Opinions
-
-
All part of the process
In Kelley's final column, the Hall of Fame writer reflects on Brian Burke's two years in Toronto.
-
-
-
Remembering Pat Burns
You don't find many men better than Pat Burns.
-
Cooking with Jim
Matt Cooke's headhunting ways need to be tossed off the grill and out the door.
-
Early (over) reaction
It used to be that NHL coaches had 20 games to figure it out. Now that number has shrunk to 10.
-
On the uptick
It’s never perfect, but things are looking good these days for the NHL in Canada and the U.S.
-
Short on talent
No matter how hard they work, teams can't win with talent-starved rosters.
-
Stay on the shelf
The World Cup of Hockey is just fine in the role it currently occupies: Obsolete.
-
Shark bait
The San Jose Sharks can't go wrong in picking up the man who bounced them from the playoffs.
-
The road less travelled
Gary Bettman is not known for subtlety, but his high-road style put Rene Fasel in his place.
-
The Kovy conundrum
Does the NHL have a case in rejecting Kovalchuk's deal after approving similar ones in the past?
-
He could have been
There's a tragedy in the fact that Bob Probert chose not to try and be the best he could be.
-
News & views
Dissecting the Halak trade, Edmonton's No. 1 pick and Burke's proclamation on Kovalchuk.
-
No bow for Bob
Former Canadiens GM Bob Gainey put together a good team, but he missed the boat on Jaroslav Halak.
-
The role of a lifetime
After 19 seasons and over 1,700 NHL games, 42-year-old Mark Recchi has one final role to play.
-
Big salad Bettman
Seinfeld fans must think Gary Bettman pulled a 'big salad' for taking credit on the head shot rule.
-
Happy now?
NHL general managers may have opened Pandora's box with their movement on head shots.
-
Head games
If Sean Avery can be suspended retroactively, why can't Matt Cooke?
-
Putting the 'dead' in deadline day
Nearly 60 players were traded Wednesday, but hardly anything of Cup-winning consequence.
-
NHL, IOC face off
Gary Bettman has a good stance supporting the league's threat to keep players out of future Olympics
-
Picking pronouns
Despite being masterful at the trade, GM Burke gets little credit for being careful with his words.
-
Stars align
It only happens a few times per year, which is what makes Crosby vs. Ovechkin truly great.
-
There's something happening here
If Cynamon and Sokolowski get the Coyotes it won't be because they want to keep the team in Phoenix.
-
Great One not the bad guy
Wayne Gretzky does not deserve the criticism he’s getting for opting not to report to the Coyotes training camp.
-
Modern day athlete
Anyone who heard Dany Heatley speak Friday for the first time since his trade request got a glimpse in to the mind of the modern day athlete.
-
Young star slip-ups
The precedent in most People vs. Young NHL Star cases show that community service is up next for the Patrick Kane.
-
Another side of Joe
To measure Joe Sakic's greatness only by his numbers is to measure only half the man.
-
Slick moves
It’s a tad early to designate which teams were winners and losers in the annual free-agent derby that got underway Wednesday, but the two Alberta teams have reasons to smile.
-
The old bait and switch
For all of the talk of major trades at the NHL Draft, there was very little action in Montreal.
-
Dealing with the Devil
While they may be too polite to say so, the Devils aren't happy with the homesick Brent Sutter suddenly coaching the Flames.
-
First class group
There was little-to-no mystery as to who was going to be named the Hockey Hall of Fame Tuesday afternoon. At least not in the player ranks.
-
The honour system
Was Brian Burke being a hypocrite when he chimed on Dany Heatley's trade request? The facts say no.
-
Bailing on a decision
Judge Baum avoided making a real ruling on the Coyotes after several failed attempts to push the NHL and Jim Balsillie towards mediation.
-
Bettman praiseworthy?
At a time when the economy is weak and growth is almost impossible to find, the NHL in the U.S. has a product worth watching and the numbers are starting to show it.
