Real Kyper & Bourne - Habs' Ticket to the Stanley Cup Playoffs + Neal Pionk's Extension

Episode Date: April 17, 2025

Justin Bourne and Sam McKee are joined by TVA Sports' Renaud Lavoie (4:07) to discuss the Montreal Canadiens punching their ticket to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, whether this current roster is ready to perform in the postseason, which players can be a playoff difference makers, the evolution of Martin St. Louis' coaching, how he views the matchup between the Washington Capitals and Habs in Round One and his first impressions of Ivan Demidov. Then, Justin and Sam welcome in Sportsnet writer Jacob Stoller (30:19) to share his thoughts on Neal Pionk inking a six-year extension with the Winnipeg Jets and whether the team is healthy enough to compete against the St. Louis Blues in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. 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 affiliates.

Welcome back to Real Born and McKee today. We are unfortunately without Nick Hipprios today. He is the celebration of life for Greg Millen. So our thoughts with everyone there sounds like, you know, a lot of good memories and that being passed around. So the two of us are holding it down today. A number of things to talk about. We're gonna get to Renaud Lavoie of TVA and talk about the Montreals. I gotta be nice to the Habs. I know, you owe them this. I gotta be nice.

Yeah, good for them. Be nice to the Habs. They clinched it last night. And then we'll talk about the Winnipeg Jets. Jacob Stoller's gonna join us and chat about all things. So you watched the game close last night. You were on the panel.

I was on the panel. And I sat down probably about midway through the second period after I had dinner and I was watching. So they go up three one, I send out the incendiary RJ as I always do the reverse jinx. Congrats to the Habs and their fans going into the second intermission. Congratulations, playoffs, good for you.

And then, so they, Carolina scores make it it three two and you could feel in the in the building Like well, they were chanting Olay at nine and a half. Yeah, they love the Olay Yeah, but there's a puck that went towards the net. I don't know who shot it Yeah, right after they made it three two that was Nightmare inducing like it would got to Montembo and he kind of didn't really see it. In the multiverse where that goes in. Yeah, and I was like, oh my, oh! I was telling a couple Habs fans, friends, that I was, great job on making them, shut up!

Like I was hammering them with it. But listen, I obviously am not a Habs fan, everybody listening to this knows that, but the atmosphere there last night. No better building in the league. Amazing. Like truly, truly amazing, and I hope Ren was there, I'm sure he was there last night, no better building in the league. Amazing. Like truly, truly amazing. And I hope Ren was there.

I'm sure he was there last night. I'd love to talk to him about it. Just that third goal goes in and it just felt like the roof was going to blow off the place. Like I give them all the credit and like look at that crowd. I know. Kaden Gouli, you know, it is the number one arena where they celebrate little jukes and fakes. Yep. Where every person in the building sees the that's why I think

Demidoff's first game was so appreciated a couple of jukes there was like, oh, you know, they Collectively see those moments. Do they not allow phones there like Augusta? Great locked point locked in I actually think there's a conversation to be had about is Augusta has Augusta pioneered something that other places are gonna take throw your phone in a barrel and watch the game watch the damn event Yes, and all of a sudden everyone's engaged and the energy is better. Yeah, there's a real case to be made for it I just I go back to the like the leaf situation where I was like, oh, it's so much money to go to a leaf game So you are they giving away tickets to lower bowl Montreal. Yeah, I imagine they're not double digit price.

I'm sure it was not really cheap to go to a lower bowl game where they had the chance to. I guess maybe that's why they're so excited. But it's just I always had the one thing I really envy about the Habs is just their crowd is so incredible every night. So what is it? Because it's also the people who sit in those seats are wearing jerseys Yes, and where it so is it? What is it? It's a location. I don't know They're just the culture where they see themselves as a hockey city and we're passionate I guess. Oh, no Yeah, they did like Liz. I've said it a million times But if it was a first-come first-serve night at Scotiabank Arena where you line up and you get in yeah

It would be just like that. Yeah every single night at Scotiabank Arena, I'm not disparaging in this scenario. Do you have to pay for your tickets of course okay, but it's not like Eight grand for a lower bowl playoff ticket. It's you know It's I think there's a world where it could be like that in Toronto But it's just not and I think even I give credit to Edmonton I watched their playoff crowds. They're really loud. The least playoff crowds are good, too But even the rounds are good. It's just I love watching the it just looks so awesome there And it does bump in so give some credit to the management team in Montreal that you know, Alexandra Carrier pick up

He's been really solid for them. Maguli has really taken a step. They've not come a long way. We're gonna talk about those guys and more. Joined now by Ren Lavoie. We really appreciate your time today pal. How are you? I'm pretty good. Such a beautiful day in Montreal. It's sunny outside. It's still a little chilly but we're gonna take it and we're ready for a big spring here in Montreal. That's for sure. Were you in the building last night?

