The FAN Morning Show
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Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Hour 3 talking with the President of Hockey Content at Daily Faceoff, Frank Seravalli! He shares his thoughts on the Maple Leafs' goaltending situation, how the team will manage their tandem heading into the postseason, and which netminder has garnered the most trust, before comparing two elite goalscorers: Auston Matthews and Alex Ovechkin. Later on, Joe Siddall of Blue Jays Central joins the guys to offer his takeaways from Toronto's opening series against Tampa Bay (25:16). He dives into the team's approach at the plate, who will slot in at third base, Davis Schneider' upside when in the lineup, and what fans should expect from Bowden Francis tonight.
On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning welcome former Leafs General Manager and host of NHL Morning Skate to breakdown Auston Matthews getting 60 goals. Where does he rank this amongst the accomplishments he has seen for the Leafs? Who does Gord think should be the starter for the team come game one of the playoffs? And what do the Leafs' D pairings look like going into the playoffs? The guys then try to get into the mindset Panthers and who would you rather play? The Leafs or Lightning? The guys then look around the majors and the Yankee’s impressive start. Is Juan Soto becoming the new face of baseball? And did Genesis Cabrera deserve the 3 game suspension he got (26:32)? Boys close out the hour with the daily Wake and Rake! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off the week recapping Auston Matthews' historic night in Buffalo on Saturday. What does it mean to have scored 60 goals for the second time in his career? Where does this accomplishment rank amongst the Leafs' most recent ones? And do we underappreciate him in this city? What do we make of Ilya Samsonov's play on Saturday? How good does he have to be to win the starting job come playoff time? And what exactly is Mitch Marner trying to say?! The boys then recap the Blue Jays first weekend in Tampa and how they feel about it. What is the overall feeling the guys come away with? How much is Vladdy’s hot start cause for cheer? And what are some other observations from the lineup? (35:35) The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning begin the final hour of today's program with an early peek at the NHL standings, how the playoff matchups are lining up, and who's still on the outside looking in. They welcome on Jack Adams Award winner, Bruce Boudreau, for his thoughts on which Wild Card team could make some noise in the postseason, before getting into Mitch Marner's absence from the Maple Leafs and what qualities help a team peak at the right time. Later on, Sam McKee, friend of the show and Producer of , look back on the successful evening that was for Toronto sports yesterday featuring wins from the Maple Leafs and Blue Jays (23:37).
Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning talk about what the keys were to scoring those bunch of runs and if it's sustainable. Toronto also had 3 home runs on Opening Day and with players hitting the long ball, the discussion naturally turns to if the “BARRIO” jacket will return as well. They also discuss Joey Votto posting a picture of himself in the stands at the Trop for Game 1 of the Jays season. They wonder if there was anything to it or that’s Joey just being Joey. Next B&B turn their attention back to hockey and the Leafs, whose impressive win last night against the Capitals was led by Toronto’s secondary scoring. We’ve all become familiar with TML’s “Core four” so the morning duo ponders if the group of other forwards needs a nickname too. After that, Ben & Brent head to Tampa to check in with Sportsnet baseball columnist & reporter, Shi Davidi, to give his thoughts on the Jays' first game of the season and if that’s what should expect from this team on a regular basis (23:56). The hour ends with the Wake and Rake! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show on MLB’s Opening Day and Toronto winning Game 1 of 162. The boys discuss why the approach the team showed at the plate and how the Jays had contributions from throughout the line-up including their superstars doing what they’re supposed to do. They then turn their attention to the Leafs (31:30) and how it was as good as a response the team could have had and that head coach Sheldon Keefe wanted. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
The FAN Morning Show’s final hour leans fully into the Blue Jays’ season opener with baseball talk from a pair of ex-MLBers still making an impact in the game. First up, former catcher and manager in the big leagues, now Sportsnet TV analyst, Buck Martinez joins hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning to preview Toronto's first test in Tampa Bay. The trio dive into their expectations for the rotation, the re-adjusted batting order, and who's in prime position to take a step up this season. Later, Canadian Baseball Hall of Famer, 3x MLB All-Star, World Series Champ and 1996 Cy Young Award winner, Pat Hentgen stops by (24:26)! He reflects on the expectations and pressures that come with getting called up to the bigs on a team with World Series aspirations and relates his experience to that of Ricky Tiedemann; what he’s seen from him and what he can see for him in the future. Pat also gives some thoughts on the Jays' rotation and why he believes they’ll have continued success this season, before Ben and Brent wrap up with some final thoughts ahead of first pitch.
