edition of the WST Wednesday night poker series. If you haven’t played with us before, we’d love to have you join us over at coolb.com. There will be a $100 bounty on my head, on Remis’ head, as well as Jeff Hamilton, who is a twotime champion, and right now bring the belt. So, we’re all gunning for hammer tomorrow. It’s going to start at 8:00. Uh we’ll put out information on the newsletter, on all of our social channels. Uh but if you have any questions, you can send us a DM or so. Um it should be a lot of fun. It always is and we continue to grow the poker attorney. So, tomorrow night 8:00 PM would love to see you with us. That is Wednesday night. Just before we bring in Michael Reis, who’s probably one of the few people that’s not completely overjoyed about the result being a longtime Mariners fan, but uh held himself very well throughout the series. I know happy for a lot of you in the chat and uh it certainly won’t be a bad thing for the show. So, uh, some some silver linings, I guess, despite, um, you know, an incredible season, incredible run by the Mariners, and we’ll get to that as well. Um, but listen, before we bring in Michael Reis, a huge thanks to the sponsors that make WST happen each and every day. Of course, our partners over at Kbet, uh, Princess Auto, Uptown Alley, Canadian Club, St. Patel Dental Center, Rolley’s Transfer, and the HSC Millionaire Lottery of course the Winnipeg Jets and Chud’s Powers Sports, Manitoba Battery, Clean Line, Boston Pizza, Royal Sports, Little Brown Jug. Uh we will get to a why not question of the day, and of course, uh the fan feedback I think is going to be very fun about People’s Nights last night, and we’ll do that for fansfirst.ca. Uh Remo, what a series. What a game seven. Uh, how are you today? Yeah, people don’t care about how I’m doing. They care about what an incredible game seven it was yesterday for Blue Jays fans. The videos of Euphoria returning to the World Series for the first time since 1993, just when you thought they were going to blow the series. George Springer, who did not look great in game six after getting hit on the knee. And there were people in our chat saying, you know, are we sure about Springer in this game with this wonky knee like could barely get up uh at times in game six, but went in and just launched that pitch from Bazardo into the outfield seats. Total euphoria at Rogers Center. Was incredible to watch and Blue Jays fans going crazy. And full credit to them. You know, this was a season coming in where don’t think anyone had division winner, best record in the AL on the radar and they delivered in what has been a magical season. Yeah. And and listen, I’ll say this. Um, you know, the Mariners, a hell of a baseball team. Like I I I really do feel for, you know, I know a bunch of Mariners fans, you and LTE and Edmonton. Obviously, we got a lot of friends in BC that, you know, have always sort of pulled for the Mariners. Uh, and what a team they are. I mean, Cal Rally, a historic season. I mean, he broke Mickey Mantel’s all-time record for home runs by a switch hitter. Uh, he led the league with 60 from the catching position. I personally think that he should be the MVP. Um, and you know, JRod who was phenomenal last night, really set the tone early on for the Mariners. Um, Suarez, as you go down the list, and I mean those young pitchers that they’ve h they’ve got. Um, in particular, I love that Brian Woo, and I think maybe the best thing that happened to the Blue Jays last night, Remo, was Woo getting taken out of the game. Um, but it was fascinating. It had everything that you wanted in a game seven. It had drama. Uh, it had unusual pitching assignments. We saw Gosman and Basset go in in relief. Um, and then of course we saw Jeff Hoffman come in who was a bit of a gas can at times this year and made Jay’s fans very very nervous, but he went and got it done. And for all the worry about the bullpen, especially considering John Schneider’s brain cramp in game number five. It was Hoffman, the much malign Hoffman that pitched three perfect innings in game six and game seven to help the Jays win. And uh now I I think either way, Ree, I mean, whoever won the AL was going to be a big underdog and would be sort of the uh I I think a lot of people would be pulling for them just because they’re not the big money Dodgers. And I certainly would have said the same thing if the Mariners had won game seven, been pulling for them. Uh but right now, you got a team that does feel kind of like a team of destiny moving on to the World Series. And I guess one of the biggest little tidbits from the crazy celebration that the Jays had afterwards is that Bo Bashette declared himself ready. And um we’ll talk to Josh about what that means, who might be coming off of the roster. Uh what they can expect from Bo going forward, but the bottom line is the Jays are still alive, winning in uh one of the most I mean it really will be I think an iconic win last night in game seven. and George Springer, who’s been the MVP of this team since the first day of the season, coming through once again in the clutch for Toronto. Yeah, when you think about iconic Toronto Blue Jays home runs, the most recent one, Jose Bautista’s in the ALDS comes to mind, but this Springer one surpassed it. Game seven, ALCS World Series on the line. you’re down 3-1 and then the swing of the bat, you’re up 43. You can put in your closer who’s uh blowing gas uh by all the Mariners hitters. And you know, unfortunately for them, they had the bottom of the lineup do up, which had done absolutely nothing for most of the series and especially last night. And the Blue Jays, we talked about yesterday, the bottom of the lineup. Um you know, they had a huge part in all of their wins. You think of Gimenez’s two home runs in back-to-back games. You think of what IKF getting on base, Gimenez bunting uh them over and setting the table for George Springer to hit that home run. So, uh you know, the Blue Jays up and down the lineup. A lot of very tough outs. They don’t strike out. They don’t swing up bad pitches. I think pitching, we’ll have to see how it plays out here. Sometimes you don’t know what you’re going to get. Uh Shane Bieber was okay uh yesterday. He was good enough, you know, good enough to get innings and it was game seven. You knew they were gonna do funky stuff with the bullpen. Uh Gman coming in u you know three walks and an inning pitched. But hey, he didn’t allow any runs and that I think that was the theme for Seattle all series, leaving runners on base and missed opportunities. And Basset came in pitch one inning uh with a strike out. So, uh, credit to the Blue Jays, you know, pitchers for coming in in unusual circumstances and shutting the door and for them for battling, uh, throughout the series down 2, going back to Seattle, you know, winning two games there and then winning two in a row at home, which what an atmosphere it is at Ro at Rogers Center. I mean, it’s that is certainly up there in all of uh all of sports right now, dude. Have you seen the the ticket prices for the World Series right now? It it it by the way, if you are thinking about, you know what, hey, you’ve always wanted to see the Blue Jays in the World Series. You over 30 years, go to LA. I straight up go to LA. I I saw Gabe tweeting about this earlier. He said it’s not sold out. I mean, you can still get tickets, I believe, for face value in LA. Um, you’re looking at four figures easy get in price for the Rogers Center and uh for anyone lucky enough to have tickets. Yes, very very jealous. Jealous of Pat Jake, Ken Weeb, Joe Piscuchi, all our boys that were at the game last night. We’ll talk about that coming up. As they say, we’re going to have more Jays talk. Josh Goldberg’s coming on. We’ll certainly hit at the end of the show when Pat and Jake come on. Uh but Remo for Winnipeg Jet fans, another great night. Uh Connor Hellabuk standing tall. Special teams elite once again. But the headline of last night’s comeback win has to be Jonathan Taves scoring his first goal in over two and a half years in the NHL. A huge one as the Jets were battling away down one- nothing. Uh they then go up with guess who? Mark Shley from Kyle Connor and get another win. Jonathan Taves back on the score sheet as a goal scorer in the NHL and the Jets back in the win column with their fifth in a row. Yeah. Uh pretty incredible uh comeback win, you know, right after, you know, you heard during the game them announced the Blue Jays comeback win over the PA at Saddle Dome there. I can’t wait to ask Kevin about that. And then um yeah and then the Jets had their own comeback. Jonathan Taves, we’ve talked about how good power play too has looked and you saw that pass from him in the previous game and they have a really nice zone entry there. He goes to the front of the net and Neil Pian just you know floats one in front of the net kind of similarish to the one he floated on net for Adam Lowry to tip in in in game seven. Uh but Jonathan Ta was in front and yeah put it in past Dustin Wolf and got the Jets on the board and Mark Shaley and Kyle Connor what a heater uh these guys are on really carrying the Jets here offensively. So hey Connor Halbuck he’s you know what you’re going to get from him. He has been excellent to start the season and was good enough for them and the penalty kill for me as well. Big story for the Jets. They are number one in the league over 90% penalty kill percentage and went five for five yesterday while winning you know going one for five on the power play good enough to get the two points come back here day off today and they’ll be hosting the Seattle Kraken who are at the end of a very long road trip on Thursday. So uh nice nice tidy win yesterday for the Jets. Yeah the Kraken were in Philly last night. They dropped a 52 score, but it was 2-1 for the Jets. Heli 32 saves, a 970 save percentage in last night’s game. Uh Dustin Wolf, who’d had a really rough start to the year, he played well um in the Calgary net last night uh making uh what 20 u sorry 26 saves on 28 shots. Uh but it was that elite offensive firepower of the Jets in the third period that was something that Calgary hasn’t had this year. and just have had a real tough time making things happen. Uh but you look at Tav’s numbers from last night. 18 minutes on the ice, 352 on the power play, just 15 seconds on the short-handed, but was a master in the draw. 71% I believe at one point he was over 75%. Um and listen, he’s proving his worth to the team in so many different ways, but you know, a big goal uh for him last night. And just a couple of other interesting interesting numbers. Remo Mark Shley had five shots on net. Alex Ayafallow had eight last night. Um AI uh 1622 and a big part of the Winnipeg Jet power play at 543 just below Connor and Shiffley. Um, and of course Brad Lambert got into his first game of the year. Did not play a ton. 743 last night. Actually ended up as a minus one. Did have a shot at one point. So, you know, he got in there, but it was a real tight game. Obviously trying to come back. They leaned on the big boys and uh it was the top two centers of the Winnipeg Jets, Jonathan Taves and Mark Shley getting it done. And uh it just seems like you know after that first game Remis that the uh you know Jets let that game get away on them. Obviously had the Furies come back with a couple shorties in the third period to make it close. Uh since then they have um you know done a lot of the things we got used to seeing last year. Finding ways to win not always maybe at their best. We heard Kyle Connor or Mark Shley say yesterday that they still didn’t think they’d put together their best full 60 minutes. Um that being said, it’s about stacking up points right now and uh this team is uh trying to do what they did last year and that’s getting off to one of the best starts in the NHL. Yeah, you look at the schedule and the Jets haven’t exactly played, you know, the top uh of the NHL. A lot of teams that weren’t in the playoffs last year, but hey, you got to go in and take care of business and the Jets have played consistent game here. They’ve gotten great goalending and incredible scoring touch here from Mark Schaefley and Kyle Connor. So, uh, you know, great start to the season at 5-1. And you look at the upcoming opponents and you know, more opportunity to add into the win column. Thursday against Seattle on a road trip. Friday on a home backtoback Calgary, Sunday Utah, and then you go for the rivalry game in Minnesota next Tuesday and then you host Chicago. So, I mean, a real opportunity to bank some more points and put themselves in a really strong position uh to keep pace here in the central. Colorado off to a hot start. You know, Dallas uh very strong as well, but the Jets, I didn’t think they’d be able to do this. Has 15-1 to start last season. Certainly giving it a run. I don’t think they’re going to like it’s pretty hard to replicate that, but they’re looking pretty good and getting contributions up and down the line. the ice time distribution. I mean, as even as we’ve ever seen, aside from Brad Lambert yesterday, it got squeezed out. Scottdale saying he felt bad because he doesn’t play power play. He doesn’t play penalty kill. And each team had five opportunities. That’s what, you know, 10 times two, that’s 20 minutes. That’s a whole period of special teams. That’s some quick math right there. Uh, so we’ll see. We’ll see what the lineup if he continues to get on Thursday. But you have to like what you’ve seen so far from the Winnipeg Jets. Yeah, no doubt about it. Um let’s let’s h hear from Jonathan Taves who uh you know had had some great chances over the first five games of the season. Uh he got on the scoreboard with an assist. Then he had two last game including just an absolutely beautiful pass to Vladimikov to set him up but it was time for him to get on the score sheet with a goal and he did it last night with a beautiful deflection that tied the game at one. Here’s Jonathan Taves on scoring his first goal back in the National Hockey League and his first as a member of his hometown Winnipeg Jets. Yeah, I mean these last few games um I feel like I’m really starting to settle in and and I I think just think less and now that uh some of the systems and just the play calling and the draws and what we do off faceoffs, all the little details of our team game um starting to finally become second nature. I can go out there and uh maybe not overthink but but start to to relax with the puck and and feel a little bit more comfortable and not not as afraid to make mistakes and then you know from there the offense comes uh I think early on our line had a bunch of chances. do a lot of puck possession, but then you know the flow of the game kind of went the way it did and and then uh but you know I just kept telling myself to be ready for that one chance and um we were talking on the power play obviously it wasn’t going our way in the second got a chance in the third. It was nice to just get a stick on it and sometimes those go in sometimes they don’t. So it’s nice to get that first one and and you know start to build some confidence at the uh the offensive owner. There’s Jonathan Taves on scoring his first goal and and re you know we talked a lot and it’s been almost hard to sort of keep the I mean excitement for a guy that as I always say is walking straight into the Hall of Fame coming here to his hometown. The story was amazing but ultimately it was going to be written on the ice. Um, and I I think it’s just safe to say, I don’t know how you can dispute that half a dozen games into the return, I think that Jonathan Taves we’re seeing right now in October, far beyond I think anybody’s realistic expectations and, you know, considering how he’s getting better each game, what he just said, how much more comfortable is, it does and the type of player he is and what he’s done in the past, it does give um, I think the majority of Winnipeg Jet fans a pretty unique sense of optimism about what might be possible and what might be different this year come playoff time if they’re able to uh book their ticket to the postseason and go up against the top teams in the NHL in in spring. Yeah, four points in six games for Jonathan Taves and you know play huge minutes uh what the second most of the forwards in that win against the Islanders a week ago. So, he’s being trusted in big situation. Uh, winning faceoffs. And when you think about what the Winnipeg Jets when they’re healthy, Paul Perfetti, Adam Lowry, uh, Dylan Samberg coming back, having a center group that includes Jonathan Taves and Adam Lowry, uh, could be absolutely huge, especially in the playoffs. So, uh, very exciting thinking, hey, this team is playing well. They’re 5-1, but they’ve said they’re not at their best. It was Mark