Think the title of this article is an overstatement? Think again!
With one stroke of his pen, either tonight or tomorrow, Brian Burke will change the course of this franchise forever, and hopefully begin to put an end to a dark chapter in the club's history.
He hasn't even arrived yet, and even still, his presence is being felt throughout the organization.
Last night's effort against the Senators was no coincidence.
While the coaching staff no question reminded the players constantly to finish checks and battle every shift, there is no doubt there was some incentives to perform in front of the new boss, who may, or may not have been watching from his home in Boston.
- B/R Ticket Guide
Players are uncertain whether or not they will be on the team in the coming weeks, or months. Front office staff are trying to determine whether or not they belong under the new regime. Members of the media are trying to figure out how they are going to able to deal with the hard-ass GM who won't back down from any question.
The man's name isn't even painted in his parking spot, and already, an impact has been made.
So, what exactly is Burke's plan?
We could find out what the basis of Burke's plan is tomorrow, when it is likely that a press conference will be held to introduce Burke before the start of the Leafs and Flyers game.
Since guiding the mostly Canadian laden Ducks to the Stanley Cup a few years ago, Burke has gotten a reputation for being anti-Euro. However, he says that is not the case, and points to his drafting of the Sedin twins, and naming Markus Naslund captain of the Canucks.
The one thing we do know as of right now, is that Burke is more than up for the challenge, of being the first GM in over 40 years to bring the Maple Leafs to the Stanley Cup once again.
There is, however, a lot of work to be done between now and then.
comments (7) write a comment »
write a new comment
about 1 month ago
Whoa, whoa, whoa!
"Last night's effort against the Sens?"
We were watching the same game right? Because in the game I saw the Sens had about a dozen more quality scoring chances than Toronto and should have won 5-1 if not for the great play of Toskala.
And personally I don't think the players could care less that the Triumphant One, King of Kings, the Saviour of Toronto has signed a contract.
Contrary to popular opinion in Toronto, most of the Leafs players don't really care if they play in Toronto or somewhere else. The ones who did care, Tucker, McCabe, etc. are already gone.
Don't misunderstand, I think Burke could do some good in Toronto, I mean it's hard to get much worse, and having the MLSE board out of his hair is a great move for the organization, but I think the coronation needs to calm down a bit.
from about 1 month ago
Guess you weren't watching the same game, cause the Leafs out hit the Sens and puck posession time was pretty even, and no, the scoring chances where not that lopsided - the Sens didn't have a dozen chances all game. (Granted they had a few more than the Leafs) Alex Auld played out of his mind as well, and is the only reason the Leafs didn't blow the Sens out of the building in the 2nd and 3rd periods.
from about 1 month ago
According to NHL.com:
Hits: Ottawa 30, Toronto 25
Shots: Ottawa 35, Toronto 26
Chis Kelly missed two glorious chances and Dany Heatley missed 3 one-timers
about 1 month ago
the sens had some great chances, but the leafs played a much more inspired game than the previous night. being outhit by 5 is not a huge margin. antropov missed a great chance to end the game late in the third.
but i honestly don't think burke had anything to do with it. this was a team that played a really weak game against the thrashers and came out to redeem themselves. i thought they did a good job of that.
i'm also pretty sick of players who "love" playing for toronto. really - so what? i want players who love playing hockey and who know how to win. I see a lot of passion for the game in the leafs players fletcher brought it. wilson has to teach them how to win.
about 1 month ago
Yeah Spencer, I totally agree that Toskala kept them in the game. What I meant was compared to the Thrashers game, they played much better in terms of physical plays and defensive effort.
That's all I meant, and the people that watched the Leafs/Thrashers understood that. Don't get me wrong, I know the Sens had the better chances, it was a comparison.
about 1 month ago
Hard to believe that the Leafs are actually doing things right for a change. This last six months has been like a dream.
Seriously, had you told me in February that Brian Burke would be the Leafs GM, Ron Wilson would be the coach, half the roster would be gone and Luke Schenn would be Leafs property, I'd say you were crazy.
Take out that boneheaded Stempniak trade and it's been a perfect six months.
about 1 month ago
lol, Josh, we all know you were a big Steen fan, and I understand. I always got defensive every time a Stajan trade rumour came up.
But botttom line is, he wasn't going to get any better on this team IMO, so they sent him somewhere he can be maybe counted on, and a fresh start to become the player he needs to be.
Again, I hear ya, it's tough. But I think in time, you will like this trade. Put it this way. I've noticed Stempniak more in three games than I noticed Steen in 20.
write a new comment