Real Kyper & Bourne - Leafs Hour: Stumbling Start to Crucial Homestand

Episode Date: January 20, 2026

Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Toronto Maple Leafs' 6-3 loss to the Minnesota Wild to kick off a five-game homestand. They discuss the gap in talent between the two teams, another tough game for Joseph Woll, Matthew Knies' injury, Jake McCabe's recent dip, and whether that increases the Leafs' interest in trading for a puck-moving defenceman like Dougie Hamilton. Later, former NHLer Brad May (32:03) shares his thoughts on the Leafs' play as they kick off their homestand, parity in the Eastern Conference, Auston Matthews' resurgence, and what's changed for the Sabres in their recent hot stretch.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.

All right, let's get her going on our leaf hour edition of the real Kipper and Bourne show live on Sportsette 360. 590, the fan in Toronto. Streaming always on Spotify, Apple Podcasts. And of course, to our lovely audience out there in the YouTube world, always appreciate the chats and the thumbs up for our show. Nick Kipprio's Justin Bourne, Sammy McKee, Derek Brandeo, Jake the Snake Shultz, and Easton. Ajaja, Gabor. Is that new sweater? It is. I like that.

Very nice. You're a sweater guy, eh? Big sweater guy. Yeah, you are. Yeah, like a nice sweater. Yeah. Now, will I not see the Mr. Rogers red for at least another 10 months? The Reds retired.

It's a Christmas only sweater, but you'll see plenty of sweaters. Cardigans. They're coming. All right. It's the weirdest start of any show ever. Let's get right into the home stretch here. The Toronto Maple Leafs coming off the road. Tough one last night.

We made it abundantly clear how much Minnesota was hurting, missing a top line, complete top line with Eck and Matt Boldie. And Johansson. And Johansson. Quinn, he was still played. Did you notice him last night? Can I tell you two, Marcus Folino played last night? Also Brock Faber played.

I did go to the game last night. Oh, nice. Good group, good Maple Leaf alumni group last night. And actually one of our guests will join us in about half an hour, Brad May, who was also in the box. But I got to sit beside Mike Falino. No way. Really?

The dad of Marcus, who scored his first NHL. Cool. Patrick. And can I tell you something? He was fired up. No, the complete opposite. very respectful on watching his son have his first NHL hat trick and couldn't break a cheer.

He stayed so professional. Really? Not even a master's? No, no, not even a master's. Just a little bit of a smile. And I'm trying to get him going a little bit. I gave him a fist pump, you know, just a little bump there. And I got a little out of him.

I guess the boys have accomplished so much now. You're done being like, he made it. Yeah, no, no, no, no. But it was very successful in the show. It was great to see. It was great to be with Mike. And I got to play against Mike, compete against Mike. But, you know, just such a proud Papa last night.

But it was fun watching Mike watch his son lighted up last night. Yeah. No, that's really cool. I'm just quickly Googling. Now, Mike played, did he ever play in Alaska? No. Where did he played Detroit? He was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres out of Sudbury.

Okay. But he, I mean, the jump is a iconic. Legendary. Yeah. Anyways, that's a great story, Kippur. Anyways, outside of that, are we surprised? Are we not surprised? Are we going to go into scheduled tough loss coming off a long road trip?

Where do you want to go? So for everyone, the work. scheduled loss refers to when you play a back to back and the second half of it is on the road against a great team. That's like the only scenario we get to use that. This is like guys are a little bit tired. They played a pretty good team. No, no excuses for me. I will say like the Leafs are operating on the margins as is of the playoffs when they're healthy. They're a competitive team and can be. But this wild team is very good. Brock Faber to me was amazing last night. I'm watching like Quinn Hughes

looked like the ice capades. The most beautiful skater in the world controlling half the game when he was out in the ice. It was something to see. Yeah. I don't think, scheduled loss, I don't think anybody said that this was a scheduled loss. I think what is traditionally a tough game for teams coming off of a long trip,

the first game home traditionally across all sports, is a bit of a tough one. But what I will say is the Leafs are going to have to start bucking some of those trends here down the stretch if they're going to want to stay in the playoff race. The ozone, go ahead. The ozone possession time leaders of the game,

Matthew Nyes had the puck the most in the ozone for the Leafs at 52 seconds. Quinn Hughes at it for a minute and 33 seconds in the ozone as a defenseman. So he, yeah, head and shoulders above anyone else in terms of domination. for me, like where the Leafs are at right now and fighting for a playoff spot,

they were up against a team that is next level. Yep. Right? And that blue line in and itself is next level with now Quinn Hughes. And you'd think there'd be 15, 20 teams that can envision themselves getting in and maybe with some luck, maybe get a first round.

you know, get hot. But did last night kind of remind you of the gap between the Leafs Blue Line and maybe Minnesota's and what it's going to take to ultimately go to a conference final or Stanley Cup final? I mean, massive gap, massive gap, obviously. But, you know, like you saw the Leafs play the heck out of the Colorado Avalanche a week prior. So, you know, I don't think entirely it's like, I don't think the Leafs were at their best. You know, they need everyone.

