An Interview With Joe Bowen, Maple Leafs Play-By-Play Man

Derek Harmsworth by Senior Writer Written on July 14, 2008
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Derek:  You are a big Packers fan, a little off topic here, do you think Brett Favre is coming back?

Joe: He might, but I doubt very strongly he'll come back as a Packer.  I think the Packers have decided that they have to move on and go in a different direction and I am not sure Brett Favre could come back at that age and play for another team because he would have to go through the learning process of a whole new system and everything else, but it will be interesting to see how this situation goes.

Derek:  If Mats was to sign with a different team, I mean Montreal, Vancouver, are still in the mix, you have been here for Mats' whole tenure in Toronto, will you look at his legacy any different?

Joe:  Oh no, absolutely not.  I mean you wouldn't look at it any different than Borje Salming or Darryl Sittler leaving.  I don't think there is any question when it's all said and done, like in baseball when a player goes into the hall of fame they ask him what hat he wants to wear in the hall when it goes on the plaque, Mats Sundin will always be a Maple Leafs I don't think there is any question about that.

Derek: Barring any trades it appears the Maple Leafs roster for the most part has been finalized.  What are your thought and expectations for the group that Cliff has assembled so far?

Joe:  Well we're going to be different.  I think we're going to be a more miserable team to play against which I think is something that we lost.  If you look back to Pat Quinn's team they were a miserable bunch.  They were physical, in your face, and they had an identity.  I think that is something Cliff is trying to pursue and I think you'll see we'll be a more physical group. 

Will that translate to more wins and better defensive play?  That's the key that Ron Wilson has to work at and I think if they do play miserable and with an identity and if their defensive system is better they may be in the mix for the playoffs.  They certainly aren't going to be Stanley Cup favourites but, attitude and atmosphere are huge in the dressing room.  You also have to look at injuries and things of that nature, but I wouldn't be so quick to count them out of the playoffs, and if they can make it, who knows what could happen.



Derek: Going back quickly to Mats Sundin for a second, there has been a lot of talk about the team in transition, in a rebuild.  They do have a few veteran guys who will help out with the leadership along the way, but if Mats doesn't return, what are your thoughts on the captain's C?  Do the Maple Leafs go with three or four A's for the season, or do you see someone who can carry the C in Toronto?

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written on July 14, 2008 Opinion

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