TORONTO (June 9) — Let me begin today by going out on a limb and suggesting the Toronto Raptors will not lose three consecutive games to the Golden State Warriors. Though our city has seen its share of sporting collapses,… Read More
TORONTO (Jan. 6) — Pending the outcome, it could be a blessing or a curse that largely impacts the Maple Leafs this season. By tomorrow night (Monday), Frederik Andersen will have accrued 15 consecutive days of rest in the middle… Read More
TORONTO (July 21) — The Toronto Argonauts have expired. Stick a fork in them. Offer up the Lord’s Prayer. Say Kaddish. Whatever you prefer. But, just know, this football team is the equivalent of Dead Men Walking.
As I forlornly… Read More
TORONTO (Feb. 17) — As the Toronto Maple Leafs soar through the most stellar and meaningful hockey at this juncture of a season in 25 years, there remains the urge from within to allay expectation. To fundamentally minimize a remarkable,… Read More
TORONTO (Nov. 28) — Two nights after enduring one of the most excruciating losses in its professional sports history, the city of Calgary welcomes a team from… Toronto. That’s right, the Maple Leafs invade the Scotiabank Saddledome later tonight, 48… Read More
TORONTO (Oct. 31) — While watching the Maple Leafs get stunningly out–played by the San Jose Sharks in northern–California Monday night (the 3–2 final score did not reflect the lop–sided essence of the match), it occurred to me that the… Read More
TORONTO (Sep. 4) — The names have changed with ownership and the unquestioned priority of television over radio — from CJCL AM–1430 to The Fan–1430; The FAN–590; Sportsnet Radio The FAN–590 and, today, Sportsnet–590 The FAN. What will never change… Read More
TORONTO (July 31) — With Leafs Nation ominously assuring itself that all draft components will remain in place beyond 2019, and media wondering if the addition of Patrick Marleau indicates the club is “going for it” now, here’s a question… Read More
TORONTO (July 26) — It’s no secret in National Hockey League circles that the New York Rangers are looking for a center; the Toronto Maple Leafs a defenseman. The Rangers are apparently dangling 30–year–old Nick Holden while the Leafs may… Read More
TORONTO (July 24) — Only once in the modern history of the Maple Leafs has a coach changed the position of an established star in the National Hockey League. The result was four Stanley Cup championships in a six–year span.… Read More
TORONTO (July 9) — It’s a subject that has the most fervid Leaf supporters in denial. Yet, there’s virtually no way around the fact that one of William Nylander or Mitch Marner will be traded before the hockey club can… Read More
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
TORONTO (Jan. 24) — I had a swirl of mixed emotion this morning when the Toronto Argonauts announced the firing of long–time general manager Jim Barker. Part of me was upset for one of the genuinely nicest people I came… Read More
By HOWARD BERGER
TORONTO (Mar. 30) — Thowback Thursday’s and Flashback Friday’s, so popular among the Facebook crowd, have nothing on me. Particularly when I open the Berger Vault — decorative name for a metal–plated trunk with cedar–wood lining that… Read More
By HOWARD BERGER
TORONTO (Sep. 15) – The dictionary draws a bold line between the definition of a “fool” and the act of being “foolish.”
A fool is a “silly or stupid person.” A foolish individual “shows a lack of… Read More
By HOWARD BERGER
VANCOUVER (Nov. 2) – I had a wonderful time here yesterday, covering hockey practice at Rogers Arena early in the afternoon; writing a story on James Reimer for the National Post later in the day and hooking… Read More
By HOWARD BERGERTORONTO (Nov. 26) – Oddly enough, in a city where champions come to die, there is life today.The first major-league conquest in Toronto since 2004 may not have been captured by the most popular team in … Read More
By HOWARD BERGERTORONTO (Nov. 19) – It was the third week of November in 1982 and the Argonauts dominated every corner of this city.Could it happen again? We’ll soon find out.Though times have clearly changed over the … Read More
Call it “Burkie’s Drive”
McCown The Biggest Casualty
Not Bigger, Just Smarter
We The Longest
Kadri For Trouba Intriguing
The Leafs Will Stand Alone
It’s Not About One Playoff Round
Why Even Go There?
End of An Era in Oakland
“I Was Gretzky… For A Day”
The Sound of Silence
Still Not Convinced
Was It The Leafs’ Biggest Gaffe?
Again — Why Not Rick?
A Big Moment… But How Big?
Flag Waving Has Started Early
The Laughable Maple Leafs
Talking Mike Babcock
Sittler, Kelly and Pyramid Power
It’s That Date Again
So, What Now, Leafs Nation?
Overkill Like We’ve Never Seen
Not Looking Great For Babcock
And the Journey Continues…
Bruins Had Net Advantage
Really, It’s Not Complicated
If Freddy Is Ready, Leafs Can Win
Forget Sheldon Keefe — For Now
Sorry, But This One’s On Freddy
Leafs Playoff Path Is Wide Open
Leafs Need More From 34
There’s No Place Like Road
Let’s Temper Babcock Hostility
Write it Down: The Leafs in 6
Would The Leafs Trade Kadri?