Ep. 87 - Can the Leafs Actually Make the Playoffs?

Two weeks ago, we were starting to believe in the Leafs again. Now? They're 8-9-2 through 19 games — the EXACT same record as last season. What the hell happened?This week, Ryan and Jackson break down Toronto's latest losing skid, Jim Hiller constantly throwing the lines into a blender, Gavin McKenna's rookie struggles, and whether Roman Josi could be the answer on the blue line.Around the NHL, Cutter Gauthier is absolutely on fire, Connor Hellebuyck's return to Winnipeg has turned into a controversy, and things are getting seriously ugly in Chicago.Then it's over to the NFL, where the Bills are sitting at 7-1 after taking down the Minnesota Vikings! We break down Buffalo's impressive win, discuss the latest NFL trade deadline moves, recap Week 9, and make our Week 10 picks.Plus, we've got Ballin' or Bailin', Wildcard Women, Locks of the Week, and the Ten Commandments!TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) – Intro(00:30) – Welcome to Episode 94(02:35) – Draft or Dump & Jay Rosehill Update(06:43) – Movember & NHL News(07:15) – Cutter Gauthier Is UNSTOPPABLE(08:35) – Hellebuyck's Controversial Return to Winnipeg(11:04) – Chicago Is an Absolute Disaster(13:16) – WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE LEAFS?!(15:43) – Jim Hiller Needs to Stop Changing the Lines(17:17) – Gavin McKenna's Rookie Struggles(21:18) – Can the Leafs Turn Things Around?(24:08) – Roman Josi to Toronto?!(27:43) – The Ridiculous Cost of Attending Leafs Games(30:36) – Bills Blueprint: Buffalo Is 7-1!(41:21) – NFL Trade Deadline Talk(44:55) – NFL Week 9 Recap(56:08) – Ballin' or Bailin'(59:00) – NFL Week 10 Predictions(1:03:38) – Wildcard Women(1:04:40) – Locks of the Week(1:05:27) – The Ten Commandments(1:07:13) – OutroSUPPORT BUDS MAFIA'S MOVEMBER CAMPAIGN! We're raising money for men's health all November long. Any donation is greatly appreciated!https://movember.com/t/buds-mafia?mc=1Make sure to follow, rate, and subscribe to Buds Mafia wherever you listen!Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube for daily NHL and NFL content.

Trade drama is taking over the NHL, and we've got plenty to say about it on Episode 93 of Buds Mafia!Nikita Kucherov reportedly wants out of Tampa Bay, Dylan Larkin's situation in Detroit is getting uglier, and Shane Wright is heading to Nashville in a one-for-one swap for Matthew Wood. We break down all three situations, discuss potential destinations for Kucherov, and debate whether Connor McDavid could actually hit 200 points this season.On the Leafs side, Ryan is running out of patience with Sergei Bobrovsky. Has Anthony Stolarz officially earned the No. 1 job? We also give Morgan Rielly and Darren Raddysh their flowers and discuss Gavin McKenna making history in Toronto.Then Jackson takes over with the Bills Blueprint after experiencing Buffalo's win over Baltimore in person, including a ridiculous tailgate story. We look at the Bills' trade-deadline needs, recap a wild NFL Week 8, make our Week 9 predictions, and finish with our Locks of the Week and the Ten Commandments!⏱️ EPISODE TIMESTAMPS(00:00) – Intro & Jackson's Bills Tailgate Experience(12:40) – Draft or Dumb & Movember(15:00) – Shane Wright–Matthew Wood Trade(16:45) – Dylan Larkin's Trade Situation(21:15) – Kucherov Requests a Trade(27:55) – McDavid's Historic Start(29:05) – Bobrovsky vs. Stolarz(34:20) – Rielly & Raddysh(36:55) – Gavin McKenna Making History(41:25) – Bills Blueprint: Ravens Recap(49:40) – NFL Trade Deadline Targets(52:25) – NFL Week 8 Recap(1:04:30) – Ballin' or Bailin'(1:05:00) – NFL Week 9 Predictions(1:07:35) – Wildcard Women & Locks of the Week(1:08:35) – The Ten Commandments🧔 SUPPORT OUR MOVEMBER CAMPAIGN!We're raising money for men's health all November long. Help us reach our $2,000 fundraising goal!Donate here: https://movember.com/t/buds-mafia?mc=1Follow @budsandpucks on Instagram, TikTok and X for daily NHL and NFL content.New episodes every Wednesday, with additional NHL videos every Monday on YouTube.LIKE, FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE TO BUDS MAFIA!

