1 00:00:02,000 --> 00:00:05,920 Speaker 1: Welcome to Cracking this morning, a presentation of the Cracking 2 00:00:06,000 --> 00:00:09,559 Speaker 1: Audio Network and Sports Radio ninety three point three kJ 3 00:00:09,840 --> 00:00:12,160 Speaker 1: r FM. Here's Mike Benton. 4 00:00:29,680 --> 00:00:31,600 Speaker 2: We got two words for you for what should be 5 00:00:31,600 --> 00:00:37,040 Speaker 2: a fantastic game this evening Seattle, Toronto. Nope, not baseball. 6 00:00:37,120 --> 00:00:39,479 Speaker 2: It's a hockey side taking over here for this evening, 7 00:00:39,520 --> 00:00:42,400 Speaker 2: the Crack and Nicking. They're only visit into Scotia Bank 8 00:00:42,400 --> 00:00:45,960 Speaker 2: Arena for the entire season tonight for Game three of 9 00:00:46,040 --> 00:00:48,320 Speaker 2: a six game road trip. Mike Betton with you for 10 00:00:48,400 --> 00:00:52,400 Speaker 2: Cracking this morning, on a Saturday, October eighteenth, and after 11 00:00:52,520 --> 00:00:56,480 Speaker 2: last night's Mariner's postseason thriller, Can the Crack and deliver 12 00:00:56,640 --> 00:00:59,720 Speaker 2: another blow to Toronto? We'll have opening puck drop at 13 00:00:59,760 --> 00:01:03,360 Speaker 2: four and Pacific time for the Kraken and Maple Leafs. 14 00:01:03,640 --> 00:01:06,280 Speaker 2: Everett fits you Alkiniski on the call. I will join 15 00:01:06,319 --> 00:01:08,920 Speaker 2: you back in Network Central three thirty pre game show 16 00:01:09,000 --> 00:01:12,560 Speaker 2: served up by Frostbrewed Corps, Light Choose Chill all across 17 00:01:12,720 --> 00:01:16,680 Speaker 2: ninety three three KJRFM and the Global Credit Union Crake 18 00:01:16,720 --> 00:01:19,200 Speaker 2: in Audio Network, we will hear from Cracking head coach 19 00:01:19,240 --> 00:01:22,200 Speaker 2: Lane Lambert and his thoughts coming off an Ottawa game 20 00:01:22,240 --> 00:01:25,199 Speaker 2: with a Kraken deserved to win but had to settle 21 00:01:25,240 --> 00:01:28,199 Speaker 2: for a shootout point in a four to three shootout loss. 22 00:01:28,480 --> 00:01:31,320 Speaker 2: That plus, we'll hear more from Nick Alberga. He's a 23 00:01:31,360 --> 00:01:33,559 Speaker 2: host of Leaf's Morning Take and he'll give us fresh 24 00:01:33,600 --> 00:01:37,160 Speaker 2: perspective here on what Toronto is doing now even without 25 00:01:37,319 --> 00:01:41,319 Speaker 2: Mitch Marner, but carrying on still with plenty of offensive talent. 26 00:01:41,680 --> 00:01:44,840 Speaker 2: Net Alberga the preview the Maple leafs side coming up 27 00:01:44,840 --> 00:01:47,440 Speaker 2: here with myself everet fits you al Kiniski and a 28 00:01:47,480 --> 00:01:51,000 Speaker 2: conversation we had airing on Crack and Weekly as well 29 00:01:51,120 --> 00:01:53,720 Speaker 2: two nights ago. The Kraken playing well enough to win 30 00:01:53,880 --> 00:01:57,920 Speaker 2: again Sodawa, but understanding it takes a full effort from 31 00:01:57,920 --> 00:02:00,880 Speaker 2: everybody all the way to the final horror to get 32 00:02:00,920 --> 00:02:03,320 Speaker 2: things done. And we gotta recap you right here for 33 00:02:03,360 --> 00:02:06,280 Speaker 2: the highlights and what you may miss with the Kranken 34 00:02:06,400 --> 00:02:10,600 Speaker 2: again delivering promising signs to this start of the season. 35 00:02:10,440 --> 00:02:13,760 Speaker 3: Cracket all the line marchmen right side, Rick Glade to 36 00:02:13,800 --> 00:02:19,000 Speaker 3: a shot for Montour turn aside, the rebound stores Shane 37 00:02:19,000 --> 00:02:22,760 Speaker 3: Wright the second chance off the rebound and the Kracket 38 00:02:22,840 --> 00:02:25,400 Speaker 3: have a one nothing lead. Fifteen oh three. 39 00:02:25,440 --> 00:02:28,639 Speaker 4: Left here in the first what great stone entry there by, 40 00:02:28,680 --> 00:02:30,960 Speaker 4: Mason Marshman is you made a toe drag move to 41 00:02:31,280 --> 00:02:33,840 Speaker 4: create some time and space. You found Montour in the 42 00:02:33,880 --> 00:02:36,160 Speaker 4: forest fire side of the ice, who waited for guys 43 00:02:36,200 --> 00:02:37,920 Speaker 4: to get set up in front. One of those guys, 44 00:02:38,320 --> 00:02:41,280 Speaker 4: Shane Wright, you gotta stick a screen on the shot. 45 00:02:41,480 --> 00:02:44,000 Speaker 4: Found the rebound, put it past all Mark one nothing 46 00:02:44,080 --> 00:02:48,120 Speaker 4: Seattle settle it off to Shane Pintel. He'll chip it 47 00:02:48,160 --> 00:02:51,320 Speaker 4: across shot toward the goal. Grubauer makes the save out 48 00:02:51,320 --> 00:02:52,639 Speaker 4: of position. Otto what saves it? 49 00:02:52,880 --> 00:02:56,880 Speaker 3: Now down the spot, pintal off the shoulder, Phillip Grebauer 50 00:02:57,760 --> 00:03:00,560 Speaker 3: Grewbauer out of position and got back in time. Made 51 00:03:00,560 --> 00:03:02,880 Speaker 3: a good shoulders save to keep this a two to 52 00:03:02,880 --> 00:03:06,520 Speaker 3: two time ten Ears drops it off to Montur. He'll 53 00:03:06,560 --> 00:03:08,880 Speaker 3: skate left side, hand it off to Stevenson in the 54 00:03:08,880 --> 00:03:11,200 Speaker 3: circle and back up to the line from on Toura 55 00:03:11,560 --> 00:03:14,760 Speaker 3: Stevenson down low, everly trying their shovel it in turn 56 00:03:14,760 --> 00:03:18,639 Speaker 3: aside rebound. Stevenson stores. 