The Jeff Marek Show

Sportsnet

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Sportsnet insider Jeff Marek goes around the league in Sportsnet 590 The FAN’s national NHL show, airing live across the country daily from 12pm-2pm ET. Opinion, news and analysis featuring daily segments from insider Elliotte Friedman.

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1061 episodes

The Nasty Bruins-Panthers Series + Mike Rupp Joins the Show

Jeff and Michael Russo of The Athletic discuss the Florida-Boston series, how the Panther fan base has evolved from his time covering the team and how Bill Zito has built the roster. Next, Jeff and Producer Matt talk about too many men and embellishment penalties in the playoffs, before looking into Jamie Benn's hit on Devon Toews and the play of Artemi Panarin (18:06). Mike Rupp, former NHLer and current NHL Network analyst, stops by to break down the Rangers' OT winner, how New York has played during these playoffs and Jacob Trouba’s violent, but clean style of play (45:52).  

1h 6m
May 10
The Latest with Elliotte Friedman: New York Pushes Carolina to the Brink

Jeff and Elliotte discuss the main takeaways from Toronto’s end of season management availability, what’s next for the team and Mitch Marner, as well as the latest on the coaching search. Next, they look at who might be starting for the Canucks in Game 2, Leon Draisaitl’s availability and what we will see from Connor McDavid. To close out the segment, Jeff and Elliotte react to the Rangers jumping out to a 3-0 series lead over the Hurricanes, what happens if Carolina gets swept and all the comebacks we’ve seen in the playoffs.  

32m
May 10
Maple Leafs Management Speaks

Jeff introduces the Toronto Maple Leafs press conference featuring Keith Pelley, Brendan Shanahan and Brad Treliving (04:30). Later, Jeff and Producer Matt react to what we heard during the press conference and the sense of changes on the horizon for the club (50:32). Former Maple Leafs GM Gord Stellick joins the show give his thoughts on what was heard from management, how the tone of the message was different from years before and where the changes begin following the dismissal of Sheldon Keefe (01:03:45).  

1h 26m
May 10
The Travis Green Hire + Sheldon Keefe Bids Farewell to Toronto

Jeff and Ian Mendes of The Athletic talk about how close the Senators roster is to being a playoff team, Travis Green’s hiring in Ottawa and how the fan base has reacted to it. Next up, Sportsnet's Luke Fox weighs in on Sheldon Keefe’s farewell video, his tenure with the Maple Leafs and the toll the job takes on coaches (18:52). Producer Matt joins the conversation to offer his thoughts on what’s next for the Leafs and David Pastrňák dropping the gloves with Matthew Tkachuk (38:26). Later, Cory Lavalette of the North State Journal looks at the future of Rod Brind’Amour in Carolina, the decision to go to Pyotr Kochetkov in net for Game 3 and what needs to improve in order for the Hurricanes to get back into this series (50:47).  

1h 8m
May 09
The Latest with Elliotte Friedman: Changes in Leaf Land

Jeff and Elliotte react to the firing of Sheldon Keefe by the Maple Leafs, how he will be viewed around the league and who Toronto might be looking at for their head coaching vacancy. Next, they look at how Craig Berube might be viewed in the same light as Barry Trotz was the previous off-season, Vancouver’s comeback against Edmonton and the goaltending situations for both teams ahead of Game 2. In closing, Jeff and Elliotte chat about the ending of the Panthers-Bruins game and the narrative change on David Pastrňák.  

29m
May 09
Post-Lottery Fun with Jason Bukala

Jeff and Sportsnet's Jason Bukala look at the Sharks winning the lottery after a very tough season and if we see both Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith in San Jose this coming year, as well as what the team will be getting in Celebrini. Next, they discuss the elite talent coming out of Western Canada and why we’ve seen that change. To wrap up, Jeff and Jason chat about which players we should have our eyes on after the first overall pick.  

21m
May 08
MvsW: Lottery Security Guard, Greg Wyshynski

Jeff and Greg look back on last night's NHL Draft Lottery, the latter getting to observe the process, and discuss conspiracy theories with the event over the years. Moving on, the guys talk about the Jacob Trouba missed hit, the Rangers rolling through the first six games of the playoffs and why Carolina is still in a comfortable spot because of how well they play at home. Wrapping up, Jeff and Greg react to Colorado’s comeback in Game 1 against Dallas, why the Avs look like a juggernaut and how much more attractive the San Jose head coaching vacancy has become.  

