April 17, 2024

Happy 100th! Sizing Up the Leafs' Playoff Prospects with Damien Cox and Mark Osborne

1 hour

We're celebrating our 100th episode! Joining us to discuss the Leafs and the upcoming NHL playoffs are journalist and author Damien Cox and former Leaf and current Pro Scout for the NHL's LA Kings, Mark Osborne.

Damien Cox, a media and broadcasting veteran, shares his thoughts on Auston Matthews' historic season, the Leafs' defense, Sheldon Keefe's coaching, and the potential impact Keith Pelley may have as the new CEO of MLSE. Then, in our conversation with Mark Osborne, we chat about what its like playing with record-breaking teammates, the role of a shutdown line, the pressure of playing in Toronto, and his experience as a pro scout with the LA Kings. He shares insights from his time as a player, his perspective on the media, and the importance of the best players performing in the playoffs.

We're so happy to be able to bring you the insights of these two savvy pros! With Damien Cox's extensive knowledge of the Leafs and the Canadian sports media landscape, and Mark Osborne's vast experience in hockey on and off the ice, it was truly a treat to get their perspectives on the Leafs' season and what the team may need to do to see success in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The countdown is now on, and this years playoff journey will begin in earnest on April 20th. As Damien said, it will either be heartbreak or euphoria! Like all of Leafs Nation, we're hoping for a lot more of the latter this time around. Go Leafs Go!

Takeaways

Auston Matthews is having a historic season and is the most prolific offensive player in the history of the Leafs franchise.

The Leafs' defense is a concern going into the playoffs, but the team's success will ultimately depend on their ability to score goals.

There is debate about whether Sheldon Keefe is the right coach for the Leafs, but the decision ultimately lies with MLSE.

The new CEO of MLSE, Keith Pelley, may have an impact on the business side of the organization, particularly in negotiations with the NHL for a new TV deal. Playing with record-breaking players is both routine and special, as it showcases the unique abilities and skills of these individuals.

The role of a shutdown line in today's NHL has evolved, with teams now expecting their third line to contribute offensively as well as defensively. Playing in Toronto comes with added pressure due to the media scrutiny and the high expectations of the fan base.

As a pro scout, Osborne's job involves evaluating players for trades and free agency, and his input is valued by the LA Kings' management team.

Osborne appreciates the growth of women's hockey and the increased coverage of the sport in the media.

Chapters

00:00 Auston Matthews' Historic Season

10:14 Concerns About the Leafs' Defense

30:14 Playing with Record-Breaking Players

37:10 Insights from a Pro Scout

56:45 Gratitude to the Listeners and Followers

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https://www.thestar.com/sports/leafs/sixty-goal-scorer-auston-matthews-is-only-part-of-the-nhls-offensive-renaissance-an-awfully/article_82aba48a-ea04-11ee-a99b-53b970da242d.html

https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/jon-cooper-is-outcoaching-sheldon-keefe-for-a-second-straight-year-but-its-not-too-late-to-change-that

https://www.hockeyfeed.com/nhl-news/paul-maurice-reveals-what-he-told-his-panthers-when-trailing-0-2-after-the-1st-period

https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2024/04/08/mlse-keith-pelley-organizational-plans

https://mapleleafshotstove.com/2024/04/08/toronto-maple-leafs-defense-playoff-lineup/

https://etobicokesports.ca/mark-osborne/

https://torontosun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/looking-back-30-years-to-game-7-elation-heartbreak-in-leafs-nation

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By Christine Dimoff and Sylvia Hargittay

11 ratings