We were just talking about the atmosphere. Tell us about clinching playoffs in Montreal last night. You know what, guys? It was a special environment. Obviously, you know, last game, the game against the Blockhawks with Ivan Dimitrov coming in the building for the first time. But it started, I'll say a month ago, there was a Saturday night game. It was the Panthers against the Canadians and it was like two or three to one for the Canadians in the third. And for five minutes in the stands, people started to do the waves and to sing the Ole Ole. And Jacob Dobesz, the

backup goalie was beside me because I was between the bench towards a Saturday night. And he looked at me and said, what's going on here? And I said, this is Montreal, my friend. Now you're experienced and it's going to be crazy if this team is going in the playoffs. The atmosphere in the Bell Center is just out of this world. I think it's a big advantage for the team because it's something that I'm saying a lot today in different interviews is if they are capable of winning one game in Washington next week, it's going to be huge because I cannot imagine myself being Logan Thompson or Charlie Lingard who experienced it obviously with the Montreal Canians but still with the Canians, not against the Canians at the

Bell Center in the playoffs. I cannot imagine how those two goalies are gonna react when this building is gonna be on them It's going to be really really tough for the Capitals. So I mean this may be a Dumbing it down too much of a question But like what is it about Montreal that that crowd like what is because it's just it has a different feel than every other Building you watch on TV. I've never actually been there for a game Well, I actually did go for a game against the Dallas Stars, so it didn't have the same cachet. But what is it?

Passion. It's all about passion, about the game. Passion, you know, with this team. There's a lot of young players. It starts with the captain. He's now one of the best, you know, 200 foot center-man in the league right now. And Cole Caulfield and Lane Hudson. And there's some good veterans with Brendan Gallagher who's still there, still battling hard night after night. And you have Sam Montembo as a goalie. When he arrived with the Montreal Canadiens, on Tambo as a goalie when he arrived with the Montreal Canians. He didn't really look like an NHL goalie and look at him today. There's a lot of good stories and I'm just mentioning a few names here and there, but it's just amazing.

And now we have Ivan Dyvedov coming to this team and he's going to be an impact player. I don't know if it's going to be in these playoffs, whenever it's going to happen it's going to happen. So it feels like the fans they just embrace you know the plan that was put in place by Jeff Gordon, Kent Hughes, Martin Sandoway and it's working and it feels like people are so happy to see finally a playoff team. You're gonna go back to probably 2021 saying the Keynes went to the Stanley Cup final, but that was without fan in the stands. It was a totally different vibe.

Now it feels like it's for real compared to maybe four years ago. So is what they have going on right now sustainable? Like do they have the legitimate pieces that next year they'll be building and this is something that will last that's a great question and you know what i'm pretty sure that right now they're focusing on today yeah and tomorrow and what's at stake against the capitals but still there is obviously some players that are that are going to leave david sovar is going to retire at the end of this season.

The playoffs when this team, but it's that's not a surprise for anyone. What's going to happen with Christian Dvorak is playing his best hockey with the Montreal Canadians. You know, there's a few players like that that are really playing well and helping this team. Joyal Armia is another name that I can put out there. So you have to wonder what's gonna happen to these experienced players because you can replace them with young players,

but it's not gonna be the same. They don't have the experience, right? At least the younger players of this organization right now are working really, really hard. They're going to experience playoffs for, I'm going to say the first time, but last night was really a game seven for them. So they did experience it in a way. And they were on the good side of the history. So it's all going to be about the younger players coming in and can't use, obviously, is roles going to be to find,

if it's not Christian Dvorak signing again with the Canadians or Joel Armio, to find players that are gonna be able to replace these two players that I just mentioned, but at the same time, I'm gonna repeat myself, but you have some young players coming in the system, and they're coming really, really fast too, so you have to let them be at one point.

So there's obviously a million different reasons that the Montreal Canadiens surprised everybody and made the playoffs here. But Ren if you're going to boil it down what do you think the number one reason is that this team is playing against the Caps starting on Monday? They start Monday? It starts Monday. Yeah. They start Monday.

Like you mentioned there's a million reasons. I've been asked this question. The biggest difference this year to last year is Layne Hudson, right? Layne Hudson wasn't there. And Layne Hudson is a difference maker. Okay? I never could imagine this kid to be that good. And not, it's not about only the points but the way he adjusts to all the small mistakes that he's gonna make through the season he's not gonna repeat these mistakes twice he's he's he's quite something to watch and he's a really smart player that that's probably number one number two Alex Carrier you mentioned it a little earlier.

And you were right. I mean, Alex Carrier arrived on December 22nd and it stabilized that blue line that really, really needed help. But just one player, one player guys, not two or three players, just one player was able to make the difference at the blue line because the core was really good and you have to look after that to Nick Suzuki who before the start of the second part of the season on February 22nd, the games at that time had only 2% chances of making the playoffs, 2%. He went in Kent Hughes office and said to him, we don't want you to make any trade. We want to stay with the same team. And obviously, Kent was, I'm not going to say shocked by that statement, but said, let me do my job, okay? But do your job. And doing your job is making sure that you're gonna be a leader on the scene you're gonna be the one making the difference night after night a difference player difference maker and and

Make sure that you work. We're gonna win games and we're gonna be in the mix and that's exactly what happened So kudos to Nick Suzuki games and we're going to be in the mix and that's exactly what happened. So kudos to Nick Suzuki who made a big statement just by talking to his GM and say hey we don't want anyone to be traded here and it was a gamble but it was a good one. Yeah absolutely he has been absolutely phenomenal and really that line it's funny you mentioned like Carrier puts everyone in their right spot Hudson makes a difference so all of a sudden you're playing in your D-zone less. So the forward suddenly have to puck more and everyone gets better. It's like a guy or two makes such a fundamentally huge difference in the roster. And Sam

