The JD Bunkis Podcast

JD reacts to the Maple Leafs' game three win in Ottawa over the Senators, as they take a 3-0 lead in their first round matchup (00:00). Anthony Petrielli, host and writer at Maple Leafs Hot Stove, joins the show to detail Toronto's composure in the series, their stellar play on the back-end, and the positive impact of the depth down the lineup (05:16). Then, legendary Canadian MMA fighter Georges St-Pierre talks about the excitement of the UFC coming back to Montreal, winning in his hometown, and being a champion (26:46). Later, Craig Simpson, Sportsnet colour analyst jumps on with JD to continue the Battle of Ontario conversation, the difference between this Leafs team and previous versions, the belief in Anthony Stolarz, how the Sens can get back into the series, Toronto's success on the powerplay, and the continued development of Matthew Knies (48:30). Finally, JD ends the show with the NFL Draft and a Blue Jays must-win (01:25:37). 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.

The Blue Jays getting swept by the Houston Astros was nightmare fuel for JD (00:00). Jackie Redmond from NHL on TNT and the NHL Network, joins JD to chop it up about the potential atmosphere in Ottawa for Game 3, how the Senators are executing the Maple Leafs' usual playbook, the shifting discourse around John Tavares, the secondary and tertiary effects of Anthony Stolarz, and potential adjustments for the Senators (10:00). Senators writer, Graeme Nichols, checks-in from the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa to discuss the growth of the Senators' fan base, the push to keep Leafs fans out, how Travis Green's post-game comments have been received by Senators fans, and Ridley Greig's rise as the series villain (52:00). ESPN NFL draft analyst and insider, Matt Miller, evaluates the potential of the 2025 draft class, the latest on Shedeur Sanders, comparisons for Ashton Jeanty and the other biggest talking points at the draft (1:16:00). 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.

JD and James Mirtle, senior writer for The Athletic, break down the Maple Leafs' win over the Sens to take a 2-0 series lead in their first round series (00:00). They discuss the Leafs' ability handling of the moment with Craig Berube behind the bench, past playoff experiences benefitting Toronto, Anthony Stolarz' impressive play and penalty against Ridly Greig, where the Leafs could make a lineup change heading into Game 3, and what the crowd could look like in Ottawa. Then, JD details some concerns around the Blue Jays after their fourth-consecutive loss (47:08). Later, Leafs legend Ed Belfour joins the show to chat about his "Battle of Ontario" memories, his relationship with Tie and Max Domi, being in the zone as a goaltender, and the feeling of playing in front of Leafs Nation (51:46). Finally, JD and the producers take a look at “What We Missed” (01:17:54). 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.

JD and Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN Morning Show, mull over the Blue Jays' slow offensive start and the lack of a fifth pitcher in their starting rotation (4:00). The duo then chat about the antics of Ottawa Senators and Maple Leafs fans (38:00). Colby Armstrong, Sportsnet NHL analyst, joins JD in-studio to chat about Jim Rutherford's brutally honest comments regarding Quinn Hughes and Elias Pettersson and early impressions from the most exciting first-round playoff series (52:00). JD and Colby then dive into the Maple Leafs playoff outlook and debate if game one was closer than the 6-2 conclusion suggested (1:17:00). 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.

JD gives his thoughts on the Maple Leafs' impressive win over the Senators in the renewed "Battle of Ontario" playoff matchup (00:00). Kris Versteeg, two-time Stanley Cup champion, breaks down the atmosphere at Scotiabank Arena, Toronto's discipline under Craig Berube amidst the animosity, Leafs' efficiency on the power play, Mitch Marner's effectiveness against the Sens, and the impact from the fourth line (06:12). After the break, JD takes a look at some Blue Jays concerns following a weekend series loss against the Mariners (45:12). Luke Fox, Sportsnet NHL writer, joins the show to continue the conversation around the Leafs' Game 1 victory, Sens coach Travis Green's post-game comments, fallout from the Ridly Greig crosscheck on John Tavares, Toronto's advantage on the blue line, and the advantage of experience for the Maple Leafs (51:02). Finally, JD and the producers take a look at “What We Missed” (01:22:29). 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.