Shafley saying they hadn’t played a full 60 and they don’t have their full complement of players. So I think very exciting what Jonathan Taves has produced so far and even he says you know it’s coming back to him and you saw you know the hands but the smarts is certainly still there for him. Neil Pian of course with the blast. he got on the score sheet for the season with an assist. And and by the way, Peon played a team high 2524 last night uh of ice time on the blue line. Uh but of course, everyone was talking about Jonathan Taves after the goal and he was asked about how he’s feeling just getting his hands back. I mean, even like my first couple games, you’re a little antsy and, you know, usually I feel pretty comfortable at the the faceoff dot and, you know, you you’re a little bit jumpy and you’re slotting pucks and you’re a little bit uh you know, that that uh you know, when you’re antsy sometimes, you know, less is more. So, I think the same goes with flying pucks in around the net. So, I was able to get a stick on that one and nice to see you go in. All right, Jonathan Taves after last night’s game in Calgary. Of course, Taves tied it up off the peon shot and that was Connor and Shley who won the game. Uh here’s Jonathan Taves on uh the uh dynamic duo of 81 and 55 getting it done for the Jets in the third period. It’s I mean it’s fun to watch uh the way they they you know feel a game and they find seams and they rink wide uh the pocket. You know, it’s it’s obviously the the game nowadays there’s there’s no space. it’s it’s so fast, but um they just kind of have that connection and a guy like Gabe goes out there too and he just finds that empty space and and he’s such a good catalyst for those two. So, it’s fun to watch that line and, you know, we’re I think we’re starting to feel some pressure like we got to get some secondary scoring or at least my line get get going a little bit so we can help those guys out, not rely on them having to score every single night, which which they’ve been doing. So, uh, yeah, they’re they’re definitely elite players and, um, you know, the way they can kind of spread the game out and just relax in the pockets, it’s fun to watch. There’s some high praise for Kyle Connor and Mark Shley from Jonathan Taves. Uh, one more from Taves. Uh, and he was asked it, you know, now that he’s, you know, got his first goal and kind of getting into the season. Uh, was asked on what attracted him to Winnipeg and the Jets and how it’s gone compared to what his expectations were coming into the season. Well, I think first and foremost, you know, I didn’t I didn’t know too many guys in the locker room, but everything I I’d heard um was that, you know, they’ve uh got an experienced group and you saw what they did in the playoffs last year and and experience like like that only continues to build and especially their success in the regular season. But the number one thing was the chemistry and and just the the energy in the locker room that this team has and and uh you know so that was excuse me that was a big that was a big selling point and and uh playing for a team like this that can contend and and have a chance to win a Stanley Cup and on top of all that to do it in my hometown in Winnipeg I think is a big part of it too. So when it really came down to it I just I couldn’t see myself wearing any other sweater. So, um, you know, it was a fun process and definitely exciting to excited to at the time to to deliver that news to family and friends. So, um, it’s been a lot of fun so far. All right. Well, it’s been a lot of fun for Jet fans to see number 19 out there doing his thing and of course getting his first goal last night. Uh, let’s move on to Coach Scott Arneal. Uh now listen, all of this game was happening while or the first two periods at least were happening while the Jays and Mariners were taking us through that roller coaster of a game seven. Here’s Arie on everyone following the Jay’s game while at the hockey game including the teams. I we were taking peaks between periods and at the start of the game and obviously that’s awesome for Canada, for the Jays. Um, yeah, that was it was special. It was that was different. Never been in an atmosphere like that where both hockey teams, every fan, Jet fan, Flame fan were on their feet applauding that one. So, congrats to them. That’s great. That was obviously the the biggest sports story in the country last night and it certainly slipped into the saddle dome while the two teams were playing. Uh, one guy that probably maybe the one guy that wasn’t locked in um to the Jays or even paying attention because he was too busy being locked in and shutting down the Calgary Flames was Connor Habibaku. Brilliant as usual. Here’s what Arie had to say about his starting goalender last night. Yeah, Heli was Hely was outstanding. Obviously, uh a lot of penalties. Uh first two periods took a lot of flow away from that game. It kind of limited a lot of guys minutes and it really it was uh it was just one of those games that it just felt like there was no no real push to it. No real excitement to it. It just was penalty after penalty and then uh we were a lot better in the in the third period. Uh we didn’t get many scoring chances but obviously JT scoring the one and then Sh that was a big one. So, um, yep, your best penalty killer has to be a goalie and hell he was. And, you know, as the coach mentioned, I mean, penalties were a huge part of the game. It just seemed to be, I mean, always one team or the other on the power play, just killed a power play, and it did have a tough time, as we mentioned, with a guy like Brad Lambert going to get into the flow of the game. Here’s just a little bit more on the game from Coach Aral. I think we had three five on five scoring chances. cuz I know there’s a lot of penalties after the second period. I don’t think we got many more in the third. They they did a real good job of really uh with the net front. Um you not not letting us get in there, not letting us get into a rush game. Uh they did a lot of good things in the PK. Uh and you know they were going to answer the bell and I that was pretty much what I told our group. If we didn’t go headtohead and match them, it would be, you know, it’ be a tough night. And I like the fact that, you know, we hung in there and, um, you know, even though our power play didn’t score until the third, there was lots of good looks and, you know, like I mentioned, our PK was solid. All right, coach Arneal. Now, um, you know, you knew he would have something to say on Jonathan Taves scoring his first goal back in the National Hockey League with his Jets. Here’s what he had to say on number 19 finally getting on the uh on the board. you know, that leadership, the hockey sense that he has. Uh he’s got a great mind for the game. You can hear him when he talks to his linemates, talk to his teammates. Um he’s he has drive, you know, he has that all that stuff we’ve seen in the past, but now he’s um he’s real good for our group in the sense that he passes on that knowledge. Um again, tonight in the faceoff circle, I don’t know, he ended up I think he was 10 and four after the second. He could have been, you know, I’m sure he won close to 15. That’s a huge asset for us. We weren’t the best faceoff team over the years. and you know he’s helped us in that area and it’s helped everybody pick up their game and so he’s it’s his kind of leadership been there done that type thing that we’re you know mostly you know really happy to have from him. Yeah know happy for him get that one out of the way. I think that um yeah, his game’s been getting better every game and um you know, he had a great one the other night with the two assists and I just it it’s probably a big weight off his shoulders, but at the end of the day, um we’re not looking at you know, these early games, we’re just uh we’re just trying to get him up and running and and playing and being comfortable with how we play and him feeling good about himself. And when you score goals, that certainly helps. All right, there is coach Arneal. Uh, Jets back in action on Thursday, home to the Seattle Kraken, and then right back at it against the Calgary Flames on Friday. And don’t forget, every day the Jets play, you can get the iconic Big Mac or a fle of fish at McDonald’s with their game day deals for just $4.49. But you’ve got to use the app uh on every Winnipeg Jets game day home or away. Fire up the McDonald’s app, go to offers, and get on that Jets game day deal of just $4.49 49 for the iconic Big Mac or the filt of fish. All right. Um Josh Goldberg’s coming up in just a minute. Um you know, we’ve got a couple days off of Jet Games and of the series. I think that’ll be good after the weekend we just had. People can just uh relax. You know, if you are wanting to uh maybe get out, change it up a little bit. Why don’t you pop by and see our friends at Uptown Alley, Winnipeg and Manitoba’s number one place to uh really go and have a blast. Uh, five pin lanes, 10 pin lanes, a massive mention, the uh best not to mention um the the best in eats, bar eats. Uh the food is incredible there and a great place to watch the game. Um you know, they’ve got a great deal every day, the bowl and play special after 9:00 p.m. 90 minutes of bowling and a $10 arcade card for just $20.49 49 per person for 5 pin or 22.49 for 10 pin. And of course it is unbelievable place for birthday parties for both kids, teenagers and adults. An amazing group and corporate events where you can just pick your activities, your meal, your add-ons, and they’ll take take care of it all together. Give them a call 488000000 or online uptown alley.ca. Again, Uptown Alley is over at 1301 St. Matthews Avenue. Um, the Jays are moving on to the World Series. If you and your family have a move coming up, lean on our friends over at Rolley’s Transfer. Family-owned and operated for over 60 years in Manitoba and the most trusted name in moving in Manitoba. Check out their website at rollies.com and click on request an estimate. Put in that promo code WST for a special discount on moving services and supplies for WST listeners. Let them know when and where you’re moving and what needs to go. And the friendly staff at Rolies will turn around quickly with a great quote and get you locked in for the white glove treatment and service that they’ve been famous for now into their seventh decade. For all your moving needs, make it Ries. Find out more today at rolies.com. Um, everyone’s smiling today after that baseball game last night. Of course, if you need that smile worked on, why don’t you head over and see our pal Dr. Terry and his wonderful staff at St. Patel Dental Center. They’ve been serving generations of Winnipeggers and Manitobans. And St. Patel now have a beautiful new facility with state-of-the-art equipment and convenient free parking right behind the building at 167 St. An’s. Of course, St. Patel Dental Center taking care of customers from 6 months to 99 years with everything that you could need when it comes to dental work from cleanings and checkups all the way to things like dental implants. Check them out online at saint fattel dental.ca. make an appointment and tell them your boys at Winnipeg Sports Talk sent you. And uh I’ll tell you what, if you were out last night, there was a lot of hooting and hollering when the Springer Dinger happened and of course when the Jays iced it. Um many of you, if you enjoy whiskey, probably turn to the original Canadian club. And I imagine there’ll be quite a bit of that served up at the Grey Cup coming up next month when we host at Princess Auto Stadium. In the meantime, head on down to your local Manitoba Liquor Marts for the official spirit of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Canadian Club with a special limited edition bottle available right now at your local Manitoba Liquor Marts. Just in time for the push to the playoffs and Gay Cup and holiday festivities. While you’re at it, grab one of those club packs, too. Good 12 months a year. The CC and Ginger, the Citrus Smash, and of course, the Half and Half. All right, let’s talk Jays. I am so jealous of many of my friends, including our next guest, Josh Goldberg, who was in the building last night for an iconic Canadian sports moment. Well, a bunch of them to be honest. Let’s bring in Josh from Blue Jays Nation right now. Uh, how you doing today, buddy? Good times, man. Like, that was uh what it’s all about being a fan of sports and a fan of a team. you hope to see moments like that at some point in your lifetime. And the Blue Jays have had some certainly in my lifetime at least, but um not in a long time a home run that consequential in that big of a spot to uh propel the team into the World Series for the first time in in more than three decades. It’s just uh it it hasn’t been uh this good of a time to be a Blue Jays fan in in quite some time. And you know, Josh, like you know, and we’ve talked to you about this throughout the year. The the most amazing thing about it is that this group, this team, this core was thought to be ready to do this over the past number of years and never even came close. And then this was the year that everyone was out on them. I mean, their win total at the start of the year was 78 12. They were predicted to be a sub 500 ball club. And yet here they are going to the World Series. It really has been an incredible run right from April. Yeah, I think that’s why it feels even more special. I I guess is the best word for it is is like you said, uh it wasn’t thought to be the year where this was going to happen. Like a couple years ago when you had Vlatty say saying that last year was the trailer, this year is the movie in 2022. when uh he didn’t have a great year and the team uh crashed out against Seattle in the wildard series and then 2023 sort of the same thing crashed and clawed crashed out against Minnesota and then the bottom fell out last year and there was some some wonder if if the window was closing George Springer on the wrong well on the wrong side of 30 uh in decline for a couple of years and wondering about Vlatty’s future and just his ability to be a front-ofthe-line major league superstar are Bob Bashette in the last year of his deal and then everything happened this year. You know, they get Vlatty signed. He didn’t have a great regular season by his standards. Then he goes supernova mode in the playoffs. George Springer had a turn back the clock year and then continued it in the playoffs and finally had the opportunity healthy, relatively healthy. I mean, he wasn’t 100% or close to it to to prove his worth in the postseason. And then all the supporting cast guys, nobody was thought to to really be a huge contributor on opening day. And where would they be without Ernie Clement? Where would they be without Addison Barger last night? Where would they be without Isaiah Kiner Fa? Andre Simenez had a huge couple of moments in the series. It was just a a total team effort top to bottom. And I think that uh that’s just really emblematic of of the entire season so far uh for this roster. You know, I want to get to the bottom of the lineup in a minute, but let’s start with Springer, who um you know, has the iconic home run. This is a guy that has been a hero in the playoffs before. Um but he was really the hero all year long. And I I mean, I’m sure you’d agree, Josh, that from 1 to 62, George Springer’s contributions and impact might have been the most influential thing to get the Jays to where they are. And I don’t really think there’s much doubt that he was the regular season MVP who then um you know kind of put that cherry on top of it with the heroics last night. Yeah, no question. He he was the constant in on on the team and in the lineup all season long. He’s been able to stay healthy relatively speaking uh the last couple of years. He missed a little bit of time this season but uh but not much. and he didn’t really have any lulls over the course of a long season and a grind. And that’s saying something for somebody who just turned 36 years old to be able to do that. Um, and even after fouling the ball off of his knee, uh, in in game five, he just found a way to still be upright enough to give himself a chance. And he made an adjustment and he beat Bazardo to the spot with that sinker last night and put a great swing on a baseball and he’s been one of the best postseason performers ever in in the history of baseball. I think he’s got 23 home runs in in the playoffs in 78 games and is tied for third all time uh on that list and he was clutch as he has been so many times uh in his career and honestly a number of times as a Blue Jay. He’s just one of these players who might be wired a little bit differently and and the big moments don’t seem to phase him too much and he battles