The Fifth Liners

Brendan Shanahan's rebuild of the Toronto Maple Leafs took another turn today as it was announced that Lou Lamoriello has been hired as new team GM. Having held the same post at the New Jersey Devils since 1987, Lamoriello is certainly experienced. Under his reign, the Devils took home three Stanley Cups from 1995 to 2003. However, will his lack of progress since then hinder Toronto's chances? The first thought we have to contend with is that is Lamoriello jumping from one sinking ship to another which has already sunk? His 28 years in New Jersey brought about some great results, he was the first GM in the NHL to bring across Soviet players into North America. Also he brought about 21 play-off appearances and nine division titles, for his efforts Lamoriello was inducted to the NHL Hall of Fame in 2012. Asides from the roll of honor, there are some minor facts to be considered, such as the fact that from 2010 onwards, New Jersey has only made one trip to the play-offs. Alt...

Admittedly this year's Free Agency pool was only ankle deep and compared to previous seasons there was not the big names for bidding.  However, there were still some bargains to be had and there was flurry of signings come July 1st. Here are my personal top 3 picks Justin Williams  Although William's goal production had been slowing the last few years at LA, the Washington Capitals have got themselves a bargain. Williams at 33 is still an effective right wingers which can be used to anchored the second or third line. The Capitals with the exception of Ovechkin and Holtby are a team that still needs rounding out. Williams also have extensive experience of the post season, including three Stanley Cup wins. His Conn Smyth Trophy  win in 2014 shows just what an asset he can be to a team.  P A Parenteau  Things didn't end happily in his season in Montreal, but 32 year old Parenteau still has life left in him. Signing for the Toronto Maple Leafs is a smart mo...

Finally the Detroit Red Wings have given permission for head coach Mike Babcock to begin speaking to other teams. This news has caused a wave of disillusion over Michigan because after taking home the Stanley Cup in 2008- he has become a fan favourite! But where would be the best destination for this man? Here are my top 3 choices for M.B Toronto Maple Leafs  This one is by far the bookies favourite and many were speculating this one as early as last season. As an Ontario boy at heart, this one will no doubt be in the front of Babcock's mind! But although this project may have long term potential, surely it is too much of a short term risk? The Leafs are currently going through yet another rip up and rebuild operation by Brendan Shanahan and I feel there is too much work needed to get where Babcock wants to go. Also lest we forget, the Leafs fans are not forgiving of lack of progress (no matter how many years running) and should he take the job- M.B should expect jersey's...

Once more fans of the Edmonton Oilers, will be celebrating as their side have received first overall pick in the NHL Draft Lottery! Seems Connor McDavid will be spending some cold winters over in Alberta in years to come! Buffalo Sabres were no doubt disappointed to land the second overall pick, but will no doubt take consolation that this will probably mean Jack Eichel will be in the state of New York! In what could be one of the biggest depth quality drafts, it could well mean that each team has some great talent for the future. My only real doubt with this decision is that Edmonton has had its fair share of number one picks in the last few years, and still nothing has come of it! People paint McDavid as if he is the next Sidney Crosby of hockey, I just worry that this team is the wrong fit for his talents? Taylor Hall and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins are starting to show the leadership qualities required for the Oilers- but Nail Yakupov has only shown glimpses of what he is capable o...

During the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-1 loss against Arizona Coyotes last night, goalie Jonathan Bernier experienced the kind of nightmare net tenders hope to avoid. Only seconds after the puck dropped to start the third period, Oliver Ekman-Larsson scored shorthanded on him from centre ice! Bernier will not be adding this moment to his treasured memories! See below to feel the pain of Leafs fans!

Last night in the Carolina Hurricanes 4-1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre, Leafs captain Dion Phaneuf found out why you never pick on one of the Staal Brothers. After a questionable hit on Jordan Staal , big brother and fellow captain Eric Staal decided to stick up for his brother and drop the gloves! Though Princess Dion would have the upper hand physically, it was Eric would have the last laugh as late in the third with an empty net at his mercy- he ripped the shot through Phaneuf's legs to seal a 4-1 win! Revenge is a dish best served ice cold!

The trade rumour mill has been grinding vigorously of late and one name that has been at the centre is that of Carolina Hurricanes captain, Eric Staal .  Word has been that Staal would be happy to waive his no trade cause and join the Toronto Maple Leafs instead. At 30 years old and with only one year left on his contract, this would certainly help lift $8 million off the Hurricanes salary cap. But the real question is, what would be the long term effect of letting one of their stars leave? Ever since their remarkable run to the 2006 Stanley Cup win, the Hurricanes have struggled to be any where near competitive and Raleigh, North Carolina is unlikely to see another cup banner raised any time soon. Eric Staal since being a second overall pick in 2003 has been a solid player for them over the years. His 690 points from just 770 NHL games reads very well, but his plus/minus figures have been consistently dropping recently. Last season amidst a lengthy knee injury, Sta...

