Back Checking comes your way with Listener Contributions via Twitter and Email. After that, the Troubling Fact of the Week wraps the segment looking at a surprising contract extension from the past week.

Rigamarole wraps the show, this week looking at why the phrase “Oh the Leafs never ever get any help on the out of town scoreboard,” should never be uttered ever, ever again.

Back Checking brings Listener Contributions to the program via Twitter and Email. Wrapping the segment is a Troubling Fact of the Week, this week focusing on more disappointing behavior in Vancouver.

Wrapping the show is rigamarole, this week looking at the mighty surge of the marching Anaheim Ducks. All that and more this week on A Foot In The Crease – The Toronto Hockey Podcast.

Later, the worst kept secret in hockey: the 2013 Winter Classic will be announced on Thursday and it involved the Leafs. We’ll touch on that to wrap the Redline Report. Back Checking comes your way next with Listener Contributions from Twitter and Email and wraps up with a Troubling Fact of the Week.

With Mats Sundin’s #13 banner being raised to the rafters on Saturday night against the Montreal Canadiens, rigamarole looks back at the legacy of Sundin in Toronto.

Sidney Crosby’s injury situation became even further muddled this week after it was reported he had fractured vertebraes in his neck but then the next day the story changed? How close is he to returning? We’ll look at that situation to wrap the Redline Report. In Back Checking, Listener Contributions come your via Twitter and Email. Wrapping the segment, we feature a multi faceted Troubling Fact of the Week.

Rigamarole concludes the show this week with a look at why it made sense for the Leafs to send Nazem Kadri and Keith Aulie back to the Toronto Marlies. All that and more coming up on Episode 7.18 of AFITC.

Later, John Michael Liles re-uped with the Leafs for four years? We’ll weigh in on that deal as well as exploring whether it’s time to look at extending another pending unrestricted free agent: Jonas Gustavsson.

Wrapping the Redline Report, Tim Thomas said no to President Obama’s invitation to the White House. Disrespectful? Off base? We’ll give you our thoughts before jumping into Back Checking with Listener Contributions from Twitter and Email as well as a Troubling Fact of the Week featuring Alex Ovechkin.

Rigamarole concludes the show with a look at the stark contrast between the way the Leafs went into the All Star Break last year compared to this year. All that and more coming up on Episode 7.17 of AFITC.

Wrapping the segment, Taylor Hall cut badly by a skate during the warm up on Tuesday but it could have been much worse. Hall wasn’t wearing a helmet, is it time for that to change? We’ll touch on that as well to wrap the Redline Report.

Back Checking gets your voice onto the program with Listener Contributions from Twitter and Emails from Matt, Alan and Aaron. The Gong Banger is back on vacation this week – actually he’s on hiatus considering legal action after the disparaging comment we made about him on last week’s show – so for the final time, we are joined by the boys from Sens Underground for a Babble of Ontario.

Wrapping the program is rigamarole, this week looking at the consistency of the Leafs inconsistency. 

Alex Ovechkin this year is not the Alex Ovechkin we’ve come to be familiar with. Does he deserve to go to the All Star game? We’ll debate that as well the format of choosing the rosters for the All Star Game to wrap the Redline Report. Back Checking follows after that with Listener Contributions from Twitter and Email and concludes with a Troubling Fact of the Week.

Rigamarole wraps the show with a look at how the Leafs past week has demonstrated their rarely seen killer instinct.

Team Canada failed again at the World Junior Hockey Championships but almost managed a comeback for the ages. What’s wrong with Canada’s National Junior program? We’ll give our thoughts to wrap the Redline Report. Back Checking comes your way next with Listener Contributions from Email and Twitter. Wrapping the segment, our Philadelphia correspondent Alan Bass checks in. He was at the Winter Classic so we’ll hit on that, Ilya Bryzgalov and the state of the Flyers.

Rigamarole wraps the show as always, this week taking a look at the crossroad the Leafs have reached for the 2011-2012 season. Sit back, make sure you not forget early in the morning your thermos, put some nice tea, and enjoy the program.

The Habs fired Jacques Martin but their new coach Randy Cunneyworth can’t speak French and that has all sorts of people all upset. Did Sweden throw games at the 2006 Olympics? Peter Forsberg hinted that they did.