The Toronto Maple Leafs are rolling, and Ryan and Jackson are starting to believe something might actually be different this season.With four straight wins, Easton Cowan thriving alongside Auston Matthews, a fourth line bringing a completely new identity, and special teams dominating, there's plenty to be excited about in Toronto. We discuss Cowan's future contract, Matthews' growing leadership, the Marchenko-Knies trade, and why the Leafs shouldn't mess with their lines when John Tavares returns.Around the NHL, we break down Connor Hellebuyck's blockbuster move to New Jersey and Brady Tkachuk's unforgettable return to Ottawa.Plus, Jackson shares some huge personal news, we launch our second annual Movember campaign, and we run through NFL Week 7, Week 8 predictions, Wildcard Women, Lock of the Week and Ten Commandments.Support our $2,000 Movember goal:https://movember.com/t/buds-mafia?mc=1New episodes every Wednesday.CHAPTERS(00:00) Intro(00:08) Welcome to Episode 92(06:41) Buds Mafia Movember Returns(09:22) Jackson's Big Announcement(12:10) The Connor Hellebuyck Trade(21:10) Brady Tkachuk's Ottawa Return(29:24) The Leafs Are Giving Us Hope Again(29:40) Easton Cowan's Next Contract(32:02) Toronto's New Identity(32:46) The Fourth Line Is Changing Everything(43:26) Leafs Recap and Marchenko vs. Knies(44:28) NFL Week 7 Recap(58:00) NFL Week 8 Preview(1:03:05) Wildcard Women(1:03:36) Lock of the Week(1:03:49) Ten Commandments(1:05:49) Final Thoughts

The Leafs are struggling, the Bills are 5-1, and there's plenty to unpack in Episode 91 of the Buds Mafia Podcast.Ryan and Jackson start with the latest NHL news, including Vegas finding scoring throughout its lineup, Connor Hellebuyck's situation in Winnipeg, Owen Power's impressive start, Philadelphia's struggles, and the Boston Bruins continuing to surprise.Then it's all about Toronto. Jim Hiller's handling of Gavin McKenna raises serious questions, the goaltending continues to disappoint, and the Leafs' inability to move the puck out of their own zone is becoming a major concern. Does Toronto really need another shutdown defenceman, or is more skill and poise on the back end the answer?On the NFL side, the Bills Blueprint returns after Buffalo's win over Las Vegas. Josh Allen continues to deliver, James Cook bounces back, and the Bills enter their bye week at 5-1 despite ongoing concerns about the secondary.We also break down an unpredictable NFL Week 6, preview all the Week 7 matchups, and return with Wildcard Women, Lock of the Week, and our Ten Commandments.EPISODE TIMESTAMPS(0:00) - Intro and Josh Allen appreciation(2:40) - Draft or Dump(6:12) - NHL news and Vegas keeps rolling(9:07) - Connor Hellebuyck and the Winnipeg Jets(14:01) - Owen Power's impressive start(14:54) - What's going wrong in Philadelphia?(17:00) - The Boston Bruins keep proving us wrong(18:40) - Jim Hiller and Gavin McKenna(21:43) - The Leafs' goaltending and defensive problems(27:20) - Bills Blueprint: Buffalo heads into the bye at 5-1(37:20) - NFL Week 6 recap(56:24) - Ballin' or Bailin'(58:07) - NFL Week 7 predictions(1:06:52) - Wildcard Women(1:07:44) - Lock of the Week(1:08:02) - Week 7 Ten CommandmentsNew Buds Mafia episodes every Wednesday.Follow Buds & Pucks on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and X for NHL and NFL content throughout the week.

