Hockey Opinions Archive

- Spector on Blue Jackets: Changes not far away
  
  Mark Spector
  - October 31, 2011
  The decision to sit former coach Ken Hitchcock in the seats while current coach Scott Arniel runs drills is one of many issues in Columbus.
- Brophy on Leafs: The cost of success
  
  Mike Brophy
  - October 31, 2011
- Brophy: Interest revived in provincial rivalry
  
  Mike Brophy
  - October 30, 2011
  A combination of youth and speed has both the Senators and Leafs turning heads one month into the season.
- Brophy on Leafs: Grabovski shines on defence
  
  Mike Brophy
  - October 30, 2011
- Brophy on Leafs: Brown making his mark
  
  Mike Brophy
  - October 28, 2011
- Spector on Oilers: The meal ticket
  
  Mark Spector
  - October 28, 2011
- The Sheet: How Thrashers trades hurt Jets
  
  The Sheet
  - October 28, 2011
- Brophy on Leafs: Head games with Reimer?
  
  Mike Brophy
  - October 28, 2011
- Spector on Canucks: The $17 million question
  
  Mark Spector
  - October 27, 2011
- Shannon on Oilers: Time to honour Slats
  
  John Shannon
  - October 26, 2011
  It's time for Edmonton to pay tribute to the man who built a dynasty for their team.
- Brophy on Leafs: Connolly debuts on Broadway
  
  Mike Brophy
  - October 26, 2011
  It isn't the way he expected to start the season but after eight games, Tim Connolly is ready to join the Leafs.
- Spector on Oilers: Getting even
  
  Mark Spector
  - October 26, 2011
  The playing field is starting to even out between the young Oilers and mighty Canucks.
- Brophy on Maple Leafs: The nation's best
  
  Mike Brophy
  - October 25, 2011
  The Maple Leafs are the best team in the Great White North -- at least so far.
- Hockey Hearsay: Pronger's injury reignites visor debate
  
  Chris Nichols
  - October 25, 2011
- Brophy on Leafs: Don't blame The Monster
  
  Mike Brophy
  - October 25, 2011
  Although the Leafs took a hit in the "L" column against Philly, Gustavsson's effort wasn't really to blame.
- Spector on Canucks trade: Booth review
  
  Mark Spector
  - October 24, 2011
- Murphy on Hodgson: What happens next?
  
  Dan Murphy
  - October 24, 2011
  With the acquisition of David Booth, the Canucks might end up shipping Cody Hodgson to the minors.
- Brophy on Leafs: Leading the way
  
  Mike Brophy
  - October 23, 2011
- Brophy on Leafs: Gustavsson fills in
  
  Mike Brophy
  - October 23, 2011
- Brophy on Leafs: On the front line
  
  Mike Brophy
  - October 21, 2011
- Principe on Oilers: RNH on the bench?
  
  Gene Principe
  - October 21, 2011
  With Sam Gagner back, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins may be heading back to Red Deer.
- Spector on NHL: Letter to Canucks fans
  
  Mark Spector
  - October 21, 2011
- Brophy on Leafs: Stumble or sign of sinking?
  
  Mike Brophy
  - October 21, 2011
- Brophy on Leafs: Squeaking one out
  
  Mike Brophy
  - October 20, 2011
  The Leafs may be off to a strong start, but they're not playing as well as their record indicates.
- Spector on Blue Jackets: Time for Nash to cash
  
  Mark Spector
  - October 19, 2011
  Columbus is adrift. It's time for Rick Nash and his well paid teammates to take charge.
- Brunt on Jets: A song in the heart of a city
  
  Stephen Brunt
  - October 19, 2011
  The sentimentalism will pass. But the return of the Jets reminds us that Winnipeg thrived even without the NHL.
- Shannon on NHL: Masking concussions?
  
  John Shannon
  - October 18, 2011
- Simpson on NHL: Happy homecoming
  
  Christine Simpson
  - October 18, 2011
- Brophy on Leafs: Finding their balance
  
  Mike Brophy
  - October 18, 2011
  The Leafs need consistent scoring from sources other than Phil Kessel if they truly want to step forward this season.
- Grange on Komisarek: Reconstruction project
  
  Michael Grange
  - October 17, 2011
- Spector on Oilers: The dynamic trio
  
  Mark Spector
  - October 17, 2011
- Brophy on Bozak: On the plus side
  
  Mike Brophy
  - October 16, 2011
  Leafs centre Tyler Bozak is off to a positive start after finishing with a minus-29 last season.
- Millard on NHL: Chiming in on fighting
  
  Daren Millard
  - October 16, 2011
  Millard gives his take on the current fighting debate and other issues around the NHL.
- Brophy on Leafs: Raring to go
  
  Mike Brophy
  - October 14, 2011
  After a six-day layoff, the Maple Leafs are anxious to get back into game action.
- Murphy on Canucks: Early-season ramblings
  
  Dan Murphy
  - October 14, 2011
- Spector on NHL: Hazards of fighting
  
  Mark Spector
  - October 14, 2011
  As the NHL game has evolved, it has caused many to rethink some old adages when it comes to on-ice fights.
- Brophy on Leafs: Monster not giving up
  
