Bleacher Report - Articles by Anthony Kern

Maple Leafs-Ducks: Toronto's Late-Game Antics Not Enough against Anaheim

Anthony Kern — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 16:23:01 -0400

The Toronto Maple Leafs came up just short Tuesday night, falling to the Anaheim Ducks in a shootout, 3-2.

The Leafs trailed early, down by a 2-0 score at the end of the first period. They then came back to eventually tie it up at 2-2 when Vesa Toskala was pulled with just over a minute remaining in the game. With the extra attacker on the ice, Nik Antropov netted his second of the night to complete the comeback.

After nothing was settled in overtime, the game went to a shootout, and, in a surprise move, a cold Curtis Joseph was inserted into the net. Cujo, looking off, allowed his first shooters to score. Jean-Sebastien Giguere, on the other hand, was not even tested, as both Tomas Kaberle and Nikolai Kulemin missed the net on their attempts.

With three shootout losses in the last four games, and after the stunt Wilson pulled tonight, it looks like the Leafs should consider pulling the goalie in the last minute of overtime going forward.

John Mitchell started the game centering Toronto's top line, in between Antropov and Jason Blake. Halfway through the second period, Wilson mixed up the lines, moving Matt Stajan up to centre alongside Alexei Ponikarovsky and Antropov.

Antropov, after scoring two goals tonight, leads the team with five points (3G, 2A).

Luke Schenn, in his sixth regular season game with the Leafs, has only three games remaining before the coaching staff and management render a decision on whether or not he will be staying with the club for the duration of the season.

Toronto Maple Leafs, Philadelphia Flyers Play Let's Make a Deal

Anthony Kern — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 08:28:43 -0400

There is no question that my beloved Toronto Maple Leafs are in a rebuilding process, and that this season, as everyone has said before, will require patience. But I'm still an eight-year-old child at heart and I still hope that the Leafs will make the playoffs this season.

Let's change gears though for a second and talk about a team that had playoff hopes coming into this season: the Philadelphia Flyers. Now, first off, it is only the first five games, but this team is capable of much better. And 22 goals against to start the season has shown that this team's primary problem is defense.

Now, where does all this fit in with the Leafs? Well, last season at the the trade deadline, there was a deal in place that would have sent Kaberle to the Flyers in exchange for Jeff Carter and a draft pick. So, I say how 'bout it, let's make a deal.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have an abundance of defensemen and sending one away would help coach Ron Wilson decide who plays.

Now, why Kaberle? Don't get me wrong, I've always loved the guy, but he's part of the old regime. On top of that, in his first interview with the media in the preseason he seemed distraught and was even open to moving somewhere else. Quite a change from just over six months ago.

Out of the gate, the Leafs have an offensive problem, whereas the Flyers have a defensive problem, so let's put our hatred for each other aside for one moment and make a deal.

Oh No...Toronto Maple Leafs Vol. I.

Anthony Kern — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 18:13:11 -0400

The reality check for the Blue and White has come, and it has come hard and quick.

On Saturday night the Montreal Canadiens showed the Leafs for what they are, a bunch of over-paid veterans, over-hyped AHLers, and under-developed prospects. The Canadiens beat the Leafs by a drubbing 6-1 victory.

The draft lottery is now in our sights, only 80 more losses to go and we got Tavares in the bag.

This should wake up those delusional fans who think going down with the ship is some noble act. I much prefer jumping off the boat into a life raft and throwing bombs at the vessel I was just aboard. Explosions are cool, right?

However, and sadly, there was one plus out of last nights game; in his first regular season appearance with the Buds in over six years, Curtis Joseph, posted a shut out.

Say What?!? Toronto Maple Leafs Vol. I

Anthony Kern — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 19:21:52 -0400

Leafs Nation are you ready?!? The road to the Stanley Cup has begun, and our Leafs have already disposed of the former, and the predicted to be champs, the Detroit Red Wings.

Does this make us "the kind of Stanley Cup champions" until another team beats Detroit?

In the Leafs Season opener the scoffers and doubters, one might even call them masochists, readied themselves to delight in the train wreck that was suppose to be the Toronto Maple Leafs or Maple Laughs as they call them.

