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 (Aug. 26) — We may — and I stress, may — discover once again this season just how apparently difficult it is to win the Stanley Cup. Toronto Maple Leafs–“difficult” includes not even appearing in the championship round of… Read More
TORONTO (Aug. 9) — Tuesday was one of surprise, sadness and shock. Surprise that actor Dustin Hoffman turned 80 years of age (imagine that, Mrs. Robinson); sadness to learn that country–music icon Glen Campbell had succumbed to Alzheimer’s, also at… Read More
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
TORONTO (July 14) — We can debate endlessly whether character is a component of winning in the National Hockey League. Now and then, you’ll read that so–and–so is “good in the [dressing] room.” Which often indicates he’s not–so hot… Read More
TORONTO (May 2) — It is far from the worst time since 1967 to remind fans of the Toronto Maple Leafs that their club, today, becomes the second to endure a calendar half–century without the Stanley Cup.
Yes, it was… Read More
TORONTO (Mar. 24) — By defeating the New Jersey Devils, 4–2, at Air Canada Centre last night, the Toronto Maple Leafs broadened a late–season surge to 7–1–1 in their past nine games. Though the potential for decline still lurks, this… Read More
TORONTO (Dec. 23) — How unusual it was, still, to see the once–proud Colorado Avalanche looking so downtrodden and hopeless against the Maple Leafs on Thursday night. A 6–0 loss at the Pepsi Center flattered the home team while cementing… Read More
TORONTO (Sep. 6) — News over the Labor Day weekend that goalie Frederik Anderson would miss roughly four weeks with an “upper–body” injury generated barely a ripple in this hockey–crazed market. Which thoroughly jibed with one of the quietest Maple… Read More
TORONTO (July 20) — When Phil Kessel told Sportsnet–590 on June 15 that he would likely bring the Stanley Cup to our city, many figured his incentive was to stick it up the old wahzoo of Leafs Nation.
The multitudes… 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
Busted flat in Baton Rouge; waiting for a train…And I’s feelin’ near as faded as my jeans.
TORONTO (May 7) — I was cruising along a highway north of the city the other night when Janis Joplin’s 1971 anthem,… Read More
TORONTO (Apr. 11) — The question was raised to all parties involved with the Toronto Maple Leafs: “How much longer?” As in, “when can we expect the turn toward contention?”
Quite a loaded inquiry, I submit, of the 30th–place club… 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. 30) — Next weekend, in Santa Clara, Calif., the eyes of the football world will gaze upon its brightest young star as 26–year–old Cam Newton of Atlanta quarterbacks the favored Carolina Panthers against the Denver Broncos in Super… Read More
By HOWARD BERGER
TORONTO (July 2) — It began, without warning, on a quiet Sunday in early–March 1968. Of course, there was little chance of any real–time alert back then, in the days long before the Internet and social media.… Read More
By HOWARD BERGER
TORONTO (Jan. 20) — Actually, and I beg pardon of The Beatles, it was 20 years ago tonight. Late tonight Eastern Standard Time.
Professionally, it became a milestone — my first game covering the Toronto Maple Leafs… Read More
By HOWARD BERGER
TORONTO (Nov. 27) — The National Hockey League “family” — as it likes to be known — has lost three prominent members since Sunday.
Given his involvement in the game, professionally and internationally, the death of Pat… Read More
The Power of One
Leafs Appear to be Alluring
The FAN–590 is 25 today
Is It Truly So Difficult?
Cancer Strikes Leafs Family… Again
Leafs Don’t Have To Change
A Question Ignored
Is Holden For Bozak Worthwhile?
Just Imagine If…
The Bozak–JVR Enigma
Leafs Bring Aboard Good People
The Nylander vs. Marner Argument
Leafs Should Hound Chayka
War of the Worlds — Leafs Edition
Shanaplan Goes Boom!
Leafs Shouldn’t Get Too Cocky
Of Course, Leafs Can Stand Pat
Leafs Must Have a Plan
Leafs Refused To Get Silly
Leafs Will Improve… Won’t They?
Leafs Thinking Outside The Box
The Flawed Matthews Argument
Leafs Should Have a Captain
Credibility x 2
Still The Most Compelling
No Tears For The Ex–Leafs
Staying Ahead of Crohn’s
Should Matthews Sprout Wings?
Shanaplan Worked, But It’s Over
Pillar’s Lamentable Choice
A Humorous (Pathetic?) Stat
Ottawa vs. Nashville For Cup
Leafs’ Old Nucleus Still Alive
Leaf Fans: “Forget Doughty”
Would Leafs Pursue a Blockbuster?