Real Kyper & Bourne - Leafs Hour: The Focus in Game 2

Episode Date: May 7, 2025

Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look ahead to Game 2 between the Leafs and Florida Panthers. They get into the news that Anthony Stolarz has been ruled out, Joseph Woll's outlook and how the Leafs should respond to Sam Bennett. Then, they discuss how Aaron Ekblad's return changes the matchup, power play adjustments, and William Nylander's strong postseason so far. Later, Sportsnet Leafs insider Luke Fox (34:15) lays out the stakes in Game 2 before sharing his thoughts on the team's mindset on Bennett, Auston Matthews' scoring struggles and the blue line's offensive production.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 in the game day. The Kipper host Justin Bourne, Sammy McKee. It's the Leaf Hour edition of the Real Kipper and Bourne show. We are live on Sportsnet 590, the fans, Sportsnet 360, Sportsnet Plus, Derek Brandeo, Jake the Snake Schultz with you for the next two hours. As we get set for puck drop, game two between the Toronto Maple Leafs

and the Florida Panthers. Was downtown early this morning, bumped into our Luke Fox, who was on his way to the rink for the morning skate. He'll join us in about 40 minutes and got to hang out with IBM today. My thanks to Kerry, who looked after me, MLSC people and Real Sports.

That's where I was this morning. Very cool. Saw the chef, Chef Chris. Oh yeah, I was there on Saturday night too. Oh he told me all about it. I didn't see him. You ate like you were going to the chair. Pretty much any time I go out I do that.

Yes. Good thing I ride my bike a lot. The one common theme was the vibe down there. Okay. And they were getting prepped for the pit there with all those fans. The mosh pit. The mosh pit. I tell you what, I'm old,

but wouldn't mind just taking a look at it just to get the vibes. Getting into Maple Leaf Square for a minute. I wouldn't last 30 seconds. I'd be like, can I get a folding chair, please? I feel that way about concert venues too.'d be like, can I get a folding chair, please? I feel that way about concert venues too. It's like, can I sit and I'll go. I think it's funny,

they've made it a lot smaller down there now because I think there's maybe probably some zoning issues with 100,000 people descending into that little area down there. But I do love that shot that we have now. Every time the Leafs score a big goal, or whatever's happened over the past few years, them flashing it out to there.

The real fans wanna stand outside. Listen, there's some real fans inside, too. There's lots of real fans inside, but there's only real fans outside. And it's really, and I just, you know, the social media from the Leafs have been doing a good job, they put out like a thing on Instagram of like the rainy night where all those people out there and they did like a like film shots of all these people just out there celebrating and like

God to be young first of all and like just the care is incredible. So good for them. Very cool. Yeah before we get into The finer details of tonight's game. Does any one of you guys have a band-aid? What's going on? I don't know. I'm just I have no idea. I'm looking down on my lineup and there's blood all over it I don't think I do pal. What Sam Bennett in here? I have no idea. I Don't know if I cut myself on the lid or what but we need to zoom in

I got Kleenex for you to hold on we need a zoom in on that. It's never happened before Thanks Yeah, we're good. We're good. Okay, we're good to the wound back to our regularly scheduled program I'm okay. Flexy. I'm alright. Flexy. You know, I mean, I would bleed for this show.

You know that, right? I don't know. Hasn't stopped you. You're ready to get right back into the fight. Alright. Over four years, there's been a lot of blood, sweat, and tears, brother. Well, we can add blood. I don't know.

Actually, my nose did bleed on the show the one time, so we have put some blood into it. We got a Stolar's ours update Sammy. Yeah, no real surprise on On what we're hearing What did we get out of the clip today Sammy just play it clip one Craig Brewery covering, you know Recovering he's always doing doing well Murray's a backup I don't There you go. Murray's a backup. Timeline on Anthony? I don't.

There you go, there's your on. I don't. Murray's the backup, let's update out of that. Matt Murray! Could be in a playoff game for the Toronto Maple or some 2025 at some point. All indications are that he is recovering, he feels better.

They'd look like idiots if they played him tonight. I think that's fair. So that's encouraging to hear you say that. So you're implying you think he maybe could but they'll give him a game. If it was a game seven they'd have to make a very hard decision. They're not at that place and they need to give him time to kind of catch his breath. Yeah. But that's Joseph Wall stepping in right now. So you think if the stakes were higher, and I guess game two second round is pretty high stakes,

but you think that after a guy gets bonked in the head and pukes on the bench and you think he's not as hurt? You know, Sammy. Probably can cuss. I'm just asking. Teams are very careful on what they leak or how it's presented. No one's used the C word, concussion.

No one's implied that it's a concussion. Except for me who doesn't know anything. Whatever the case is, I believe if they felt like it was a must win and I believe if they thought that Stolarz could give them the best shot at winning, they'd find a way to play them. But they're up one nothing. I've gone on a couple of vacations and said,

think about Joseph Wall even prior to him getting bonked in the head. You can't present two goalies like they have all season long and just not feel like Joseph Wall can come in here and get the job done. You have to lean on the message that you've sent all season long and this fits right into it.