-
Devastation in the desert
One has to wonder how much damage will be inflicted on all parties before this Phoenix Coyotes situation is resolved.
-
Leafs ready for a fight
The Maple Leafs are prepared to fight even the NHL to defend their market.
-
The right fit
With Jacques Martin now in Montreal, the Florida Panthers should go back to the future for its next general manager.
-
All bets are off
I can’t say with any certainty that the Pittsburgh Penguins are going to win the Stanley Cup this time around.
-
Roy end of the deal
Are the leaks of Patrick Roy's offer from the Avs a ploy to force the Canadiens to make a pitch?
-
'Canes are able
The Hurricanes have all the tools in the shed to pull off an upset of the Penguins.
-
Just the facts
When it comes to the case of hockey scribes acting as legal analysts the jury is still out.
-
Message to Semin
Hopefully Alexander Semin learned a few lessons while watching Sidney Crosby from the end of the Capitals' bench.
-
Fitter, faster, younger
Pardon me if I don't shed a tear with the Canucks after they were tagged for seven goals in a must-win playoff game.
-
Winner takes all
The battle for control of the Phoenix Coyotes between Jim Balsillie and Gary Bettman will leave one man standing and the other on the outside looking in.
-
One 'sick' series
The Penguins-Capitals second round series isn't living up to its billing; it's surpassing it.
-
Round 1 reflections
After 44 games played in Round 1, it is obvious that Calgary and Montreal need to change this offseason. But don't hold your breath on it happening.
-
Too many Flames flaws
In the end, Calgary's talent and work ethic were not enough to overcome their fatal flaws.
-
Crashing the crease
The NHL needs to get a handle on what is "incidental contact" and what is not.
-
(But) I am Canadian!
A simple search of the league archive uncovers how the NHL may be playing favourites when it comes to handing out suspensions.
-
Can the Leafs cash in?
Given their history and the surplus of cash in Toronto don't bet against Brian Burke striking a deal with the Lightning.
-
Read my lips
History suggests Brian Burke wasn't just blowing hot air when he announced his desire to land John Tavares.
-
The final countdown
The Battle of Alberta is one of the keys as the playoff picture falls into place the final weekend of the NHL season.
-
Unreasonable expectations
It's difficult to measure success for Canadian NHL teams when the bar is set so high.
-
Burke's mea culpa
Brian Burke apologized for the Leafs missing the playoffs, but he doesn't plan to do so next season.
-
Small thoughts at large
On the eve of April Fools' Day, New York Rangers coach John Tortorella is making a case that bad-boy-turned-role-model Sean Avery is being unfairly abused by opponents.
-
Just doesn't add up
A crunch of the numbers by a pretty sophisticated math formula shows the Senators have a 0.2 per cent chance of making the playoffs.
-
Touting Thomas
Brodeur has the record, Mason has the shutouts and Kiprusoff has the wins, but there's not a more deserving Vezina Trophy winner than Boston's Tim Thomas.
-
Unquestioned greatness
Every win from now until he retires will add another notch in the record books and another line in Martin Brodeur’s saga of personal and team greatness.
-
Attack on integrity
Coaches deal with situations face-to-face. So there should be no surprise to how Ron Wilson dealt with a question he thought challenged his integrity as a coach.
-
Badge of courage
Starting now, the players who still don the bleu, blanc et rouge won't be looking into the eyes of a man they've lost confidence in; it will be the steely gaze of Bob Gainey.
-
Exceptions to the rule
For the most part, those of us who have engaged in the writing profession seldom hold players-turned-broadcasters in high regard.
-
New era for Deadline Day
It's getting harder to define what constitutes winners and losers on Deadline Day.
-
Don't call it a comeback
If Martin Brodeur was supposed to be shaky after returning from injury, nobody told him.