26m
May 08
Draft Lottery Chaos Scenarios + Hart Trophy Finalists Revealed

Jeff and Producer Matt discuss chaotic NHL Draft Lottery scenarios, how the Bruins overcame great odds to win Game 1 and if Matt Rempe stays in the Rangers lineup. Mike Kelly of NHL Network and Sportlogiq chats about Jeremy Swayman’s dominance, how close the Hurricanes might be to making a goalie switch and reaction to the Hart Trophy finalists (17:15). Later on, college hockey insider Mike McMahon weighs in on where things currently stand with any potential NCAA-CHL agreement, the potential legal issues on the horizon and how any deal would level the playing field for NCAA teams (48:56).  

1h 7m
May 07
The Latest with Elliotte Friedman: Two Coaching Jobs Off the Board

Jeff and Elliotte look at the coaching news around the league including why the Senators chose Travis Green over other candidates, if the league is taking a different approach to their coaching hires and Sheldon Keefe taking responsibility for the Leafs’ first round exit. The conversation shifts to how Toronto’s management post-season availabilities changed, which remaining coaching job is the most intriguing and what’s next for the Kings. To finish up, Jeff and Elliotte react to Boston’s surprising Game 1 win over Florida, Jeremy Swayman taking the reins of the net and Matt Rempe’s impact, both good and bad, for the Rangers.  

31m
May 07
Vancouver Gets Ready for Edmonton + Teeing Up Panthers-Bruins

Jeff chats with Sportsnet's Dan Murphy about his memories of covering Rick Bowness, how the Canucks got past the Predators and the influence of Director of Goaltending Ian Clark. Jeff and Producer Matt discuss the Bruins’ plan in net for Game 1 against the Panthers and if Matt Rempe should be in the Rangers lineup in Game 2 (19:10), before Sheldon Keefe speaks to the media (31:34). Later on, Sportsnet's Garry Galley talks about the mindset for the Bruins ahead of Game 1, Gustav Forsling’s impact on the Panthers’ defensive unit and Aleksander Barkov playing the role of Patrice Bergeron in this series (52:09).  

1h 8m
May 06
The Latest with Elliotte Friedman: The Murky Future of the Leafs

Jeff and Elliotte kick off the show talking about Travis Green and the link to the Ottawa Senators, Rick Bowness announcing his retirement and how the game will miss him. Next, the conversation moves to the Toronto Maple Leafs, how the Keith Pelley hire will affect the early part of the off-season and the future of Brendan Shanahan. In closing, the guys look at the Vegas Golden Knights after a first round exit, if Nic Hague might become available and Nashville’s need for additional scoring.  

29m
May 06
The Leafs Stay Alive + Setting Up a Couple of Game 6's

Jeff and Producer Matt look back on Toronto’s Game 6 victory over Boston, if Jim Montgomery is on the hot-seat with a Bruins’ series loss and the award landscape this season. Former NHL defenceman and current Predators analyst, Hal Gill discusses what has made Andrew Brunette so impactful with the Preds, the vibe surrounding the Nashville players and how the team has rebounded after Colton Sissons’ missed empty net in Game 4 (32:50). Shayna Goldman of The Athletic weighs in on the entertainment of the first round, Rick Tocchet being the favourite for the Jack Adams Trophy and how the Leafs have clawed back into their series with Boston (50:02). Later on, Golden Knights insider Gary Lawless chats about how good the series between Vegas and Dallas has been, the decision to go to Adin Hill in Game 5 and Alex Pietrangelo’s play in the series (01:22:17).  

1h 39m
May 03
The Freight Train Avalanche + Connor Hellebuyck Speaks

Jeff chats with Corey Masisak of the Denver Post about how Justus Annunen’s illness changed the series with Winnipeg, Cale Makar's case as the best defenseman in the league without winning the Norris Trophy and how impressive both Artturi Lehkonen and Valeri Nichushkin were in the first round. Later on, Producer Matt talks about Jeff’s bookshelf, Connor Hellebuyck’s season ending comments about his performance in round 1 and his ridiculous superstitions for Leaf playoff games (17:23).  

34m
May 02
MvsW: Who is Pierre-Luc Dubois?

Jeff and Greg start out by discussing Auston Matthews missing a second straight game, Toronto’s inability to play well at home and if we might see a Game 7 in Boston. Next, they try and figure out what Pierre-Luc Dubois is, how Quinton Byfield has overtaken Dubois as the heir apparent to Anže Kopitar and the future of Rob Blake. To finish up, Jeff and Greg weigh in on how players are starting to evolve and why the Dallas-Vegas series should probably be over already.    

