Our TSN 690 show is off for the holidays and back on January 7th, 2017. What a year it was and what a slate of sports action to look forward to over the next few weeks.
On the NFL betting side, this year's playoffs promises to be epic, with no one team really standing out as cream of the crop. Sure, the Cowboys and Patriots are good, but they're also flawed.
So whatever your football picks are for the next few weeks - good luck!
On the hockey side of things, the Habs are playing much better than expected in spite of key injuries. I would like to give coach Therrien a lot of credit and say a big shut up to everyone who still wants him fired.
On that note, see you in the New Year!
And thanks to our title sponsor - DeadHitSports
Thursday, 22 December 2016
Sunday, 18 December 2016
Saturday, 17 December 2016
Andrew Zadarnowski: McCarron has great vision
http://www.tsn.ca/radio/montreal-690/zadarnowski-mccarron-has-great-vision-1.633873
Tuesday, 13 December 2016
My Week 15 football thoughts and radio show preview for this weekend
Last week was a hard one for me to swallow. As a big Broncos fan, I skipped out on time with the kids to watch my beloved team in a must win situation in Tennessee. The first half was brutal offensively, as has been the case so often this frustrating season. Then the light bulb went on and Siemian and company lit up the Titans D, only to fumble the game away late. Passionate football fans know what I am talking about. It feels like a punch in the stomach that lingers for the next 24 hours - at least!
That said, it's a new week. Denver takes on the Patriots in an intriguing football betting matchup that I am actually giving out a pick on Wednesday afternoon on DeadHitSports. Spoiler alert - I like the value in this one.
As for this weekend's Saturday and Sunday TSN 690 Radio morning show? We'll look ahead to the 2017 sports storylines, because I hate retrospectives, I find them to be VERY lazy. We'll also have a ton of Habs talk, as the Canadiens play back-to-back Friday and Saturday.
Can't wait? I know the feeling. Don't worry, you can join our Facebook Fan Page and listen to recent audio from the show. :)
Follow @MatthewWords
That said, it's a new week. Denver takes on the Patriots in an intriguing football betting matchup that I am actually giving out a pick on Wednesday afternoon on DeadHitSports. Spoiler alert - I like the value in this one.
As for this weekend's Saturday and Sunday TSN 690 Radio morning show? We'll look ahead to the 2017 sports storylines, because I hate retrospectives, I find them to be VERY lazy. We'll also have a ton of Habs talk, as the Canadiens play back-to-back Friday and Saturday.
Can't wait? I know the feeling. Don't worry, you can join our Facebook Fan Page and listen to recent audio from the show. :)
Follow @MatthewWords
Sunday, 11 December 2016
Saturday, 10 December 2016
Sunday, 4 December 2016
Habs Breakfast: Does Lehkonen belong in Top-6?
http://www.tsn.ca/radio/montreal-690/habs-breakfast-does-lehkonen-belong-in-top-6-1.623228
Saturday, 3 December 2016
Thursday, 1 December 2016
Check out my weekly football picks - and my show sponsor!
It's Thursday, generally the beginning of the NFL betting week. As a result, I urge all of you to check out my weekly NFL picks column on DeadHitSports.com. All season I've been making my football betting suggestions of the week, not to mention recapping the week that was every Tuesday.
Not only does this fun site allow me to post my picks each week, but they're also one of the reasons that I am on air right now on TSN 690 with our still-new Weekend Game Plan with Matthew Ross show. Indeed, DeadHitSports came aboard as a title sponsor, taking a chance on my lactose-intolerant self.
The result has been a tremendous couple of months in the books for weekend morning sports radio. Each Saturday and Sunday I am proud (and groggy) to wake up and speak to Montrealers - and beyond - delivering energetic, fun and thought-provoking sports radio entertainment.
So thank you to DeadHitSports, we couldn't have done it without you.
You can also follow @DeadHitSports on Twitter and DeadHitSports on Facebook.
And don't forget to listen to our TSN 690 show Saturday and Sunday mornings, 7 to 9 a.m.
Sunday, 27 November 2016
Saturday, 26 November 2016
Sunday, 20 November 2016
Saturday, 19 November 2016
Sunday, 13 November 2016
Saturday, 12 November 2016
Sunday, 6 November 2016
Habs Breakfast: Mike Boone
Habs Inside/Out's Mike Boone joins the show for today's edition of Habs Breakfast.