On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning discuss why this is the greatest time in the sports calendar. They then focus on the Blue Jays and aspirations for this season, how last season went, what was frustrating and if we can expect improvement in those areas. They look at what their postseason potential is and how, for the core, this is a “win now” season. Notebook writer, Anthony Petrielli (25:46) of Maple Leafs Hot Stove joins Ben and Brent to discuss what needs to be fixed down the stretch of the season and what might make the most sense for the blueline and when is the optimal time for Mitch Marner to come back The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show getting you set on Blue Jays Opening Day. They start with some takeaways from what they heard from Jays’ GM Ross Atkins and Manager John Schneider yesterday on some player and roster updates. Next B&B gives you some reasons to be optimistic about this season for the Jays as well as a few things that the team’s success depends on. It is also a Leafs game day today with Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals in town (31:49). The morning duo break down if they expect to see a big bounce back day from the ‘blue & white’ as well as what seemed like a lot of news to come out of a non-practice day from the team including some updates on players’ health. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Hour 3 diving into the NHL standings, how the playoff picture is lining up, and what they're looking for from the Maple Leafs down the stretch. Later, Ben and Brent get set for the start of the 2024 MLB regular season with former Blue Jays draft pick and host of , Erik Kratz (20:25)! The former Major Leaguer turned media mogul brings the energy as always and weighs in on the Jays' chances in the A.L. East, the relationship between John Schneider and Ross Atkins, Joey Votto being in the mix, what the heck an offensive co-ordinator exactly is, and the latest Shohei Ohtani developments.
On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning discuss whether or not they believe Sheldon Keefe and Toronto should rest some of their players in these remaining regular season games. They also wonder why Matt Murray’s name keeps coming up; why and what that could mean in the big picture of things. Next, B&B welcomes their ‘Leafs Historian’, author and longtime The Star contributor, Damien Cox (26:00) to the mix to continue the conversation. The trio discusses last night’s game and what glaring concerns around this team are heading into the playoffs. Is there any more confidence in this team to make a run than in the past? The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show and dissect the game that had a few bright spots, like the unavoidable chemistry developing between Matthews-Bertuzzi-Domi, but post-game comments from head coach Sheldon Keefe. Do the Leafs lack a “killer instinct” in those types of games? Did Joseph Woll miss a big opportunity to take the lead in the net? They also look around the League on a busy night in the NHL including a scrappy game between the Bruins & Panthers that saw Boston continue their regular season dominance. The morning duo also updates you on some MLB stories with news Jordan Montgomery has finally signed and a lack of response from Ohtani (35:41). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning set off into Hour 3 teeing up the Maple Leafs' matchup against the Devils tonight, and why this could be a “trap week” for Toronto with a game against the Panthers looming next Monday. They bring on Sportsnet's Luke Fox to diagnose what's plaguing this team right now, before raising questions about the blue line pairings, who starts in goal, and Mitch Marner's return timeline. Later, MLB Network’s Adnan Virk gives his thoughts on the Blue Jays and the American League East ahead of Opening Day later this week, before getting into Shohei Ohtani's press conference addressing the alleged gambling scandal (25:55).
On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning preview tonight’s game versus the Devils in Toronto. They look at how the two teams aren’t that far apart in goalie save percentage points but are in very different situations. Next, B&B revisits the Zach Hyman conversation and how different things could have been if the Leafs had kept him. Later, ESPN Gambling reporter & betting analyst, David Purdum joins the show (27:23) to discuss what raised red flags, how uncommon these situations are and what the possible blowback could be for all parties involved including the league in both the Porter and the Ohtani situations. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning begin The FAN Morning Show not talking about any game, but instead a couple of stories related to athletes and gambling. First up, The boys address Shohei Ohtani, who spoke for the first time yesterday after the story broke about his interpreter stealing money from him to pay off gambling troubles. The newest Dodgers’ superstar wanted to go on record as to what he knew; the guys dissect his comments and where it leaves him & MLB. Next more locally, and breaking last night, was another story involving an investigation into Raptors’ Jontay Porter regarding some betting irregularities. The guys get you caught up on what we know. To end the hour the morning duo gives some quick Jays thoughts including Kevin Gausman’s impressive first and only start of spring as well as a trio of Toronto pitchers that will start the season on the IL (36:27). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning begin Hour 3 recapping the Maple Leafs' weekend featuring back-to-back games against two legit Stanley Cup contenders alongside Daily Faceoff NHL Insider, Frank Seravalli. They share their takeaways from the games and chat about Toronto's depth down the lineup, before taking a look around the league to discuss Zach Hyman, John Tortorella, and Tom Wilson. To close today’s show, the boys go in-depth on the latest from the Shohei Ohtani saga, the discrepancies in the story, and what to expect from Ohtani on the podium today (35:17)
