Habsfan Vs. Leafsfan Podcast

HabsFan vs. LeafsFan - Season 2, Episode 27.HvL is Kamal Rehman (HabsFan) and Ari Shapiro (LeafsFan)Marc Bergevin & Geoff Molson at the Loo. (0:00)As our continued fascination with executive lavatories continues, HvL is proud to bring you the latest invasion of privacy involving a ruthlessly candid conversation between the general manager and owner of the Montreal Canadiens. You'll be enthralled, transfixed, and quite possibly horrified by their savage exchange and unpredictable release of random bodily functions.HvL SportsDesk (5:20)Rehman & Shapiro prepare for the post-season in style with their hot takes on everything from the value of tanking, to the wisdom of putting faith in anyone over the age of 30, why Tyler Bozak and Paul Stastny are so over-rated it'll make your head spin, and why Patrick Marleau is a huge fan of video games involving islands of players battling it out over random weaponry and helmets.HabsFan Rant (10:49)Kamal saves one of his best rants for the end of the regular season by

HabsFan vs. LeafsFan - Season 2, Episode 26.HvL is Kamal Rehman (HabsFan) and Ari Shapiro (LeafsFan)Kyle Dubas & Lou Lamoriello at the Loo. (0:00)In what has been called the greatest exchange of ideas and thoughts since Garth Snow bumped into Charles Wang and convinced him to lead an NHL franchise without any experience whatsoever, HvL is proud to bring you a catastrophic invasion of privacy in the form of an audio conversation between the minds that have shaped and influenced the future of the franchise; a candid, no holds-barred conversation inside the MLSE executive restrooms.HvL SportsDesk (4:12)Rehman & Shapiro cover everything under the sun in this week's edition of the HvL SportsDesk, including a closer look at why tanking is essential for the Habs, why Kasperi Kapanen will leave you breathless and wanting more, and why Evgeni Malkin is the most under-rated player in any professional sport ever.HvL Banter (8:39)Our banter segment returns with a furious vengeance that find Kamal and Ari bickerin

HabsFan vs. LeafsFan - Season 2, Episode 25.HvL is Kamal Rehman (HabsFan) and Ari Shapiro (LeafsFan)Opening Sketch: Marc Bergevin's Wonderful World of Medicine (0:00)Fans of the Montreal Canadiens might wince as they embrace our exclusive, behind-the-scenes audio footage of Marc Bergevin conversing with his team physician while deciding how the remaining stretch of the season will unfold, while taking into account their litany of highly dubious injuries and secret burning desire to draft the number one overall pick as innocuously as possible.HvL SportsDesk (2:51)Rehman & Shapiro cover the latest scuttlebutt pertaining to their respective teams including: Shea Weber and Andrew Shaw's injury status, JvR's impending free agency status, Geoff Molson's soon-to-be search for a new general manager, the hockey quagmire that is Alberta, Scherbak's goal, and the powerfully noxious odour of really bad goaltending interference calls.A Quiet Moment of Sober Second Thought with HabsFan (7:21)In a new segment that we cr

HabsFan vs. LeafsFan - Season 2, Episode 24.HvL is Kamal Rehman (HabsFan) and Ari Shapiro (LeafsFan)Opening Sketch: The World According to Mike Babcock (0:00)We're thrilled to bring you an extended sketch filled with outrageous amounts of Toronto references and some surreal cameos including Elon Musk, Josh Donaldson, and Bill Gates. Our budget for 2018 has clearly been the difference with our guest list and this opener will (hopefully) leave you howling with glee and (definitely) researching the power of vehicular space travel. This is also an unusually long sketch with thinly-veiled double entendres and hidden meanings so take your time and listen with a sandwich.HvL SportsDesk (3:48)Rehman & Shapiro have ruthlessly kidnapped this week's predictable banter slot and replaced it with some kind of strange and incredibly unpredictable SNL-style sportsdesk news update armed with equal parts sardonic humour, genuine serendipity, and a taste of delicious irony. We're not sure if it works but we're certain the i

