Woll’s Back, Tavares Hits 499, & Leafs Split Weekend Set With Buffalo ft. Matthew Barnaby

Woll’s Back, Tavares Hits 499, & Leafs Split Weekend Set With Buffalo ft. Matthew Barnaby

You’re watching Leaf’s Morning Tape with host Nick Alber and former NHL Jay Rose Hill. The show starts now. It is Monday, October 27th. What a weekend for your Toronto Maple Leafs are going to break that down. Nick Albera, Jay Rosil presented by Bet 365. This is Leaf’s Morning Take Mondays, man. They will eat you alive. How are you, buddy? I know it’s kind of a Monday. At least it is a World Series Monday. Even though I have to miss the game for children’s practice, but uh yeah, coming off a win, so uh we don’t have to be too negative today, right? You’re right. You’re right. And uh first first and foremost I felt like I was going to pinch I had to pinch myself all weekend. Like I still can’t get over the fact that the Toronto Blue Jays are in the World Series and that’s the way they come out with a monster effort in game one. If you were to tell me they get a split, I’d be happy with that. Now down to a best of five and looking forward to game three tonight. Yes. And friend of the show Max Scherzer on the hill. Looking forward to that. Um, o ah to get through the first three in that order uh would be very big and uh I hope I hope he gets her done and away he goes and has himself a game. What a way to to finish obviously probably his last World Series. But um it’s exciting to have him on the hill after his last performance. He is a rabid Wolverine. Like he reminds me a lot of of Nathan McKinnon and the way he just wants that ball. Like I I saw a quote from I guess when the Blue Jays clinched against Seattle like minutes later they’re celebrating and he went up to John Schneider so he’s like when am I getting the ball in the World Series? Like this guy just loves baseball so much and I love the fact at 41 he is motivated to put this team over the top. Like this is a massive massive game. Game three, you’re on the road. But who better than a guy that’s seen it all and been there, right? Well, yeah. It’s kind of uh it’s kind of the opposite of of your Savage, right? Like he’s got the experience. He’s been in three other World Series with different teams. He’s been on the mound. He’s uh you know, they’re going with experience. No doubt about it. He’s got plenty of it. So yeah, he is just a dog in all ways. Just an animal really. And I love guys in sport with with a lot of personality. So uh glad he’s on the team. Looking forward. I I really hope he’s got a a um a big performance under his sleeve tonight cuz uh I just don’t want this series to get away from them. It’s too exciting. It’s too awesome. I wanted to go seven and and obviously really want the Jays to take her down. It would be incredible and historic and uh we got a chance to uh to pull ahead tonight. That dude’s frothing for the mouth. And I even saw a funny clip over the weekend too that guys know not to talk to him when he puts his headphones on on game day. Like I I He’s just such a gamer. I love Max Sher Sherzer. Uh, our super chat charity partner is Sick Kids. Want to make sure that your question or comment gets on the show. Hit us up with a super chat. Proceeds from our super chat will go to Sick Kids. Ranked the number one research intensive children’s hospital in Canada and third in the world. I mentioned the name Nathan McKinnon. Again, love the compete level of that guy. We’ve seen it for Canada so many times, but he sheds them with Charlie Makavoy after losing in Boston the other day. Like, the guy just gets it, man. He’s one of my favorite players to watch. Yeah, he’s uh I look how angry he is, dude. It’s like game eight of the season, man. Seriously, like don’t don’t you love it? Wouldn’t you like to see some of that on the Leafs? Um the Leafs leadership. Um not to turn a negative or something, but like I love that stuff and I would build a team around Nathan McKinnon. He’s one of the top two one. He’s he’s right there. a guy I’d build my organization around if you had your pick of anybody already proven he’s won. And uh I think that he holds his teammates accountable in the locker room. That’s the rumor. And he just if any bullshit’s going on, if anyone’s taken the shortcut or the easy route, he will just come at you and say that is not how we operate around here. And um I love that. And he is a leader and he is a dog. And when those superstar guys at X amount of million dollars and contracts and all these trophies and everything else are shedding their gloves and bare knuckle fighting, you know, they’ve got the dog in them. I absolutely love it. I don’t even think this is a hot take, but if you had to give me a winner take all game and I had to pick one player to play in that game, it would be Nathan McKinnon among all other players in the NHL. I just love his intensity. He just brings it, man. Like Crosby’s always been that guy, but he’s he’s obviously aging a little bit, although he’s not really showing it. Um, obviously McDavid’s up there, but I just love the well-rounded game of McKinnon, like you say, like McDavid is who he is. Dry Cidle’s phenomenal. You know, you could talk about McCar, you know, the back end, happened to be on the same team as McKinnon, but McKinnon has that that dog where I don’t think there’s anything that would stop him, and he he would just froth at the mouth more and more the the harder it became. And I just love those qualities in a leader. He’s I I agree with you. I am I am jealous of of the fans of the Colorado Avalanche for getting to watch that guy every night. It’s [ __ ] to say, but that guy guaranteed goes home after losing a game and it’s like nobody talked to me. He hates to lose. Like we talk about that every post. He hates to lose whether it’s the preseason, the regular season, and you could tell like again that was game eight or nine of the season. They’re on the road in Boston. It’s an afternoon game. Like who cares? Just move on. But he’s like, “No, I’m getting my pound of flesh in this game.” I love that, man. I know. And I think uh you know with the the transfer of the captaincy from John Tvaris to Austin Matthews um we know what Austin does and and what he’s capable of physically with his skill and on the score sheet. But I I hope this year we see patterns of him having a little bit of that Nathan McKinnon and him like getting furious out there and refusing to go quietly in certain situations and finding some intensity and some bite. Uh, I think that would go a long ways with the rest of the guys out there. And, um, I think that’s maybe I don’t want to say a knock on him, but it’s it’s something that people kind of question, like, can we see a little bit more of that? Like, this is a huge market with huge expectations and a history of of floundering in all the wrong ways. And we need a guy to step up and be that guy. And I I hope it’s Austin Matthews. And I hope he’s cut from the cloth that can uh that can dig deep and find that kind of stuff cuz this is a season where I think we could use it. Speaking of which, I know you’re locked in on social media all weekend long. I was uh watching the game on Sunday, Tampa Bay and the Vegas Golden Knights, and there was a specific uh clip or shift from that game that has gone viral on social media. Would you like to break it down for us, Rosie? Sure. Does it involve a little skinny Mitchy boy? Yes, I’m not I don’t want to knock Mitch. He’s uh he’s doing well and he seems to be very happy in Vegas. But yeah, that one clip he’s going around getting I think that I think the answer to taking care of Mitchi is throwing your weight into him a little bit and uh he was going he was doing some cartwheels out there. So, kind of a chuckle for Leafs fans. I think Dominic James that was his third NHL game and just ragdolling Mitch Marner around the ice. Man, that’s got to sting a bit, I think. Yeah. Well, he’s not known for his physicality or his strength or his aggressiveness. So, uh it comes with the territory, but uh again, he