OverDrive - OverDrive - March 19th, 2025 - Hour 1

Episode Date: March 19, 2025

Join Bryan Hayes, Jeff O'Neill and Jamie McLennan for Hour 1 on OverDrive! The guys discuss the Maple Leafs' matchup against the Avalanche, the roster construction for the game and Joseph Woll getting the start in the crease. Altitude Sports Analyst and Former NHLer John Mitchell joins to discuss the Avalanche's dominance on the roster, Nathan MacKinnon's impressive season and Cale Makar's impact to the team. They also discuss Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s contract negotiations with the Blue Jays and the stance in the league market.

Wow, you've got the latest model! Nice! Ah, you should see it run! Bell PureFiber? Yep. Sheesh, that's got power! It's Canada's fastest and most trusted internet service. Cool if I give it a test drive? Promise you won't share the password?

Switch to Bell PureFiber, Canada's fastest internet, awarded by UCCLA. Starting from $60 a month. Visit bell.ca for more details and to check availability. This hour of Overdrive is powered by FanDuel. FanDuel, bringing you everything from the opening line to the final score. All right, here we go, Overdrive, off and running. TSN 1050 on the TSN app, your home smart speaker. And up on TSN for Brian Haseo, Doug Jeff O'Neill, Jamie Noodles, McLennan. What's going on? What's

going on? I can't believe we missed it yesterday guys it's officially my all-time fave pick of all-time sports street clothes in Dallas. He blows his groins out and he's out for the year and he goes and tees it up. He's seven feet tall and he goes and he tees it up. Someone took pics of street clothes on the course and it was just like, really? I'm sorry, that should almost void the contract.

We've joked about this in the the past you know guys who went skiing when they had injured knees malik off malik of exactly up in uh... or see trombone or something yeah and like this is absolutely outrageous anthony davis has played one half of basketball that's it but it's the injury it's like kind of an upper like lower stomach or injury yeah core injury golfing this guy goes in cheese it up I saw the picket I'm like and it's not like if you're 511 you can blend in

white black whatever color you are you could just put a hat on and you could be a guy yeah when you're seven feet tall, some guy on a cart or maintenance guy is going to look and say, look at that guy. Yeah, you cannot escape, man. No, why would he go and tee it up? I need more information on this. Dude, I do too. I need to know where he was playing. I need to know what he shot. I need to know if he

registered his round for handicapped purposes. Dude, it looked like the golf course they played the Texas Open at. He wasn't going to some go track. No, of course not. This guy had a gar going. He's smoking a cigar. Look at this guy. Oh my God, look at him.

Look at this guy. He's just dialed in. He's eight feet tall. He's eight feet tall. I need to know what he shot. He's a scratch. I'm telling you, he's a scratch. He might be.

No, that's the worst thing about golf. He's a scratch. He's a scratch. He's a scratch. He's a scratch. He's a scratch. He need to know. He's a scratch. I'm telling you he's a scratch. No, he might be. That's the worst thing about it is he probably shot a hundred and forty out there. Like if he's a scratch and he's just dying to tee it to play with his buddies and just get out, fine. There's no way in hell that that frame, that stance, there's no way that guy's a scratch. It would be so tough to golf at seven feet tall, let alone injured.

This GM down in Dallas, man, he can't get out of it because Kyrie's done for the year, street clothes is hurting, he's teeing it up. Luca looks great, he's gone to Hollywood. The Lakers are going to finish probably with the two seed in the West and Dallas is clinging on to a playoff position and the thought was you know Anthony Davis out indefinitely But maybe he's back in three weeks. Maybe maybe a month that doesn't look like a guy That's you know grinding away trying to return to form, but I always wonder like You're injured like that. Do you not have a best friend? Like a lot of people in big league sports, they have some type of posse whether it's big, small,

one guy. Don't you have a confidant that says, dude, you cannot go tee it up today? Right. Like people are looking for you. People spot you and find you and say there he is Anthony Davis, who has played in one game as a Dallas Maverick. This guy's played more golf than he has basketball for the Mavs. I just don't think he cares. I think guys get to a point like keep in mind like this guy's got a hundred million in his jeans if not more. More than that.

Sorry like I'm being conservative. Championship ring. Yeah like he's done it all. He's been a fantastic player. And in his mind, it's like, I can't play basketball, but I can do other things. But it's just, it's the optics and I get it all. But I told you, I played in the minors with a guy who missed a game because of a knee injury. He was on the dance floor in the bar after the game.

