OverDrive - LeBrun on the Conn Smythe race, the market for Sam Bennett, and the goaltender interference challenge in Game 1

Episode Date: June 5, 2025

TSN hockey insider Pierre LeBrun joins OverDrive to share some thoughts on the Conn Smythe race. Lebrun details what the market could be like for Sam Bennett and the state of reviews in the NHL with the goaltender interference challenge in Game 1.

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leadership skills, connect with mentors, and gain real-world experience, all while giving back to your community. Best of all, it's a no-cost program available across Ontario, Nova Scotia, Alberta, and BC. Thoughts are limited, so register now at careerfoundation.com. That's careerfoundation.com. Join today and be part of something amazing. Here's Pierre Lebrun, our TSN hockey Insider who was in the building and I think you might have a cons-mite vote. I think he does too. Alright Pierre, what's your, with that in mind, many Jerry's percentages that Leon Dry-Settle wins the cons-mite?

Well, I can't tip my hand obviously. The committee of voters is not that big so I don't wanna you know the one that my hand yet but probably going to be that prep the series plays in the race for you after last night was in the high school or absolutely how could you not be of the question and and let me get i've done something that had annoyed me last year i never really got a chance

that they're really common on because basically the team ended and so ist disappeared for eight weeks. But for those who criticized our vote last year for McDavid winning and losing cause, Buzz off. Like he was so much better head and shoulders than everyone else in the playoffs last year. It's a four round award.

He obliterated the field. And yes, you're allowed to win an MVP if your team loses in that situation. So there you go. It's a little better now. A lot of traditionalists though, Pierre. A lot of people think. A lot of people think it's gotta go to the winning team.

That's all. Yeah, absolutely. I'm just saying I disagree with that. That's not what it says on the definition of the award when you vote on it. Okay. Anyway, I'm bad at it by just. Okay, the award when you vote on it. Okay. In a way. But how would that... I'm better at it by chess.

Okay, let me ask you this then. I don't know if you can get into this because again, you're a man of integrity and you have a vote. Could that happen again? If like, McDavid's been better than anyone on the Florida Panthers, what if Florida wins in seven? Could you see McDavid winning the ConceMight again? The gap would have to be again, offensively staggering like it was last year. So you know I don't know if Florida wins and let's say Sam Bennett has a couple more goals in this series. Sam Bennett's having an unbelievable playoff. I kind of see Sam Bennett probably winning in that scenario. He's not only does he have 12 gold, 11

of his 12 golds are on the road. You want to talk about a guy who's bringing it when it matters. So in that scenario, if Florida wins and Bennett has a couple more and a couple more big moments, I'm sure Leafs fans would be proud and happy for Sam Bennett to win the Cos when they come to life you make a lot of money Yeah, like is it possible that like he's putting more change in his pocket or does he just have a number that's gonna get when? Wherever he wants it whether that be in Florida or elsewhere Yeah, oh, I think he's helped himself because it's funny. I literally have this conversation today with someone Sam Bennett is one of the most interesting ufa cases in recent years Because if he leaves Florida, you may not I mean listen if they win another cup and he loved life there

Maybe his number will come down. I mean obviously haven't been close and talks since last summer But if he stays he stays but if he goes to market his agent is Darren Ferris and agent is Mitch Marner. I But if he goes to market, his agent is Darren Ferris and agent is Mitch Marner. I talked to some to a few teams who said, you know, the first thing you got to do if you sign Sam Bennett is explain to your market that you're signing this guy for playoffs and Bennett. Don't get too caught up in what his point total looks like already to me. And, you know, for obvious reasons, I mean, the way that he plays in the playoffs and raises his game is physically not sustainable if he plays the exact same way in October. Let's be real. So it's a fascinating case. I mean, I think there's some teams willing to pay him $10 million a year.

But he's not going to put up $10 million offensive numbers in the regular season I don't think but he'll be worth it if you lead you to a cup absolutely so that's a real interesting test case for me that one's really gonna split the data crowd from the traditionalist in terms of what they see value in Sam Bennett but and listen I get both arguments I mean a lot of people get paid put up points but there's also value in being a guy who wins championships, let's be real. So Pierre, you're in the building last night. I mean, it was a fantastic game.

