Hi folks, sorry for the late start... connection issues. Also must pause briefly at 2:30 EST to go on radio in Vancouver. So, we'll extend this session a bit past 4 p.m. if warranted. Fire away with questions/comments about the Leafs.
Doesn't seem to be anything to it within the hockey club. Phaneuf has provided the Leafs a better physical presence on the blue-line of late, and I have heard to no plans to alter his natural position. Certainly, his size would be an asset up front, but Leafs need same on back end.
A win tonight... and the next night... and the next night... with maybe three losses the rest of the way. Think it will happen?
Why do you think Wilson has lost the room? Because he doesn't have long, involved chats with Phil Kessel? Try having that, yourself, some time. I've seen the Leafs play with sacrifice and energy more often than not since early-January. That doesn't happen very often when a coach loses the room.
I don't think it is overblown. Kessel made some heart-felt, unrehearsed, genuine remarks the other day, and it wasn't difficult to notice his frustration and dismay. Of course, he changed his tune on Monday after a sit-down with Brian Burke, but I don't believe Phil is overly happy struggling in a crazed hockey market like this. Even if streak-scoring has been his early-career pattern, it's a bit more of an issue in this city. He doesn't seem to have the requisite demeanor/personality to thrive under these circumstances. Neither is he enamored with Wilson, but I think Ron takes way too much of the blame for that.
And what exactly are the Leafs going to get for a player that hasn't dressed in eight consecutive games; 10 of the past 12?
Prospects and/or picks, which is exactly what THEY traded to get HIM. So, forget about that happening.
No. I'm hearing many more whispers lately about Francois Beauchemin, though nothing overly specific.
I occasionally post my FAN-590 blogs on HockeyBuzz. Eklund is a good guy and he's doing exactly what you want him to do: provide a reason to log onto his site. Beyond that, I have no involvement in his listing of rumors.
Good question: Depends on the gut-feeling Burke has; probably a bit on who else is available this summer (Lindy Ruff perhaps?), and whether the people above Burke have a strong feeling one way or another. Burke will have to extend Wilson's contract beyond its final year, or replace him. Certainly, nothing Burke has said about Wilson even hints at a coaching change, but a three-year playoff famine would provide him justification to make a move.
Don't "date" me, please.
Yes, he has been rather adept at feathery cross-passes over the years, but his overall presence hasn't helped lift the hockey club anywhere. So, it is definitely time for a change.
Going on with my pal Matt Sekeres.
Yes. Only question is: before the trade deadline, or on July 1?
McBurger. Good one. Better than usual nicknames... "cheese", "bacon", "banquet" etc. Burke seems to have made a nifty contribution to Vancouver's splendid season (those Sedin guys he drafted) and he put finishing touches on Stanley Cup in Anaheim (Niedermayer, Pronger acquisitions). Leafs should be so sabotaged.
A combo: the Leaf-ers.
Vancouver radio pause here. Keep comments coming.
Okay, back for more... sorry for the delay.
Schenn or Mikhail Grabovski, whose game has really come around. If no letters were yet distributed, I'd put the 'C' on Luke's jersey. That seemed to be the plan, anyway, before Burke acquired Dion Phaneuf. Schenn has really matured on and off the ice. He is probably the best spokesperson in the dressing room, under any circumstance, and seems way more relaxed and genuine in his comments than Phaneuf. But, that's simply a product of their personalities and not really a criticism.
Why not re-live one of the great moments in Berger-Wilson history.
What is the Toronto Sports Radio website? Never heard of it.
No follow up? That's all we've been talking about for the past 36 hours. Personally, I think Kessel would be happy playing in a far-less intense hockey market. Would probably perform better in that environment as well. But, he won't admit it, and Burke swore yesterday he will not trade fast Phil.
Bless you, John.
Marijuana, alcohol... or stronger?