Yesterday, it has emerged that the once strong image of the Toronto Maple Leafs has officially hit a new low as ESPN has ranked them as the least popular franchise in North American Sport. Money wise, this team can do no wrong since the Air Canada Centre is routinely packed out week to week with loyal fans. Problem is despite their bank balances singing loudly, there is an air apathy about this team and the fact that they haven't taken home a Stanley Cup since 1967 nor come close to challenging since doesn't justify value for money. Problem seems to be that the franchise doesn't appear to feel the need to challenge for glory, when they are in a stable financial position. Also the long suffering fans seem happy to pay what ever high prices the ACC deems fit to put in front of them. Despite the distinction of being one of the 'Original Six' of the NHL, the Maple Leafs name isn't considered among the league or sports elite any more (they placed lower than the Mi...

People of New York, we have a new year miracle- the New York Rangers scoring seven in a game... And actually looking impressive for once! The 94 cup champions have one of the leagues more inconsistent teams of this year, but you wouldn't have thought this last night as the notable performances of 1st star Dominic Moore and Chris Kreider tore apart the Toronto Maple Leafs ! Yes the Rangers were aided by Cam Talbot's 26 saves in net and also by an unusually poor performance by Leafs normally solid goalie Jonathan Bernier, who had a torrid time against the big apple side and was yanked from his after conceeding a fifth goal and the Leafs being down 5-0! James 'Optimus' Reimer would fare little better and conceded two more goals before the Leafs misery was finally ended! On this kind of performance, New York should be in the playoffs, but one game doesn't always make the difference and the Rangers will have a lot of work before them if they want to reach the promi...

Brendan Shanahan delivered a lot on the ice during his glorious 21 year NHL career that took in stints with the New Jersey Devils, St Louis Blues, Hartford Whalers, New York Rangers and most famously the Detroit Red Wings (where he won three Stanley Cups). But it appears that his legacy is spreading further in his new role as Director of Player Safety. Since his appointment in 2011, Shanahan has taken a hard line on player safety and if someone crosses over with an illegal hit, then the infamous 'Shana-ban' will be enforced. Raffi Torres has twice been on the receiving end as his horrendous hit on Martin Havlat whist playing for Phoenix landed him with a 21 game ban (the longest of the 21st century so far!) and last year whilst a San Jose he his illegal check on LA King's Jarret Stoll landed him with a ban from the playoff second round! Many would use this assignment as a cushy job to keep them in the hockey world, Shanahan however has been praised for his involvement...

The Pittsburgh Penguins won a titantic back and forth battle against the Toronto Maple Leafs last night for a 6-5 shootout win at the Consol Energy Center! From the very outset, things were far from straight foward and despite Chris Connor putting the Penguins ahead after 1.57 of the first period, James Van Riemsdyk soon made thing a tie game after he scored on the powerplay after 5 minutes. From there things got very tricky for the home team as Nazem Kadri gave Toronto the lead after 11 minutes. Less than 43 seconds into the next period- the Leafs hit Pittsburgh with a double blow as a crucial mistake by Marc-Andre Fleury as he attempted to pass the puck behind his net to Jayson Megna let in Van Riemsdyk for his second goal after only 13 seconds! Thirty seconds later Phil Kessel would score to put Toronto 4-1 in front and add to the home fans frustrations! Powerplay goals by Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang midway through help raise spirits- but when Tyler Bozak popped up to score...

48 saves from James Reimer gave the Toronto Maple Leafs a much needed 2-1 shootout win over the Washington Capitals at the Air Canada Center last night. David Clarkson got the ball rolling when he deflected in Jake Gardiner's long shot after 10:08 of the second period. But Alexander Ovechkin then tied the game with 5 minutes remaining of the third to send matters to overtime! After an uneventful overtime, the game was pushed to a shootout where Grant Fehr gave the Caps an initial advantage when he deeked past Reimer but James Van Reimsdyk scored to level the shoot out. Niklas Backstrom then had his penalty shoot saved by the glove of Reimer which allow Joffrey Lupul to seal the win for the Leafs!

Last night whilst sat high up in the stands of the Air Canada Center in Toronto, I was witness to an offensive feast as the Toronto Maple Leafs beat the New York Islanders 5-2 in an entertaining game. The Leafs got off to a flying start when Trevor Smith beat Isles goalie Kevin Poulin after only 22 seconds played after great work by 1st star Joffrey Lupul The score remain this way for the rest of the period remainder but Jonathan Bernier was forced to make several impressive saves in net for Toronto! Mid way through the second period, Phil Kessel put the Leafs 2-0 up before Casey Cizikas gave the Isles a lifeline with 11.5 seconds left. Mason Raymond put Toronto firmly in charge after scoring a rebound early in the third period before a first leafs goal for David Clarkson pushed them 4-1 ahead! Frans Nielsen briefly gave New York hope with a goal late in the third before Kessel scored his second with 2.43 remaining. Bernier made 35 saves in net in an impressive performance but ...

