Tip Of The Tower Podcast

In this episode of the ToT-cast, Chris Okrainetz, David Morassutti, Jake Middleton, Omar White and Austin Owens discuss the upcoming 2017 NHL Draft and continue their live mock draft where they take turns going through picks 16-31 in the first round.After Chris' awful Gary Bettman impersonation, the guys take turns going through picks 16-30 of the first round and none of them know who the other one is selecting. It is all done live like a fantasy draft. The format of our mock draft is simple: each person makes a pick for a team and then provides 1-2 minutes of analysis on the player. We spend more time on the Toronto Maple Leafs pick during this podcast because, well, we're a Toronto sports site.Here’s a rundown of when each pick was made:– Picks 16-20: Flames, Leafs, Bruins, Sharks, Blues. (1:26)– Picks 21-25: Rangers, Oilers, Coyotes (from Minnesota), Blue Jackets, Canadiens. (14:30)– Picks 26-31: Blackhawks, Blues (from Washington), Senators, Stars (from Anaheim), Predators, Penguins (21:10)– Our t

In this episode of the ToT-cast, Chris Okrainetz, David Morassutti, Jake Middleton, Omar White and Austin Owens discuss the upcoming 2017 NHL Draft and perform a live mock draft where they take turns going through each pick in the first round.After Chris' awful Gary Bettman impersonation, the guys take turns going through each pick of the first round and none of them know who the other one is selecting. It is all done live like a fantasy draft. The format of our mock draft is simple: each person makes a pick for a team and then provides 1-2 minutes of analysis on the player.Here’s a rundown of when each pick was made:– Picks 1-5: Devils, Flyers, Stars, Avalanche Canucks. (1:08)– Picks 6-10: Golden Knights, Coyotes, Sabres, Red Wings, Panthers. (9:35)– Picks 11-15: Kings, Hurricanes, Jets, Lightning, Islanders. (21:57)– Our thoughts on the first 15 picks where we discuss surprise selections, teams who were tough to pick for and potential trades. (34:14)* * *You can listen to every episode of the ToT-cast o

In this episode of the ToT-cast, Chris Okrainetz, David Morassutti, Jake Middleton, Omar White and Austin Owens discuss the recent Ilya Kovalchuk rumours and the Toronto Maple Leafs' potential expansion draft plans.Some of the things we discuss includes: the chances of Kovalchuk joining the Leafs, what the cost would be to acquire to him, what kind of contract he could be looking for, whether he is actually a "cancer" on a roster, the upcoming buyout window and whether the Leafs will buy a player out, if there are any "big buyout" candidates across the league, the Leafs' potential expansion draft plans, who the Leafs will likely protect and expose, who Las Vegas might select, our mock draft Vegas Golden Knights' teams and more.Here’s a rundown of what we discussed on this episode:– We discuss the "Kovalchuk returning to the NHL rumours," whether he would be a good fit for the Leafs and what the cost to acquire him might be. (1:08)– Is Kovalchuk a "cancer" to a team?

In this episode of the ToT-cast, Chris Okrainetz, David Morassutti, Jake Middleton, Omar White and Austin Owens discuss the Toronto Maple Leafs upcoming offseason and look at free agency.Some of the things we discuss includes: the Leafs parting ways with three prospects, who we would like to see the Leafs go after this offseason, what Toronto should do with their UFA and RFAs, who will be the team's fourth line centre next year, what they could do with their third pairing and more.Here’s a rundown of what we discussed on this episode:– Thoughts on the Leafs parting ways with Nikita Korostelev, Stephen Desrocher and Fabrice Herzog. (2:30)– Three players we would like to see the Leafs go after in either free agency or via trade. (6:06)– How the Leafs could potentially replace each of their pending RFAs and UFAs, thoughts on whether each player will be back with the team, and thoughts on "team friendly" deals with players like Connor Brown. (20:41)– The end of "Robidas Island" and how he migh

In this Toronto Maple Leafs episode of the ToT-cast, Chris Okrainetz, David Morassutti, Jake Middleton and Omar White discuss the Leafs signing Swedish defencemen Calle Rosen and Andreas Borgman, and what's next this offseason.Some of the things we discuss include: a breakdown of Rosen and Borgman, where both players could fit in, where Travis Dermott fits in the Leafs' plans, the organization's lack of centre depth, how Mitch Marner and William Nylander are playing at the World Championships, the Marlies, how many good trios of players there are in the NHL, and more.* * *You can listen to every episode of the ToT-cast on iTunes, SoundCloud, or stream it from our website. Make sure you not only subscribe to the show so you don’t miss any new episodes, but leave us a nice review — if you think we’ve earned it!Thanks for listening and be sure to follow us on Twitter @TipoftheTower, and like our Facebook page @Tip of the Tower.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out:

In this Toronto Raptors episode of the ToT-cast, Chris Okrainetz and Demar Grant discuss the end of the Raptors season and president Masai Ujiri's end of season press conference.Some of the things we discussed include: thoughts on Ujiri's press conference, the need for a "cultural reset," Dwane Casey's future, changes to the offence, the future of Kyle Lowry, which direction the Raptors should go in this offseason and more.* * *You can listen to every episode of the ToT-cast on iTunes, SoundCloud, or stream it from our website. Make sure you not only subscribe to the show so you don’t miss any new episodes, but leave us a nice review — if you think we’ve earned it!Also, if you like the music in our podcast be sure to check out Gee's SoundCloud page @GeeSoropia. Thanks for listening and be sure to follow us on Twitter @TipoftheTower, and like our Facebook page @Tip of the Tower.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this Toronto Raptors postgame episode of the ToT-cast, Chris Okrainetz and Demar Grant breakdown the Raptors, 115-94, Game 3 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.Some of the things we discussed include: how depressing this loss was, why the Raptors can't make a three, if anyone can step up, if the Raptors will win a game, where do the Raptors go from here?, what do you do with Dwane Casey and Kyle Lowry and more.* * *You can listen to every episode of the ToT-cast on iTunes, SoundCloud, or stream it from our website. Make sure you not only subscribe to the show so you don’t miss any new episodes, but leave us a nice review — if you think we’ve earned it!Also, if you like the music in our podcast be sure to check out Gee's SoundCloud page @GeeSoropia. Thanks for listening and be sure to follow us on Twitter @TipoftheTower, and like our Facebook page @Tip of the Tower.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this Toronto Raptors/Raptors 905 episode of the ToT-cast, Ryan Greco talks with Raptors 905 play-by-play announcer Meghan McPeak.Some of the things they discuss includes: the Raptors Game 1 loss to the Cavs, adjustments for Game 2, the Raptors 905 championship, their season as a whole, the continued development of Bruno Caboclo, Pascal Siakam's impact, Jerry Stackhouse and more.* * *You can listen to every episode of the ToT-cast on iTunes, SoundCloud, or stream it from our website. Make sure you not only subscribe to the show so you don’t miss any new episodes, but leave us a nice review — if you think we’ve earned it!Also, if you like the music in our podcast be sure to check out Gee's SoundCloud page @GeeSoropia. Thanks for listening and be sure to follow us on Twitter @TipoftheTower, and like our Facebook page @Tip of the Tower.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this Toronto Raptors postgame episode of the ToT-cast, Chris Okrainetz and Demar Grant breakdown the Raptors, 116-105, Game 1 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.Some of the things we discuss includes: why Jonas Valanciunas can't play in this series, the re-insertion of Norman Powell, the Raptors losing another Game 1, why LeBron James and the bench was successful, the plethora of missed shots by the Raptors, lineup adjustments Toronto can make, why Game 2 is a must-win and more.* * *You can listen to every episode of the ToT-cast on iTunes, SoundCloud, or stream it from our website. Make sure you not only subscribe to the show so you don’t miss any new episodes, but leave us a nice review — if you think we’ve earned it!Also, if you like the music in our podcast be sure to check out Gee's SoundCloud page @GeeSoropia. Thanks for listening and be sure to follow us on Twitter @TipoftheTower, and like our Facebook page @Tip of the Tower.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-O

In this episode of the ToT-cast, Chris Okrainetz and Demar Grant preview the Toronto Raptors and Cleveland Cavaliers series.Some of the things we discuss include: how to defend LeBron James, both team's usage of the pick-and-roll, why Kevin Love could be an X-factor, how to use Jonas Valanciunas, bench play, who has the coaching advantage, predictions and more.Here’s a rundown of what we discussed on this episode:– How the Raptors might defend LeBron. Different looks they could throw at him, lineups, strategies, pick-and-roll defence and more. (5:09)– We debate who the Raptors starting five should be during this series and some issues these lineups could potentially face, including how to use JV and how to defend K-Love. (10:04)– Potential adjustments Dwane Casey could make, the optimal lineup for the Raptors to deploy, and ideas to mitigate the Cavs' pick-and-roll offence. (23:08)– Which team's bench has the edge? (34:40)– Dwane Casey or Tyronn Lue. Who has the edge? (39:02)– Predictions. (42:30)