What was your first impressions and really your last impressions? Because there was a, you know, a different pathway throughout the game where, you know, Edmonton starts quickly, the response, the challenge the challenge you know Bennett puts him up 3-1 and then the Oilers you know storm back and and and really take control of the game near the end. I feel noodles like we saw what we might see in the entire series in one night. So number one these two teams have had their way with most of their competition throughout the playoffs, right? I mean they've each had five game series wins

You know, they've been so much better than the opposition when it's mattered. I don't think they're gonna be able to do that to each other for long periods of time. So last night, I think is a microcosm of what this series will be. You know, there were stretches where the Panthers' four check was too much for Edmonton and they're buzzing in Edmonton zone and then there's long stretches where Edmonton's in Florida zone and it's like I think what they're gonna do to each other is make themselves feel as uncomfortable as they have the entire playoffs because the margins to me are so thin between them. They're so closely matched up in my opinion, but it's going

to be that close a series in my mind. And you know, the tilting point for me last night was when Chris Knobloch decided to load up with 97 and 29. That changed the game. And you know, kind of an obvious move. When you need offense, I get it. But I asked Knobloch about it today at his availability. You know, it's not something that he loves to do too much He really talked about the fact that he'd rather have Dry Cytle drive his own line but whenever he's done it again in these playoffs midway through a game the results are or unreal and

you know, I don't have the exact numbers in front of me but I don't have the exact numbers in front of me, but head to head, Dreistadel and McDavid last night played just over eight minutes head to head against Barkov and Reinhardt and basically destroyed them in all the underlying numbers. Of course, it led to the tying goal by Ekholm from McDavid and they went on to powerplay at overtime. I don't see those two guys starting game two together. I think it's clear from Nal Block's answer today to that question that he likes to keep that in the toolbox

and just take it out when he needs it. But he doesn't believe bigger picture that it's the best form for his lineup. Pierre, as a journalist, what are you looking for from a coach or the players the day after the game, considering that you spoke to everyone the night before? Is there something that you'd like to, What are you looking for from a coach or the players the day after the game considering that you spoke to everyone the night before? Is there something that you like to let them sleep on and then poke and prod at it or what's

your approach to the day after? Yeah, that's a good question. Well, like I just told you today, I probably showed you my hand. I'm writing about the Oilers' incredible dilemma of whether to load up all the time with their two superstars or to keep them apart and when they decide to do one or the other. And so a lot of my questions today to both the Euler's and the Panthers and the availability were based around that notion. So I'm basically trying to build up my column and get the kind of answers that'll support

what I'm writing about. But also there's lots of days in between games where you've got to chase the news of the day. As it turns out today, there isn't. Both coaches said their lineups are good to go, no changes. No one nicks up. But that's what you do in the off days. You're trying to find story angles

and it's not hard to do with these two teams. Honestly, it's, uh, there's lots of right, right about the baby. Two teams with peer LeBrunner, TSN hockey insider. Uh, so last night, Sam Bennett, I don't know if he's tripped accidentally on purpose, skinner. Sorry, that was a joke. Finds a way to go in. But in the end challenged and 0 for 4. Like basically the league is telling teams don't even, what's the point of having the

challenge system if it seemingly never goes the way of the team that's challenging? I am so happy you asked that question. It's fine. That is the question of the day. Yeah. So you get the award. Yes. Thank you.

And I'll tell you why, because I literally was having that conversation last night and today. When we were at the GM meetings, first of all, the league and the hockey off spent hours and hours on this, on the coaches challenge, goalie interference review with the GMs a couple months ago in Florida. They also allowed us, the media, into the same room one day and gave us a version of that presentation. You know, we watched a bunch of clips, they explained to us what they're looking for, they want to make, you know, they want to get to a place where, you

know, everyone agrees on what is and what isn't. And listen, I'm not criticizing anyone because I think it's I Think it's undoable. It is so subjective. I the whole goalie interference coach's challenge and I remember that day if you go find the hits for insider training with Drex and I and CJ I'm telling you I said in that hit that day that this will be a nightmare coming to cup final Because the reality is I don't care what the league says or anyone says it's impossible to find that comfort zone where everyone looks at that play and it's automatic what you think so here's the thing that I remember Gary Bettman sat in on that media session that we had at the gym rules and emphasized very clearly to our group and emphasize very clearly to our group that the call on the ice matters a lot

and that coaches should not challenge unless they feel they have unbelievable compelling evidence to overturn what they saw on the ice and I remember leaving that room thinking like I wouldn't do a challenge I would not do a challenge and sound like a foul I think I'm not criticizing Chris Knobloch. I mean, his goalie got knocked over. But I'm telling you, I remember leaving that day saying, the call on the ice is going to

be an 80, 90 percenter in the playoffs. And it's what we're seeing right now. Yeah, it is. And of course, it's Sam Bennett right in the middle of it again with another goalie, and he's running into goalies. Like who falls Four feet backwards. That's the only thing you have to look at. You know what I thought of You remember Austin Powers was like, oh I fell over and he's like pretending to fall out