Moe Khan's College Report: McGill Redmen Rugby
Moe Khan joins the show for this week's edition of the College Report.
Fred Daigle: Jim Popp's return not guaranteed
La Presse Canadienne's Fred Daigle joins Matthew Ross, Dave Trentadue and Sean Coleman to discuss the Montreal Alouettes' season and to look ahead at their future.
Saturday, 5 November 2016
National Champion Lakeshore U-16 Girls In-Studio
The National Champion Lakeshore U-16 girls and their Head Coach join Mark Lidbetter In-Studio to discuss their recent win.
http://www.tsn.ca/radio/montreal-690/national-champion-lakeshore-u-16-girls-in-studio-1.600974
Sunday, 30 October 2016
Saturday, 29 October 2016
Sunday, 23 October 2016
Habs Breakfast with David Pagnotta
http://www.tsn.ca/radio/montreal-690/habs-breakfast-david-pagnotta-1.590591
Saturday, 22 October 2016
Sunday, 16 October 2016
Tim Murdoch: Lacrosse is Canada's original National Sport
The Head Coach of the McGill Lacrosse team Tim Murdoch joins the show to discuss his team & more.
Ray Callari: Jays are one pitch away from being back in series
San Francisco Giants Scout Ray Callari joins Matthew Ross and Dave Trentadue to discuss the Jays, the Cubs & more.
Saturday, 15 October 2016
Matthew Cauz: Great pitching from Indians
TSN 1050's Matthew Cauz joins the show from Toronto to discuss the ALCS & more.
Fred Daigle: Duron Carter a tremendous athlete
Canadian Press writer Fred Daigle joins Matthew Ross and Dave Trentadue to discuss the Jays, Alouettes & more.
Sunday, 9 October 2016
John McMullen: Brady will need time to ramp things up
John McMullen joins the show for some NFL Week 5 talk.
Habs Breakfast: Dan Robertson and Amanda Stein
On this edition of Habs Breakfast, Dan Robertson, Amanda Stein and Matthew Ross preview the Habs' season, with Dan stating that this year's edition of the Montreal Canadiens is better than last season's.
Moe Khan's College Wrap-Up: October 9th Edition
TSN 690 's Moe Khan joins the show for this week's edition of his College Wrap-up.
Callari: Starting pitching key to Jays' success
San Francisco Giants Scout Ray Callari joins Matthew Ross and Dave Trentadue for some MLB Playoff talk.
Saturday, 8 October 2016
Cauz: Early Jays' wins have given fans confidence
TSN 1050's Matthew Cauz joins Matthew Ross and Dave Trentadue to talks Blue Jays, MLB and CFL.
Mark Lidbetter's October 8th Amateur Youth Sports Report
The Suburban's Mark Lidbetter joins the show for this week's edition of the Amateur Youth Sports Report.
Habs Breakfast: Is Lehkonen NHL-Ready?
Matthew Ross is joined by Amanda Stein and Aruny Siv to discuss Artturi Lehkonen's readiness when it comes to the NHL, Sergachev's surprise roster spot & more.
Joey Alfieri: Als buying into Chapdelaine
TSN 690's own Joey Alfieri joins Matthew Ross and Dave Trentadue for some Alouettes and Impact talk.
Sunday, 2 October 2016
Habs Breakfast with Stu Cowan
Habs Breakfast with Matthew Ross, Stu Cowan, Jay Farrar and Dave Trentadue.
Sean Campbell talks Habs, Als
Sean Campbell joins the show ahead of doing the play-by-play for the Alouettes-Argonauts game to preview the game and talks a little Habs.
Saturday, 1 October 2016
Habs Breakfast with John Lu
John Lu joins the Habs Breakfast portion of the Morning Game Plan along with Matthew Ross, Amanda Stein, Dave Trentadue & Brandon London.
Youth Amateur Sports Report with Mark Lidbetter
The Suburban's Mark Lidbetter joins the show for this week's Youth Amateur Sports Report
Michel Lacroix: Radulov will be fun to watch
The voice of the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre Michel Lacroix joins Matthew Ross and Dave Trentadue to discuss Alexander Radulov, his favourite Habs moments, Arnold Palmer's legacy & more.