Well my fellow Leafs fans, it was us the ol' Leafs faithful that had the last laugh on this years season opener, and what an opener it was. We witnessed the birth of Nikolai "Dangles" Kulemin, Luke "The Human Eraser" Schenn, and Mikhail "Berezin The Better" Grabovski.

To paraphrase Ron Wilson, he stated that what he tells the media differs from what he tells the team, well now we know what he's telling them, in fact we can now assume that they are two opposite messages. He probably found an inspiring quote in the "Toronto Maple Leafs Coaches of The Past Diary", and read aloud as it went something like this:

"This is the best team I have ever coached, and I guarantee that we will make the playoffs and compete for the Stanley Cup." And now that that statement has aged like a fine wine, the class of 2008-09 are rightly embellishing it.

Well I say, "Cheers boys, drink up and be merry!" because there's always time for a hangover in the 2009-10 NHL Season.

Brian McCabe Traded to Florida: It's Official

Anthony Kern — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 10:47:51 -0400

CBC Sports has reported (I know eh, CBC, breaking the news first?) that Bryan McCabe, as well as a fourth round pick in 2010, has officially been traded to Florida.

In exchange the Maple Leafs will get what was expected, defenseman Mike Van Ryn.

TSN first reported yesterday that a deal would be made official by 11am this morning, and although a bit late the deal has been completed with no twists or surprises.

Also, according to an interview today at 6pm on Sportsnet Connected with Nick Kypreos, McCabe never said no to Cliff Fletcher when he was approached by the GM at the trade deadline and instead said that he was "open" to anything on the table.

With that being said, Cliff Fletcher, has now, arguably, completed phase one of the rebuilding process in Toronto. The only question now left open for speculation is, what will the starting line up look like for the 2008-09 season?

McCabe will cost the Florida Panthers a cap hit of $5.75 million over the next three seasons.

Florida will be the fifth club that Bryan McCabe has played for in his NHL career. Before moving to Toronto and now Florida, McCabe has played for the New York Islanders, the Vancouver Canucks, and the Chicago Blackhawks.

In seven seasons with the Leafs McCabe tallied a total of 297 points.

Van Ryn, over the next two seasons will cost the Leafs a cap hit of only $2.9 million a season.

Van Ryn struggled with injury problems last season only posting two assists in 20 games with the Panthers.

Mats Sundin, Toronto Maple Leafs Nation Is Breaking Up with You

Anthony Kern — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 09:38:19 -0400

Dear Mats,

First things first—thank you.

Thank you for the memories. Thank you for sharing your unequaled excitement every time you scored a goal. Thank you for being a role model to me when I was wee little Leafs fan, and for continuing to be a role model to all young Leafs fans.

Thank you for your loyalty to a club that was hardly, if ever, loyal to you. Thank you for, in my opinion, being the greatest Toronto Maple Leaf—and Leafs captain—of all time.

That being said, and in light of your most recent comments, I feel that it is finally time for us to part ways.

Today you made it all but official that you don't plan to be back when you said, after being asked if you would make a decision before training camp starts:

“The way it looks right now, probably not. I want to make sure that I'm ready to mentally and physically play. Where I am right now is that I'm not ready to make that decision.”

Mats, you said yourself that you believe that the "journey" to the Stanley Cup starts at the beginning of training camp—not somewhere in between. And you said that it was this very "journey" that defined a player's season.

So, Mats, don't become something you never were in the hockey world—a hypocrite. And more importantly, Mats, in the words of the Backstreet Boys, "quit playing games with my heart."

I loved you, Mats—and I supported you when it seemed like all of Toronto was calling for your head. I even supported you through this long, drawn-out, bitter offseason. I still even support you at this very moment, and I trust you'll make the right decision—but it cannot involve us, the Leafs Nation.

You see, Mats, there is one thing I love—one thing that we love more than you. Our true love lies with the crest on the front of that blue and white sweater. The crest that carries so much history with it, the crest that carries within itself joy and heart ache, The Maple Leaf.

So, in honour of our first and true love, on behalf of Leafs Nation I bid you adieu. It is time for us, fans and players alike, to move on and focus on the light at the end of the tunnel—Lord Stanley's Cup.

