So, here's the deal: The biggest mystery in Leaf land nowadays is the number of people that still believe what they're seeing every night is... a mystery. There are no more illusions. The Leafs are a decent skating team that generates enough scoring chances to be competitive in most games. As a collection, however, these guys couldn't run into the broad side of a barn with a tractor. They'd miss the building entirely and end up somewhere in the wheat fields. So, falling behind by a goal or two is almost always a death-knell for the Blue & White... except on the infrequent occasions when they paralyze their opponents' brain cells and are able to mount a third-period "comeback" (like the bogus one against Atlanta on Monday). No mystery whatsoever at this end. Fire away with questions/comments.
I suppose it's becoming rather difficult for Burke to go on preaching any form of immediacy. Given that the past is no longer applicable, all that's left is the future... thus the patience pledge. After 44 years, is patience beginning to run dry, or is it a symptom of the overall problem, as I've often wondered?
Does it really matter anymore what Wilson did or did not do in Vancouver last February? Normally, coaches are held responsible for teams that flounder over a span of three seasons -- Ronny's plight today. But, I'm still not convinced ANY coach could remedy the Leafs' overwhelming deficit: scoring. They simply do not have enough guys that can bury the puck, and those who CAN are performing terribly. Perhaps that is where another person behind the bench could help... but if only two or three players on a 23-man roster have "hands", it won't be sustainable.
A couple more heavy sighs and some Gravol.
I think Ken Hitchcock is being oft-mentioned by beleaguered fans of the Blue & White simply because he's the most qualified man available. And, he IS a good coach. But, he didn't do a whole lot in Columbus, where he had a legitimate scoring ace in Rick Nash. So, why did his "structure" fail him there, and why would anyone believe he'd fare better with these Leafs?
Christopher, I would think an analysis of the hockey club is a daily routine in the Leafs' executive office; it's difficult to imagine any person -- Burke, Dave Nonis, Dave Poulin, Claude Loiselle, Wilson -- waking up one morning in mid-January to the sudden notion that the team stinks. If that's the case, analysis is needed more among those that employ the hockey decision makers... or by a vehemently-qualified psychotherapist. To put it mildly, I think the tall foreheads on Bay St. see exactly what the rest of us see. Short of some wizard casting a spell over the Leafs, they will not improve a whole lot.
I agree wholeheartedly. I like to have fun as much as the next person and I don't mind pushing the envelope now and then. But, this waffle thing is simply juvenile. I do not condone throwing anything from the stands at a hockey game, and that's why I haven't graced the waffle fiasco with much commentary on the radio, or in print. It's DUMB, though I'll give the nitwits who started it a small grade for originality. Almost every "trend" at the ACC is copied from other arenas... i.e. the unravelling of Maple Leaf and Canadian flags in the stands during the anthem (Ottawa started it) and the obnoxious goal horn (a dozen other teams had variables before the Leafs sadly caught on). But waffles? If you want to express displeasure with food, wouldn't a pancake be a better option given the way the Leafs often start games?
I asked Wilson exactly that after the Atlanta debacle on Monday. He shrugged so hard he almost disclocated his shoulder.
With continuing advancements in medicine, and a bit of luck, you might witness a Stanley Cup the same year you get your letter of recognition from the Canadian prime minister. I don't think Harper will be the man signing it. Can you hold out 'til 100?
If Nazem loses another pound, he'll be knocked over by a sneeze. Not sure where that one came from.
Sure... on your kitchen table, with syrup.
Not anytime soon. I think Dougie is pacing himself very wisely by learning and honing his trade in junior hockey. Most of the Kingston players love him, and are competing hard every night. I saw the Frontenacs lose to Mississauga/St. Mike's on Sunday... simply because the Majors are a better team. There was no quit in Killer's crew. If he stays with it, and wants to coach in the NHL one day, I believe it will happen. But, rushing him behind the Leafs' bench simply because of his iconic rank as a player would be foolish.
Um, the Leafs will still have 19 games to play after the Feb. 28th trade deadline and the NHL insists on 20 uniformed bodies per night. So, I do not anticipate a fire sale.
If at first (or 44th) you do not succeed, try, try and try again... right?
Nah... far too cuddly.
When healthy... still Chris Pronger. Did you notice how mediocre Florida decimated the Flyers in Philadelphia Monday night without the big stud?
Yes, I Tweeted from the press box that Burke did vacate after the 5-1 goal... looked like he had something that resembled a barf bag in his hands. To be honest, I really haven't seen Brian lose it in front of any media folk. He is routinely grumpy when the team is bumbling, but smart enough to hold it together. Wilson? You've never seen him mad in front of me, have you? Really now... have you?
That's what happens when you expect brilliance.
You could have shot a cannon through press row on Monday night and not hit anyone. The multitudes up there normally thin out during the holiday period; I'm among the privileged few that has to sit there from beginning to end, all season long. Perhaps one day I'll get a real job.
Alright, you've hooked me. Such as?
Probably because it was over. He has a home, you know.
I think I know what you're asking, though I might work a bit on sentence structure when you have a spare moment. Let me answer your question with one of my own: Who would you NOT move on this team?
I don't have a radio show (though I'll be hosting through much of the afternoon on Dec. 29 and 31), and if Burke mentioned the words as you state them, wouldn't it be the lead item on all the sports websites in this country?