We have full faith in this other guy. They were probably 55 to 45% on which guy was going to start game one anyway. So yeah, you get a chance to get a wall in, no big deal. We can move on from this, but I would say it's pretty encouraging that I did think, people asked me about the Stolar saying, what do you think about Stolar's? And multiple blows to the head, guy pukes on the bench, leaves the game, stretcher talk, ambulance talk,

hospital talk, they're like, when do you, I was telling people, what did you think you'd see him again for the playoffs? Like, I just, it felt like a pretty serious situation. So it's encouraging to hear that there's potential. I think the danger with the throwing up was that something else could be going on. I'm not sure.

That's shellfish? What are you talking about? I didn't, when I suffered a concussion, my career ender, I didn't experience a lot of throwing up. No. But there's some that believe that that might be an early sign of maybe potentially a brain bleed. Oh, so that's the...

I get the being over cautious here. Yeah, absolutely. So, totally understand. Now, he was also released, I think, a few hours later. So it's not like you spent the night. It's's not like we're gonna run a series of tests you're not going through an MRI or a CAT scan at least as far as I know maybe maybe it did happen to without my understanding or knowledge of it and that's okay too but I don't think that that's the case here. So, outside of that, feel better. Plenty of liquids, the good kind.

And get yourself ready and we'll watch Joseph Wall. Does he come up with a solid game? Does he find a way to win this game tonight and then present a question about a game three? Well, you would love to have to have that conversation. I think it's important to before we get too far into this show to just state the position that I have and that McKee has. And we haven't gotten to you yet. But Sam, how do you feel about tonight?

Sometimes I'll fair thoughts and I don't want to trickle on there, but I'll trickle them on here. I would be surprised that a Toronto Maple Leaf is victory tonight. Yeah. I think this is a back against the wall. Not back against the wall. That's gonna be too much, but like you lose the first game. They're not great for a part of that game. This is the championship effort tonight out of the Florida Panthers.

That's how I'm feeling at least heading into it. And I think you're getting a really good Pan that game. This is the championship effort tonight out of the Florida Panthers. That's how I'm feeling at least heading into it. And I think you're getting a really good Panthers game. You know that first game they didn't come out with any sort of anything. Oh they were sleepy. Sleepy and so I think these guys have won the cup. They have been to the cup final two years in a row. They know what it takes. You're getting an effort out of the cats tonight. And so I think it's basically a Joseph Wohler bust game. He's either great or they lose. That's my, my, that's what I think is going to happen tonight. Are we way off Kip in the vibe?

No, for sure. I'm, I'm with you all the way with a better Florida team, a one that will present with much more urgency than the first 40 minutes that we saw in game one. Yeah. But I just, I also kind of flip it outside of Joseph Wall. If you're the Leaf team here and you've got so much more still to give here. That's true. And I didn't feel like they have yet to really present a a

great 60 minutes of hockey I think they're due for a really good game top to bottom and I don't know if it's tonight or not Leaves. Yes. I mean they were really good. They were 56 minutes of that. They are they they've also been a team that's gotten a few bounces. It's kind of going their way here, but I'm not suggesting that that will stop. But what I am saying is that they should feel somewhat fortunate to be in the position

of being up one nothing. And we have- No, they're in that last game. For 40 minutes, For 40 minutes. Yeah. But they also got some good bounces. The TANF goal, like that was a goal you just couldn't find in the playoffs in years past. They're getting breaks here.

My point is that I think they must feel like we have still yet to present as a really top-to-bottom, great, great effort, great start to finish, attention to detail, don't lack energy in certain portions of the game. I think that there's a game coming for them in that aspect. Yeah, I mean, I know last game... Think about what 2-0 does for you. Oh, I know, I know I know and that's you know The other team has a say to you rarely get you just you're good from the start

You're good till the end like I don't think that happens very often but to your point They are where they are and Matthews and Marner haven't taken over a game really you know They haven't had a game where they're the best group on the ice. And that not just can happen, that will happen. But it does feel differently with them too as well. And I think in the past, we can sit there and just say, okay, if they're on the score sheet, great, we leave them alone. If not, they're their first targets, right?

But hey, Barkov and Reinhardt didn't look that great and I think it was Matthews and Marner that had a big... Sure they outscored them, they out possessed them, they out everything. They were better than that line for sure. They were better than that line which had a big effect on the game. And again, once again though, like, you know, Craig Berubi when it comes to Matthews and Marner, I get the that it like I want defense first I know if if push comes to shove and they're down a few goals