seems happy in Vegas. And uh there’s a clip. There we go. Here’s It’s Monday for everybody. Boom. Well, that was right after behind the net. Like Mitch is going to hit. He’s going to lay the hit. He didn’t didn’t quite have his bearings there. You’re rude for doing that for no reason. Just I apologize. Sorry. I I saw it. I’m like, let’s let’s throw it into the show today. We We had to. I just Is that a Is that a Save by the Bell tarp you’re rocking today? Teacher popped the test. I know. I’m in a mess. Yeah, my favorite show of all time. That’s a good good cop on Amazon, eh? Yeah, it was. You got some uh you got some good te’s out there. Some classic retro throwbacks. I like it. Classic show for anyone of that age. Speaking of retro, uh Matthew Barnaby, I mean, need I say more, just mention a name. We all know who it is. He is coming up in about 20 minutes from now and only fitting to lease play the Sabres twice over the weekend. But de definitely somebody who is uh entrenched in my childhood watching Maple Leafs hockey. Yes, you betcha. A guy that did it right and uh had uh had a pair strapped on all the time and wasn’t scared to get in there. A man’s man. And uh looking forward to breaking it down with him. And stay tuned maybe in the future for me and Mr. Barnaby to be doing a little something something for hockeyfights.com. It’s in the works. It’s in the works. I don’t want to give too much out, but uh looking forward to it. That’s great news. I I told you. I mean, I worked with Barney over at NHL Network Radio. He’s an absolute beauty. So, he’s coming on in about 20 minutes here at the Leafs Nation 401 on YouTube. Hit that like button. Hit that subscribe button. Least morning take. Wherever you find your podcast, make sure to leave us a fivestar review. And don’t forget to visit the leafsnation.com. Crave the Stats is a presentation of Uber Eats. Every time the lease play at home, you can get these exclusive deals only on Uber Eats. Firehouse Subs, BOGO brisket hat-trick, KBO sushi, BOGO California roll, Shelby Shwarma, BOGO traditional wrap. That’s right. Buy one get one before, during, and after the game. Uber Eats is assisting every fan’s hockey experience all season long. Now, Rosie, I’m more inclined to talk about Saturday’s game as opposed to Friday’s game because I was pissed. We were in our group chat and granted we all had probably had a couple drinks each, but I just hate losing the Buffalo. I hate losing inferior opponents. I I know we took some positives from that game and that’s great. And Knander scores, leaves that game, doesn’t return, but Matthew scores. Great to see. But let’s focus more on on Saturday. They get the split. Am I entirely happy? Probably not. They’re still a ways away from playing the way I want them to play. Yeah, I think so. And uh everyone’s kind of asking what’s your level of concern and I don’t think your level of concern can be greater than the sample size that you have. We have played eight games is it? Um I think we’re still at 500. Like look around the league. There is all kinds of teams finding their way who have had a lot less um change happen to their locker room than the Maple Leafs. Um and I am trying to look at the positives. You know, Dakota Joshua for one snipes in back-to-back games. Looks like he’s showing why he’s been brought here after a bit of a slow start. And again, you make that change and you come into Toronto and like when you sign with Toronto and and you become part of the organization, like it’s just different. people come out of the woodworks that you like from high school that you haven’t seen in 10 years and they’re this diehard Leafs fan who follow you know religiously and you’re like gee people are coming out everywhere and it’s just like it’s an adjustment and I think um you got to give players like Dakota Joshua the benefit of the doubt to get their bearings and it looks like he hopefully this weekend has uh has found his stride and if he wants to contribute like that you know that’s fantastic. Nick Wah as well is doing things out there and again we don’t even have our full lineup. I I am chomping at the bit specifically to get Scott Lton back. But um I think that this lineup it has a lot of potential and I think everyone could agree with that and we have said this might take time to get used to and maybe they’re doing just that. But I’d also venture to say, you know, the disappointment against Detroit and maybe a little bit disappointing against Buffalo, those teams are hot, right? like they’re doing they’re doing pretty good things out there and you just look at them and think, “Oh, those are bottom feeder teams.” Well, they’re really not so far this year. They’re playing some pretty good hockey. So, um you know, the sky is falling mentality. I’m just I’m not totally subscribing to at this point in time. And uh like you said, get a great win on on uh on Saturday night and JT comes up huge. That man like you tweeted out like he’s making 4.2 or something. Just phenomenal stuff. So, lots to lots to look forward to. I think I love how much John Tavvarz loves being a Toronto Maple Leaf. It is so hard to find that and even a lot of the players echoing that sentiment in the post game and again that was the big story over the weekend. JT number 499. I think it’s amazing and kind of cool. Nearly 19 years to the day I was at the game Matt Sundine in OOT against Mik Kipersoft in Calgary number 500. JT has a chance for 500 against Calgary coming up on Tuesday night. But what a feed by N. Um I was scared shitless when they came back and that play right there. But power loses the puck. Nice to the game. But what a rip, man. I was watching it in real time like why is he skating into the corner? This guy knew exactly what he was doing on that goal. Seriously, if you watch that whole shift like JT is in shape, man. like he was chugging for multiple lengths of the ice and still had enough to get out there and get on that breakaway and have his bearings to to bury at short side. Um and and they showed before the game him out there on his own working with Primo, you know, like he is a guy that just loves hockey, does everything right. Um could easily still be the captain of this team and you see why right there. like when when push comes to shove and you get a a thin margin of opportunity, he’s a guy who’s going to not let it slip through the cracks, he’s going to be ready, prepared for it, in shape. Um knows what he’s doing, knows where he’s shooting, has practiced, and just is totally dialed. Everything about the guy as far as a hockey player is completely dialed and um he hasn’t been spoken of too much this year to be honest. But uh especially at that cap hit, he is he is going to be a positive impact on this team this season without a doubt. 4.38 mil. Never forget. And again, nothing phases the guy. Like you talk about guys who are born to play and be Maple Leafs. We talk about Knander quite a bit. Nothing phases him. The same with JT. Like he has been through a lot in his career. Made a really really massive decision. Clearly still hated on Long Island. Hasn’t phased him year after year. It’s just the same thing. We all think he’s done. He’s finished. Can’t play center. Can’t put up the points. And he just he proves people wrong. And again, that that’s what gets me is you look at this guy specifically, wants to be a Maple Leaf, and you could tell the way, you know, he plays, his passion, former captain, the way he handled that situation. Love John Tavvarz, man. Yeah. Everything about him is is rock solid. And uh, you know, I’ve even knocked him for being a little bit monotone and like a snore in the in his interviews and whatnot, but I just think that’s the way he is. He is pure professionalism and he is keeps it level, not too high, not too low and just brings the same attitude to the rink every single day which is a a positive one with a huge work ethic and does all the right things. Shows up probably the first guy to show up, last guy to leave, that type of thing. Um, the Leafs are