through pain and bumps and bruises and uh finds a way to uh come up at his absolute best when the team needs it the absolute most and uh they wouldn’t be anywhere this season without him. And it was honestly really cool to see him deliver in that spot last night. Now um Springer is a hero forever. Uh, Vlatty absolute legendary performance throughout the playoffs after being in a coma basically for the month of September. But this was such a tight series. It went the distance. It was right down to the ninth inning. I mean, the margin was so slim between these two teams. Would you agree with the take that this series might have been won by the bottom three hitters of the Jay’s batting order when you look at their contributions overall compared to what Seattle was and wasn’t able to do at the bottom of their order? I think especially last night uh you think I guess it was I think it was in the top of the third um against Shane Bieber there were a couple of guys on base and the Mariners decided to bunt with JP Crawford who had hit Shane Bieber really well in his career to set up eight and n couldn’t deliver and the Blue Jays 7 89 hitters uh think about the bottom of the seventh uh last night uh Addison Barger draws a leadoff walk kinder Falefa rips a single Jimenez gets a bunt down and then that turns the the order over for George Springer and he delivers with the three-run homer. And who knows what happens if JP Crawford is allowed to swing in that situation instead of giving up an out for your two worst hitters uh on your team and hoping that they’re going to be able to deliver and they they weren’t. And the Blue Jays bottom of the order hitters and guys who were not expected necessarily to do a ton. I mentioned uh Jimenez with the two home runs in Seattle and Ker Falefa hit 333 in this series and and had a couple of leadoff doubles that Jimenez ended up cashing in a couple of times with two run homers had to hit last night. Uh the bottom of the order has been a big catalyst for the Blue Jays really throughout the season, no matter who it’s been in those seven, eight or nine spots to allow the likes of Springer and Bashette when he’s been healthy and Guerrero to come up time after time in important spots with runners in scoring position or runners on base and to be able to deliver hits that score one or two or three like we saw last night. So, uh, you have to really, uh, give them a lot of credit because that’s what you need at this time of the year is is those types of contributions from, uh, players who maybe aren’t expected to do a ton. And that’s what can sometimes be the difference in a razor thin margin like this series that, uh, was the ALCS. You know, one of the uh, one of the coolest things about playoff baseball, especially game seven, is that everyone is available. I a as a Royals fan, I was in the co Kaufman Stadium for game seven of the 2014 World Series. Uh and I’ll always remember the horror when we looked into the bullpen and Tim Lindum was up and Linsome Timmy Smoke was at sort of the end at that point and you know he wasn’t a starter anymore. you’re like, “Okay, well, maybe he can come in.” And then all of a sudden it changes and Madison Bumgardner, who had just pitched game six, came out and took them out in the last three innings. And um we got some of that last night. I mean, it was a classic. You had those incredible young pitchers of Seattle. George Kirby, Brian Woo looked amazing. I’m sure they might regret maybe taking him out. And then on the Jays side of things, Kevin Gosman, Chris Basset for the first time in the playoffs. And then Jeff Hoffman, much maligned guy, was a gas can at times this year, um, putting an exclamation point on the best two days of the season that he certainly had by striking out the side. I mean, it had a little everything. I mean, a ton of star power, everyone on deck, and uh, it took everyone’s contribution for the Jays to get that win. Yeah, that’s what Gabe 7 is usually about in October is it’s just a kitchen sink scenario where you’re just hoping that you push all of the right buttons and Kevin Gosman walked a couple of guys, got a big double play uh off the bat of Julio Rodriguez who was having a really good night up until that point. And then Chris Basset comes in in the eighth and starts things off with 95. And I couldn’t tell you the last time I saw 95 on on the radar gun from from Chris Basset. Maybe there’s something there moving forward into the World Series where his kind of maybe he condenses his pitch mix from seven pitches to four and he can dial up the veloc velocity a little bit and be somebody that you can really go to as a reliever for six or seven or potentially eight or nine outs. Um and then Jeff Hoffman threw 35 pitches and I had some people saying why did they bring him out for the top of the ninth in game six? why not have him ready uh with less of a workload. He threw 35 pitches, was really good in game six. And I just said, look, it’s game seven. There’s going to be some fatigue certainly at this stage of the season after throwing 35 pitches, but uh it’s game seven at home. There’s going to be an extra added sense of adrenaline if he is called upon to pitch. And we saw him arguably at his very best. He strikes out the side. uh made Rodriguez look not very good in in the final at bat there and put any demons behind him. Uh he’s been really good for the most part in October and you you talk about seven strikeouts in three innings, seven of your nine outs in games six and seven with your back against the wall facing elimination when you absolutely had to have it. you needed him to be at his absolute best and he was and that’s got to I imagine feel really good for a pitcher who struggled mightily a number of times this year. Uh there’s no greater spotlight for a major league manager than the bright lights of the World Series, a championship series and uh kind of had it all from John Schneider. I mean, I I I joke with some friends on Friday night after the infamous Brendan Little um incident where he came in and, you know, the game got blown up. Uh that every group chat in Canada of people that were dialed into the Jays were freaking out when Little came into the game. I mean, this was something it was their worst fear and it all sort of imploded. So Schneider, I mean, many people said that he was managing for his job over these last couple games. Um, now that we can look back that moment notwithstanding, how would you evaluate the work of John Schneider through the seven game series against Seattle? Yeah, I think that that was obviously a a major mistake and and misstep and there’s no getting around that and it would have been um tough to come back from that. Like I don’t think he was losing his job over that. I understand the kind of fur fury and anger over it. I was angry over it. A lot of hot takes. Yeah, it was it was a it was a bad decision, but I thought that the strategy and some of the decision making over the final two games was was strong. I I thought that um they pulled Bieber at the right time. They used kind of the the right guys in the right spots out of the bullpen. um in game seven. And I thought game six was was also very well managed in terms of when to pull you Savage, maybe to let him go longer than than you were thinking. Um maybe before that game started. And I think that game seven was more about Dan Wilson, the the Mariners manager, making a mistake in in a big spot. You know, Bazardo’s been good, but Woo had made Springer look really bad in the previous at bat. And if you’re not going to go with Woo in that situation, top of the order coming up, why aren’t you going to Munoz who has the strikeout ability and hasn’t really thrown a ton in the series up until that point? I understand Bazardo had been good, but that to me was was a real misstep and a miscalculation. And those can sometimes those are the difference in a in a really close series. the right or wrong button being pushed in terms of a pinch hitter or a bullpen deployment can be the difference between winning and losing. And it almost was the difference for the Blue Jays, but it in a lot of ways ultimately was the difference in terms of winning or losing for Seattle. Josh Goldberg’s with us, Blue Jays Nation. Um, listen, I want to talk World Series and look ahead to the weekend, but um, before that, just what was it like being in the building? take us through getting there, the vibes in and around it with so much on the line and uh the roller coaster of a game that it was because I mean listen, credit to George Kirby and Woo. I mean, the Jays did not have a lot going in their first six times up at the plate. No, it it’s always the playoffs are interesting because, you know, the game ops are are similar. It’s not quite as um noticeable in terms of like the the between pitches sounds and music and stuff. There’s still some of it, probably more of it uh than I personally would like, but as the game wore on and there was not much cooking offensively, it was getting quieter and quieter. No question about it. And the the crazy thing is all it takes is a little bit of a spark. And it’s a good crowd. It’s always a good crowd in big games. and they they for the most part understand the kind of beats and rhythms of uh momentum and when to kind of throttle it up and and bring that noise and energy. And with two on and Springer coming up, there was a sense and kind of a buzz that this was potentially the the moment. Um and if it didn’t go according to script, it might be kind of lights out. And obviously the the hit and the home run kind of uh blows the lid off. And the crowd like I was at at at a bunch of games um in the series and uh the crowd has just been really solid when the Blue Jays have given uh the fans something to get excited about. The the crowd has been really good and I would expect it to be almost at another level for the World Series. First time in 32 years. Uh roof closed. It’s really loud in there and I would expect it’s going to be uh quite something come Friday night. You know what I I I this team is is special. Um and it is it is unique and you know we heard from Vlatty and a number of players how much they fed off the energy of that fan base. I I I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that the support that this team gets has been has certainly helped them throughout the season and helped them in some of the biggest moments. Credit to them for um stepping up in those moments as opposed to shriveling like frankly previous Blue Jays teams had in the postseason falling way short of their original goals with a lot of talent in the lineup. Yeah. And it it this was one of the best home teams in in baseball all year long and it was not a coincidence that they um uh performed in the big spots at home. Yeah. The first two games of the series did not go according to script and it would have been really tough if the lasting um image of Roger center Blue Jays baseball for 2025 was getting the brakes beaten off in game two. But credit to them, they they battled and and brought the series back. And um as was the case many times when they were back against the wall, they seem to always find their best. And I do think that the home crowd really provides an added layer for them. That might be the difference in making a 50/50 proposition, a 5149 or a 5248, just swinging it that little bit. And I would hope it’s going to be very big against the Dodgers because the prospect, the talent disparity is is there like the Dodgers have a splashier roster and on the whole more talent. I I don’t think there’s any doubting that having a home field advantage thanks to winning one game against the Dodgers uh in Los Angeles. Mason Flu Hardy, obviously the the Otani strike out there was was really the difference between not having homefield advantage in this situation. So hopefully that that ends up being um maybe something that swings the tide in the Blue Jays favor because uh they’re going to need to be rock solid and and and hope that they can do enough to get to the Dodgers pitching staff if if they want to come out victorious here and kind of flip the script and be the underdog and find a way to win here. Josh, it’s funny you bring up that game in LA because uh I was talking with some friends afterwards that that moment um in the ninth inning in LA where they lost the first two games um seemed to be a moment like Fluity of all people coming out and striking out backto back Mookie Betts and Otani with the bases loaded. It kind of felt like at that point like it was just another example of, hey, maybe this team is different than the other ones that had been in the past. And then as you break it down, the fact that the Jays finished with 94 wins and the Dodgers had 93 and games one and two and six and seven will be in Toronto of this series. It’s hard not to go back and look at that game because if you recall, they were they’d been playing really well. They were in a bit of a a you know they lost the two games in a row and I think a couple going into that series and that game seemed to sort of get them set again and uh you know keep on that push for first place in the AL East after they pack past the Yankees. Yeah, I believe the Dodgers had won the first two games of that series and you’re looking down the barrel potentially of a sweep and, you know, kind of a deflating performance against the defending World Series champions and uh kind of trying to measure yourself up against them and and uh they found a way that that’s kind of the theme of the of the conversation we’re having is that they’ve always found a way um time after time. they they just don’t really give in when the odds or the matchup or any data might indicate that it’s not necessarily looking all that great. Uh they always seem to find a way and it would be really fitting for this season where they’ve been counted out. They were counted out before the season. They were counted out going into the Yankee series. Counted out down the stretch when it looked like they were going to lose the division. Counted out when they went down 20. counted out after game five against Seattle and are going to be counted out and picked. I don’t think it’s going to be a complete whitewash, but I would expect 75% of people are probably going to be picking the Dodgers, if not more, counted out in a lot of ways. Again, it would be really fitting if the final chapter was beating the team that everyone says is ruining baseball uh to win the World Series. And of course, Otani doing historic things. Former Jay for 20 minutes, show Otani, of course. Um, you know, hey, the one guy that hasn’t contributed so far is Bo Bashette. And, uh, Bo was interviewed after the game last night and said, “I’m ready.” Um, how is this going to work? Um, is IKF out if Bo’s in? Um, give us a little thoughts on how the roster might look and where they might play. Bo, I guess if he’s 100% he’ll go in and play as normal, but how’s that all going to work and and who’s off? Because, as we said before, seems like literally everyone’s had a bit of a hand in this. It it’s going to be interesting. I I think it’ll be Lido kind of sliding off because he replaced Santon Deere and just hasn’t really had any role. I just think you want IKF’s versatility defensively. Um, and if Bo, for whatever reason, is on the roster, but then just doesn’t quite look right and and you’re not necessarily confident in terms of um how much you can you can put on his plate, I think it would be good to have uh IKF on the roster. But if Bo is healthy enough to play shortstop, I think that’s where he’s going to play because I think that uh the roster configuration is cleaner when he’s at shortstop and then you move Jimenez um over to second base and then you know you kind of figure out how to fit in Clement and Barger. Springer will have to play an outfield spot. What does that do for Lucas? It’s not clean, no question. And I I have seen some why mess with uh what’s gotten you to this point. And I suppose I get that to a point, but we’re talking about Bo Bashette here and and one of the best pure hitters in baseball. And with that pitching staff staring down at you with whatever order, Snell, Yamamoto, Glass Nowell, Otani, I want Bob Bashett’s bat in the lineup if at all possible. And whether that’s as a shortstop or as a DH, whatever role you see fit, if he’s healthy enough to play, I want him in there in game one to see how he looks. And if it’s doesn’t go great, maybe you reassess, but if he’s healthy enough, he’s in my lineup for game one because I I just think you need that talent in the lineup against the arms that are going to be coming against you. Hey Josh, um you know, there’s three days off in between. Um, game one’s going to go Friday night, game two on Saturday before a day off and heading back