They'll open it up and they'll they'll present more of an offensive threat but right now they're in the wheelhouse and a couple of good early leads Helped the Ottawa Senators series out big time because now you're not pressing Game one same thing. You got your big lead. These guys are in uh, defense first mode and They don't need to to push like that, I don't know what a two-nothing lead does tonight for them and how they feel, but if you're not chasing it, then Matthew seems to be comfortable enough

to play solid defense, win face-offs, without looking like he's lighting up the score sheet. You know, I will take what I said, and I I agree with you and I'll change my opinion on that. I agree that they did a great job against the other team's top line, which is a very good top line. But they don't get enough credit in my opinion for that because people are too busy going, where's the offense? So what I was going to add to what I said though is Matthews isn't going to shoot 4.2%

forever. That's what he shot the last 17 games. He's not gonna you know, he had 11 shot attempts last game They're gonna have a game or two games or whatever where they do shoot it in the net where they get a few more breaks and They're a little more validated on the stat sheet for a great game, but they were a good last game. That's a good point Just to go back to your 60 minute thing like you're at the point of the playoffs skipper where you're not, you're not going to get to do that. Like it's not like you're playing on a Tuesday night against the, I don't know, pick a crappy team against the Philadelphia Flyers. Like, like the, like he said, Panthers get to play too and they're going to dictate terms too. Like they are the defending, they may be the best team left that you're playing

against. So like, it's going to be really hard. I know. I know that. I know that. But the whole idea for me is when those lapses happen and if you can minimize them and the whole idea is that you you finish really strong and I don't know a better example of playoff hockey than the Edmonton Oilers again last night where they got off to a tough start but then it was like foot on the pedal and they were relentless and never looked back.

Five straight comeback wins for the Oilers. That to me is a look that kind of buries a slow start. For the Leafs it's almost the opposite where it's like they got to find a way that kind of buries a slow start for the Leafs It's almost the opposite where it's like they gotta find a way to kind of hang on sometimes and I think They're due for a game that it doesn't look like that Sammy We're and we know how it goes and they go down early at Scotiabank Arena We know how it feels there you're more likely to have that game on the road home. We're at home Everyone just goes oh like they start feeling so yeah, you know the good starts have been good. So hopefully I can That's that's I think we have a shape for how we all expected to go should we run through some of these clips now and

First one I want to hear is on the decor adjusting to wall is that do they play any different? Yes, kind of cuz it's like yeah, we'll play the clip we can talk about Yeah, it's you know, it's different obviously with each goalie But I don't think it's a lot of adjustments that need to be made I think with a goalie playing a puck there there's certain things that we're gonna do a little differently With wool in there and instead of stole ours like it's not let him play it Correct because we've seen throughout the playoffs here fellas, the quick ups from Stolarz and when he gets a chance to play the puck he's really good at it.

And when Wal goes out to play the puck he gives me James Rymer vibes. That bad? I don't...eh. And he likes to do it and I hate when he does it. And I know a lot of Leaf fans probably feel the same way. I don't think he's good at playing the punk. And I think he- That one hiccup he had this year. No, Kipper, it's not just that. I know, that's the one we remember.

I watched the Lee's every single night. What game was that? Do you remember? I know it happened towards the end of the year. Yeah, but I watched him every single night. He just has moments where he tries to play it a little bit and they're gonna have to play differently with that. So that was kind of what they're alluding to in that clip. I am curious to get to some Paul Maurice stuff Okay, then let's not waste any time then

and Figure out what the Leafs do with Sam Bennett tonight. Let's start there. I'm in Maurice on Bennett clip Paul. I'm not sure if the Leafs will be given Bennett any extra treatment Sam Bennett have Sam Bennett? Have you been asked about him? Anyway, not sure if the lease will give him any extra attention, but the fans will probably be on him. Are they bringing their skates?

You never know in Toronto. But like, this is not unfamiliar territory for him to be in the spotlight like this. What have you learned about how he responds, how he's or what you noticed about him in this in this spot? These are leading scoring forward and He'll play an honest hard game the way he always does I don't think he's He hasn't in the past and there hasn't been believe it or not that many Don't be funny Paul, there hasn't been, believe it or not, that many. Don't be funny, Paul.

It hasn't been that many situations. He'll be fine. And I appreciate the concern. I felt that. He's fine. I think he's gonna be okay. He made sure to throw the word in, honest. Yeah, he's a really honest player.

What is he's our leading scorer. What is he's leading scorer? What do you mean? He's just not. I'll show you a thread on Twitter if you want there, Paul. Really honest thread. I do believe that it's important that the Leafs do not kind of veer off the focus. And I have no doubt in my mind that I don't expect anything out of the leafs outside of the ordinary on a Craig Borubey team that

you know continues to Pound the message of Nothing between the whistles let me Do what Barubey is gonna say to the team which is You know, we're gonna we're gonna stay hard out hard on them You get a chance to put a lick on them, you know We want to finish our checks hard, but we want to we want to keep it between the whistles here not play into his game Just do your job. I mean I

Just don't want this our show to be the Bennett show. I don't want this has to panthers I know but I just you know, I went on with Gunner and I don't want to just have to answer I know but I just you know, I went on with Gunnar and Ben today all they wanted to talk about was Sam Bennett I went on in Calgary with our buddy George Rosick all they want to say I'm bad Sam. The leaves are up in the series. They played their best game It's and it's like we talked about it for 25 minutes yesterday Bennett Bennett Bennett How about the Leafs like it's just it drives me crazy It drives me crazy. Yeah, and we're talking about Paul Maurice making his jokes up there like oh