That's what he was doing cuz he was kind of falling back and like stumbled back like there's no doubt Kulak and him clicks gates like this wouldn't nothing you could do i've been in front of the net a zillion times no matter how you go down unless chris pronger skates from the blue line towards the net cross checks you in the face is the only way you can go backwards that far that's lunacy they allowed that goal notice that uh... uh... except that because of what i just thought i wasn't surprised you know i think they're not going to show you're saying about it it's so hard to overturn these and

and you know the orders they feel like who like you know didn't barely touch that in in their mind novel after that for the game you would challenge that again but i don't know man okay i i think i think everyone involved whether it's Paul Maurice or Chris Noblock, you better be so sure that you're overturning that thing because you're giving up a power play otherwise. You're right. And I think it wasn't a TSN turning point because it was so early in the game and so

early in the series. The difference between, you know, the Quizmaster was messaging me saying, oh, it's Jim Hiller all over again. I said, no, no, no. Jim Hiller was late in the game. The quiz master is like Duffy. He likes tearing people down as well. But like the quiz master said to me, he goes, that's, you know, that could be the difference. I said, it's five minutes into the game, into the series, like just let it, let it play out. And yes, it play out and yes it played out in Florida's favor and you it took the Oilers a long time to get the game back because they had the game early on the momentum you know Pierre

you could speak to it the building was seemed like it was rocking and you know Florida got life out of it but I would I would challenge that every day of the week absolutely and I hear everything you just said, Pierre, and you called your shot that this was going to be aggravating or confusing or frustrating. Yet, it's one thing, like a lot of these are tedious. A lot of times you're like, I don't know, was his stick in the way? Did he clip? Right.

Like the guy blows the wheel right into, Skinner had no shot at stopping that thing. It was like he tripped up and then he took three, how'd you take three steps back well yeah now because edmonton one it it doesn't matter matter it doesn't matter in the end the orders end up winning and it sure it's a must it feels like a must win for florida tomorrow i know marie paul marie's is gonna wax poetically we're down out to against the leaves and it's all good i'm sorry man the way i'm intense playing the way they play at home I feel like Florida's got a win tomorrow night

here and I feel if they don't it's basically green light special for the Oilers. Yeah I don't disagree I will say you know and the Panthers though certainly did not seem rattled today those who talked to us and they shouldn't be I mean they're 8- three on the road in these playoffs Their road record since the start of 23 is ridiculous. I mean they should just ask to play all their games on the road It's ridiculous. So because of that they feel really good about going into the more night keeping the series But you know the other thing I want to say about last night because he was asking about the building it went pretty quiet for a Bit, you know after the March goal, and because everyone's been in shock.

But this is where, you know, if you believe in this stuff or not, I don't know, you guys can tell me, but a year ago, the Eulers are admitting it a bit more now, but a year ago, the Eulers were a little wide eyed in their first cup final. And Stuart Skidder said last night that when he saw the cup rolled out at center ice for game one last year he was googly eyed. He said that to the game last night. These guys did not flinch last night. The thing that really impressed me and McDavid talked about the top of the game with us. They didn't come out of their game plan in chasing that tie game. They stayed with their system.

They didn't cheat. They didn't try to stretch the play as much as they needed to. They absolutely stuck with it until they got the two goals they needed to tie it. And I don't know if that boys is there 12 months ago in game one of the cup final. So that's the dangerous thing now for Florida. Cause obviously Florida is in three straight cup finals. So they know what they're doing. But now you're playing the team that has back to back and I think that aspect alone is the Eulers a pretty serious chance of ending Canada's county cup draw. Well we'll see come tomorrow night one down for the Edmonton Eulers it was a great game last night must have been incredible to be there the city's buzz

on the shore enjoy game two tomorrow safe travels getting down to Florida, and we'll do it again soon Well, I love being here, but I see you guys at the Canadian open. I'm pretty darn jealous myself So uh that did did oh shoot another 64 again in spare time Tell me people are talking about it in everybody's talking about the 64. I don't know. it's a big deal. Amateur golfer 64, I don't know. I love it. With an asterisk. Yeah, with a significant one. Get serious.

You guys are such idiots. Asterisk. All right, Pierre, thanks buddy. All right guys, see ya. That's Pierre Lebrun, our TSN hockey insider. One night, one city, one livestream. You don't wanna miss. Come lead. our TSN hockey insider. And iHeartRadio is streaming it live from Toronto. What's up guys, it's Khalid. Show me where your love lies. Watch on the iHeartRadio CA YouTube channel. It's free, exclusive, and it's only from iHeartRadio.