57 00:03:20,240 --> 00:03:20,600 Speaker 4: Chandler. 58 00:03:20,639 --> 00:03:24,600 Speaker 3: Stevenson left circle on the power play gives the cracking 59 00:03:24,639 --> 00:03:28,640 Speaker 3: the lead back. It's three two seventeen forty five left 60 00:03:28,639 --> 00:03:30,480 Speaker 3: here the third oh. 61 00:03:30,400 --> 00:03:32,639 Speaker 4: Is every down that left side there, getting a good 62 00:03:32,639 --> 00:03:34,720 Speaker 4: shot on net, just to get the puck up front there, 63 00:03:34,720 --> 00:03:38,680 Speaker 4: and Stevenson picking it up and about finding the rebound 64 00:03:38,720 --> 00:03:40,880 Speaker 4: and beating Olmark to get the go ahead goal. Here 65 00:03:40,920 --> 00:03:43,840 Speaker 4: in the third period, three two cracking. 66 00:03:43,840 --> 00:03:47,520 Speaker 3: Ten Ears drops it off to Montur, he'll skate left side, 67 00:03:47,560 --> 00:03:49,920 Speaker 3: hand it off to Stevenson in the circle and back 68 00:03:50,000 --> 00:03:53,000 Speaker 3: up to the line from on Toura Stevenson down low, 69 00:03:53,200 --> 00:03:56,600 Speaker 3: everly trying their shovel it in turn aside rebound. Stevenson 70 00:03:56,840 --> 00:04:04,120 Speaker 3: stores Sandler Stevenson left circle on the power play gives 71 00:04:04,120 --> 00:04:07,720 Speaker 3: the Cracking the lead back. It's three two seventeen forty 72 00:04:07,760 --> 00:04:10,200 Speaker 3: five left here the third oh. 73 00:04:10,240 --> 00:04:12,640 Speaker 4: It's every down that left side there, getting a good 74 00:04:12,640 --> 00:04:14,680 Speaker 4: shot on net just to get the puck up front there, 75 00:04:14,720 --> 00:04:18,679 Speaker 4: and Stevenson picking it up and about finding the rebound 76 00:04:18,720 --> 00:04:20,880 Speaker 4: and beating Olmark to get the go ahead goal. Here 77 00:04:20,920 --> 00:04:24,960 Speaker 4: in the third period, three two kracking and there goes 78 00:04:24,960 --> 00:04:27,920 Speaker 4: old Mark off to the bench. Extra attacker on here 79 00:04:27,960 --> 00:04:41,960 Speaker 4: for Ottawa. Hereside Cousins scores. Tylan Cousins. 80 00:04:43,240 --> 00:04:47,320 Speaker 3: Whips a shot from the right side shut inside the 81 00:04:47,360 --> 00:04:54,200 Speaker 3: line and it's in by Grubauer. Ottawa ties the game 82 00:04:54,640 --> 00:04:57,360 Speaker 3: three to three. Now for Matty Beaneers gets by a 83 00:04:57,400 --> 00:05:00,400 Speaker 3: defender that was Cousins in front, done, goes to that 84 00:05:00,640 --> 00:05:03,400 Speaker 3: and he loses his footing five seconds to go in 85 00:05:03,480 --> 00:05:07,320 Speaker 3: over the blue line Tannerson left circle. His shot begged 86 00:05:07,400 --> 00:05:11,919 Speaker 3: off the pot at the horn and out of play. 87 00:05:12,760 --> 00:05:16,960 Speaker 3: We're going to a shootout. Shane Pinto can put it 88 00:05:17,000 --> 00:05:20,520 Speaker 3: away for the whole team. Right handed shot. Shane Pinto 89 00:05:20,960 --> 00:05:23,480 Speaker 3: from the red line carries it over left side of 90 00:05:23,560 --> 00:05:27,560 Speaker 3: the circle. Now cuts back to the slot, walks in, shoots, scores, 91 00:05:30,279 --> 00:05:36,680 Speaker 3: and the Ottawa Senators come back after the Kraken took 92 00:05:36,720 --> 00:05:44,520 Speaker 3: the lead early in the third. They score late in 93 00:05:44,600 --> 00:05:49,279 Speaker 3: the third, survive a push thump Seattle in overtime, and 94 00:05:49,480 --> 00:05:51,880 Speaker 3: get the win in the shootout by a four to 95 00:05:51,920 --> 00:05:52,360 Speaker 3: three score. 96 00:05:52,520 --> 00:05:54,359 Speaker 2: Tough way to go out, ever it fits you. Al 97 00:05:54,440 --> 00:05:57,920 Speaker 2: Kiniski on the call as the Kraken seizing a three 98 00:05:58,000 --> 00:06:00,320 Speaker 2: to two lead in period of three on the strength 99 00:06:00,360 --> 00:06:03,640 Speaker 2: of two goals by Chandler Stevenson plus the first period 100 00:06:03,680 --> 00:06:05,719 Speaker 2: goal by Shane Wright to give the crack In their 101 00:06:05,720 --> 00:06:08,680 Speaker 2: first goal in Ottawa since a road match up back 102 00:06:08,720 --> 00:06:12,159 Speaker 2: in the twenty twenty two and twenty three season, but 103 00:06:12,240 --> 00:06:15,920 Speaker 2: a shot by Dylan Cousins unexpectedly beating Philip Grubauer clean 104 00:06:16,000 --> 00:06:18,279 Speaker 2: to the glove side and the Crack And forced to 105 00:06:18,279 --> 00:06:21,600 Speaker 2: play extra hockey, where after a couple of near misses 106 00:06:21,880 --> 00:06:24,240 Speaker 2: on chances to win the game, it was down to 107 00:06:24,240 --> 00:06:27,080 Speaker 2: the all fifty to fifty skills competition we call the 108 00:06:27,120 --> 00:06:31,080 Speaker 2: shootout in Ottawa, claiming two goals out of three shooters 109 00:06:31,360 --> 00:06:34,480 Speaker 2: to get the win over the Cracking and matchup one 110 00:06:34,600 --> 00:06:37,279 Speaker 2: of the season. Nonetheless, the Crack and Moving their record 111 00:06:37,320 --> 00:06:40,320 Speaker 2: is still to an unbeaten mark and regulation at two 112 00:06:40,320 --> 00:06:43,560 Speaker 2: to zero and two pretty respectable right now to begin 113 00:06:43,640 --> 00:06:46,400 Speaker 2: this start of the season under head coach Lane Lambert. 