I'm like, you just, the optics of it, like you can't take a hit or make an outlet pass but he can you know he can dance Saturday night live like and that's but everyone thinks okay he's just supposed to sit in his house and do nothing. I get it but it's the optics of it you're right like a friend a parent whoever whoever's influential in his life is like you can the optics of this are You're right, like a friend, a parent, whoever's influential in his life, it's like the optics of this are bad. Like that's what it is. Well, in the video and picture we just saw, that's a short game, not a lot of burn on the body around the greens. But if there's a picture of this guy in the woods trying

to sling one around where he's really got a torque his body that's where you really have the question you know where his head is that right now i thought you're gonna say the jerry beard his jerry's got the beard cooking at south beach dot the gm meetings he looks great right in the sky i guess was right in the city jerry beard all i heard is that when he was asked about the formation for the playoffs he doesn't like anything about what it is right now. He refuses to look into it. Yeah it will not

do it like is is Adamant. Let's play the clip because he had a press conference and you know Betman and Company I think they're in decent spirits there's a lot going on in the world you know clearly in the Canada-U.S. relations that affects the NHL more than the other leagues by a mile clearly and Betman's gonna have to handle that but he was asked about it earlier today you know the idea of maybe changing up the formation of the playoffs we talked about it a couple of days ago here's what Gary Betman had to say I like you know you know you guys know I'm pretty dug in on this I like exactly what we have and if you look at the races that we're having for the regular

season, we, the playoffs have started already. We're in our play-in tournament and I think it's terrific and you know I loved when Gary Mahor showed you that day by day where the team started rotating. What could be more compelling and exciting and entertaining than that? Alright, so he's not a bunch of- But like I said about the best friend like this, he not have a confidant whether it be Bill Daly, Coley Campbell that says, hey, I get it you'd like that, but isn't there

another model that could interest you? I think my whole thing is let's remove the fandom from it. Let's just look at it from a business standpoint Because that's what these guys do. This is this is numbers. This is money cold hard money These owners can't be sitting there go there is and in it this year will be case in point There will be one two three Really good teams that missed the playoffs by one point this year probably. Somewhere in that range, one to two points. Those owners are gonna go, I missed the home gate, I missed a couple games home gate, that's millions of dollars. At the owners meetings they're gonna go, why are we not at least trying to

have some form expansion playoffs? Like get a play in something. It is, when I first started in the league of 21 teams, it 16 teams that made it it's 32 teams same amount like you could find a way And this is just cold hard numbers money more money for the league instead of trying to make it 84 games long have those teams instead of a tiebreaker got brought to my attention today instead of a tiebreaker Hey, because you want a game in regulation on October 28th, how about a one game play-in? Wouldn't that be crazy if two teams die? If there's a tie, yeah, that would be great. I mean they... I'd love a one game play-in to be. I don't want a three gamer, I just want a one game. I want a one off too. But there is, my point being, and I'm getting

worked up about it again because I was thinking about it today. There is the leagues that want to be progressive and at least tweak things. The three point game, that tweaked everything because three points being handed, two for a winner, one for the loser, all of that, that's messed with the standings. Okay, but how's the one game play am going to work? Is it the first wild card is you get the wild card? But the second and then ever like the the one that's closest to them They battle it out after the season for one game or I think you know

I think what you could do and this is a tabling this for discussion If there is a tie instead of the tiebreaker what we see and we're going through okay instead of the tiebreaker what we see and we're going through okay regulation win and overtime like the two teams that are tied they play to go into that spot now that who knows when that will ever happen you may go years without that actually happening I feel like it's gonna be this year very well could be I think the NBA actually created a pretty good plan where historically the top eight teams get in now it's top six get in but seven versus eight play one game nine versus ten play one game

if you win the seven versus eight you're in because you know you battled into the top eight which was right you know conventional wisdom would say you were a playoff team if you're the nine ten you got to win that game and then go play the loser of the seven eight so it works out to be three playing games featuring four teams, but you can do it over the course of probably three days And it's a it's an advantage to the you know The team that finishes seventh or eighth should have an advantage over the team that finishes ninth or tenth They had more points, you know, like there should be somewhat of an advantage there I could make a lot of sense of that but you know Betman's

He's he's not gonna do it and listen. He's not wrong about the races this year No, like you were at the Bell Center last night. It's electric in Montreal right now. I get nightclub Yeah, it's crazy because the Habs are there and the Rangers lost and they were awful last night And now they're panicking in New York and there's Pierre Engvall looking like John Beliveau last night and you're the Rangers I love the Rangers again like I Mentioned a couple days ago how people were starting to like take shots at Craig Barube Like I love the shots at at Laffey like that team They're not realized that team has just maybe no spine this year like maybe that's the problem that they keep going back to that same

Performance time and time again like boomer a siasin was giving it to lavi of all people He said he's got to go Yeah, I'm gonna fire lavi with 15 games left or whatever no, but that's the idea it be a lobby I find it to be crazy haze yeah, I hear you you. I mean, they've gone through the wringer. They've fired a lot of coaches. And listen, what did they have, like 13 shots last night? 13 shots. They got out shot 35 to 13.