-
Smart men stupid
The frenzy of Trade Deadline Day causes even the shrewdest of GMs to lose all sanity and make horrible trades.
-
Sharing the blame on Broadway
Tom Renney took the fall for the Rangers, but every player pulling on a Blue Shirt deserves some of the blame.
-
Pointing out the numbers
Entering the stretch run of the NHL season, teams are running out of time to make the magic number and earn a playoff berth.
-
The Games begin
Fret not, the 'underdog' statement made by Brian Burke regarding the US men's hockey team was directed at the under-pressure-to-win Steve Yzerman.
-
Motown model
Steve Yzerman doesn't have to look very far if he needs a blueprint for Canada's 2010 hockey team.
-
The shame game
The use of shame as a motivating tool is an old tactic usually called upon after all else fails.
-
Airing of grievances
Taking aim at Gary Bettman, Ron Wilson and Sidney Crosby as the trade deadline quickly approaches.
-
New joke, same punchline
Pardon me for laughing out loud, but if Bryan Murray made the mess in Ottawa, why is Cory Clouston standing behind the bench?
-
A worthy honour
Doug Gilmour may not have won a Stanley Cup with the Leafs, but he won over an entire city.
-
All-Star leftovers
The party has wrapped up in Montreal, but there are still a few unresolved issues.
-
Match made in hockey heaven
Lightning forward Vinny Lecavalier may not be on the block but fans in his hometown would love to see him in Bleu, Blanc et Rouge.
-
He said, he said
The boss's for the NHL and NHLPA held press conferences on Saturday in Montreal and both sides were testing the lines in the sand.
-
Take it to Europe
With another all-starless weekend on tap, it's time for the league to seriously consider scrapping the current format and taking the event overseas.
-
A dream for our game
The game of hockey can learn from the inspirational words of President Obama.
-
Changing the culture
Two doctors have started the London Hockey Concussion Summit 2009 and are trying to change the course of hockey.
-
Flame old story
The Flames always seem to heat up at this time of year and one man is not too excited by their recent performance just yet.
-
May to get his day in T.O.
Not only do the Leafs get some toughness and locker room presence, it shows Brian Burke has a heart.
-
All-star outrage
It's not that the fans are wrong in their choices for all-star starters, it's just that they're not right.
-
The power of words
I appreciate your opinions, but I get paid for mine and they are built upon a lifetime of experience. They are not meant to make everyone happy all the time.
-
Stories of The Year
It's a look back at the best and worst stories in the NHL for 2008.
-
Let's make a deal
With the NHL trade embargo ending Saturday, the general managers of Canada's six teams will be busy working the phones.
-
Cut out the code
The NHL took measures to protect its fans with safety nets. It is time to follow suit in regards to its players.
-
Time nor talent
Contrary to the lofty assessment of owner Eugene Melnyk the Ottawa Senators have neither the time nor talent to turn this year around.
-
Fighting for his life
The inevitable happened and a hockey player is battling for his life after fighting on the ice. Now will the NHL finally open its eyes and do something about it?
-
Lightning rod for distraction
It’s difficult for the Tampa Bay players to focus on the ice with so much going on off it.
-
The art of doublespeak
The quotes and comments to surface in the wake of the Sabres for sale story point to one thing: doublespeak.
-
Gone in 32 seconds
Sean Avery has set back the image of the NHL and even relations between pro athletes and women to a point that it will take years to undo the damage.
-
Goal is to get better
Will any Leafs' attempt to acquire Rick Nash and Jay Bouwmeester make Vesa Toskala a better option in net?
-
Why wait?
In the end it appears Brian Burke's desire to work in Toronto was just as great, if not greater, than the Maple Leafs desire to hire him.
-
Good deal for Leafs
The Leafs will get an every-night commitment from Stempniak that they didn't see in Steen and Colaiacovo.
-
The Roy chronicles
On Saturday the Canadiens will honour the force of nature that stood between the pipes and carried Montreal to titles in '86 and '93.
