A COMPLETE REVIEW OF MY LIVE CHAT ABOUT LEAFS ON FAN-590.com TODAY...
So, here’s the deal as I sit here – very much alone – in the MasterCard Centre press box: The Leafs are three games away from the halfway mark of the season (they’ll play Game 41 at Los Angeles Monday night) and are no further ahead than they were a year ago at this time. It has clearly ticked off people in this city, as fans were virtually promised this team would be different than the others in the post-lockout gorge. News today (well, sort of news) came that forward John Mitchell will be out of action from four to six weeks with a knee injury (MCL) suffered in practice on Sunday. Given the bulk of e-mails and Tweets I’ve received since that was announced, there aren’t many tears being spilled over Mitchell’s absence. Also, Jean-Sebastien Giguere admitted today that a groin-tear, not pull, has been the cause of his injury recurrence. Fire away with your questions and comments.
by howard.berger at 1/5/2011 7:07:09 PM document.write
Howard, will the Leafs be busy at trade deadline?
by Andre at 1/5/2011 7:07:18 PM document.write
Absolutely, Brian Burke will have a cell phone stuck to his ear in the week leading up to the Feb. 28 trade embargo, and there’s little question he’ll consider any and every option to help move the Leafs — finally — in the proper direction. The club has some expiring contracts (Tomas Kaberle and Giguere, most notably) that Burke would ideally move for futures, but both players possess no-movement clauses they’d have to waive. And, we must remember that 19 games will remain on the Leafs’ schedule after the deadline… almost a quarter of the season. So, Ron Wilson will still need 20 bodies to dress each night.
by howard.berger at 1/5/2011 7:10:10 PM document.write
So Howard, any real chance Kaberle gets traded before or at the deadline?
by Troy at 1/5/2011 7:17:19 PM document.write
It’s entirely up to Kaberle… a) to start playing better and make himself a more attractive commodity, and b) as I said, to agree that waiving his NTC is in his best interest. Could Tomas possibly be so stubborn as to stay in Toronto with a non-playoff team in a year his contract is expiring? On other occasions, he could look forward to remaining with the Leafs the following season. That almost certainly will not be the case this time. And, of course, Burke has remained steadfast in his vow that he will not “ask” Kaberle to waive his contract privilege. We have just less than two months to chew on this one again.
by howard.berger at 1/5/2011 7:20:18 PM document.write
Hard to gauge from simply watching on TV, and reading the Internet, but I get the feeling fans are angrier than they have been in the past couple of decades. Any sense this is the case? Or is it simply a product of having so many more avenues to vent frustration?
by Will at 1/5/2011 7:20:58 PM document.write
Excellent question, Will. I truly believe there’s a limit to everything in life, including the Leaf phenomenon. The ultimate reaction, of course, would be a decline in material interest (ticket sales, merchandise, TV viewer ship) – something the Leafs have miraculously avoided through decades of losing. I don’t sense any immediate concern along those lines, but there certainly is SOME momentum… more so than I’ve detected in any previous year. I really believe fans of the club felt Burke had executed a turnaround with the Dion Phaneuf trade. Hasn’t happened. Not even close.
by howard.berger at 1/5/2011 7:24:49 PM document.write
Howard, what do Leaf fans have to look forward to?
by Andre at 1/5/2011 7:24:57 PM document.write
Another long spring watching lesser hockey markets advance through the Stanley Cup playoffs. After that? Well, who knows. Almost impossible to predict anymore when the Blue & White will begin an upswing.
by howard.berger at 1/5/2011 7:26:00 PM document.write
I think we are a patient fan base, but the difficult part is that progress seems real slow and hard to come by. Other teams get better. Have you had any off-the-record chats with guys coming from other cities that they are bewildered by the wall-to-wall coverage the team gets?
by 11sharks at 1/5/2011 7:26:30 PM document.write
I talk to people in THIS city that are bewildered about the coverage the Leafs get… but they pay attention to it. And that’s the key. Once the eyes and ears of hockey fans begin to look and listen to other things, there won’t be the need for such beastly, wall-to-wall reporting. The instant-information era has greatly ramped up coverage of the Leafs, and it likely will stay as it is for awhile longer. Keeps an old guy like me relevant.