to LA. How do you see the uh the starting rotation being set for the World Series? It’s going to be interesting because uh obviously you won’t see Bieber. I doubt you’ll see Gauzeman after throwing a couple last night. I guess it’s possible, but I would be surprised. My guess is it’s either Trey Savage or Max Schurser if I if I had to really think about it. You Savage pitched Sunday, so he’d be on four days rest. I could see a scenario though in which it’s Max Sher starting game one against the Dodgers is pretty juicy. For sure it is. And he was good and he deserves another start after what he did in Seattle. So that would be how I would lean right now. Sherzer game one. Um Savage game two, then probably Gossman game three and then Bieber you go back to for game four. And then you figure out where you’re at from from there. But that that’s how I kind of see it as of now. Josh, uh thanks so much for doing this. I’m so fired up. We’re going to have uh another visit talking World Series with the Jays and the Dodgers. It’s uh it’s still sinking in, I think, to a lot of people, myself included, but that was a magical night last night. Just before we go, what were uh what was the scene outside the building when you left the game last night? Uh wild, you would expect. Um, like I I’ll always say the same thing kind of happened in 2019 when the Raptors won the NBA title that year. When there’s like a big moment in and around a venue, the fans in the city always kind of rise to the occasion. So, uh, hopefully we can get one more kind of push this over the finish line because if they were to win the the World Series, whether it’s in Los Angeles or in Toronto, uh, it would be the the foundation of the city would would shift uh, in that celebration. It would be wild. Well, I’ll tell you what, we’re uh, let’s uh, set a date for next week. Can’t wait to do this again and uh, see what happens when they get going on the weekend. Thanks so much for doing this, Josh, as always. Of course, us. Enjoy it. Talk to you soon. Folks, uh at Jay Goldberg 12 on X Blue Jays Nation for his work. Um and I can’t wait, as I mentioned, to talk to Josh next week, Jay’s Dodgers World Series. Let’s go. Uh, of course, uh the Jets had a big win last night. And while Josh was in the building in the dome, our pal Kevin Sawyer was in the Saddle Dome last night. He’s going to join us in just a second. do want to thank our friends at Princess Auto for their great support of Winnipeg Sports Talk. Of course, Princess Auto headquartered and founded right here in Winnipeg. And of course, sponsoring the home of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the home of the Gay Cup, Princess Auto Stadium. Princess Auto is where you’ll find the best deals on the most unique assortment of tools and equipment around. Everything you need to complete the projects on your list or start something new is at Princess Auto. So, pop by and see them. Panet Road, Portage Avenue, West Brandon, or shop online 247365 over at princessauto.com. 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All right, let’s uh welcome in our pal Kevin Sawyer who was uh working hard last night following the Winnipeg Jets. And I saw getting the odd update from fans about the Blue Jays game last night. Kev, that must have been quite the uh quite the scene in Calgary with people obviously watching a big game between the Flames and Jets and at the same time living and dying with every pitch on probably about 5,000 phones throughout the arena. Yeah, that’s it was something like uh I think everybody was taken a back. I mean the the buzz in the building was it was hard to I mean everybody wants to be professional and the players of course on the benches and the coaches but you look over and everybody’s looking up the top on the on the screen to kind of see the highlights. But I was wondering like how many fans are going to be in their seats watching hockey and watching their phones. It was almost everybody. So I I mean I had this couple you saw on our broadcast where keeping me up to date. They were awesome and they’re they were flipping their phone every commercial break. So I kind of I was doing a little double duty as well. It was unique to be a part of. Well, listen, just before we dive into the the the actual hockey game that everyone was there to see. Um tell us about the the the moment because I think a lot of people were maybe out watching the Jays and the Jets on at the same time. Maybe they had the sound on the on the Blue Jays game. What was what was it like in the building like after the home run and the win? I mean, it seemed like they actually legitimately had to basically stop the game and and just let it breathe. It felt like a playoff game, an NHL playoff game. It was I mean, it wasn’t packed in the saddle dome. I mean, it was decent, but it exploded. It absolutely exploded. And that’s what was so unique about it because the game was a bit of a it was it was a bit of a snoozer to be honest with you up to a certain point of the game between Calgary and the Flames and the Jets. So all a sudden you got this energy in the building. Um it was special and I mean you kind of felt that Canadian pride and I mean the moment that they that they had won the game and we had just come out of break uh kind of caught me off guard to be honest with you cuz it happened so fast and they played the song the Blue Jays song forever. The banner was wrapping around the rink with the Blue Jays. I was it was unique. I mean uh and I like the fact that Logan Stanley Scott after the game. I mean they didn’t hide from the fact that they were kind of plugged into it a little I mean, they’re focusing on the game, but it’s impossible to not uh feel pride and and the excitement was awesome. Yeah. You know what? I I mean, I’m not sure you probably know better than anyone just traveling with the team. Are there a few guys in that room that are like big time Jays fans that were quite elated that not only they had a big two points in Calgary, but the Jays were going to the World Series after? I wish I could give you names of guys. I mean, like there’s so many guys, you know, athletes are are fans of sports. I don’t know who the big G Jays fans are. I know that we have one guy on our staff, Jamie Thomas, who’s a Dodgers fan. So, I mean, I don’t want to throw him on the So, I won’t me Oh, did I Jamie, listen, that guy cheers for the house in blackjack. Like, come on. Yeah, but lots of lots of excitement. The boys were fired up on the bus and the plane after for Well, um let’s get to the game. And I mean, listen, we can kind of get to the overall play and how the Jets did it, but uh I mean, what a moment. Not only did the team need a goal, trailing one- nothing as the clock was winding down, but uh Jonathan Taves, after playing so well, getting chances, setting up a couple in the last game, gets his first in his return to the National Hockey League. A huge moment for an all-time NHL star, and a massive moment for this Winnipeg Jets franchise. I I know that I speak for Dan Robertson as well. I mean, it’s a goal in the regular season. Uh, but it was a big goal, but honored to be a part of it to be honest with you when you know the the man and what he’s gone through to get back to being able to play in the National Hockey League. It was it was just a matter of time. I he could have easily had a couple earlier. Um, I don’t get the sense that it was uh rattling him. I don’t think that very much will rattle Jonathan to be honest with you. um you know considering what he’s gone through but yeah I mean it was a big goal for the team and uh listen he when you listen to him talk or you talk to him he’s like uh he’s like a coach to himself where he he knows like he’ll make comments about like I knew I was working too hard I was pushing myself out of position because I was overworking or he knows okay when you’re not getting bounces go to the net go to the net and and make simple plays simplify he does all those things and it was just a matter of time so thankful and so honored to be a part of that, to be in the building to see him get us first as a Jet. It’s awesome. You know, um I mean, we’re six games in and I I try not to get I mean, this was certainly the case last week after the New York Islander game where he was second in ice time and he looked so good. And I mean, essentially the consensus was we were hoping at some point we might see a Jonathan Taves that could help a team the way he is right now during this season. I I I don’t know whether it’s time to maybe recalibrate what this player might be able to, but put it this way, if you set very low expectations for Jonathan Taves this year, he didn’t. And uh it’s very clear right now, Kevin, that he’s still getting into the groove. And and it’s exciting from a Jet fan perspective of what he and the team might be capable of as he continues to get more comfortable in his return. What I’m really excited about here is if you listen to his interview with Elliot Freriedman on on Sportsnet, it was was awesome. It was awesome. And I mean, I think that everybody, no matter what, we all we all have our own challenges in life. I mean, I think that you you kind of got a glimpse of the person versus the player and and Jonathan is in his career up to this point has kind of maybe only let people see the the professionalism in him where there was some vulnerability in that interview and in his honesty. So, I agree with you where he has high expectations and I don’t think that’ll ever go away. But I also think that there might be another level of forgiveness where you know what, if I’m not excellent or if I’m just okay, that’s okay. And I I can tell you from my own personal experiences, it was then when I started to really that’s it was that that attitude for me where that’s when I made it in the NHL full-time. And I’m so sorry to put myself in the same sentence with Jonathan Taves. Of course, it’s a totally different category, but there’s something about demanding a lot from yourself, but also being able to forgive yourself so that you continue down the path. I I’m really curious to see how and where Jonathan can take this kind of new journey with a bit of a new new attitude. I watch him closely between the benches at practice, in the room, etc. And he’s still business and he’s still professional beyond, but at the same time, you get the sense that there’s a light-heartedness in him and he’s enjoying he’s enjoying this process. I’ll just say this as well. I cannot wait to see the IQ of Cole Perfetti and Jonathan Taes collaborate. I think it’s going to be special. I really Yeah. Well, and and that is kind of one of the things that I think, you know, is exciting for Jet fans as well in the middle of this fivegame winning streak is that there’s I think we’d all agree there’s a whole another level or two that this team can get to, particularly when you talk about the guys that are out of the lineup right now. But I mean, I’ll give credit to a lot of the players sort of in that bottom six that have stepped up during this time that, you know, are helping this team win games. And, you know, that level of competition knowing that players are coming back is going to drive every single player to uh be at their best because that’s really what it’s going to take to stay in a lineup that that’s deep. Kevin, isn’t that exciting? That that’s such an exciting part. Scott Arnneal isn’t happy. He said he isn’t happy. But I I got a feeling like this coaching staff management ownership would be looking at this saying this is not the worst thing that’s ever happened like where injuries to not just injuries but injuries to key guys big pieces of fiber of this team. So you talk depth every team that has it always wants to praise it but you never really know until you use it. And th this is a huge huge um feather in the cap of of Scott Arneal’s systems that he created when Rick Bonus was here because although it takes individuals to score and to defend and you have to everybody has to do their part, this is you’re seeing systematically how strong Scott’s uh hockey mind is because you can get a young guy Parker Ford come in or you got a Cole Keepky that it was kind of like a fringe player in Boston or come in and and now This is where guys come to make careers because you’re part of something that is it’s just a welloiled machine. And I’ll tell you, the Jets have allowed eight goals now what in their last five games. And and they’re still not playing anywhere near Well, that’s not fair. They’re playing good hockey, but they’ve got a long way to go to get to where I know they feel really stable with their systems. There’s still holes in their systems. Hella Buck’s there when they need to be or they know how to recover for each other. And this adversity early is I love it. It couldn’t come. If it’s gonna come, it couldn’t have come at a better time in my opinion. Well, and and you know, as we mentioned, you know, Perfetti will come back and that’ll bump somebody and and what’s interesting right now is I I’ll get your take on this. this version of the fourth line. I mean, with Morgan Baron in the middle and Keepy and I mean, usually Pearson or one of the younger guys that they put in there, like I we had a long conversation with some buddies and we were talking about the best fourth lines that the Jets have put out and obviously you get back to, you know, where this team was after the deadline in and around 2018 where you had Brian Little basically playing fourthline center which obviously was a real luxury. But I’ll tell you what, Kevin. I mean, starting if you want to go bottom up, I mean, the foundation that that that Baron line is setting right now, night in and night out, not to mention what they’re doing on the PK has been uh has been something that coaches dream of. Frankly, there there’s nine forwards by my count with Parker Foris part of that that are part of the penalty kill. It’s a huge part of a team. It’s a huge part of guys that I I say wear wear two hats, double duty, whatever you want to call it, that play in the bottom six that have that second role. So that’s a huge thing. What I don’t know is who the heck is going to sit out when Adam Lowry comes back and Cole Perfetti comes back. Now you’ve probably got Vladi Nestikov on the wing on the on the fourth line. Now you’re wondering like Cole Kept’s done such a great job. And I know that the Jets are really enjoying the extra size and the beef on on the bottom on that fourth line. I I mean, is it going to be a rotating cat? What a great problem to have. But I mean, you’re going to have legitimate NHL players, legitimate ones, sitting out and watching from the stands if this team gets healthy. U I I mean, on top of that, Nyquist, you know, he he hasn’t come close to finding his game yet in my opinion. And yet there’s lots there to be, you know, to to like, but you know, clearly he’s going to have to find ways to score. But if he doesn’t, I mean, you got Pearson that’s got NHL pedigree that can play top sale. I can go on and on about different options that that Scott has. I don’t know what this lineup’s going to look like for the first time in years. I think it’s a great thing. Well, it’s certainly going to give us lots of talk about a Winnipeg sports talk every day when we’re appining about the Jets and talking to everybody in the chat. And it’s uh I mean, they’re fun conversations to have. You mentioned special teams and I I’ll just get your thoughts on on both. I mean, the PK right out of the gate has been absolutely brilliant and and for my money, I mean, both power play units have been really good. Listen, Alex Aalo had eight shots on goal last night and he is such a dog. Like, there is an argument that he’s a perfect fit and compliment to the guys on that group right now. And I’ll tell you what, I mean, we have seen a lot of power play time for the second unit. It’s not just like one goes out for 140 and these guys get crumbs at the end. I wouldn’t be surprised if they maybe see Perfetti moving into the second unit to try to even make that one more because there is an element if it ain’t broke don’t fix it with what AI is doing along with the the top four on the PP. Agreed. And I mean that would not have been something we would have talked about to start the season. I mean it was clear that Perfetti is he’s taken the spot of Nicola in the on the top power unit. But I I think kind of back to what like the the coaching staff is learning here. They’re learning about like five new four new new forwards. Five with Parker Ford or Lambert or some of those young guys if they’re in there’s a learning process here for everybody. I mean the players are getting used to this team and their systems. The team is getting used to the new players and maybe what they can bring. And Morgan