happy to lucky to have him and I think those young guys on the team too could look towards him all the time. Whether it’s when you get there, what you’re eating, how you’re operating, when you’re in the gym, what you’re doing when you could just follow that guy and and you will learn in a hurry how to be a pro. Lead by example. And you don’t think these guys love them? Just look at the embrace from Matthew N on the OT winner. Uh, meantime, I I I always look for defining moments every season. Couple years back it was Morgan Riley after the Ridley Greg Clapper into the empty net. Could Could the Jake McCabe hit on Byum and then the subsequent fight where he just beat the [ __ ] wheels off Alex Tuck be a defining moment in this scene. I need you to break down this scrap, man. Oh my god. Like I love everything about this. You’re coming right into my house. Kaboom. Put him in the third deck. Shouldertosh shoulder. Oh my god. Like Jake McCabe, he is a man and there is not enough of them in this league. And when you have one, you better be grateful. Like you see him after in his interview, he is a a big broad shouldered frame just packed with muscle. He is man man stuff. And you need to play like a man like that. Like you think Alex Tuck is going to come flying in there to defend his teammate next time for a hit. I mean people people argue why do you have to fight after a perfectly clean hit? And I kind of agree with it too. But if you don’t want your players to get hit hard and you see a big hit and you’re going to set the precedent that hey, if you’re going to run my guy, even if it’s a clean hit, I’m coming to you to fight. That’s what Alex Tuck was doing. But I don’t know what his plan was because he certainly didn’t seem prepared to do what he he he did. You throw that huge hit, a guy comes flying to you, the puck’s not there. It’s not part of the play. He has left the play to come and engage you and instigate something, saying, “I don’t agree with what you just did to my player.” Well, you better be ready. But Jake McCabe is throwing from his hips, throwing from his shoulders. Almost took his head off. Like that was vicious. And I love it because guess what the rest of the league season, guess what those players who are going to be in that situation next time are going to do? They’re going to back off. They’re going to back off cutting across the middle when Jake McCabe’s out there. They’re going to let it go when Jake McCabe blows a guy up. They’re not going to come and and be the aggressor anymore. So, what did you just do? You just took the aggression out of the other team. You just put them on their heels. And that’s why that stuff’s valuable, man. You can blow people up still. You can throw your shoulder into them and put them into the freaking rafters. You can. Some guy comes at you aggressively, you can shed your [ __ ] and start throwing bombs right at his chin and say, “You’re not going to play me like that. I do not back down.” And Jake McCabe showed all kinds of balls there. And I hope it reverberates through the rest of the lineup because it’s effective. You think Alex Tuck’s going to come in there aggressively like that next time his boy gets blown up? Not a chance, man. Man, he looked like Raggedyanne out there. He got his lunch fed to him. It was amazing. Man, that that’s got to be the worst feeling in the world cuz you have to get up. Like, you know, he was hurting a bit. He had to get up and skate to the box and then there’s a delay and they’re they’re figuring out like the 210 and five and you’re just stew and you’re sitting there and you probably don’t want to look over at Jake McCabe either. Yeah. Like I’m sorry to say that the league and the refs with their tickytac [ __ ] these days, they got it right. It’s a clean shoulder-to-shoulder hit, completely legal, and a guy completely leaves the play and is disinterested in the play in the puck and goes straight towards you in aggressive style of manner, that’s instigating what happened there. Just because Mabe’s stuff came off first and he was chucking harder and more accurately and was ready to rock is irrelevant. That’s that’s a two, five, and 10 for instigation. And next time, Tuck better be ready a little more if you’re going to do that or else just let the play go. It’s clean hits. It’s body checking. You’re allowed. But it’s full contact hockey. It’s the NHL. Um I’m not a big proponent of uh having to fight every time you throw a big hit. But if that’s the way you want to play it, you better be ready to uh to engage when you come after a guy after a big hit. And Tuck was certainly not. Shout out to Zach Phillips. Great watch party and watch along over the weekend and the live stream and we both guessed it on that. But when I went on, I you know, and I thought you’d be a better person to ask this, and I’m not even sure if Alex Tuck was in the box in the second period, but do you remember a moment in your career where you took that many pimps and like I think in real time it was like an hour between like shifts for for Alex Tuck? Like what would you do? Would you go to the room, spend Do you think I don’t even remember, but did he spend the second period in the box? Like you ever had a moment like that in your career? Yeah, I’ve got the 15minute instigator before where uh or sorry 17 minutes where you get two, five, and 10, right? And you’re you’re sitting there for a while and I don’t know, I usually dick around with the fans or, you know, spray a little water at a kid through the crack or something like that, but um you know, it’s I’m okay with it. I I guess, you know, we can ask Barnaby, too. You know, back in the day, the big hits used to happen and it was just like, damn it, they they got the best of our team. What are you going to do? and then all of a sudden crept on this feeling of you can’t throw a huge hit or someone or you have to fight. And I understand it because if a person’s not really wanting to get into a bare knuckle fight, then they might back off throwing that great big hit against your team. I I understand the logic behind it. Um don’t always agree with it and I love the big hits and I want them to be more of them. Um I’ll being clean and not hitting the head and all that stuff. Yeah, that’s more difficult to do and and the the big hits are down and for good reason, I guess you could say. But if if you’re going to be the guy to say, “We don’t accept you throwing huge hits on on him and you’re going to go and aggressively, you know, challenge that player,” you better be ready to rock. And, you know, if it leads to more fights, I guess I’ll shug my shoulders and say, “Hey, let’s watch a couple extra scraps. Let’s roll.” Oh, I thought it was awesome. Kudos to Jake McCabe. I thought the team played much better after that. Just a clear case sign. And again, you’re a perfect guy to speak to it. I think it really elevated the team after something like that took place. Uh, lot of news and notes in practice this morning, by the way. So, let’s get to that. Chris Tenev and Scott Lton working their way back from injury prior to practice. Both skating, welcome site. Uh, the lines at practice. Knander is on the ice, but he’s rotating in with a top line. We saw McMahon Matthews Robertson have some success and we’ll get to scratch and score in mere moments. Uh, but Joseph Wall is back. I know you and Zach put out a fantastic video last week, the classic Friday news dump. But Brad Shiving addressing the media moments ago regarding Joseph Wall said he’s been skating the past few weeks. So that’s good news as he gets ready to be in game shape. Wouldn’t be surprising if he gets a couple of conditioning games with the Marlies. Also goes on to say despite being eligible to play on November 1st, he will not be ready by then. But this is great news to have Oolie back in the mix here, Rosie. Big time. Um lots of question marks about it. just we were resigned to the fact that he’s gone and we were the day the day it broke that he’s coming back we were talking about like could this be a