On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning bring on former Toronto GM, now Leafs analyst & insider Gord Stellick to see if the Carolina Hurricanes are Cup favourites and the trio discuss how close the Leafs are to them. They take time to discuss TML’s blueline, goaltending & special teams and what aspect needs to step up most. Next, the morning duo head to Florida and check in with Sportsnet Blue Jays reporter Arden Zwelling (25:23) on the team and the player position roster decisions that were made; they dive into the guys who won jobs to join the team out of camp including Daniel Vogelbach, Davis Schneider & Ernie Clement. They also get an update on Kevin Gausman who pitches today and what expectations should be for him going into Thursday’s season opener. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show talking Maple Leafs after a busy weekend with back-to-back games. The guys discuss if there were more positives than negatives coming out of it and if this is the best depth TML has had in this generation. B&B also take some time to talk about TJ Brodie’s re-emergence into the line-up and how they see him fitting in come playoffs. The morning duo also dive into the goaltending situation for the team as well as their special teams. To end the hour, they quickly hit on the Blue Jays who made their position player decisions that included Daniel Vogelbach making the team and wonder where that leaves Joey Votto (39:36). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning wrap up another week on the program alongside two-time Stanley Cup-winning executive, Mike Futa! The trio tee the Maple Leafs' big weekend with back-to-back games against a pair of contenders, before getting into what it takes to go on a deep playoff run and what it would mean for a Canadian team to bring a Cup back to Canada. Next, longtime NHLer turned HNIC broadcaster, Craig Simpson joins the boys for a full deep dive into the Leafs’ week that was and the lineup adjustments we’ve seen, along with a complete preview of Saturday’s game against the Oilers (25:52).
On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning start by talking hockey but more big picture stuff specifically what it would mean to have a Canadian team win the Stanley Cup, would it change the narrative of players wanting to suit up north of the border? Next B&B check-in down in Florida with Sportsnet’s MLB Insider Shi Davidi for an update on the Jays' camp. They start on some takeaways from Mark Shapiro talking to the media yesterday and what he said in regards to the pursuit of Shohei Ohtani, the core of the current team and the future of the franchise. They also discuss an optimal Jays’ line-up with Justin Turner, how the trade of Santiago Espinal helps the team and where Joey Votto could fit in. The boys hit on a few other stories including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder in Toronto tonight to play the Raptors and Canada Soccer needing a victory this weekend; how a loss would be a step back but a win could be a bigger burden financially to the association (35:13). The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
Hosts Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning looking ahead to Saturday and a big showdown on Saturday night on Hockey Night in Canada between the Edmonton Oilers and the Toronto Maple Leafs, which also means Connor McDavid versus Auston Matthews. The boys first look at the Oilers game last night that saw McJesus have 4 points and former Leaf Zach Hyman score twice. They also take time to wonder how things would be different had Zach stayed in Toronto with the Leafs. B&B dive into who is most under the microscope for the Leafs in such an important matchup: Could it be TJ Brodie? Next, the morning duo turn their attention to the in-person hearing Tom Wilson now has and what the outcome of that could be. And before the hour ends, Ben & Brent hit on some MLB including another Boras client signing and Joey Votto’s current binge-watching choices (37:31). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning launch into Hour 3 with a look at Maple Leafs' roster decisions heading into the final stretch of the season, before teeing up Saturday's marquee matchup with the Oilers. Luke Gazdic, former NHLer and host of the podcast, harnesses his history with both franchises to give us some insight on the game and the ceiling for both teams, along with his take on some of the biggest NHL storylines this week. Later, former Raptors fan favourite, Jerome Williams a.k.a. "The Junkyard Dog", reflects on his time in the city and some memories from his career, before looking ahead to a charity basketball event he will be a part of this weekend in Toronto (31:35).