HabsFan vs. LeafsFan - Season 2, Episode 23.Kamal Rehman (HabsFan) and Ari Shapiro (LeafsFan).The Colin Campbell Method (0:00)We're thrilled to bring you an unauthorized look at a recent meeting between the former and present Directors of Player Safety: Colin Campbell and George Parros - complete with three audio examples of delusional thinking, recurring hypocrisy, and good old boy fraternity. It's basically a twisted French version of modern NHL democracy at work.HvL Banter (2:42)Kamal and Ari reflect on the inconsistency of executing basic hockey rules and why the league is suffering enormously by treating their fans with the same elitism used in present day automobile manufacturing, streetcar innovations, and anything remotely associated with overpriced internet and/or cell phone service.LeafsFan Rant (16:22)Shapiro argues that Marner and Nylander have failed to live up to expectations rather miserably when they should clearly be leading the Atlantic on the strength of Leo Komarov's checks from behind.Hab

HabsFan vs. LeafsFan - Season 2, Episode 22.Kamal Rehman (HabsFan) and Ari Shapiro (LeafsFan).Roman Polak: The Unwanted One (0:00)Netflix, Amazon, and Spotify in conjunction with Hulu and Bombardier proudly present the international trailer for the latest film from HvL Studios - Roman Polak: The Unwanted One. This completely unsanctioned and highly anticipated film was financed by Travis Dermott's father, Jaromir Jagr, and the original unwanted one...Larry Murphy.HvL Banter (2:18)Kamal and Ari exchange aggressive perspectives on Roman Polak, Carey Price and Marc Bergevin while lamenting the shortcomings of their respective teams and realizing that baseball is just around the corner. One of them is also a Time Lord.LeafsFan Rant (13:35)Shapiro tries to reconcile the madness of Mike Babcock with the genius of Mike Babcock and comes across as a third-rate Canadian Ontario politician who wants to have his cake and eat it.HabsFan Rant (15:01)Rehman gets all existential and wants the Habs to stop winning.  He's not

HabsFan vs. LeafsFan - Season 2, Episode 21."What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas." (0:00)Once again we're thrilled to bring you exclusive and highly illegal audio footage of how the inside of the respective locker rooms must sound during a typical Vegas Golden Knights home game. For the record, they're really good at home. No, I mean seriously good. Don't even ask how or why - just accept it for what it is and for the love of all that's holy please be careful in that city.HvL Banter (2:01)Kamal and Ari lament the recent play of both their teams while reminding one another that it's only the halfway mark of the season and that anything's possible if you believe in true love, the tooth fairy, and the value of left-handed puck moving defensemen.HabsFan Rant (14:25)Rehman looks at what Carey Price really means to the Habs and why their blueprint for success is both obsolete, perplexing, and makes him want to reach for high-grade opiates.LeafsFan Rant (16:43)Shapiro reflects on the enormity of losing a hockey le

HabsFan vs. LeafsFan - Season 2, Episode 20.William Nylander vs. Mitch Marner vs. Santa Claus (0:00)You'll likely never look at the Christmas season (or Santa's lap) the same way again after witnessing William Nylander and Mitch Marner as they drop in on their local shopping mall and end up causing an epic Yuletide stir that would make Leo Komarov blush.HvL Banter (2:48)Kamal and Ari take a closer look at Eugene Melnyk's follies, the Maple Leafs and their recent Red Rider B-B gun offensive woes, and why the insufferable Dion Phaneuf is destined to become the greatest scapegoat in the hockey universe.LeafsFan Rant (15:45)Shapiro clamours mightily at the thought of what Nylander and Marner need to do against future opponents to avoid living up to their reputation as excitingly inconsistent young guns who disappear when you need them most.HabsFan Rant (17:21)Rehman draws on the inspiration of Charles Schulz as he describes his candid thoughts on the Montreal Canadiens, the power of metaphorical ornaments, and wh

