[blueandwhite]

Of course, now the talk begins after Team Canada loses: who is to blame? There is the Gretzky lightning rod, the Sakic is-no-leader ponderance (although he does just fine with the Avalanche), the offense problem, etc. But predominant is Quinn. His year is something less than dismal as the Leafs coach and now he just failed to prove himself mighty in Turin. What will his mood be on his return?
I wonder at his ability to rouse the players, make them feel they can kick the rest in the ass. I admire his honesty when things are bad, but at times he sounds like a downright crabby old man. Funny, sure, for fans. Inspiring for players? Probably not. Maybe he doesn't think that's his job. Maybe that's Sundin's job.
I'm not so high on Quinn right now. There are no rumours floating around here in Toronto. But the Leafs need a shake up.

[staff99]

The Leafs have so many more issues than Quinn. Sundin has been less than stellar this year yet, he seems to be inspired playing for his national team. He looks like the Sundin of old in Turin. His supporting cast has very little skill, and the speed required in the new NHL has been almost non-existent this year. Leaf hockey looks slow, as if skating is a labour. You've got two defencemen(Kaberle and McCabe) carrying the majority of the duties and the rest, basically nameless bodies, giving these guys a rest. The team's youngsters are often put in roles that don't suit their talents, i.e Wellwood playing as a fourth line center, and let us not forget that goaltending has been less than consistent. This team lacks character and passion and you can't coach either of these traits.

[blueandwhite]

agree on so many points. Yes Sundin's been in the dumps this year, like playing in a fog - and he's been criticized for always playing fantastic with the Swedish team, no matter how his game is in TO. Mccabe and Kaberle are the star defensemen, yeah, defense is an ongoing problem. Belfour's not on enough these days.
But that doesn't excuse Quinn. I don't say the fault lies with him. But he didn't prove himself in turin, now he comes back to stand behind the bench of a flailing team here. We've got some amazing players on the rise - wellwood, steen, telqvist, ponikarovsky. Kilger's found his groove. yes Sundin needs to show the passion, but so does Quinn. It starts with him. These days he just looks bored (that's MY job).