Love,

Leafs Nation

Manchester Rivals Make Headlines On Football's D-Day

Anthony Kern — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 19:31:37 -0400

Two of the most sought after strikers found a new home late Monday night, becoming neighbors as well as bitter rivals.

One of the most drawn-out transfer battles of the summer concluded late last night, and was made official shortly after the transfer deadline had passed.

Tottenham finally reached a deal with Manchester United that sent Bulgarian star striker, Dimitar Berbatov, to his desired—and much publicised—destination.

The Berbatov saga almost took another dramatic twist last night as United rivals, Manchester City made a late night swoop for the striker. Although unsuccessful, all was not lost for City as they landed the Brazilian striker Robinho.

There were reports in the last few weeks that Robinho would be leaving Real Madrid to join Luiz Felipe Scolari's Chelsea. However, the Blues hopes of landing the striker were dashed last night when Real released a statement stating otherwise.

Dimitar Berbatov has yet to see any playing time this season, but posted 12 goals in 33 appearances last season.

Robinho posted similar numbers last season at Real Madrid, posting 11 goals in 32 appearances.

Both United and City should be stronger going onward, making for an even more exciting derby.

Brendan Shanahan to Return to the St. Louis Blues?

Anthony Kern — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 23:28:37 -0400

According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the St. Louis Blues have notified Brendan Shanahan's agent, Rick Curran, of their interest in signing the veteran forward.

Blues President, John Davidson told the Post-Dispatch:

“We’ve thrown our hat in the ring, [and] when it comes down to it, Brendan has to make a decision that’s right for him and his family. It could be New York. But we hope he explores the Blues as a viable option.”

It is unlikely that Shanahan will sign with St. Louis—but anything is possible as long as the New York Rangers continue to hold out on re-signing him.

Hey, maybe after the terribly-painful Sundin saga is over, the Leafs may decide to ink Shanahan to a contract, thinking that they need a leader in the dressing room amongst all the youngsters.

Now that would be a story!

EPL Round Up: Scolari's Blues Fly High While Fergie's Red Devils Burnout

Anthony Kern — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 19:21:23 -0400

The reign of Luiz Felipe Scolari has begun at Stamford Bridge and his squad after week one have showed themselves to be a force to be reckoned with, after beating Portsmouth 4-0 this Sunday.

The first week of the Barclay's Premier League saw three out of the four Big Four open up their respective campaigns with three points. The one team that did not make the grade was reigning Champions, Manchester United, as they were held to a 1-1 draw with Newcastle.

In fact, the only thing that united took away from Old Trafford Sunday was a knock to their midfield as Michael Carrick (ankle) and Ryan Giggs (hamstring) have been sidelined for three weeks with injuries.

Surprise Of The Week

Middlesbrough surprised a highly touted Tottenham, upsetting the favourites by a score of 2-1. All the goals in this match came in the last twenty minutes and all were scored by Boro, as Robert Huth scored a late own goal.

Transfer Talk

Manchester United's performance at Old Trafford Sunday, underlined the need for a new striker as Patrice Evra was moved up front to support Wayne Rooney late in the match.

Liverpool manager Rafa Benetiz, after defeating Sunderland 1-0 Saturday, expressed his desire to still sign Gareth Barry. The Times Online is reporting that Benetiz has now appealed to co-owner Tom Hicks for support.

Player Of The Week

After an impressive performance the Player Of The Week Award goes to Frank Lampard who showed that his heart is rooted at Stamford Bridge after putting the game out of reach with a Penalty in the 45th minute against Portsmouth this Sunday.