HabsFan vs. LeafsFan - Season 2, Episode 19.A Montreal Canadiens Christmas Carol (0:00)Charles Dickens is likely rolling in his grave as HvL brings you an exclusive holiday special screening of "A Christmas Carol" starring Marc Bergevin in the titular role of Ebenezer Scrooge as he's visited by the three spirits of Christmas; Past (Maurice "Rocket" Richard), Present (Mikhail Sergachev), and Future (Ron MacLean). HvL Banter (3:08)Kamal and Ari feverishly discuss the fate of two of the game's most talented and prominent figures; Carey Price and Erik Karlsson. HabsFan Rant (14:01)Rehman meticulously destroys any referee or official who decides to make it about themselves through overly flamboyant and excessively bombastic calls during an NHL game. He also thinks Wes McCauley should find a new career.LeafsFan Rant (16:41)Shapiro blasts the Maple Leafs for ignoring the severity of Auston's "upper body" injury suffered against the Pens by blathering on about player's health and how vital they are to the future of t

HabsFan vs. LeafsFan - Season 2, Episode 18.The Kris Russell Mask of Overcompensated Forgiveness (0:00)HvL in association with the Edmonton Oilers league of gift shoppes and apothecaries is pleased to bring you an exclusive, limited time special offer to purchase: The Kris Russell Mask. It's great for missed birthdays, overcooked holiday turkey, and religious ceremonies.HvL Banter (1:55)Kamal and Ari work together to digest the reality of trading places offensively and how things can change in the blink of an eye. LeafsFan Rant (13:06)Shapiro looks at the Russell debacle as sign of our times; an era in which simply trying and finishing a task is often lauded more than actual triumph and favourable results.  HabsFan Rant (14:51)Rehman riffs on the importance of protecting Carey Price from harm thanks to the reckless nature of opponents who charge the net with impunity knowing that they simply can, while also highlighting the delicate balance between increased scoring and mounting injuries.Exclusive interview w

HabsFan vs. LeafsFan - Season 2, Episode 17.Taken 4: Carey Price Unleashed (0:00)You won't believe your ears after listening to exclusive HvL footage of Carey Price in his media scrum following his recent victory against Columbus. In the belligerent and truculent tradition of Liam Neeson, Charles Bronson, and Clint Eastwood, comes the story of one man and his annoyance with the Montreal media and their heartless search for sensationalistic headlines.HvL Banter (2:08)Kamal and Ari review a week filled with highs and lows and questionable tweets from the President while mulling over their lingering concerns over impact players such as William Nylander, Mitch Marner, Carey Price, and David Schlemko.HabsFan Rant (12:13)Rehman offers a touching lamentation on how the NHL is two steps behind in their evolution as a "dynamic" league where legitimate goals are inexplicably disallowed even when slo-mo replay comes to save the day.LeafsFan Rant (13:43)Shapiro rambles fruitlessly at the prospect of Nylander finishing wi

HabsFan vs. LeafsFan - Season 2, Episode 16.Darth Lamoriello & Apprentice Matthews: A Star Wars Story (0:00)HvL in association with Disney, JJ Abrams, and Mel Brooks is honored to bring you the first of many Star Wars mini-episodes on our podcast including a glimpse of the awesome power of Darth Lamoriello as he summons his disciples - Kadri, Gardiner, and Komarov - to his personal star destroyer.HvL Banter (2:10)Kamal and Ari debate the finer points of NHL discipline and tact in an era where everything is magnified, scrutinized and tenderized by the lofty expectations of ravenous fanbases and disgruntled owners.HabsFan Rant (10:54)Rehman channels his inner optimist and delivers the kind of Black Friday good cheer normally reserved for consumers with minimal debt and a discerning eye for goaltending superheroes.LeafsFan Rant (12:13)Shapiro reminds listeners that Kadri is a special player and how puck possession and on-ice discipline impresses him more than flashy goals and light sabers.Exclusive interview

