Bleacher Report - Articles by Tim Bator

Mr. Mats Sundin: He's Earned His Decision.

Tim Bator — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 09:44:01 -0500

I've hesitated more than once when considering talking about Mats. As a loyal Leaf fan, I've watched as he carried the team on his shoulders for over 10 seasons; yet I've had to consider a future without him.

In no way shape or form do I mean to insult him. He has done as much as anyone for this franchise and the city of Toronto. How many times have we heard the familiar call for Sundin to appear as the number one star on any given night?

His accomplishments are numerous as well. Olympic Gold, over 1300 games played, and over 900 points. He leads the Leafs All-time in scoring. If you think he hasn't given enough to this Franchise and the NHL, you're a bit daft.

That's why I say he has earned the right to decide. Not only what team he wants to play for, but if he wants to play professionally at all. He's a man who has given a lot to the game, and to question his intentions is to ask something we have no right to ask.

I will say thank you Mats, for innumerable memories.

Toronto Maple Leafs: All I Want for Christmas Is a Real Captain

Tim Bator — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 05:10:45 -0500

Saturday night's pregame ceremony honouring Wendel Clark seemed to put a bit of jump into the Leafs.

They certainly outplayed the Blackhawks through the first 20 minutes, but ultimately fell short again.

This certainly shouldn't come as a surprise. In fact, we've grown used to watching leads disintegrate into losses over the last few years.

Like Toronto, the Blackhawks are a young, thrilling team—but they still have a few things we do not. Most notably, leadership.

In years before, we would turn to Mats. His leadership has been noticeably absent through the first 20 games this year. Though there have been gallant efforts on the Leafs' part, including comeback wins in Boston and against New York, Toronto still does not have a leader to assume responsibility and lead the Leafs to consistency.

With several alternate captains on the Leafs bench—Kaberle, Kubina, Antropov, Moore, and occcassionally others—it seems that the revolving door of replacement leaders has yet to be effective. This may simply be a gesture to Mats, displaying that he is recognized as the Captain, even if he's unsure of his future in the NHL.

However, I think it is time to appoint a new captain. Regardless of whether Mats returns or not, Toronto needs to move forward.

Forward from falling short. Forward from lacking performances. Forward into a day where they compete, lead by a captain, who epitomizes heart, grit, and work ethic.

Leafs Observations During a Monday Afternoon Game

Tim Bator — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 07:03:41 -0400

So at the first intermission of this afternoon's hockey game, I have a few observations to make.

First, Happy (Canadian) Thanksgiving. I ate my fill of turkey yesterday and today I get to digest a hockey game. That's what I'm thankful for.

Anyhow, so far this season we've seen the Leafs' efforts varying in effectiveness. Beginning by stunning the Detroit Red Wings, Toronto returned to the team everyone expected with a brutal loss on home ice against the Montreal Canadiens.

When the Leafs play Ron Wilson's hockey, it seems to work. Good puck control and quick movement, coupled with the defense-first mentality of Wilson, allow the Leafs to create opportunities. Nik Kulemin has benefited twice this season from jumping on turnovers forced by good forechecking. His first-period snipe was nice to watch.

So long as the Leafs heed their coach's words, they will be competitive. If they fall into the same habit of breaking down, remembering mistakes, and allowing other teams to play their game, they are doomed to repeat the failure with which we have so recently become accustomed.

Former Maple Leafs Have a New Chance to Flourish Outside Toronto

Tim Bator — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 17:05:17 -0400

All right. Considering I'm bored of hearing about the situation that leafs are in—rather depressing actually, so let's move along—I've decided to briefly chirp aloud about former Maple Leafs returning to some level of contribution.

Andrew Raycroft and Darcy Tucker were both picked up by the Colorado Avalanche this season. Tucker was bought out by Toronto and signed with Colorado, while Raycroft cleared waivers before being picked up. They both had subpar seasons with the Leafs, yet at one time or another were decent players in their own respect.

Raycroft was thought of as a prodigy. He won the Calder trophy, but followed that feat up with several dismal seasons. His career was set back further when, after missing the playoffs again, Toronto brought in Vesa Toskala.

Now by no means is Raycroft going to be heralded as a savior in Colorado. Peter Budaj looks to be their No. 1 for the time being. However, as Colorado is nowhere near the overly-critical, under-rewarding hockey town that Toronto is, the duller "spotlight" could do this young goaltender some good.