by howard.berger at 1/5/2011 7:30:24 PM document.write
Howard, happy new year! Do you think Ron Wilson’s style of coaching is not suited for the type of roll players we have on the Leafs?
by Gary From NJ at 1/5/2011 7:30:33 PM document.write
Back at you on the new year greeting. I’m not certain that Scotty Bowman, Al Arbour, Toe Blake, Glen Sather, or any other coaching combination could substantially reverse the direction of this Toronto group. And, that’s the reason Burke has said he will not fire Wilson. He doesn’t believe he’s provided his coach a competitive team, and I concur. Why that hasn’t happened is a question Burke is truly wrestling with these days. He legitimately thought the Phaneuf-led Leafs would challenge for a playoff spot this season. Instead, the team is essentially out of the hunt before the mid-point of the schedule.
by howard.berger at 1/5/2011 7:33:57 PM document.write
Will Ron Wilson lose his job at the end of the season?
by Andre at 1/5/2011 7:34:22 PM document.write
That’s the 68,000-dollar question, Andre. It will be fish-or-cut-bait time for Burke this summer. He’ll either choose to extend Wilson’s contract beyond its “lame-duck” final year, or replace his long-time pal. If Burke hasn’t somehow improved the team by the time he makes that call – and he lets Wilson go – fans will legitimately ask why he held onto the coach all season. The excuse of keeping Wilson until he’s provided a better group of players will no longer hold water.
by howard.berger at 1/5/2011 7:37:41 PM document.write
Howard, what do you make of the Leafs’ offensive struggle from the blue line this year? Beauchemin, Kaberle and Phaneuf have combined for only three goals so far. Is it a systems/coaching issue, or is it the best we can expect from this group?
by emroc10 at 1/5/2011 7:38:14 PM document.write
Until the NHL installs soccer nets, this will continue to be an issue with the Leaf blue-liners. They simply do not hit the target with the overwhelming majority of their long-range shots, nor do they often-enough place them strategically for re-direction or tip-ins. As with every part of the game, there’s an art to properly shooting from the point. Just loading up and firing blindly doesn’t get much accomplished. And that’s been the recurring vision of Phaneuf this season. Accuracy and thought-process are both lacking in that situation.
by howard.berger at 1/5/2011 7:41:26 PM document.write
What do you think about Jerry D‘Amigo making the team next year?
by Ted at 1/5/2011 7:42:26 PM document.write
From most reports I’ve heard, Jerry has taken a bit of a backward step in the AHL this season, his first as a pro. That shouldn’t be of grave concern to the Leafs. The pro game – even at the minor-league level – is altogether different from the college variety in the U.S. (Jerry attended R.P.I. before signing with Toronto last summer) and he’ll need to make the adjustment to a longer schedule; faster game, and more ice time. Whether he does that before next season is a long-shot. But, you never know.
by howard.berger at 1/5/2011 7:45:22 PM document.write
Anytime I’ve watched Jesse Blacker, I’ve liked his skill. Do you think he projects as a NHL defensemen?
by Ted at 1/5/2011 7:45:59 PM document.write
Yes. Blacker has made terrific strides this season… that’s the word from almost everyone that has watched him. But, again, the leap from any level to the NHL is always difficult. So, don’t get overly excited about him until he proves he belongs in the world’s best league.
by howard.berger at 1/5/2011 7:47:17 PM document.write
Do you think Burke has a rabbit in his hat like the Phaneuf and Jiggy trades?
by Troy at 1/5/2011 7:47:35 PM document.write
If the Phaneuf and Jiggy trades were the result of a rabbit appearing, that animal must have been awfully sick. It probably hadn’t looked at a carrot in weeks. Pulling the proverbial rabbit out of a hat results in a much-better circumstance than the two deals Burke made last January. Up to now, pulling a rhinoceros out of his hat wouldn’t have helped the team. But, Brian will keep trying… I assure you.
by howard.berger at 1/5/2011 7:50:20 PM document.write
I’m not a fan of Ron Wilson; his systems haven’t worked in two-plus seasons and with new players. Yes, we don’t have the most talented bunch, but special teams are dead-last again.