32m
May 02
The Latest with Elliotte Friedman: No Matthews Again for the Leafs

Jeff and Elliotte open the show discussing Auston Matthews missing another elimination game, the criticism of Jim Montgomery and the opportunity for Leaf players to step up in Matthews’ absence. Next, they look at the potential for Rod Brind’Amour to leave Carolina, the Pierre-Luc Dubois conundrum and what’s next for the Kings. To wrap, they chat about the Dallas-Vegas series and how the lineup changes could indicate some concern for the Golden Knights.  

30m
May 02
First Round Fanfare + What's Next for the Isles and Jets?

Fill-in host Matt Marchese is joined by NHL Network Radio’s Jonathan Davis who shares some takeaways from last night’s dramatic slate of games and previews Wednesday’s action. Stars studio host Brien Rea tees up Game 5 between Dallas and Vegas, the Knights’ decision to start Adin Hill over Logan Thompson, Wyatt Johnston’s playoff breakout and the story of the series thus far (31:45). Later, Scott Laughlin of NHL Network Radio stops by to discuss the Canucks' concerns after dropping Game 5, along what's ahead for the Islanders this summer (50:05). Finally, Sean Reynolds gives a full breakdown of what went wrong for the Jets as they fall to the Avalanche in five games (01:21:28).  

1h 39m
May 01
Dave Hakstol Dismissed + Colby Armstrong Joins the Show

Jeff chats with Kate Shefte of the Seattle Times about the Kraken moving on from Dave Hakstol, if the new opening is Dan Bylsma’s to lose and if this could be a summer of big moves for Seattle. Next up, Jeff and Producer Matt battle it out on goaltender interference and Jon Cooper’s post-game comments, before discussing the career of T.J. Oshie (18:52). Later on, NHL analyst Colby Armstrong talks about having fun on the NHL on TNT panel, which series has been his favourite and the Panthers taking over as the top dog in the state of Florida (49:40).   

1h 8m
Apr 30
The Latest with Elliotte Friedman: Did Tampa Pass the Torch in Florida?

Jeff and Elliotte start off by look at the two disallowed goals in the closing game for Tampa, if we’ve seen the torch passed from the Lightning to the Panthers in the state of Florida and what the future holds for certain members of the Bolts. Next, they chat about the entertainment in the Dallas-Vegas series, the emergence of Wyatt Johnston and the Leafs making changes ahead of Game 5. In closing, Jeff and Elliotte weigh in on Winnipeg’s lineup juggling, Vancouver looking to close out against Nashville and the firing of Dave Hakstol in Seattle.  

29m
Apr 30
Bolts' Bolstered Blue Line + Caps Swept Away

Guest host Matt Marchese is joined by Dave Randorf, play-by-play voice for the Tampa Bay Lightning, to discuss Mikhail Sergachev's return and the factors that can help the Bolts claw back into the series, before teeing up tonight's do-or-die Game 5 in the Battle of Florida. Next up, Sportsnet's own David Amber joins the conversation to share his takeaways from a busy weekend of playoff hockey and preview Monday's slate of games (18:20). Later on, Vince Mercogliano of USA Today and SNY stops by to discuss the Rangers' 4-0 sweep of the Capitals, what lies ahead in the second round, and what's next for Washington's aging core (51:05).   

1h 8m
Apr 29
The Latest with Elliotte Friedman: A Matthews Update and the Comeback Canucks

Guest host Matt Marchese is joined by Elliotte Friedman to discuss a busy weekend in the NHL playoffs. The pair dive into the Canucks' comeback win in Nashville with third-string goaltender Arturs Silovs between the pipes, along with Auston Matthews' ailment that kept him off the ice during the third period of Saturday's game. Later on, the pair dive into the state of the Jets after falling behind 3-1 to the Avalanche, what to make of Connor Hellebuyck's play in the series, and their other takeaways from this weekend's postseason slate.  

31m
Apr 29
Oilers Concerns + Jets Looking for 2nd Line Breakout

Jeff chats with Jason Gregor, host of about his Bob Cole memories, how the Kings managed to even their series with the Oilers and if there’s some concern surrounding Stuart Skinner. Sportsnet's own John Bartlett looks back on the impact that Bob Cole had on his career, before getting into the goaltending questions in the Jets-Avalanche series and the struggles by Winnipeg’s second line (19:41). Later on, Producer Matt gives a William Nylander update and takes a look back on the 2014 draft (52:30).  

1h 9m
Apr 26
The Latest with Elliotte Friedman: Lightning & Islanders on the Brink

Jeff and Elliotte kick off the show looking back on the life of Bob Cole and the impact he had on the hockey world. Next, they chat about which of the Islanders or Lightning would be more discouraged by a sweep, the entertainment in the Battle of Florida and how Tampa has become a very attractive destination. To finish up, Jeff and Elliotte talk about Ilya Sorokin, an interesting name that has surfaced in the San Jose coaching search and the spotlight on Elias Pettersson.  

