TORONTO (Apr. 22) — For more than a decade, I railed on this site about the egregious conflict–of–interest that saw the competing all–sports television networks — TSN and Sportsnet — share control of the Toronto Maple Leafs. If that requires explanation, go back to reading Dick and Jane. This divided loyalty became more concentrated, last summer, when Bell Canada, owner of TSN, sold its 37.5% share of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment to Rogers, providing Ed the Conqueror a full 75% of the corporation. Given that we’re awaiting the biggest Leafs news in several years (the naming of a president and/or general manager), my conflict theory will be put hugely to the test. Meaning that under no circumstance will it be reasonable or excusable for an outlet other than Sportsnet to have the story first. Particularly given that Elliotte Friedman continues to rank as the No. 1 hockey “insider” on the planet — a tag the Friedge developed long before his employer had nearly full control of Canada’s most–watched National Hockey League team. Honestly, how could anyone else land the big news?

Can you imagine how silly it would look if Ron MacLean and the Hockey Night In Canada panel is reduced to discussing a monster Leaf story broken by Darren Dreger or Pierre LeBrun at the competition? Allowing for Hayes, Noodles and the O–Dog to boast for a full week about Canada’s first all–sports station usurping Friedman and Maple Leafs’ ownership? Overdrive would never be the same. Neither would poor Kyper and Bourne. This story absolutely must be the domain of the TV network owned by Rogers, simply requiring an internal news–leak to get the ball rolling. I’m not suggesting that Ed the Conqueror has a direct line to the editors at Sportsnet, or its website, Sportsnet.ca. But, yesterday, Leafs reporter Luke Fox posted a story about the “culture” change conceivable under the battery of president Mats Sundin and GM Mike Gillis. If other names were strongly favored to land the roles, wouldn’t Friedman or someone else at the network have warned against such an article… or, recommended that it be quickly taken down? Instead, it ran as the website’s feature article for part of the day and sparked much conversation between Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee during the network’s afternoon–drive show.

Neither am I suggesting, of course, that other reporters are incapable of beating Sportsnet to the story. What a badge of honor it would be for Dreger, LeBrun or James Duthie to break the news. Rosie DiManno of the Toronto Star has an open telephone line to Sundin. So, it’s not inconceivable for a non–Rogers type to step forward. What I’m saying is that Sportsnet cannot allow it to happen. There is competition for the story. Gillis, for example, has media friends in Vancouver with whom he could (and allegedly often does) share the news. Mike also has the reputation as a dour, humorless figure, but I got to know him late in my radio career and can tell you there’s an entirely different side to the man. Which could frighten erudite MLSE. Sundin, of course, could talk to anyone here in Toronto. But, no one is likely to utter a peep until Sportsnet breaks the story. Which it may have done with Fox’s website piece. Others are in perhaps rising contention for the manager’s role, including New York Rangers assistant Ryan Martin, former Arizona GM John Chayka, Dallas director of hockey ops Scott White and Bruins assistant Evan Gold — all smartly listed in a Toronto Sun story by Lance Hornby. But, Gillis and Sundin were clear front–runners to be handed responsibility for guiding the team with the longest Stanley Cup drought (nearly 59 years). Coincidentally, should it come to pass, Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun will have been first to inform the public.

Simmons strongly suggested the Sundin–Gillis tandem in this week’s Sunday notes column.

For confirmation, however, keep your eyes on Elliotte and the network that literally owns hockey here in Toronto.

WORDS WILL UNDOUBTEDLY TELL: Whichever person/people land the Leaf vacancy, should they talk about the “foundational pieces” already in place — mimicking Keith Pelley from his rather bizarre press gathering on Mar. 31 — we will know who is actually running the Leafs. There could be strong candidates looking to re–shape the hockey club by opening trade dialogue involving Auston Matthews, William Nylander, Matthew Knies and Morgan Rielly. Given Pelley’s blueprint, none are likely to sit for any length of time with the Chief Executive Officer. Then, there is Craig Berube. If MLSE, through Pelley, insists that the incoming GM continue with Berube as head coach, we’ll know that everything is status quo at the top of the Leafs’ pyramid; that the corporate voices at MLSE are dictating hockey strategy. What an absolute shame it would be for the NHL’s most–loyal and resilient fans.

THE BRIEF REIGN OF “PYRAMID POWER”

Unlike his 10–point eruption against Boston on Feb. 7, 1976 — which no player has equaled in more than half–a–century — Darryl Sittler’s playoff co–record of five goals in a game is shared by three other men. His occurred 50 years ago tonight, at Maple Leaf Gardens, in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup quarterfinals against the Philadelphia Flyers. Just two months and 15 days after shocking the Bruins with his six–goal, four–assist effort. And, as you’ll read, after placing the blade of his hockey stick under a makeshift pyramid in the Maple Leafs dressing room.

Darryl tied the mark established more than 32 years earlier (Mar. 23, 1944), against Toronto, by Maurice (Rocket) Richard. Astoundingly, it was equaled just two weeks afterward (May 5, 1976) when Reggie Leach of Philadelphia scored five against Boston in the Cup semis. Then, again, nearly 13 years later (Apr. 25, 1989) by “Le Magnifique”, Mario Lemieux, who decimated the Flyers in the Division final. The most–recent four–goal playoff game occurred on June 17 of last spring, by Sam Reinhart of Florida, against Edmonton, in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup final.

But, back to the pyramids and Apr. 22, 1976 on Carlton St.

FRONT PAGE OF TORONTO STAR ON APR. 23, 1976, AFTER DARRYL SITTLER’S FIVE PLAYOFF GOALS.

Prior to facing elimination for the first time in a dirty, ruthless playoff round, the Leafs coach (and former center), Leonard (Red) Kelly, had pyramids of various sizes placed in strategic locations throughout the home dressing room. Others were scattered under the Leafs bench. One–such contraption dangled from the ceiling and Kelly encouraged his players to place their sticks under it while leaving for the start of the match. Sittler was among the few that acquiesced. He then popped in five goals against Bernie Parent, with whom he played here in Toronto from February 1971 to April 1972. It allowed the Maple Leafs to triumph, 8–5, and make necessary a decisive seventh match, three nights later, at the Philadelphia Spectrum. A bigger story, at the time, was Fred Shero excoriating Leaf fans for improper behavior (top banner, above; story, below). The Flyers coach knew all about such comportment from his players, whom he encouraged to deploy physical and verbal intimidation. But, “pyramid power” appeared in Frank Orr’s game story in the Toronto Star… and was all the rage here in town during the 72–hour lead–up to Game 7.

 
 





 
FRONT PAGE OF THE APR. 23, 1976 TORONTO SUN (LEFT) AND THE MAY 7, 1976 HOCKEY NEWS.

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