League Table
GP W    L    D   GF GA GD PTS
1. Chelsea
1    1    0    0    4    0    +4    3

2. Aston Villa
1    1    0    0    4    2    +2    3

3. Bolton
1    1    0    0    3    1    +2    3

4. Blackburn
1 1    0    0    3    2     +1    3

5. Hull City
1    1    0    0    2    1    +1    3

6. Middlesbrough
1    1    0    0    2    1    +1    3

7. West Ham Utd
1    1    0    0    2    1    +1    3

8. Arsenal
1    1    0    0    1    0    +1    3

9. Liverpool
1    1    0    0    1    0    +1    3

10. Man Utd
1    0    1    0    1    1       0    1

11. Newcastle
1    0    1    0    1    1       0    1

12. Everton
1    0    0    1    2    3      -1    0

13. Fulham
1    0    0    1    1    2      -1    0

14. Tottenham
1    0    0    1    1    2      -1    0

15. Wigan Athletic
1    0    0    1    1    2      -1    0

16. Sunderland
1    0    0    1    0    1      -1    0

17. WBA
1    0    0    1    0    1      -1    0

18. Manchester City
1    0    0    1    2    4      -2    0

19. Stoke City
1    0    0    1    1    3      -2    0

20. Portsmouth
1    0    0    1    0    4      -4    0

And that concludes this weeks EPL Round Up, until next week,

Cheers.

Euro 2008 Preview: Group D

Anthony Kern — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 21:58:20 -0400

Group D kicks off today, and will feature one of the tournament favorites—Spain—alongside current title holders Greece, with Russia and Sweden rounding out the group.

Players To Watch

Spain

Fernando Torres and David Villa: This striking duo will make or break Spain. They will either combine to create the leading goal-scoring tandem in the tournament, or bear the responsibility for another Spanish flop.

Greece

I don't feel that there is anyone who stands out on Greece. More so than any other team, they are successful when they work as a unit, and rely on a team effort rather than individual stars.

Sweden

Zlaten Ibrahimovic: Always dangerous, always brilliant. He had a great season at Inter this year, and was one of the key reasons why they repeated as Serie A Champions.

Russia

Andrei Arshavin: Although he is suspended until the last group match, he is one of, if not the only, offensive force on the Russian squad. His role will be vital for Russia's chances of claiming the second spot in this group, as it may come down to the last match.

Spain is expected to walk away with full marks and all nine points in Group D. Second spot, like all other second spots in this tournament, is up for grabs. If Russia are still in it come their third match, expect them to advance. If not, expect Sweden to advance with Spain.

Sorry Greece fans—no miracles are on the cards in this tournament.

Euro 2008 Group C Preview: The Group Of Death

Anthony Kern — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 18:05:53 -0400

This tournament's group of death really does live up to its name, as it features the World Champion Italian side, World Cup runners-up France, as well as Holland, and Romania.

Three of the four (with Romania being the exception) are well-known amongst the best of the best, and there are many players in their lineups who are amongst the top class in Europe.

Italy
Luca Toni: A prolific striker as well as an experienced one; should be a force to reckon with for any back line.

Gianluigi Buffon: Arguably the best keeper in the world, and possibly best-dressed too.

Alberto Aquilani: It could be this young midfielder's coming-out party.

France
Thierry Henry: Will he dazzle the masses on the international stage one last time? Or take a flop, like his last season at Barcelona?

Karim Benzema: The next great French striker will only make an impact if Domenech utilizes him, as it has been rumoured that he is not particularly fond of the young attacker.

Franck Ribéry: France's playmaker—if anyone were to carry France on their shoulders, it would be him.

Samir Nasri: The next Zidane?!?

William Gallas: Simply put, the best defender in the world.

Holland
Edwin van der Sar: Old Faithful guarding the old onion bag

Ruud van Nistelrooy: In great form and has something to prove this tournament, which may also be his last.

Romania
An unknown team to most, but there is one threat that may lead to multiple upsets of Europe's strongest.

Adrian Mutu: If you don't know him, get to know him, because by the time Group C has been wrapped up, every single player and coach in that group will know it.

This group is a nightmare for anyone formulating predictions or odds, but the group winners will most likely be Italy. It would be safe to say second is up for grabs, but so is first, and with that first prediction, Netherlands look like the best bet for second spot.

France needs a new coach. Domenech has done them well, but has not utilized the fresh bunch of players he has been given effectively.

Romania will probably come in third, but don't be surprised if they grab second place and sneak through to the next round. Also, if that happens, you might just start thinking about what happened in 2004 with Greece.

Italy is essentially the same side they were in 2006, minus a few players due to injury, retirement, or better players filling their place.