Nyes doesn't look right. Willie's not there. you know, they're definitely, I agree that it's a different tier. I will say, I wonder if what's considered a successful season has changed something over the years. Like, it used to be cup or bust with 32 teams with some of those teams who get in and lose in the first round, not go pretty good. You know, we'll take that. You know, like, I don't know what the Leaf's goals are. Do you still think there's Stanley Cup or bust here?

It doesn't feel like it. No, no, the bars dropped. Yeah. The bars dropped. And like in previous years, maybe the last five or six, it's, Toronto, Tampa and Florida 1, 2, 3 and last year they were able to finish 1

Yeah And I think there were Expectations to go into this season Where it was like It wasn't even a question Whether or not this team was good enough To make the playoffs Absolutely

Right They were going to make the playoffs I had them in the playoffs I think you did too I don't think anybody said definitively this is not a playoff team No

So, yeah, it's, for me, I don't, I think especially under that roof or even ours now, because we, the Rogers above us are the sole owners of the hockey club, there's big expectations still to make the playoffs. I mean, yeah, and then there is the element from there of, can things get weird? You know, there's a world where I will say their record right now is not indicative of the best of them. Like, you know, they found themselves part with through the year around Christmas. We've seen some good hockey. They were to get everyone back healthy and TANEv shows up in playoffs.

They trade for some of the deadline. You know, I could talk myself into a ceiling where they win around sort of thing. And there's value in that in itself. But no, it does seem the expectations have changed. Yeah, but I think we talked about it even midway through that trip. The end of this gauntlet is going to be really. telling. Like they, after, you know,

tomorrow night they have the red wings. Then it's the golden nights. Just a massive game. Then it's Colorado. And then it's Buffalo next week, which is another massive one. They go out west to finish off before the, before the break where it's Seattle,

Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton. Pretty good memory of all those off the top of my head. It's surprising. But, like, if they, there's a world here where they finish that and they're sitting in a playoff spot or their point back from a playoff spot. We're all sitting here being like, yeah, we know what the direction of this is.

But there's also a world where they go through that and they go 500 or a game under 500 and they're stuck like three or four points behind the last playoff spot with a couple teams to jump. And all of a sudden you get into a really mushy middle conversation here, which is going to be a really interesting one. So it can go one or two ways before the break. 34 games left. 33 games left.

But before the break is what I'm really looking at to where they're going to be. And I'm sure they will too. Sure. So we should actually calculate the game until then. But so with 33 games left, if they go 20 and 13, that's 97 points for them. I think it should be enough to get in. I don't think a team has ever missed the playoffs at 97 points. 96 missed last year, I think, for a team. But yeah, so 20 and 13, though, is that doable?

Okay, give me the number if they lose tomorrow night and they lose one on the weekend, right? 20 and 12, 19 and 11. It changes dramatically, right? It gets hard with loss. The percentages, the winning percentage changes dramatically with the next two games. Yeah. Oh, we're at that point of the year now where it's all playoffs.

Like this Red Wings game is. You can't lose three in a row. No. Red Wings game is absolutely monster. And to Sam's point about when, do you mind figuring out how many games until playoffs? Can you just go through their schedule? Or sorry, until the deadline?

Yeah. Like just... The trade deadline? The trade deadline. March 6th. Yeah. So when would they make a decision on if we're buyers or sellers? Probably right after the Olympics.

Like we're talking late February? Are they out? Two points, four points from a spot? Right. Five points. But around there, like if you're, if there are four points out coming out of the Olympics. Yeah. With a few games until the trade deadline.

Are they buying? Well, they could add a defenseman. They could add Luke Shen. for a fifth round pick. Yeah. Right? So that's your, is that March 7th?

Is that your, might be six. Is that your idea of being a buyer? If they added Luke Shen? Yeah. That would be the, assuming then they're not selling. Because I was sitting here with McKee before the show started and I said,

talking about Ekman Larson, what a season he's having. My God, right. Gracie points, whatever. What would he be worth? First. He's got two years left at three. A first and maybe a second secondary piece? Yeah.

Like he's been that good. You know, like if they all of a sudden said, what's Scott Lottnworth? What's, you know, what, they go through these guys and it's like, I am just saying, if they're five points out, it's too many. You're talking about dismantling the team.

Well, no, I'm talking about trading your UFAs, which are not core pieces. But you're, you're going to have a really tough time even replacing those core pieces, I think, in the summer. It's almost non-existent, really, the UFA. Well, I mean, you don't think you get anything for Lawton, McMahon.

No, no. I agree that you'll get sufficient pieces back. You're just saying you're way worse. But I just don't know how quickly you can replace them. Yeah. To make yourself competitive again next year. Yeah. Well, I think that would be a matter of do you then use those assets?