It's a good time to be Ben Scrivens . The Canadian goaltender is currently defending the net for the LA Kings while regular first choice Jonathan Quick is out with a strained groin. He's been the back-up man at the back for the Kings since he was picked up in June this year, in a deal which saw Jonathan Bernier head to the leafs. This season so far he's played eight games, conceding seven goals. This gives him a .955% which is the best in the league after Petr Mrazek (who has 1.000% after one game). He also leads the way in shutouts. Three so far and on Monday was named the NHL's first star of the week. Ben Scrivens was an unrestricted free agent when the Toronto Maple Leafs signed him up in 2010, where he played his hockey at the ECHL's Reading Royals and the Toronto Marlies. He played his first NHL game in November 2011. Scrivens started his NHL career with a 4-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets and made 38 saves. The LA Kings host the Tampa Bay Li...

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Dave Bolland has been ruled out indefinitely after suffering an ankle injury in their 4-0 loss to the Vancouver Canucks, where he was injured in the second when Zack Kassian accidentally trod his leg which caused it to break! Bolland was acquired from the Chicago Blackhawks in the off season and so far has racked up 6 goals and 10 points in his 15 games played at the Air Canada Center. Also the Leafs have placed center Tyler Bozak on the long term injury list, which is bound to affect their offensive options!

The Vancouver Canucks capped an emotional night at the Rogers Arena that saw the Number 10 jersey of Pavel Bure retired to the rafters with a great 4-0 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs ! James Reimer made a flurry of good stops in a row after 3 minutes to deny both Mike Santorelli and Chris Higgins from putting Vancouver in front, but then captain Henrik Sedin scored off an assist from Dan Hamhuis to put the Canucks ahead after 06:03 of the first period played. Early in the second period, Zack Kassian made it two when he scored a rebound off Reimer after only two minutes played before Chris Higgins put the Canucks firmly in the driving seat when his quick shot made it 3-0 after only five minutes played. Toronto offered little in offense but came close briefly when Phil Kessel had his stop stopped by Roberto Luongo, but they would get no closer than that before Hamhuis scored to complete the perfect night in British Columbia. But the score wasnt the real celebration as the Vanco...

Scary times for the Montreal Canadiens . George Parros and Carlton Orr have shared a rivalry going back a few years, and last night was no different. Parros and Orr clashed throughout the game, but things came to a dramatic end for the American. During a fight early in the third period between Parros and Orr, Parros took a tumble over Orr and hit the ice head first, lying unconscious. Orr immediately jumped up and signaled to the bench that something was wrong. Parros was stretchered off and was said to be responsive later in the dressing room. It's unfortunate that these things happen and will no doubt provide fuel for the skeptics opposed to fighting. Although this was an unlucky fall, and by no means was Orr at fault, it still puts a shadow over our beloved game.

NHL 2013/14 is under way and last night the Toronto Maple Leafs kicked off their season with an exciting 4-3 win over fierce rivals the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Center. In an action packed first period, James Van Reimsdyck put the Leafs in front after 8 minutes with a skillful wrist shot, but Eller soon scored for the Canadiens to bring us a tie game. Brendan Gallagher then scored to put the Quebec side 2-1 ahead before the end of the first period! In the second period, despite some great offensive awareness by Montreal, a first star performance by Leafs goalie James Reimer kept them at bay as Toronto levelled the scores at 2-2 with a goal from captain Dion Phaneuf and three minutes before the end, Tyler Bozak scored a wrist shot to put the Maple Leafs 3-2 ahead and leave the home supporters fuming! Things got worse for Montreal in the third period as a debut goal from Mason Raymond gave them a two goal cushion and despite Eller scoring again late in the period- it ...

Mason Raymond has reportedly signed a one year deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs after a successful trail period. Raymond has lead the team in scoring pre season with 4 points in three games. After spending the last six years with the Vancouver Canucks, Raymond has accumalated over 80 goals and 178 points in 374 regular season games and was part of the Vancouver squad that made the 2011 Stanley Cup final! Mason- we wish you all the best- hope to see you in Toronto this November!

There's nothing friendly about this pre-season game. What started as an altercation between Jamie Devane and Corey Tropp soon turned into a full-on line brawl, including a goalie scrap between Jonathan Bernier and Ryan Miller . Maple Leaf David Clarkson , yet to play a regular season game for his new team will likely pick up a 10 game suspension after leaving the bench to get involved. Video from NHL.com .