Well, I don’t know if anyone expected this so early - the Anahiem Ducks have gotten fed up about waiting for Brian Burke to decide on whether he will stay with the Ducks, and frankly told him to sign an extention or give up the job.

And give it up he has, with the previous Senior VP of Hockey Operations Bob Murray taking the helm.

For now, the man who paved the way for the Ducks to have their best thing not in a Mighty Ducks Disney movie happen to them, the 2007 Stanley Cup, will be working as a “special consultant” to the CEO of the franchise, Michael Schulman. Why a consultant? Its a way for the contract to keep rolling, and allow him to talk to other teams (COUGH toronto COUGH) without Gary Bettman going “OMFG!!!! TAMPERING!!!” (though I’m sure a more obvious way of that being true would be if he traded Getzlaf for Blake, haha).

Obviously, here in Toronto we have the entire media assuring us that Burke is a lock to be hired as our president and GM. Some were even shocked the Leafs didn’t counter the 3:30PM press conference with a 4:00 one introducing Burke by webcast or something. There are many reasons to believe this will happen, from the fact we have a senile old man running the show right now who quite frankly obviously wants out, to the fact that Brian wants to get his family moved over to the east coast as he has family from his past relationship in Boston (and I doubt Chiarelli is going anywhere in Beantown).

“Brian respectfully declined our contract exention offer last week. With his support, we decided to make the transition at this time in the best interest of the organization.”, said Schulman

For those wondering where you may know of Bob Murray, he was formerly the GM of the Chicago Blackhawks.

My personal thoughts on this whole ordeal? He’ll be GM of the Leafs by new years. Hell, if Schulman lets him start talking to other teams sooner than the “in a week or so” we’ve heard so far, don’t be too surprised to hear the Leafs have thrown a press conference Friday, and its not because Mats Sundin has added a new condition to his “list of ridiculous things needed to sign me” accord.

Do you think ol’ Burkey will be the next GM of the Leafs? Vote in our new poll!

My eyes are burning from the concentrated WIN involved in this move. See, THIS is the kind of stuff we need for that all start deke competition or whatever they call it from last season…I’m sorry, this is probably just the second best shootout goal ever, if not the best (Datsyuk’s is my #1, personally).

Hockey could be compared to many things, one being war.

Coaches (most notably Don Cherry) often refer to their players as troops. Both sides are constantly attacking and defending. The physicality between both sides can only be described as a battle, injuries often occur. Snipers have their role on the battlefield, bombs are dropped with regularity. Sacrifices are made for the ultimate good. Teams unite to support each other nations unite to support them. And like any war, hockey is filled with heroes and villains.

So it’s fitting that on a day of remembrance, we remember the heroes from our past.

It’s been a long 41 years, but the 1967 Stanley Cup will always hold a special place in the heart of Toronto Maple Leafs fans around the world. A team of veterans who many thought were past their prime, they did the unthinkable and brought the cup home for the 13th time in franchise history, the 4th time in 6 years. These troops were led into battle by their Captain, George “Chief” Armstrong, and defeated the might Montreal Canadiens in six games. This legendary team also featured the likes of Red Kelly, Ron Ellis, Bob Pulford, Frank Mahovlich, Bob Baun, Marcel Pronovost, Allan Stanley, and Johnny Bower.

Two of the most legendary players in NHL history were also winning members on this team. Tim Horton patrolled the blueline like few could, barking orders at his comrades to help defend his home turf. Terry Sawchuk tended the net for many years, providing the last line of defense when all hope seemed to be lost. Neither of these men is longer with us, and their sacrifices will never be forgotten.

Another of these men was not so legendary. Al Smith was also a member of this Stanley Cup winning team. His pro career as a goaltender lasted 17 seasons. He was one of the five goaltenders to play for the Leafs during the 1966/67 season. He even dressed as the backup for two of the last three games in the Stanley Cup Finals. He passed away on August 7th, 2002.

Hockey could be compared to many things, one being war.

But it’s on days like this when you realize that hockey is just a game. Millions of Canadians have given their lives for this country. Few soldiers have the status of the likes of Horton or Sawchuk, many could be compared to the likes of Smith. And even though their names aren’t celebrated like Horton or Sawchuk, EVERY man and woman who has served Canada is a hero. I would not be writing this article if not for the great sacrifices made by them, odds are you would not be reading this either.

There may not be a silver cup with your name inscribed on it, but we will never forget.

Before I start about the main subject of this blog, I do agree that what Kostopoulos did was dirty and was Andrei Kostitsyn do to Luke Schenn was dangerous, however I am shocked that no one talked about the Grabovski butt-end on Carey Price.

I am fuming at this, Mikhail Grabovski ran his mouth all night, started diving at one point and got a little chat with Saku Koivu about it. At one point in the game, the little #84 Belarusian forward of the Toronto Maple Leafs takes his stick and stabs Carey Price with it. No call was made, no review from the league what so ever. That kind of play is a 5 minutes penalty and a game misconduct according to the NHL Rulebook and the NHL botched it, they were too occupied looking at the Kostopoulos play, which I understand. The Canadiens should, however, show the clip to the league so they can judge on the incident, that play shouldn’t be part of the league and if the NHL truly condones those acts instead of the result, Grabovski should at the very least get a fine. It absolutely disgusts me that a player like that would do such a thing and not held accountable for.

If the league doesn’t do anything about it, you could bet the Montreal Canadiens players will take care of it on January 8th in Montreal.

Tip to Mikhail Grabovski for January 8th: Keep your head up