Well, folks, the Leafs playoff dream was exactly that, given how late the club began its push. But, it was a helluva run and more legitimate than any of the prior late-season surges. This one started much earlier and involved a number of high-pressure games. Leafs succeeded in lots of them. As I've been telling you for months now, Ron Wilson will be back as coach next season, likely with a two-year extension beyond 2011-12. If you get a chance, have a look at my blog today on FAN590.com -- posted a bunch of photos from Leaf games I took in my high-school years (1976-78). Fire away with questions/comments.
Yes, Dick was very much alive and wonderfully helpful during the early stage of my career. He was a different sort -- flamboyant and outspoken -- and I learned a lot from him. One thing he showed me was to have fun with this gig, as serious as it gets now and then. Dick died of cancer in 1987. I think about him quite often.
Incredible, huh? The one photo of Denis Herron in Pittsburgh (from Dec. 29, 1976) looks as if he's wearing nothing but leg pads. And, we wonder why scoring has fallen off through the years.
I probably have more pictures than knowledge but, yes, I've had several offers in recent years and will do the project when the time is right.
This is a subject I've discussed in a number of chats -- suggesting the Leafs' centre position may not be as shallow as it appeared this season. Kadri has really taken a forward step after a full year in the minors. I've been telling you all along that scouts insist to me he'll be a player in the NHL, and he's showing flashes right now. Colborne has to fully recover from a concussion, but he was scoring regularly and using his size well in the AHL before the injury. With Mikhail Grabovski and a likely bounce-back in Year 3 by Tyler Bozak, the middle spot could be much improved next year. I do believe, however, that Brian Burke will attempt to sign or trade for an established centre in the off-season, but his yearning may not be as strong as it once was.
I'm not certain that either of the un-tested Marlie goaltenders have a lot of trade value just yet so I'd be surprised if other clubs asked for them in a deal for an established forward. More likely, teams will want one of the Leafs first-round draft picks this June, and a prospect of some value. We'll see.
I don't remember them being given away at the time because I was too young. These items were part of Imperial Oil's sponsorship of Leaf telecasts in the middle-'60s (Esso gas stations), and were handed out to patrons during the hockey season. I have several of the Beehive Corn Syrup photos but none of the vinyl 45-rpm records. One such item is on display at the hockey hall of fame.
Don't think they'll allow a Hobey Baker finalist to sneak away. Stay tuned.
Only in spirit. LOL. No, the radio station doesn't allow me to travel to Leaf road games anymore, as I did for 13 seasons beginning in 1995-96. Maybe a Detroit or Buffalo now and then, but nothing that involves flying. I miss it. I hope some listeners do as well.
No, not as an active goalie anymore. And, Giguere hasn't said a word about retirement when I've talked with him. If he's willing to hang up his pads, there'd be substantial value in retianing him as an assistant coach. He is one of the classiest, most unselfish players I've had the privilege of knowing in my years covering the NHL. And, he's extremely knowledgeable about the game, with a gift for imparting that knowledge.
Yes, I believe Burke has seen the value of each man. But, they'll both have to fight hard to retain their positions if Brian adds to his forward group in the summer.
Agree wholeheartedly. But, Crabb has done SOMETHING in order to stick around since before the New Year. One or two of these character guys could be used to improve a trade offer in the summer.
Good question. I'm not entirely sold on the notion that a weakness among any of Tim Hunter, Rob Zettler or Keith Acton has led to the mediocre special teams performance -- certainly not the powerplay, where coaches have limited influence and are dependent on scoring personnel. If Burke truly believes there is weakness among the assistant coaches, he'll let Ron Wilson know. But, Ron has done quite well through the years with Hunter and Zettler by his side. So, I don't have a firm sense of the situation just yet.
I agree with your notion of "enough with Stephen Weiss" but not because of your reasoning. He is very much a number-one centre, in my opinion, and the Leafs won't get him beacuse I don't believe Florida will let him go. Dale Tallon told his fellow GMs well before the trade deadline he was hanging on to Weiss, and with good reason.
Nice kids you were!
Haha. No I didn't see Howie at the game last week here, but I've met him a number of times. He certainly has aged in appearance, but not in enthusiasm. I love the guy.
Ohhhh, probably Dion Phaneuf. And Luke Schenn. Perhaps Clarke MacArthur. Maybe even James Reimer.
Not even close. LOL.
I could write a book chapter on my encounters with the old man near the beginning of my career. Jeez, I'll never forget how the poor guy urinated while sitting at the Leafs draft table in 1989 at the Met Center in Bloomington, Minn. (home of the former North Stars). Not my favorite Ballard memory, but one that seems to crop up more quickly than others for some reason.
Boyce has more offensive up-side, but Brent is probably more versatile. Both are outstanding humans.
Thank you for your kind words. Let's work it out one day, though I'll probably switch to ginger ale after one beer. Never been much of a drinker (go ahead, ask how I've stayed in THIS business so long). Yes, undoubtedly Burke will sign a defenseman in the summer, but he doesn't need a top-4 guy. It shouldn't be much of a problem to find a bottom-2, if you will.
Wow, good memory of my photos during Leafs western trip in early January. Yes, I believe the Santa Monica Beach pier -- the most famous in the L.A. area -- is the one you're referring to as part of the movie.
Agree, but think of how he might be capable of playing with good linemates on a CONTENDING team, where there is less onus on the individual. He is still rather young, too, so I wouldn't rule out further development.