On hour two of The FAN Morning Show Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning, not only focus on superstar Auston Matthews but his linemates Max Domi & Tyler Bertuzzi as well. The morning duo switch gears back to MLB and bring on former MLB executive David P. Samson, host of the daily ‘Nothing Personal’ podcast to discuss how the Dodgers handled the Shohei Ohtani interpreter situation and if this could result in a big problem for MLB. Switching back to hockey, the host welcomes Stanley Cup champ, Nick Kypreos (21:03), to weigh in on the Leafs, their big win last night and if they can put a game like that together on the regular. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show much like Toronto head coach Sheldon Keefe, waxing poetically about the Leafs’ imposing win over the Capitals in which they took a lead from the start and never looked back. The boys start by welcoming back, Auston Matthews, who was an offside away from another hat trick last night, and discuss just how dominating the Leafs’ superstar was. B&B takes time to appreciate watching two of the greatest goal-scorers the League may ever see on the ice at the same time going at. They also take some time to dissect the healthy scratching of Leafs D-man TJ Brodie; what it could mean and how they see the blueline pairings may pan out for the playoffs. Before the hour ends, Ben & Brent try to explain the Shohei Ohtani scandal that broke out yesterday involving his interpreter and what it means for MLB. They finish on a quick dissection of the Blue Jays’ trading of Santiago Espinal (35:14). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show teeing up the Maple Leafs' matchup Washington and the adjustments they expect Sheldon Keefe to make after last night's loss to Philadelphia. Sportsnet’s own Luke Fox weighs in on Toronto's blueline combos that have garnered the most trust, what the the team needs to work on ahead of postseason play, and if players should be given time off to rest before the playoffs officially begin. Next up, former NHL goalie and current TNT analyst, Darren Pang shares his take on John Tortorella benching his captain in yesterday's contest, before taking a look at the standings and who holds the advantage for the final playoff spots in the Eastern Conference (29:07). They can’t let the former netminder go without getting his thoughts on the best goalies in the NHL right now and who he’d trust most in the playoffs with a series on the line. You might be surprised by his answer.
On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning begin by looking at some players specifically and what they hope for them by the season’s end. Would it be disappointing for Auston Matthews to end with a low 60s goal total? Has Ryan Reaves already served his purpose? The boys discuss those as well as more on the goaltending, special teams and line adjustments. They look at potential first round matchups and how TML measures up to whoever it is. Next, the morning duo turn their attention back to the Blue Jays and head down to Florida to connect with Sportsnet 590’s Kevin Barker (23:39). He gives B&B some insight and thoughts on some of the latest from there including the recently reported injuries to Jordan Romano & Erik Swanson. The trio also discusses season expectations for the likes of Daulton Varsho & Justin Turner as well as what they think would be ideal for Toronto on Opening Day. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
Ben Ennis & Brent Gunning kick off The FAN Morning Show reacting to last night's Leafs game in which they fell behind twenty seconds in and were never able to catch up. The boys react to Leafs’ head coach Sheldon Keefe’s post-game comments; how he felt they weren’t prepared for the game and how he didn’t like any aspect of his team. Next, the morning duo took some time to examine the game from the Flyers' perspective as Philadelphia head coach John Tortorella decided to scratch his team captain, Sean Couturier. Before the hour ends, Ben & Brent hit on the start of the MLB season as the first game between the Padres & Dodgers is on live during the show. They also take some time to discuss some Jays-specific news including Jose Berrios officially being announced as the Opening Day starter and the injuries a couple of their relievers are dealing with (38:07). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning kick off Hour 3 alongside Sam McKee of and They discuss the impact of Mitch Marner's absence, especially on the Maple Leafs' special teams units, and the disappointment from Saturday’s game against Carolina, before mixing in some golf talk with Scottie Scheffler continuing his dominant run. Later on, MLB Network’s Adnan Virk hops aboard to reflect on Joey Votto's comments about Canadian baseball back in 2018 and if perspectives have changed since joining the Blue Jays (27:37). They also get into Blake Snell's surprising contract after a lengthy wait, how his agent Scott Boras is viewed in MLB circles right now, and if it matters given another client of his named Juan Soto will be eligible for a new deal after this offseason.
On hour two of The FAN Morning Show, Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning start by looking at the injuries; who can and needs to step up to help the team down the stretch. The biggest spot they may need help, especially with Mitch Marner out, is the power play so the guys ponder who can step in to make a difference. The morning duo then turn their attention to Blake Snell and him finally signing a new contract but nowhere near what he was looking for. Next, Ben & Brent welcome on Sportsnet’s own Jason Bukala (23:11) who starts by needing to address the Leafs' latest loss and why it didn’t sit well with him especially given some of the team’s post-game comments; it leads to the trio getting into it more. The hour ends with the daily Wake and Rake! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning are ready for some Maple Leafs hockey on Tuesday night. They begin to preview the game tonight in Philadelphia against the Flyers and which Buds will be missing in action; led by Mitch Marner. They wonder what’s going on with #16; could the injury be worse than imagined or is the team just being cautious with not much to play for at the moment in the regular season? They also look at Timothy Liljegren joining the top power play and wonder how it will work; they discuss what they’ll be looking for him at the top of it, what his impact can be and if it's something that could stick. Next, the boys turn their attention to baseball and national pride as now Blue Jay Joey Votto (35:26) posted an open letter on socials addressing comments he made about his country years ago. The boys wonder why now and how it hit; what impact it had on them and if it changed how they view Joey. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.