-
Cracking down?
Tidbits of information for your knapsack of hockey knowledge.
-
All eggs in Burke basket
Two things to consider: Brian Burke is not the only name on the market and the Maple Leafs are not the only team looking.
-
Words of wisdom
Each year the Hockey Hall of Fame is scrutinized for its inductees and each year the individual speeches put all arguments to rest.
-
Padding the truth
What's to stop backup goaltenders from stepping into a shootout with illegal equipment?
-
Let's put a smile on that face
While it’s easy for us to point out what’s wrong in the NHL, I’d like to assure you there are good things going on in the league today.
-
Balance sheet
Speculating on the values of NHL clubs doesn’t make much sense, but it can provide some insight into league economics.
-
Who says Buffalo's dull?
With Gary Bettman a guest at the HSBC Arena on Monday, there were quite the fireworks, in more ways than one.
-
The Burke myth
The point of this little essay is to show that the Brian Burke situation, for the moment at least, is about as real as the two-teams-in-Toronto story.
-
Second coming in Toronto?
A great many NHL governors think a 2nd team in Toronto makes perfect sense - and Jim Balsillie would be the likely owner.
-
Hitter repeats himself
It appears the NHL has put a leash on its warden Colin Campbell. How else would you explain the light punishment handed out to Ryan Hollweg?
-
It's not just Miikka's fault
Blaming Miikka Kiprusoff for the Flames losses just masks the real problems.
-
March to oblivion
If there's anything certain of Toronto's 2008-09 season it's that Mats Sundin will not be a part of it.
-
Coaching carousel
Taking a look at all the new faces behind NHL benches this season.
-
The Sundin screw job
Sure, Mats Sundin deserves to call his own shots, but does he need to screw over the rest of the league while doing it?
-
Cost certainty?
I wonder if we’ll hear a familiar refrain from Gary Bettman after this year’s free-agent spending spree.
-
Clearing the deck
Cliff Fletcher has not only started a massive rebuilding project, but taken a year off what’s likely to be ugly hockey for the next Leafs GM.
-
Summer vacation
If a player must pay a price for preserving the integrity of the game, what’s an owner supposed to do?
-
It's a crapshoot
Unless you're Don Meehan or the Detroit Red Wings, predicting the NHL Entry Draft is a crapshoot.
-
Generation Next
A new wave of NHL superstars has arrived and Alexander Ovechkin is leading the charge.
-
Taking the wheel
The franchise may be driving in reverse again, but Ron Wilson is capable of steering the Leafs in the right direction.
-
Want a Cup? Swap your goalies
If we can learn anything from the last three Stanley Cup winners, is that you must switch your starting goalies midway through the playoffs.
-
Zetterberg's value immense
Nik Lidstrom became the first European born and trained player to captain a team to the Stanley Cup. And he didn’t even win the Conn Smythe Trophy.
-
It's not how...
Much like Game 6 itself, the game-winning goal was no thing of beauty, but none of that matters now to playoff MVP Henrik Zetterberg and his Detroit Red Wings teammates.
-
Re-appearing act
Hockey players, like all athletes, often visualize success. Quite often you will hear them say the goal was so real, so close, they could see it.
-
All grown up
Regardless of who wins the Stanley Cup, the young Pittsburgh Penguins came of age Monday night in Detroit.
-
Oh, so close
What else can you say about how the Detroit Red Wings were denied the Stanley Cup Monday night at Joe Louis Arena?
-
Last stand
No player on the Pittsburgh Penguins feels the urgency of Game 5 more than Gary Roberts.
-
Killer instinct
The Red Wings put the Penguins on the brink of elimination with a masterful performance in shut-down execution, intensity and desire.
-
Osgood as it gets
Chris Osgood isn't all that interesting, but what he is doing the second time around in Detroit is extraordinary.