114 00:06:46,600 --> 00:06:49,560 Speaker 2: After the game, Lambert's sharing more on his feelings on 115 00:06:49,600 --> 00:06:53,480 Speaker 2: how the Cracking played with plenty of compliments despite settling 116 00:06:53,560 --> 00:06:54,800 Speaker 2: for one point in the game. 117 00:06:55,120 --> 00:07:01,560 Speaker 5: We're playing tight, you know, We're we're in games. We're 118 00:07:01,560 --> 00:07:06,240 Speaker 5: hard to play against, you know, and that's the way 119 00:07:06,279 --> 00:07:09,480 Speaker 5: it's gonna be. H I expect to probably see a 120 00:07:09,520 --> 00:07:12,280 Speaker 5: lot more of that. How do you assessed a game 121 00:07:12,360 --> 00:07:14,160 Speaker 5: like this as a coach where you guys, you know, 122 00:07:14,240 --> 00:07:16,040 Speaker 5: you control large parts of the game. 123 00:07:15,880 --> 00:07:18,240 Speaker 6: At five or five, and then you know, you losically, 124 00:07:18,880 --> 00:07:20,040 Speaker 6: how how are you gonna look at. 125 00:07:19,920 --> 00:07:22,080 Speaker 5: This the the overall effort. I'm gonna look at it 126 00:07:22,120 --> 00:07:24,720 Speaker 5: just the way you said it. We controlled the large, large, 127 00:07:24,800 --> 00:07:27,720 Speaker 5: large part of the game. We all chanced him. You know, 128 00:07:27,800 --> 00:07:31,760 Speaker 5: our power play was was really good. We just you know, 129 00:07:31,800 --> 00:07:35,960 Speaker 5: we couldn't couldn't find one, uh towards the end there. 130 00:07:37,720 --> 00:07:40,400 Speaker 5: You know, we did score obviously, but uh, certainly we 131 00:07:40,480 --> 00:07:41,520 Speaker 5: had some great chances. 132 00:07:42,080 --> 00:07:42,720 Speaker 3: Uh. 133 00:07:42,760 --> 00:07:46,000 Speaker 5: And I thought we were stingy defensively for the most part. 134 00:07:47,680 --> 00:07:50,640 Speaker 5: You know, play that same hockey game ten times, we 135 00:07:50,760 --> 00:07:52,440 Speaker 5: probably win eight or nine of 'em. 136 00:07:52,760 --> 00:07:55,320 Speaker 2: Did you like are of the power play specifically? It 137 00:07:55,360 --> 00:07:56,680 Speaker 2: made them affected and getting a. 138 00:07:56,680 --> 00:07:59,400 Speaker 5: Lot of chances none moving the puck quick. Really did 139 00:07:59,480 --> 00:08:04,440 Speaker 5: a great job of moving the puck quick and recognizing 140 00:08:04,920 --> 00:08:08,080 Speaker 5: what there was there and taking it, not looking for 141 00:08:08,120 --> 00:08:11,000 Speaker 5: something better, just taking what we could have. What about 142 00:08:11,000 --> 00:08:13,560 Speaker 5: the penalty kill on the other side of special teams, 143 00:08:14,440 --> 00:08:16,320 Speaker 5: I thought it was you know, I thought it was okay. 144 00:08:16,360 --> 00:08:20,320 Speaker 5: I mean, we we gave up a goal, you know, 145 00:08:20,720 --> 00:08:26,840 Speaker 5: towards late and you know, I thought it was a 146 00:08:26,880 --> 00:08:29,280 Speaker 5: misread on our you know, coming back into the zone 147 00:08:29,360 --> 00:08:32,720 Speaker 5: as as we came out of the box. But you know, 148 00:08:32,760 --> 00:08:35,560 Speaker 5: they got a good power play over there, you know. 149 00:08:35,640 --> 00:08:38,720 Speaker 5: And and well, for the most part, I thought we 150 00:08:38,760 --> 00:08:40,160 Speaker 5: did a good job of staying out of the penalty 151 00:08:40,160 --> 00:08:40,720 Speaker 5: box as well. 152 00:08:41,240 --> 00:08:44,120 Speaker 4: Media obviously with two goals, what have you thought about, 153 00:08:44,360 --> 00:08:44,920 Speaker 4: I mean just. 154 00:08:44,880 --> 00:08:47,480 Speaker 2: His beginning of the season in general, but also how he. 155 00:08:47,520 --> 00:08:48,240 Speaker 3: Stopped up to right. 156 00:08:48,559 --> 00:08:51,160 Speaker 5: Yeah, well, you know, he's uh, he's a guy who 157 00:08:52,280 --> 00:08:55,960 Speaker 5: is a top, top end player for us, so you 158 00:08:55,960 --> 00:08:58,520 Speaker 5: know we need him to to play that way, and 159 00:08:58,679 --> 00:09:00,800 Speaker 5: he played very well to night. He's been play against 160 00:09:01,080 --> 00:09:05,120 Speaker 5: other teams, top players, that's what he will do. And 161 00:09:05,960 --> 00:09:08,160 Speaker 5: you know he's uh, he did a good job. 162 00:09:08,240 --> 00:09:08,880 Speaker 7: You know, he did a. 163 00:09:08,800 --> 00:09:09,600 Speaker 5: Really good job tonight. 