Motaubo because his life is going to be quote-unquote a little bit easier if the team is spending less time in the diesel compared to what it was probably before Korea arrived with the Canadians. So just a multiple thing I just this random thought popped into my head you're around the team a lot did you talk to him about his four nations thing because he was the third goalie right they did he yeah did you talk to him about that how that was for him I didn't get to get into a game what was his thoughts on that he really enjoyed it first of all he looked a lot that you know at what the other bullies were doing especially

what the other players on the ice were doing right to watch what Connor McDavid was doing Sidney Crosby what what what what are. What are the details in their game? And I think that he, in a way, he went there and was, I think, a different goalie. And I remember watching this week, it was, I don't know what it was exactly, but an interview with Wayne Gretzky, and they were talking about the 87 Canada Cup and the impact that that cup

had on a guy like Mariola Mew after that a few years after was able to win the Stanley Cup twice with the Pittsburgh Penguins. And I feel like, you know, when I talked to Sam about Jordan Bennington, one thing that he mentioned about it is that Jordan, you know, a few times I was the one who was supposed to replace him during practices. There was no way he was giving me his name. Really? I love that. No, he worked his butt off.

And he was, you know, a difference maker when you look at it in the last game of that tournament. And honestly, I think that Sam really, really l experience. He started al know, on the way you prepar what he needs to do durin himself. That that started now it's it's paying off. it I feel like it's uh, you know, if you're asking me right now

Who's got the edge in that? For me, it's kind of easy. It's the Montreal Kenyans right now That's fantastic. And I do want to ask you about the series But before I do I want to ask you about the NHL's fifth longest tenured coach and Martan st. Louis. Is that true? Yeah is true. Oh my it's only Cooper Sullivan Bednar and Brynda Moore Longworth. I know. Which is baffling. It feels like he just got there. He got there in February of 2002. 2002? That's a really long time, 2022. All right. Yes, 2022. So, a little over three years ago, have you seen a change in him as a coach in that short amount of time he's been there?

Okay. October 31st, 2024. So Canadians are playing the Capitals. Tight game, but in the third light. So excuse my language here, but after the game, I don't know if you remember, but Martin said, we said we puked on ourselves in the third period. Yeah. Okay.

That's a pretty bad word. I don't know. You better be careful with that one. Well, that's what he said. And he was, he was pissed and you don't want Marty to be pissed. Okay. I'm telling you, you don't want to see that. Next day, November 1st, we're still in Washington and it was one of the toughest practices I've seen in a long time.

It was, you know, you want to punish his players in a way. And that's ground zero. That's right there, ground zero of what we're talking about right now, this team making the playoffs. And the funny part is it was in Washington, inside the Capitals building. It was not in a different ring. It was in the Capitals building. So for the players to go back there, it's gotta be unique because everyone was there, the exception of Carrier and Demidoff Otherwise, they were all there. They went through it and they're probably gonna talk about it guys on November 1st year We went through hell and look at we where where we were at right now. It's just amazing Amazing story. That's Martin Senwe. It is absolutely it's

You know the to see where they've come from that first half of the year to the second part of the season is incredible. So now you look at this playoff series and the Capitals are almost the reverse. They haven't been very good. They've been okay. So is there a path through for the Montreal Canadiens against the one seed? I think so. I mean, I don't, that question was asked to me a month ago. I was at the GM meeting in Boca, West Palm Beach.

And already we knew that if the Canadians were making the playoffs, would have been probably against the Capitals. And I said, the last thing that the Canadians wants is to face the Capitals. They were so good. And I've seen them a couple of times, ice level. And I was like, this group is unique.

And I said to myself, there's no way you wanna face the Capitals, no way. But since then, I don't recognize that team. It feels like they're totally different. They were involved, obviously, with that Wayne Gretzky record chase, which is okay, I totally understand it. But now, look at the way they're playing. I don't feel it's the same thing. Maybe it's just an hiccup. If it's just an hiccup if it's just a hiccup well all right it's good for them but it's easy for me to say right now that I expect the Canadians to beat the Capitals because of the way the Capitals are playing and because of goaltending easier said than done okay but that's my feeling right now do you think the caps, the goal chase,

like there was such a unifying thing and then that happens, does that let a little air to the balloon after? Like, I don't know, it just feels like they've been doing a lot of partying about it, being excited about it, like what the actual goal is. I was surprised at how much it took out of them after they were done with that yeah

and I'm with you and even you know the games that they were playing when when all of you was chasing record they were not yeah they were losing games and we're celebrating after games I understand why you were celebrating after games it's a record that no one thought it was possible that it would be beat one day and I totally understand it but but but at the same time you're celebrating a unique performance in a 4-1 loss. Okay so it's alright I understand it and probably I would have done as a player, th a unique situation, but i

vibe. Uh, and but you kno They're gonna lick their find ways to to return to a month ago. And if it ha to be a tough team to beat, not only for the Kenyans, but after that, for whoever is gonna face them. But they have all the tools, guys.