That's pathetic at home. By a team that played the night before. Played the night before. Now, good on Calgary to have a response because they didn't play well against the Leafs. And that was, for me, I felt like the Flames playoff hopes were hanging in the balance on this road trip for them for sure. But certainly you get dummied on a Wednesday night or sorry Tuesday night, you got to find a way and get it done or Monday and then Tuesday. So I think I'm getting my days mixed up.

Sorry, but Calgary was terrible against the Leafs. They had a response and and the Rangers are sitting there they're fighting for their collective lives and they put up 13 so that's not labby's fault like not at all they got a veteran team down that team has all-stars in every position Shuster kid Fox Panarin though every position has an all-star and not just the guy who made an all-star team once. Like these guys are-

They're phonies, man. They're phonies. Well, hey, I don't know- They look like it right now. They look terrible. And listen, the door's open for someone else in Montreal to their credit. Yeah. They beat Florida at home on Saturday night and played great.

And then last night you were there. They put five on the board and the third and it was veterans. It was Dvorak and Anderson and Gallagher showing up for them. And I mean that was a big, big performance. Like the Habs, they're in it and they've deserved it. And we've all, I flip flopped multiple times on this team this year and 10 days ago I thought,

wow, it looks like they're going the other way. Or two weeks ago, it looks like they're going the other way or two weeks ago It looks like they're going the other way now They've come alive and they're playing well and they smell blood in the water man because they're looking at it thinking Why should we be scared? Why not us exactly? Why would like Columbus is fading again Detroit's fading again the islanders, you know to their credit they keep they're in it But not they don't scare you like if you're the Habs right now Why would you be scared and they get a cheat code at the Bell Center because and in that city? We're at times like if it goes south it can turn on it's like Toronto

It can get ugly and you think I got a hide here if there's a wave like a tidal wave That's starting to build Montreal. There's nothing like it like New York's not getting it Detroit's not getting it Columbus definitely isn't getting it it like New York's not getting it Detroit's not getting it Columbus definitely isn't getting it Montreal's got it where those guys are like get me to that rink that place is popping right now and That I think is a real benefit to them that they're riding away when their top line's been great Monta Bo's been good that cool Hudson score last night was Unreal like that was an awesome awesome play at the blue line. Like that was McCarr-like. It was. Hughes-like.

Like to break ankles on a blue line like that, man, you got to have some stones. It was. And he's a rookie. We did a board last night. He's on pace to get 65 points as a rookie. He's an elite company. We're talking like Brian Leigh. Like Hall of Famers were on

that board and then it was Cole Hudson like that's that's literally he's in that type of company the performance he's putting forth. The season ended right now he's the rookie of the year isn't he? I know the goalie encounter has been really good. Wolf is in it and Celebrini is still the favorite I think on Fandor right now. I get it I get it he's got 20 goals or 21 goals and he's played unbelievable. I don't know, just something about a defenseman getting into the league and performing like that. I got to think that he's the rookie of the year.

For me it's Wolfe, but we didn't see it the other night. Obviously he didn't play well against the Leafs. But I think the separator, I think the Philadelphia guy has dropped off a little bit, Michkov, but he's a great player, nothing against him, but Celebrini, Wolf, Hudson, and you can make a case for all three of them. Hayes, I know this argument is old or whatever, but if one of them makes the playoffs, that might be your separator. If Dustin Wolf gets the Calgary Flames into the playoffs, that's

my separator. I can't argue against that. I think that position in particular. If you're the starting goalie of a team that did not have playoff expectations and you get in, that's really tough to argue against. And the other thing too, guys, is they don't score. Calgary, it's not like they're a team that has defensive issues and, hey, you know know what we score four but we give up five Like that team it's a race to two every night And if the goalie can if the goalie can keep it under two they win and like this kid has given them an opportunity

Not taking anything away from Cole Hudson because I believe I had some cold sorry brother He's laying up next Lane Hudson, and he's fantastic. You mentioned, I laid eyes on him last night, I've seen him live a bunch of times this year. He's special, he's a special, special player. But if Montreal makes the playoffs, that's the only important point. For me, as much as, again, Celebrini's been great, it's a different mentality out there. He would be third for me. I would probably have Hudson 1A, Wolf 1B, and if they both get in, then I'd probably lean Wolf because

of the nature of his position and how tough it is and how important it is to make the playoffs based on riding his coattails almost. All right, Leafs, Avalanche tonight, what a game we've got. John Mitchell will join us. Former Leaf, he's out in Colorado, Does a lot of analysis work for the Avs? Like what does he see out of McKinnon daily, McCarr daily, all the turnover out there? What can we expect out of Colorado tonight? The Leafs were in Colorado about 10 days ago

and they got thoroughly outplayed. Especially in the second half of that game. Leafs have gotta be better. Will they be better? We'll tee it up. We'll get to that next. All right, Overdrive continues powered by FanDuel bringing you everything from the opening line to the final score. Jerry's in about an hour.