164 00:09:09,679 --> 00:09:12,559 Speaker 2: The Cracking and leaves getting ready for matchup one of 165 00:09:12,720 --> 00:09:15,560 Speaker 2: two to begin the season and for the Kraken Game 166 00:09:15,679 --> 00:09:18,320 Speaker 2: three of the six game road trip which marks are 167 00:09:18,360 --> 00:09:22,240 Speaker 2: only visiting to Montreal for Hockey Night in Canada. Let's 168 00:09:22,320 --> 00:09:25,679 Speaker 2: check in more and a conversation that we had myself 169 00:09:25,760 --> 00:09:29,400 Speaker 2: ever afits you al Koneski with Nick Alberger, the host 170 00:09:29,600 --> 00:09:30,679 Speaker 2: of Leaf's Morning Take. 171 00:09:30,800 --> 00:09:32,760 Speaker 3: I feel like this this Cracking team is gonna be 172 00:09:32,760 --> 00:09:35,839 Speaker 3: a lot better than people give them credit for But 173 00:09:35,920 --> 00:09:39,760 Speaker 3: what are you hearing about Seattle out East? I mean, 174 00:09:39,800 --> 00:09:43,000 Speaker 3: you've got Lane Lambert, who you're very familiar with, and 175 00:09:43,320 --> 00:09:45,960 Speaker 3: when the crack can go back uh to Canada, he's 176 00:09:45,960 --> 00:09:48,040 Speaker 3: gonna be They're gonna be facing three teams and he 177 00:09:48,160 --> 00:09:49,560 Speaker 3: played on a regular basis. 178 00:09:49,720 --> 00:09:52,360 Speaker 6: What are they what are they saying about this cracking 179 00:09:52,400 --> 00:09:55,800 Speaker 6: team uh in in the center of the hockey universe 180 00:09:55,840 --> 00:09:56,480 Speaker 6: in Toronto. 181 00:09:56,880 --> 00:09:59,200 Speaker 8: Yeah, no, it's funny, Like you know, for me, I'm 182 00:09:59,200 --> 00:10:01,240 Speaker 8: not a regular Hawk fan, as you guys know, I 183 00:10:01,280 --> 00:10:04,280 Speaker 8: watch a lot of hockey. I think people sleep on 184 00:10:04,320 --> 00:10:07,240 Speaker 8: the name Joey Decord. I think you start there when 185 00:10:07,440 --> 00:10:10,280 Speaker 8: when you can get saves, it is so uplifting for 186 00:10:10,320 --> 00:10:12,840 Speaker 8: a hockey club. And I'm sure Lane Lambert wakes up 187 00:10:12,880 --> 00:10:15,400 Speaker 8: on a daily basis and he's like, man, I have 188 00:10:15,520 --> 00:10:18,000 Speaker 8: Joey Decord as my number one. And you know, it's 189 00:10:18,000 --> 00:10:20,200 Speaker 8: been a turbulent stretch for this cracking team the last 190 00:10:20,200 --> 00:10:22,520 Speaker 8: couple of years, like the Grubauer contract. Let's be Frank 191 00:10:22,559 --> 00:10:25,320 Speaker 8: has not worked out for that team. But I think 192 00:10:25,360 --> 00:10:28,520 Speaker 8: seeing the progression of Joey Decord has been massive. I 193 00:10:28,559 --> 00:10:32,160 Speaker 8: think starting there, I think a lot of people like 194 00:10:32,240 --> 00:10:34,160 Speaker 8: They're not sleeping on this sky anymore, and I think 195 00:10:34,160 --> 00:10:36,600 Speaker 8: he's shown it early on in this season. The blue 196 00:10:36,679 --> 00:10:39,240 Speaker 8: line I think is way more mobile and way more 197 00:10:39,880 --> 00:10:42,560 Speaker 8: stronger than people would suggest, even with Brandon mo on tour, 198 00:10:42,600 --> 00:10:44,160 Speaker 8: I know a bit banged up to start the year, 199 00:10:44,200 --> 00:10:45,960 Speaker 8: but I think he has a much better second year 200 00:10:45,960 --> 00:10:47,959 Speaker 8: than first year with the krake and can really move 201 00:10:47,960 --> 00:10:50,880 Speaker 8: the puck, shoots right like He's a huge asset. Vince 202 00:10:50,920 --> 00:10:53,559 Speaker 8: Stun's another guy. I think any team that can move 203 00:10:53,600 --> 00:10:55,920 Speaker 8: the puck I think is gonna be a problem for opponents. 204 00:10:55,920 --> 00:10:57,760 Speaker 8: And when you have d like that that are mobile 205 00:10:57,800 --> 00:11:00,880 Speaker 8: and steady and they have some size, well I think 206 00:11:00,880 --> 00:11:03,720 Speaker 8: that's massive. I think the big question for me is 207 00:11:03,760 --> 00:11:07,000 Speaker 8: like the offense, where's it going to come from? Up front? 208 00:11:07,160 --> 00:11:09,360 Speaker 8: I know they have some really really strong players. I 209 00:11:09,920 --> 00:11:12,199 Speaker 8: just think they need guys like Benier's and Shane right 210 00:11:12,240 --> 00:11:14,199 Speaker 8: to take that next step in their careers. And if 211 00:11:14,200 --> 00:11:16,280 Speaker 8: they do, I think Seattle's gonna be a really good 212 00:11:16,280 --> 00:11:16,800 Speaker 8: spot here. 213 00:11:17,400 --> 00:11:19,560 Speaker 7: Nick. I hate to look too far ahead in the schedule, 214 00:11:19,600 --> 00:11:22,880 Speaker 7: but big night in Toronto coming up for the crack 215 00:11:22,960 --> 00:11:25,880 Speaker 7: and you know it's a hockey night in Canada. You 216 00:11:25,920 --> 00:11:30,480 Speaker 7: mentioned the Marner deal. Obviously that overshadows anything else Toronto 217 00:11:30,520 --> 00:11:32,960 Speaker 7: did in the offseason, But talk a little bit about 218 00:11:33,040 --> 00:11:36,079 Speaker 7: what else Toronto has done to make them a harder 219 00:11:36,120 --> 00:11:37,679 Speaker 7: team to play against, to make them a team that's 220 00:11:37,679 --> 00:11:38,920 Speaker 7: gonna go a little deeper this year. 221 00:11:39,400 --> 00:11:41,440 Speaker 8: Yeah, I can tell you first and foremost one guy 222 00:11:41,480 --> 00:11:44,240 Speaker 8: who probably has that game circled as the captain or 223 00:11:44,400 --> 00:11:46,640 Speaker 8: the head coach of year crack and Lane Lambert. Of course, 224 00:11:46,679 --> 00:11:49,000 Speaker 8: as we just talked about, returning to Toronto was one 225 00:11:49,040 --> 00:11:50,600 Speaker 8: short year. So we'll see if I can get him 226 00:11:50,600 --> 00:11:52,480 Speaker 8: on Leaves morning, take the tea that game up. But 227 00:11:52,880 --> 00:11:55,840 Speaker 8: I think from a Toronto perspective, it's like a whole 228 00:11:56,880 --> 00:11:58,840 Speaker 8: body approach, if you will, I think you look at 229 00:11:58,920 --> 00:12:01,600 Speaker 8: Craig Bruby and what he's put forth early on in 230 00:12:01,600 --> 00:12:03,679 Speaker 8: his tenure as the head coach, it's going to be 231 00:12:03,840 --> 00:12:07,720 Speaker 8: like they play very direct, very linear, very north south 232 00:12:07,920 --> 00:12:10,200 Speaker 8: with purpose. I think it's a lot different than we've 233 00:12:10,200 --> 00:12:12,680 Speaker 8: seen in the Maple Leafs for the last ten years, 234 00:12:12,720 --> 00:12:16,560 Speaker 8: we'll say, especially under Sheldon Keith. Yeah, it's tough losing 235 00:12:16,600 --> 00:12:18,400 Speaker 8: a guy of the ooak of Mitch Marner. You're never 236 00:12:18,480 --> 00:12:20,520 Speaker 8: truly going to replace that, but they have brought in 237 00:12:20,640 --> 00:12:23,480 Speaker 8: some guys who I think could add depth up front. 238 00:12:23,760 --> 00:12:26,400 Speaker 8: They're a bit banged up to start this season. Scott Lawden, 239 00:12:26,720 --> 00:12:29,320 Speaker 8: who they picked up from Philadelphia last year's trade deadline, 240 00:12:29,400 --> 00:12:31,160 Speaker 8: is hurt right now, so it's throwing the lines in 241 00:12:31,160 --> 00:12:33,280 Speaker 8: a bit of a blender. But they got a nice 242 00:12:33,320 --> 00:12:36,800 Speaker 8: mix of like skill players and grinder type guys like 243 00:12:36,840 --> 00:12:39,360 Speaker 8: they picked up Nikola Waise. You guys see a lot 244 00:12:39,440 --> 00:12:41,200 Speaker 8: out west with the you know, played a lot with 245 00:12:41,240 --> 00:12:44,559 Speaker 8: the Vegas gold Knights one a Stanley Cup. Mattis Mitchelli, 246 00:12:44,600 --> 00:12:46,640 Speaker 8: who spent the last couple of years with the Arizona 247 00:12:46,720 --> 00:12:50,560 Speaker 8: organization now with Utah, was in anto the lineup last year, 248 00:12:50,600 --> 00:12:53,440 Speaker 8: but suddenly he finds himself in a garden seat role 249 00:12:53,480 --> 00:12:55,800 Speaker 8: in the top six. Has played a lot early on 250 00:12:55,880 --> 00:12:59,080 Speaker 8: in the preseason and the regular season with Austin Matthews 251 00:12:59,080 --> 00:13:02,000 Speaker 8: and Matthew Nyes. So you obviously take a big gun 252 00:13:02,120 --> 00:13:04,760 Speaker 8: out of that lineup with Mitch Marner. But I think 253 00:13:04,800 --> 00:13:07,320 Speaker 8: their hope is that they have more depth and we'll 254 00:13:07,320 --> 00:13:09,680 Speaker 8: see long term. I think the Mayple Leafs are probably 255 00:13:09,679 --> 00:13:11,760 Speaker 8: in select company in this league where it's more so 256 00:13:11,880 --> 00:13:13,920 Speaker 8: what they do in the Stanley Cup playoffs in the 257 00:13:13,920 --> 00:13:14,680 Speaker 8: regular season. 258 00:13:15,120 --> 00:13:17,680 Speaker 2: Nick Alberger joining us here, hosts of Leaf's Morning take 259 00:13:17,720 --> 00:13:21,280 Speaker 2: on Crack and Weekly Nick we talk about Austin Matthews, 260 00:13:21,280 --> 00:13:24,120 Speaker 2: the headliner of this Leafs roster for years upon years, 261 00:13:24,679 --> 00:13:26,760 Speaker 2: but yet also William nieland are a big part of 262 00:13:26,800 --> 00:13:29,320 Speaker 2: this mix. Morgan Riley many many are saying had a 263 00:13:29,320 --> 00:13:31,360 Speaker 2: great first game as well out of the shoot. But 264 00:13:31,920 --> 00:13:34,360 Speaker 2: I'm curious about a guy like Matthew nies given the 265 00:13:34,400 --> 00:13:38,560 Speaker 2: big contract, twenty nine goals last season, and I once 266 00:13:38,640 --> 00:13:42,040 Speaker 2: heard just about his stature. He might weigh about two 267 00:13:42,040 --> 00:13:44,520 Speaker 2: point fifty and his neck might weigh about two ted. 268 00:13:44,559 --> 00:13:46,720 Speaker 2: I mean, he is hard to knock off the puck, 269 00:13:47,280 --> 00:13:49,840 Speaker 2: But what are expectations out there for a guy like 270 00:13:49,960 --> 00:13:51,200 Speaker 2: NAIs this season. 