Holland usually flops, but if there was ever a guy to put one's faith in when it came to football miracles, than that's Marco van Basten.

The fact is, this group is unpredictable, despite these, or any other predictions. One thing is certain, though—it should be a hell of a ride to watch.

Euro 2008 Group B: Eastern European Goulash

Anthony Kern — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 12:55:12 -0400

Group B is a regional round robin tournament in and of itself. Group B features, Austria, Croatia, Germany, and Poland.

I suppose if these four nations were to agree to hold a tournament amongst themselves that Austria would be given home advantage for two reasons. The first being that it is a central location for all four countries, and the second being that Austria need all the help they can get.

This group has produced one of the most memorable pre-tournament stories involving co-hosts, Austria. Apparently in the fall some ten thousand Austrians signed a petition requesting that the Austrian team withdraw from Euro 2008 in order to save the country from humiliation.

When looking at the players to watch in this group, starting with Austria, one gets the feeling that their might have been something behind that petition.

The Austrians

umm...

...

Oh here's one!

Erwin Hoffer: If you saw this guy play at BMO Field in Toronto at the U20 World Cup then you know that this guy was impressive. However, this is a whole different level, with much better teams, but here's hoping he provides the Austrians with some much needed hope.

Hrvati (The Croats)

Where to begin? Eduardo Da Silva may be gone, but this team has enough depth in midfield to make up for it.

To name a few.

Vedran Ćorluka: A solid young defender, will provide stability to a shaky D.

Niko Kovač: This is old faithful's curtain call, but there has never been a tournament where his leadership was needed as much as it is now.

Luka Modrić: Spurs fans know all about this young CM, but the rest of Europe will after this tournament.

Niko Kranjčar: Many believe this guy will be the star player for Croatia this tournament, and if you saw him at Portsmouth this season you'd believe it.

Eduardo's Empty Boots

Croatian Strikers

Nikola Kalinić: Maybe if he was two years older, he will most likely make his presence felt in the fall during the World Cup qualifiers.

Ivan Klasnić: This guy's been through the trenches and overcome two kidney transplants in the last year and a half, and though he has been effective for his club, Werder Bremen, he has yet to be anything spectacular for Croatia.

Ivica Olić: Only effective as a sub, sorry Olić fans.

Igor Budan: Although he had a good season this year with now relegated and former Serie A team, Parma, he is not even close to being the answer.

Mladen Petrić: He could be the answer, but he will have to elevate his game to another level.

Germany

Speaking of depth, Germany are tournament favorites for a reason.

Philipp Lahm: Simply put, one of the best defenders in the world.

Michael Ballack: Had his best season with Chelsea this year, and might just carry the already talented German team on his back.

Miroslav Klose: He has been the go to guy for Germany over the past five years, though he is nearing his twilight, expect him to produce for Germany this tournament.

Mario Gómez: An exciting young German striker, waiting in the wings to take over Klose's position, an excellent option off the bench for an extra offensive push.

Lukas Podolski: In 2006, he showed the world that he was the real deal, expect him to leave an even bigger mark on this tournament.

Poland

With midfielder, Jakub Błaszczykowski out due to injury Poland have only two men to rely on, one on and one off the pitch.

Artur Boruc: The Celtic FC goalkeeper was arguably the number one reason why Poland qualified first in their group ahead of Portugal.

Leo Beenhakker: Sure, he's not a player, but this coach is a genius and should give the Poles a much needed mental boost.

As mentioned above, Germany are tournament favorites, and therefore are also group favorites. However, claiming all nine points in this group will be tough.

Poland is always ready to give Germany a run for their money and Croatia is a quality side. Austria should not even factor into this groups equation and should give the former three teams three points each.

Unless, Croatia or Poland surprise the favorites second place should come down to the final game between Croatia and Poland. Croatia will most likely be too much for the Poles, and Germany and Croatia should go through to the next round.

Scooped from the Shark Tank: San Jose Fires Ron Wilson—Where Will He Head?

Anthony Kern — Mon, 12 May 2008 18:16:19 -0400

The Associated Press reported on Monday that the San Jose Sharks have parted ways with head coach Ron Wilson.