by Gary From NJ at 1/5/2011 7:51:10 PM document.write
Well, not dead-last, but close enough to support your argument, Gary. It has long been suggested that penalty killing — in particular — is the hallmark of a coach, mainly because it involves more mind-set than skill. It’s a dirty job and players must somehow “want” to do it properly. They often appear to do so… for a “good” coach. So, who knows why the PK has been so abysmal under Wilson. It’s not as if he doesn’t have a track-record of success in the NHL. His other teams have frequently killed penalties at a very decent rate.
by howard.berger at 1/5/2011 7:55:10 PM document.write
François (Turnover) Beauchemin needs to be traded.
by Gary From NJ at 1/5/2011 7:55:40 PM document.write
That doesn’t sound like a French-Canadian nickname to me. And, Gary, if you were the GM of a rival team, would YOU attempt to acquire Beauchemin? I ask that not as a result of the defenseman having no trade value, but rather because you insist he HAS to be dealt, thereby rendering him a non-factor. What team would strive to bring aboard a non-factor? Truth be told, Beauchemin’s contract length and price are rather attractive at this point, and a contending club – slotting him into a No. 3 role – might improve itself. Remember, playing that role on a good team enabled Beauchemin to contribute rather nicely when Anaheim won the Cup in 2007. But… THE LEAFS WILL NOT GET A FIRST-ROUND DRAFT PICK FOR HIM. IF THESE LETTERS COULD BE TYPED ANY LARGER, I WOULD DO IT.
by howard.berger at 1/5/2011 8:00:24 PM document.write
Do you think that Wilson and Burke are ruining the likes of Nazem Kadri and Jonas Gustavsson…especially Wilson and his negativity?
by Troy at 1/5/2011 8:02:22 PM document.write
No, I don’t believe either player has been “ruined” by the Leafs – certainly not to this point. Such a factor might have entered the equation if Burke and Wilson had kept Kadri with the Leafs as a healthy scratch, rather than sending him back to the Marlies. But, I think Nazem is properly positioned once again to learn his craft at the minor-pro level. Gustavsson is a work in progress, as are many goalies – particularly Europeans that must acclimate themselves to a different lifestyle and smaller rink. He has blown hot and cold this season, but is under contract for another year before the Leafs have to make a future call on him. I’m not sure Wilson has been “negative” as it pertains to Kadri. Almost all of what he said about the young player was the truth. And, I believe Nazem is a big enough boy to handle the truth.
by howard.berger at 1/5/2011 8:07:26 PM document.write
Brian Burke suggested a “fast rebuild” was in order when he got here. I’m guessing he said that because he thought the Leafs were better. Thus, he felt no need to go the Pittsburgh or Washington route. Having seen what has unfolded, do you think he realizes – now – this team needs to be built the traditional way?
by Luker at 1/5/2011 8:08:36 PM document.write
Uh, that’s sort of like asking your partner – three hours into a rabid sexual embrace – if he or she REALLY intended to get naked. The question doesn’t have much credence at that point, right? Neither would the notion of Burke pulling a “180” and suggesting he’ll go the traditional hockey way… AFTER GIVING UP THE PICKS HE DID FOR KESSEL. Anyone can be proven wrong (God knows I’ve had enough experience through the years), but it wouldn’t accomplish a lot for Burke to unload a mea culpa on Leafs Nation. Far too late for that.
by howard.berger at 1/5/2011 8:14:28 PM document.write
Why not just swallow the bullet, and send Mike Komisarek to the minors so he can find his game again? He’s not tradable and if he’s put on recall-waivers, no one will pick up his salary anyway. What, in your estimation, happened to his game, Howard?
by Joe at 1/5/2011 8:15:30 PM document.write
I’m not sure I have that much estimation, Joe. Komisarek, to me, seems like a confidence freak. If he has it, his ability to perform with controlled aggression is rather high. When confidence is lacking, he plays a bit like a child that’s been denied his allowance. Kind of a pouty demeanor leads to mental lapses on the ice, and the puck gets turned over in a terrible spot. Would it help to try and demote him? I don’t know. Ol’ Mike looks ready to explode some days. Such a move could spawn a serial killer (just kidding… sort of).