271 00:13:51,840 --> 00:13:54,240 Speaker 8: Through the roof? I mean, this guy is such a 272 00:13:54,240 --> 00:13:56,320 Speaker 8: throwback guy, and I'm glad you brought up his neck. 273 00:13:56,400 --> 00:13:58,560 Speaker 8: Every time I look at him, like I in person, 274 00:13:58,600 --> 00:14:00,920 Speaker 8: like I'm a big dude too, I'm six three, two fifteen, 275 00:14:01,040 --> 00:14:03,280 Speaker 8: Like he's just really hefty, and he looks a good 276 00:14:03,320 --> 00:14:06,720 Speaker 8: guy who's a bulldog. Like I think he's such a 277 00:14:06,760 --> 00:14:09,360 Speaker 8: throwback in the fact that he plays like that modern 278 00:14:09,440 --> 00:14:11,720 Speaker 8: style where he can score goals, but he can also 279 00:14:12,400 --> 00:14:14,640 Speaker 8: you know, I think he's your prototypical power forward. Maybe 280 00:14:14,679 --> 00:14:16,560 Speaker 8: when you look at him you don't suggest that, but 281 00:14:16,640 --> 00:14:19,320 Speaker 8: I think the physicality, I think the way he plays 282 00:14:19,360 --> 00:14:21,600 Speaker 8: in the Stanley Cup playoffs as well, like he plays 283 00:14:21,640 --> 00:14:24,000 Speaker 8: his best hockey at the most important time, which I 284 00:14:24,000 --> 00:14:27,040 Speaker 8: think is really endearing to the Maple League fan base 285 00:14:27,080 --> 00:14:29,120 Speaker 8: considering what we've seen in the last ten to fifteen 286 00:14:29,200 --> 00:14:31,560 Speaker 8: years where it seems like the star players they play 287 00:14:31,600 --> 00:14:34,360 Speaker 8: their worst hockey at the most important time. But I 288 00:14:34,360 --> 00:14:36,440 Speaker 8: think this is guy. You know, it's it's massive for 289 00:14:36,480 --> 00:14:38,280 Speaker 8: a guy like Matthew and Eyes when a guy like 290 00:14:38,320 --> 00:14:41,200 Speaker 8: Mitch Marner leaves and then you get that contract, can 291 00:14:41,240 --> 00:14:43,280 Speaker 8: you step up to the plate? Can you you be 292 00:14:43,320 --> 00:14:45,240 Speaker 8: a big dog for this team? That that will be 293 00:14:45,280 --> 00:14:48,240 Speaker 8: a question. You know, that top line in general, that's 294 00:14:48,240 --> 00:14:51,760 Speaker 8: a pretty significant hole now without Marner. So can Austin 295 00:14:51,800 --> 00:14:54,960 Speaker 8: Matthews do his thing? Matthew and Eyes and short order 296 00:14:54,960 --> 00:14:56,600 Speaker 8: in a couple of years here in the NHL is 297 00:14:56,640 --> 00:14:59,640 Speaker 8: elevated from like a you know, a bottom six guy 298 00:14:59,680 --> 00:15:02,400 Speaker 8: to a firm piece on that top line. Can you 299 00:15:02,480 --> 00:15:05,400 Speaker 8: take that next step? Obviously, you know he flirts thirty 300 00:15:05,400 --> 00:15:07,360 Speaker 8: goals last year, but can you get to that forty 301 00:15:07,400 --> 00:15:09,960 Speaker 8: goal Plato? I think this mayplease team could need that. 302 00:15:10,240 --> 00:15:13,240 Speaker 8: But there's a reason why this guy is a fan favorite. 303 00:15:13,240 --> 00:15:14,920 Speaker 8: He's just a delight to watch. Guys. 304 00:15:15,240 --> 00:15:16,680 Speaker 6: You know, it's funny you talk about Matthew and I 305 00:15:16,800 --> 00:15:19,760 Speaker 6: is trying to get to forty. Here in Seattle, the 306 00:15:19,800 --> 00:15:23,280 Speaker 6: three of us, we genuinely seem to think that this 307 00:15:23,320 --> 00:15:26,080 Speaker 6: could be a thirty goal season for a Shane Right 308 00:15:26,200 --> 00:15:27,840 Speaker 6: or a Manny Veneer. So it's good to know those 309 00:15:27,840 --> 00:15:32,040 Speaker 6: expectations are the same. Speaking of expectations, we all know 310 00:15:32,080 --> 00:15:35,040 Speaker 6: where Toronto is. We all know the hump the Leafs 311 00:15:35,080 --> 00:15:37,800 Speaker 6: are trying to get over getting out of the second round, 312 00:15:37,880 --> 00:15:41,600 Speaker 6: getting to a final, winning that first Cup since the sixties. 313 00:15:41,600 --> 00:15:46,080 Speaker 6: But when you're looking at Montreal and Ottawa, two different 314 00:15:46,200 --> 00:15:49,640 Speaker 6: teams in terms of makeup, they've got some superstars. They're 315 00:15:49,680 --> 00:15:53,680 Speaker 6: trying to get over their own respective humps. What is 316 00:15:53,840 --> 00:15:56,920 Speaker 6: the next step for both of those teams to take 317 00:15:57,360 --> 00:16:00,720 Speaker 6: in order for them to get to win they need to. 318 00:16:00,640 --> 00:16:03,440 Speaker 8: Go well, I'll say, firstly, I think you're right to 319 00:16:03,440 --> 00:16:06,560 Speaker 8: bring up both of those squads, because I mean, it's 320 00:16:06,560 --> 00:16:09,720 Speaker 8: one thing to say we have this prospect and that prospect, 321 00:16:09,720 --> 00:16:12,320 Speaker 8: and we've signed this free agent and we've made this trade. 322 00:16:12,320 --> 00:16:14,360 Speaker 8: But it's another thing to go out there and demonstrate 323 00:16:14,440 --> 00:16:17,560 Speaker 8: your ability to win. I think, honestly, to answer your question, 324 00:16:17,600 --> 00:16:20,200 Speaker 8: it's to play meaningful hockey in the springtime. I think 325 00:16:20,200 --> 00:16:23,040 Speaker 8: we saw with both teams last year. The Ottawa Senators. 326 00:16:23,360 --> 00:16:25,280 Speaker 8: I mean, I know a lot of people with that organization, 327 00:16:25,520 --> 00:16:28,560 Speaker 8: they'll tell you that series was closer than six games. 