They have all the tools. But the way since that chase is, like the way they were chasing that record, it's, it feels really, really weird. Yeah, absolutely agree. Last one before we're gonna let you go because I'll go to jail if I don't ask about this. Ivo Andemidou. Wow. First impressions Ren? Crazy. Unbelievable person first of all, great kid. Does he speak English? He speaks English, learning French. I like the fact that, you know,

we've seen all the highlights, first assist, first goal in his first shot, the crowd reaction, him watching the scoreboard and smiling and having a blast. That was unique. That was so refreshing. He's not scared. We're gonna get in time,

but he's going to be a franchise player on this team. I'm convinced. First ever series against Ovechkin in your first ever playoffs. It's three games into your career. Here we go. Very cool. Well, hey, Ren, enjoy covering that series.

We sure appreciate you joining us. And I hope we get to chat with you during playoffs. Yeah, we're going to have a blast. And thanks for having me, guys. I appreciate it. That's Ren Lavoie, hockey reporter for TVA Sports, NHL Network Correspondence. And I did want to mention that this hour of Kipper & Bourne

is brought to you by Bet365. He's the best, Ren. Love that. Great stuff. By far my favorite thing about the Montreal Canadians The jersey the jerseys very no I and also I do want to highlight the season Nick Suzuki has had yeah And I clearly love him. He's been he was an own sound attack legend. I've been a huge fan of him for a long time It's been a lot of very complicated feelings including him scoring an overtime winner against the Leafs in their playoffs series Like it's just the very tough thing for pretty much me and people from own sound at all. That's it

That's who it's really tough for but he has scored So many not all he scored last night. Oh my huge time in that game. It was 1-1 It was feeling a little perilous. And he just snaps it in. Big, celly crowd goes wild. Scored like that, that tying goal against the Panthers. And then he scored the overtime winner after. But in the passing comment I made about his rank as a center in the league, I'm wearing no-billies

and I'm wearing it and I deserve to. He's been absolute full value for the Canadians. So good for him. What do you think Slavkovsky's ceiling? What is it? What is he? When he is here? Angle?

No, what do you think fully developed like when he's a 27 year old in this league? I think he's big and skilled. Like I think that's 35 goals. How many does he have this year? I don't know. I'm just looking him up now. I gotta tell you, I know he's still young, but every viewing of him, he finished this season with 18 goals in 79 games.

51 points. I'm never blown away like I think I should be with the physical skills that he has. The thing is bud, he's 240. I know. 240, 238.

He's huge. And he's 21 years old. Is he gonna play at like 245? If he could have a Matthew Nye's like sort of career maybe where he scores 30 plus goals, he's physical, he just, I'm curious to see if he develops an edge. Like if you're that big and you're a little mean just a little mean tiny bit mean Goes a long way. I wouldn't trade him for Matthew nice There you go, but I think I think he's a good player I think he has a lot of room to grow

But like I said when you have that skill set at that size, and I know he's young 21 sure young man's game There's a lot of young guys in the league that are very good. Yeah. I just, he always leaves me wanting more. And this is one of those things that Hab fans are allowed to say, but when a Leaf fan says it, they get to bend out of shape.

But like I got Hab fans buddies who are, you know, they're whining about him a lot. Yeah. They want more too. So. By the Caulfield though is. Oh yeah. Gotta be as, if you're, let's say you say you're least fan and you're playing Montreal. Yeah, he is number one

Maybe the scariest guy to have the puck on his back on the other side. Oh Lane Hudson's number one Well, I do not want that guy if you're his decision making now Yeah, is that's what like cuz he's so shifty in the way skates. I will say it's not aesthetically pleasing. No, you're right It's not like watching him play. It's it's very low. It's very like it's not To me, it's not Quinn Hughes. It's not Kale McCarr. It doesn't look as good as those It doesn't look as smooth necessarily. It's very choppy and like flying around but it's dynamic It's like listening to a podcast at 1.4 speed or something. Like everything he does is just a little.

Do people listen to us at 1.5 speed, do you think? Good chance. I can't imagine listening to this at normal pace. But then if you listen to a podcast at like fast speed and you try to go back, it sounds like everybody's drunk. Yeah. Can you imagine listening to Kip at one and a half and then going back? You'd be like, spit it out.

Right? It's weird. It's weird. Anyways. Alright. You want to do game time? Yeah, I'll rip some game time here. It's game time. Presented by Bet365. Visit the app for the latest odds and find out why it's never ordinary at Bet365. That's been our team plus.

On Terra only. Please play responsibly. Let me stop you. Yes. I bet on Ottawa. Tonight? Oh, good for you. I will be too.

I will be too. I am going to have a treasury meeting about where we're comfortable. With your wife? No, with the McKee camp, myself. We're gonna sit down, we're gonna do crunch some numbers. How much can we go here? And the number, highest number we can go to

is what I'm gonna bet on the Ottawa centers at plus 150 that folks is the happiness. It's the best. It's it's a great number for the happiness The question is Sam. Yes, would you pay a hundred dollars to have the Toronto Maple Leafs win that round? And if the answer is yes, so yeah, then you'll risk it cuz if you lose then you'll used to get some payout emotional damage Emotional so there's a bunch of a bunch of meaningless hockey games tonight, right? And I'm just fascinated by these live at every underdog because it no one's knows why like, you know, like for example Washington and Pittsburgh are playing tonight and our beloved bet three six five is like minus 110 But I do look at the Leafs tonight who are minus