We've been saying right now they got no money to go to the store with. Yeah. You know, at least you would have money to go to the store with. next year, but I don't, for the record, I'd like to see him win a string of games here, become buyers and off we go. We are. At that best case scenario. I will remind everybody talking here that we are coming off a stretch where they got

points in 12 of 13 games, right, to get themselves back into this conversation. And have they lost, did they gain or lose on, like, Tampa's better than that? They've held their head above water, basically. They have, but it's, it's, it's, it's, it's, they've kept pace with the teams that are in. They've kept pace. But they have climbed, to your point, they were in last. Yes. Okay, I mean, Florida is in way worse shape right now as we speak, right?

At the end of the day, 53. Two points back? From the Leafs, I think they're three. Yeah. Three with a game in hand. And with one game in hand. So, all right, let's go to Craig Brube's overall view of last night's game. Yeah, I mean, we made too many mistakes.

You know, line change goal, two PK goals against. You know, we just weren't detailed enough in certain areas. Cost to the hockey game, we're chasing it. Made a good push in a third, but too late. Good push. Yeah, what's the push? What's that? Score effect push, but God, that Matthew's goal.

That was a nasty. Nice pass, too. That was a nasty. Any thoughts on Joe Wall? Was that? Yeah, no good. No good. No good.

Yeah, no good. Yeah, no good. For me, it sets up an interesting conversation on who to start tomorrow night. Mm-hmm. Any questions for you at all? Would you think about it? Or are you just going to give it to Wall again?

Well, no. I mean, it almost felt like we're at a handed off Wallstead Gustafin-style thing. What do you got, Nikki? Let's listen to the coach's thoughts on that very question. Rubet clip six, please, Eric. Yeah, I'll make that decision tomorrow. I haven't made that decision yet, so I got to talk to goalie coach and the goalies yet. So the fact that he doesn't know and he's not willing to commit a day out,

I think they're thinking about it. That's not for today. Can this clip on Wall's ability to bounce back lead us into where head coach is thinking, let's have a listen. clip five yeah I know and he's he's been really good about it bounce back games and things like that

so I expect him to be fine you know he'll he works he's a good pro he works through things and looks at video and things he can do better and obviously sannie the coley coach they work closely so

yeah he'll get through it what do you may get out of that I think one thing you're always trying to figure out is is this a part of a trend or is this just like bad games happen you know like the three games prior to Vegas Minnesota he was a we have a 9 69 a shutout and a 912 save percentage they had three games or two games in a row where he gave up six yeah do you think he's now just going to be bad going forward or if two stops at two but if two turns into three totally then you're you've missed it you've missed it you missed an opportunity to maybe

have him refocus, regroup. Hildebee, do you have enough confidence in Hildeby at home in a must-win division game against Detroit now? Like, that's a lot on Hildaby to start him tomorrow night. And it's also a message. Too much. It's also a message to Joe Wall that don't think because Dolors is nowhere to be found right now and that it's your net.

I just have always been. So I really think this game matters on Wednesday. I know you guys too. This is not a revolutionary stance. But it's a big one. And I'd always just rather go out with your guy. If you're going to lose, have it be because Joe Wall was not able to do the job or whatever. I think you lose and it's Hildeby.

He gives up a touchdown, some squeakers. And you go, you were just asking too much. The guy had never been an NHL goal. He'd never played big games. I just think it's easier to lose of the guy that you put in big playoffs. So lose the show. lose the shootout with Gretzky, taking a shot.

Lose the shootout with Gretzky, that's exactly the analogy. What are you going to feel more stupid when you wake up on Thursday morning after you lose? When you've tried to get cute and start Dennis Hill to be, who's your third springer,

you start Joseph Wall, and he gives up four goals and you lose? What are you going to feel more stupid? It's going to be healed to be 100%. Yeah, I'm with you. I think, I think to your point, Sammy, I think they'd be nervous to tell Joe they've lost confidence in him

in a big game. And you've also in the pen right now, they've got Stolars throwing fastballs. Like he's, he's with the Marleys. He's coming soon. So, you know.

Let's play the Stolars. Okay. Clip. That's the really tons of info on this. Clip four. Well, yeah, just like full practice, you know,

and lots of different types of work and shots and things like that. So that's important for him to get that in before he's ready to go. You've been to how long do you have to be on? No, not right now. I have no timeline on it. So he likely won't play a game down there before he comes back up? I'm not sure. No?

I don't know. Okay. He's getting lots of different shots and things. No timeline. May not play. May play. We don't know. If you were Burubi...

If you were Burubian about two months ago, you thought he might have been playing the next game. Yeah. And it's been two months. Right. Would you be willing to put your neck on the line with anything significant on a comment? No, but I would be like, we sure hope we can get them, you know, like get them in a game. Play hockey.

Let's go. Play hockey. Go. Go, go, go, go. That desperate plea is good for us on this show. Yeah. Not so good for a head coach. All right.

