We’re Watching 2nd–Best Leafs Ever

TORONTO (Mar. 23) — Though it’s true and understandable that the 2017–18 Toronto Maple Leafs will be evaluated on their playoff performance, we are likely watching the second–best club in franchise history. When I say “watching”, I mean so literally:… Read More

Staying With Leafs in 6

TORONTO (Apr. 21) — The professional sports vibe in this city is not quite as radiant as a few days ago. The Raptors were annihilated at Milwaukee in Game 3 of their NBA playoff last night; the Blue Jays fell… Read More

Where Are The Big Sticks?

TORONTO (Apr. 16) — As is common in the Stanley Cup playoffs, the Maple Leafs–Washington series will likely be determined by goaltending. And, there is virtually nothing to choose from between Frederik Andersen and Braden Holtby after two games —… Read More

Most Coaches Have Two Left Feet

TORONTO (May 10) — Among the hidden stories of Guy Boucher becoming head coach of the Ottawa Senators this week (replacing Dave Cameron) involved unspoken evidence that Boucher would have been hired by the Toronto Maple Leafs 12 months ago,… Read More

Is Reimer Truly a No. 1?

TORONTO (Nov. 14) — We can say this much for James Reimer: He is the only puck–stopper the Toronto Maple Leafs have deployed in the post–2005 lockout era to provide the team a stretch of dependable work. Literally, the lone… Read More

Leafs Lacking “Hockey I.Q.”

By HOWARD BERGER TORONTO (Feb. 4) — Though demeaning and likely counterproductive, perhaps Randy Carlyle was onto something when he called his Maple Leaf players “brain dead” last season. In earlier years, when Carlyle played defense here in Toronto, he… Read More

Berger Bytes Photos – Part 1

By HOWARD BERGER TORONTO (Mar. 1) – As I come toward the third anniversary of this (ahem) vaunted website, it’s time to pour through the images of my trusty Nikon and share with you my favorites. These photos were taken… Read More