328 00:16:28,880 --> 00:16:31,080 Speaker 8: I would battle back a a bit on that, like 329 00:16:31,120 --> 00:16:33,400 Speaker 8: you can make that case with every series in professional 330 00:16:33,480 --> 00:16:36,040 Speaker 8: sports they lose in six games. They were down three 331 00:16:36,120 --> 00:16:38,560 Speaker 8: nothing to start that series. But I think it's playing 332 00:16:38,600 --> 00:16:40,800 Speaker 8: meaningful hockey at the most important time of the year. 333 00:16:40,840 --> 00:16:46,000 Speaker 8: Even Montreal, Like on paper, people are just like salivating 334 00:16:46,080 --> 00:16:49,040 Speaker 8: over that roster. But as I mentioned earlier on, it's 335 00:16:49,160 --> 00:16:51,120 Speaker 8: different when you go from the hunter to the hunted, 336 00:16:51,160 --> 00:16:53,520 Speaker 8: and that I mean, you're not gonna sneak up on 337 00:16:53,600 --> 00:16:55,920 Speaker 8: people anymore. I think you look at that Montreal team, 338 00:16:55,960 --> 00:16:58,320 Speaker 8: it's been a pretty decent start to the campaign for 339 00:16:58,360 --> 00:17:00,320 Speaker 8: them as well. They got some young talent. They know 340 00:17:00,400 --> 00:17:03,560 Speaker 8: what Dobson pick up was crucial. Nick Suzuki is a 341 00:17:03,600 --> 00:17:05,280 Speaker 8: guy that people sleep on. I think one of the 342 00:17:05,280 --> 00:17:08,200 Speaker 8: more underrated players in this league. But that's probably the 343 00:17:08,240 --> 00:17:10,440 Speaker 8: way I would answer it. Get to the playoffs first 344 00:17:10,520 --> 00:17:13,760 Speaker 8: and foremost, when you get there playing portant games and 345 00:17:14,119 --> 00:17:17,040 Speaker 8: start to ac crewe experience because we've seen so many 346 00:17:17,080 --> 00:17:20,960 Speaker 8: prime examples guys getting to those key moments and times, 347 00:17:21,000 --> 00:17:23,800 Speaker 8: it's like some guys it takes some time to figure 348 00:17:23,840 --> 00:17:25,679 Speaker 8: it out. So I would say that's probably the way 349 00:17:25,720 --> 00:17:26,399 Speaker 8: I would answer that. 350 00:17:26,760 --> 00:17:29,119 Speaker 6: I got one more for you, Nick about Lane Lambert. 351 00:17:29,160 --> 00:17:32,400 Speaker 6: You know we've gotten to know him well here in Seattle. 352 00:17:32,560 --> 00:17:35,560 Speaker 6: You covered him again, like you said, only for a year, 353 00:17:35,640 --> 00:17:38,080 Speaker 6: but with him being out on Long Island, you know 354 00:17:38,240 --> 00:17:41,760 Speaker 6: you've seen him more than than the krackn have. What 355 00:17:41,880 --> 00:17:45,439 Speaker 6: is something that maybe we don't know about Lane Lambert? 356 00:17:45,480 --> 00:17:48,080 Speaker 6: What are we missing about Lane Lambert? We know the 357 00:17:48,119 --> 00:17:52,920 Speaker 6: intensity is there, the accountability. He is a defensive, structured 358 00:17:53,000 --> 00:17:56,200 Speaker 6: coach first. But what is something maybe that you saw 359 00:17:56,640 --> 00:18:00,159 Speaker 6: or that you found out while working with him some 360 00:18:00,200 --> 00:18:02,640 Speaker 6: cracking fans might not know or might be. 361 00:18:02,680 --> 00:18:03,320 Speaker 3: Happy to know. 362 00:18:04,080 --> 00:18:07,119 Speaker 8: I love his passion and his energy. I thought he 363 00:18:07,160 --> 00:18:09,560 Speaker 8: got an unfair crack with the New York Islanders then 364 00:18:09,600 --> 00:18:13,160 Speaker 8: takes on one of the most you know, sought after jobs. 365 00:18:13,200 --> 00:18:15,200 Speaker 8: I think if you're an assistant being a right hand 366 00:18:15,280 --> 00:18:17,280 Speaker 8: man to a head coach in Toronto does that for 367 00:18:17,320 --> 00:18:18,840 Speaker 8: a year and I liked that the crack and gave 368 00:18:18,880 --> 00:18:20,679 Speaker 8: this guy another shot to be a head coach. But 369 00:18:21,280 --> 00:18:23,960 Speaker 8: that was like resoundingly when I watched the games. Is 370 00:18:24,000 --> 00:18:27,000 Speaker 8: like the passion and the joy that he has in 371 00:18:27,080 --> 00:18:29,000 Speaker 8: his job. And I think they're in really good hands 372 00:18:29,000 --> 00:18:31,119 Speaker 8: with Seattle. I mean they're they're getting he's getting a 373 00:18:31,160 --> 00:18:34,240 Speaker 8: fresh canvas to work with this and I think, honestly, 374 00:18:34,400 --> 00:18:37,320 Speaker 8: the type of players he has is actually pretty good 375 00:18:37,320 --> 00:18:39,680 Speaker 8: for him. Like I think with the Alders, he didn't 376 00:18:39,680 --> 00:18:41,720 Speaker 8: really have like a bona fide star player like he 377 00:18:41,720 --> 00:18:43,920 Speaker 8: had Matthew Barzao, who is a great player, but he's 378 00:18:43,920 --> 00:18:47,399 Speaker 8: not like a superstar. So I like the fact that 379 00:18:47,400 --> 00:18:49,399 Speaker 8: he's got that blue lion too. There's some guys who 380 00:18:49,440 --> 00:18:53,239 Speaker 8: have been there before, namely a Brandon on tour, but 381 00:18:53,359 --> 00:18:55,280 Speaker 8: like he's got some size there. I think it's more 382 00:18:55,320 --> 00:18:57,840 