Episode 12: Leafs win Game 4 and Auston Matthews puts his stamp on the series. In this edition of The HockeyVerse, we recap Game 4 between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Tampa Bay Lightning and look ahead to Game 5, with the help of reporter Matt Larkin of Daily Face-Off. We also talk about the $40-million-Four, whether we’ll see Michael Bunting at all this series, why Alex Kerfoot is an unsung hero and how the parade route is probably going to stretch all the way from Toronto to Newmarket.

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Auston Matthews has a chance to add to his legacy with more games like this (2:30)

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How many of us turned off the TV after the second period? (4:15)

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Ryan O’Reilly continues to make a huge difference for the Leafs — on and off the ice (5:55)

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Is Ilya Samsonov turning out to be Toronto’s X-Factor? (9:05)

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Alex Kerfoot has gone from whipping boy to unsung hero (11:12)

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Does Michael Bunting come in for Game 5? (13:15)

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The series isn’t over just yet … the dangers of a 3-1 series lead (15:38)

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If the Leafs do advance to the second round, the city is gonna burn down (16:30)

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The way things are going for the Bruins, the Leafs may face a banged up and bloodied team (18:00)

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The aura is gone from Andrei Vasilevskiy (20:50)

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Daily Face-Off reporter Matt Larkin (@MLarkinHockey) explains what’s at stake in these playoffs for Auston Matthews (25:10)

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Thank you for listening to The HockeyVerse. If you enjoy this show, please share the love by leaving us a 5-star rating and review on iTunes and by introducing The HockeyVerse to your friends and family.

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Follow us on Twitter: @thehockeyverse.com; @michael_traikos; @imjohnnylegend

Episode 11: Leafs win Game 3 and Morgan Rielly is back to being Morgan Rielly. In this edition of The HockeyVerse, we recap Game 3 between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Tampa Bay Lightning and look ahead to Game 4, with the help of reporter David Alter of The Hockey News. We also talk about Ryan O’Reilly’s impact on the series, ask whether Ilya Samsonov is outplaying Andrei Vasilevskiy and why Auston Matthews should never drop the gloves again.

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Do you have to drop both gloves in order for it to be considered a fight (2:19)

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That was a reckless and dangerous hit that Rielly delivered on Brayden Point (4:50)

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Vasilevskiy has allowed 14 goals in 3 games?!?!? (8:20)

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That Leafs’ 3rd line has changed everything (10:25)

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Johnny still thinks we’re going to see Wayne Simmonds at some point (14:00)

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Steven Stamkos is leadership personified (18:15)

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Tampa Bay is probably going to win Game 4 … we think (23:25)

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Leafs reporter David Alter of The Hockey News calls in from Tampa Bay (25:10)

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Thank you for listening to The HockeyVerse. If you enjoy this show, please share the love by leaving us a 5-star rating and review on iTunes and by introducing The HockeyVerse to your friends and family.

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Also, be sure to check thehockeyverse.com. While you’re there, sign up for our newsletter. It is specifically written for you — the die-hard fan. From insider news to opinion and analysis, our NHL-focused newsletter will entertain and equip you for the conversations of the day.

***

Follow us on Twitter: @thehockeyverse.com; @michael_traikos; @imjohnnylegend

Episode 10: Is Yellow Hoodie Guy the new Dart Guy? In this playoff edition episode of The HockeyVerse, we recap Game 2 between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Tampa Bay Lightning and look predict what will happen in Game 3. We also ask burning questions, like whether the Leafs have figured out Andrei Vasilevskiy, when are we going to see Michael Bunting, and what exactly was Yellow Hoodie Guy drinking?
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The Leafs — and one drunk-looking fan — punched back hard in Game 2 (2:23)
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Is John Tavares under-appreciated? (7:15)
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Do we care that Auston Matthews has no goals? (10:00)
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When are we next going to see Michael Bunting? (11:45)
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Morgan Rielly is back looking like a No. 1 defenceman (17:45)
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Ilya Samsonov is outplaying Andrei Vasilevskiy. It’s a fact (21:20)
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Is there a chance we see another blowout in Game 3? (23:51)
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Thank you for listening to The HockeyVerse. If you enjoy this show, please share the love by leaving us a 5-star rating and review on iTunes and by introducing The HockeyVerse to your friends and family.
 ***
Ask a question to The HockeyVerse by emailing: [email protected]
***
Also, be sure to check thehockeyverse.com. While you’re there, sign up for our newsletter. It is specifically written for you — the die-hard fan. From insider news to opinion and analysis, our NHL-focused newsletter will entertain and equip you for the conversations of the day.
***
Follow us on Twitter: @thehockeyverse.com; @michael_traikos; @imjohnnylegend

The Leafs blew it…there’s not much else to say about their Game 1 loss to the Lightning.

