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 illustrating the value of free agent acquisitions in the larger context of what this season has meant to fans of the Habs. By the time he's finished his manic eloquence, you'll find yourself reaching for a new general manager.LeafsFan Rant (14:59)Ari riffs on the power of Toronto's youth movement and how everything seems like roses and unicorns until you realize that a first round exit against the Boston Bruins will be considered a colossal failure in the context of poetic redemption and failure to contain the greatest weasel known in the galaxy.

HabsFan vs. LeafsFan Podcast

HabsFan vs. LeafsFan - Season 2, Episode 27.

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 bickering on a number of hockey issues while finding themselves at polar opposites when it comes to the future of their respective teams. One man is clearly thrilled; the other waits for a shoe to drop.LeafsFan Rant (17:39)Shapiro delves into the prospect of facing the Boston Bruins or Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round of this year's playoffs and literally goes insane thinking of the possibilities. You haven't heard this much bluster since the last time he ranted about anything good in this world.HabsFan Rant (19:05)In what is clearly his magnum opus on tanking, Rehman delivers a stunningly worthwhile diatribe on why Carey Price may cost his team a shot at Rasmus Dahlin. If you ever had a legitimate reason to fast-forward this episode, here it is! 

HabsFan vs. LeafsFan - Season 2, Episode 26.

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 created for the masses, Kamal makes a compelling argument as to why the NHL's plans for expansion need to be carefully considered before re-defining the difficulty level behind making the playoffs and risking turning the entire process of competition into a bloody mockery.Exclusive interview with sports broadcaster and journalist Sam Mendelsohn (@Mendy_Island) (12:28)Sam Mendelsohn, hockey savant and former reporter with the Oshawa Generals join us to discuss his thoughts on the post-deadline play of the Toronto Maple Leafs while giving us a closer examination of the psychology behind finding yourself so firmly entrenched in a playoff spot that the next month might feel like you're trapped in a groundhog day existence.  

HabsFan vs. LeafsFan - Season 2, Episode 25.

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 internet will let us know like it always does.Exclusive interview with Omar White (@OLW93) of A Winning Habit (@FSAWinningHabit) (12:28).We're tickled pink to be joined by celebrated writer, blogger, social media bon vivant and former Royal Rumble winner, Omar White - site expert of our Montreal Canadiens affiliate. Mr. White isn't just a beacon of NHL knowledge and hockey insight, but rumour has it that he once defeated James Tanner, Mike Stephens, and Baltimore Dave in the squared circle just to prove he's the greatest wrestler on FanSided and in Southern Ontario. There's no stopping this kind of infamy!

HabsFan vs. LeafsFan - Season 2, Episode 24.

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.HabsFan Rant (18:20)Rehman explores the recurring nightmare of mathematical realities when it comes to the Habs and insists on the merits of tanking. He also insists on the merits behind higher drafting positions and treating fans with basic decency.Exclusive interviews with Mike Stephens (@mikeystephens81) & Josh Tessler (@JTesslerSports) (20:50).We're pleased to bring you one of the site experts and writers at Editor-in-Leaf, one of our FanSided affiliates that helps Toronto fans understand the politics, economics, and history behind their beloved Maple Leafs. You haven't heard soothsaying like this since we had Omar White and Andrew Berkshire fight to the death in our gladiatorial arena.

HabsFan vs. LeafsFan - Season 2, Episode 23.

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 endorsing tanking, but if you listen to this podcast at a certain angle while standing on your toes, you'll get hypnotized faster than at a Brian Burke press conference.Exclusive interviews with James Tanner (@James_Tanner123) from Editor-in-Leaf, Omar White (@OLW93) from A Winning Habit, and "Baltimore" Dave Stevenson (@Baltimoredavey) from Puck Prose:We're joined by all three (3) of our affiliates, which some would argue is a recipe for disaster and is known for encouraging Greco-Roman orgies. James, Omar, and Dave offer their brilliant insights and witty repartee on all things Canadiens, Maple Leafs, NHL, and Quantum Physics.

HabsFan vs. LeafsFan - Season 2, Episode 22.

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 legend and why we should all take a moment to appreciate the heroes still with us; George Armstrong, Frank Mahovlich, and Brian Papineau. Exclusive interview with National Prospects writer and Marlies reporter Scott Wheeler (@ScottCWheeler) of The Athletic NHL (@TheAthletic) (18:08)One of the most recognized and familiar names in the Maple Leafs blogosphere and former site expert at SB Nation's Pension Plan Puppets, Scott drops in to speak with us about his candid thoughts on Johnny Bower, the current state of Maple Leafs prospects, and why you should have already subscribed to The Athletic in the time it took to read this paragraph.

HabsFan vs. LeafsFan - Season 2, Episode 21.

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 why a Charlie Brown Christmas always makes him smile gleefully like some sort of Dickensian child.Exclusive interviews with FanSided NHL experts Omar White (@OLW93) of A Winning Habit (@FSAWinningHabit)& "Baltimore" Dave Stevenson (@baltimoredavey) of Puck Prose (@Puck_Prose). (19:15)We're thrilled to have two of our FanSided affiliates on this show to help bask in the glory of all things NHL. First, Omar White joins the show to discuss Les Habitants and the latest scuttlebutt across La Belle Province, followed by Dave Stevenson who chimes in on his thoughts related to Patrick Marleau's influence on the buds and why viewers down south get a raw deal when it comes to Canadian hockey content.