rest of the season type of thing. That’s how little information was was leaked about about the whole ordeal. So absolutely thrilled to have him back. We’ve been talking about the workload Stole’s been taking and and the toll that’s taken on him, which isn’t that much, but nonetheless, you you worry when he’s your only line of defense back there and then you you end up in a game with Hill to be in Primo as your goalenders as a team that’s trying to challenge for the the whole deal. So, not ideal. So, to get him back, um the snap of the fingers again, things change quick in that league and all of a sudden we’re looking at having Stallars and Wool back, which is a welcome sign. Um, I I will admit that I’m I I’m worried and curious and hesitant because we don’t know why he was gone and I just worry that is it something that could be ongoing? Um, is it completely past him? I have no idea what it is and I don’t want to speculate and I respect his privacy and all the rest of it, but I’m doing a show on this team and I wonder is this is this done? Is he is he is it behind him? whatever it was, I hope so, and I hope he can focus on hockey and have 100% confidence in his game and continue to build towards being as good of a goalie as he possibly can. But there’s that little inkling of worried about whatever that was. What if it comes back? What if there’s more of it down the road? What if it’s not completely solved? Um, all I can do is hope that he it’s behind him and he’s ready to rock and roll. Amen to that. Look, we’re never going to find out. This joins the illustrious history of Knander in the playoffs, although we found out it was a migraine issue deep into that. Uh, Matthew’s going to Germany. Yes, Germany. It’s just going to join that list and we’re never going to know. But great to see Joseph Wall back in the mix and looking forward to his return. One, in fact, that does happen by the way at practice. No, Cali Yarn Croak and Sammy Blade. Remember him claimed them off waiverss from Montreal. Hasn’t played a game. Skating on the fourth line. His debut’s got to be coming soon. Like that’s the last thing you want. I know this guy’s a pro and he’s been around for a couple years, but just to sit around and not play, I think is bizarre, too. Yeah, it’s tough. You want to you want to get into it. You know, you’re you know, when the guys get off the ice at pregame skate, you stay out there with an assistant coach and the other guys that aren’t playing, you bag skate yourself just to try and stay in shape. But there is there’s really nothing you can do that um that mirrors playing in a game. You know, it’s just it’s that quick reaction, that quick twitch, the the reach and the lunge and the chip back check and the banging and the crash. And you just can’t emulate that anywhere else. the longer it goes that you’re not in it, the more foreign it’s going to be to you when when you get in the lineup. But again, like you said, you got to be a professional. Um I think he’s a guy who has dealt with it before and is probably got his routine on how he’s going to handle it and what he’s going to do to be prepared when he does get the call. But um maybe that’ll be soon for him. And I don’t know, the sooner the better, I guess. Like Kelly Yarncroak has looked great at certain times and got an opportunity this year. He’s is like what is that looking like a healthy scratch for Yarnney or what? I know he’s not even on the ice, so maybe he’s dealing with something, right? God, it’s like never ending with bumps and bruises and day to days and this and that. It’s a bit early in the season for that kind of [ __ ] but you look around the league, other teams are going through it, too. Um, this isn’t the ‘9s where guys are battling through and pounding through bumps and bruises and injuries. They take care of themselves. And again, we’re we’re ones who say all the time, we don’t really care about the regular season. Let’s make sure we’re ready to rock for the playoffs. I guess that’s their mentality, too. But uh yeah, quite a few quite a few bodies getting banged up and out of the lineup so far for it only being eight games in. Yeah, Riley came back on Saturday, so that was good. We mentioned Knander leaves that game Friday. Doesn’t play Saturday. Rotating through the lines today, but just get him right. I’m with him on that front at the Leafs Nation 41. Hit that like button, hit that subscribe button again. We’re about 5 minutes away from Matthew Barnaby of Daily Faceoff dropping by the show. But Mr. Scratch and Score at it again. And I think you had one of the top tweets this weekend that I saw on social media at least about Robertson like if he played half the games healthy scratch he he’d be a 40 goal scorer. But dude, this is a guarantee after a health bomb. I played it I think it was plus 400 over at bet 365 over the weekend and right away I love he goes from a health bomb to top line. Eh, I know he’s such an anomaly, you know, uh where does he fit? What is his value? What is he capable of? And we know we know his capabilities are pretty high. is he’s got the skill and when he gets opportunities sometimes he takes takes advantage of it like he did on Saturday. But on the other side of it, he he seems to really hit a rut and not be able to do it consistently enough. But yeah, I tweeted that if you if you scratch him every other game, he looks like he’s going to be a 40 goal scorer. So, uh something to think about, but good for him for getting on the board and uh and well needed at that point in time, too. And the Robertson truthers will love that, too, because that’s the one thing in their debate the last five years. He never gets topline minutes. So here you go. He’s on the top line with Matthews and McMahon. I just I again, Rosie, we’ve had this combo so many times. Sustainability, consistency. That’s the name of the game with Robertson, right? Yeah. I mean, people are like, see, there you go. It’s like, well, where’s he been every other time? Like, he goes away for long stretches of time and then he and then he pops off. And that’s been his Achilles heel, his consistency and being able to do what he’s capable of doing at a consistent level. And I I really think that’s just been his knock. But once in a while when he gets an opportunity, he takes care of it. and need it on Saturday again. Good for him. I hope he can keep it going and be consistent. We keep him around and he’s effective. I would love nothing more than that. Okay, let’s bring in today’s guest from Daily Face Off. Former NHLer does some great fantastic work and I believe he was high stepping it over the weekend. It’s uh Matthew Barnaby. Were you doing some alumni stuff this weekend, Barney? Yeah, it was fun. It was a great little town in Saskatchewan. First of all, thanks for having me on, guys. You guys do an awesome job. But yeah, it was for a junior team uh about 3 hours from Saskatoon. got in late late last night. I I got to have some words with whoever booked my flight home cuz the 5 and 1/2 hour layover at Pearson was was a little rough. And this this painting behind me, I’m just moving in as well to a new condo downtown. So, uh just getting everything back together. It should be a busy week, but uh it was a fun weekend. Love it, Barney. Um good Sasky Boys that direction. Always fun. I’m sure you had a blast. But, uh want to talk to you about Saturday night’s Toronto Maple Leafs game. You see Jake McCabe there and uh my god was he thrown from the hips there. No funny business whatsoever. Do you like seeing that kind of thing and you think that’s uh that’s well needed on this roster or what do you think? Yeah, I think that’s been, you know, we’ve seen in the past. Alex Tuck, first of all, protect yourself. That’s uh that that’s a bomb. Listen, we we’ve both fought a lot over the years. I don’t think I’ve ever Well, I shouldn’t say that. Feder Fedora hit me pretty hard. But it it’s it’s definitely a thing that’s a galvanizing point and a thing I think when you look at Toronto, we’ve always talked are they are