29m
Apr 26
Remembering the Legendary Bob Cole

Jeff chats with Hurricanes studio analyst Shane Willis about the conclusion of Game 2 between the 'Canes and Islanders, how Carolina can overcome the loss of Brett Pesce and the improvements made by Seth Jarvis. Later, Jeff reminisces about the life and times of Bob Cole with Harry Neale, Cassie Campbell-Pascall, Ron MacLean, John Davidson, Mark Askin and Dick Irvin (17:22).  

1h 11m
Apr 25
The Latest with Elliotte Friedman: A Nylander Update

Jeff and Elliotte react to the news of what William Nylander is dealing with and Brad Marchand’s great performance in Game 3. Next, they look at Vegas taking a 2-0 series lead going back home, the chemistry between Mark Stone and Tomas Hertl, and Bruce Cassidy getting the most out of his team. To wrap up, the guys chat about L.A. grabbing an OT win over Edmonton, the firing of David Quinn in San Jose and Alex Vlasic’s extension in Chicago.  

31m
Apr 25
“Committed to the Pain” + The Rangers Grab Another Win

Jeff and Producer Matt look back at Nashville’s Game 2 victory, Elias Pettersson’s struggles and the potential ramifications of another first round exit for Tampa. The Athletic's Peter Baugh chats about how the Rangers have shut down Alex Ovechkin, Igor Shesterkin being the key a long playoff run and Colorado’s depth (32:48). Later on, Matt joins the conversation to discussing the commentary surrounding Mark Stone and his injury, before providing an update on Brett Pesce (49:50).  

1h 5m
Apr 24
MvsW: Which Star’s Performance is Worrisome?

Jeff and Greg discuss the idea of Utah’s team being called "NHL Utah", the secrecy surrounding William Nylander and availability of information with the NHL’s relationship with gambling companies. Next, they look at which star’s performance has been the most concerning, the Stanley Cup path for certain teams and how Nashville can beat Vancouver. To wrap up, Jeff and Greg chat about Spencer Carbery’s comments on Alex Ovechkin, the Islanders melting down in Game 2 and Lindy Ruff’s hire in Buffalo.  

33m
Apr 24
Vancouver’s Third Line Success + Playoff Memories with Chris Wideman

Jeff is joined by Sportsnet's Iain MacIntyre to talk about what has stood out early in the playoffs, Rick Tocchet’s decision to not challenge Ryan O’Reilly’s goal in Game 1 and the success of Vancouver’s third line. Next up, former NHL defenceman Chris Wideman chats with Jeff about when players start to prepare for the playoffs, what series has caught his attention and his own personal playoff experience (18:17). Later on, we hear from NHL Utah Owner Ryan Smith and his appearance on the (50:15).  

1h 6m
Apr 23
The Latest with Elliotte Friedman: McDavid and Matthews Shine in Wins

Jeff and Elliotte look back on Connor McDavid’s commanding performance Monday night and Los Angeles not being able to keep up offensively with Edmonton. Next, the guys discuss Auston Matthews’ best game as a Leaf, a bounce back from Ilya Samsonov and the secrecy surrounding William Nylander. To finish, Jeff and Elliotte react to the “double goalie pull”, the domination of the Hurricanes over the Islanders and Buffalo hiring Lindy Ruff as their (sort of) new head coach.  

31m
Apr 23
Who Will Start for Boston + Jake Allen Joins the Show

Jeff is joined by former NHL goalie and current NESN analyst, Andrew Raycroft, to talk about the Bruins’ decision between the pipes for Game Two, the mindset of Jeremy Swayman if he doesn’t start and the evolution of Brad Marchand. Next up, Producer Matt weighs in on Vancouver’s non-challenge, Mark Stone’s potential return to the lineup and what qualifies as a true first-round upset (18:00). Later on, NHL netminder and new Sportsnet analyst, Jake Allen, discusses his broadcasting debut and what he looks for in his analysis, before breaking down how shooters turned to shooting “triangle” and not five-hole (49:08).  

1h 7m
Apr 22
The Latest with Elliotte Friedman: Opening Weekend Without Surprises

Jeff and Elliotte kick things off talking about Vegas embracing the role of the villain, before debating who is facing the bigger consequences with a series loss between the Golden Knights and Stars. Next, they pair take a look back at the weekend of playoff games and share which matchup stood out the most. To wrap, they discuss what Colorado might do in net for Game 2, Evander Kane telling people he’s been playing through a sports hernia, and the disappointment for Leaf fans in Game 1.  

31m
Apr 22