Yeah, you're probably right. Matthew Nyes. Okay. So let's get this straight. here. Something's bothering him. Oh, yeah. He was a game time decision last night.

We weren't sure if he was going to play. And then he takes warm up, but doesn't do any line rushes. And then he ends up playing. Right? By the way, line rushes are the easiest thing to do in the sport. You barely move 30 feet as a forward. It didn't take any line rushes. Down the wall, up to the blue.

Maybe go in and shoot, probably don't. And, like, I don't know. I thought for sure he's out. Yeah. And he ends up playing. I don't know. Just me. But if you're willing to let Willie leave the lineup and heal whatever's bothering him,

you can't do the same thing for Matthew Nyes? I wonder if they're not feeling the squeeze here, Kip, like the way that I said that it feels like playoffs, it's like we can't have everyone healing. I mean, he needs some bodies in there at some point. Did you want to hear what he said? I don't think it's good. Yeah, for sure.

Listen to this clip and see how you feel. Matthew and Eyes clip. Please, Derek. Clip one. It's one of those that, you know, the more. Yeah, yeah, that's it, Matthew. Nice. It's one of those that, you know, the more you play,

the more wear and tear on it, it's not going to really get better. You know, the Christmas break, obviously helped a lot. and, you know, it's a pretty tough schedule we have right now with this month, you know, playing every other day. So recovery is pretty important. And as for all these guys, too, it's a key component in us doing well, you know, taking care of ourselves. So, yeah, it's been honest and a shit, but I got to, you know, do my best to prepare as well as I can't. It's not more of a pain or a discomfort thing for you, man. Honestly, like all the above, really.

It's just getting it ready. getting it warmed up. And yeah, I mean, obviously it doesn't enter my ability to play. I'm here and play and I'm a part of the group. But yeah, it's just really haven't felt 100% you know, for quite a while now. But again, we have a big break coming up. So I'm just going to try to use it to recover my best, my ability. And, you know, try to be back and help this team.

That was last night after the game? After the game, yep. Now, did he say anything today? No. Did anybody, was there anything? He wasn't at practice today. No, no, but did Barubi speak of? Just basically that he's Matthew Nyes.

He didn't see. Do we have a clip? We've got a clip on update or Barubia on Matthew Nyes. Let's have a listen. He doesn't have luxury arrest. You know, we've been trying to keep him off the ice, even on game day skates and things like that to help him. You know, but, you know, in saying that,

I thought he competed hard tonight. and did some good things, you know, like he's fighting through it, which is good to see. You think he'll be having to manage that where you might have to skip a game or two? Like just the kind of... That's a good question. I mean, it came close tonight. He was, you know, game time decisions. So we'll see going forward.

Now, in the six games... And he said he's going to play tomorrow today. He said he's probably going to play tomorrow. In the six games immediately following Christmas when he got some rest there, he had five goals and three assists. And since then, he has no... goals and three assists and that's over i don't know did he sound in that clip that we played of matthew nyes did he not sound like a guy who really needs time off he sounded disheartened

disillusioned when you guys are watching him spirited do you get to sense not it's kind of moving around a little sore well i don't want to get hit i almost clipped a pack the last regional we did of him just not finishing checks going in the forecheck got a body lined up and just turning off it and keeping moving. Yeah. It's hard to get moving when like a knee hurts or whatever we think about it. Yeah, he's not 100%. No.

Do you, I guess these games are so important in there. That's the reason he's picking him in there. This will be, I'd rather have him at 65 or 70% than someone else's 90. But like, is there a break you could miss one and then get like a good run of days off or something? They play every night. It's called the Olympic break. Yeah, they play every night. So he's just going to hobble his way into the Olympic break.

Yeah. I got to tell you, this feels bad. Yeah. This feels like you're making a mistake. This feels like you should just say, it sucks for the team. We need these points, but we just can't play him.

We'll see a Friday against the Golden Knights. Like, you need a couple of days. You need a couple of days, boys. He can't play. He's going to play. Brubay said today he's going to play. It's Tuesday. Tomorrow you have that off.

You would have another day off. And then you'd get to play Vegas on Friday, Colorado on Sunday. Yeah, this is, uh, at the end of the day, if he's just going to have to tell them himself, right? That's what Willie did, I'm sure. They want Willie to play, of course.

But is it Willie or is it the Leafs telling Willie, you're not going? Because it doesn't seem like they're given the same kind of benefit of the doubt to Matthew Nyes right now. And I don't know what the injury is. We know it's a groin. That's been publicly stated. But we don't necessarily know what's bothering Matthew Nyes.

And apparently they're confident that he can play through it. It didn't sound like Matthews is as confident as the Leaves. Oh, Matthew Nyes is his confident. Yeah. Matthew Nyes is not as confident as probably the Leafs that he could play through it. Everything in his comments suggested that, yeah, I could really use some time off. He shouldn't play. That's my final word on that.