But we tried anyway in a special post-game recap, with Michael Traikos reporting live from the drive home from the rink.  

Why Ryan O’Reilly will be the X-factor For The Leafs To Beat The Lightning
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In this special episode of The HockeyVerse, we tee up the Stanley Cup playoffs — specifically Toronto’s first-round series against Tampa Bay — and give you our playoff predictions. We are also joined by NHL.com reporter and host of the Sunday Brunch, Dave McCarthy, who explains why he’s picked the Leafs to win in six games and how come enforcers are the smartest guys on the ice.  
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Screw the Lightning? Why Johnny is picking the Leafs to win in five games (1:50)
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We break down the Leafs’ forward lines and wonder if loading up is the right move  (6:00)
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This isn’t the same Lightning team that won back-to-back Stanley Cups — especially on defence (7:45)
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How important is winning Game 1? (9:50)
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The Leafs’ depth could be the edge (11:00)
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Putting Luke Schenn with Morgan Rielly is a no-brainer (12:30)
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Kyle Dubas is not leaving Toronto for Ottawa or Pittsburgh … or anywhere (15:15)
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PLAYOFF BRACKET
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Boston vs. Florida … upset time? (18:20)
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Carolina vs. NYI … the most boring series? (19:39)
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NYR vs. New Jersey  … the most entertaining series? (20:52)
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Edmonton vs. LA … the McDavid Show (22:58)
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Vegas vs. Winnipeg … time for Eichel to step up (25:20)
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Minnesota vs. Dallas … the second-most boring series? (29:30)
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Colorado vs. Seattle (30:22) … Cup champs are banged up
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NHL.com’s Dave McCarthy on Toronto’s secret weapon, AKA Calle Rosen  (33:15)
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When — if ever — will we see Wayne Simmonds in the lineup? (37:56)
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Is it a mistake to put John Tavares on the wing? (40:45)
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Johnny defends his decision to wear a Ken Baumgartner jersey (44:38)
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Should the Leafs be considered the favourites against the Lightning? (46:49)
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The importance of Game 1 (50:58)
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Thank you for listening to The HockeyVerse. If you enjoy this show, please share the love by leaving us a 5-star rating and review on iTunes and by introducing The HockeyVerse to your friends and family.
 ***
Ask a question to The HockeyVerse by emailing: [email protected]
***
Also, be sure to check thehockeyverse.com. While you’re there, sign up for our newsletter. It is specifically written for you — the die-hard fan. From insider news to opinion and analysis, our NHL-focused newsletter will entertain and equip you for the conversations of the day.
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Follow us on Twitter: @thehockeyverse.com; @michael_traikos; @imjohnnylegend
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Kyle Dubas is savvy — not stupid — for having beer leaguers as backups.

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In this episode, we argue why Wayne Simmonds should start Game 1 against the Lightning, announce our picks for the Maple Leafs’ MVP and regular season disappointment, and whether we might see a Matthews vs McDavid match-up in the Stanley Cup final. We also answered your questions about whether Matthew Knies will see action in the playoffs, who replaces Crosby and Ovechkin as the faces of the post-season, and who will eventually win the Stanley Cup.