Jonny Lazarus is back on Buds Mafia for Episode 90, and he's buying into the Toronto Maple Leafs.Ryan sits down with Jonny to talk about why he believes the Leafs have too much talent to miss the playoffs, Gavin McKenna's rookie season, the Knies–Marchenko trade, and whether Toronto can finally put it all together.We also dive into the New York Rangers' hot start, life without Igor Shesterkin, Alexis Lafrenière, Gabe Perreault's next contract, and the future of the franchise. Plus, some Red Wings talk and Canada vs. USA hockey.After the interview, Ryan and Jackson break down the Leafs' latest games before Jackson tries to make sense of another completely insane Buffalo Bills victory over the Rams. Josh Allen, the Bills' defense, NFL Week 5 reactions, Week 6 predictions, and the Ten Commandments are all on the table.A little hockey, a lot of football, and plenty of questionable opinions.Episode 90 of Buds Mafia.Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and X: @budsandpucks(00:00) Coming Up on Episode 90 (00:45) Welcome to Buds Mafia Episode 90 (03:29) Draft or Dump (07:48) Jonny Lazarus Joins the Show(08:39) Are the New York Rangers Legit? (11:45) What Happens Without Igor Shesterkin? (13:38) Albert Smits vs. Chase Reid (16:01) Is Alexis Lafrenière Finally Breaking Out? (19:20) Gabe Perreault's Next Contract (20:58) The Rangers' Future at Centre (23:14) Jonny Lazarus Predicts the Leafs Will Make the Playoffs (24:41) Auston Matthews and the Leafs' New System (26:38) Matthew Knies vs. Kirill Marchenko (29:17) Gavin McKenna's Rookie Season (32:12) Dylan Larkin and the Red Wings' Future (34:50) Canada vs. USA Hockey (38:14) Should Trade Requests Cancel No-Move Clauses? (41:42) Leafs Talk: Matthews, McKenna and the Defence (47:42) Bills vs. Rams: Breaking Down the Win (55:12) Josh Allen and the Bills' Offensive Blueprint (1:06:33) Turnovers, James Cook and Buffalo's Biggest Concerns (1:08:39) NFL Week 5 Recap (1:26:06) The NFL Playoff Race Is Already Getting Crazy (1:28:27) NFL Week 6 Preview and Predictions (1:35:10) Locks of the Week (1:36:58) Ten Commandments: Week 6 Picks (1:39:17) Final Thoughts and Outro

The NHL season is underway and there's already plenty to talk about.On Episode 89 of Buds Mafia, Ryan and Jackson break down the Leafs' start to the season, Gavin McKenna's early struggles, Easton Cowan's impressive play, the developing chemistry between Auston Matthews and Kirill Marchenko and Toronto's need for help on defence. Pasted markdown.Around the NHL, the guys discuss the Simon Edvinsson situation in Detroit, Dylan Larkin getting booed at the Red Wings' home opener, Evan Bouchard's ridiculous start and the early Norris conversation.Then it's over to the NFL after Buffalo's loss to New England. What went wrong for Josh Allen and the Bills offense? Did Joe Brady get outcoached? And what does Buffalo need to fix before taking on the Rams?Plus: NFL Week 4 recap, Ballin' or Bailin', Week 5 predictions, Lock of the Week and the Ten Commandments.Buds Mafia Episode 89Episode 89 Timestamps(0:00) - Intro(3:37) - Draft or Dump(7:58) - NHL News & Early Season Reactions(11:07) - Simon Edvinsson & Detroit's Mess(15:03) - Dylan Larkin Gets Booed(17:54) - Evan Bouchard's Insane Start(19:51) - Leafs Early Season Reactions(23:47) - What's Going On With Gavin McKenna?(27:24) - Pettersson & Vancouver(28:43) - Jack Hughes Interview Drama(30:21) - Bills vs. Patriots Breakdown(40:00) - NFL Week 4 Recap(1:02:19) - Ballin' or Bailin'(1:04:30) - NFL Week 5 Predictions(1:09:43) - Bills vs. Rams Preview(1:10:49) - Wildcard Women(1:13:07) - Lock of the Week(1:13:22) - Ten Commandments

Episode 88 of Buds Mafia is here.The Maple Leafs have made a massive move, trading Matthew Knies to Columbus in a blockbuster deal for Kirill Marchenko. We break down the entire trade, what Toronto is losing in Knies, why Marchenko could make the Leafs better, his new contract and what the move means for Toronto’s new-look top six.We also get into the latest NHL news, Gavin McKenna’s preseason, Auston Matthews looking healthy, the rising salary cap, Dylan Larkin trade possibilities and more from around the league.Then we switch to the NFL. The Bills are 3-0 after an ugly win over the Chargers, James Cook continues to dominate, Greg Rousseau is on a ridiculous start, and we recap everything from Week 3 before making our Week 4 picks.Plus: Bills Blueprint, Ballin’ or Bailin’, Wildcard Women, Lock of the Week and the Week 4 Ten Commandments.(00:00) Intro & Draft or Dump(07:30) Matthew Knies TRADED for Kirill Marchenko(18:25) NHL News Around the League(25:36) Bills Blueprint: Buffalo Moves to 3-0(37:43) NFL Week 3 Recap(53:52) Ballin' or Bailin'(56:43) NFL Week 4 Predictions(1:03:36) Wildcard Women(1:04:43) Lock of the Week and Ten Commandments