they strong enough? Are they tough enough to have success in the playoffs and they were close last year, but I I I think these kind of things from from role players uh feed down the lineup and I I think it gives you a sense of protection sometimes and not like there’s a lot of that kind of stuff that goes on or there’s fear of retribution or or the way that people play. Listen, it it it creates an identity for your team. And I certainly know Craig Buru very very well, as do you guys in in what he likes and how he likes his teams to play. This is nothing but great things for a team that’s been very lackluster uh through the first nine games. Yeah. Where you at? I mean, 44 and one through nine games. And I think it’s important to stress too last year at this time 44 and one. There’s a guy who’s now with Vegas. I mean, you really can’t have that make that, you know, have that conversation right now either. But where you where you at with this Maple Leaf team through nine games? You know what? There’s no no reason to panic. They got a big come from behind win against Buffalo. To drop two against Buffalo, uh that would not have been good. That would have not made for a great week uh for those players, but to come back this team literally they’re finding it’s a new team. Mitch Martin was a huge part of this team, especially the power play. and we and we know they struggled through the power play. That’s going to be something for them to find their way out of because listen, I I was hearing in the offseason when Mitch Mner signed uh with Vegas and they point to the playoffs and they point to so many different things. Mitch Mner scored 103 points and is a great power play guy and was a big part of this team. So, other guys are going to have to step up and we look at Matthew N with his new contract. He’s off to a good start pointwise, but Matthews is going to really like he’s at his lowest shooting percentage, you know, of his career right now. And that’s that’s that’s that’s not going that’s not going to stay for for long. So, Toronto still a very good team. They have a great chance of winning this division. They just have to find their way and play better defensively. You know, your your goalenders can’t be sub 900. Your penalty killing can’t be 78% and you can’t be that bad defensively. So, all these things are correctable and hopefully they find their way really soon. Yeah. Barnes, are you just thinking that’s um you know, finding their way under the system with some of the new bodies they have in there? I mean, losing Mitch Marner, you’re bringing a bunch of different guys in ultimately they vocalize the fact they’re trying to create a different identity. is is I guess the little bit of hiccups and like you say some of the shortcomings of the season so far. Is that just that trying to find your bearings and and get used to having this new identity? I I I wouldn’t place it on an identity. I I place it on miscommunication and just, you know, just making mistakes early on in the season. I these are all like defensively I I’d be more concerned if these guys couldn’t score goals than defensively cuz defensive defensive mind I don’t care what system you play. It’s attention to detail knowing the right man picking up the right guy on the back check and it’s a fiveman unit. It’s a goalender. It’s not just the goalending. Obviously he’s the most important. He’s the most important penalty killer. Your defense or the last line of defense but your forwards have to chip in. Right now, I I’d say all three areas just need a little bit more work and attention to detail more than anything. It’s it’s I I never put much on system unless it’s it’s so extravagant, but most people play a a very variation of the same system. So, I I don’t think it’s an identity thing. I just think it’s a lack of attention to detail at certain points in the game and and they’ll clean that up. I think it’s October. That’s the answer, boys. Um we’re we’re giving John Tvarez his flowers today, man. scores 499 over the weekend. Needs one more could happen against Calgary, the same team Matt did it over 19 years ago. But what more can you say about John Tavvar and what he’s meant to this organization, this fan base, and I think criminally underrated throughout his career, man. He just brings it year in and year out. Well, I think you have to look at the the the sentiments of his coach and the praises that he that that he brought um after him scoring 499. Listen, this guy just does the same thing over and over. And even the last couple years, people like, “Oh, it’s not the same John Tvaris. He’s slowed down. He’s the Listen, he’s put up pretty well the same amount of points as when he was a an elite player with the New York Islanders.” Then he enders himself to the fans by taking a very cap friendly number in 4.5 million, I believe it was. So, listen, this guy’s done nothing and been the epitome of class throughout his career. He’s exactly like his interviews. He’s boring. very boring, but he’s a great boring because he probably comes to the work. He probably comes to the ice every single day. Puts his skate on the exact same way. Works out the exact same way. Goes through his methodical routine routine every single day. He’s boring, but it works. And he he is the epitome of of just being consistent. And I think, you know, for young players, and Jay can attest to this, coming into the league, the hardest thing is finding consistency on every single day, you know, being the same player every single day, cuz you see guys come up from the minors and they’re really good players and they’re great one night and then they’re putrid the next and then they’re great and then they’re putrid and that’s just not the way to uh have a long career in the National Hockey League. And listen, John Tvaris is the model of consistency and I think that’s the greatest part of his game. Yeah. And speaking of the team in general, you know, they’ve in the past had a lot of regular season success and just just never amounted to anything in the playoffs worth talking about. They’ve tried to make the changes to make them more playoff ready. Which players do you think are are more playoff style of players that are going to make a difference and which ones do you think need to step up and and become a little bit more that way? Well, I think Matthew Ny and I think you look at Doi, I think you look at guys that, you know, it’s diff it’s a totally different game. There’s no sport that changes completely differently than the National Hockey League. NFL, you you could take week six and you could put it in the Super Bowl. It’s the same game. It’s physical, it’s fast, it is what it is, but it doesn’t change much. Baseball, there’s a little bit more hype, but it’s the same game. NBA, they try a little bit harder, I I find in the playoffs, but NHL, listen, game game six, I’m not laying down in front of a slapshot with my face. But if if you put me in a playoffs, I’ll do anything to to get that win. So, you look through through your your third, fourth line guys, guys that are like pieces to adding to to a top line, but Matthew N is is one of those guys that I think is going to just keep getting better and better. Max only has to be better than he is right now um through the first nine games. I think he would acknowledge that, but he’s a guy that can just play great in the playoffs and and your stars have to be your stars. If your if your best players aren’t your best players, you have zero chance in in whatever you do. So, you look at your top guys there and Knander’s been really good in the playoffs. Matthews, you know, has to take that next step and and be that guy. But it just becomes a a team first concept and different guys have to step up from game to game as you get there. What’s the key to staying engaged and playing that type of style without burning out? Because I think we can all agree in this conversation. I don’t think it’s sustainable to play the Bubby way every game. And I think there’s going to be ups and downs throughout this