All-Star Break

Count me in as another hockey fan who doesn't enjoy the All-Star Game or the break that comes along with it.

This is the point in the hockey season where the playoff races become very tight. In the Eastern Conference there are around ten teams in the race. In the west it is the same.

Instead of cramming in five or six games over the next two weeks, teams could have been spared the back-to-backs by ditching the All-Star break.

The Maple Leafs will lead the league in most back-to-back games, and have most of them coming over the next few months. Scheduling of course can become difficult, because most arenas host concerts and in some cases, other sports teams. However, when there is a big gap between most back-to-back games and the least it makes you think.

Historically teams playing on the second night of a back-to-back win less than 50% of the time.

The National Hockey League needs to make schedule changes.

As for the All-Star Game, I find it extremely boring and it does nothing for me. The skills competition is watchable, but outside of that, the break is a waste of time.

That is the case with most leagues though, as the Pro Bowl is most likely the worst All-Star game in pro sports.

Come Sunday, I will not be watching the NHL All-Star Game. I'd rather re-watch the NCAA National Championship Game.

Playoff Push

The next three games for the Maple Leafs are crucial for their playoff run. With 10 teams having a real chance to take one of 8 spots in the Eastern Conference.

The Maple Leafs play the Canadiens and a home and home with the Islanders. All 3 games should be wins, but with Toronto's inconsistency, that is never a sure thing.

If Lupul and Kessel keep producing along with secondary scoring stepping up, that will go a long way towards a playoff run.

Winter Classic 2013

With Bob McKenzie all but confirming that the Toronto Maple Leafs will play the Detroit Red Wings in next years Winter Classic, I cannot hold in my excitement.

First of all, it is being played at the Big House in Ann Arbor. For those who don't know, the stadium will hold around 110 000 for the Winter Classic. Factor in that about half will be Leafs fans and now I'm even more excited.

I will be attending the game with my Leaf buddies, as tickets shouldn't be too hard to get or too expensive, because of the mass amounts of seating.

The one aspect I am really looking forward to is HBO's 24/7 series. The awkwardness that Phil Kessel gives out every time he is one camera will make 24/7 worth it. I'm also interested to see how Ron Wilson acts behind the cameras and if he still says his HANTA YO speeches.

It's only the beginning of 2012, but I cannot wait until next New Years Day!

2 In A Row

After a four game road trip where the Leafs only won a single game, they have started 2012 off with a bang. With 9 of 10 games at the ACC in January, it is crucial the Leafs come out of this month with a winning record.

The Leafs opened the month with a convincing 7-3 win over a Tampa Bay Lightening team that has been playing better then their record shows. It was a huge character win.

Yesterday night, the Leafs continued their solid play by shutting out the Winnipeg Jets in a convening fashion. Jonas Gustavsson recorded both wins.

With Mike Komisarek and Mike Brown returning from injury tomorrow night against the Detroit Red Wings, the Leafs roster will finally be close to healthy. The only remaining Leafs injured are Colby Armstrong and JM Liles who are both suffering from concussions.

With a big home stand upcoming, the Leafs need to take advantage of this opportunity if they want to make a push for the playoffs.