In this Toronto Maple Leafs episode of the ToT-cast, Chris Okrainetz, David Morassutti, Jake Middleton and Omar White look back and discuss the Toronto Maple first round loss to the Washington Capitals.Some of the things we discuss include: who were the MVP and LVPs from this series, what we learned about the Leafs in this series, our thoughts on what lies ahead this offseason and more.* * *You can listen to every episode of the ToT-cast on iTunes, SoundCloud, or stream it from our website. Make sure you not only subscribe to the show so you don’t miss any new episodes, but leave us a nice review — if you think we’ve earned it!Thanks for listening and be sure to follow us on Twitter @TipoftheTower, and like our Facebook page @Tip of the Tower.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this post-game episode of the ToT-cast, David Morassutti and Patrick Allen discuss the Toronto Maple Leafs 2-1 overtime loss against the Washington Capitals in Game 5.Some of the things we discuss from Game 5 include: the Leafs' struggles on the PP, their slow start, Kadri's hit on Ovechkin, the physicality of this game, the pressure on Washington to close this series, our thoughts previewing Game 6 and more.* * *You can listen to every episode of the ToT-cast on iTunes, SoundCloud, or stream it from our website. Make sure you not only subscribe to the show so you don’t miss any new episodes, but leave us a nice review — if you think we’ve earned it!Thanks for listening and be sure to follow us on Twitter @TipoftheTower, and like our Facebook page @Tip of the Tower.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this post-game episode of the ToT-cast, Chris Okrainetz and Demar Grant discuss the Toronto Raptors embarrassing 104-77 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 3.Some of the things we discuss from Game 3 include: is something internally wrong with the Raptors?, the team's offensive woes, whether it's time for a coaching change, the relationship between Dwane Casey and Kyle Lowry, Jerry Stackhouse, is Toronto becoming the Clippers of the East, our confidence level, what is success for the Raptors and more.Here’s a rundown of what we discussed on this episode:– Is Dwane Casey's job on the line, is something internally wrong with this roster, and are Toronto's offensive issues systemic? (1:16)– The Lowry-Casey relationship and if not Casey, then who? Perhaps Jerry Stackhouse? (11:18)– What's up with JV? (20:37)– Are the Raptors slowly becoming the Clippers of the East? And what needs to happen for our confidence to be restored? (24:09)– What is success for the Raptors? (28:27)* * *You can list

In this Toronto Raptors post-game episode Chris Okrainetz and Demar Grant breakdown all the action from the Raptors' 106-100 Game 2 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.We discuss Kyle Lowry's "return," the Bucks physical approach with DeMar DeRozan, Serge Ibaka's big game, Delon Wright and Jakob Poeltl seeing minutes, the Boston Celtics' struggles (Chris couldn't resist), the Raptors' rotation, missed free throws, the potential for more Lowry-DeRozan high screen-and-rolls, plus more.* * *You can listen to every episode of the ToT-cast on iTunes, SoundCloud, or stream it from our website. Make sure you not only subscribe to the show so you don’t miss any new episodes, but leave us a nice review — if you think we’ve earned it!Also, if you like the music in our podcast be sure to check out Gee's SoundCloud page @GeeSoropia. Thanks for listening and be sure to follow us on Twitter @TipoftheTower, and like our Facebook page @Tip of the Tower.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com

In this post-game episode of the ToT-cast, Chris Okrainetz, David Morassutti, Jake Middleton and Omar White discuss the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-3 overtime win against the Washington Capitals in Game 3.Some of the things we discuss from Game 3 include: the domination of Auston Matthews and William Nylander, four key moments from the game, Martin Marincin's efforts on the PK, Nazem Kadri's big night, is "pucker factor" an issue for the Capitals, why Washington continues to play the Leafs game, Toronto's chances of winning the series and more.We also implement new segments, which are: four moments from the game, Bab-Quotes and "Tweets of the Night."* * *You can listen to every episode of the ToT-cast on iTunes, SoundCloud, or stream it from our website. Make sure you not only subscribe to the show so you don’t miss any new episodes, but leave us a nice review — if you think we’ve earned it!Thanks for listening and be sure to follow us on Twitter @TipoftheTower, and like our Facebook pag