season. Yes, it’s what I had to do in my career was was really find that motivation. Listen, you’re you’re paid a lot of money to do it, but having said that, uh the physical toll that it does take on a day-to-day basis through 82 games, it it’s tough. And that’s why I think you have to look at Brad Marshon and and and Matthew and Brady Kachchuck. These guys bring it on a Tuesday in Anaheim. And I I think that’s that’s that’s really commendable because it’s a really really tough thing to do. So it it’s a mindset. It’s a focus. And listen, I I I don’t want my star players lying lying down in front of a slapshot in in game 23. But you know, you have to play with that consistency and and keep getting better every single game. And again, we can go back to John Tvaris. He plays the exact same way. Game three is game 82 is in the playoffs. It’s the exact same player. And I think he’s a guy that is a role model for a lot of young players on the Toronto Maple Leafs team. [Music] Um yeah, I’m just curious like you look around the standings right now and things are kind of backwards. People are floundering that you thought were going to be heavyweights. Guys that you thought are going to be, you know, bottom feeders are up at the top. Is there kind of a changing of the guard happening specifically in the Atlantic or is it just way too early to make that call? Way too early, guys. Listen, Florida’s been banged up. They don’t have Bararkov. Tampa Bay is going to be better than they are. Uh Buffalo, you know, they’re going to be a bottom feeder even though they’ve turned it around a little bit and scared the Leafs on on back-to-back nights, but it’s way too early. Let’s get to the 25 game mark and then we can start having these conversations about who’s where, who’s there. Look at look at Boston off to a 3 and 0 start and everyone’s like, “Oh my god, I didn’t expect this. I didn’t expect it.” They’ve come back to reality. They’re probably lose tonight in Ottawa. Uh it takes a little bit of time and and to to sort it all out, but um you know, the the cream rises to the top and everything fails uh after. I think we’ll see that that coming. The one team I am really excited to see where they go and and if they continue is Detroit because I’ve watched a lot of their games this year and they have been so much better and they’re a team we’re expecting to take that next step in the Montreal Canadians as well uh in in the Eastern Conference. They’ve been really good. I’ve been to two of their games and they’re a fast, dynamic team and fun to watch. So Barney, just to wrap, and it’s never too early to talk about the trade deadline, even though it’s October 27th, but if you’re running this Leafs team, what’s the one ingredient you’re looking forward to adding between now and the deadline? Oh, I I think everyone’s always looking for, you know, defensive stability. So, as they go through, um I I think they have to wait and see how the guys that they acquired in the off season um kind of pan out. I I think it’s too early. I know you love making trades before the season even starts. that’s that’s your that’s your gig and I love it. I love waking up to those texts make a trade already. So, um you know, all the above, but it it’s too early. But anything you can add to add character to this team as they go through uh guys that aren’t going to change their style when they get in the playoffs and and and big bodies. You know, you you look at teams and we can say that the league has went smaller and it has, but you can give me guys that can skate and that are big and and and physical as we get through to um the tough times when it when it when the game is totally different. Those are guys that I like to add. Tell you what, Barney, I’m going to miss the overreaction in October. I’ve been covering this team for x amount of years. It’s just hilar. It’s hilarious to me. Every October last week, everybody, the skies falling. They win and now they’re back on track. But appreciate your time. We’ll talk soon, bud. All right. Cheers, boys. Keep up the good work. Thank you as well. That’s Matthew Barnaby. Check his great work over at Daily Face Off and uh foreshadowing with Rosie. A little maybe a little Barney and Rosie special. I like that. Little little something something. Stay tuned. We’ll see. We’ll see. It’s uh it’s in the works. Looking forward to it. Good guy knows his stuff, stays on top of it, obviously. And uh always fun to pick his brain, see what he’s got cooking. But uh thanks again for him to jumping on. And uh I don’t think it’ll be something that only happens once. Yes, sir. And I like what you had to say about John Tvaris, too, right? He’s going to be front and center as we get set to preview the game coming up on Tuesday night against the Calgary Flames, looking for number 500 in his illustrious career and certainly part of uh NHL Frozen Frenzy. That’s why that game’s starting at 6 Eastern time tomorrow. Bizarre start. They moved it back 15 minutes because of uh game four of the World Series, but I think a lot of eyes will be on JT in that game for sure. And again, I just I had to give him his flowers because he’s a guy, and you said it earlier on, like we really haven’t talked about him much this year, but he’s gone about his business. He’s done his job, and that’s what I really respect about this guy. Again, I love how much he loves being a Leaf. Yeah, it’s funny how Barney just kind of reiterated our sentiment before he got on. You know, he gets to the rank first, he leaves last, he’s in the gym doing the right things, he’s working on his stuff. He is the consmate professional. And I think a guy like Nick Robertson, if you want to find some more consistency, I would shadow that guy for a week and say, “What does he do?” Because do you ever find John Tvaris just like, “God, was that bad Johnny or where was your head tonight?” I mean, I can I can think of six, seven, eight guys on the roster where sometimes you’re like, “Oh my god, was that a bad game for you?” Like you were, you just didn’t have it at all. And I don’t think John Tvaris I can’t think of a time where like yeah he sometimes he has a great game and sometimes it’s not as good but to fall off the map the way some guys can that just isn’t John Tvaris. He is as consistent as they come. And as Barney says I think it’s his professionalism the way he goes about his business that led to that kind of consistency. Um I want to get back to the um the conversation when it comes to the crease too. Is there have you seen anything in Primo to suggest like you want to find a way to keep him around or is this just as easy as putting him on waiverss hoping for the best? Maybe ends up with the Marlies because uh I thought he he made some good saves. I mean he’s done what you need from a backup goalie adequate enough to win games. 200 3.46 875. I thought it was a nice touch. Actually I was in the room after the game and I uh bumped into Keith Primo. So the family was there for that game and pretty damn cool. We had Keith on the show a couple weeks ago again, former former NHL, but the father of Kaden. He was talking about how uh they were Lease fans growing up. And so this is this is a bigger thing with friends and family in the mix. And I thought he took care of business. I thought he was good in that game against Buffalo. Yeah, he was. And uh you know, he’s fine. He served his purpose and there’s a reason that they got him and brought him into town and that’s to take Joseph Wall’s spot. And now that Joseph Wall’s back, simple inso facto, uh Primo is going to be on his way out. Um I fully expect that once Wall gets back to uh to to being in the rotation that we will see Primo on on waiverss. Um will he get picked up or not? Who’s to say? But he was brought in to fill this hole and that hole is no longer going to be there and and that in my mind means Primo is going to be on his way out. Um, did he play like what’s the question? Did he play well enough to to take Joseph Wall’s spot? Like let’s let’s be honest, not even close. And