165 yeah, they're dressing their team pal their playoff team They do not want to play hockey the Red Wings are not wanting to play hockey as well But they at least you know can try in this game. They're plus 140 That did you could make worse bats than red wings tonight at plus one for all but you know Hockey coaches are the worst because Ruby's gonna go in there and he's gonna say Yeah, we want to go in on a winning note. We got to be we're practices Yeah, we got to be you know sharp, you know play in our game But but but but but but but but but and you're in the room going on. Yeah. Yeah, you know playing our game the buh-buh-buh-buh-buh-buh-buh and you're in the room going on

Yeah, yeah, you know straight lines north-south Yeah And so now that we've got the playoff matchup set up and we're heading into the playoffs starting this weekend started good tonight Who do you who do you think is the favorite to win the cop? Because I was it's a semi surprising Vegas no In the least division oh really Florida Florida Florida Florida is the favorite at plus 650 I wish that didn't exist. I know you are and so is Derek because he always hammers me with it plus 650 Know you are and so is Derek because he always hammers me with it plus 650 Colorado's next seven to one

Dallas eight to one so the two the second and third favorite To win the Stanley Cup or playing each other in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs Vegas next at plus 850 Jets 950 Edmonton plus 950 decent number there for them and then it's Washington, Toronto Carolina all 10 to one Tampa at 11 to one is an excellent number. Kings. Oh, that's the one Tampa Kings sends sorry, Kings 18 one sends 30 and then it goes all the way down. Habs are 50 plus 5,000. So I think I might be picking Tampa for the cup. And at 11 to one, that's an appealing number. Can I give you I don't hate it but

I don't think listen they won't really want Ottawa to get through this section listen because if there's one team yeah that actually kind of owns them yeah which is crazy to say can I give you the Dallas Stars last seven games lost to Pittsburgh lost to Minnesota lost to Vancouver lost to Winnipeg lost to Utah lost to Detroit lost to Nashville They lost seven in a row? Seven straight giving up five six five four six three five they're goalies they can't get a save we had Valley come on talking about how Autinger should get replaced by De Smith who also can't make a save. The joke I love. And they just lost Jason Robertson. I've never seen Jay Cottage have

a good game like I've never seen it Everyone's like oh, he's amazing like oh yeah, you check his number Yeah, anyways, that's anecdotal okay, I'm not being honest, but anyways That was game time was there by about 365 visit the app latest odds to find out why it's never ordinary at bet 365 Let's be 19 plus interior only please play responsibly alright when we get back We're gonna be joined by Jacob Stoller from from Winnipeg, our guy at Sportsnet. We're going to have some legitimate Jets talk. When we get back.

Yes, peon time after the break. Hey, it's Matt Marchese and I'm Mike Fuda. We're discussing the top stories of the day across the NHL and the hockey world. Weekdays at noon. It's the fan hockey show on Sportsnet 590 The Fan and wherever you get your podcasts. Welcome back to Real Born and McKee. Not really the name of the show,

but it's what we're calling it when Kip's away. We are now joined by Jacob Stoller, Winnipeg Jets writer here at Sportsnet. Really happy to have you on. We've been looking forward to this. The Winnipeg Jets president's trophy champions. Did you think it would ever happen? No, I actually went on 32 thoughts and said that they might not make the playoffs. So yeah, it's not a good look. My predictions have aged pretty terribly. I thought Elers could be traded. I thought Elers could be traded

I thought they'd be on the outside looking in in the playoff picture I think I also said something about maybe them not being top five and goals again So yeah, yeah would not allow me for hot takes in the future Listen in defense, you know The Winnipeg Jets actually put out a tweet of all the analysts There's like 43 analysts who would win the Central and zero people pick them. But in my defense and everyone else, I don't think the Jets thought they were going to be this good.

I don't know. I actually kind of disagree. I do think they thought they'd be. Oh, yeah. Okay. Maybe not the press. Okay. You're probably what did they start the year?

A hundred and oh, like they want to every game for the first two months. Yeah. I mean, okay. Let me backtrack. I don't think they thought they'd be that good, but I do think there was a lot of confidence in that room heading into the year. And to me, I felt it right off the hop

and being in the room. And to be honest, I didn't buy it, like going to training camp. I did not think that it would translate, but it just seemed like game after game, they were so deliberate in everything that they did, that they would take one game at a time. I gotta say, being in that room when they were 15 and one,

like through that span, you would have never known it. Not saying they weren't happy, but it just, each game was very much focused on that game. And it's what's driven their success, to be honest. And just throughout the season, it's so interesting. If you look at last year, they had some spurts where they'd win eight in a row, right? They also though had I believe a seven in a row losing streak if I'm not mistaken at least over five games

They haven't had those lulls this year and it's not you know They've had doubts where they're not winning at eight hundred percent winning percentage But the consistency for them and adopting the style play that they want to play That's been the key to their success honestly and their world world-class gold tender as well before you ask your question Sam question for you Sam Oh, yeah, is that the best backdrop of any guest we've ever had on I was gonna say I was gonna bring up We're like-minded that sharks if you can put on a full shirt again It is that sharks is my favorite one of my favorites of all time I had a starter jacket with like that of that arrow when I was a kid