  Mike Brophy
  - October 13, 2011
- Grange column: Poverty-fighting pucks
  
  Michael Grange
  - October 13, 2011
  Can a hockey puck lift a nation out of war-torn poverty? A Canadian company sure hopes so.
- Brophy on Leafs: Like a 'kick in the (groin)'
  
  Mike Brophy
  - October 12, 2011
  Blindsided by the news that he would start the season as a healthy scratch, an angry Franson said it was like a 'kick in the (groin).'
- Kypreos: Time to back off on Cherry
  
  Nick Kypreos
  - October 12, 2011
- Mendes on Sens: Third time's a charm
  
  Ian Mendes
  - October 11, 2011
- Principe on Oilers: No 'D' in Omark
  
  Gene Principe
  - October 11, 2011
- Brophy on Leafs: Lupul aims high
  
  Mike Brophy
  - October 11, 2011
  Joffrey Lupul knows that the Maple Leafs' playoff hopes depend on how well he and Phil Kessel play on the No. 1 line.
- Murphy on Canucks: In defence of Hank
  
  Dan Murphy
  - October 10, 2011
  It seemed like Methot went unscathed after hitting Henrik, but Bieksa was quick to respond.
- Spector on Jets: Honeymoon over
  
  Mark Spector
  - October 9, 2011
  Despite losing 5-1, Winnipeg fans gave the Jets a standing ovation. Don't expect that to last.
- Spector on NHL: Winnipeg back in the ring
  
  Mark Spector
  - October 8, 2011
  On Sunday not only will the Jets will return to Winnipeg, but the city will also reclaim its status as a big league sports town.
- The Sheet: The NHL's European invasion
  
  The Sheet
  - October 8, 2011
- Spector on Jets: The last night in 1996
  
  Mark Spector
  - October 7, 2011
- Spector on Canucks: Moving along
  
  Mark Spector
  - October 7, 2011
  The Pens' Evgeni Malkin sank the Canucks 4-3 in a shootout Thursday night, as Vancouver turns the page on a disappointing end to last year.
- Grange on Leafs: Lombardi's great night
  
  Michael Grange
  - October 6, 2011
  Matthew Lombardi scored his first regular season goal in nearly a year as the Leafs won their opener 2-0 vs. the Canadiens Thursday night.
- Mendes on Sens: MacLean is Murray's man
  
  Ian Mendes
  - October 6, 2011
  When Bryan Murray went looking for a head coach, he asked his old hire Mike Babcock for his opinion.
- The Sheet: Top picks make their mark
  
  The Sheet
  - October 6, 2011
- Grange on NHL: The T.O. kid who got away
  
  Michael Grange
  - October 6, 2011
  Toronto-born hockey stars like Habs forward Michael Cammalleri have been pretty rare for the Leafs.
- Spector on Canucks: The next step
  
  Mark Spector
  - October 5, 2011
  The Canucks were taught a tough lesson last spring but feel they have learned what it takes to make the next step.
- Grange on Canadiens: It's a dogfight
  
  Michael Grange
  - October 5, 2011
  The Habs know that making the playoffs will be tough even if they stay healthy and return to form.
- Brophy on Leafs: Reimer ready to roll
  
  Mike Brophy
  - October 5, 2011
- Brunt backpage: The Canadian identity
  
  Stephen Brunt
  - October 5, 2011
  In the never-ending quest to nail down a Canadian identity, hockey always comes to the fore.
- The Aftershow: HC's NHL season previews
  
  The Aftershow
  - October 5, 2011
  The Aftershow brings you exclusive interviews from HOCKEY CENTRAL of all seven Canadian NHL teams.
- Spector on Flames, Oilers: Rebuild or retool?
  
  Mark Spector
  - October 5, 2011
- Mendes on Senators: Youth movement
  
  Ian Mendes
  - October 5, 2011
  It could be another tough season for a young Senators team that is in transition.
- Brophy on Leafs: No place like home
  
  Mike Brophy
  - October 4, 2011
  With five-straight home games to start the year, the Leafs will be under pressure to get off on the right foot.
- Murphy on Canucks: Weight of expectations
  
  Dan Murphy
  - October 4, 2011
  Falling one win short last season means the Canucks enter the new year with lofty expectations.
- Brophy on Leafs: A dream come true
  
  Mike Brophy
  - October 4, 2011
- Brophy on Leafs: The role of a captain
  
  Mike Brophy
  - October 3, 2011
  The pressures of wearing the "C" won’t prevent Phanuef in helping the Leafs reach the post-season.
- Principe on NHL: Oilers lay building blocks
  
  Gene Principe
  - October 3, 2011
- Spector on NHL: Time to make a change
  
  Mark Spector
  - October 3, 2011
- Principles first for Burke in team-building
  
  Michael Grange
  - October 3, 2011
  If signing Stamkos, Doughty or Richards means compromising principles then Brian Burke is not interested.
- Brophy on Leafs: Night of mixed emotions
  