George Carlin out there. It's like good Lord man I'm down town and strangers coming up to me and go what are we gonna do about Sam Bennett? Yeah, so I'm sorry, but it's walking down here. It is It's a it's a major focus and Paul is in my kitchen boys He is in he's living rentfully slamming my cupboards. Oh, yeah, so I we can say I'm sick of it already We can see it game two. I can't say them victim. He's not paying rent, but we don't we we expect the same similar look out of the Toronto Maple Leafs and it's a little bit an extension of what I was talking about with Austin Matthews if he's scoring or not scoring if you're chasing Bennett not chasing they know how to they know how to play and win you know enough

this year and what it looks like and how it feels it would be very uncharacteristic of this team to start chasing around Sam Bennett. The one point you've made in the past is that like, you know, you kind of have to wait for situations to present themselves. You have to play free and take the game as it comes and try to dictate it at the time. You can't go out there with a plan. No, like, oh, I'm going to get him in this corner. And when I do, you can't have a plan.

You have to go play the game as it comes. Take some chances when they're available to you. But yeah, I'm with you. I don't see it being a whole target I much prefer the Bobrowski shot to the Bennett shot Like if you get your chance to like you said yesterday blow a shoe Yeah, you get a chance to trip over your face or dick. That's what I'm going to the net that hard Look at the look at the like I wouldn't want Bobby McMahon coming Holmberg coming Nice coming charging hard

Panthers give up five five on five goals last game, which I don't think they had done maybe once or twice all season long Yeah, part of the conversation we maybe haven't had is you know getting to Bob and I know he made some saves at the end But they did get to him. That doesn't happen often so we'll see if he's a little shaky. Little bit of strength coming in from the back end on the blue line where Ekblad returns after a two game playoff suspension which gives them a different look. He'll go back on on the number one pair with Forsling and that'll push Seth Jones down to three, four. Yeah, I've heard Echblad's at full strength.

Yeah, let's play George Carlin, AKA Maurice Clip 5, please, on Echblad's full season. The layoff and everything. Really, yeah. So you can look at it. First of all, the quality of his play this year was really high. We thought he was very good.

And I wonder why. It had followed, I'm not going to say developed, but just the path over the last three years of him growing in the role. So his game was really good and then you're out but you're not injured. I mean that just hardly ever happens and then he's alone. He's isolated. He can't really talk to anybody can't and If there's the positive and we'll take it He's really good shape right now. He's as fit that man's as fit as he has ever been in his life And now we get him back. We'd like to keep him for more than a couple games So we'll take it now we've survived it

I would say without him because we missed him And he's a big part of what we do. And it was also that you're looking toward the end of the year to build that group as a feel. He's fit. He's fit as a fiddle. He's never been stronger. Good, go run a marathon. He's never been in better shape in his life.

What an incredible thing to say after your guy gets suspended for PEDs I'm gonna have to get up one get an intern to cut the clips this guy man. I He's just fit that man's as fit as he has ever been in his life. I bet he is Bad he has been at Popeyes sampling the goods. Oh Anywho lots of spinach. It's a big, it's a big. Two games in two and a half months, right?

He should feel pretty energetic. Yeah, he's just doing pull-ups, waiting. He looks like 50 Cent in the club video. In that, that's funny. In that, what game was it that he scored? Was it the elimination game for them? The one where he elbowed. Game five. He scored twice in that. Yeah, one disallowed. One disallowed, then he scored, did he score the tying game for them? The one where he elbowed? Game five.

He scored twice in that. Yeah, one disallowed. One disallowed, then he scored, did he score the tying or the winner? He was everywhere in that game. Yeah, he was. He's really good. He gets the winner.

That man's as fit as he has ever been in his life. Oh, Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Haunted me. We have another one on him, is that also? It just kind of talks about how they slot in better. That a better clip. So we're good. All right, so yeah

power play oh for five Yeah, what'd you think of it? Yeah, it was bad The issues I have is when they need to come 200 feet back in yeah, and I don't know sometimes It's Matthew sometimes this Willie. I don't know, sometimes it's Matthew, sometimes it's Willie. I don't think Mitch does it too often. But he does it seems the best of them when he does it seems to be an issue, then let him do it then more. Yeah, or all of the time. He doesn't do the backhand shift that makes me insane. But it's been, it's still dangerous enough that I think Florida should really look at being a lot more disciplined tonight and that some of the penalties that they took and that should

back them off a little bit here. He gave a good synopsis, Marube gave a good synopsis of what he saw in game one from the power play. So let's listen to the coach. Clip. You know, how aggressive their PK is and they do a real good job of it, but there was a lot of areas where we had opportunities off quick strikes

and we just didn't execute them. And that's, you know, that's, we got to execute better on those plays, in my opinion. Whether it was, didn't get the shot off quick enough or just missed the play a little bit, or, you know, just got tipped or whatever But those when you have an aggressive PK like that, you know Obviously quick puck movement and and shots that are net are important getting them through but for me

It's off these broken plays and and when they're pressing with three We got to make these quick strike plays and we had opportunities and we didn't we didn't execute on them. I like that when he says when they're pressing with three and sometimes when you bobble the puck, Florida will send three and that's when you need to be able to slip one into the bumper or slip one, you know, find, find a spot. So, and that's probably when we look back at game one, why we were all frustrated by them going to Morgan Riley, but they go to Morgan Riley on that power play late in the third period when they're up a goal and that's probably that exact reason where they get the fifth and the

three they're worried about the five forward thing like that's that's the justification for a little bit of a cringe factor was the too many men on the ice yeah what happened there I think the guys talked about it a little bit on hockey night in Canada but you got five forwards, right and Someone Thought two guys maybe thought they had the same guy. I mean, that's the only thing that I was able to pick up Yeah, yeah, it was ugly and then they scored on that to kill the power play that was looking good And then they scored you always get scored on that one. It just feels like just seconds before that scored, you always get scored on that one. It just feels like.