That is such a great Jersey the other ones are good too, but that's a standout some of these are from China I think for oh, yeah. Yeah. Yeah, I Know but I got into that big too. Like I have a bunch of like those crappy majors He's there like yeah, there's a couple in here that I brought You like that I have I think I have a bro doer over there too. We can get one of those jets once Yeah, we could get it. Maybe shoveled they awful said it to us and maybe I can lose it on a bus Anyway, sorry to derail the conversation carry on. I was just I saw a non playoff question here first I saw Neil Pionk sign that long contract today

Hey, is he I feel you, we talk about the underrated guys in the league when everybody's, Barkov had the underrated award forever, even though everybody talked about him as, I hate when, but there's actually underrated guys. And seeing that contract, I didn't realize the value of Neil Pionk to the Winnipeg Jets, I guess, once I saw that.

I know he was good, but that was a pretty big financial commitment from the Jets to him. Yeah, but the thing is, Sam, if you look at the deal in the context of the cap rising, it's pretty much the same deal he has now, which I think is just below 6 million. So if you look at right-hand defensemen in the league, that's what they go for, that produced at his level. Here's the thing. Pionk is the whipping boy in a lot of sectors of Winnipeg fandom.

I think that to the naked eye, you look at Neil Pionk and there's some points where he hasn't been at his best, but the reason he was the Masters in Trophy nominee from our PWHA chapter was because people forget that last year, you know, his best friend was Adam Johnson, who passed away that tragic accident. So that really was hard to deal with. Yeah, and he played the playoffs with a broken foot.

So of course the guy wasn't at his best. The thing about Pionke, what makes people start to kind of hate on him is he's somewhat chaotic sometimes. And I mean that in the best of ways, actually. He's aggressive. Like he'll go to kill a play. He's able to jump into the rush

and sometimes mistakes are gonna happen, obviously. But I think the way that he plays, it's able to jump into the rush, and sometimes mistakes are going to happen, obviously. But I think the way that he plays, it's very in line with the system that the Jets have been running. Not only is he excellent at killing plays, like if you back up a couple years, during the COVID season, he was unbelievable. And I'm serious when I say that against Conor McDavid in that series, the way that he checks, one-on-one defending, that's Neil Peonk's bread and butter. Okay, and with Dylan Sandberg, that second pairing, they've been excellent.

Where I think fans sometimes get lost in it is they'll say, oh, you know, that's too much money and we could have get someone else, you know, trader for agency, please, I beg you, find me someone that the Jets can A, go out and acquire and B, that is better than Neil Peonk for a second pairing right-hand defenseman. This is the market. I think Neil's done a great job in his role.

His offense, his production slowed down a little bit throughout this year, but all in all, he's been one of their drivers. I think that contract to me, I don't think it's that egregious to be frank. The cap, again, it's rising. You know what you have. So is there some blowback from the fans

on what that number is? Not, it's a mixed bag, honestly. I think that the reality is you knew that as soon as Neil Peonk was going to resign with the Jets, that there would be the same people that are, you know, want his head on a pitch for sometimes. Or not even just that, though, it's maybe not that harsh, but maybe just think he's going to regress instantly, right? That's what I've aged terribly. But when you're in win now mode, you have to keep those guys

and he's 29 years old, he is extremely durable for guy that, you know, block shots is very physical, even though he's six feet. I talked to Adam Lowry at practice today, and he was saying like, yeah, he may be six feet or whatever, and the Jets joke a lot that he's actually listed as smaller. But the guy plays like he's six-four, right? So you have the prototype guy that can shut down top players and also contribute offensively. Those are hard to find. Absolutely.

So as the Jets turn the page from their president trophy season, looking forward to the playoffs, they got the St. Louis Blues. I guess two thoughts on that. One is how do you feel about that matchup for them? But the other one is are they healthy? Because I know Nick Ehlers is one that is not healthy and that's a pretty significant loss for the Jets. Well they're certainly not healthy and that's a pretty significant loss for the Jets. Well, they're certainly not healthy. They've got Gabriel Velarde skating on his own. He skated again today. We don't know really what his timeline would be. We haven't seen him skate with the main group yet. So

for sure doubtful for game one, if not completely ruled out. Nikolai Ehlers is week to week as of a couple days ago. With a ref man. With a ref. Terrible luck. Terrible. I don't know if it's just me, but I feel like week to week is more so like closer to a month just the way that it's been happening. That said, playoffs obviously ramp up pain tolerance and whatnot.

But the Jets are definitely shorthanded when it comes to their offense right now. They're fortunate though that they've had a lot of guys step up. Since late January, Colbert Fetty has taken a tremendous step for the team, solidifying himself as a top six forward. Alex Iafala, who also resigned recently, has done a great job filling in for Gabe Velardi. He still miss Velardi, especially on the power play.

He still miss Nikolai Ehlers, but they've been able to fill in from within. And I think the real driver of the jetets success is even when they've lost guys, you know, they've been without Dylan Sandberg for points, Neil Pionk, Ehlers now as well, Velardi. They don't, it doesn't really matter. And two years ago when they played Vegas in the playoffs, when they lost, you know, Ehlers, I believe Morrissey Scheife, missed time. You just thought they're done. They're cooked.