we had one of the best, if not the best, one-two punches between the pipes last year with these two guys in Stolars and Wool. And they’re going to try to recapture that as soon as humanly possible when Wool gets his feet under him and is ready to rock and roll. It is a growing trend in this league. Teams are running with three goalies. Sort of why I asked the question. But I I you know I would say too that for the first time in a while Rosie this Leafs team actually has salary cap space and that’s why they were lucky enough to have Stlars take the night completely off on Saturday. Right. Dennis Hildy got the recall. He backed up. So that that’s that’s good stuff too. Yeah. And and maybe maybe Primo hangs out on the roster and and he but like what are you going to do? Like how many reps are you going to take even in practice, dude? You got two nets and they’re filled with stolers and wool. Um maybe he like do you hang him out in the rafters that much just in case Stlars needs to ice his knee and doesn’t take a practice and you want to chuck him in there. Hill tobe is down the hallway. He can jump in there and do that if you need to. So I just don’t see enough scenario where you’re going to justify keeping Primo on roster and have him just like barely take any reps, go out there on his own on a blank sheet and have the goalie coach shooting at him and then sitting in the press box every night. Like do you think that’s a recipe to throw him into game situation in the NHL when um you know when maybe a goalie gets hurt or something? No. I think he’s going to go on waiverss and if he clears I don’t know what their goalie situation is down there besides Hildabby. But I know they got some prospects that they want to get right too. So I don’t know what they’re going to do. But I do know that they brought him in to fill the hole of Joseph Wall and that is no longer going to be an issue um in the foreseeable future with him coming back. So I just don’t see a scenario where it makes sense to keep him on roster. like how do you if if it’s to keep him ready for a whatif scenario, how the hell is he going to be ready if he can’t even take reps in practice? Yeah, you’re right. I’m just pondering out loud what what that would look like, but I don’t even know at this point if somebody would claim him. Um, again, I think he’s he’s performed uh, you know, admirable, I’ll put it. I mean, he’s made some saves. Thought he was way better in the in the second game than he was in the first game, but I I think it’s sort of an an easy dump. Uh, you got anything to add on this power play? Again, I don’t want to talk about it every show, but they’re 3 for 23. They were 1 for seven over the weekend. We saw OAL get a couple looks uh on that power play with Riley not playing Friday. You got anything you want to say about the power play? Uh, not really. When it works, it looks so easy, right? When it works and you hit, you know, Johnny in the middle and he’s a threat or else or else threat down to that right side for the one-time. It looks so easy. um they just have trouble getting it set up, you know, and teams are pretty good at killing penalties and it’s all fine, but I mean there’s there’s teams out there with drastically better power plays than the Maple Leafs and I I just don’t see a reason for it. That team should have a much better power play. So, we’ve talked about this for a long time now. I don’t know what the answer is, but I imagine that, you know, Seard and the power play units and the meetings and the video that they have, I would be scouring every other power play that’s successful against the teams in the NHL and trying to figure out what do they do that you don’t because it’s something there. Other teams finding success are doing something that you’re not. And to me, they just don’t gain entry easy enough. They don’t set up easy enough. And because of that, you don’t get very many looks. and one after another comes and goes without any success and all of a sudden you’re looking at three and 23 or whatever they are. Yeah. And again, for me it’s the same combo and we’ll laugh, but whatever. If the power play [ __ ] right now, this is more a story about can the power play cook at the right time along with every other conversation with this Maple Leafs team. Can they score in game six or game seven pending against the Florida Panthers? That’s that’s it’s amazing to say that, but a lot of my focus is more so on the spring than it is now. I know the sky is falling for a lot of people. Been battling people on Twitter the last couple of days and and week. All these people say like, “Fire this guy and wrong roster.” It’s like it’s the same. We had the same combos a year ago and and the team look a little different. So, well, they won the divi. It’s the same start as they had last year and they won to the division. So, like yeah, there’s just there’s just no benefit to losing your marbles too early. Again, I said at the beginning of the show, your level of panic should match the the sample size that you’ve had to look at things to panic about. And it’s just not very much. And even Barnaby laughed saying it’s just too early. Whether he’s talking about the standings or the Leafs in general, it’s just too early to make any conclusions on what this team is or what this division is. It’s you haven’t had enough runway. And a lot of things will change. Um obviously the key is trying to find it for the playoffs. You don’t just turn it on in the playoffs. You know, you you talk to Barnaby about what are those what are those guys that are going to be playoff ready and whatnot and the the game itself changes so much in the playoffs as he alluded to. It’s like no other sport. You go from the regular season hockey to playoff hockey. Just watch watch opening night of the playoffs. There are bodies flying everywhere, man. Guys empty the tank and they completely change their mentality. And you need to have guys that are capable of doing that. And I think the Leafs struggle has been they don’t flip the switch. They don’t change their mentality to I’m going to go play playoff hockey now. And it’s cost them every single year. It’s cost them. You get into those game fives, sixes and sevens and you just come out a little bit flat or wait for things to happen, expect things to happen, and they don’t happen and you lose and your season is over. So, this regular season’s all about, you know, being able to access that type of thing, knowing what it feels like. Having the guys that are willing to do it and understand what it takes and, you know, hopefully, you know, a runway of 82 games leads to being ready to flip that switch and and and do the damage in the playoffs because it doesn’t happen by accident. I say we launch November 1st next year. Um, and kudos to producer Vic, always on the ball. I talked about the shitty power play, 3 for 23. Did you know the Maple Leaf power play was 3 for 34 last October? Yeah, I remember it, man. I remember. I don’t ever hear it’s the same combo. They cannot win in October. They can’t even skate. They can’t string a pass. All of a sudden, it goes to November, they start winning games. It is It needs to be tested, man. I don’t know what the hell is going on. It’s weird it follows a pattern like that, but it is definitely a pattern. And yeah, I think it’s only a matter of time before this power play does find some success. Like they’re they’ve all been on different teams since they were kids, like lighting power plays up and having major success. They all know what it feels like and it’s just a matter of getting it going together. Why does this team basically suck in October consistently year after year? I don’t know, but they do and they’re following suit and this is no different than last year and they won the division. So, another good reason to uh to pump the brakes on the on the panic. I’m being kind. I won’t mention names, but I was watching the game on Saturday and a couple players like look like they would be want to be anywhere but that arena. that game it