Just seconds before that, what made it even worse, the too many men, is that you have the puck behind the net and you are in full control. So that to me made it even worse. It's not like the other teams got the puck and they're shooting it towards your bench and it catches somebody and you're caught. This is you in full control. Mm-hmm. Not good. Not good

but They did they did try to make a change at the one-minute mark Yeah, which I thought showed good discipline and getting everybody involved and not overstaying on a whole two-minute power play and freezing out the The B team. Mm-hmm team. And that was the good part. Too many men sucked. You know, there's a couple of different ways to do changes on the power play. And one of it is to take by position in the ozone setup.

And the other is based on the position of the breakout. And I do wonder if those got crossed because they weren't set up. Anyway, not sure how that ended up happening in the first place. All right. It came to my attention that our last show we didn't give Willie Nylander enough love. Oh really? Yeah fans these fans Willie was awesome. Willie was extremely good. Willie is really good Go check out sports and dot CA where I wrote an article my ten thoughts on the game. Willie is numero uno Yeah, yeah scores some big goals for them and I thought by the way, oh, that's one thing I was gonna say about the changes

Interesting last game they started the Matthews line Matthews and Marner changed 21 seconds into that first shift and that got on the next line who was then playing against a tired line They shot shot one in the net So William Nylander is tied with Kyle Connor and Miko Rantin for second place in the NHL's playoff scoring one point behind Connor McDavid right now. So he's been huge for them and both coaches commented on Willie. Want to start with Barube? Clip three please. Attacking and you know shooting a puck like I mean that's his game right and last couple games he's been when I see him with the speed you know and attacking with the speed he's been, when I see him with the speed, you know, and attacking with the speed, he's dangerous.

And obviously his shot is dangerous, we all know that, but it's the speed and the pace he's attacking with for me. There you go. Yeah, every time he has the puck, it's like, I'm sure for Panther fans are kind of holding their breath. Yeah, the D back off an extra step. And on the, he had scored two, and on the he had scored two and on the power play right before Right before they went down and took the too many men nice had a great screen

He was a centimeter from a natural hat trick in the first period He was yeah, he is ripping the party and eyes is a problem guys Yes, like if he looks like he he has looked and we know like he can look he is a handful for that Panthers team Let's listen to Paul Maurice on Willie as well because he had a great clip today. Well his ability to control the puck and change angles change directions is a leap and there may not be anybody better at it than he is so what he can do with the puck one-on-one is challenge one but really as players away from the puck then it's not it's not he can beat a guy one-on-one take it to the net for sure

But it's the ice created by his movement that allows the other players to get open with good hands and they can get to the net So we would view him In that whatever the percentage is the top five guys percentage that guys in the league they all are something unique in their offensive game percentage of guys in the league they all are something unique in their offensive game yeah different but similar in effect with Kuturov what he can how he can get a puck off the wall to somebody open a whole bunch of different ways that's the same idea they're gonna get theirs he's gonna generate he just is so we want to make sure you're not putting him in position where you're feeding him yeah he can hit the seams as well as a lot of guys in the league.

Kucherov's maybe at another level on his own, but Willy can show double threat. You know, Kuch had 144 points, Willy topped out at 98 or something like that. That's just another level of guy. But I, you know, maybe at finishing, Willy right now, you'd say is better at that element this touch here on this one beautiful pass is really nice one other thing on Knives I just want you know I mentioned before that clip that he has kind of found another gear in the first 36 so leading up to January 1st and then after I've got some stats on that but after January 1st 49 games played 44 points so that's you know way better than the 19 he had in the first half almost a point per game

player since January 1st and his hits went from 2.0 to 2.5 per game hits went up points went up 22 goals after January 1st yeah he's no he's here he is as important as anyone in that lineup right now, just from his physical presence and his ability to drive the net. Like, McMahon should be looking at him right now and going, I gotta try to keep up to that level right now. Absolutely. And the one thing with Knives is he hasn't, he doesn't do it as consistently as the top

guys who night in night out are just contributors. Still at 23? Still, no, he's 22. 22. He hasn't turned 23 yet. No, not till the fall. If you're watching on TV or YouTube, this backhand top, oh my God, that's so nice. I mean, it's very hard to do what he does there.