Darcy Tucker has always been an annoyance to other teams. Though not the most skillful of players, there are few in the game that carry a heart as big as this guy. Two years ago, he was part of a consistent Toronto power play, yet tailed off last year.

Although he will not contribute a huge amount of scoring, he does lead by example, and could benefit with playing with up-and-comers on Colorado such as Paul Stasny, as well as proven veterans like Ryan Smyth and the always-impressive future Hall-of-Famer, Joe "Jovertime" Sakic.

I'll end this by talking about Kyle Wellwood. I'll be blatant in saying I just flat-out love watching this guy when he's on his game, so there is a fair bit of bias in this. His physical capabilities have been called into question many times, and his lackluster conditioning effort last season only stand to further his critics' arguments.

But as with Tucker, he was a key component in the Leafs power play, scoring the goal that sent fans into their latest bit of painful hope. His goal against Montreal put the Leafs temporarily into the playoffs, only to watch the New York Islanders poke-check them out of contention.

These three players, all of them, still have potential. While Darcy's no spring chicken, he still brings emotion to the game, and no team can ever have too much of that. For Raycroft and Mr. Wellwood, a change of scenery, and a whole lot to prove, can do a lot to alter your perception.

Best of luck, boys. I'll be watching...

Bryan McCabe and Jason Spezza: Two Peas in a Scapegoat Pod

Tim Bator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 08:26:20 -0400

I've only really ever lived in two areas—Toronto and now Ottawa. Both are Canadian cities. Both are capitals (Toronto is Ontario's, Ottawa is Canada's). Both enjoy their hockey. While both of the cities' respective teams may be different in standings, style, and recent success, they both contain talented players who often receive criticism.

Bryan McCabe is a quality defenseman, who, when healthy, is a physical presence as well as a threat from the point. Jason Spezza is a playmaking forward who has more moves than a discoteque. Both these players have contributed to their teams in many ways, yet when something goes awry, they`re the first to be blamed.

Last season was tumultuous for Bryan. With comments abounding that he is not a part of the future of the Leafs, it is hard to remember that only a few seasons ago he was being hailed as one of the top offensive defenseman.

It is unfortunate to see a player of his calibre depicted as the root of failure in a town that is so wrapped up in their team that they look to scapegoat players to relieve their grief.

A similar situation is present in Ottawa. Spezza's highlight reel boasts many beautful plays, including maneuvers that made Toronto look like a peewee hockey team in a preseason game. If Spezza does not back-check efficiently, however, these sparkling highlights are forgotten.

My question is why.

Why do both these cities have such a lack of appreciation for these two players' contributions? Why is it so easy to chastise both of them for simple mistakes?

They are highly skilled athletes who are competent enough to be playing a game which I love to watch. For one second, allow your dislike, hatred, aggression, and need to blame fall away and appreciate what they do offer their organizations. If you do, even for a moment, they'll stop being scapegoats and again become hockey players. Athletes. People. As we all know, everyone makes mistakes.

Toronto Maple Leafs: Dismally Loyal

Tim Bator — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 10:07:03 -0400

The latest news out of the Leafs' camp seems to be about the moves our dear interim manager is making. Many question his signing of Jeff Finger at $3.5 million a year, and yet they fail to appreciate the other moves he has completed.

Placing Raycroft and Kyle Wellwood on waivers, buying out Tucker, and continually looking for a means to field a competitive team are all things that Fletch has done with the best interests of the club in mind.

The debacle that is the Bryan McCabe situation is something that could be handled a little more delicately. With the impending tensions boiling over into a possible public relations catastrophe should the NHLPA be forced to step in on McCabe's behalf.

Regardless, the Leafs have a loyal fan base, as evidenced by the unwavering support and crammed nights at the Air Canada Centre. It seems that no matter what is to come in this new season, the fans will continue to scratch their heads, levy their two cents, and complain about what wasn't done. Or worse, what was done wrong.

The 2008-'09 campaign will no doubt receive a great amount of criticism from the overzealous, hockey hungry, Toronto media, but it is my hope that one fact doesn't escape even the most critical analyst.

This year is meant to be a step forward to a future of competitive hockey in Toronto, with the ultimate goal of a Stanley Cup being brought back to this championship famished city.

So, as long as they are striving for a team to do that, with the ultimate goal in mind, shouldn't we give them a little leeway to operate without putting them under a microscope for every move?