Sunday, 21 August 2016
Dave Simon: McGregor-Diaz 2 was a great fight
Ringside Report's Dave Simon joins Matthew Ross and Dave Trentadue to look back at UFC 202 and to look ahead at WWE Summerslam.
Magley: Potential for Pro Basketball in Montreal
NBL Canada Commissioner David Magley joins Matthew Ross and Dave Trentadue to discuss the possibility of a pro basketball team coming to Laval in the near future.
Sunday, 14 August 2016
Snyder: Tim Raines belongs in Hall of Fame
Baseball writer Matt Snyder joins the show to discuss Tim Raines.
NFL Roundup with Dave Trentadue: Pre-Season Edition
The NFL Roundup with Dave Trentadue, Moe Khan and Matthew Ross. The boys discuss Tyrod Taylor's new contract, the Broncos' QB situation, Jared Goff in LA & more.
Simon: What is McGregor's mindset going in to UFC 202?
Ringside Report's Dave Simon joins the boys in studio to preview UFC 202.
Brent Hayden: Potential golden era for Canadian swimming
Olympic Medalist Brent Hayden joins the show to discuss Swimming Canada's success at the 2016 Rio Olympics, athlete funding & more.
Sunday, 7 August 2016
MLB Report with Dave Trentadue
Simon: Woodley most likely opponent for potential GSP bout in November
Ringside Report's Dave Simon joins the show to discuss Conor McGregor's comments about the WWE, a potential GSP return, Brock Lesnar & more.
McMullen: Steelers could've had best offense in NFL with Bell
John McMullen joins the show to discuss news and notes from around the NFL.
Tuesday, 19 July 2016
Amelie Kretz: Looking forward to Rio
Canadian Triathlete Amelie Kretz joins the show to discuss her training, her expectations and more.
Fichman: What Milos did was inspiring
Canadian Tennis pro Sharon Fichman joins the show to discuss Milos Raonic's Wimbledon run, Eugenie Bouchard & more.
Sunday, 19 June 2016
New York Mets Draft Pick William Sierra: I hit 91 on the radar gun
New York Mets draft pick William Sierra joins the show to discuss being drafted, the Mets & more.
NHL Roundup with Dave Trentadue: Draft Preview Edition
The NHL Roundup with Dave Trentadue and Matthew Ross. This week the boys talk RFAs, potential trades & more.
Mykalai Kontilai talks Jackie Robinson contract
Mykalai Kontilai, President and Founder of the Collector's Cafe, joins the show to discuss the Jackie Robinson contracts that will be on display in Montreal, Larry King & more.
NFLer Tani Tupou: Honour to sign with Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks' Tani Tupou joins Matthew Ross and Dave Trentadue to discuss signing with his hometown team, converting to a Fullback from a Defensive Lineman & more.
Sunday, 12 June 2016
David Pagnotta: Kessel for Conn Smythe
The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta joins the show to discuss tonight's Game 6 in San Jose & more.
Dave Simon: Mark Hunt is a formidable opponent for Brock Lesnar
Ringside Report's Dave Simon joins the show to discuss Brock Lesnar's UFC return, Mark Hunt & more.
Joey Alfieri talks Canadian Grand Prix
TSN 690's own Joey Alfieri joins Matthew Ross and Dave Trentadue to discuss Lewis Hamilton winning the Canadian Grand Prix, the future of F1 in Montreal & more.
Sunday, 5 June 2016
Andrew Bucholtz: Alouettes' Quarterback situation is interesting
Yahoo Sports' Andrew Bucholtz joins Matthew Ross and Dave Trentadue for some CFL talk.
Sports Illustrated's Jay Jaffe talks MLB
Sports Illustrated's Jay Jaffe joins Matthew Ross and Dave Trentadue for some baseball talk.
David Pagnotta: PK Subban is NHL's most charismatic player
The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta joins Matthew Ross and Dave Trentadue to talk NHL Stanley Cup Finals, Alex Radulov & more.
Sunday, 29 May 2016
Corey Koskie: Montreal was one of my favourite places to play
Former Minnesota Twin Corey Koskie joins the show to look back on his career, talk David Ortiz & more.
Dave Simon: Will CM Punk ever make his UFC debut?
The Ringside Report and Wrestling Uncensored host Dave Simon joins the show to discuss everything UFC.
Jonathan Davis: Great turnaround for Sharks
The Co-Host of the Two-Man Advantage Jonathan Davis joins the show to discuss the Sharks' playoff run, the Kings & more.