Craig Button coming up later this afternoon. Dustin Wolf will join us. Actually we'll catch up with Dustin Wolf later this afternoon. And we got a big one downtown. We got Leafs Avalanche tonight. And this is one of the two or three games that you want to be in the building for you know It's the Oilers rolling through town. It's maybe whoever won the Stanley Cup the year before Habs on a Saturday night, but Colorado could make a case because they're only here once McKinnon's rocking McCarr's rocking It's a lot of fun to watch them play. I'm sure it's a lot of fun to talk about them daily and sure enough Here's a guy that gets to do it for a living from the Altitude TV network, an analyst and former

on each other, former Leaf, good alumni, probably an alumni jacket guy I would think. Here's John Mitchell. How you doing John? Hey, how you doing fellas? We're doing well. How much fun is it to cover this avalanche team and in this year in particular with how crazy it's been with trades and different guys coming and different guys going, what's it been like? Well, it's awesome. Each and every night it's pretty fun

to be able to watch these guys play and have the opportunity to talk about them. And you have to give Chris McFarlane a lot of credit with what he's been able to do with this team and revamping it and making it look like a Very good team that contend for the Stanley Cup So it's it certainly is a lot of fun. Is it crazy that you're even saying that Mitchie? It seems like a lot of teams when Ranton and goes out the door. They'd be like well

I guess this isn't our year and although that did happen There's a lot of optimism and there's a lot of good players that came the other way and it looks like the Avs are going to be a serious contender. That's a good point, O'Doug. For sure, when you have somebody the caliber of Miko Rantan and go out the door, you would think, okay, this team must be selling. They're not buyers at this point, but obviously they weren't able to get a deal done for whatever reason.

And then he gets shipped out. You get Nacius, who's been a phenomenal addition. He's a young player. He's only 26 years old. And this kid is electric. I'm not going to lie. Watch him tonight in Toronto and the way he can dance and maneuver through the neutral zone and then even in the offensive

zone, he is special because you know, Miko, don't get me wrong, Miko is unbelievable. He's a superstar in the league. He just, he didn't possess quite the same attributes, I guess, that Nate just has where with his speed and his shiftyness and his elusiveness in the neutral zone and especially in the offensive zone. So he's, he's such a fun player to watch, but again, yeah, when you have a guy like Nico go out the door, there's probably a lot of people scratching their head. And around here in Denver, there are a lot of people that were upset because he's been

such a stalwart and he's been such a big player for this team for many years. So we talk about the players, but at what point was it a massive shock that they made the change with not one goaltender but both? Because I know out of Colorado the Whispers are like, okay, is Georgiev going to get it done? Not sure what's going on? The guy with the big head, Anunin, he was there and he wasn't stopping pucks. So all of a sudden it's like McFarland goes both of you got to go.

I mean how big of a shock was that? Well anytime you trade one goalie obviously let alone two there's going to be a little bit of shock. But I don't think the shock was quite as big because of the struggles that the two previous goalies were having here in Colorado. I think it was a breath of fresh air, it was a little bit of a sigh of relief. And then to go out and get the caliber of goaltender that you did in Mackenzie Blackwood,

and then also with your quote unquote backup goaltender who really when he's in between the pipes, he really doesn't look like a backup goaltender at all. He's playing phenomenal with Wedgwood. So you just went out and you shipped out two goalies that you know frankly were struggling and having a hard time stopping a beach ball and you replace them with two really really good goaltenders and then to go and lock up Mackenzie Blackwood for five years within two weeks of getting him here. I don't think you could have asked for anything better if you're in the organization or an Avalanche fan.

With Avalanche analyst John Mitchell leaves Aves tonight. So we're getting into the stretch run here. Well, we're officially in it. Post-Tree deadline, it's go time now. And I think for the Hart Trophy trophy it's down to three guys it's either McKinnon, Drivesaddle or Halibuck I'm guessing you would side with McKinnon if that's the case can you make the case John for why Nathan McKinnon should win back-to-back heart trophies? Yeah it would have to be Nate obviously in, in my opinion, because what he does night

in and night out is something truly remarkable and very special. You know what I mean? Oh, dog, he scored some big goals back in the day, but I don't know if he could consistently do that for 82 games like Nathan McKinnon can. No, he couldn't. He couldn't. He couldn't, but thank you, John. Sorry, oh, dog, I just didn't mention that. to mckinnon can no he could exit that's a very interesting but i think that i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i you know, from every player in the league, in my opinion, is his ability to prepare for games

and frankly dominate games at certain times with his speed. And I mean, he's mean to the ice. Like he beats the ice up when he skates. He's that powerful. And the way he stops on a dime for me is the big thing. He's not necessarily small. It's not like Nathan McKinnon is a 175 pound player. He's 5'11 or 6' and he's 200 pounds. He's a big dude but he moves out there like he's a smaller player and he's so

