The SBP Archives - Your less than frequent dose of SBP!

My unbiased journalism continues.

I even put up a logo that's much bigger than the Sens logo I usually post when I write my Sens rants.

Leafs fans, good news is coming your way. After looking at the free agent signings and non-signings in the off-season, I've come to this conclusion: The Toronto Maple Leafs will end their slump and be a part of the NHL playoffs in April of 2008.

Ferguson Jr. basically admitted he gaffed at the Andrew Raycroft signing and picked up Vesa Toskla from the San Jose Sharks. I think this makes them better in goal.

He then signed 40-goal scorer Jason Blake, not having to give up any draft picks in the process like the Leafs are usually good at doing. Blake has a reputation of being a jerk but we're talking about the Leafs. He'll fit in perfectly.

Now coupled with the fact the teams around Toronto that did and did not make the playoffs, namely the New York Islanders and Montreal Canadiens, did not improve and actually got worse, you gotta like Toronto's chances of making the post-season. Despite offering more money, Daniel Briere wanted nothing to do with the Habs. They lost Sheldon Souray and replaced him with Roman Hamrlik, a decent but now overpaid blueliner. He makes more than Scott Hannan, for those keeping score.

The Islanders lost Blake, Tom Poti and Ryan Smyth and added Mike Comrie and Bill Guerin. I don't think these moves make them better.

So springtime should be a time of playoff excitement for the Leafs and its loyal contingent of fans. Now before their fans get excited, let me be clear on something: This team ain't winning the Stanley Cup any time soon. They'll likely finish 7th or 8th, and gracefully exit in the first round. But still, it's better than what's happened to them the last two years.