Like that's it. Obviously, if you know, Connor Hellebuck were to ever get injured, that feeling would come around. But with this team, it's really like it's a really well run system team. And I wrote this for sportsint.ca the other day. The beauty of this team and the real reason for belief in them is they've built this brand of hockey where it's Winnipeg Jets style of hockey. When you play against the Los Angeles Kings or the Carolina Hurricanes, right? And you hear players on opposing teams say, you know, ask about that matchup. They'll always say like they're a really hard team to play against. They don't give you much room. That's what the Jets have

become. And they've been able to bring guys and even depth guys that have come into the system and given them, you know Impactful performances, you know, if they move up the lineup, so that said I think not having lardy new eelers He's gonna hurt the power played the most especially against the Blues and It's gonna be an interesting matchup. I think it was it was like 20 seconds away from it being the wild right? Yeah that goal so I'm sure the Jets weren't thrilled St. Louis over them,

but that said, I actually take that back. I don't think they care who they play. I think they're pretty confident in what they do. Like, and I really mean that. And it's not just coming off as, you know, like we're, we have a lot of belief in this room. No, they're like, we don't care. We're going to play that the way that we play.

And I think Hellbuck's convinced that team that they can win too. Like him backstopping them as well. Yeah. We're talking with Jacob Jacob Stoller a Winnipeg Jets writer for a sports net Sammy Yeah the the Connor hella buck Jordan Bennington thing will be something that outsider of Winnipeg people will point to and some of the Playoff like this the Leafs are clearly the the crown jewel of playoff failures and they get the brunt of the Everyone makes one of them the most but the Jets are not immune to some of this stuff when it comes to playoffs They had some heartbreaks. They went deeper in earlier years, but you know, there's been some first-round stuff get matched up with the call

I don't know avalanche. I understand that But there's a lot of it's different talk here like people all my leaf fan buddies are saying it's different in Toronto It's different this year. Like it really does feel different in Winnipeg this year, too Is it different? Why is it different? Like that's that's the question I'm asking with the Jets because I think it's really easy to point to a lot of their playoff failures before What's a lot of the same guys a lot of Connor Hellebuck stuff? What is different? I Think that they've what they've set out to do three years ago when they moved on from, you know, the Paul Maurice era

to Rick bonus, they set out to be a good defense first team, right? They've not perfected that and why it's different is they have actually found a way to embrace and execute this style of play where they edge you out 2 to 1 in games, you know, and I think that in terms of, does it feel different, Sam? Like what you're referencing there with your Leafs buddies that are saying about the Leafs this year,

granted I lived in Toronto for a while. I heard that a lot of years. Yeah, I hear it everywhere. My whole life, in fact. Right, yeah. I do think it's very different actually, because this is a fan base that there's been some pessimism in the last couple of years.

It was hard to fill the building in some spurts. That changed throughout the year this year as the season went on. A lot of sell-outs down the stretch, a very big increase in the last couple of years overall too. I can say from talking to people, everyone is very, very excited. And the previous two years,

I almost felt like people were just excited that there was whiteout hockey in Winnipeg. We're still kind of reeling from COVID, We're, you know, just happy that they're there kind of thing. But now it's like, and this team as a whole has exuded it. It's, it's kind of cup or bus vibes. And that's a weird term because that usually is used in the context of if we don't win the cup, we're going to scorch earth here. And that's not going to happen. But it's more so like that's the goal period. And the jets for a while have been very, you know, wishy washy sort of the rhetoric

publicly, you'll never hear them outright say it, but recently there's been a change that they have their own team produced documentary called runway. And the title of the last episode is we want the sound of the cup and like that, like DeMello. Heaven forbid you admit you want that. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. You know? Yeah, right. Yeah.

A hundred percent, but they're, they're, they're not really shy away or toeing the company line or whatever, which has kind of been a thing in previous years. It's pretty simple. Like throughout all the regular season accolades this year, they'll be like, what does it mean to win the president's trophy or the best regular season

or to win the central? Ask anyone that's DeM's peon like any of these guys will say we want the cup they'll say it pretty directly and It's just it's a different feeling this year a hundred percent and I think that a lot of people think that they can do it and Do we feel like the deadline editions of Shannon Tanev are gonna help in that regard? Masterpiece job by Chevy. Like, we all know that the target was Brock Nelson. Okay, he swung, he tried his best.

Kevin Sheveldayev deserves a lot more credit than he gets because with his hands tied, working in the smallest market where no trade clauses botched, a lot of things he tries to do, he's been able to re-sign core players, he's been able to make acquisitions, but sometimes you're gonna miss, right? The plan B there, or even I think if they got Nelson, those two guys would have come in, have actually taken their style of play and amplified it. Like Luke Shen, one of the problems, sorry,

in Colorado, that series last year, was in front of the net, there was way too much traffic in front of Connor Alba. So in turn, they get a guy like Luke Shen that is an absolute bruiser. And I think Arneal put it best, guys take the long way around the net when he's there. He is just annoying to play against. And he's very like the way he's been able to resurrect his career over the last couple of years, and Adam Oates was a big part of that though, he's even though his foot speed isn't at his best, he's very good in a structured environment and that's what the jets are.