Baron, throw him in because to me he feels like a a new addition in a way. All due respect, he was great la good last year. I think that like Dylan Samberg last year and the jump that he took in his identity. I think that Morgan Baron is poised to do kind of the same things. But to the power play, it’s funny. Alexow came onto the media bus after the game last night just to grab his bag from the commute to the hotel. And he says, “Couldn’t get 10 shots. Hey, you bum. Only ate.” And he laughed. And I mean, but he’s so humble. Um and it’s not like he’s he’s looking for cookies. He just plays his game. He’s always in the right spot. So, you know what? Taking him off that top unit, he’s such a dog. I mean, he’s so useful in so many ways. That’s I think that’s what more of the Jets want, everything that they’re going to do, hus throughout this regular season is to to get back to what they were, but add to it. And the way the only way you can add to what they did last year is to to play beefier, to play harder, to to learn to score from those tight spaces, the playoffs. And I fal is one of the guys that you just have to have in the trenches. So, you’re right. I think it’s a good spot for him. You know, just while we’re on the power play, um it really has stood out to me how effective Jonathan Taves is right on now on the power play. I mean the vision and the passing that he has right now and we’ve seen it sometimes at five on five but part of the reason why I think that PP2 unit has been out there as long as they have been is that he has been become a a huge part of a unit that’s been able to really control their time and create chances in that other team zone to to give Scott Arneal kind of a one-two punch. you know, as as this season settles in and just kind of through the lens of an analyst for me, you’re trying to see everything and sometimes you don’t you miss a lot. And as I settle and kind of watch more individuals as the game is flying by, I’m noticing more things about Jonathan Taves and learning about him and and so when he says sometimes I was working too hard, I think I understand exactly what he means because there’s times where he’ll get the puck slow down uh and he’ll draw people to him and he has that sense of where just just to place the puck to a spot because he understands what everybody else on the ice is trying to do and so that he plays to that. He puts pucks, little subtle little plays, little chips, little backhand passes, the the no looks that extend time and they they they’ve been hemmed in defensively in their on the ice a couple of times throughout this course of the year. That’s going to happen. It’s part of growth, but they spend a lot of time in the attacking zone and a lot of it goes through the hands of Jonathan Taves and it’s not fancy. It really wasn’t fancy before when he was even in his prime, but it’s just subtle and like kind of back to that Perfeetti thing. when those guys get together. I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself, but I just think that that the level of thinking, I think it’s be fun to watch. I think that they’re going to spend a lot of time in the attack zone. Listen, I can’t wait. Speaking of fun to watch, the Mark Shley Kyle Connor show that uh has been unleashed on the National Hockey League this year has been something else. Um once again last night, those two front and center with the winning goal late in the game coming off Mark’s franchise record um point which was an absolute rocket one-time off guess who a pass from Kyle Connor. Um it seems like both of these players Kevin have come into the season with an incredible focus to basically pick up right where they left off last season. Uh but I also do wonder about the upcoming Olympic Games. how big of a part that is, especially for Mark, who desperately wants to make that team after being overlooked last year, and Kyle Connor, who of course made the team last year, but was incredibly put in the press box for the gold medal game. Um, just thoughts on the other things that are driving both of these guys and and what we’re seeing from them night in and night out. Well, if you were to ask them, I I suspect that they would say this is all about the Winnipeg Jets. And I know that’s true. I mean, these guys now, I think that they’ve settled in knowing now we get to hang out together for the next six years at least. So, I think that that’s there there’s something to that. There’s no doubt. I also think that these two men have the deep deep desire to to win a Stanley Cup. I think that’s in their frontal. That’s first and foremost. But not for a second when I believe that they’re not motivated. I mean, to represent your country and to make those teams and to be a factor, that’s always going to be extra motivation. I I felt like it was for Mark when he didn’t make team Canada last year um and kind of the way that he went on a tear um when he wasn’t chosen. Oh yeah, it was the FU tour. It it was the FU tour. And I don’t think that like I just think that Mark and Kyle have have matured to a point where they’re like, I’m going to I’m going to add that versus make that what my motivation is. So they’ve got a lot I mean these guys are in their prime and they’ve got a lot of different things that will motivate them. And think how scary this is. Gabe Balardi hasn’t found his game yet. There’s things there to like, but he hasn’t found his game yet. And those two are still dominating. If I’ve got time, I want to share with you a conversation with Mark Schiffley uh about two of the last three goals that he scored. The first one was in Philadelphia against Erison and I was on on the at ice level and it was the absolute perfect line of sight. I was standing here. I was looking at the stick with the puck or the puck on Chipley stick and I could see Erison taking the strong side away. He was giving the weak side. was nothing to shoot at. So in my brain, I just thought, “Okay, puck’s going wide. Who’s there for the rebound?” Shif kind of turned his body, represented that he was shooting far. And the puck came off his stick and it stunned me. And I told him this. I go, “Surprised me that you shot. There was nothing to shoot at.” And then Erison goes down and all a sudden daylight opened. And I said, “Surprised me. Pretty sure it surprised Erison.” I go, “You did that on purpose. you knew that he was going to go down and that that was going to open up that seven hole. And he smiled and he goes, “I want the other goalender to think that they know what I’m going to do and I do the opposite.” It’s a level of brilliance. And then we took it to his goal uh to get the record and that one-time from Connor, the way he went top corner and I said, “I know you’re a golfer.” I go, “It it was like a cut shot, like where you you turn your body, you brought your hands through fast, but the puck came off your stick fast.” And he goes, “If I would have tried to scoop that and and throw it, it would have waffled.” He goes, “So, it was a cut shot.” And he talked about the details of how he thinks these things, but it’s more instinctual. And it is brilliant. I’m so lucky. We’re all so lucky to witness it because those are two goals that most guys wouldn’t have put in the back of the net. It was amazing. I mean, it is it’s fun to watch right now. Um um and listen, they’re getting contributions from a lot of guys, but at the end of the day, if you’re going to be a top team, your top players need to lead the way, and that’s exactly what’s happening right now. Uh we can we’d be remiss to not mention Mr. Helabuk, uh the performance that he put forth last night. Uh and really his level of play throughout the season, starting off with the night where he let in five, but it could have been maybe doubled than that against Dallas if he didn’t keep the team in the game. I totally agree and and uh it was neat last night to watch kind of like the the Vzna trophy king and then the the the guy that’s going to be in the conversation for azna eventually in my with Dustin Wolf. They were going back and forth and it was a very very much a goalender game. Um both of them had to be good to keep that scoreless for as long as it was. Um just witnessing I get a kick out of this. I I really do. I get a kick out of the fact that things aren’t like it wasn’t perfect hockey from from Winnipeg. Yeah, Calgary played really well considering, you know, the struggles they’ve had. But when when things aren’t going perfect, you’re not scoring easy or you you break down a couple times, there’s just no panic. You can sense it in the eyes of the players on the bench to my right or Helabuk just says, “Okay, this is this is when they need me and I’m here.” And that breeds a ton of confidence. But what’s he stopped now? 62 of his last 64. The team’s given up eight in their last five. Um, and the best thing about that is, uh, they’re playing some decent teams and they’re still not hit, they haven’t hit their power band. They’re going to get better here. Their structure is still being kind of tweaked to get back to true form. You know what, Kev? I’m going to uh uh fire off the uh the power pole, the uh, you know, just kind of a fun top five right now. And you know, you look around the league and uh one thing that certainly hasn’t changed is the uh the tough neighborhood that the Jets are living in right now. Um just thoughts on the landscape of the Central right now with a lot of the teams we expected to be good being good and now some other teams kind of trying to push into the conversation when it comes to uh who’s going to be standing at the end of 82. Yeah, I mean I think that last year we all expected the Central to be hostile territory and of course Nashville, Minnesota. Now Utah is in the conversation and this is a team that’s on the rise and they they’ve got a ton of buy in there. I know that they believe in their coach. They they love the the new city, the new ownership. You’re starting to see some results there. So, they’re going to push. Um you know, Dallas has a a little stumbles here and there, but I mean Dallas is going to be a a powerhouse of this league. There’s no doubt about that. and Colorado is doing exactly what we expect to see. So, um I I think it’s what you want if you’re a contender like the Jets are. I think that you want to be battle tested and and you win your division and you’ve set yourself up. But this year is not going to be not that last year was easy, but um I I do think that Nashville is going to find uh find their way. I think that they learned some devastating lessons last year. Minnesota, you know, the juryy’s still out for me how good they could be, but that’s always a tough rival. the Central to me is the strongest division in this in this league and and that I mean if you’re not if you’re not on your game um you’re going to be in trouble and I think it forces you to especially good teams you always want to find ways to push find ways to be like stay sharp when I’m not going to say that the game comes easy but last year I mean they won a heck of a lot of hockey and you want to push yourself the central automatic push it’s going to keep you sharp well and listen I mean you got teams like St. Lewis who um you know play I mean as close to a playoff style in the regular season. I mean just with how physical they are and a rough I mean Dallas obviously can beat in a bunch of different ways. Colorado is very unique but then I mean the Chicago Blackhawks with their young talent are showing some signs of life. Um and I mean right now six points which is what Dallas and St. Louis have have you at the bottom of the division. Like it’s pretty hard to imagine a scenario right now and albeit it’s very early that we don’t see five teams from the Central in the playoffs once again considering the kind of seeming disparity between the Central and the Pacific. Agreed. Um and in saying that I mean you talk about Chicago and and good for them the league changes you know that kind of American Thanksgiving and then trade deadline and like it’s going to take two giant leaps before we get to you know the third uh part of the season. So that’s where, you know, you kind of separate a little bit. So, you know, can Utah kind of hang? Can Minnesota can can Chicago? Yeah, I’m not convinced yet. It’s early, but I mean, hey, the these guys uh there’s one thing about a team that kind of got embarrassed or Chicago was, you know, they’re not expected to be good, but I mean, you get fatigued from from chasing all the time and from losing all the time. And I think Utah’s there. I think that they’re they’re a highly motivated team. Um, I’m interested, too. I think that there’s this new level of rivalry with St. Louis. I mean, I think that the Winnipeg Jets are going to bring the best out in St. Louis when they play each other. Um, I mean, they certainly know the template to play Winnipeg and that’s going to bring out the best in Mark Shley. He knows what’s coming and that’s why they went to beef up as well. So, yeah, it’s going to be tough. I’m fired up about about the Central Division this year. I think it’s going to be a little bit tougher than last. Yeah. No, I mean, it’s uh it it’s fun. And I mean it it makes uh it that much more challenging to get to where you want to be, but that can also make you a better team and more ready for it. Uh you know, as well as what they’ve gone through for the last few years. Hey uh before we go, couple days off for the club. We got Seattle on Tuesday or Thursday I should say and then the Calgary Flames backs with their, you know, another game just four days apart. Um, just quick thoughts on Calgary and uh, you know, the challenge that the Jets are going to have going up against them on the second end of back to backs against a team certainly that came in. It seems like they’ve got something to prove to themselves and the fans. I’m sure you heard Kevin Baxa call out uh, Sharon Govich who was benched last night for the game. There’s a lot going on for a team that really made their mark last year, Kevin, as sort of a lunch bucket team that worked so hard. They played far ahead of what people thought they were on paper. They played a they played a good hockey game last night. They they really did. They didn’t get very many bounces. Um you know, they could have just as easily won that hockey game. There’s no doubt. Um so, a lot of respect there. I heard the the respon or the comments from BXA and I’ll tell you this. Um he went after the player and I totally agree. I mean that that is what it is. And um the compete level, it’s early. I mean, you know, he’s not a a North American born and raised player. So, I mean, you if you’re going to pin uh a culture on a on a player or a players or a game, you better be right. And I totally disagree with Bex’s uh assessment of culture. I totally agree with his assessment of the play from Sharon No, Sharon Govich and other individuals. But I I’ll tell you what, um I know Ryan Huscoll well. We were old teammates. We grew up in the same town, and I know that there’s a ton of buyin from the players in in that locker room. Um, I thought they responded exactly how they should have. I’ll say this. So, if I was Ryan Husky, I would have played Sharon Govich just because you don’t want the perception that hockey night is is is dictating. Good point. You know what I mean? I would have played him and I would have said, “You better get your ass in gear here and show people because you deserve what they said and and he did.” Although that’s harsh, but um I don’t agree with the culture comments. It’s too early to be throwing that around. Um it’s, you know, six games into a season of a team that was tied for a playoff spot and lost on on regulation wins last year. So, um they got a good group. I thought that by the way, um that we addressed the media and I thought he did a really I heard that that was that was leadership. That was leadership and that’s that’s to me is is what that that team’s kind of all about is they care about each other. They’re going to spread it around good or bad. Um, so that you’re right about that is and then the Jets go on that 13-day road trip and finish it in Calgary. So they see a lot of the Calgary Flames and uh Ryan Huska has a lot of pride and I know he’s got a lot of belief from his general manager ownership and that room. So it won’t it’s not going to be an easy out. They’re a good hockey team that’s just not not even they’re just off to a terrible start, but they’re going to get better. Hey, you know what? I I promised a couple people had asked you about this guy. We kind of got talking about a bunch of others, but uh got to feel good for uh this run that Logan Stanley’s had. Um making the most of his opportunity playing with Neil Pian. Uh he’s scored twice, stepped up against some big dudes so far this year like