In this Toronto Raptors post-game episode Chris Okrainetz and Demar Grant breakdown all the action from the Raptors' 97-83 Game 1 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.We discuss the team's horrific shooting performance, Kyle Lowry's playoff struggles, the Serge Ibaka at the five lineup, how the Bucks were able to beat the Raptors, Giannis Antetokounmpo's greatness, how Casey should defend the "Greek Freak," the Bucks' rotation, how the Raptors can counter-attack the Bucks aggressive defence, our level of concern with this Raptors team, plus more.* * *You can listen to every episode of the ToT-cast on iTunes, SoundCloud, or stream it from our website. Make sure you not only subscribe to the show so you don’t miss any new episodes, but leave us a nice review — if you think we’ve earned it!Also, if you like the music in our podcast be sure to check out Gee's SoundCloud page @GeeSoropia. Thanks for listening and be sure to follow us on Twitter @TipoftheTower, and like our Facebook page @Tip

In this post-game episode of the ToT-cast, Chris Okrainetz and David Morassutti discuss the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-3 double overtime win against the Washington Capitals in Game 2.Some of the things we discuss from Game 2 includes the outstanding play of Jake Gardiner and Morgan Rielly, Kasperi Kapanen's game-winning goal, Frederik Andersen, or as some are now calling him, Frederik "Hand"ersen, the Leafs blue line and how banged up their defence is, who draws in for Roman Polak, how Mike Babcock might deploy his defence in Game 3, the fourth line, keys to Game 3 and more.* * *You can listen to every episode of the ToT-cast on iTunes, SoundCloud, or stream it from our website. Make sure you not only subscribe to the show so you don’t miss any new episodes, but leave us a nice review — if you think we’ve earned it!Thanks for listening and be sure to follow us on Twitter @TipoftheTower, and like our Facebook page @Tip of the Tower.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out

In this episode Chris Okrainetz and Demar Grant preview the rest of the NBA Playoffs and breakdown both the Eastern and Western Conference. We provide our thoughts and analysis for each series, along with our predictions, en route to who we believe will eventually hoist the Larry O'Brien trophy.Here’s a rundown of when we discussed each series:– Boston Celtics versus Chicago Bulls (1:13)– Cleveland Cavaliers versus Indiana Pacers (8:40)– Toronto Raptors versus Milwaukee Bucks (12:06)– Washington Wizards versus Atlanta Hawks (12:25)– The rest of our Eastern Conference projection (15:58)– Golden State Warriors versus Portland Trail Blazers (19:16)– San Antonio Spurs versus Memphis Grizzlies (20:39)– Houston Rockets versus Oklahoma City Thunder (23:28)– Los Angeles Clippers versus Utah Jazz (28:55)– The rest of our Western Conference projection, plus NBA Finals picks (33:06)* * *You can listen to every episode of the ToT-cast on iTunes, SoundCloud, or stream it from our website. Make sure you not only subscr

In this Toronto Raptors episode Chris Okrainetz and Demar Grant breakdown the Raptors first round matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks and discuss areas of concern, each team's biggest strength, where each team can attack each other, how the rotations might work, players to watch, our predictions, plus more.* * *You can listen to every episode of the ToT-cast on iTunes, SoundCloud, or stream it from our website. Make sure you not only subscribe to the show so you don’t miss any new episodes, but leave us a nice review — if you think we’ve earned it!Also, if you like the music in our podcast be sure to check out Gee's SoundCloud page @GeeSoropia. Thanks for listening and be sure to follow us on Twitter @TipoftheTower, and like our Facebook page @Tip of the Tower.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this post-game episode of the ToT-cast, Chris Okrainetz, David Morassutti and Omar White discuss the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-2 overtime loss to the Washington Capitals in Game 1.Some of the things we discuss from Game 1 include the Capitals first period woes, who's to blame on the overtime winner, Connor Carrick's limited role, Mike Babcock's usage of the fourth line, who stood out in this game, our thoughts on Game 2 and more.Here’s a rundown of what we discussed on this episode:– Did Scott Oake's question motivate Justin Williams and the Capitals? Plus thoughts on the Capitals' shaky start. (0:53)– What was worse in overtime: Martin Marincin's grenade up the boards or Frederik Andersen giving up a weak goal? (2:55)– Carrick's lack of playing time and Babcock's decision to deploy the fourth line with the third pairing in overtime. (8:39)– Who stood out to us during Game 1. (16:20)– One thing the Leafs need to do if they're going to win Game 2. (19:39)– Our thoughts and p