glidefest glidefest on a Saturday night a 5 Eastern start time for that game but they won and kudos to John Tavvarz great pass by Matthew Ny in support of sick hits Tammy thank you so much for the super chat it’s a travesty we don’t get big hits like that anymore often especially ones that are meant to hurt capital letters Mab’s hit plus drop in the mids was chef’s kiss we talked about that earlier I love that stuff oh it sure was man just like you’re going to skate through the house that that is the danger zone for a defenseman that they are paid to protect with with everything. I I just I want guys to look for that more, man. I was, you know, some people asked me sometimes if I knew there was a puck out there because I was I was I would rather blow a guy into the rafters and make him do a back flip and half his [ __ ] comes off and he lays there than score a goal. It was just I was always looking for it. I love that f part of the game. Um I love putting guys on their ass. It’s so demoralizing. Um guys play differently after they get sat down. You know, they stick to the outsides and they make the passes instead of cutting to the middle. And um you can affect change on a game with those big hits. And if they want to come after you after you make the big hit, then you’re ready to stand up in that way, too. And my god, just like Jake McCabe was throwing hard. I think Tuck is goddamn lucky that kind of clipped his visor and whatnot, but as Barnaby says, protect yourself. He’s got zero hands on his shoulder. He gets spun around backwards. Like, you’re the one that instigated this. You You went straight to him to say, “I I I refuse to accept that you you can play that way against my teammate. You go flying in there. You better be ready to at least hold on to a guy or protect yourself because godamn Jake McCabe was throwing from his feet and uh just about killed the guy.” ultimate question in this market. Would you take that fight if you’re tuck or you know from the lease perspective nobody do anything right? I guess that’s the magic question. You know it is the magic question. I was going to ask Barnaby about it but um you know it’s funny because the guys that love fighting and that have done a lot of the fighting are usually the ones with their hands up in the air going why does a guy have to fight after a big hit? And the guys that are a little bit softer or whatever are the ones that are usually going, I have to do something because of that great big hit. And to me, it’s kind of rooted in the fact that hitting has gone away and the concussions and the head shots and the big suspensions for what used to be a clean hit. Um, you know, players think that it’s unacceptable to throw big hits nowadays. And that’s proof in the fact that so many guys have to fight after throwing a big hit. I don’t mind seeing a great big hit. I I’ve seen my guys get get crunched before and and you just play hard and you say, “God damn, I’m going to wait for my chance where that guy’s got the puck and try to bury him.” And um that was my mentality about it. It wasn’t necessarily got to fight a guy after he throws a body check. I think I thought that was part of the game and I think there should be multiple big hits every single game. It’s it’s good for the game and it’s good for your team. And again, I love that the NHL got it right. Watching a real time, I’m like, “Oh boy, Jake McCabe’s in trouble.” But they broke it down. They they saw the tape. They they look back like I like that aspect. So they got the call right. That’s the most important part and great on Jake McCabe leadership role. It’s time now for the last call brought to you by Bet365. Whatever your bet is, it’s never ordinary at Bet 365. Download the app and get in on the game. Use code Nation. That’s Nation Natio N. Must be 19 or older. Ontario only. Please play responsibly. If you are someone you know has a gambling problem, visit conixon ontario.ca. So the Blue Jays a massive, massive underdog here in game three. Tyler Glass now against Max Scherzer. I am playing a Vladimir Guerrero anytime home run. Is that what they call it? Vlatty Bomb. I’m I’m calling a Vlatty bomb tonight. Glass now throws absolute heap. Vlatty loves fast balls. Match made in heaven. Anytime ding-dong. Hey, I like it. Um I think pitching is going to be the story here. And I’m going to take the under. It’s at 8.5. I’m going to take the under. I think it could be like a 4-2 win at the end of the day and I sure hope the Jays are on the right side of it. We’ll see what happens, man. Uh, great stuff today. Tomorrow, we’re going to tee up the Leafs and the Calgary Flames. It’s been a very difficult start for Calgary, although they beat the wheels off the Rangers on Sunday and uh there’s a there’s a a specific flame coming to town. They’re going to be all over. Okay, your former teammate Nazim Kaji, right? and the speculation already underway in this market about the trade deadline. Nazim the dream. It’s not Nazim, it’s Nauseam. I get it. I get it. Yeah, it’d be fun to see him play. Uh he was cooking the other day. I saw him bury a couple. He’s got lots left to give. It’s funny. I I I kind of still think of him as a little 18-year-old kid still figuring out how to be a pro, which was hilarious to watch. But uh he is a wy old veteran right now and still got lots of good hockey to give. again coming off a big win against the Rangers there after an abysmal start bottom feeders in the league. Um I would make sure you don’t take them lightly and try to you know take all the things that got you that that win on Saturday night and apply them to the Flames. If you play anything close to your best game or a 60-minute game, you should mop the floor with these Flames. They really don’t have a whole lot going on besides handful of guys and and a goalender. So yeah, be ready and uh the two points are on the table. you need them. And so we’ll tee that out tomorrow. And uh as an aside, Matt Stagen, former Toronto Maple Leaf, former Calgary Flames, going to drop by the podcast. So we’ll catch up with Stage coming up tomorrow. Uh Michael, thank you so much for the super chat. Just to wrap here, did you guys know Tampa and Florida beat Vegas? Yes, I I was very well aware of that that the Vegas Golden Knights lost both games in Florida over the weekend. I don’t want to be that I don’t want to be that guy, but I’m sorry. I uh I don’t mind I don’t mind seeing them I loved it. I enjoyed it. I saw Florida 3 Vegas zero. I’m like memories memories. Pretty bad when uh our rivals in the division. You’re happy they’re winning. I know. [ __ ] Anyway, two points. Whatever. Um fun stuff. Fun stuff. And again, a travesty that we don’t get to play the Golden Knights uh earlier or sooner in the state in the season or on a bigger stage. It’s kind of this whimper of a of a scheduling blunder that they’ve had, but nonetheless, we do not mention his name. January 15th, January 23rd. Those are the two dates we have uh circled certainly on our calendar here at Lease Morning Take. Thank you to everybody in the chat. You guys are fantastic at the Leafs Nation 401. Hit that like button, hit that subscribe button. Lease Morning Take, wherever you find your podcast, make sure to leave us a fivestar review and don’t forget to visit the leafnation.com. So again, Matt Staging coming up tomorrow. Thank you to producer Vic for Jay Rosel. I’m Nick Albera. Make sure to check out more of our content right here on the Leafs Nation YouTube page. We got long form interviews, we got clips, we got epic rants by Jay Roso. We simply have it all. And don’t forget, you can find out much more at the leafsnation.com. Thanks so much for watching.

Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill recap Toronto’s weekend split with the Buffalo Sabres. The boys discuss John Tavares closing in on 500 career goals, Joseph Woll’s return, & the team’s ongoing injury concerns. Plus, Daily Faceoff’s Matthew Barnaby drops by to dissect the Leafs’ 4-4-1 start.

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