HabsFan vs. LeafsFan - Season 2, Episode 15.A Premature Celebration of Questionable Longevity (0:00)HvL is proud to bring you exclusive audio footage from the sumptuous pre-game ceremony of Auston Matthews commemorating his 100th game as a Maple Leaf, with special clips from Team President Brendan Shanahan, Mayor John Tory, and the incredibly eloquent Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau.HvL Banter (2:07)Kamal and Ari dive headlong into a meaningless conversation that sounds more like two Yiddish grandmothers commiserating about how Bergevin took their love of hockey away and replaced it with nothing but existential self-loathing and lingering contempt.LeafsFan Rant (10:41)Shapiro offers the listening audience a (prophetic) warning about the Coyotes while subtly reminding fans of the Maple Leafs that there's still a long way to go before true respectability against NHL underdogs.HabsFan Rant (11:59)Rehman unleashes his best vitriolic scorn for the Canadiens front office as he skillfully picks apart perece

HabsFan vs. LeafsFan - Season 2, Episode 14.Max Pacioretty: The Unheralded One (0:00)The Quebec film board brings you their biggest, federally subsidized, and highly controversial film about the life and times of beleaguered captain and tireless philanthropist, Max Pacioretty. Viewer discretion advised: this trailer contains traces of cat hair, peanuts, and righteous indignation. HvL Banter (2:17)Kamal and Ari find themselves discussing the merits of leadership by invoking the memory of Sundin and how their respective hockey markets have chewed up and swallowed former heroes with reckless abandon. They also touch on the HHOF and refer to Dave Andreychuk as the most dynamic lump of potatoes since Jason Allison. LeafsFan Rant (11:18)Shapiro highlights the glory of winning without your best player while heralding the value of depth even if his soul is gradually dying during Auston's injury absence.HabsFan Rant (12:41)Rehman theorizes on the nature and caliber of dreaded adversaries that awaits his beloved team,

HabsFan vs. LeafsFan - Season 2, Episode 13. Roller Coaster of Emotions - Time Travel Edition (0:00)We've expanded our budget this winter by offering you an exclusive look at what transpired on our show three weeks ago, only to then contrast it with the present day reality of overhyped expectations, rose-colored fantasies, and the potential end of the Habsfan/LeafsFan partnership due to a most bizarre exchange of irony.HvL Banter (2:15)Kamal and Ari decide to reflect on the current state of affairs when it comes to their respective teams by bringing up the absence of Auston Matthews, the resurgence of Brendan Gallagher, and why Mike Babcock is not only immune to criticism, but there's a very good chance he can walk on water. LeafsFan Rant (14:13)Shapiro underscores the value of depth by highlighting unsung heroes and unheralded players in the face of gargantuan adversity from the news that Auston could be missing long-term and that means more alcohol and drugs and drugs with alcohol in them...if you're a fan

HabsFan vs. LeafsFan - Sketch Comedy Show (Episodes 1-12)We're proud to bring you our very first "best of" comedy sketch compilation show for the second season up to November 1st. Check out our bravado and bluster as we try to endear ourselves to your cold and frigid hockey hearts with a little joie de vivre, a handful of lost irony, two spoonfuls of saucy hidden meanings, and a devastating cavalcade of cultural references that'll either have you in stitches or make you never listen to us again. Either way, bonne chance![0:34] Ser Patrick Marleau at Babcock Keep.[2:20] Andrei Markov KHL press conference.[3:41] Donald Trump at the Montreal Canadiens Fanfest.[5:41] An Executive Meeting at the Montreal Canadiens HQ.[7:19] Mitch Marner's Training Camp Physical.[8:39] Mike Babcock: The Untouchable One (Trailer)[10:41] HvL Hockey Translator: Claude Julien.[12:55] Joffrey Lupul's Independent Medical Examination.[14:40] Auston Matthews & The Letter "C" Special Offer.[16:07] Mayhem on the Highway: A Montreal Canad