-
A leader in mediocrity
A day later, Jim Kelley is still wondering what exactly Mats Sundin did to deserve the Mark Messier leadership award.
-
The boy in black
Sidney Crosby needed to follow in the footsteps of Penguins legends Lemieux, Jagr and Francis. And he didn't disappoint in Game 3.
-
Another Pennsylvania nightmare?
What was supposed to be a dream Stanley Cup final matchup is turning into a familiar nightmare for the state of Pennsylvania.
-
Listen up, Kid
Some words of wisdom for Crosby and Co., following Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final.
-
And the Cup goes to...
This year's Stanley Cup Final is a matchup of the two best teams in hockey. For an average columnist, it would be impossible to pick the winner, but Sportsnet.ca's Jim Kelley is not your average columnist.
-
The perfect pairing
The Penguins and Red Wings battling for the Stanley Cup is exactly what the NHL needs.
-
Our top story tonight ...
After Wayne Gretzky was forced to quiet unsubstantiated rumours that he was coming to run the Toronto Maple Leafs, Jim Kelley wonders when 'anything goes reporting' became the status quo?
-
Hammer time
The coach-hammer is the favourite tool in nearly every GM's tool box when change is needed.
-
Maurice move shows maturity
In any discussion of the firing of Paul Maurice as head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs you need to understand one thing: it had nothing to do with what is right or fair.
-
All eyes on Carbonneau
Jim Kelley weighs on a number of hot topics around the NHL, including what the Canadiens might do with Carey Price.
-
Questioning Calgary's sacred cow
Jim Kelley wonders if Darryl Sutter is the man for the job with the Flames.
-
Murray's mess to clean
Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk is a mercurial man, but you can take him at his word when he said he won’t be giving general manager Bryan Murray the Dave Nonis treatment.
-
Pest control
The NHL has more pressing issues than Sean Avery being a nuisance.
-
Home-ice hindrance
Teams opening the Stanley Cup playoffs on the road face fewer distractions and less pressure.
-
Independent review
Paul Kelly’s proposal regarding supplemental discipline in the NHL makes sense.
-
Best for last
Thanks to a schedule that has all teams playing their final regular season games against division rivals, NHL fans are in store for a wild ride.
-
Playoff payoff?
Does a player need his team to make the playoffs in order to be considered an NHL MVP candidate?
-
One rink circus
If you have different rules for different players then you don't have a sports league, you have a circus.
-
Tanking a season
Of all the teams going to miss the playoffs, the Oilers are the only ones with incentive to keep winning.
-
Look the 'other' way
Unless Lindy Ruff changes his name to 'Other', the Sabres head coach will be overlooked in Jack Adams voting.
-
Pop quiz
Jim Kelley answers 10 questions covering the NHL, of the true, false or darned if I know variety.
-
Blame game
Sens owner Eugene Melnyk is letting his locker room off the hook by faulting everyone except his players.
-
Winners and losers
Cliff Fletcher appeared to be an unhappy man after the deadline while the Stars and Penguins loaded up for playoff runs.
-
Game of Risk
GMs are still learning how to deal with soon-to-be unrestricted free agents ahead of the trade deadline in the new NHL.
-
A 'Penner' for his thoughts
Given their injuries and their position in the standings it appears this week marks the beginning of the end for playoff hockey in Edmonton.
-
Cherry pickin'
Jim Kelley wonders what message Peter Forsberg is sending to Columbus or Phoenix by excluding each from the well-manicured list of potential comeback locations.
-
The airing of grievances
Jim Kelley has a long list of grievances with the NHL, so he's decided to bring back BACKHANDS.
-
Emery needs intervention
Let's make this short and to the point: Ray Emery doesn't need a suspension, he needs an intervention.
-
Bribe, buy, whatever ...
Contrary to popular opinion, the Leafs' GM job is not coveted among current and aspiring hockey minds. So, that being said, open the coffers and make it it coveted.