Speaker 8: prone to being that type of roster that brings success 383 00:18:57,920 --> 00:19:00,000 Speaker 8: for a lane Lambert. But without question when you answer 384 00:19:00,440 --> 00:19:02,439 Speaker 8: you asked me that question on like his passion, Like, 385 00:19:02,520 --> 00:19:04,679 Speaker 8: just look at how animated he is in the bench, 386 00:19:05,119 --> 00:19:07,240 Speaker 8: and I just love that from a coach, and he's 387 00:19:07,280 --> 00:19:09,400 Speaker 8: probably a guy that guys love to play for as well. 388 00:19:09,600 --> 00:19:12,720 Speaker 2: Big thanks to Nick Alberga for joining us and giving 389 00:19:12,800 --> 00:19:15,199 Speaker 2: us his insights on a Leafs team that moves on 390 00:19:15,359 --> 00:19:18,840 Speaker 2: without Mitch Marner but still very dangerous, boasting the likes 391 00:19:18,840 --> 00:19:23,880 Speaker 2: of Austin Matthews, John Tavares, William Nielander, Matthew Kny's and more. 392 00:19:23,960 --> 00:19:26,600 Speaker 2: They begun the season at three and two so far 393 00:19:26,760 --> 00:19:29,199 Speaker 2: in their first five games. They last beat the New 394 00:19:29,280 --> 00:19:32,359 Speaker 2: York Rangers two to one in sudden depth overtime back 395 00:19:32,760 --> 00:19:37,280 Speaker 2: on Thursday, with Austin Matthews scoring fifty eight seconds into overtime. 396 00:19:37,600 --> 00:19:39,520 Speaker 2: Matthew and I is also getting on the board for 397 00:19:39,560 --> 00:19:42,560 Speaker 2: the Leafs and William Niland are picking up two assists 398 00:19:42,560 --> 00:19:44,800 Speaker 2: in the game. Toronto has been a tough place to 399 00:19:44,840 --> 00:19:47,399 Speaker 2: play for the Kraken. The Leafs have won three of 400 00:19:47,480 --> 00:19:50,879 Speaker 2: four meetings all time at Scotia Bank Arena and seven 401 00:19:50,920 --> 00:19:54,040 Speaker 2: of eight in the overall series. Last time the Kraken 402 00:19:54,119 --> 00:19:56,520 Speaker 2: were there, they dropped a four to one loss last 403 00:19:56,600 --> 00:19:59,680 Speaker 2: year on Halloween night, William Nielander led the Leafs with 404 00:19:59,840 --> 00:20:03,120 Speaker 2: two goals as the Leafs built elite as big as 405 00:20:03,160 --> 00:20:06,560 Speaker 2: three nothing. The Craken inserts of their first win in 406 00:20:06,640 --> 00:20:09,760 Speaker 2: Toronto says twenty twenty two to twenty three. They won 407 00:20:09,840 --> 00:20:12,320 Speaker 2: that game by a score of five to one, which 408 00:20:12,520 --> 00:20:15,639 Speaker 2: helped springboard their season all the way into the playoffs. 409 00:20:15,840 --> 00:20:19,199 Speaker 2: In that road trip, they banked seven straight wins and 410 00:20:19,280 --> 00:20:22,840 Speaker 2: also won eight in a row, So pretty important game 411 00:20:22,920 --> 00:20:26,600 Speaker 2: for plenty of Ontario born players such as Ty Cartier, 412 00:20:26,840 --> 00:20:31,440 Speaker 2: Jared McCann, Jamie Alexiak, Ryan Winterton, Mason Marchman, Vince Dunn, 413 00:20:31,480 --> 00:20:35,560 Speaker 2: Shane Wright, Brandon Montur and goaltender Matt Murray, who previously 414 00:20:35,640 --> 00:20:37,679 Speaker 2: stood it up for the Leafs. Not to mention as 415 00:20:37,720 --> 00:20:41,000 Speaker 2: well a Leaf's connection here with head coach Lane Lambert 416 00:20:41,280 --> 00:20:44,760 Speaker 2: last season, of course, serving as associate coach under Craig 417 00:20:44,840 --> 00:20:47,639 Speaker 2: Barrubi's staff, where he helped oversee a course the Leafs 418 00:20:47,640 --> 00:20:51,240 Speaker 2: defense and their penalty kill. It'll be a pretty special 419 00:20:51,280 --> 00:20:54,520 Speaker 2: game as well for Shane Wright number one hundred due 420 00:20:54,600 --> 00:20:57,879 Speaker 2: for his NHL career against the Maple Leafs as well. 421 00:20:58,080 --> 00:21:01,120 Speaker 2: The Kraken will have to answer more health challenges coming 422 00:21:01,200 --> 00:21:04,440 Speaker 2: up this weekend. Freddie Gudreau was placed on IR Friday 423 00:21:04,680 --> 00:21:08,240 Speaker 2: in undisclosed injury, taking him out of the shootout loss 424 00:21:08,280 --> 00:21:12,159 Speaker 2: against Ottawa. In place, the Kraken recalled for John Hayden 425 00:21:12,240 --> 00:21:15,240 Speaker 2: from AHL Coachella Valley. A lot to get to here 426 00:21:15,240 --> 00:21:17,720 Speaker 2: for this evening. We'll talk with you three thirty pm 427 00:21:17,760 --> 00:21:21,440 Speaker 2: Pacific time once again for the Frostbrewed Corse Light pregame 428 00:21:21,560 --> 00:21:25,159 Speaker 2: show Choose Chill EVERGA fits you. Al Koniski on the 429 00:21:25,200 --> 00:21:28,960 Speaker 2: call four pm Pacific time from Scotia Bank Arena. Big 430 00:21:29,000 --> 00:21:31,679 Speaker 2: thanks once again to Nick Alberga for joining us and 431 00:21:31,760 --> 00:21:35,160 Speaker 2: for kracking this morning. I'm Mike Benton. Have a happy Saturday. 432 00:21:35,400 --> 00:21:38,560 Speaker 1: You're home for the Kraken Sports Radio ninety three point 433 00:21:38,600 --> 00:21:41,320 Speaker 1: three kJ r FM