by howard.berger at 1/5/2011 8:23:39 PM document.write
I don’t understand your answer, Howard. Wasn’t Burke wrong in his evaluation of this team when he got here? Based on that error, wouldn’t it be the right thing to do to re-think the course of action, rather than continuing down the set path? And I mean start the rebuild next year after we start getting first-rounders again. Is he too stubborn or is he afraid of something?
by Luker at 1/5/2011 8:25:05 PM document.write
No, you misinterpreted my answer, Luker. What you asked me about was an admission of guilt. I’m sure Burke realizes – to some extent – the potential folly of his ways, but saying “I botched it” wouldn’t improve the current situation, nor is it a sentence many GMs would utter. However, I don’t believe Burke would live comfortably in this town if he even considered trading his 2012 first-round pick. The National Guard would have to surround his residence 24 hours a day.
by howard.berger at 1/5/2011 8:31:54 PM document.write
Burke has no plan… his intentions, like every dough-head GM that comes here, is to try a quick fix; hopefully catch lightning in a bottle, get into the playoffs, and see what happens from there. Burke (and this is a massive understatement) has been a huge disappointment. All the promises, the ideas… everything has backfired on this guy. Who gave him the authority to trade our future away as his first order of business? Given our pathetic history with drafting and developing, how on earth could anyone in the Leaf organization (the higher ups) allow him to make that trade for Kessel? Did he not know the history here? He grossly overvalued Kessel’s talent, and is also repeating Leaf lore by ruining a young talent’s confidence like Kadri. Burke likes the mediocre players. He brought in Komisarek (stinks), Beauchemin (stinks), Bozak (stinks), Kessel (stinks). If he gives up another lottery pick to the Bruins, he must be relieved of his duties; there is no other way. Two lottery picks and a second-rounder for KESSEL? Unacceptable. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out, Brian.
by Carlton the Bear! at 1/5/2011 8:32:37 PM document.write
Carlton, we encourage those participating in this chat-session to strongly articulate themselves. Given that you’ve chosen to sit on the fence about Burke, I’m not really into answering your question. Or questions. Or comments. Or rants. Do you have typer’s cramp right now? Actually, good job of telling us how you really feel. Sadly for you, I don’t think double-B is going anywhere in the near future. He was provided a six-year contract to reverse the Leaf fortunes. MLSE won’t give up on him after the first three years. But, your points are accurate and well-stated.
by howard.berger at 1/5/2011 8:40:21 PM document.write
Joe, I think Komisarek is upset & frustrated because Dion is dating has ex girl-friend. LOL
by Carlton the Bear! at 1/5/2011 8:40:33 PM document.write
This wouldn’t be Sean from New York, would it?
by howard.berger at 1/5/2011 8:41:13 PM document.write
Happy New Year, Howard. Just a quick observation from my end. I was at last Thursday’s tilt with the Blue Jackets, and was on the verge of throwing fists at those around me who would murmur to their companions things like “Oh, here comes a giveaway… told you!” or “Yeah they’ll have a power play, but they’ll blow it… see??” I’m sick of the “threats” so-called Leafs fans lay down toward MLSE day after day - honestly, If you don’t want to support the team, DON’T COME TO THE GAME. That was a great game, and they lost but not through lack of effort. “Fans” were booing the guys for things like a rolling puck going over the stick… I was disgusted. I’m frustrated too, but if your idea of dealing with the current disaster in Leaf Land is to jump on the Pens/Hawks/Caps/whatever bandwagon, then go for it.
by Tom at 1/5/2011 8:41:37 PM document.write
Nice rant, Tom. The Leafs would surely appreciate having more fans like you in the building. I was at the Columbus game, too, but I couldn’t throw any fists in the press box (actually had a very attractive lady next to me). You have to keep in mind how long this Leaf disaster has been going on, and how it affects people that, perhaps, attend games more frequently than you do. Also, if some joker around you predicted a turnover – and it happened – give the guy props. Not for originality or going out on a limb, mind you, but for watching the Leafs closely enough on most nights.
by howard.berger at 1/5/2011 8:48:00 PM document.write
Howard, you understand we as Leaf fans have every right to be upset. This is like peeing on a Bishop in The Vatican.