Yeah, it's so nice. I mean it's very hard to do what he does there. Yeah, it's almost as One motion. Yeah, I was saying I don't know if I said it on air But I was on the ice yesterday trying to replicate that and I think I almost broke my nose toe picked Don't try that at home if if the Florida Panthers had fans who do you think they would be most afraid of if they're going? From a place you're so mean to Florida fans Yeah be most afraid of if they're going to try me please. You're so mean to Florida fans. Yeah. The 15 people get after me on their subreddit. But I mean how is it not Matthews and Marner still? I know Willie's scary but like still Matthews and Marner? How is it not? You know at any moment any touch it can yeah I think that's probably correct

change. These got a lot of guys you should be afraid of. Before we get to Luke just want to remind everybody The golf fans out there sports that and Muskoka Bay Resort have come together with an amazing contest Text the word Muskoka to 595 90 for your chance to golf at one of Canada's top 10 ranked golf courses with a night in An incredible three bedroom villa for you and your three friends Just text Muskoka to 595 90 for your chance to win visit sportsnet.ca Contest for more details standard message and data rates apply So yeah, there you go. Muskoka Bay Resort looks beautiful and boys. I gotta tell you Short sleeves for kipper today. You got the long sleeves. I went short sleeves, but it's she's thin here

This is what a day today. It is spectacular outside today in in Toronto City Toronto. It's like it's playoff season. You know, it's starting to get warm You're supposed to be playing one of this this morning. I don't know how the ice will be down at school She'll be full playoff. Yeah mode Samus cabbage Samus cabbage tonight Mackie Samus cabbage draws in for You can shoot it in the net too. He's effective for them. We maybe get into it in game time international hour,

but I think he could do worse than betting on a Samiscavich goal coming into the lineup tonight. He rips it and he flies around. Okay, let's take a quick break. When we return, we'll get a feel from the rink with our very own Luke Fox from Sportsnet.ca. That and more when we return to Real Kipper and Born. Welcome back to the program. Nick Kipra is Justin Bournes, Sammy McKee getting ready for game two.

We've got Luke Fox. Luke. Luke. How are you buddy? Bumped into Luke this morning. Yeah. How are you buddy? Bumped into Luke this morning. Yeah. Right outside of real sports. Real to that.

Real good, real good. He looked super excited picking up that vibe. Luke, how was the feel this morning going into game two? I'm not gonna say that our boy Sammy here doesn't have a good feel for game two, but there is that that guarded side of him. How do you feel like the Leafs are looking towards getting a huge, you know, hand up here with a another big win tonight?

Yeah, it would be massive. I mean, it would be it would officially make this the longest run of the Matthews Marner Nylander era, right? Like they've never reached six wins and it's right there for them. You know, snatching a lead, you'd have to go back to the 90s before the Leafs had a 2-0 series lead in any round past the first round. So this would be huge. I mean, if you're Florida, you came here to get a split that's still on the table. If the Leafs, you got to be

wary that you're not going to see the same Florida Panthers team that came out in the first period of game one. They were putrid. They weren't ready to play. The Leafs took it to them. I thought it was probably outside of the too many men penalty, probably the 20 best minutes of Maple Leafs hockey that they've put together this them, I thought it was probably outside of the too many men penalty, probably the 20 best minutes of Maple Leafs hockey that they put together this season. I thought they were fantastic, you know, just taking a stranglehold of that game, putting the Panthers on their heels. They had to fight back the whole game. So if you can get a start like that again, and you're the Maple Leafs, then you're thrilled.

I think there's been a lot of talk behind the scenes on a couple things. One is Joseph Wohl. They spent some extra time at practice working on the breakouts with the defensemen. Anthony Stollers is a really vocal goalie. There seemed to be an encouragement for more talk between Joseph Wohl and the defensemen. We know how important breakouts are against the Panthers, four check because they're so fast and fierce, that's their game plan. And the other thing is the power play.

You know, it went under the radar a little bit because the Leafs won, but they went 0 for 5 on the power play. It was so key in the Ottawa series, it needs to be critical again. They need to get a power play goal, I think tonight. So backing up tonight for Joseph Wohl, which is a story unto itself, the Wolves in the net, but Matt Murray is the backup.

You know, I don't think he played a ton in the American League this year. Hildeby, Aktyumov, these guys played a little bit more. What are we to make of Murray being chosen and what? You're worried Listen if wall gives up a couple early do they have the option of going to someone else? Yeah, the ebug. Yeah, that's him Well, it was kind of Alarming to say the least when you saw Dennis Hildeby slide onto the Leafs bench in the third period

It was like a little alarm bell. Okay, we're one, you know, other one dirty play or one bad performance from getting into your, your third fourth stringers here. The decision to go with Murray is, is an easy one I think for Craig Brubay. It's simple experience. The guy has cup rings. He there's a calmness he's played in the playoffs before and even just noticing after morning skate this morning Murray is like hanging around chatting with a few reporters chatting with wall a little bit Hildeby, you know, he's a prospect still so when you see him behind the scenes, he's very quiet. He's reserved He's like I don't want to step out of line here Murray

There's a more there's more of a comfortability around the teammates, between the coach, and I think the coach trusts the guy with experience. I think it's as simple as that. You're watching and listening to Luke Fox, Leaf and NHL writer with Sportsnet.ca. So, look, we know what the Bennett talk in this series was like 24 hours later.