-
Focus on Kirke
Nevermind interim GM Cliff Fletcher, headhunter-for-hire Gord Kirke has the most difficult job in the post-JFJ Maple Leafs.
-
No town like Motown
While both Toronto and Buffalo are close to Detroit geographically, their ownership philosophies could not be further apart.
-
Classic Clarke
Jim Kelley says the only thing worse than Steve Downie’s cheap shot on Jason Blake was Bob Clarke’s defence of it.
-
Be-Leaf it or not
Jim Kelley says the question isn't whether the Leafs should deal Mats Sundin but who should make the deal.
-
Midseason nominees
When the NHL will quit warning the Flyers? Is Sid the Kid is really the greatest and what award did the Leafs pick up?
-
Proceed with caution
Jim Kelley feels that the NHL deserves credit for the Winter Classic, but should go slowly in planning events in the future.
-
Promise of a new year
Jim Kelley says there are a number of things worth paying attention to in the NHL in 2008, starting with the Winter Classic effect.
-
Simon for life
Chris Simon is well on his way to his seventh suspension and the NHL needs to make this one permanent for the safety and livelihood of all NHLers.
-
Put up or shut up
If Mark Recchi wants to stay in the game he needs to show he can adjust his game.
-
Why not Kovalchuk?
Ilya Kovalchuk may not be Canadian, but when the league votes on an MVP, his name should be there alongside Crosby and Lecavalier.
-
Resist the temptation
There's a temptation, based on what's been reported in the past 24 hours, to let fly with a big "ah ha," and point a finger of blame in the Steve Moore vs. Todd Bertuzzi case and proclaim that a smoking gun has been found.
-
Time to turn it around
If there were ever a game that could turn around this season for the Flames, it’s against the Penguins.
-
A novel idea
NHL players are quite often a reflection of their coach, so suspend him too.
-
Playing Games?
It seems Gary Bettman is setting up Vancouver 2010 to be the last great gold rush for NHL players.
-
Life outside the universe
While the Leafs deal with mediocrity, some actual issues are up for debate as the Board of Governors convene.
-
Bring down the wall
The NHL should tear down its league-sanctioned wall of silence and provide a forum to address issues facing the game.
-
Playing quarters
The NHL schedule is rounding the quarter mark and it is time to look at the season's best and worst surprises so far.
-
Two minutes for boring
Once again, lack of scoring has left the NHL teetering on a public perception crisis south of the border.
-
An unfair label
Mark Messier went into the Hockey Hall of Fame Monday night pretty much the way you might expect. He cried.
-
Big E-xclusion
Although hockey immortality is often handed out like candy, Eric Lindros does not deserve a piece.
-
Victims of success
The current crop of Sabres are dealing with the difficulty of living up to expectations.
-
Two for stupidity
That's essentially NHL commissioner Gary Bettman's punishment for former Phoenix Coyotes associate coach Rick Tocchet's role in a betting ring.
-
Deadly duo
Thanks to Huet and Price, the Habs are hot to trot.
-
Kelly coronation
The NHLPA does not need another Bob Goodenow or Ted Saskin, it needs Paul Kelly to be himself.
-
State of the Union
NHL coaches, GMs and the Commish are all in Kelley's crosshairs.
-
Union due
The NHLPA is long overdue for a leader with the fortitude to fight for their cause and the sensibility to remain neutral.
-
New Rules
For the sake of curing the NHL’s woes, we look at a different way to deal with the game’s goons.
-
First to go
Many pundits think Tampa Bay's John Tortorella will be the first coach fired this season. Jim Kelley disagrees.
-
BACKHANDS
Are the Buffalo Sabres truly a model franchise in the new NHL?
-
Poor, poor Predators
Trying to make sense of the messy situation surrounding the Hamilton, sorry, Kansas City, excuse me, Nashville Predators.
-
The best of the rest
There are still quality players out there for teams with enough cap space and stones to take a calculated risk.
-