Sunday, 22 May 2016
Ottawa Champions President David Gourlay
Ottawa Champions President David Gourlay joins the show to discuss the upcoming season & more.
Tim Burke: Montreal was home to us
Former Montreal Expo Tim Burke joins the show to discuss his time in Montreal, his family life, Tim Raines & more.
Matthew Cauz: I think Gibbons will stay in Toronto
Matthew Cauz joins the show to discuss the Blue Jays, Raptors & more.
Sharon Fichman: Looking forward to Rogers Cup
WTA's Sharon Fichman joins Matthew Ross and Dave Trentadue to discuss her career, the Rogers Cup, ping pong & more.
Sunday, 15 May 2016
Karl Wolf: Raptors will take Game 7
Rapper/Producer Karl Wolf joins the show to discuss the Raptors, his music & more.
Kyle Peko: It's an honour to play for Wade Phillips
Denver Broncos Defensive Tackle Kyle Peko joins the show to discuss making the Broncos, playing for Wade Phillips & more.
David Pagnotta: Brian Elliott will have to be lights out
The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta joins the show to preview the Western Conference Final and talk Penguins-Lightning.
NHL Roundup with Dave Trentadue: Vasilevskiy Edition
Dave Trentadue, Matthew Ross and Jay Farrar discuss storylines from around the NHL Playoffs including Andrei Vasilevskiy replacing Ben Bishop in Tampa, Crosby and Malkin's lack of production, Ryan Callahan's lack of suspension for his hit on Kris Letang & more.
Sunday, 8 May 2016
Elie Bouka: Bruce Arians is all business
NHL Roundup with Dave Trentadue
NHL Roundup with Dave Trentadue as the boys talk John Chayka, Guy Boucher, Dale Tallon, Hart Trophy finalists & more.
Matthew Cauz: Raptors don't have a difference maker
TSN 1050's Matthew Cauz joins the show to talk Raptors and NBA Playoffs, the Jays' Bullpen & more.
David Pagnotta: Guy Boucher a good hire for Senators
The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta joins the show to discuss Guy Boucher's hiring in Ottawa, Bruce Boudreau in Minnesota, Artturi Lehkonen's signing with the Habs & more.
Matthew Ross calls his wife to wish her Happy Mother's Day
Matthew Ross calls his wife live on-air to wish her Happy Mother's Day
Sunday, 1 May 2016
David Pagnotta talks NHL
The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta joins the show to talk NHL Playoffs & more.
Joe McMullen talks 2016 NFL Draft
Todayspigskin.com's Joe McMullen joins the show to talk about the 2016 NFL Draft.
Player Agent Sasha Ghavami on 2016 NFL Draft
NFL & CFL Player Agent Sasha Ghavami joins Matthew Ross and Dave Trentadue to talk NFL Draft, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif & more.
Sunday, 24 April 2016
Jeff Erickson talks Fantasy Baseball
Mathieu Garon: Drouin's trade value has risen
MLB Roundup with Dave Trentadue: Felix Hernandez Edition
Dave Simon: GSP return to UFC close
Ringside Report's Dave Simon joins the boys In-Studio to discuss Jon Jones' win at UFC 197 last night, Conor McGregor's situation, UFC 200 and GSP.
Brian Compton: Jobs on the line in NHL Playoffs
NHL.com's Brian Compton joins the show to discuss the NHL Playoffs and potential changes coming to certain teams.
Matthew Cauz: DeRozan regresses come playoff time
TSN 1050's Matthew Cauz joins Matthew Ross, Moe Khan and Dave Trentadue to talk Raptors' playoff series, the Blue Jays' improved play and Josh Bourke.
Sunday, 17 April 2016
Jeff Erickson Answers Your Fantasy Baseball Questions
MLB Roundup with Dave Trentadue
Montreal Alouettes' receiver SJ Green on Game Points
Dwight Walton talks NBA Playoffs
NBA Analyst Dwight Walton joins Matthew Ross and Moe Khan to preview the NBA playoffs.