So he's been great for them. When Pionk was out, he actually filled in alongside for him alongside Dylan Sandberg and was really good honestly. So that's been a great ad. And then Brian Tanev looks like just an absolute dog on a bone. Like that expression is thrown around,

but this guy, it's like when you get home and your dog's just going crazy and like no matter what you do, it won't settle down. That's how he plays. Shift. Like it's, it's the guy will block four shots in a shift and go like position himself to block a fifth. I don't understand. He's a madman. And I think he's a very useful player. Both those guys too, I should note, are huge penalty killers and since they were required to get a penalty kill, has been getting a lot better. It actually dates back to around January. So perfect ads, honestly, for what they needed to get. I think

that Sheveldave looks pretty wise. No matter what happens in the playoffs, the fact that he didn't go trade a first for a middle six offensive forward that, I don't know, like if he's not in your top six what like a soft skill kind of player that's not going to really do anything for them especially the way they try to win games so I think it was a great job and those two have made their impact felt instantly awesome well hey man listen enjoy the playoffs we look forward to following along and hope to uh to talk with you again soon. Absolutely, anytime guys, thanks. Alright, thanks. That's Jacob Stahler, Winnipeg Jets writer here at Sportsnet. A lot of good insights there.

Awesome. I have two Connor related news and notes. Okay. Quickly, because we only have a couple minutes here. I saw this story on sportsnet.ca and it just kind of jumped out to me. I was like looking for news and notes things. By the way, Jets talk. Jets talk. Great Jets talk. Yeah. It just kind of jumped out to me. I was like looking for news and notes things by the way jet stock just a great jet stock. Yeah

Connor Bedard wants to stay in with the Blackhawks for a long time is the title of the story Yeah, well, yeah for sure by the way I forgot to mention this hour of real Capra born is brought to you by bet 365 bad producing by me I should carry on fell uh So you don't really think of a guy in his second year playing on a bad team. This is never- You're like, I wanna be here.

This is never really, yeah. Like, that's kinda what you do. This isn't the NBA. Guys don't ask out right away. Like, you're kinda there for a while, you do your, you just, you do it. Was it, never forget, you're here forever. But this is the quote that jumped out to me

on the, in the article. If I look a little sad on the bench some Or something maybe people can take it out of context, but I've said it so many times. I love being here but seems like why do you have to tell everybody that like I guess they suck so bad, but No one's is everyone being like but darred wants out? Are people saying that? I just might. My shirt's raising a lot of questions. That whole thing. Anyways. You know, I get that he has to get ahead of sort of rumors or whatever, and that's totally

fine. The team finished last couple years in a row. I think it's hard. The weight of the franchise is on your shoulders. You know, you're supposed to be the guy. Sure. It's really a tough thing, I think, for these NHL franchises who haven't had a good player The weight of the franchise is on your shoulders. You know, you're supposed to be the guy. It's really a tough thing, I think, for these NHL franchises who haven't had a good player in a long time and they get one and to not give them too much.

And I feel like that, you know, I've seen the Sabres do it with cousins and you've seen, you know, Badaard. It's like always the Sabres. It's tough to make guys earn it. I don't know. I'm so excited. I hope they're better next year. I'm so excited that it's always the same or it's tough to make guys earn it. I don't know. He's I'm so excited. I hope they're better next year I'm so excited that it's the playoffs now I just don't have to watch terrible teams like I watch that Habs Blackhawks game the other night demidoff's debut I was like, this is wretched

I know and in but are being like if I look a little sad on the bench first off don't look sad on the bench Well, I mean it's hard not to hockey game. Are you sad? He's like passing to the next a chowder That's playing on his line And then the other Connor related note I have Connor McDavid moves into into the tie for the fifth most hundred point seasons in the win over the Sharks But David hit the hundred points plateau for the fifth straight season and for the eighth time in his career Borny Becoming the fourth player in NHL history to do so the other four Wayne Gretzky 15 times

Mary Lou Mew 10 and Marcel Dion 8 Wow, he's a fourth guy in the history Those are the three guys that have done it We're with just having like a terrible season for him air quoted that if you can't see it, but like he you know You're witnessing one of the all-time greats and as much as you don't want necessarily You're witnessing one of the all-time greats and as much as you don't want necessarily From a toronto perspective like I don't want the oilers to be the first team to get the cup before you know the down Young streets the only way I want to come back blah blah blah You want him to get it? Yes, because In the there's so much more competition

So you're not going to get two or three or four like a lot of these other guys But he has to have the one to validate he does have to guys, but he has to have the one to validate. He does have to have the one. He has to have the one and it doesn't feel like free. It's going to be like Rory McIlroy when he wins. Oh my God. He's down to the knees. He's crying like he is. Yeah.

So that sort of level of competitive. So last night, Sammy, the Stanley Cup playoffs for finalized final matchups came into view. Yeah. Got one there. You're most excited about outside of the Leafs. I gotta say Colorado, Dallas. Yeah. The laundry isn't necessarily the sexiest, but those two teams are both really good.

Tampa Bay, Florida. Love that too. But I think, I think it's the Leafs and Sens is the marquee matchup from the first round. I don't have to say that because we're in Toronto. Gonna be a lot of fun. Big thanks today to Jacob Stoller, to Ren Lavoie, and to Luke Fox, all of whom helped us get through two hours. Sandskipper, enjoy the games tonight and we'll see you tomorrow. You