History

There are two views about future Hall of Famer Jaromir Jagr—one positive and the other negative.

Both surfaced in the last week, which included JJ’s visit to Pittsburgh, where he received negative reviews.

Patrik Elias played in his 1,000th career NHL game on Friday night, all spent with the New Jersey Devils.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have a long and storied history filled with success, disappointment and a lot of irony.  This slide show attempts to capture some of the most memorable moments in Maple Leafs history that coincides both with on ice success and off ice drama and intrigue. 

Without further ado, lets see what moments are worth taking another look at. 

Begin Slideshow

Phil Kessel and Tyler Seguin are bound to be the prime media magnets once more when the Boston Bruins visit the Toronto Maple Leafs this Saturday. That somewhat trite eventuality couldn’t be helped even if the two of them were not their respective teams’s leading point-getters.

So why fight it? Heck, why not consider the noticeable number of uniform swaps players have made between Boston and Toronto in recent years?

Nick Lidstrom doesn’t block shots. He doesn’t body check anyone. He’s never thrown an elbow. His next fight will be his first.

The greatest hockey defenseman of his time—or maybe of any time—isn’t supposed to be so mild-mannered. He isn’t supposed to be less physical than a second baseman.

Lidstrom, the Red Wings' all-universe defenseman, is 41 years old. In human years.

These two NHL dynasties separated by a decade seem more alike than different. They were two of the most offensively talented teams ever.

Yet despite their similarities and their closeness in time, they still represent two different eras of NHL hockey and two different types of teams. 

The upcoming open practices at TD Garden mark the exciting return of hockey in Boston. In three weeks, the Boston Bruins will open the season by hanging their sixth Stanley Cup championship banner, one night prior to the 16th anniversary of their inaugural regular-season game in what was then called the FleetCenter.

In other words, right around the time of its 16th birthday, the building that has been affectionately called the New Garden will certify itself as a fully grown venue.

They are the Winnipeg wannabes. Raw. Rough-edged. Twenty-two lads not yet dry behind the ears.

And when they gathered at the MTS Centre on Race Track Road out there on the western-most wing of Pegtown this afternoon, under the watchful eyes of approximately 1,000 fans, it took me back to another time. To another place. To another group of greenhorns yearning to grab the brass ring.

When it comes to reaching the peak of stardom with a signature team and then moving on at the end of their career, hockey Hall of Fame players are hard to beat; they've simply all done it.

While there have been numerous great moments in the history of the Chicago Blackhawks, there have been just as many low points. We will take a look at which ones crack this list and start a debate over what should be included or excluded.