TORONTO (Apr. 15) — So, this is what you get for 50 million dollars?
Okay, I’m being a trifle facetious… but c’mon. The Maple Leafs did not lure Mike Babcock from Detroit with the National Hockey League’s most–lucrative coaching pact… Read More
TORONTO (May 25) — At some point late tonight, Dion Phaneuf and Phil Kessel will cross paths near center–ice at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh. They will shake hands; likely embrace, and re–affirm their love for one another as friends… Read More
“Randy Carlyle can coach; Dion Phaneuf can play effectively with lots of ice time and Phil Kessel can score with the best of them. Individually, they would be sound elements of any team in the NHL. As a tandem, and … Read More
VANCOUVER (Dec. 2) — Nearly 7½ years after being chosen in the first round of the National Hockey League draft, Nazem Kadri might be getting a fair shake. But, even that is uncertain… and open to interpretation.
From the moment,… Read More
TORONTO (July 9) — Given the still–memorable events of March 2014, it is perhaps fateful that Jonathan Bernier finds himself, once again, tending goal for Randy Carlyle — both now in Anaheim. The two men were complicit in a hugely… Read More
TORONTO (June 14) — Fans of the Maple Leafs should not begrudge Phil Kessel for raising the Stanley Cup.
Kessel was hardly a passenger in the 2016 playoffs, leading Pittsburgh in scoring with 10 goals and 22 points. It proved… Read More
TORONTO (May 31) — The article was prolific and thoroughly–researched. It had all the earmarks of a story written by James Bradshaw, the Globe and Mail’s exceptional media reporter.
It was also mightily complicated and replete with industry conjecture… Read More
TORONTO (Apr. 23) — In the spring of 2012, I had the privilege of covering the greatest road team in the history of the Stanley Cup playoffs. En route to their first National Hockey League title, the Los Angeles Kings… Read More
TORONTO (Feb. 27) — Lou Lamoriello has two days to answer, unequivocally, the question posed here; to further deplete what could be the most impotent club in the 99–year history of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Honestly? I like his chances.… Read More
TORONTO (Feb. 13) — The bitch–and–moan meter is off the charts around here with news that Los Angeles and Chicago — during the Maple Leafs 100th anniversary season next year — have been awarded two of the most–coveted National Hockey… Read More
The Maple Leafs are pretty much the same and will stay that way until the failed nucleus (of Randy Carlyle, Dion Phaneuf, Phil Kessel) is addressed. — BERGER BYTES, July 10, 2014.
TORONTO (Feb. 10, 2016) — And here we… Read More
TORONTO (Jan. 28) — “T’is the season to be ghastly… “
Yes, indeed, the Toronto Maple Leafs, for a second consecutive year, have taken the post–holiday “blues” to an entirely different level. In their final ten games of January —… Read More
TORONTO (Jan. 18) — Though unlikely given the match–ups, it may happen as early as Tuesday night.
The “much–improved” Toronto Maple Leafs could assume sole possession of 30th place in the National Hockey League. It would require a Leaf loss… Read More
TORONTO (Jan. 3) — One year ago tonight, at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Randy Carlyle coached his final game with the Toronto Maple Leafs, losing 5–1 to the Jets. The score actually flattered the visitors, who were physically manhandled… Read More
BUFFALO (Dec. 19) — In my blog here on Friday, I posed a rhetorical question: Under what pretext could Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock turn to the beleaguered Jonathan Bernier for another start in goal?
The obvious answer: None.
Somehow,… Read More
TORONTO (Nov. 21) — Happy six–month anniversary, Mike Babcock.
It was back on May 21 that you peered into a bevy of cameras at 40 Bay St. and promised “pain.” You delivered — for about five weeks. Now, the discomfort… Read More
TORONTO (Oct. 27) — Many in the local media have launched a preemptive strike against Rogers Communications in the event Alex Anthopoulos does not return as general manager of the Toronto Blue Jays. This is understandable given the widespread popularity… Read More
TORONTO (Oct. 7) — In a season that is all about next season and beyond, perhaps it’s no surprise that the Maple Leafs open tonight, for the first time in franchise history, without a truly elite player on the roster.… Read More
Freddy Had Nothing Left
No One Has A Clue
Sliver of Light After a Dark Day
Nothing Odd About Leafs/Bruins
Leafs Need To Rinse and Repeat
It’s Babcock Time
Bruins’ Work Still Not Done
Leafs–Bruins on Razor’s Edge
We’re Watching 2nd–Best Leafs Ever
That Brush-Cut Kid Is 70
Tavares: Islanders, Leafs… or Knights?
25 Years Later, It Could Be Special
Leafs GM Chatter Intriguing
Freddy Needs Rest, Not Rhythm
Maybe Leafs Are Good Enough
Leafs “Can Have McDonagh”
Blue Liner(s) On The Way?
Leafs Should Go For The Jugular
Why Would The Leafs Trade JVR?
Could Leafs Pull a Trade Shocker?
We’ve Seen It All Before (sigh)
Babcock’s Honeymoon Has Ended
Leafs Could Still Re–Make
Bruce Hood: 1936–2018
Leafs Need to Pick it Up
67 Since ’67
Orr: “Never A Bad Word”
Simply The Nicest Man
Are Leafs Better Than Last Year?
Could NHL Expand to 34 Teams?
To Leafs: Karlsson, Doughty or OEL?
Will Freddy Fade?
To Gregg Zaun and Others: Why?
Are Leafs Using Smoke and Mirrors?
Calgary: “Not Toronto Again!”