GM Doug Wilson addressed the media saying:

"The results (show) we didn't get over that hump," Doug Wilson added. "We kind of got to a certain point, and we got bogged down. You can't just sit back and assume things will be different.

"I'm not going to apologize for where we're at," he added, "but where we're at today is we're not playing, and we think across the board that we should be further along."

Coach Ron Wilson is eighth on the NHL all-time wins list as head coach, posting 518 victories—206 as coach of the Sharks.

"Even though coaching can be a very callous and negative position, my staff and I poured our hearts and souls into this," Ron Wilson said. "It's very difficult to talk about this unemotionally."

Wilson did everything he could when it came to the regular season, winning two division titles with the club. But, whether it was his failure, or that of his players in the postseason, is now up for debate.

It shouldn't be long before Ron Wilson starts to receive phone calls from various teams interested in his services.

Colorado seems to be the most likely destination for Wilson, but teams like Toronto and Ottawa might want to throw in their two cents before anything is made official.

Wilson could be the prize catch this offseason.

Bleak Present, Bright Future: Liverpool FC Look to Summer Transfer Market

Anthony Kern — Sun, 11 May 2008 15:12:45 -0400

The 2007-08 Barclays Premier League campaign ended on a positive note for Liverpool FC: no, not the 2-0 win over Tottenham, but Fernando Torres' record-setting 24th Premier League goal.

If anything, the win against Tottenham was a meaningless fortune in a forgettable season. However, Torres' goal cemented his name is the record books, passing Ruud Van Nistelrooy for most goals scored by an overseas player in his first season.

Although the young striker had a successful year, his club however did not. After finishing fourth in the league table, barely qualifying for the Champions League, and then losing to Chelsea in this years Champions League semi finals, many questions were left answered at Anfield.

Many players who shone for the club last year were non factors in this campaign. This was epitomized by John Arne Riise's own goal against Chelsea in the Champions League semi finals.

The drama off the pitch hasn't helped much either. The current feud between the North American owners hasn't improved any, and if anything, is stalling the efforts of Rafael Benitez to improve his club for next season.

That's something Rafa, and every other club manager, must do early this season with the European Championships on the horizon.

The Future

So, where does this leave the future of Liverpool? Well, hopefully the board room dilemma will be resolved soon and Dubai International Capital will take over half of the team's shares.

This would benefit Benitez by providing him with a bottomless money pit, like the one Avram Grant, Chelsea's manager, has to work with this summer. However, this is unlikely and Rafa is going to have to work with what he's got.

Gareth Barry is likely to join the reds in the near future. This will help them in the midfield and he should replace Xabi Alonso, who has been useless this year. Also, there is no question that Liverpool needs help at the back, and rumours that they are in the market for Barcelona back Éric Abidal are good news.

Barry and Abidal should aid Liverpool's effort to compete for the League Championship, amongst other tournaments. However, the offensive production of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, though large, needs assistance. And although Dirk Kuyt has proved himself a workhorse, he is nothing more than an excellent substitute.

Liverpool need a striker who can take some of the pressure off Fernando Torres up front. Some may argue that Liverpool should just utilize Ryan Babel more effectively, and though that point is arguable, it is not the answer.

Spanish Imports

Anyone who has followed Liverpool throughout Rafa's reign knows that he is the reason for the injection of Spanish talent into the squad. You might even say that Liverpool was successful in signing Fernando Torres because of Rafa.

So why not try it again?

There is another incredible Spanish striker out there, one that alongside Torres would put fear in the hearts of any opponent. You could even argue that this striker is better than Torres. You might have heard of him: David Villa.

Though Liverpool may not have the funds to carry out such a tall order, one thing is certain; if Liverpool were somehow, out of the blue, able to sign David Villa then one might almost guarantee their spot at the top of the Premier League table next season.

This may seem like a pipe dream to some, but at the moment, a pipe dream is exactly what Liverpool needs.

Toronto Maple Leafs Begin Search for Head Coach

Anthony Kern — Sun, 11 May 2008 12:52:02 -0400

Before I begin let me get something off my chest, and this is directed to Maple Leafs Sports Entertainment.

Dear Monkey's,

I loathe you. Right now, in the month of May, there should be three scenarios that I SHOULD be partaking in.