quick and he's so shifty and the way he can stick handle and pass the candle and shoot and get the puck off is like really nobody else in the league other than maybe Connor McDavid. That would be my case for him is his ability to do it every single night and be an, be a major impact for his team every single night. And then just with the injuries that the Avs have had over the course of the year, I think three weeks ago was the first time all season long, with the exception of Gabe Landisgog that the Avalanche actually had their entire lineup on the ice all at the same time. So he's been able to do what he's been able to do with even a

shorthanded team. What are you hearing on Landisgog because he's on the ice I think he's up here in Toronto I believe he took the trip. Is there any chance he can return by the playoffs and actually play? I sure hope so. I really do because he is an incredible human being. He's a phenomenal leader, unbelievable captain. Just his presence alone in the room, even if he played six or seven minutes a night, would be great for these kids and the younger players, obviously that are in that dressing room.

And then even the older guys and bringing back EJ, you know, little things like that. It's starting to feel similar to that 2022 Stanley Cup run. And if they could get Gabe back, I mean, that would be, that would be obviously phenomenal. And I see he skated here or not here yesterday, but the day before he was at practice in Denver, I think he took, I saw some pictures of him pregame skate this morning in Toronto. So he's putting some skating together and usually it was, you know, you'd

see him out for one practice and then he kind of disappear for a couple of weeks. But being him skate consecutively, I don't know it seems like it Something could be brewing here. So It's kind of a sensitive topic, but this new chushkin character a such an unbelievable player but is there a an apprehension or concern because He was dying had nine goals in eight games last year in the playoffs and obviously had some struggles, same thing in the year before in the playoffs.

And he's got 17 goals in 30 games this season. Like he's a unicorn, he's an absolute beast, but is there a little bit of like, okay, let's see if he can make it through the playoffs type of thing or where are you at with that or what are the whispers around colorado well i i'm i'm sure the avalanche are going to take every opportunity to make sure that he he had everything that he needs to take care of him or when they get into the playoffs

you know he might have you might have a full-time security guard by the hotel room or you know somebody that the cash to his tip at all times but that, but he needs to make sure that he does what he needs to do to help this team win. Obviously, the past couple years, he hasn't been able to do that. I think that this year, he's on his last straw. He's already used that one up so I can't imagine but crazier things have happened obviously great catching up with you John

enjoy the game tonight we'll do it again down the road all right thanks fellas and Hazer I heard you're a fraud or something like that yeah it's made its way out there it's made its way to the Rockies everywhere it's in there are a lot of it's made its way to the rock everywhere it's in the rockies now you can't escape Denver I'm here you're a fraud yeah it's not it's not true fight back for me please if anyone says that do not accept it please you're better than that I'm Joe I think I'm jumping on the bandwagon I kind of like it all right spread the word then whatever which ever way you want it thanks John appreciated John Mitchell Appreciate it, John Mitchell. Good Oakville boy.

Who's whispering that to, like who? I don't know, he's from here. He's from around here. That would be fascinating. He's watched and heard it all. Doogie's the one spreading the word. I feel like Doogie's like reminder before you go, drop that. Like if he does that, that's treason. That would be treason.

Never, boys. Never. Okay, Doogie. Doogie, if we ever catch you does that, that's treason. That would be treason. Never boys. I would never give that to you, Brian. Doogie, if we ever catch you doing that, you might as well pack your bag in your cologne and walk out of the building. It's not happening. Pack your cologne and get out. Pack up your brute kit and away you go. I'll talk to JP in private and figure out what's going on.

Which reminds me, I think next week would be a perfect week to start sending in applications if you want to head to a Leaf game with Doogie and me and Hayes. I love it. I agree with that. I agree. I mean, the spring weather's out, it's time to get outside, love is in the air. It's time for Doogie to take the shackles off. He's a single man and it's time that he presents roses we're gonna do the

overdrive final rose where doogie is going to have to offer it up see who accepts it doogie are you in I'm in all right doogie has been established date a doogie has been established and we got you know the Leaf game tonight only two games in the NHL, so they take center stage. And Joseph Wall will get the start tonight, which I find somewhat interesting because last week when it was Florida and Ottawa, it was Stolar's. And those were big games and the team didn't play well enough to win those games. I thought Stolar's played okay.

He didn't play great, but played okay. And now they're swinging back to Joseph Wall in a big, big game. Like Colorado's as hot as any team in the league. And we saw what happened, you know, again, 10 days ago. Like you're gonna, it's tough to stop these guys and walls going to be tested tonight and they're going to them. I love it. The noodles. I mean, you, you can weigh in, but I think you have a performance like that. You ride it out and see what you can muster Out of it. Why not? I I think so too. There's a couple things. It's back-to-back

So you had to choose who was playing tonight and tomorrow, right? You got a busy schedule plus you you know, I thought he played solid the other day So, you know give an opportunity to me I just I feel like you know, it's not it wasn't set in stone like hey, it's Stoller's is net Like I think it's not it wasn't set in stone like hey it's Stollers is net like I think it's still open for discussion even though Stollers statistically has had a better season than Wohl but Stollers missed six weeks was it six weeks or eight weeks yeah closer to eight I think yeah so I mean Joseph Wohl if you play well see if he can get our little role here sure and he's listen

he's got the playoff experience he's played really well in tight games and they're they they can show up tonight like i i think that this is a big one for the leaves man i i they need a signature when you can't just be you know teams that are lower than the in the standings and i can't recall the last time you know they had a big big win against maybe carolina out of the break but that was a weird night.