I just, I can't remember hearing a player be that forthright. Yeah, it feels like the S word. I'm hurt. It hurts. Is it discomfort or pain? Honestly, it's all of the above. Yeah, like, you know. Usually they're like, I'm battling.

When Matthews was, like, quote, unquote, hurt, he's like, yeah, I'm grinding or getting through it or whatever, but just be like, yeah. And he also said stuff that, like, they say it's not going to get worse by playing. Like with Nyes, he's like, you know, it needs rest to get better. I've never heard a series of quotes that more screamed, I need time off than that series of quotes. That was actually, that was wild. Leaf Blue Line.

McCabe, probably. Jake McCabe. I think since he returned from injury, Leaves have been scored outscored 7-1 at 5-on-5. I saw that from somewhere on Twitter today. He was so good before that. And I thought last night he stunk out loud. He just seemed not overly present.

A lot of mental mistakes for me. Kind of a bazooka of a stick right now, exploding off there. Like the second goal, they win the draw to him. And he just like chops it back to the Minnesota D. Even the one, that same play. That was the second goal. Yeah. Hartman.

Yeah, Hartman. And Zuckrello is it, makes the pass down Hartman. And then Zuckrello jumps by him. Actually, here you go. So Zuckrella, who makes his pass, then jumps by him. So even if he doesn't vary the guy's there. So I thought he struggled a lot. Well, let's listen to Craig Barabie and see what he thinks there.

We've got a clip seven on McCabe. Yeah, I mean, every player goes through a tough stretch at times. And I think there's just some situational play where normally that doesn't happen to him. A little bit of puck play. Just being more direct with the puck. And, you know, his job is a shutdown guy, obviously, and P.K. And things like that. Just get back to your strengths.

You know, the puck play thing is interesting to me. I know their defense is not good. We've talked about puck play a lot from them. They're a 29th in zone exit success. So when they get touches, they're like near the bottom of the league and the ability just to break out of their end. And that to me is why your defense is not getting a puck out,

turning it over in the neutral zone. Like where is the cut line? Maintaining possession once you get out of your zone. One possession outside of your own, your blue line. Yeah, over the blue line. So they typically are punting it back or turning it over or whatever at a high rate. So to me, it's like their defense stats are bad, but it's because they can't make puck play. If only that it was a high profile puck moving defenseman that had his value slashed in half on the market,

that they could potentially get to move the puck. Any more thought on Dougie Hamilton coming in. I watched the way this team breaks the puck out. I watched Quinn Hughes last night. I know he's not Quinn Hughes, but have you ever seen a more auto breakout than Quinn Hughes? Like they at least couldn't forecheck last night. They couldn't get the puck.

There's 10 teams in the league now who have a guy like that. Schaefer, Sanderson. You check. We're in ski. You check Tanniv's year off. You probably need to move Yarncroke at 2 million. Oh, no. And go go get them.

Go get him. Go get him. it's screaming out for him. I know it's not a good idea, but... He's not perfect, right? Absolutely. I don't know if he's... Where you have him.

It's not Seth Jones. I don't think it's a Seth Jones situation, but he could come in on a short... In a short time and at least reinforce some things on that blue line. Yeah. I mean, just a couple... Someone who could handle the...

the pill take us a one-timer. I'm, it does feel a little bit like throwing good money after bad. Like, I feel like I know, you know, I'm making a purchase I may regret, but it's like, I just, you're desperate. Kind of feels like that driving iron you probably don't need. And you're probably not going to use a whole lot. Like, uh, the chipper. That two iron cavity back is probably not going to get used to done.

I'm going to literally bought a three iron driving iron. How old did you use it? I've used it like twice and then the season ended. We'll see. I don't know. It's a luxury that they may not, you know. It's just not that expensive a luxury. This is me now validating that's my wife.

But it's pretty important. It's on sale. At the end of year, discount, practically free. They just need something because if they keep, they had a good stretch there, but the last, since this road trip, it's looked bad. And pucks are flying. They miss wild bill.

If they need nyes going, You're only as good as your best players. And right now they got Matthews. And Domy's playing great. Willie's not going to keep the puck out of your net, though. Like they have, it's three, five, six. And last night, you know, five more. Last night for me to,

McMahon had one of those games where it's like, just a reminder, if this guy wants four and a half or five million bucks here, make sure you know what you're doing here because that was one of those games where there was just, he was just nowhere to be found. I don't know what he ended up playing 12 and a half minutes, 13 minutes. Oh, yeah.

And it was, he was not a factor. You want to, you want to play with the big boys, you want to get paid like that. You can't have an off game at home against a depleted Minnesota Wild team. Yeah, like when, particularly as I mentioned with Willie Ever, It's like, McCabe, you're like, you're taught, sorry, McMahon, your top line, you're one of the more important guys here. Oh, yeah, he played 1223 last night.

That's, only one guy played fewer minutes. That's, you've built up. Nick won't play 1225. You built up your stock here, right? He's built up his stock here. To me, that's a major step back. He does, though. He, no one has a leash like him with Burube.