McCarron on Saturday night and uh you know what the Stanley chance throughout the building on Saturday night. I mean, how just for a player that is on the the bubble, I mean, a guy that’s still yet to be an established lock everyday NHLer, how can a few good things going your way at the beginning of a season help kind of push you to that being more the norm than uh than the than something that happens every now and then. Yeah. Let me let me kind of take this in a bit of a different direction. And so Hayden Flurry was on our air last night and and I just asked him about being at home that kind of being in front of your family and he got a little emotional. Uh none of us saw it coming but there there’s some personal problems with his grandfather which we hope we hope everything is okay but he got emotional. It reminded me about all the stresses the pressures all the things that are going on behind the scenes. I remember playing I mean you’ve got a wife you’ve got kids your parents and you’re all the while trying to get yourself ready to play physically mentally guys. I mean, it’s it’s these guys are privileged. They make a lot of money. Uh, and there’s no reason for us to go around feeling sorry for them, but there’s so much going on mentally in their lives. And so, that brings me to Logan Stanley where, you know, he’s been through a lot of ups and downs, probably more downs than ups. And I like Logan a lot and and I’ve talked to Stan throughout the years. and uh you see him sitting in his stall and maybe he gets booed on certain plays or certain games and you know we we chat about life and and he says, “Hey, keep her going.” He goes, “Man, I’m going to try.” And you can feel his lack of confidence, but he’s always found a way to get himself to keep pushing, keep trying, and never getting too, you know, never buying the buying the narrative that’s around Winnipeg. and and so it makes me feel that much better for a guy that is he’s earned the top four position um alongside of Pian he’s earned the extra ice time because of the fact that he’s playing tough he’s playing responsible not without mistakes and it’s adding to his offense so the confidence for him could be enough to actually have him break out as saying okay I’m I’m now player that every team in the NHL wished they had wish they would have been patient wish with wish they would have um developed cuz that’s what’s gone on here. And give a ton of credit to Kevin Chevoff and the coaching staffs that have been here for Logan because uh we’re we’re getting more and more consistent peaks at what he can do and maybe the way he can change games. So, good for him. Yeah. And I mean, listen, I mean, you know, there’s there’s always a guy or two in particularly Canadian markets that sometimes feel, hear it. um you know, not without cause, but just on a personal level for a guy that’s been around here for a long time, knew this was a big opportunity. Uh that was a really cool part of what was a pretty magical Saturday night at the rink with the Shely record and then uh Stan getting a goal. So, uh hopefully good things for him and the uh the team continue with back-to-back games Thursday and Friday. Um and I guess we get to see Utah, I believe, for the first time on uh on Sunday if I’m not mistaken. That’ll be uh that’ll be interesting to see kind of that team with their new look. They got a name. They got some new players and uh they’ve had a great start at 4 and two so far. Kevin, always appreciate your time. Thanks so much for doing this. Uh enjoy the rest of the day off and we’ll see you down at the rink and uh hopefully soon on WST. Thanks again. Enjoy the World Series, too. Go Jay. Thanks for having me. Right on. There’s Kevin Sawyer, TSN analyst. Of course, he and Dan taking care of Jet fans with all the action uh on the road and at home. TSN 3. Be back at it on Thursday night against the Seattle Kraken. Uh no practice today, which means no Clean Line lines for our friends over at Clean Line Plumbing, Heating, and Electrical. Of course, Clean Line has been taking care of Winnipeggers and Manitobans for over 40 years. Locally owned and has now grown in one of the one of the largest companies in Manitoba for both residential and commercial plumbing, heating, and electrical. Uh go to cleanline.ca CA uh for more information on all of their services, but just know that when you’re in a jam, 24/7 uh emergency services by calling 204500201. Proud sponsors of the Winnipeg Jets and the official plumbing service of the Winnipeg Jets. Captain approved Clean Line Plumbing, Heating, and Electrical. Check them out today at cleanline.ca. Uh, it was a riotous night at Boston Pizzas throughout the city last night as people kept an eye on the football game. Lived and died with every pitch of the Blue Jays and then watched the Winnipeg Jets come back. Uh, sports bar nights don’t get much better than last night. But the good news is we’re just getting going for the World Series. And uh, Thursday back at it with the Jets game and Thursday night football. Friday, another Jet game and game one of the World Series. BP’s all over it. And while you’re popping in to your local Boston Pizza, don’t forget to check out the new Flight Club menu with pizza flights, wing flights, chicken bite flights, and fry flights, and your chance for a flight club invite to win BP’s grand prize trip for two to California to see Winnipeg play Anaheim February 27th, including flights, hotel, and amazing game tickets at your local Boston Pizza. Uh, I have good news for all of you folks that were maybe sleeping on those postseason hats that Royal Sports had. Well, guess what? In the next couple of days, the World Series lids are going to be coming in. And of course, Royal Sports is the spot in town to get the latest championship merchandise. I’m sure there’ll be AL championship shirts and hats coming in as well. And of course, uh, the ones with the World Series patch that Jay’s fans have been waiting for 32 years. whether it’s the best in Blue Jays merch, Winnipeg Jets merch, of course, all the National Hockey League and the NFL. Uh, but right now the run is on Jay’s gear right now. Head on down to Royal Sports right now. And the next couple days, the World Series hats should be in 750 Pemina Highway. Keep an eye on their Instagram page at Royalports Winnipeg for the latest merchandise drops, including the World Series hats and sale information. All right, I want to get to our power poll uh for the National Hockey League. But first, let’s give a big cheers to our friends at Winnipeg’s favorite local brewery, Little Brown Jug. You train day in and day out, learning new techniques, approaching new concepts, and living out the thrill of achieving your goals. Building craft beer is no different. While you spend your hours on the ice, we spend ours here, brewing our trademark beer. Again, again, and again, here’s to pushing the status quo and challenging ourselves to build something memorable. 1919 by Little Brown Jug. All right. Uh Jake and Pat are going to jump on. We’re going to hit the cool bet line, see what the book’s cooking up for the World Series, and mostly I just want to talk to those guys about their night last night. They were losing it in the stadium. And positive Patty, positive Patty comes through with a game seven win. The boys will come by a little bit later on, but let’s get to our Chuds Powers Sports Power Poll on Winnipeg Sports Talk for Manitoba’s Powers Sports Superstore. Chuds Powersports in Gimley, corner of Highway 8 and 231, and online at chudpowersports.com. All right, we will go to number five. And hey, I’m not sure the Red Wings are going to see any more time on the Power Pole this year, but they’ve started 5- one. They’ve uh beaten some good teams so far this year, and the record is the record. They’re at the top of a very good division. So, the Detroit Red Wings get the nod at number five this year. Number four, hopefully far from the first time they’ll be on the list, is of course your Winnipeg Jets. Jets were down a little bit after that season opening loss, but have rattled off five wins in a row, led by their back-to-back Vzna and heart trophy winner Connor Habib and the amazing start of Mark Shley and Kyle Connor. The Jets at 5- one get the nod at number four just behind the Carolina Hurricanes. Congratulations to Nick Eers who finally got his first point as a Kane. Uh the bad news is it was in their first loss of the season. Uh but the Canes are the real deal. 5- one so far this season. And certainly if we were basing this just on analytics would be the number one team in the league from what they’ve been doing. Has been a little bit of a soft schedule, but that’s not their fault. Carolina’s at number three. Uh the Vegas Golden Knights are number two. They are undefeated in regulation, 50-2 on the season, led by Jack Eel and Mark Stone. And an absolutely out of thisworld power play this year. The Golden Knights have been rolling. They’re 50 and2. And staying at the top of the power pole this week, the Colorado Avalanche, a very, very scary squad. 50-1 and right now setting the pace in the Central Division, albeit just uh one point ahead of the Winnipeg Jets. There you go. Our Chud Sports Power Poll for the week in the NHL, Colorado, Vegas, Carolina, Winnipeg, and Detroit. Uh Remo, what do you think? Uh where where am I on? Where am I off? Surprised to see Detroit on there, Hus. But as you said, you know, this is their chance to prove it. I think Colorado looking pretty good. Their power play, I watched that game on was it Saturday, a lot of chances. Couldn’t quite bear. They didn’t seem that as in sync as normal. Vegas, you could argue them uh number one on a real heater here. Who had Pavl Dorafia, if you picked him in your fantasy league, uh you’re probably doing pretty well. And it is kind of funny. We’ve been talking about Nikolai Eer lack of points. Well, they won all those games and the game he finally gets a point in. They have their first loss, but it was the end of a long road trip in Vegas. I think it was a tough spot for them. So, yeah, I I like this this power pull. Where’s the defending cup champions? Uh Florida Hus, where do you have them on there? They’ve dropped off big time. I mean, they had that great start and I think they’ve lost three or four in a row um since that start. Yeah, they were 3 and 0 and now they’re three and four. By the way, tonight Florida with the rat Brad Marshand back in Boston for the first time since he got traded. But uh maybe that’ll spark them because listen, they’re losing. They don’t have Barov, they don’t have Kachchuck right now. And uh they got off to a nice start, but they haven’t won in their last four contests all in regulation. So um as of right now, they’re outside of the top five. And as I said, I don’t think we’re going to have opportunities very many to be talking about Detroit flirting with the top of the league right now. So, they’re 5- one. They fit in for that final spot, but uh those four teams that we’ve got mentioned, I’m sure will be uh will be be quite constant. Um Chud’s Powersports, shout out to Durm and the gang. Go visit them in Gimly and check them out online at chudspowersports.ca. Jake and Pat are coming up in just a minute. Uh pretty quiet on the bomber front today as uh we get closer to uh seeing how everything shakes out in the Canadian Football League playoffs. Um that will of course happen this weekend. Big game that affects the Montreal Alowettes is Friday night. Hamilton against Ottawa. Hamilton wins. Montreal’s locked into the number two spot with a likely game against these Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the crossover. Um so we’ll stay on top of that. We’ll kind of get a little bit more on the game and of course we’ll dive into that tomorrow morning on CFL 110 as well 10:00 a.m. we’ll be cranking it up tomorrow on the program. But uh before we bring in Jake and Patty just here’s a just a little bit of Zach Calleros. Uh by the way amazing amazing feedback yesterday on the show and on social media on the question we asked. It was originally done, I believe, by boring Shawn Monahan, of which win was uglier for the Bombers this year. Friday night’s win over the Riders or the infamous three completion game against Ottawa. Uh, but here’s Zach Colleros on getting back to practice, looking ahead to the final game of the season and of course what’s around the corner now they’re clinched for the playoffs. uh you know excited for the opportunity you know obviously uh to wrap up the season with the understanding that uh you know we are in the playoffs so that’s cool but uh you still got to win and and you know let the the rest of the chips fall where they may I’m presuming you’ve had a chance to look back at the game what do you make of it the the offensive side of that game? Yeah, kind of like we talked about afterward. I know it was a little short with UDT uh apologize for that but uh yeah just have to do a better job of executing the plays. That’s it. um you know kind of the same stuff we see every week, you know, try to play our brand of football um and execute at a high level. Does it trouble you that you’re saying that after week 20? Yeah, it does. Uh you know, if if you left that game or if you left some of the some of the games in the way we played this year um without a sense of urgency or without um a little bit of anger, then I think you’re wrong. All right. Well, there’s Zach. Kind of a funny little back and forth with DT. Uh he looks locked in. The team’s going to be need to be locked in. Maybe not necessarily on Saturday for the final game at Princess Auto Stadium uh for the Bombers regular season. Uh and then of course the long road back to Princess Auto Stadium is going to likely start in the East against these same Montreal Alowettes. We’ll be all over it on CFL 110 tomorrow presented by our friends at Cool Bet and of course a little later on. Hey, speaking of Cool Bet, if you missed it off the top of the program, tomorrow night, we are back at it. Wednesday night poker series, Jake and Pat are going to jump on in just a minute. And again, we will have a bounty on Jeff Hamilton’s head after winning twice in his two entries into the tourney. So, while they’ll be the hundred bucks on my head, they’ll be the hundred bucks on Reis’ head. Uh the two of us and everyone else hopefully are going to be going for a hammer because we cannot have him come on Friday and do another victory lap again at all of our expense. Uh it’s so much fun. If you haven’t played with it before, we’re starting off at 8:00 p.m. Uh we’ll fire it up on all of our socials, but essentially you just have to go over to Cool Bet. Uh click on the poker app. I I download it to my uh to my uh computer and play that way. You can do it on your phone. There’s a couple different ways. You go into tournaments, search WST, it’ll come up. Lock it in and join us tomorrow night 8:00 PM for the latest edition of the WST poker series. Listen, before we bring the fellas on, do want to remind you that uh Thursday night at midnight is the next early bird deadline. This one for the Gay Cup bonus. If you’re hoping to get to the Gray Cup, you can win three pairs of prime seats for the Gray Cup as part of one of the other bonuses and early bird. And then the following Thursday, October 30th, is the last early bird deadline. There will be two winners of a BMW i4 E drive35 full EV valued at over 74K plus $26,000 in indigeno travel vouchers or $85,000 cash. Two winners and there’ll be 30 winners of $500 in gas and groceries from Red River Co-op and of course the grand prize. Who will be Manitoba’s next millionaire? Five, your choice of five beautiful dream home packages valued at $ 1.5 million, four in Winnipeg or the area, one in Vancouver Island, or you can take 1.5 $1.25 million tax-free cash and of course the HSSE Millionaire lottery. All in support of Manitoba’s Hospital, the Health Sciences Center. Get your tickets today at hssemillionaire.com or pop by your local London Drugs or Red River Co-op location to uh pick it up. Um, one other quick thing, uh, as we mentioned, Jets back on Thursday and Friday. Friday night is the ‘9s night against Calgary. Great giveaway as well. That corduroy hat you’ve seen the players wear on the ads on the broadcast. First 5,000 fans get those. Get your tickets for Friday night’s 90s night Halloween game the following Thursday against the Chicago Blackhawks. And of course our next WST night, November 21st, Eers Carolina Hurricanes. Jump on those before they’re gone. winnipegjets.com/wst for your tickets for that. All right, I have been looking forward to Normally we do the guys on different days. So, we’re going to have a lots to talk about as we get closer to the World Series, but our pals, you see them weekly on WST joining