Babcock’s Honeymoon Has Ended

TORONTO (Jan. 20) — For more than 2½ years, in what is often described as the National Hockey League’s toughest media market, it’s been “hands off the head coach”. That privilege, it seemed, arrived in our town with the largest… Read More

The Bozak–JVR Enigma

TORONTO (July 18) — It is rather puzzling that people who observe the Leafs for a living, and those that root for the club with their entire soul, have lost appreciation for veterans Tyler Bozak and James van Riemsdyk. Particularly… Read More

Is There A Cup Favorite?

TORONTO (Mar. 11) — Here’s a prediction for the 2017 Stanley Cup final that would have drawn loud gagging noises if made prior to the season: Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Minnesota Wild in a battle of the two most–recent National… Read More

Who Else Joins Legends Row?

***UPDATE: Congratulations to Charlie Conacher, Frank Mahovlich, Red Kelly and Wendel Clark for being inducted into the Maple Leafs Legends Row at Air Canada Centre. Turns out that four ex–players got the nod, rather than the three I suggested in… Read More

Leafs Finally Get It Right

TORONTO (Oct. 16) — After 23 years of stubborn irrationality, the Toronto Maple Leafs have chosen to truly honor their past. And, Dave Keon’s No. 14 banner finally hangs from a steel beam in the Air Canada Centre. As Darryl… Read More

No Enforcer For Maple Leafs?

By HOWARD BERGER TORONTO (Sep. 22) – A fan of the Maple Leafs will notice quite a change in the hockey club this season if the 23-man roster evolves as projected. For the first time in 40 years, the team… Read More

“By the Time We Got to Woodstock…”

By HOWARD BERGER TORONTO (July 16) – Jesus, I’m old. How many reading this remember where they were at 9:32 a.m. EDT 45 years ago today? If they were around 45 years ago today? I didn’t think so. At the… Read More

Fifty Years Since Maple Leafs Dynasty

By HOWARD BERGER TORONTO (June 12) – Los Angeles Kings failed to win the Stanley Cup last night on the second anniversary of their first championship. It was June 11, 2012 that Kings routed New Jersey Devils, 6-1, at the… Read More

40 Years Ago Today

By HOWARD BERGER TORONTO (Feb. 21) – You know him today for baking fresh donuts and brewing hot coffee. You may not recognize him for being the greatest defenseman in Toronto Maple Leafs history. Both are true. Also true is… Read More