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Forget calling up a goalie on an emergency basis. If the NHL wants to make an example out of the Leafs, then force them to put a roster player in net (2:15)

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The Leafs still have too many defencemen. Who’s the odd-man out come playoff time? (6:25)

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On paper, the Leafs are better than the Lightning (8:30)

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The argument for having Wayne Simmonds start Game 1 (9:30)

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Our initial thoughts on Matthew Knies (11:00)

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Even if he’s hurt, Luke Schenn is not coming out of the lineup (12:45)

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The Marlies treated Johnny’s kid like a King for his first-ever game (14:37)

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When was the last time an injury prematurely ended a hockey player’s career? (17:15)

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Our picks for the Leafs’ regular season awards (18:15)

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MVP: Marner or Nylander? (18:40)

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Most Pleasant Surprise: Samsonov or Giordano? (19:40)

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Biggest Disappointment: Rielly or Murray? (21:15)

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Best Defenceman: Holl or Giordano? (23:25)

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Best Value: Nylander or Giordano? (23:35)

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TNT hockey analyst is predicting a Toronto vs Edmonton final (25:30)

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Comments from the Haters (31:30)

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For the first time since they were rookies, both Crosby and Ovechkin won’t be in the playoffs (36:20)

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***QUESTIONS FROM THE HOCKEYVERSE***

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Hey HockeyVerse, who is going to win the Stanley Cup? (41:00)

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Hey HockeyVerse, what’s a realistic expectation for Matthew Knies in the playoffs? (44:00)

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Hey HockeyVerse, is the Leafs’ fourth line settled? (47:13)

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Thank you for listening to The HockeyVerse. If you enjoy this show, please share the love by leaving us a 5-star rating and review on iTunes and by introducing The HockeyVerse to your friends and family.

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Ask a question to The HockeyVerse by emailing: [email protected]

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Also, be sure to check thehockeyverse.com. While you’re there, sign up for our newsletter. It is specifically written for you — the die-hard fan. From insider news to opinion and analysis, our NHL-focused newsletter will entertain and equip you for the conversations of the day.

***

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The 5 Keys To Not Going Broke While Chasing Your Child’s NHL Dreams. In this episode, Traikos and Johnny are joined by former NHLer Kent Manderville of IP Private Wealth’s Hockey family office to talk about his time with the Maple Leafs and how hockey parents can lighten the financial burden during hockey season. We also answered your questions about Ryan O’Reilly’s impact on the Leafs, whether hockey academies can lead to a college scholarship and what to do when a coach blows through the budget.

Looking back at that magical 1993 Maple Leafs team that lost to the Kings in the conference final. (13:00)

The importance of having a solid third and fourth line. (22:30)

***5 KEYS TO NOT GOING BROKE WHILE CHASING YOUR CHILD’S DREAMS***

1. Begin with the end in mind (25:10)

2. Track all household expenses (28:48)

3. Do an end-of-year assessment (34:10)

4. Be prepared to walk away (37:15)

5. Ask the hard questions (45:00)

***QUESTIONS FROM THE HOCKEYVERSE***

Hey HockeyVerse, What are your thoughts on academies and spending a little extra to hopefully save a lot when it comes to college tuition? (50:00)

Hey HockeyVerse, we blew past out what the team budgeted this year. Is there a way to keep my coach on track? (56:07)

Hey HockeyVerse, how good is it that the Leafs have Ryan O’Reilly back when it comes to depth scoring for the playoffs and a third line that can shut down Tampa’s big guns? (58:47)

Thank you for listening to The HockeyVerse. If you enjoy this show, please share the love by leaving us a 5-star rating and review on iTunes and by introducing The HockeyVerse to your friends and family.

Ask a question to The HockeyVerse by emailing: [email protected]

Also, be sure to check thehockeyverse.com. While you’re there, sign up for our newsletter. It is specifically written for you — the die-hard fan. From insider news to opinion and analysis, our NHL-focused newsletter will entertain and equip you for the conversations of the day.

Follow us on Twitter: @thehockeyverse.com; @michael_traikos

In this episode, Traikos and Legend are joined by Ryan Kennedy of The Hockey News to answer three questions from listeners of The HockeyVerse. But before that, we talk about why the Leafs gambled on injury-prone Matt Murray, why Alex Ovechkin is a beast and why you should never split an Uber with hockey players.

(2:30) Were there better options available than Matt Murray last summer?
(4:00) Does anyone even know who Tampa Bay’s backup goalie is? Do we even care?
(5:30) In hindsight, the Leafs might have been better with an all-Russian tandem.
(7:00) Who the hell is Joseph Woll?
(14:35) Giordano, Murray or Muzzin: our picks for the Bill Masterton Trophy.
(20:10) The regular season is meaningless and way too long.
(23:50) It’s an end of an era for the Washington Capitals.
(27:10) That time Traikos got stuffed like a sardine in a cab full of thick-thighed NHLers.
(29:00) Load management and the fear that Matthews, Marner or Nylander will get hurt before the playoffs.

