'Monster,' not Kessel, will steer Leafs

You don't have to look very far to see the catalyst for the Toronto Maple Leafs' sudden, dramatic reversal of fortune. It's the guy they call "The Monster."

Upset probabilities in the NFC West

...540 .510 Chargers Giants .490 .880 Packers Bucs .120 Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando Brian Burke' probability model expects the 49ers to pull even with the Cardinals at 4-4 through Week...

Maple Leafs-Hurricanes Preview

Maple Leafs-Hurricanes Preview

Trade rumors frustrating

...some outlets, even today, are detailing a possible trade between the Hawks/Maple Leafs, Leafs GM Brian Burke definitively denied it. Usually people don't go on the record to deny something that's...

Kessel shows little rust in Toronto debut

...d be the only guy at Air Canada Centre disappointed in his performance. Wilson and GM Brian Burke went out of their way to lower expectations as Kessel's return neared, but surely even...

In honor of Cheevers and Plante, an ode to the mask

I grew up in small-town America, living and loving just about every athletic contest. I watched, listened, played, read, illustrated (horribly) and d...

U.S. coach says Avs' Anderson in 'very good spot'

...the winger back at the NHL draft. In the end, the trade broke down after GMs Brian Burke and Peter Chiarelli miscommunicated with each other on a key part of the deal. Kaberle remembers...

Kessel expected to make Leafs debut Tuesday

...Toronto Maple Leaf more than six weeks after a blockbuster trade from the Boston Bruins. GM Brian Burke and coach Ron Wilson have wisely tried their best to minimize the expectations on the talented...

Upset probabilities in NFC West (slim)

...420 .650 Texans Bills .350 .730 Broncos Ravens .270 Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando Brian Burke of Advanced NFL Stats is back with his game prediction model, courtesy of The New York...

Swine flu an uncomfortable reality

Somewhere between panic and puns, there is the uncomfortable reality for the NHL and its players when it comes to dealing with the swine flu epidemic.

Penner 'staying classy' in Edmonton

Dustin Penner's time in Edmonton has been filled with controversy since the Oilers signed him two years ago. But thanks to humor ("Anchorman"!) and, yes, better fitness, the power winger is finding his way.

You vented ... I'm answering

OK, puckheads, you have ranted, and I have listened. Now, sit back on the couch and let me soothe you with comforting words. Here are a few rants I re...

Hagman's hat trick helps Maple Leafs to first win of season

Niklas Hagman scored three of Toronto's five power-play goals, and the Maple Leafs finally earned their first victory of the season.

ep 17, 2009; London, ON, Canada; Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke watches the game from his box against the Philadelphia Flyers at the John Labatt Centre

Monday 10: Searing hot scorer, GK and rook

As Don Draper/Dick Whitman (played beautifully by Blues fan Jon Hamm) learned on Sunday night's episode of "Mad Men," it's pretty tough to keep a secr...

Blog Entry | Conversation | October 26, 2009