Saturday night coming out of four nations. Everything was weird. Dude, what you can't do is lay an egg. Exactly. Like you had one great game against Calgary that didn't play that well. You dominated the game, but that's what you got one game. You couldn't follow it up. Yeah.

Yeah. These heater teams, they do that on a nightly basis, man. Exactly. Confidence is a big thing in sports You got to have it You got to be able to you got to accumulate it man And you got it you got to be able to run with teams like this like if you're gonna be a legitimate team You can't just fold because Colorado's in town

You know or because you were in Vegas and there was it was tough travel you know like you got to show up and play and I think the microcosm of that is Matthew's because You know, like you got to show up and play. And I think the microcosm of that is Matthews because McKinnon's going to do it. We just heard John Mitchell, like McKinnon shows up, man. They haven't played since Sunday. They were in town yesterday. He knows the platform that they're on tonight.

He's going to be flying. Like he will be flying and McCarr will be flying. It'd be shocked if it went any other way than that. And if the belief is you can't really stop McKinnon then you're gonna have to match McKinnon and it's time for Matthews to do that you know it's time for him to get back into that kind of level where he's running with the big dogs because that's where he's that's where he's lived for the last eight years like he's been one of those guys where there's no excuse for him not

to be able to do it and I think it's a big moment for him I think it's a big moment for the team tonight I think they really got a they got to prove that they can play with them outplay them they had to do it last year last year I think they handed it to them pretty good we're Colorado terrible well wasn't it was it last year or two years ago where it was like a nine spot like it was something growth they have in the business one year pretty it was like last year we're Colorado I think like took off in the third and got him. Remember, the Leafs were up like 3-1 and Colorado won 4-3 or something like that.

And it was McKinnon and McCarr. I was thinking. No, I'm talking it was like there was a goalie. They put, it was that Johansson, the backup in Tampa I think was in net that and and it was like an ugly locates eight i don't know that was last year i thought it was a couple years ago couple years back because i think last year was the shelton keith when he was like well look at those guys like or a look at you know look how great they are

and it's interesting that he said that after the game is like why you can't stop them and prove a saint before the game like we have this click kreger who had he's saying it in jest he's having fun where Keith was being a little bit more serious and it was a little bit more cutting because scathing I would say to an extent because it was after the game and after they had just come in and taken over the game McKinnon and McCarr ranting and etc. Here's what Craig Barube had to say today on the idea of trying to stop Nathan McKinnon. What's the key to slowing down McKinnon?

Well, I don't know, but if you find out before the game, you can let me know. You know, you just got to try to stay on top of them the best you can. It's just like playing McDavid, right? They've got great speed and they nor competitive guys with tons of skill you love that line he was very happy with that as i said your coach line that uh... let me know for the game if you figure it out yeah but it's very simple against those guys if you want to play loose and try to trade chances and you gotta get you got a jersey it up

you gotta be tight in the neutral zone and you can't give up odd man rushes because that's when they absolutely crush you. And if you get caught doing that early in the game, you're just a dumb hockey team, sorry. If you wanna even attempt that early on, turnovers, stupid penalties, and throw McCarr, McKinnon out there in the power play,

you're just dumb because they'll crush you, man. Well, and the other thing too is we talk about McCarr, McKinnon out there in the power play, you're just dumb, because they'll crush you, man. Well, and the other thing too is, we talk about McCarr and McKinnon, like they added depth at the deadline, like it's Coyle, it's Nelson, it's like, you know, this is a team that is deep, and they're big, they're fast, they're physical, like they, you know, it's not just gonna be,

hey Matthews, like you need your whole team to play well tonight and and what i'd like to see is follow it up but you had you know you broke through on monday yes calgary didn't have their best with the the lease looked good follow it up against the team that i'd what's the record against top teams it's like white hundred yet again the east

up until recently it was eight nine versus playoff teams, right? So yeah, those numbers are I mean that speaks to what we're talking about here, right? Like you if you're you're getting close to go time here. We're middle of March You got to have some games where you can look at it and say we know that's our a game against a competition And I think that's what's on the line tonight Yeah, because of everything that Colorado has done this year they've been a soap opera that everyone's paid attention to them and they're winning almost every game. McKinnon, he's right there for the heart. The Art Ross.