  Mike Brophy
  - October 2, 2011
  While one Maple Leaf is thrilled to be back, Clarke MacArthur isn't so happy to be on the sidelines.
- Brophy on NHL: The endangered species
  
  Mike Brophy
  - September 30, 2011
- Shannon on NHL: Making realignment work
  
  John Shannon
  - September 30, 2011
  One would suggest the biggest talk of the new season won't be Rules 48 and 41 or Shanahan TV, but it will be realignment.
- Jean on Habs: Weber back at square one
  
  Louis Jean
  - September 30, 2011
  With the signing of Campoli strictly a depth move for the Habs, Weber is put in a tough spot.
- Spector on NHL: Prospects making their case
  
  Mark Spector
  - September 29, 2011
  Mark Scheifele and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins have played well enough to stick in the NHL, but is it best for their development?
- The Sheet: Going through growing pains
  
  The Sheet
  - September 29, 2011
  Taking a look at what's causing this dilemma the suspension-filled NHL is in.
- Brophy on Maple Leafs: Final exams
  
  Mike Brophy
  - September 28, 2011
- Principe on Oilers: RNH equals NHL
  
  Gene Principe
  - September 28, 2011
  Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has shown more than enough in the pre-season to ensure he is an Oiler this year.
- Brophy on Leafs: Liles thrilled in T.O.
  
  Mike Brophy
  - September 27, 2011
- Spector on Shanahan: Video hits
  
  Mark Spector
  - September 27, 2011
  Brendan Shanahan's video explanations are getting a lot of attention from NHL players.
- Grange column: MLSE sale stuck in neutral
  
  Michael Grange
  - September 27, 2011
  With a willing seller, huge profits and plenty of prestige, why hasn't MLSE been sold yet?
- Brophy on Lombardi: A big hit
  
  Mike Brophy
  - September 26, 2011
- Spector on NHL: Veterans cast aside
  
  Mark Spector
  - September 26, 2011
- The Sheet: Remembering those we lost
  
  The Sheet
  - September 26, 2011
  Remembering others whose lives were tragically cut short by suicide.
- Brophy on Leafs: All on the line(s)
  
  Mike Brophy
  - September 25, 2011
  Right now it’s a guessing game as to what line is considered ‘No.1’.
- Brophy on Leafs: Rosehill's fight
  
  Mike Brophy
  - September 25, 2011
- Brophy on Leafs: Reimer's heavy shoulders
  
  Mike Brophy
  - September 24, 2011
- Kypreos on NHL hits: Define 'dirty'
  
  Nick Kypreos
  - September 23, 2011
  While lengthy suspensions might reduce the number of so-called 'dirty' hits, it won’t get rid of them altogether.
- Grange on London incident: Acting alone
  
  Michael Grange
  - September 23, 2011
  One man’s actions should not hinder minorities in their decision to play hockey.
- Mendes on NHL social media: Tweet happens
  
  Ian Mendes
  - September 23, 2011
  Sens goalie Mike McKenna is quite active on Twitter, something he wasn't allowed to do while with the Devils
- Spector on Canucks: Hordichuk's expertise
  
  Mark Spector
  - September 23, 2011
  Dealing tough guy Hordichuk may have been a mistake for the Canucks.
- Brophy on hockey: Stop sign on hits
  
  Mike Brophy
  - September 22, 2011
- Brophy on Komisarek: Lean and mean
  
  Mike Brophy
  - September 21, 2011
  Mike Komisarek is out to prove he deserves a prominent role on the Maple Leafs' blueline.
- Shannon on hockey: It's the term
  
  John Shannon
  - September 21, 2011
  The most contentious issue with new contracts like R.J. Umberger’s isn’t the dollar figure.
- Principe on Lander: Growing up
  
  Gene Principe
  - September 21, 2011
  Anton Lander missed last year's Oilers camp, but the more mature edition at the 2011 camp has a chance to make the club.
- Mendes on Gonchar: Turning the page
  
  Ian Mendes
  - September 21, 2011
  Sergei Gonchar is excited about the new-look Senators and his role as a leader.
- Brophy on Kadri: The rising
  
  Mike Brophy
  - September 21, 2011
  Nazem Kadri is showing poise, patience and a dash of belligerence as he hopes to make the Leafs.
- Millions on Flames: Looking for a spark
  
  Roger Millions
  - September 20, 2011
- Brophy on Leafs: Colby's mulligan
  
  Mike Brophy
  - September 20, 2011
- Grange on Reimer: Cool drink of water?
  
  Michael Grange
  - September 19, 2011
  After wandering through the goaltending desert, is James Reimer set to quench Leaf fans' thirst?
- Millard on fighting: Winds of change
  
  Daren Millard
  - September 19, 2011
  Although fighting still has a role in the game, it's only a matter of time before changes are made.
- Brophy on Leafs: Colborne turns heads
  
  Mike Brophy
  - September 18, 2011
  Joe Colborne knows he's a longshot to make the Maple Leafs, but he's intent on turning some heads.
- Brophy on Leafs camp: Plenty to prove
  
  Mike Brophy
  - September 17, 2011
  Clarke MacArthur has a new contract with the Leafs, but says he still has much to achieve.

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