Number one, I should be watching my team fight through thick and thin in an attempt to reach the Stanley cup finals.

Number two, I should be recovering from the hangover of an exciting season, with a short playoff run. And last but not least, I should be feeling confident and assured that the Maple Leafs organization is competent enough to look after what needs to be done for the next season. I feel neither confident nor assured. In fact, every moment that you come to mind, my left eye begins to twitch. I conclude with this statement…

Fix the problem

Ahh, it feels good to get that off my chest. Now, back to reality and the realization that MSLE won't fix the problem. So, like every other Leaf fan that has the privilege to write articles about their favorite team, I'll begin to speculate on how they can begin to fix the problem. Today's topic will be:

The New Head Coach: Who's Got The Guff?

This past week the Colorado Avalanche parted ways with their head coach, Joel Quenneville. That puts him near, if not at, the top of the candidates list for the new Leafs bench boss.

Another candidate, mainly due to fan speculation and a weird sense of early 90's nostalgia hanging over Leafs Nation is, Pat Burns. Currently, Burns is working for Team Canada as an assistant coach.

Other than that, there is just a collection of names randomly thrown out by the hockey press for poops and giggles. That's right I just wrote, poops.

Candidate #1: Joel Quenneville

Although Joel Quenneville is the most experienced coach out there, next to Pat Burns, and although some fans may see no problem with hiring him, there are plenty of reasons not to.

Team	Year	Regular Season							Post Season
Team	Year	G	W	L	T	OTL	Pts	Finish	Result
STL	1996-97	40	18	15	7	-	(83)	4^th in Central	Lost in First Round
STL	1997-98	82	45	29	8	-	98	3^rd in Central	Lost in Second Round
STL	1998-99	82	37	32	13	-	87	2^nd in Central	Lost in Second Round
STL	1999-00	82	51	19	11	1	114	1^st in Central	Lost in First Round
STL	2000-01	82	43	22	12	5	103	2^nd in Central	Lost in Conf. Finals
STL	2001-02	82	43	27	8	4	98	2^nd in Central	Lost in Second Round
STL	2002-03	82	41	24	11	6	99	2^nd in Central	Lost in First Round
STL	2003-04	61	29	23	7	2	(91)	2^nd in Central	(fired)
COL	2005-06	82	43	30	-	9	95	2^nd in Northwest	Lost in Second Round

Look at the chart (care of Wikipedia), Joel Quenneville has coached only two NHL teams in his career, he's won a division title only once, and has been to the conference finals only once. And we want him behind our bench!?! ... ... Okay, I'll concede he has won a Jack Adams award, but my point still stands.

Candidate #2: Pat Burns

Pat Burns is a three time Jack Adams award winner, a Stanley Cup Champion as coach, and has coached over 1000 NHL games. Now, here's the kicker... He's the best candidate out there! But let's be real folks, it's not happening, as an assistant coach for Team Canada he's been asked about returning to the NHL and has said: "To get back into coaching is something that I'm going to look at, and this is like taking baby steps back into it." The first step you take after taking baby steps to the NHL is not a job with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Candidate #3: Poops and Giggles

Since none of the candidates listed are viable options, we have to start digging through the garbage to find the Leafs new head coach. If you're a Leafs fan, then idea of this might make you squirm, but rest assured Leafs Nation, there is a diamond in the rough.

John Anderson

Yes, that's right, John Anderson. The former Toronto Maple Leafs forward, and current coach of the AHL team, the Chicago Wolves. Now, before some of you start whining to me that Quenneville would be a better fit and has far more experience then Anderson, just do me a favour and hold your horses for one moment.

Though I'm not the first to mention Anderson, I am most definitely the first to call him a diamond in the rough. John Anderson in 12 seasons as a head coach has never had a team go below .500, he has won three championships with the Chicago Wolves, and he might add a fourth at the end of this season. Now, if this doesn't convince you that he is a winner then let me share one more fact with you.