me, by the way, perfect week. Shout out to me. Uh, against the spread last week on WST Winners on Friday mornings, 10:00 a.m. here. But last night, it was boots on the ground for the cool bets. Pat Gregoire, Jake Bowlan Moss join me now. And guys, the towels are still there. your your Patty, are your ears still ringing from uh from last night? Oh, are they ever? And the voice is absolutely battling it this morning, man. Unbelievable. Jake, uh that I mean I always think about you in these moments and then knowing that you were going to be in there for game seven, seeing the videos beforehand, I know the roller coaster that you are just as a fan. How was the ticker last night? And were you maintaining positive vibes at the seventh inning stretch going into uh the inning that changed it all? Yeah, I mean I think Patty can attest. Uh I actually I felt I was pretty positive considering, you know, the way I am when it comes to these games and moments. You know, I’ve I’ve watched a lot of game sevens go the wrong way for my team. So, uh you know, I I believed it just these comeback kids, man. They’ve done it all year long. like you had to believe to the final out and yeah, George Springer hits the home run. A side note, if you want to see the reaction, Patty got a great video. Uh like we timed it out really well. We could probably tell that story as well, but uh it’s over on Twitter. There it is right now. I just see these guys. They’re so happy. [Applause] Oh man, between the two of you guys, Weber, Scooch, Goldberg that was at the game, there was a major level of FOMO. But I’ll tell you what, that was a moment where I kind of feel sorry for people that were maybe watching that by themselves at home because it one of those moments that I mean if you were I think in pretty much any sports bar from coast to coast there was a scene a mini version of the scene that you guys were in the middle of. But uh I mean it had it all an incredible series and um you know it came down to it. Jake, you mentioned this team’s kind of been proving people wrong and making people believe slowly all season long. And that was the moment George Springer with the homer. And very appropriate that it’s him cuz let’s face it, this guy was the MVP of this team from game one to game 162. Yeah. I mean, he he’s absolutely the guy. He’s been the guy all year long. And uh I don’t know. It’s so hard to like put into words and you know I’m I almost feel like I’m still in shock like I’m watching back videos cuz you know when you’re in the when you’re in the stadium you’re really only getting the angle in which you’re watching the game like they don’t show a whole lot of replays. Obviously they show the like the replay for that homer but like you’re waiting for replays a lot of the time and it’s not coming. So to go back and and watch all the different angles and you know it was loud in there and then I watched the replay back and I’m like oh my god was it that loud in there? like that’s what it like I don’t know it’s just it’s so hard to kind of grasp it all when you put it all together but for to be Springer like you mentioned Hus uh you know kind of the team MVP a really a huge bounceback year his best year as a Blue Jay and for him to drive that uh that home run to left and and what we thought was you know I don’t know it sounded like it sounded like Vo mentioned that he he might had a wrist injury and the fact that he’s able to do that with a with possibly an injury to the upper body and when that maybe that’s why he’s not playing the field. Anyways, a lot of lot of things that are going through my mind as you can tell as I as I jump around here. But yeah, an absolutely incredible moment. Hus, I I I mentioned all in the same year. We got the Four Nations overtime goal from Conor McDavid and the George Springer home run three-run shot to take the lead in the ALCS. Who’s got it better than you guys? Hell, Lenny. Um, I will say this, you know, you guys, it the biggest winner last night at Jace, I think has to be the Toronto Maple Leafs because when Vladimir Guerrero Jr. walked into the building last night rocking the Austin Matthews jersey. And by the way, I I mentioned this on the show yesterday, old school Lee fan. I mean, that was a Matthews jersey with the A. So, he’s had it for a while. This wasn’t just put into his hand to do it. It was no stunt. Staring into the face of seven consecutive game seven losses. Pat the stones on Vlad to wear that jersey last night and then have the team come through. I actually think this was a big moment for the Leafs, too, even though they’re uh in a little bit of disarray right now actually on the ice. I I’m not too sure who tweeted out, but Jake showed me yesterday at Jack Aers before the game that it it the guy literally called this shot. He said, “Regardless of what happens game seven with the Blue Jays and the Mariners, the big story will be the Toronto Maple Leafs somehow.” And and sure as before opening pitch here front and center, Jake and I are taking ricochet shots about how how the Leafs can’t get it done. But Vlatty goes, he goes up and and this guy, you know, him having to to deal with the demons of this team and and having the city on his back wasn’t enough. No, it was not enough for his own legacy. He decided to battle the demons of the Toronto Maple Leafs and avoiding being an alltime meme. Uh, unbelievable stuff from Vlatty. That’s what legends are made of. And I tell you, man, it it I was scared so so so much on the go going down the GO trained hus. I look at my phone and I see that first I saw a tweet without the jersey and I thought someone was joking and then I see the photos, the videos, and I’m like, “Oh no, this is not good.” Jake, I mean, you you know, next year when the the the Leafs are in the playoffs and going into a game seven, you will lean on the confidence of one ALCS MVP Vladimir Guerrero Jr. for the faith that maybe the Leafs can have a different uh a different result than they’ve had the last few times. Hey, it was uh it was amazing. Like I tell you what, there’s something so cool about game seven. I mentioned this to Josh Goldberg earlier. You know, in 2014, I was lucky enough to be at games six and seven of the World Series in Kansas City, and you know, the Royals stomped them in game six. So, it went down to an all or nothing game seven. Uh, Bumgartner went up in the pen and came out for G for innings seven, eight, and nine and shut them down. And, you know, you were just, you realize that game seven’s different than every other game. I mean, there’s no tomorrow if you don’t win. And we saw that last night, Pat. I mean, Gauzeman coming out Basset for the first time in the playoffs. Both getting out of huge innings and setting it up for Hoffman who at time has been a complete gas can this year. Yeah. But saved his best for the brightest lights. And uh for all the talk about Don Schneider, we screwed up with one of the worst decisions anyone can remember in game number five. His pitchers made him look good last night, especially Hoffman getting those final three outs in the fashion that he did, striking out the side. Yeah. Yeah. No, it’s a great point. I think if if the Blue Jays lose, even if it’s in a tight one in game seven, I I think Jake, myself, and the rest of Blue Jays Nation are probably calling for John Schneider’s head, but the way that he managed the bullpen in the last two games, I mean, just goes to show you that, you know, he he obviously knows what he’s doing or at least made the right decisions. And I think, you know, emptying the tank, putting Gossman in, and then Basset, you mentioned Basset, man, that curveball, that strike out on Suarez. That was sneakily one of the loudest the building got during there when Suarez just got in with the ump. Like, the place was rocking. Like, that guy is an all-time villain. probably gonna go down as like an all-time hated player uh of of the Blue Jays. But like when that happened, man, like the place was rocking. Like at that point there, that’s where you’re like, “Okay, we’ve got this. We’ve got this.” And and the place was rocking. Everyone was jazzed up. Everyone was giving it to Suarez. It was it honestly like watching it back this morning, I was like, “Oh yeah, that everyone obviously talk about the Springer Dinger.” No doubt. Like as you should. Uh, but that moment right there also will go down in infamy as an all-time Jay’s moment. Yeah, Suarez was hot at the time. And to be honest, I think the one that was called the ball earlier was more of a strike than that one was, but again, we didn’t know how inconsistent at times some of the balls and strikes have been, and you just have to roll with it. You know, I’m not familiar with Shrek, and I’ve heard a lot of people say that Suarez looks just like I think Lord Voldemort, Voldemort or something like that. You know who he’s really You know who he’s You know who he’s really a dead ringer for, Jake? Joey Cold Cuts of the Bob Does Sports Group. I mean, that is a the dead ringer. The long hair, too. A little larger fellow. Um, I’ll say that. You know what? This was such an amazing series and I know Reis is probably cringing having his just the big victory lap of his of the the Mariners, but man, what a team the Mariners are. And like it’s I mean, one of these teams is was going to win be a big- time underdog against the against the Dodgers. If the Mariners had won, I would have been all in on them, too, cuz they really are a likable team for the most part. I mean, Cal Rally, the big dumper, all those amazing young pitchers. Uh, and then you think about the misery and the close calls that the Mariners have. It is crazy that this this was their closest opportunity to finally get into the World Series, which they still are the only major league team that’s never done it. Yeah, it’s it’s it’s crazy that that team you’re right, Hus. Like you look at the bullpen, that’s what I was afraid of to be honest when when you know they couldn’t manufacture anything because you know when you get to the eighth and ninth inning that these guys shut her down. you look through their lineup, um you know, throughout the series, they they did a lot of manipulating the the lineup, but just like it’s tough to bat around because they have so many guys with some big bats. So, um it it’s it is heartbreaking for for Mariners fans. As a as a Toronto Maple Leaf fan, a Notre Dame football fan, a Buffalo Bills fan, I know heartbreak better than anyone does. So, I feel for the Mariners fans this morning because uh going up 2 nothing um going back to Toronto um you know up 3-2 just got to take one and and for them to find themselves not playing uh in the World Series obviously got to be disappointing but that’s a that’s a damn good baseball team. They’re going to be back, you know, I I would not be surprised to see them go on another deep run next year. Okay, now we are sort of bearing the lead because as we finish up the ALCS, we move on to the World Series. Uh, also a great moment of self- congratulations on the 7 to one number that was hung up on the Blue Jays like midseason. We believed they got it done last night. There’ll be a lot of people that want to get a piece of a team that is a big underdog. But Pat, I was I my jaw was on the floor when I saw the super boost that you did for the people for this. I mean, legitimately the best number anywhere on the Jays to win the series. Fill us in on what the odds are and what you’ve done for people that want to ride with the Jays. Yeah, it’s it’s the best best odds in the market. I’m just pulling up the uh the tweet now cuz I won’t say the other sports books, but if you look around, you’re looking at plus 170, plus 180, 185, 200. Uh but it’s plus 250 right now for the Toronto Blue Jays to win the World Series. So, if you’re looking to support Toronto, you want that underdog story, heck, even if you’re not a Blue Jays fan, but you just want to cheer against the Dodgers and not have a team, there’s no better place than KBET to get that number. We were talking about it this morning in our weekly meeting. Um, and even though at least my brain was feeling a little bit foggy from last night, I would have loved to camera in on that meeting this morning of all you guys that listen just the thought of that is hilarious. But hey, you got to get some work done. But yeah, I mean the series right now in the book Dodgers minus 222, Jay’s plus 186. But if you head over to the exclusives, uh, and I’m sure there’ll be a lot more cooking as we get closer to the series, but right now, Cool Bet exclusives, Blue Jays to win the World Series is boosted up to plus 250. So, uh, take advantage of that if you want a little action on Toronto in the World Series. Um, I’ll tell I’ll tell you, Hus, the the one thing, sorry. The one thing that I’ve already looked at in in the futures, uh, already you go, there’s a lot of World Series specials up there. Um, you know, most hits in the series, most RBI’s, home runs. Um, 14 to1 on our boy Ernie, uh, to have the most hits in the World Series. Uh, I know there’s some some very impressive bats in that Dodgers lineup. Uh, heck, even in the Jay’s lineup. But at 14-1, I really like that number. And you guys know I I I will I will never turn my nose up on a Ernie Clement prop. You know, I’m uh Jake, I’m particularly excited that Bo uh is apparently going to be available. Now, we’ll see if he can going to play regularly and every day. But you will recall we had some fun with WST winners when we were getting ready for the playoffs looking at the pre-plays World Series MVP odds. And uh I do have a bow ticket at 75 to1, but my favorite one and this guy is he’s made to be a World Series hero, Alejandro Kirk, 120 to1 before the playoffs. Uh he’s 30 to1 right now. No surprise that Otani is the favorite at plus 170. Uh but if you want to ride with the Jays, I mean the guy that’s been driving the bus, Vlatty Jr., he’s 6 to1. uh Freddy Freeman and George Springer 10 to one former Jay Tea Oscar Hernandez and then Blake Snell Mookie Bets Dawson Varo in there or Dalton Varo I should say and Alejandro Kirk so right now up on the board I mean if you click the series prices uh you can take the handicap if you want to take Jay’s plus a couple of games you can do that uh there’s the correct score after three games and then a full lineup of most home runs in series most hits in series as Pat just mentioned with Ernie, most RBI’s in series and most stolen bases in series as well as full odds for the World Series MVP. Uh WST winners will be Friday morning at 1000 a.m. Uh we will of course get to the football picks and try and keep this heater rolling. Congratulations, boys. handshake for the partner parlay victory last week as well, but I have a feeling there might be a few last minute sprinkles for the World Series. So, we’ll save that for you guys as well. And then, of course, Patty, tomorrow we’re back at it with another big poker tourney. I’m fired up. Yeah, it’s it’s exciting. And and the people asked for it and we got it. Uh the most anticipated bounty uh in WSD poker tournament history. The hammer, the defending champ. You can’t just call us out and say, “We haven’t invited you anymore.” You can’t say, “Oh, we’re dodging you.” and not have a bounty on your head. Hey, I will say this though. He called his shot. He called his shot. He won the thing last time. So, uh, you know what, Hus, you know, when you when you’ve got that bounty on your head, Reis has said this, too. You know, people come for you, they they play a different game. So, with that pressure, that additional pressure on the hammer, we’ll see if he’s still able to to take everyone down. We hope to see you all tomorrow, 8:00 p.m. We’ll get things going. Uh, and again, we’ll have it up on the socials for the link, but just head over to KOB, click on poker, uh, download the poker, and then go to tournaments and search WST, count yourself in, and uh, we’ll see everyone tomorrow at 8:00 p.m. when you can go for the bounties and, uh, try and take Hammer’s title from him in uh, on the digital felt, if you will, boys. Uh, great stuff. Awesome videos yesterday. Uh, and again, I just think back to the start of the series. I’m so proud of you, Pat. Positive Patty stayed the course after losing game one and two. And here we are talking about the Blue Jays in the World Series. Who would have thought it? Who would have believed it after game two? Positive Patty walked. So, so positive Jake could run. That’s that’s that’s Yeah, I Hus, who would have believed it at the start of the year? Like I know game two, but like the fact that we’re sitting here talking about a World Series appearance from a team that I was ready to boycott at the start of the year is pretty insane. So, uh, they’ve been proving me wrong all year. They just got to prove us