Author Archive for Micheal A. Aldred
A sports journalist for The Score Federation. Owns Checkingfrombehind.com and hopes to one day become Wyatt Earp.
Kovalchuk A Devil
It's a done deal: Devils acquire Kovalchuk and Salmela in exchange for Bergfors, Cormier, Oduya and a 1st round pick. I also just got word that now that the Kovalchuk trade is complete, teams are frantically running around in the domino effect to get their offers in for Exelby. Just kidding… Micheal A. Aldred
Phaneuf Wants Playoffs
It didn't take long for Dion Phaneuf to make an impact on the Leafs. Not only did he throw 6 hits in the game on Saturday, but fans got a look at his incredlble one-timer release, and his physicality on the back end. He has been playing with Luke Schenn on the penalty kill, Francois [...]
Kovalchuk Turns Down $101M
The Atlanta Thrashers GM, Don Waddell, has told TSN that Ilya Kovalchuk turned down a $101M dollar contract from the organization. "Our goal from the start of this negotiating process was to sign Ilya Kovalchuk to a long-term contract," said Waddell in the statement. "During the process, Kovy affirmed his desire to be a Thrasher for [...]
Rangers Drop out of Kovalchuk Sweeps
The New York Rangers are believed to be officially out of the Kovalchuk sweepstakes, or at least until the asking price on the rental drops. According to NY Post reporter Larry Brooks, posting via his Twitter account, the Thrashers are looking for a combination of packages that include: defenseman Marc Staal; defenseman Michael Del Zotto [...]
Komisarek Done for the Season
Seems that shoulder injury is worse than first thought. He shuts it down for the year as per Bob McKenzie. Yes. This time it's legit. "Our team doctors have recommended this after a determined effort to rehab the injury without surgery. Having this done immediately is the right thing to do for the Leafs. I [...]
Breaking Rumor: Exelby a King?
Has Garnet Exelby been dealt to the Los Angeles Kings? It’s believed Toronto has acquired a 4th round pick for the defenceman. He was pulled from the game for the entire third period, and there are reports that suggest Los Angeles has acquired him for depth going on their way to the post-season. TSN has [...]
Leafs Practice, News and Notes
The Leafs took to the ice today in preparation for Martin Brodeur tomorrow night. It featured some interesting one on one drills for a few key players, and one defenceman who claims the future of his career and the Maple Leafs would be better suited if he were traded. Luke Schenn spent the duration [...]
Leafs and Kings/Rosehill Destruction
Tonight, the Toronto Maple Leafs play host to the Los Angeles Kings. Fortunately for the Leafs, they are back at home where they have a better record (9-10-5) than when playing as the visitors (8-16-5) this season. Unfortunately for the Leafs, the Kings have a better away record (15-10-1) than they do when playing as [...]
Kovalchuk to Leafs – A Clarification
I would first like state that I am addressing this rumor because it is, in fact, circulating around the league that Toronto is interested in the Atlanta Thrashers’ sniper Ilya Kovalchuk. Yes, this rumor did come to light due to an Eklund blog, but no, it is not fake. In fact, every team in the [...]
How Santa Ruined the Maple Leafs (A Christmas Story)
It was December 22nd, and I was recently hired on to work at the local post-office. I had done their tedious work of assorting all the mail and endured my fair share of letter kisses (aka huge freaking paper cuts). I had done my part in customer service in order to send out last minute [...]
Brendan Witt Hit by Truck – The Musical
It was supposed to be a lovely morning in Philadelphia. Breakfast was fantastic and thinking about a nice walk for a coffee sounded great for Islanders defenceman Brendan Witt. He was sure it would be wonderful, and walked out the door of the hotel and down the road.
Leafs Hunting for “Moore” Panthers
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times and it was the most idiotic decision in Dominic Moore's career. From a player who was initially claimed by the Maple Leafs off waivers from the Minnesota Wild, and became the ether to Jason Blake's resurgence last season, it seems either greed, a [...]
Leafs/Lightning Pre-Game
As the Leafs prepare for the Tampa Bay Lightning tonight, it occurs to many fans that while the Leafs are looking strong as of late, the fate of their playoffs hopes certainly lives and dies on the team’s ability to win in extra time. While it does not show immediately, the 7 extra points from [...]
Leafs and Rangers Preview
The Rangers are riding a 4 game win streak, the Leafs are not. The Rangers have a goal differencial of +8 in their last 4 games, the Leafs have a goal differencial of -6 in their last 3 games. The Rangers are 5th in the league on the PK (88%), while the Leafs are last [...]
Canucks Eager for Home Opener
The Vancouver Canucks kicked off their season with two road losses. Fans have not been too pleased with their defensive efforts and had high hopes for their team this season. Starting the season with 2 losses was not part of the game-plan, but it happened, it’s over with, and the Canucks now play their home-opener [...]
Leafs Opening Night Roster
The Toronto Maple Leafs have sent down Tyler Bozak, Jiri Tlusty, Nikolai Kulemin and Carl Gunnarsson. The following is their 22 man roster, one short of the max, but does not include Phil Kessel or Mike Van Ryn who are listed as non-roster players due to long-term injury. Looks like Jay Rosehill did enough to [...]
Stalberg Lands Top Line Role
According to TSN, Stalberg has made the team and even found himself on the top line. Talk about getting the opportunity to showcase your talent. He’ll start Thursday’s opener against Montreal on a line with Jason Blake and Matt Stajan. 8 Games, 6 goals, 3 assists and playing on a line with two players who [...]
Lang Signs with Coyotes
The 38 year-old Robert Lang has agreed to a contract with the Phoenix Coyotes pending a physical. He spent last season with the Montreal Canadiens scoring 18 goals and 21 assists in 50 games. It looks as though despite the Coyotes management conundrum, Lang is not bothered by their situation and is looking to step [...]
Fleury Retires as a Flame
After being released by the team late last week, Theoren Fleury has officially retired from hockey and he did so on his own terms. “I could not sign with another team,” he said. “I retire a Calgary Flame.” Theoren Fleury retires with a Stanley Cup with the Flames in the 1988-89 season, an Olympic Gold [...]
Balsillie – Coyotes Stay in Phoenix…this season
It appears Jim Balsillie has agreed to keep the Phoenix Coyotes in Glendale, Arizone, for at least this season should he win the auction bid for the club. He has stated the team will remain the Phoenix Coyotes while details are worked out in order to move the club to Canada. Judge Redfield T. Baum [...]