HabsFan vs. LeafsFan - Season 2, Episode 20.

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 the league and blah blah blah owners making money something rather.Exclusive interviews with Justin Bourne (@jtbourne) of The Athletic NHL (@TheAthleticNHL) and Eric Engels (@EricEngels) of Rogers Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) (18:12)A critically-acclaimed senior NHL columnist at The Athletic, Justin sits down with us to discuss his thoughts on the Maple Leafs as a team and the crushing weight of expectations in both markets. Then, a celebrated hockey writer and sportscaster, Eric drops in to share his candid thoughts on the Canadiens, the future of Marc Bergevin, and the value of certain players heading into the future. Missing this show is simply not an option if you're a fan of either team!

HabsFan vs. LeafsFan - Season 2, Episode 19.

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 with Steve "Dangle" Glynn (@Steve_Dangle) of Rogers Sportsnet, Hockey Night in Canada, his own podcast, and quite possibly the lost city of Atlantis (17:00).We're thrilled to be joined by mercurial YouTuber, epic blogger, master podcaster, and general tour-de-force Steve Glynn, a man who exemplifies a high-octane pace of limitless streams of consciousness that'll make you thankful for sugar, hockey analytics, and bleeding blue. Steve drops by to regale us with tremendous anecdotes of his passion for the blue & white, his relative impudence for the Habs, and his meteoric rise into your living room on nothing more than his wits, a shoe-string budget, and a love of technology.

HabsFan vs. LeafsFan - Season 2, Episode 18.

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 with 16 goals on the year while reminding others that heroes are found in all forms, shapes, and sizes - especially if you're part of the third phase Marvel universe.Exclusive interviews with Hockey Night in Canada rinkside reporter Kyle Bukauskas (@SNkylebukauskas), legendary sportscaster Joe Tilley (@joeswisstv), and Sportsnet Fan 590 radio host Roger Lajoie (@TheRog590) (15:20)Thanks to our expanded budget and desire to bring you only the most compelling perspectives across the hockey universe, HvL is thrilled to deliver a triumvirate of interviews that will leave you breathless and wanting more. Kyle, Joe, and Roger drop by with their candidly earthy and progressive outlook at the Maple Leafs and Canadiens.

HabsFan vs. LeafsFan - Season 2, Episode 17.

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 interviews with Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) of The Athletic (13:45) and Jackie Redmond (@Jackie_Redmond) of NHL Network (43:37).HvL is proud to bring you back-to-back exclusive interviews with two of our favourite media personalities in the business. First, we're joined by The Athletic's Marc Dumont, who regales us with his authoritative perspectives on the Montreal Canadiens and the juicy and value-oriented nature of mangoes, followed by the NHL Network's Jackie Redmond, who brings a joie de vivre only matched by her love and passion for the sport of hockey.

HabsFan vs. LeafsFan - Season 2, Episode 16.

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 pereceived realities like the Ark of the Covenant, trickle-down economics, and why Carey Price is the hockey equivalent of an admiral during the Battle of Britain.Interviews with Omar White (@FSAWinningHabit) (13:30); Josh Tessler (@JoshTessler) (19:20); and Dave Stevenson (@Puck_Prose) (22:47).We're pleased to bring you a svelte triumvirate of hockey perspectives from three wise men. First, Omar White unleashes the kind of rant that would make HabsFan as proud as a French poodle. Next, Josh Tessler drops in for a blunt perspective on Shea Weber and the unbearable lightness of bad decisions, and finally "Baltimore" Dave Stevenson arrives for his candid takes on both teams.

HabsFan vs. LeafsFan - Season 2, Episode 15.

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, culminating with the great clash on Saturday night. His voice may seem calm, cool, and collected, but inside you know he's feeling unheralded.Interview with Jamie Thomas (@JamieThomasTV), host at Winnipeg Jets TV (13:55); Dave Stevenson (@baltimoredavey), site expert at Puck Prose (@Puck_Prose) (23:30); Omar White (@OLW93), site expert at A Winning Habit (@FSAWinningHabit) (26:45).As part of our action-packed agenda for this episode, we're pumped to bring you three interviews starting with accomplished sportscaster Jamie Thomas of Winnipeg Jets TV, along with both our affiliate gurus and men of noble worth; Dave Stevenson & Omar White.

HabsFan vs. LeafsFan - Season 2, Episode 14.

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 of the buds.HabsFan Rant (15:50)Rehman indulges in the kind of soliloquy normally reserved for heads of state and Saudi royalty as he trumpets the renaissance of certain Canadiens players and the surreal narrative of moving into  a playoff spot which no longer seems so ludicrous thanks to a third string goaltender and the awesome power of Greyskull.Interview with Austin Owens (@_AustinOwens), host of Tip of the Tower podcast (17:52)We're pleased to have a sports journalism graduate from Centennial College on the show as Austin Owens drops by to discuss his Leafs-Canadiens perspectives and existential hockey theory while reminding us that his podcast is not only kick ass, but that he's got incriminating photographs of Omar White at Sea World.

HabsFan vs. LeafsFan - Season 2, Episode 13.

A hockey podcast about the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs on the FanSided Network featuring satirical sketches, sobering rants, compelling banter, and memorable interviews.

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HabsFan vs. LeafsFan Podcast

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