The NHL season is almost here and we're wrapping up our division previews with the Atlantic.We break down the completely new-look Toronto Maple Leafs, Auston Matthews, Gavin McKenna, the Leafs' playoff chances and where we see the Atlantic Division heading this season.We also get into the Dylan Larkin situation, Connor Hellebuyck sitting out, why Ryan is ready to bet his parents' house that Kirill Marchenko is getting traded, and the latest contracts around the NHL.Then it's over to football. The Bills are 2-0 after taking down Detroit, Josh Allen and the offense are rolling, and we go through everything that happened during a chaotic NFL Week 2 before making our picks for Week 3.Plus Bills Blueprint, Ballin' or Bailin', Wildcard Women, Lock of the Week and the Week 3 Ten Commandments.New episodes of Buds Mafia every Wednesday.⏱️ CHAPTERS(00:00) — Intro and Weekend Recap(12:09) — NHL News Around the League (23:00) — Atlantic Division Breakdown (37:40) — NFL Week 2 Recap(40:03) — The Bills Blueprint (1:14:41) — Ballin' or Bailin' (1:19:03) — Week 3 Lines and Predictions (1:26:31) — Wildcard Women (1:28:32) — Lock of the Week and The Ten Commandments

Week 1 is officially in the books.The Bills pick up a huge win in Houston, Josh Allen looks like an MVP, and we're breaking down Buffalo's entire performance in The Bills Blueprint — offense, defense, special teams and everything that stood out from the win.Then we go around the league for our full NFL Week 1 recap before debuting Ballin' or Bailin', looking at the biggest surprise performances and biggest letdowns from opening weekend.Then we're looking ahead to Week 2 with our picks and predictions for every matchup.On the hockey side, we start with the latest NHL signings and Dylan Larkin being stripped of the captaincy before going team-by-team through the Central Division. Colorado is still loaded, Utah looks dangerous, St. Louis could surprise people, Chicago might actually be interesting and Winnipeg could be heading in the wrong direction.Plus, the first Wildcard Women results are in, both Locks of the Week cash to start us 1-0, and the Ten Commandments went 8/10 in Week 1 with the entire low-risk parlay hitting.Now we build the commandments for Week 2.Buds Mafia Episode 86 — Season 3, Episode 2.⚡ Fueled by Rogue Energy Use code BUDSMAFIA for 10% off your next order.🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube 📱 Follow us everywhere → @budsandpucks ⏱️ CHAPTERS (00:00) — Intro and Draft or Dump(9:22) — NHL News Around the League(17:45) — Central Division Breakdown(29:23) — The Bills Blueprint(43:59) —Week 1 Recap(1:07:01) — Ballin vs Bailin(1:12:01) — Week 2 Lines and Predictions(1:19:37) — Wildcard Women(1:20:27) — Lock of the Week and The Ten Commandments

SEASON 3 IS HERE.Buds Mafia is back for Episode 85, and we're kicking off the new season with a fucking loaded show.The NFL is officially back, so we're going game-by-game through Week 1 with our predictions, betting lines and biggest matchups. We also finish our NFL division previews with the AFC East and AFC West before resetting the records for a brand-new season of Wildcard Women and Lock of the Week.And most importantly: THE TEN COMMANDMENTS ARE BACK.Three low-risk bets. Add two more for the five-leg medium-risk parlay. Then we completely lose our minds and add five more for the full 10-leg high-risk Ten Commandments parlay.On the NHL side, we break down the Pacific Division and give our predictions for all eight teams, including whether Edmonton should dominate, Vegas takes a step back, San Jose can actually make the playoffs and whether LA could surprise people.Plus Zeev Buium's massive eight-year extension, Luke Evangelista to New Jersey, and why Lane Hutson and Ivan Demidov might need to have a conversation with their agent.Season 3 starts now.Episode 85 Topics:- NFL Week 1 predictions and betting lines- AFC East predictions- AFC West predictions- The return of the Ten Commandments- Wildcard WomenLock of the Week- Pacific Division predictions- Zeev Buium extension- Luke Evangelista trade- Lane Hutson and Ivan DemidovNew episodes of Buds Mafia every week on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.⚡ Fueled by Rogue Energy Use code BUDSMAFIA for 10% off your next order.🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube 📱 Follow us everywhere → @budsandpucks ⏱️ CHAPTERS (00:00) — Intro and Draft or Dump(5:54) — Evagelista Trade and Buium Extension(11:30) — Pacific Division Breakdown(22:29) — AFC West Breakdown(30:35) —AFC East Breakdown(33:58) — Week 1 Lines and Predictions(38:08) — Wildcard Women and Lock of the Week(39:23) — The Ten Commandments