In the NHL's 1982-83 season, John Anderson posted 80 points in 80 games with the Maple Leafs. Let me repeat that again, the 1982-83 season with the Toronto Maple Leafs. For those who are unaware or are suffering from a case self-induced amnesia, the Leafs of that season were in an era known as "the Ballard years". And although I wasn't alive and kicking just yet, folklore of this time in Leaf history is enough to send shivers down my spine. So, posting 80 points with any Ballard run Leafs team is a feat in itself.

For me, the line of coaches in the NHL have been reused and recycled for far too long now. The league needs some talented new blood injected behind its benches, and if the Leafs play their cards right, they will hire such a coach, with no NHL experience, like the Canadiens in 1989 when they hired Pat Burns. And this coach may just lead the Leafs to glory while picking up a Jack Adams Award along the way.

The New-Leaf Era: Dave Nonis, Fabian Brunnstrom, and Brian Burke

Anthony Kern — Wed, 07 May 2008 11:08:22 -0400

After the firing of Paul Maurice on Wednesday, the Toronto Maple Leafs began what was the long awaited rebuilding process expected to take place this summer. The timing of this move however, came as a surprise to many.

Sure, Paul Maurice's future was in limbo, but no decision on it was expected until a new GM was put in place. Likewise, this move has sparked a number of rumours throughout the hockey world.

The media has begun to speculate that either the Leafs have in fact found a new GM, or that Cliff Fletcher will be holding onto those keys for one more season. If the latter is the case, Leafs fans should expect another season of hell in the fall, but let's not sound the alarm just yet.

Let's play pretend for a couple minutes. Let's pretend that the firing of Paul Maurice means that the Leafs have in fact found a new GM. This means that he is waiting in the wings somewhere in the now dark and gloomy Air Canada Centre, but will soon be revealed. That then begs the question, who is he? Or who should he be?

Ever since Brian Burke bowed out of the sweepstakes, the list has generally been Ken Holland of the Detroit Red Wings, Jim Rutherford of the Carolina Hurricanes, and Doug Wilson of the San Jose Sharks. Some have even dropped names like Lou Lamoriello of the New Jersey Devils and Colin Campbell, the NHL’s Senior Vice-President and Director of Hockey.

DISCLAIMER

1. If the leafs hire Lou Lamoriello, stop reading this article now and don't worry about the future, the Leafs are in good hands.

2. If the leafs hire Colin Campbell and you are a Leafs fan, find the nearest bridge, and jump off of it.

3. If they hire any of usual suspects first listed, starting with Ken Holland, look forward to another couple of years of mediocrity, with a playoff run, in maybe, 2009-10 and one in 2010-11. These playoff runs will end in another line of great disappointments, because the Leafs will have barely reached the playoffs in the first place.

There is one name, however, that has received little mention, if any, and his name is Dave Nonis. Remember him? He used to be the General Manager of the Vancouver Canucks, until one day the organization decided to turn off the muscle known as the brain, and fire him.

This is the same guy who brought Roberto Luongo from Florida to Vancouver in exchange for a bag of hockey pucks. So, is he the answer to Leafs' GM problems? In this writer's opinion, hardly, but it's a start. Dave Nonis is not the saviour the Leafs are looking for, but instead is more like a John the Baptist, paving the way for the real saviour.

Given a contract for one year, Nonis can get the job done. At least in the sense that he can successfully lay the foundation for the future. After laying this foundation for a year, he should be given a position in upper management, and assist in bringing in the GM that will save the Toronto Maple Leafs.

That GM and saviour, of course, is Brian Burke. And remember, while Burke was GM in Vancouver, Dave Nonis was the Senior Vice-President and Director of Hockey Operations for the Canucks' franchise.

In the mean time, if Dave Nonis is the man waiting in the wings, Toronto can be assured that they are most certainly going to win the sweepstakes for the much talked about Swedish forward, Fabian Brunnstrom. After all, before Nonis' firing, Vancouver was almost guaranteed to sign Brunnstrom this offseason.

Although, Brunnstrom may not be on par with the likes of Sidney Crosby and Steven Stamkos, one thing is certain; he would sure bring some much needed new blood and excitement to the ACC this Fall. One thing is clear, the hiring of Dave Nonis would provide the dim Leafs franchise with some much needed light for years to come, but remember, we're just playing pretend here.