Bribi does not, like any chance he gets to give that. I call you. Who? B'Ruby. Oh, McMahon? Yeah. Yeah. He's never been like...

He scratched him his first ever game. Yeah. It's not like a million chances for this guy. When he's bad, Baruby gives us, call her a tug. Okay, we'll take a quick break here when we return. Former National Hockey Leagueer,

Toronto Maple Leaf, Stanley Cup champion, Brad Mayday, Mayday. Also saw Ken in the alumni box, Brad's dad. Yeah. How Sammy.

It's all Ken wanted to. know how Sammy. That is my boy. Love you, Kenny. All right. We'll take a quick break when we return Mayday after these words. Hey, it's Aylish Forafar. And I'm Justin Cuthbert. Join us as we discuss the most important sports stories of the day and tee up the biggest games of the night. It's the fan free game. 6 p.m. weekdays on Sportsnet, Sportsnet, 590, the fan, and wherever you get your podcast. Welcome back to the program. It's the real Kipper and Bourne show. Nick Kippreel, Justin Bourne, Sammy McKee. And of course,

one of our favorites. Let's welcome him in. Brad May, former National Hockey League or Stanley Cup champion, former Toronto Maple Leaf. Brad, tons that we're going to get into on the Leafs and they're pushed towards the playoffs. But just speak first of all on how good the lamb chops were last night in the alumni room with the brocolini. Keper, I love the broccoli.

It's one of my favorite things. but lamb is my favorite. Matter of fact, I got engaged to my wife way back when I made lamb chops, not rack of lamb, but lamb chops. And it's my favorite food for sure. Shout out to Tyler and Cassie there in the alumni box. They take good care of us. So how are you, my friend?

I'm doing great. I'm doing great. I'm excited about watching the Leafs and this nice homestand. Got off to a rough start with Minnesota. But boy, they have three defensemen that were awfully impressive early in that game, you know, obviously starting with Quinn Hughes, but Jared Spurgeon can still fly. And then Brock Faber, he's a pretty darn good player as well.

So watching this team and where they're at right now, Brad, there's some big games coming up against some very good teams. They're at a real pivotal point in their season. How do you assess their chances going ahead? Their health has been something we've been concerned about on the show here so far. I think we've been concerned about their health all season. And they just really haven't played with that full, full complement of players.

However, they've been playing very good hockey for, you know, a little over a month now. And, you know, when I look at this team, this stretch of hockey right now, the next four games, obviously it was five games, you know, from yesterday. But they need to get points. Two of them are obviously very important divisional games with Detroit and Buffalo. And it doesn't get any easier when you've got Colorado and Vegas coming in as well. The teams recently have played one another.

and Toronto could have won both those games. Arguably, they gave up that game in Vegas a week ago, but there's going to be a lot of spirit, a lot of passion, and this team needs a good home stand here, certainly going into this break. May they talk to us a little bit about just playing through injuries, and it appears Matthew Nyes is really being bothered by something, yet he's trying to play through it.

He's expected to play against Detroit, but, you know, for you personally, being a physical player, you know, how hard is it? Do you recall any scenarios where you tried to play through it and actually were able to? Or is it just something that you just hope and pray you can get to, you know, through the season and maybe look at, you know, truly looking after it in the off season? You know what, Nick, it's a tough one because when you lace your skates up, whether you're injured or not, your fair game.

And then you're, you literally open yourself up to, you know, all the criticism that is possible, right? You're in, you're in this league. And a lot of players, I wasn't one of the guys that would actually,

you know, unless it was really where you're unplayable, I played with the injuries. And I'm not so sure I did myself any favors. I think for my character, yes, I wanted to be out there with my teammates and I wanted to do the best I could. but sometimes, you know, we are so proud, Nick,

and you're so afraid of being out of the lineup that you played injured or played in, you know, when your body wasn't 100% where I think some of these players nowadays, they're a heck of a lot smarter and they're managing themselves better. Plus coaches and just the whole system is protecting those guys. So I think it's wonderful that Matthew Nyes is out there playing, you know, trying to give everything he's got. However, as an individual, he's got a contract.

So it's not worried about that. But he cares about his teammates. And he realizes that this is an important part of the season. So I commend them for that. But when you're injured, nobody cares. If you're out there and you're playing, honestly, I'm not a guy to make excuses and certainly not to make excuses for other players that are out there playing injured.

If you're too hurt, then don't play. So have you ever been a part of a team? where you kind of like the least right now, it's not clear whether they should buy or sell at the deadline. And games are getting very important. Were you ever cognizant of that incentive for the team that we need to play well enough to encourage them to add to the group here? Yeah, big time.

I mean, every season is different and different for every player because you know, you come in as a young guy with potential and promise and then you become a journeyman player in the middle. And then, you know, as you're aging and, aging out of the league, you're doing everything possible to stay, you know, a part of it. I find it really intriguing to see what kind of character and what performances are we going to see out of players that literally care that much that they're going to put themselves on the line and certainly make it harder, make it a harder decision for your general manager.