Going into today, subsided much. The Leafs ready to put it behind them in terms of at least not letting it drag in. Obviously, it's not forgotten and it won't be forgotten. But where is their mindset when it comes to Bennett going into game two? Yeah, I think it's it's past them. I mean, if they have a chance to run them and it's with between the whistles, for sure, they're going to try and take a bound of flesh. I mean, I mean, we saw that with Ridley Gregg in the last run when there was a chance to nail that guy, you want to exact some revenge. But I've really been impressed by how the players have taken their cues from

Craig Barube here. He's been very much, let's move past it, let's focus on the win. Scott Lawton put it best. He said the best revenge is to win the game. Florida falls down two games heading home. Suddenly all the pressures on them, they came in as the favorites, they're the champs, and it's like, oh, we couldn't even steal one. We're a good road team and we couldn't even get one on the road. So, you know, it seems like the players have bought into what Brubé is selling and that is, yeah, what he did

was dirty, it was nasty. Anthony Stolar is maybe done for the entire series, it's that serious, but we have to turn the page. We trust our other goalie Let's hit them when we can but let's not get dragged into the muck here. Let's win the game Luke over the past three seasons. Serga Bobrovsky has played 57 postseason games Which is a lot of extra hockey his numbers were good a couple years ago in the playoffs last year They were really good in the regular season 915 Those were good a couple years ago in the playoffs. Last year they were really good in the regular season, 9-15. Then okay in the playoffs. This year just a 9-06 in the regular season and an 8-86.

Getting tired? Is there any chance we get a less than perfect Bobrovsky? Sure. There's a chance. I can't see him being as leaky as he was in game one. It's rare for this guy to give up five, Justin. He's probably had to the Hall of Fame. It was interesting.

So after the game, you do your interviews, you write your story. And I was walking down from doing a post-game hit, all the Panthers had cleared out, and there was Bobrovsky still at the rink, smiling, laughing with the trainers. He seemed very calm for a guy after a loss. I think he has great perspective. Maybe he was just going to walk back to the hotel because the bus had left. He's just kind of on his own program. I think he's very good at bouncing back after a loss.

The Leafs have to get to him, but I think it's a great sign for Toronto that they hung some numbers on him I mean you think about the 23 series they could never get past two goals on this guy That was the big thing. So for them to start feeling some confidence. Hey, this guy's fallible. I think that's huge Think there's think Matthews is feeling anything other than just snake-bitten right now Yeah, this it's gotta be something, right, Nick? The guy can't hit the net. It's really something.

He's generated his chances. He's doing all the right things defensively. He's been a beast in the faceoff, Dot. The effort's there, but the shot just doesn't have it. Even some casual fans, I was playing beer league on the weekend, they're like, what's with Matthew's shot? And you don't see that quick angle change,

that pull and release that's just beating goalies clean anymore. He's missing. And maybe part of it's in his head. Maybe it's the mysterious upper body injury is still nagging at him. We know he had to miss a practice last week. So I bet there's a physical element to this,

but he's not gonna tell you what's going on. Were you ripping it at beer league? Is that why your buddies were reminded of Matthews losing the zip watching your shot? No, I'm Matthew Nyes without the hands. I just go in the crease and hopefully get a screen. Banquing in off your leg or something like that. Hey, that's all you got to do sometimes.

So the real strength of this Leafs team has been the defense shutting down the opposition in terms of not allowing a lot in front of the net, and just good sticks all the way through. But it's been a real bright spot. They're creating some offense a little bit here. I know the TANF one may be separate from that. Is this a sustainable thing? What are we missing?

Why have they suddenly found offense from their defense here? Well, I see them jumping up more. I've never seen Morgan, I think it's a snowball effect. I think they've been asked to. I know halfway through the season, Craig Brubate was looking at the numbers and seeing that they weren't generating much from those guys. I think maybe he tried to beat out some of the old habits out of them early and say hey we're playing a defense team we're not gonna sacrifice offense if it means giving up or we're not gonna go for

offense if it means sacrificing defense. So I think they pulled back a little bit in the first half of the season and then I think he was encouraging them to jump up a little bit more. And now that Morgan Riley in particular has a couple of goals, he's feeling more free to jump up in the rush. I thought he had some great chances in game one. Simone Benoit in the previous series, Ekman Larsen. So we're seeing these guys spot the holes where they can jump up and they're doing it

and it's paying off and the more it pays off, probably the more confident they feel about taking those chances when they're available. Luke, enjoy game two, my friend, and we'll catch up soon. All right, should be a blast, enjoy it guys, thanks. Thanks, Luke, appreciate it. Sportsnet.ca is Luke Fox. So As a beer league last night, too hot. I heard it all to you in for the zags hot

It's awesome this time here. I was so excited to talk. How's the zip on your shot horrible? I've never scored a goal outside of three feet from the crease And I kicked one in last night And they did they review it didn't go upstairs, but I the other guy guys the other team were like, oh hey You you on that podcast you're in that podcast. I was like you say yeah, you were really chirping me I was like, yeah, I mean I don't pay league fees to not say anything to you So Sammy I you wrote that the Panthers are 0 and 5 all-time

Invest to 7's when falling behind 2-0 in a series. I wrote that. I mean, I typed it. And you didn't make the fact up. NHL Public Relations has a great website and they put up a bunch of stats and stuff. So that's where I get my stuff from. And yes, they put that up. A win tonight takes you to the Leafs winning this series. It takes you to the Leafs winning this series. I mean, at that point, yeah. I mean, how could you think anything but?