***QUESTIONS from THE HOCKEYVERSE***

(33:20) Ryan Kennedy of The Hockey News tells us why Leafs fans should care about this week’s NCAA Frozen Four.
(38:16) What is the ceiling on Leafs prospect and University of Minnesota winger Matthew Knies — and who is his NHL comparable?
(44:08) In terms of player evaluation, how much emphasis do scouts place on analytics versus the eye test?
(47:10) One year later, did the Habs make the right pick in choosing Juraj Slafkovsky over Shane Wright?
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Thank you for listening to The HockeyVerse. If you enjoy this show, please share the love by leaving us a 5-star rating and review on iTunes and by introducing The HockeyVerse to your friends and family. 

Ask a question to The HockeyVerse by emailing: [email protected]

Also, be sure to check thehockeyverse.com. While you’re there, sign up for our newsletter. It is specifically written for you — the die-hard fan. From insider news to opinion and analysis, our NHL-focused newsletter will entertain and equip you for the conversations of the day.

Follow us on Twitter: @thehockeyverse.com; @michael_traikos

Matthews, McDavid or MacKinnon: who should you pick in your hockey playoff fantasy pool? In this episode, Traikos and Legend answer three questions from listeners of The HockeyVerse. But before that, we talk about why fantasy poolies should load up with Oilers regardless of whether you think they’ll go all the way in the playoffs. Plus, we

(2:37) You’d have to be a fool not to pick McDavid in a playoff pool.

(6:35) Is this the golden era of hockey?

(9:45) Why I wouldn’t want to play the Islanders or Penguins in the first round of the playoffs?

(11:40) The certification process for minor sports coaches is nothing more than a money grab.

(15:50) What can Leafs fans expect out of Matthew Knies?

(18:35) The Leafs are horrible at drafting.

(24:00) Playing beer league hockey with Wade Belak and why enforcers are better at hockey than you think they are.

(25:40) That time Traikos tracked down minor-league All-Star John Scott in Utica, NY

(31:20) Cup or bust? How far do the Leafs have to go in order to call this year a success?

***QUESTIONS from THE HOCKEYVERSE***

(38:15) Who wins a championship first: the Leafs or the Toronto Blue Jays?

(44:35) What team is primed for a first-round upset? Please tell me it’s Boston.

(48:20) Is Matthew Knies going to play in the playoffs? If so, what role is he going to play?

You can visit www.thehockeyverse.com for more in-depth analysis and commentary

If you want to have your questions answered you can email [email protected] or leave a voice message below and we will play it on the podcast.

There is no scenario where Kyle Dubas gets fired this summer. In this episode, Traikos and The Legend answer four questions from listeners of The HockeyVerse. But before that, we talk about why goons are going the way of the wooden hockey stick, whether the last two months of the Leafs’ regular season have been meaningless and why Erik Karlsson might not win the Norris Trophy.

(2:30) Sheldon Keefe has much more to lose than Kyle Dubas.

(4:45) When it comes to coaching, the Lightning have huge edge over the Leafs.

(7:30) Traikos reveals what’s so unique about Mitch Marner’s off-season training.

(11:20) Lou Lamoriello doesn’t trust Russian food.

(15:30) Aside from the obvious picks, are the Leafs kinda crappy at drafting?

(18:20) That time Traikos shared a bucket of beers with Jon Cooper.

(21:10) This Leafs team might be built better for Babcock than Keefe.

(35:10) Is Carey Price a Hall of Famer?

(37:00) Pittsburgh could be a dark horse team — if they make the playoffs.

***QUESTIONS from THE HOCKEYVERSE***

(38:38) Would you rather have Matthews and Marner or McDavid and Draisaitl?

(45:14) Which of the Canadian teams will go the farthest?

(50:08) Which team deserves to get Connor Bedard in the upcoming NHL draft?

If you want yo have your question answered on an episode send your question to [email protected]

Also, head over to www.thehockeyverse.com for even more news and analysis.