McCarr is right there for the Norris. And it says nothing about, you know, other guys that you spoke of like the Nacushkin and Druens really fit in well there. Yeah. You know, they've got a really good team. You're part of me guys more than anything is their last five, four or five games against heater teams. They've they haven't won. Yeah, exactly.

Right. Yep. Vegas, Florida, Colorado, Ottawa was on fire when they faced them. They lost all those games. Yeah. At least it, and that's got to turn. It has to, it has to turn. And you've got to, you got a heavy schedule here

They're tonight against Colorado tomorrow in New York Saturday in Nashville like Mark Masters who was tweeting out that the only guys on the ice for the optional were scratches David Camp will be a scratch again tonight and Philippe Myers and stole ours and He said that's the only time that's happened all year. So we've got to that point in the scale where they're playing a lot they're getting close to the playoffs like guys are just not even gonna go on the ice. Yeah. Like it's just basically get ready to play go out and play and you got to perform. Well three and four in three different cities and with the time zone change too in there snuck in there i mean yeah here you're managing your body right now that's what you're doing

so i i don't mind that and always say this all the time the guys are such great shape it's just it's more about what you need to do to play that particular night so what you got your own home ice tonight because you can't stop the you're not so you got a you got to figure it out take on the river is renowned for life not a lot of practices going on at Tampa Bay, but when you show up to the rink for a game

You know you better play and they do they respond Because if you don't then you start practicing exactly if you're a veteran team you need to appreciate that your coach is doing that Yeah, go out there and repay them Alright, so more on this as we move forward. Craig Button coming up. Darren Dreger was down at the GM meetings. Dreggs will join us later this afternoon. Jerry's percentages at 530.

And newsflash, Vladie Guerrero Jr. sitting there doing interviews with people about his future free agency. Dude, I'm already growing tired of it. Like, we get it, dude. You're going to be a UFA. You got to throw in this line drives me nuts, including the Yankees. Is that one specific line supposed to scare Ross and Mark into saying, oh God, he's gonna

talk to the Yankees? Stop saying and the Yankees. It's a great question in terms of what his motives are here because he did another interview, sat down with a Spanish speakingspeaking journalist, so he's comfortable, there's no interpreter, he's just talking. That's Vladdy, and he's saying what he's saying. It was released, it got out online today. He sat down in the last couple of days down in Dunedin, and Vladdy keeps talking about

free agency. He said, I don't want to be a distraction, I'm just here to play ball. He can't stop talking about his free agency. It's a giant distraction. It's a giant and I also just question where this guy's heads at like how dedicated are you to playing when you can't wait to sit down and talk about next offseason. You know what I think it is I really think it's panicky I think it's panicky because he's not quite comfortable into thinking he can be dynamite this year and have everybody drooling over him at the end of the

season. That's my read on it. I think he's panicky and he has... what player keeps bringing it up after he says, okay I told you negotiate before the season or I'm done and we just play ball and that's it and he keeps bringing it up. I think it's a sign of panic. I really it very well could be but it could be him begging the blue jays yet to circle back come back and start back but it also if that's the case then you go back like if you're so nervous or you don't want to leave here then call up mark ship iro

forget ship are called the owner you can call directly column directly and say fly down here please let Let's sit down, you and I. Let's work something out here. And I'll bet you you could get it done over dinner. You know, here, Vlad, we'll throw you an extra 10 million or whatever. We'll make you this. You got to come here.

You got to come to us in this certain area. If that's what his motive is, then don't rely on your agent to do it for you. Don't wait for Mark Shapiro Ross-Akkins to call you. You're a grown adult. Call him and say, let's go. You know, forget all this. I don't need this hanging over me. Because I'm with you.

He's talking too much. Like it's too much. And the Yankee stuff is so stupid and insulting to Blue Jay fans. It is. It's so insulting. When you're a Blue Jay, you're under contract. You've been here forever. You've been greatly supported. people largely want you to stick around

They want to see you get paid no one's yelling and screaming like how dare you you're so greedy that that hasn't been the case No, but if you keep throwing out I I'll even talk to the Yankees for sure the yeah, don't forget about the Stupid it's an uncalled because when he says I'm talk to all teams, that includes the Yankees. You don't have to say that at the end, including the Yankees. No one's going to shart themselves after hearing that and say, oh, we better sign them now. Right. Exactly. And it just, he also, now this is again, I'm relying on interpretation, which can be a little bit. It's like, dude, we get it. We get it. And the Yankees, yes, thanks. Yeah, of And the Yankees, yes, thanks. Yeah, of course the Yankees.