JD is pumped for the "Battle of Ontario" to get underway (00:00). Justin Bourne, co-host of Real Kyper & Bourne, joins the show to break down the matchup (08:21). They discuss the keys to the Maple Leafs' success against the Senators, where the pressure lies amongst the Leafs' stars, what the Sens can do to make things difficult for Toronto, projecting the advantage in net with Anthony Stolarz, and how the Leafs' lines should shake out for Game 1. Frank Crupi, otherwise known as Hockey Illuminati, jumps in the studio with JD to go through the emotions of past "Battle of Ontario" playoff matchups, the differences between the Leafs' two goaltenders, the most important "curse-busters" for the Maple Leafs throughout the regular season, and the impact of past playoff experiences (49:45). After the break, they continue the conversation around the Leafs' recent playoff history and identify what's different about this team (01:24:28). 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.

JD opens the show with his Blue Jays thoughts following their series win over the Braves (00:00). Former Leafs forward, Steve Thomas, jumps on to discuss his playoff runs with Toronto and the intensity of the Battle of Ontario (12:42). They discuss the challenge of playing in the Stanley Cup playoffs, playing in front of Curtis Joseph at his peak, the impact of Pat Quinn, and how this current Leafs team looks heading into the latest series against Ottawa. Afterwards, JD runs through Masai Ujiri's end of season comments and looks at the Raptor's future after a disappointing season (38:57). DJ Bean, co-host of the What Chaos podcast, joins JD to chat about the best storylines heading in to the Stanley Cup playoffs including the Mikko Rantanen revenge series with Dallas against the Avs, the pressure on the Oilers to win despite their injuries, and the expectations on the Capitals after an emotional season (48:46). Finally, JD and the producers take a look at “What We Missed” (01:26:42). 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.

James Mirtle, senior writer for The Athletic, joins JD to discuss the Leafs clinching the Atlantic Division to set up the Battle of Ontario in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs (11:05). JD and James talk through the excitement of the playoff matchup, the plan for Anthony Stolarz as the starting goalie, what the line combinations should look like, the plan for the final game of the season, and the effect on the backend with Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Jake McCabe's injuries. JD takes a look at Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors in their Play-In victory over the Grizzlies (50:13). Later, Caleb Joseph, Blue Jays Central analyst, jumps on to recap the Jays' offensive burst against the Braves (53:13). They react to Anthony Santander finding his groove at the plate, the challenge of keeping starting pitchers efficient, the plan at third base, and missing the power from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Finally, JD and the producers take a look at “What We Missed” (01:23:26). 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.

JD brings on Joseph Casciaro, lead Raptors and NBA reporter at theScore, to react to the Raptors locker room clean-out day and put a bow on their season (8:00). JD and Joseph chat about Scottie Barnes' improvements on defense and in leadership, how Darko Rajaković can be judged in a tanking season, what they'd like to hear from Masai Ujiri, next season's expectations and what may have gone overlooked. Afterwards, JD and Joseph look at the points of the interest in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Arden Zwelling, Blue Jays reporter, joins JD in-studio for the second hour to sift through the Jays' season thus far (52:00). JD and Arden discuss John Schneider's feel for taking out starting pitchers, how the Jays' base-running might improve, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as a leader, how Guerrero Jr.'s contract extension impacts what's next with Bo Bichette, and the status of Daulton Varsho and Max Scherzer. The show finishes with discussion of Paddy Pimblett's star-power following his victory over Michael Chandler at UFC 314 (1:29:00). 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.

JD recaps The Masters alongside Ben Ennis, co-host of The FAN Morning Show, and Sam McKee, host and producer at Sportsnet 590 The FAN, discussing Rory McIlroy's weekend performance at Augusta, the matchup with Bryson DeChambeau, the humanity of McIlroy's reaction after finally winning his green-jacket, and where the 2025 finish stands in the Masters hierarchy (00:00). Later, JD & Ben dive into the Blue Jays' comeback win in Baltimore, Jeff Hoffman's start to the season amidst injury fears in the offseason, and the expectations of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. after signing his big contract (36:33). Then, CBS & Sirius XM Golf Analyst Jason Sobel joins the show to continue the conversation around McIlroy's Masters' win, the history within McIlroy's play in the tournament, the adversity that he faced along the way, and what the next compelling story in Golf could be (52:15). Finally, JD takes a look at UFC 314 before he and the producers jump into “What We Missed” (01:20:56). 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.