wrong. You know, it is so funny. I’m sitting here with diehard Blue Jays fans. And who was the guy that hit the over 78 and a half wins? Who was the guy that had the AL right here? at uh listen, maybe a little bit of ahead of the curve on this thing, guys, but uh they were too good to be that bad and uh it’s all gone right and now they’re four wins away. Big big test going up against the Dodgers, but at this point with everything they’ve done, why not them? Uh boys, so happy for you. Have a great one. We’ll hook up later on this week. Hopefully get some few more winners and then get ready for the weekend with the World Series in your neck of the woods. You said it best. Why not us? Good stuff. Yeah, swing them. There’s Jake and Pat. You can give them a follow. P Gregy, Jakeboland Moss, and of course, give at CoolB Canada a follow on all the social channels. Some great stuff from the game last night when uh when they joined us. Um, you know, I want to bring Remo in here for a minute because we did hit the power play earlier. I know we were kind of talking uh the uh just Blue Jays with the boys who were at the the game last night, but uh Remo, we got a pretty big slate in the league tonight despite the Jets being off for a couple days. Yeah, a lot of uh NHL games on the schedule. It is Tuesday night. Uh NHL has been a Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday league. We all remember the first Friday of the season where there were no games. like I don’t know uh what they’re doing there, but yeah, a lot of games on tonight. Good, you know, good night for multiple TVs. You can relax a little. We’re not so dialed in on uh the Blue Jays, right? Oh, this is going to be so nice for the next couple days. Got to rest tonight. We’ll do the poker tourney tomorrow and then get back at it with back-to-back games uh at Canada Life Center and of course the World Series on Friday and on Saturday. I tell you what, let’s put together a little three gamer and I’ll send it over to the guys to get a bit of a boost. Are you looking for winners tonight? Just straight up moneyline winners. Let’s let’s pick three three teams. Uh in the chat, if you have a pick for tonight, fire it in there. Uh I don’t mind Vancouver in Pittsburgh. They playing quite well. They went in and beat the Dallas Stars. I could get behind Vancouver. Uh, don’t mind uh the St. Louis Blues at home to LA. I certainly could be convinced of the Colorado Avalanche in Utah against the Mammoth. Yeah. Yeah. I like those three sort of just jump out to me. Anything with you? No, I think those are we’re on the same page there. Maybe you have a lean in New like New Jersey plus money against Toronto seems okay on the road like you want it to be a nice nice pay be taking like massive Listen, the Leafs have already had their first players or closed door meeting of the year. So I think I’m staying away from that game. They got called out by Stallars for not backing him up and being tough enough. So there’s a lot of smoke. If the Jays were out right now, it the the noise out of Leafland would be so loud. They’re just happy to let the Jays take the spotlight and try and get their get their act together. Uh but as I said, I I don’t really feel either that side. The Washington numbers way too chalky uh to play. Wow, the Kraken are playing a lot. This is going to be the tail end of their road trip as they head back. This Kraken road trip like they’re here Thursday. Uh Connor and I did the postgame show or postgame reaction yesterday and we were looking at the Kraken schedule. Seems like they’ve been on the road forever cuz they did the Canadian swing and now they were in Philly last night, Washington tonight and then here. So this is a six-game road trip for them and it’ll be ending on Friday here in Winnipeg. So, they did Montreal last Tuesday, Ottawa Thursday, Toronto Saturday, uh Philly yesterday, Washington tonight, and then Winnipeg. So, I’m curious what they’re going to have in the tank here on Thursday. Uh they’ve they’re so far they’re one and two. They had the overtime win in Toronto and they lost to Montreal and Ottawa. So, cracking a team to watch to certainly to watch, I guess, if you want to pre-scout the Jets next opponent. So, what do you think about this? We go Vancouver and then St. Louis and Colorado. That works. Plus plus 477. I think you don’t have any big objections to either of those three teams. No, I like Colorado for sure and Utah. Uh St. Louis home as well. You know, LA’s been a team I talked to who I you were away. I had Matt Larkin from Daily Face Off on the show and I was like, “Which team is going to be a huge uh disappointment?” and he’s told me he said LA they signed you know a lot of big slow defenseman uh like Cody CC that was a signing that uh you know was maligned on July 1 and who is it Brian Dumlain’s in there and LA they’ve you look at their goal differential it’s they’re not off to a great start right now uh they’re 13 and two uh they’re near the bottom so we’ll have to see if they can pull out of it and St. Lewis at home, season start 3 and2. They had those terrible two home games early on and I think they’ve sort of pulled it out. So, I think they’ll be locked and loaded on on home ice tonight. And as I say, if you’re going to give me the Avalanche, you know, shorter than minus 140 against anyone other than maybe the top few teams in the league, I’m in. Um, so I’m going to throw that into the fellas and uh we’ll probably get that up in the uh in the exclusives under Winnipeg Sports Talk Parlay. Although they might throw it up into the uh combo cards uh under Ride with Hus, but if you put it in yourself, it’s plus 477. I have a feeling the guys will probably put that up somewhere in and around plus 525 after a little boost. And we’ll see if we can get a nice winner and keep it rolling. Yeah. Huge. Shout out to Pacandler in chat who says Mark Schaefley is 60 to1 to win the Rocket Rashard at cold bet. He’s actually 65 to one. So I mean why not at this point he’s after five games he’s got got seven goals or six games though. Uh if you want to have some fun something to root for I am enjoying the awards betting. I have some Jack Eel. What? Art Ross and Hart got him at an okay number. Those I’ll be cheering for for Jack Eel. I guess I’ve got that Matthew Schaefer ticket at 17 to1. He went from 17 to 4 to one after the first week of the year. I just see Art Ross uh Rocket and Heart Trophy numbers up right now. Now, if you’re wondering about our buddy, the defending champion, Connor Hella, uh he’s still he’s 55 to1. For the heart, for the heart right now. I mean, going back to back would be wild. Hik did do it. Um but again, if you’re interested, hard on that. Kyle Connor 200 to one. Not sure if I see Shiffley on this list, but again, I think I mean, listen, if a if a Jet is going to win it, it’s in all likelihood going to be going to be Connor Halabuk. Uh, but again, 55 to1 right now for those of you that are interested. And uh Dryidle the favorite for the Rocket uh plus 325. Matthews plus 370. Caprosoft plus 565. McKinnon 10 to1 pasta plus 1350. Conor McDavid 19 and Taage Thompson, Mo Rantinan, both 20 to1. And yes, as you mentioned, Kyle Connor’s 30 to1 and uh Mark Schiffley 65 to1 right now as Remis mentioned. Funny enough, I bet Mark Shaley to win the Rocket. I even forgot about this at 150 to1 on the 18th on the 18th. And it’s now 65 to1. So, great foul there. That that’s that’s the sharp move. That’s the sharp movers. Remo, that’s Val. That is go to one of those brokerages or you can sell a piece of it and uh you know get your money back and you’ll be riding with it. Yeah, my dollar all up there. You know, Gregory was just mentioning as well NBA tip off tonight. Well, we don’t talk a ton of NBA. Uh big slate of games this se or two big games this evening. Houston Rockets against OKC Thunder. They’ll raise the banner in Oklahoma and then Warriors Lakers. That should be fun. Uh I I was looking at the futures for the NBA. OKC plus 225 to win the championship. Next is Denver at plus 650. Cleveland is 7 to1. It’s such a crazy short number for a league the size of the NBA, but to be honest, it’s right. I I think we’re just entering the uh OKC era right now. Maybe I’ll have to put a little bit of the Jays winnings from the ALCS on the uh on the Oklahoma City Thunder, but uh you want to check out all those futures and uh maybe get a division bet, a win total bet, or just a championship bet before tip off tonight. It is all there at Cool Bet. And again, don’t forget tomorrow night, poker night, 8:00 p.m. Hope you’ll join us and play. Should be a heck of a lot of fun. The guys say they’re uh popping that thing in. And it should be up in the next 10, 15 minutes or so over at Cool Bet if you want to ride with the WST parlay today. St. Louis over the Kings, Vancouver over the Penguins, Avalanche over the Utah Mammoth. Um, oh, I do want to get to fan feedback brought to you by Fans First. Um, lots of it. Uh, here it’s Kevin Lilis. Uh, by the way, Fans First, your number one spot for buying and selling Winnipeg tickets on the resale market. No added fees. What you see is what you pay. All Winnipeg Jets games and blue bomber games, even the Grey Cup available at fansfirst.ca and not no added fees unlike the other resale sites. Keith Lily says, “How about the guy catching the Springer home run wearing the Springer jersey?” And Remo, that Springer J, that was like a Springer football jersey. It didn’t really even look like a Jay’s jersey. And yet there he was catching it. big uh um like listen obviously with something like that a lot of people had their hands in it but uh pretty cool for that guy to get it and I’ll tell you what that ball probably worth a hell of a lot heard that the Otani home run balls from the three home run game earlier worth upwards of $3 million each. So I saw that jersey when he caught the ball at first glance I thought that was a great ad for the Argos. I thought it was like an Argos alternate Nick Arbuckle jersey number four, right? But he turned it around and it was a Springer on the name bar and I thought how fitting and there’s an interview with him. Canadian press uh did a Rihanna Limbs got that article and he said I was texting my cousin telling him I was front row about to catch the home run ball to leave me alone. Dropped the ball and caught the phone and he said he had a feeling about the seventh inning. You remember Jose Bautista homerred with the bat flip in the seventh inning and his quote about being at that game and catching the ball the most real I’ve ever felt and what’s the and he said he’s going to do uh what’s right for the ball and he was tired of being on the couch and scrolling and passively watching. He needed to feel something real. That’s why he spent money on the ticket to the game. And I’m trying to think find the quote what he’s going to do. He’s open to doing what’s best for the ball if it means trading back to the Blue Jays as a piece of memorabilia. But right now, he’s holding it and savoring the moment. Yeah, he’ll have some options and uh it’ll be worth a lot. I mean, the Springer home run ball, I guess, if they I don’t know what happens to the value of it. If they win the World Series, there’ll be more moments, but that will still be an all-time moment. If they lose, which I mean, obviously they’re big underdogs in this. I wonder is that still the moment of this playoff run? It’s a favorite ball, or does it lose a little bit of value because they didn’t end up being world champions? You know, the Jose Bautista bat flip uh home run, which is so iconic. I mean, in the end, they lost in the ALCS to the Royals that year, but that moment was so crazy. What was going on with Russell Martin throwing the ball and hitting Shinsu Chu? Like, has that ever happened since when a catcher throws a ball to pitcher and it hits the the batter’s bat in the batter box? I don’t think I think that’s the only time that’s ever happened. It was so crazy with things being thrown on the field and for him to homer in that moment. I’m getting chills uh recalling that. And yesterday it it did seem like the Blue Jays, you know, were going to lose and they’re down 3-1 and with one swing of a bat, they’re up 43. Uh it was an incredible moment. And we played the video of of Pat in the stands like freaking out. There’s so many uh do like that across Canada. I haven’t seen the viewership numbers. I’m sure they’re going to be extremely high. The DS average what 3.5 million and peaked at 11 million. Sure. the average will be like 8 8 million. Guess what? I wouldn’t be surprised if more Canadians watched the game than Americans yesterday. Like I’m I can’t wait to find out what these TV numbers are because I think it is going to be mind-boggling how many people are tuned in. And uh listen, the World Series against the almighty Dodgers is just going to I think take that up to uh another level. Um great stuff in the chat today. So much Jay’s talk. Scotty, the big dumper, just signed a huge endorsement deal with Waste Management, Inc. So, Ro Rogers just put out the release. Uh, average of 6 million viewers tuning in to watch. The game reached 11.8 million Canadians. So, a lot of people watching. Wow. Bringing in people, you know, that’s bringing people who are not normally baseball fans. We’re getting a lot of great questions in the chat as well. people wanting to know about Blue Jays or about MLB salary or or playoffs. And I think that’s awesome. It brings in a lot more fans. So, congratul fans and for Canadian baseball. Yeah, no doubt about it. And hey, I mean, props to your uh props to your Mariners, man. hell of a team and a great run. Very, very likable team that I think everyone would have been pulling for if it didn’t go the Jay’s way. Uh, but now the Jays move on and uh they get Showe Otani and the starstudded. As they say, it’s like the Galactic All-Star team, the uh the Los Angeles Dodgers, but this is why they play the games, folks. And uh as I say, if you want to put a little sprinkle on them, go to the cool bed exclusives plus 250. You won’t find that number anywhere else. Um great show today, everybody. Appreciate everyone popping on today. Um we’ll have a big one tomorrow. Uh Ree K, is Ken back tomorrow? Ken is on tomorrow. uh he was at the game and then Ken doing double duty watching the Jets game on his phone on the go train and making it uh for KN&R. So, we’ll talk with Ken and yeah, John Shannon, right? He’s good to go from 100% hockey podcast. So, we’ll have a lot of Jets discussion. Uh some Jay’s as well. We’ll come up. A lot of people interested in that. Bombers getting ready for their final game. Pretty close to a sellout. About 750 uh tickets left. So, we’ll raid um Wow. Okay, cool. If they if they sold out every game, I mean, pretty pretty impressive stuff there. And unprecedented. Yes. and we will be raiding the Bombers channels. Ed, I think they’re live with Willie Jefferson and we’ll actually we’re working on being there next Tuesday and you will be in person on the huddle uh with Ed. So, that’s very exciting. Jumping on jumping on the huddle as well. Yeah, we’re going to do a fun show with the Bombers to get ready for their first playoff game next week. So, that’s going to be uh coming up on Tuesday. Uh but in the meantime, yeah, we’ll send you over to the huddle. Again, fans first uh fan feedback as always brought to you by fansfirst.ca. By fans for fans, no fees. Um enjoy it. Rest up tonight, folks. Get some of the rest that you probably didn’t get last night. And uh tomorrow we’ve got the poker turning. I hope you’ll join us. And then we’re right back at it with a couple more game day editions heading into the weekend as Seattle is next up for the 5-1 Winnipeg Jets. and then the Calgary Flames who we just saw yesterday here in Winnipeg for 90s night at the rink on Friday. That is going to do it for us. Huge thanks to Kevin Sawyer for jumping on, Josh Goldberg, Pat and Jake, and everyone. Fun fun chat today with everyone so hyped after the baseball win. And of course, the Jets winning their fifth straight and Jonathan Taves first NHL goal in his return. Uh, we will see you tomorrow 100 p.m. John Shannon, Ken Weeb. Going to be a packed one. I hope you’ll join us. Have a great night and see you tomorrow on WST. Oh my god. Shut it down. Let’s go. Thanks for tuning in to Winnipeg Sports Talk Daily. Make sure to subscribe on YouTube and your favorite podcast feed at winnipegportsalk.com. [Music]
Andrew “Hustler” Paterson hosts Winnipeg Sports Talk Daily with Michael Remis. They discuss the Toronto Blue Jays win in Game 7 of the ALCS to advance to the World Series and the Winnipeg Jets win over the Calgary Flames. Guests: Josh Goldberg of Blue Jays Nation, TSN Jets analyst Kevin Sawyer.
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