But if you put the rule in place that you don't want to be a distraction, all you're doing is being a distraction. No kidding. Talking about it, Mitch Marner, I will give him credit for this. He didn't want to talk about it. He doesn't say boo. He doesn't say a word about it. That's it. The only time it got brought up is when, at the deadline here,

because there was, you know, a potential, hey, we need to waive or a trade or whatever. Well, there was you know a potential hey we need to waive or a trade or whatever that was worthy of being answered on exactly but outside of that he hasn't talked about it all year that's all we hear about Vlad E that's all he's talking about somebody should challenge him and say I thought you don't want to talk about it and all you do is talking about exactly and and obviously he's being asked the question but it's a simple retort got not going into it okay moving on let's see where else are you know like that's the thing it's not

you can't play the role while he keeps being asked about it okay exactly because he keeps talking about it okay i got nothing to say about it and then an hour later he's sitting down with somebody doing a full-blown interview right is in blowing up the internet exactly yes oh yeah the Yankees yeah oh yeah I'll be talking to them he played them 15 times this year that'll piss Jays fans I he keeps that up man no he'll start booing his ass that's it's dangerous man if you come and especially if you come out of the gate plant poorly you know you're struggling they're

losing the teams losing people it's a powder keg right now like the fat you you want to have some faith and belief and it's a new season and i think every fan has a built into them they want to be optimistic you want to be dodger fans they you know they see if they if they started to innate people but that figured out the jay start to an eight

it's a very different store i'm telling you there's a little pan there's there's a there's always a reason behind everything and I think that he's panicking a little bit he might have thought that getting Jays nation or However, they describe their their fan base like on his side and against the ownership or management It might have kind of called their bluff and made them react and it didn't happen and now he's like, maybe I need to stir the pot again. I think that's what he's doing. I got to try to stir the pot again. It looks panicky and if I was Jay's management, I wouldn't budge. I would not budge.

Well, you're right. This is the thing about spring training is they're not in town. He hasn't been home yet and they're not in Toronto yet. And they start with a big home stand and they've had that for a couple of years. I'd be curious his reception, Brian, when he goes up to the... It'll be interesting. Yeah, it will be interesting when he gets called out opening day, like how people are going to react to all this.

All right, Craig Button coming up, Jerry's percentage is coming up, overdrive continues, TSN 1050 and on TSN 4. All right, Craig Button coming up in's percentage is coming up overdrive continues TSN 1050 and on TSN 4. Alright Craig Buck coming up in about 10 minutes Jerry's percentages got March Madness starting up and we should point out FanDuel's allowing users to create March Madness futures parlays you can parlay an overall winner one team to reach the sweet 16 with another to reach the elite 8 there's so many different things you can do you got to check out the FanDuel Sportsbook app for all the details, but this is big, man.

You played Carolina for years. There's nothing like it in the States, especially certain states like in North Carolina. It is just all basketball all the time for the next three weeks. Dude, you know that I'm a lunch guy and I like to eat my lunch at the bar. I've done it my whole adult life. You go into a place in Carolina, packed, like hanging off the rafters of the, like, nobody goes to work. They don't work, man.

Oh, it's completely off. Dude, it is the Stanley Cup playoffs on steroids down there. Geez. Especially you get Duke in it and Carolina and stuff. It's just NC State, which is where you were. You get any of those teams in. Unreal. It's go time.

And yeah, Madness is about to kick off. And of course, you can watch every second of every game on TSN. So it's going to be a big, big few weeks for us at the network. And we got the Leafs in action tonight the Raptors are not in action the Blue Jays again continue to move towards opening day and We'll get to some golf picks later this afternoon as well actually pretty sneaky little field This is a good field sneaky little field which you would think after the players people would be like I need a break blah blah But they get a good turnout there. Yeah, they're playing and you see

Scotty Scheffler reveal this menu is championship menu and break blah blah blah but they get a good turnout there yeah they're playing and you see uh... scottie schaeffler revealed his menu is championship uh... menu this always is it's kinda goofy like people break it down like it actually matters i'm always kind of fascinated like these guys are so rich there's the greatest golfers and i don't stand as a lighter i think i said like sliders and meatballs and stuff.

I'm like, what are you doing, man? Chili is the first course. Yeah, Texas style chili is how this guy's going to start his meal. I know. Like guys from Australia, they're flying in this special tuna that can only be caught off this coast of Australia.

And this guy's having chili as a copy. He's got his uncle showing up with a crock pot and serving it to Gary Player I know you would do the hazy be lasagna that would be my go-to but it would be beloved I mean imagine Stadler all liquored up having your lasagna Stads and woozy in the corner Woozy with furnace face in the butler cabin just crushed asking seconds to take back to their hotel Yeah, I need a sheet for the road All right, Craig button coming up on the Habs pursuit while they're not even pursuing it anymore They're in the second wild card.

Can they hold on to it that more and we'll continue to tee up the leaf game tonight, Jerry's percentages at five 30 overdrive continues to us and 10 50 and on TSN four, you've been listening to overdrive powered by fan duel, fan duel, bringing you everything from the opening line to the final score. I heart radio is taking you backstage with Kane Brown in Quebec city. everything from the opening line to the final score. $500 included. For your best chance to win, enter daily at iHeartRadio.ca. Kane Brown's new album, The High Road, is available now.