HabsFan vs. LeafsFan - Live Round Table (11/01/17)Round Table Special Edition featuring Andrew Berkshire (@AndrewBerkshire), Omar White (@OLW93), Kamal Rehman (@kamalrehman10) and Ari Shapiro (@ari_shapiro).Together, these four intrepid warriors of hockey band together and discuss: What's changed in the current Leafs/Habs paradigm (2:15), can the Maple Leafs get by with their current six defensemen (5:55), on their relative value and the challenge of finding a true shutdown defenseman (11:52), which players on the Habs might rise above the current group to help salvage their season (16:11), what the panel thinks the Canadiens will end up doing if they continue struggling in November (23:22), what if Laine had ended up in Toronto and Matthews in Winnipeg (33:09), could the Maple Leafs make a blockbuster trade if it means creating an extended playoff run (38:41), how do you measure Drouin's season as a baseline of success against Sergachev (51:29), and what it would take for the Leafs to be considered true Stan

HabsFan vs. LeafsFan - Season 2, Episode 12. The Sad Tale of Old Man Bergevin (0:00).In the finest spirit of Halloween and Edgar Allan Poe, HvL is thrilled to bring you a closer look at the tragic tale of a well-intentioned man living on borrowed time in a cosmopolitan neighbourhood filled with spoiled children; it's basically a Shakespearian tragedy with a poem in the opening.HvL Banter (2:30).Kamal and Ari usher in evil spirits and voodoo magic as they commiserate on the changing direction of their teams and why jumping to early conclusions in the NHL is like appreciating the philanthropic motives of corporate lobbyists.Interview with JD Bunkis (@JDBunkis), host of "Good Show" on Sportsnet Fan 590 (9:40).The ridiculously talented JD joins the show to regale us with his thoughts on the surrealism of Stanley Cup hype, if the Leafs front office will make a big trade for an extended playoff run, and if Montreal can genuinely rely on Carey Price as their saviour and trump card in a world gone mad.Interview with 

HabsFan vs. LeafsFan - Season 2, Episode 11.HvL Hockey Translator: Lou Lamorieollo (0:00).We're thrilled to bring you more controversial audio footage of the Lou Lamoriello Hockey Translator experience which includes references to William Nylander, Nazem Kadri, cannolis, and an out-of-town dating service. HvL Banter (2:05).Kamal and Ari size up the remains of the day by speculating on potential trades, potential trends, a potential outcome for certain beleaguered general managers, and the potential of an overvalued and volatile housing market destroying the future of this precious country.LeafsFan rant (7:30).Shapiro boastfully rants on the need for his team to stop relying on the illusion of elite-calibre goaltending. Freddie's good, he's just not as good as you think he is unless you're armed with rose-colored 3D glasses and some popcorn.HabsFan rant (8:45).Rehman rages against the inexplicable wing-washing of Alex Galchenyuk and Jonathan Drouin while trying to understand what the Penguins and Rangers are r

HabsFan vs. LeafsFan - Season 2, Episode 10.Marc Bergevin: Telephone Desperado (0:00).Using our highly advanced and irrefutably illegal surveillance methods, HvL is thrilled to bring you the Marc Bergevin wiretaps of his most recent efforts to upgrade the Habs at all costs via our all-access satellite system brought to you by Canada's proudest and most reliable companies: Bombardier, Air Canada, and Metrolinx.HvL Banter (2:40).Kamal and Ari embark on a quick examination of their respective teams and why the next few games in the schedule could spell the end of this season for one of them while somehow inexplicably mentioning Darcy Tucker, James Reimer, and Tie Domi in the same sentence. Needless to say, this episode is heavy on blue syrup and low on red pride.LeafsFan rant (11:55).Shapiro reminds the faithful in Toronto that crushing expectations mixed with unrealistic media hype almost always creates an unfathoma.... ah, hell, who are we kidding - the Maple Leafs are on fire and seem absolutely unstoppable,