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Where did these guys come from? Obviously the extended absence from "rubbing one out" as they say in the podcast game (and other exercises) left our friends from the 5-Hole with lots to say and only an hour to say it. A summary of the Leafs' end-of-season, from the standpoint of heartbroken fans was not on the agenda. Instead what we have here is more of a look back on the typical, the usual, the expected, and the sad. I'm moving to Vegas.

Here come the Stanley Cup Playoffs and this is our Playoff Preview Pod. Amongst the many possible topics, the 5-Hole tackles the potential impact of Joseph Woll and Matthew Knies, two players who have recently inserted themselves into the playoff roster and have tantalized with their potential. Of course we at the 5-Hole speculate on Leaf roster structure and of course we provide our predictions for the Leafs/Lightening series. But where else can you go for comparisons of Joseph Woll to Ken Dryden circa 1971 and his Conn Smythe win backstopping the Canadians to an unexpected Cup that year. Where else in a playoff preview pod can you enjoy a tribute to the sport of curling. Topics perhaps unexpected and ill-advised, nonetheless they are tackled here, for your listening pleasure. And for some - disappointment. But hey, it'll kill an hour.

The 5-Hole returns to the studio with a rich and varied slate. What's happening with Michael Bunting, is he losing his position of favour in the eyes of coach Keefe and a Leaf organization which will certainly need to give him a big raise in the off-season if they wish to retain him. Which NHL destinations would the boys in the pod place on their personal limited no-trade list? What does the banning of fighting in the QMJHL portend for major junior hockey in Canada and how did those old-timey NHL teams get their crazy nicknames. The 5-Hole also questions the way game has always been called in the war-zone known as the front-of-the-net. As always - thanks for listening!

Remember back in episode 32 part 1, we explained why episode 32 was split into two parts? To recap - we had been so prolific in a recent in-person sit-down that we had over two hours of material and that warranted a two-parter. Well, we were wrong. And this episode is not really an episode after all. Nonetheless, we have released it for the curious and because we said we would. We'll be back next week with the usual 5-Hole for your listening pleasure.

For the first time in 5-Hole history the boys have actually assembled under one roof.   We review the Leafs new additions now that they've had some time to make themselves feel at-home in the Leaf uniform.  We also discuss Auston and his off-year - is he returning to form as a nagging hand injury affecting his shot and puck handling may finally be a thing of the past?  Also - some quick takes on celebrities attending Leaf games, Leaf player pain thresholds and how they compare to Robert Svehla's and what NHL uniforms can Patrick Kane see himself wearing as he ponders his future. Apologies for the quality of the voice record, it is distinctly Lo-Fi. 

This week the boys from the 5-Hole do their best to contain their excitement for recent Leaf acquisitions in prep for the playoffs.  Probably the biggest development is King Conko's about-face on the performance of Kyle Dubas, Leaf GM (like you'd be reading this if you didn't know that).  Wistfully we reflect on past Leaf failures to get the job done, and we all join listener Stover Lymph (mailbag contributor) in asking his very simple question - "Is this it?"

The NHL All-Star break has come and gone.  The 5-Hole boys debate the merits of the event and list its many problems as an entertainment product and as a representation of the state of professional hockey in North America.  The pod is bursting with bits featuring some of our favourites - Lou Lamoriello, Morgan and Tessa, and even Punch Imlach opines from the grave on the state of the Leaf team.  Looking forward to when real hockey, featuring the Blue and White, returns.  

This is the episode where King Conko brings his A-game.  And as such it behooves 5-Hole Podcast creators, producers, listeners - the whole 5-Hole community to give this one a good listen.  You'll learn something.  Topics range from Samsonov and how his hot streak does not impress KC, team nicknames throughout North American professional sport, the coverage by the two sports channels that broadcast Leaf games into Southern Ontario and there's even a review of the Harold Ballard documentary that recently aired on CBC.  Fascinating nuggets of knowledge never stop dropping from KC's full lips for the full hour.  It's a true joyride.  

The 5-Hole leaps into the New Year with a wide-ranging set of topics in this their 28th addition to the canon.  Subjects include Nick Robertson's future; that Kerfoot can't sink a putt; Connor Bedard and his potential; how to end an NHL game and hand out the points; even anthem singers around the league are discussed.  A true George Bell makes an appearance.  Admittedly belated, but never lazy - we at the 5-Hole want to thank our listeners for their patience and support. 

The 5-Hole Podcast asks the question "what questions are answered by Jordy Benn".   And what is Michael Bunting worth in a contract extension.  The Leafs continue their up and down season, reaching the quarter pole seemingly out of step with a trend towards 3 on 3 defensive play that has cost them many a bonus point.  And of course King Conko has his say on the Blue and White Reverse Retro uniform entry.  All for you - the much appreciated 5-Hole listener. 

Unintentionally the 5-Hole spends almost the full hour lamenting the fall-out of the NHL's hard cap and the mistakes Dubas and the Leafs have made in their management of it.  A couple questionable moves that have served to hamstring the club ever since.  And we go on... and on...  about it.  This may seem like a stupid thing to include in the summary of a podcast that is supposed to entice listeners... but we must include a warning... this Pod is for those who love detail and numbers served with a stew of jumbled facts.  Listener, you've been warned.    

The 5-Hole is back after ironing out some technical difficulties, ready to discuss the difficulties the Blue and White seem to be having to start their season.  Has Kyle Dubas run out of rabbits and failed to secure an adequate supporting group for the top-heavy squad?  What's going on between Leaf stars and their coach?  Why does that same coach feel the need to walk back an innocuous comment about his best players?  If this is the on-ramp to a championship season, it sure looks like a slippery one.  Leafland is never short on drama and we at the 5-Hole will not hesitate to ask the tough questions.  Answer them - no, ask them sure.