by Carlton the Bear! at 1/5/2011 8:49:00 PM document.write
Carlton, if you even dared to take ol’ Charlie out in the middle of The Vatican, you would probably leave without “him”. Get my drift?
by howard.berger at 1/5/2011 8:50:41 PM document.write
And to follow up on Carlton the Bear, why did Fletcher trade Alex Steen: also a first-rounder from Canada, 24th overall? Great two-way centre gone for Lee Stempniak?
by Rolling Over on the Rock at 1/5/2011 8:51:04 PM document.write
Oh yes, the howls of protest from trading Steen continue to echo through this city. Rolling, give your head a shake. Yes, Alex has developed nicely in St. Louis, and no, he probably wouldn’t have done so in this hockey environment. But, talk about revisionist history! Can’t believe you lost much appetite the day that Toronto-St. Louis deal went down.
by howard.berger at 1/5/2011 8:54:20 PM document.write
Hey Howard… So Tyler Seguin is not having the year many would have anticipated with Boston or the same impact as either Taylor Hall, or Sidney Crosby in his first year. If the Kessel trade hadn’t happened, would Seguin be ripped to shreds by the fan-base here for the season he’s having? Bozak has more points than him.
by Sean at 1/5/2011 8:54:39 PM document.write
First, there is no legitimate way to measure an 18-year-old in the NHL. The Crosby types are extremely rare. And, second, if the Kessel trade hadn’t gone down, why would anyone here give a rat’s ass what Seguin is doing in Boston?
by howard.berger at 1/5/2011 8:58:04 PM document.write
Hey Howard, I would like to remind everyone that is jumping all over Burke of the Harold Ballard years in this city. For those unaware, look up the Leafs’ record in the 1980s. Even though Burke has made mistakes, he’s at least trying to correct them.
by vito at 1/5/2011 8:58:33 PM document.write
Ballard tried to make improvements as well, but dementia got in the way… for about a decade. Hey, Vito, if the Leafs have as many lousy years under Burke as they had under Ballard, the men will be regarded similarly by future generations. But, too soon to affix double-B with that ungodly tag.
by howard.berger at 1/5/2011 9:04:50 PM document.write
This is not intended to be a knock on Rolling over the Rock, but it’s pretty funny that we’re now looking at Alex Steen (yes that same Alex Steen who never lived up to his potential, who was supposed to step up in Mats’ absence) as the Savior of the franchise… what’s next? Matt Stajan as “the one that got away”?
by Tom at 1/5/2011 9:05:08 PM document.write
Thank-you, Tom.
by howard.berger at 1/5/2011 9:05:30 PM document.write
Howard, great chatting with you! I think the media loves that the Leafs suck so much. Bye for now.
by Carlton the Bear! at 1/5/2011 9:05:37 PM document.write
Toodaloo to you, too. Not sure, however, that many in my daily position gush with enthusiasm over dealing with miserable people all the time. Not miserable by nature; just by circumstance. I don’t care if the Leafs win, lose (or show up on nights I’m tired). But, it does get a trifle monotonous attempting to say the same thing a different way… over and over and over.
by howard.berger at 1/5/2011 9:08:20 PM document.write
What do Pens/Hawks/Caps have in common? First-round picks that make a difference.
by Carlton the Bear! at 1/5/2011 9:09:04 PM document.write
And lots of crappy seasons in which they played before arenas that were one-third full, and in Pittsburgh’s case, almost twice lost the franchise. Bottoming out isn’t a barrel of laughs, believe me.
by howard.berger at 1/5/2011 9:11:16 PM document.write
In the past, our GMs would trade away picks for guys on the downside of their careers. At least Kessel is still a young player.
by Jay at 1/5/2011 9:11:30 PM document.write
And, I’m sure Burke is being offered that sort of trade on a daily basis… a veteran that is performing – right now – at a higher level than most of the young Leafs, for a future component. Perhaps it is tempting for Burke when he gazes at the standings, but he’d be very wise to continue resisting such a move.
by howard.berger at 1/5/2011 9:13:16 PM document.write
Thanks for the chat, folks. We’ll do it again next week from somewhere on the coast, as I’ll be with the Leafs on their trip through Los Angeles, San Jose and Phoenix. Talk again then.
by howard.berger at 1/5/2011 9:14:26 PM document.write
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