Like, they haven't, like, four or five games? Pretty good stat. Yeah. I mean, it is, but at the same time, you guys hate those kind of stats. Yeah, no, I don't care about lifetime stats. It means nothing to me. Especially, it's against the Leafs.

No, but I care about two teams that go up to nothing win a lot of the series. They're in a great position with a win tonight. It really, if by chance they don't and it's one-one, as long as it presents itself like a good hockey game for them, to me it's all about how you win or lose, right? Instead of just losing. At 1-1, I think if they play a good game, give themselves a chance here, even if they lose in overtime, there's a lot for the Leafs to take to

South Beach, even at 1-1. But 2-0, I think convinces a lot of people that they will win this series. I think it's can It's gonna come down to a number guys can patch already be as effective as last game Can he be as physical and stay on that sort of thing? The first line is shooting in the net can the Domi line be better? They struggled a little bit with that third line. Those are a couple of the key matchups and the lot in They struggled a little bit with that third line. Those are a couple of the key matchups and the lot in Line cannot be minus three right

Lawton Lawrence Yarncroc needs a better effort or you will see David camp come game three you think Yeah, I mean you got it say Joseph wall It's like this guy's a good player like you're looking for a reason to get him in problem is you keep winning Yeah, which you know Do you just try like a different version of the bottom six with the same guys? That you have as opposed to changing things up like it's probably your croc Yeah, they traded for Lawton and don't want to take him out. Lorenz is very effective and can score he's like, yeah Young young croc would be I think the easiest decision to make outside of that you like

Homburg's size and his ability to protect a puck down low, make plays, take a big hit and get right back up. Domi can also just do something you know every few games he does something you're like well no one else in the league. He plays fast too. Max plays fast. Great example of bearing Matthew Kachuk and then skating down and forcing Bob to make a big save. Matthew Kachuk to me, very quiet in game one. No shots. And the only thing we really saw out of him was going after Marner at the end of the game, which That was the little bush. I mentioned I spoke to our boy George in Calgary today

Love that show. Love those guys Matt and George And he asked me who I dislike more Brady or Matthew and it's just there's no comparison between the two for me I think Matthew is way more hateable than that than Brady is. Oh Yeah. I think Brady plays a much more direct, honorable game than Matt does. I hear Brady more. For sure. But way greasier Matthew. Brady is like ten times tougher than Matthew. And that carries a level of respect too. I respect his game way more. No comparison. And you know, Matthews plays a mean game and he's willing to sink low at any cost to try to win. But this guy is nowhere near as tough as his brother. No, his PIMs per game have come down, his points per game have come down. He has 57 points in 52 games this year,

which is good numbers, but like he's, he's a really, really good hockey player. He is, and he can't hurt you offensively. He can make plays. He could power play. But he's dangerous. But you don't fear him the way you fear. Well, we'll see if that offense wakes up. Kachukov Reinhardt for Hagee score tonight. Very quiet

One Panthers I'm going For three Leafs in overtime. Oh my god, that's exactly what I was gonna say Exactly for three. Okay, stick with me kid. I302, please stick with me, kid. I will. There you go. Stick with me, kid. All right. Get ready. Game two tonight.

Don't move wherever you are. Just hang out on Sportsnet. We'll take a quick break. When we return, we go national. Oilers, lots of talk about the Edmonton Oilers. We'll get into it with Jack Michaels, play-by-play man, and Sean Reynolds. We'll get into it with Jack Michaels, play-by-play man, and Sean Reynolds. We'll get into it with Jack Michaels, play-by-play man, and Sean Reynolds.

We'll get into it with Jack Michaels, play-by-play man, and Sean Reynolds. We'll get into it with Jack Michaels, play-by-play man, and Sean Reynolds. We'll get into it with Jack Michaels, play-by-play man, and Sean Reynolds. We'll get into it with Jack Michaels, play-by-play man, and Sean Reynolds. We'll get into it with Jack Michaels, play-by-play man, and Sean Reynolds. We'll get into it with Jack Michaels, play-by-play man, and Sean Reynolds. We'll get into it with Jack Michaels, play-by-play man, and Sean Reynolds. We'll get into it with Jack Michaels, play-by-play man, and Sean Reynolds. We'll get into it with Jack Michaels, play-by-play man, and Sean Reynolds. We'll get into it with Jack Michaels, play-by-play man, and Sean Reynolds. We'll get into it with Jack Michaels, play- talk about the Edmonton Oilers. We'll get into it with Jack Michaels, play-by-play man,

and Sean Reynolds from the Winnipeg Jets. Get her going. Don't go away.