Sunday, 27 March 2016
Jeff Erickson talks Fantasy Baseball
Jeff Erickson of Rotowire joins Matthew Ross, Moe Khan and Dave Trentadue to get you ready for Fantasy Baseball
Mitch Henry: Aaron Rodgers throws harder than Peyton, Osweiler
Green Bay Packers Tight End Mitchell Henry joins Matthew Ross, Moe Khan and Dave Trentadue on Game Points to discuss his NFL career, Aaron Rodgers, Peyton Manning & more.
Saturday, 30 January 2016
The Canadiens have exhausted all of their lustre in the market
Long gone are the days of Guy Lafleur and Larry Robinson dropping the puck at centre ice. Ditto for Serge Savard and Yvan Cournoyer. Unfortunately, at this point, the legends consist of an aging Vincent Damphousse and a still spry Patrice Brisebois, a couple of the holdovers from the last time the club won the cup in 1993.
While it's hard to imagine the franchise not winning another championship over the next 21 years, it's a very real possibility.
There is only so much mileage you can get out of past history and former glory. At a certain point, a sports team must continue to succeed or risk being considered just another also-ran. Who knows, by the time we hit 2037, maybe the Blue Jackets or Coyotes will have more recent cup wins than the Canadiens. Dare I say possibly even the Maple Leafs?
You might ask what the danger of not winning is to the Canadiens, citing television revenues, ticket sales and a fan base across the world as key indicators that they have staying power as a top tier franchise.
The rebuttal is actually quite simple. The Canadiens are not impervious to viable competition and apathy.
It's true. There are threats to the Montreal Canadiens on the horizon - and they're not just Steven Stamkos or Alexander Ovechkin.
While it may not be today or tomorrow, or even next year, the Montreal Canadiens will have to fight hard to fend off challengers to their fan base.
Quebec City is desperate for an NHL team. They might not ever get one again. But, what if the league and other owners aren't just using the provincial capital as leverage with weak U.S. hockey markets? What if les Nordiques ACTUALLY come back - and soon?
How do you think that will impact the Canadiens? Don't underestimate this potential threat to Habs Empire, as Annakin Slayd likes to say.
Think about it. An upstart new team with new uniforms. An underdog story trying to erase past failings and take on the big bad Canadiens? You don't think this fledgling franchise will attract its overwhelming share of curious, nostalgic and even disgruntled fans? We know what Geoff Molson says publicly about an NHL return to Quebec City. But how do you think he really feels?
Next, while it may never happen, the Expos could return in the future. And then what? If the team is back, it means that they will have secured a viable downtown stadium. With the baseball goodwill absolutely seeping out of Montreal's seams over the last couple of years, there's bound to be an incredible amount of support for a new team here.
So, where does that leave the Canadiens? It leaves them with a return to the early 80's, when both the Expos and Nordiques were hot, and the Habs weren't, as evidenced by their attendance figures during that period at the Montreal Forum.
While it used to be wonderful to relive the exploits of the Canadiens from 50 years ago, without new exploits to be equally as proud of, those older accomplishments have simply become a crutch. And that's where we are today.
The Montreal Canadiens are a classy organization that honours their past winning ways in impressive fashion. Yet they don't seem to have the fire and hunger and steely determination both on or off the ice to ensure that they don't slip further into NHL mediocrity.
Marc Bergevin began his tenure as GM of the Canadiens will the benefit of the doubt and a ton of goodwill. That has evolved into fans and the media looking at him as though he is the stubborn captain who's willing to go down with the ship that he built.
At a certain point, you have to take a hard look at a roster and compare it to those that are perennial contenders, and ask yourself what you're missing. The Blackhawks and the Kings come to mind as franchises that get it. Seeing as the Canadiens do not resemble those organizations in any way, other than having poached a few of their personnel over the years, you would think that they would be more open and proactive about changing the makeup of their team.
Championship teams have championship performers. Is Plekanec that guy? Is Desharnais that guy? Is Markov that guy at this stage in his career?
If it's title or bust, the Canadiens haven't just busted, they've declared Chapter 11.
So a message to the Montreal Canadiens organization:
Don't take this fan base and market for granted. There may come a day when your usual pomp and circumstance is on display in front of a less than full and receptive crowd. Don't let it get to that point. Show Habs faithful that there's a plan and vision and ability to execute it - both on and off the ice.
The alternative? Having to treat Benoit Brunet and his 1993 Stanley Cup Championship with the same marketability as Dickie Moore.
Matthew Ross is a TSN 690 Radio Host. Follow him on Twitter @MatthewWords
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