At the end of the day, it's very possible you want this to happen, your team to add players. But what happens when you're part of the package going the other way? You've got to be careful for what you wish for. You're watching and listening to former National Hockey League, former Toronto Maple Leaf Stanley Cup champion with Anaheim, Brad May. So Mayday, we've watched this push from one of your former teams of Buffalo Sabres here. And all of a sudden, Boston's right back in the mix. Ottawa wants to push back in.

There's Florida lurking here. Can you recall anything this close, this deep into the season before? No, it's crazy. The parody, it's truly like Toronto's had a really nice run. And yes, they secured a few more points and moved up a little bit. But when you look around this league, it's the parity, certainly in the Eastern Conference. You don't have the luxury to take, you know, seven or eight days off, which would amount to three or four games. And right now, if you're going to the Olympic break, not in a playoff spot or certainly not knocking on the door, It's going to be awfully difficult after a long rest and then a rejuvenated group of players, you know, throughout the league to, you know, get ready for the sprint.

So I think this week is pivotal. It's so important for the Toronto Maple Leafs. And you know what? They gave one up yesterday to a good hockey team. They're going to play better hockey teams in the next week. You know, but Toronto is one of those teams if they put it all together. So I'm excited to see what happens. Brad, what do you chalk up the resurgence of Austin Matthews too?

And maybe you know, do you see it? Do you think he is, as a lot of people like to say, back back? Well, I did see Ryan Leslie and I were talking yesterday in the pregame show that we do for the Leafs. And basically, Austin Matthews, he's got kind of the villain mentality. You know, he was using his ear kind of calling for like cat calls the other day. He actually, I liked what he had to say. I think it was to David Alter, but, you know, when they were asking him questions

about Mitch Marner and playing his former teammate in Las Vegas, Matthews basically said, you know, it's enough. I've already talked about it, let's move on. I want to see a character. I want to see personality out of him. And when your captain actually does that and makes a statement and a stand like that, his teammates will respond in kind.

So I like it. Listen, I like the confidence, almost bordering on cocky, but at the end of the day, you need passion, you need energy, and as a captain, as a leader, you have to impart that on your teammates. It's great that Lee fans are seeing that now, but he went through a long stretch here where he just did not look like the player that we see today. You played with some great players, you know,

I think about a Pat LaFontaine, that high-end, world-class kind of guy, even Dave. When you saw some of those guys at times struggle, like was it one of those where you just left them alone, you try to talk to them? I mean, even guys at our level, you know, have no clue really what makes guys like that tick. But it can be frustrating at times seeing great players struggle. No, big time, especially when you rely upon them for your own successes as a team. Yeah, you want your best players obviously healthy and ready to play.

and playing their best. But just think about Austin Matthews for a second. Last year, lots of conversation about an injury, you know, a nagging injury. He took off. He went to Europe for a part of it, I believe, earlier in the season. Really, at the end of the day, like we were talking to start this whole segment off, if you lace your skates up, you're open to criticism.

It doesn't matter how tough you are that you're playing through injury. At the end of the day, it's a results-oriented business. and if you don't do well, you open yourself up to that criticism. I think it's unfair at times, but that's what professional sports are. So for Austin Matthews, he has had a resurgence. He's played a heck of a lot better with a little passion.

His smile is out there. He's actually within the celebrating his teammates from their successes when they score. I just see a happier and excited player. And when my captain's acting like that, I know it gives me freedom to be a little bit more than myself or believe that I'm better than where I am currently

and chase the captain, chase that energy and chase that excellence. And I see a little bit, I see a different Austin Matthews over the last month. Hopefully we can continue that. Well, if they're going to make a push, get into playoffs, at least be in that race, be buyers.

He'll need to play well, but also the goaltending will need to be good. A couple of dicey games from Joe Wall. He gets pulled last night. big game on Wednesday coming up, would you go right back to the kid or say, hey, we like what Hildobie's done for us? Well, you know what? As a coach, these are big decisions.

They're tough ones. And these are important ones as well. I like the fact that, listen, you pick your goaltender and you ride with them. You know, and your backup now, granted, we're trying to figure out who that is. But, you know, I don't want my goaltenders being afraid of making a mistake with the fear of being pulled out of the lineup. I know a lot of coaches, they go back and forth. they platoon guys.

I'm not so much into that as a player. I love the idea that when I show up to the rink, I know who's playing goal. And I would like to think that Joseph Wall gets another chance here, but you don't have that luxury. You have to win. These decisions are really important. Again, the pressure then goes on to the coach.

Did he make the right decision or not? And, you know, they get paid a lot of money. They recognize the role and the job that they have to do. But they open themselves up to this criticism, making decisions. I love the idea and look at teams that they have a clear identity, who your number one goaltender is, and you go with them, and you have games like this.

May I got to ask you, your old team in Buffalo, Rob Ray's there, if you talk to them, like, what happened? Like, is it just simply a change in Kevin Adams here? What are you hearing out of Buffalo? It's great to see the fans are excited. Did they change seasoning in the chicken wings? It's like, what are you hearing out of Buffalo? Well, the one thing is, you know, when the noise gets,

it starts to become louder and louder when you're not doing as well, right? And Kevin Adams, they were calling for his head for a long time. And maybe the players were just waiting to see and waiting for that to happen. Now, that kind of indicts the players, right? If you're actually, you know, worrying about stuff like that, then you're not the professional that I thought you were. Now, the team has really responded. They're playing really well.

As good as they've played, they're just in the mix, right? You'd think a team that went on a 10-game winning streak would actually vault up in the standings. That's how tight this division is. It's going to be like that probably to the end of the year, and there won't be any separation. But talking to Razor, talking to guys in Buffalo, they just see players that are playing unencumbered.

They're playing with a little bit more flair and without the fear of making mistakes, all of a sudden you're one step quicker, you're making better reads. And truly, one of the greatest assets that a player has is the ability to anticipate. And when you think and when you get caught, you know, reading the play in the situation

and you're thinking too much, you slow down. And you can see a player who's a lot quicker when he's confident. We all know what that's all about. And that's the way the Buffalo Sabres have been playing. And by the way, it's pretty darn good when you have a goaltender or goaltenders that make the pivotal saves at the right time. There's nothing that deflates a team more than goals. You see it happening in Ottawa right now.

And there's a lot of scuttle butt and a lot of talk. And I don't know if I like it from the players about the performances of their goaltenders. But you need to have good goaltending in this league to succeed. And unfortunately for those guys, they've got more pressure. but I just see the Buffalo Sabres is playing a little looser and when you do that and you get success, success but get success.

Great stuff, Mayday. Listen, can we get your dad, Ken, like an 8 by 10 signed by Sammy or something for him? Can you do me a favor? Can you take a picture of the two of you? You can send it to me in a text and I'll blow it up

and I'll put it on his office wall. I love it. And Sammy can, and Sammy can sign it when we play golf next summer. Love it, love it. Badey, always a blast. Happy you on the show, pal. I really appreciate it.

And I'm sorry, I was supposed to be on the show week or whatever, two weeks ago. You were shoveling? I did. I got caught up in a snowstorm in Goodwood. But that was my fault. I actually screwed up there. I apologize. No, no, we're prepared because they're calling for 10 centimeters tomorrow,

and we wanted to get you in today. Hey, I'll tell you one thing. it's going to be awfully cold. It's cold today. They're saying it's going to be double that. It's going to be like minus 18 or 20 this weekend. Pretty crazy. Bundle up, everyone.

Thanks, Mady. Thanks, Brad. Appreciate it. Thank you, guys. Stanley Cup champion. Brad May, now he... I already texted Kenny. You did?

Okay. Yeah. Brad's having fun with Ryan Leslie before games to do it. Scotia Bank Arena. They do a nice job. It's awesome. It's awesome. No, I, yeah.

We'll talk about it a little bit of the national hour, Sanderson he you could hear him was really regrets what he said oh really like it wasn't like a I had to apologize some sort of thing it was I really feel bad about what I said oh yeah of course

this is coming off some some tough comments on on the goal tending on the weekend against Montreal where he basically called out Maryland for not making much more than 10 saves in the hockey

game. That's it. Quite a crease right now. Yeah, it's a lot going on there. We'll address in the next hour. We got, we got our buddy Valley, Steve Aliquette, joining us at the top of the hour. And of course, we'll get into that. Real big story now in Ottawa when that isn't necessarily going away anytime soon. And that is, as Samue mentioned, the goaltending scenario there. I mean, the fact that Goaltending is submarine that team's season here like talking about running out of runway is really disappointing

because that's a pretty good club right now outside of the goaltending. So you're looking at these next four games coming up here for the Leafs. Wednesday tomorrow Wednesday against Detroit, Friday, Vegas, Colorado, Sunday afternoon. And then Tuesday against Buffalo.

That's sort of four more. more games than this homestown. You got to win three of them. Yeah. Three of them. You have? I do expect better energy. They just didn't have it last night either.

And when you're chasing, when you're not feeling it and you're chasing around a guy like Quinn Hughes, it looks really bad. Sounds like almost like a scheduled loss last night. Yeah, you know how I feel about those. I'm joking. I think this game on Wednesday is primed for a must win. I think last night was a, if you're going to lose, lose feeling bad, you know? Yeah, that's a good point.

Just lose feeling bad. I'm glad they got their asses, Gary. No, no, nothing. Just be scared now to not play well. Yeah. That's what you need to do against Detroit. Without nice and kneeling. Our thanks to Brad May, former national hockey league or Stanley Cup champion up next,

Steve Aliquette. Always a great Tuesday national. when we have Valley. We're back after these words.