Listener Contributions, a Troubling Fact and rigamarole follow to wrap the show. It’s the Christmas Edition of AFITC. Sit back, grab a glass of cheer and enjoy!

Wrapping the Redline Report, Sidney Crosby’s out again indefinitely. Is his career in jeopardy? We’ll dive into that as well as touch on another coaching change in the NHL. Back Checking brings Listener Contributions, a discussion on the sale of Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment and a Troubling Fact of the Week.

Rigamarole wraps the show with a look at why the next four games are ever so crucial to the Leafs success. Complaining about having to get up to change the channel. Problems from our parents generation. Complaining about having to reach out from under the blanket into the cold for the zapper to fast forward the commercials on the PVR. Problems from my generation. This is Episode 7.12 of AFITC.

Back Checking this week touches on the oversleeping Tyler Seguin before welcoming Listener Contributions onto the show from Twitter and Email. Does it bother you when coaches lie about injuries and line up decisions? We’ll answer that question before making way for the Gong Banger to ring in the Troubling Fact of the Week.

Wrapping the program is rigamarole where we’ll explain why fan balloting for the All Star Game has got to go! Brian Burke admitted last week he was actually considering renting a barn to fight Kevin Lowe. You can fight in a parking lot, the street, but renting a barn? That’s ever so pugnacious. This is Episode 7.11 of AFITC.

Later in the segment, we’ll spin you through the Revolving Door with updates on a few injured Leafs. Coaching changes galore this week in the NHL, we’ll tell you who’s in, who’s out and what sort of result teams that made coaching changes might be hoping for. In Back Checking, we welcome your contributions onto the program through Twitter and Email. 

Wrapping the segment, Detroit Red Wings prospect Brendan Smith joins the show to talk about his NHL debut, his thoughts on Jersey Guy and whether Nickelback is a legit band. Rigamarole wraps the show as always with a focus this week on the plight of the Anaheim Ducks. If I don’t know what you’re saying, saying “You know what I’m saying?” is not going to make me understand. This is Episode 7.10 of AFITC.

Sidney Crosby finally back on the ice and in the Penguins line up and what a return it was on Monday. We’ll get into that to wrap the Redline Report. In Back Checking, some news and notes from around the league, your contributions from Twitter and Email, we’ll debate our Twitter Question of the Week regarding Joffery Lupul and Phil Kessel and the Gong Banger stops by to ring in another Troubling Fact of the Week.

Wrapping the program is rigamarole as we look at some of the bigger surprises from the first quarter of the NHL season. If you don’t want people sneaking up from behind you when you’re at home, carpet your house in bubble wrap. This is Episode 7.9 of AFITC.

Interviews with player’s parents. Is that out of bounds? We’ll discuss the fallout from Dave Feschuk’s piece in the Toronto Star after quoting James Reimer’s mother as well as touching on the NHL’s decision not to suspend Milan Lucic for his hit on Ryan Miller. Back Checking features Listener Contributions from Twitter and Emails from Jay, Matt, Alan and Aaron.

The Gong Banger wraps Back Checking by ringing in an OHL themed Troubling Fact of the Week. Rigamarole explains why the Leafs cannot procrastinate when it comes to determining a solution for their netminding situation.

James Reimer’s status, we’ll update you on that as well as the statuses of a number of other Leafs in the Revolving Door. Back Checking comes your way next as we welcome your thoughts onto the program from Twitter and Listener Email from Matt and Richard. The Gong Banger is along as well to ring in another Troubling Fact of the Week.

Wrapping program is rigamarole where we’ll tell you just how close the Leafs are to sliding in to a full on November Blues.

To wrap the Redline Report, we’ll look at a potentially revolutionary breakthrough for minimizing the risk of concussions. As well, we look at hazing and initiation in hockey after a disturbing story came to light involving a junior hockey team in Manitoba. 

Following that it’s Back Checking where we bring your thoughts onto the program from Twitter and Email. The Gong Banger stops by to wrap the segment with another Troubling Fact of the Week.

Rigamarole concludes the show with a look at one area still very much plaguing the Leafs; one that is very much in need of improvement.

Quick Hits wraps the segment with an update on Sidney Crosby, the Montreal Canadiens strange timing on the firing of assistant coach Perry Pearn and the trade demand of Kyle Turris from the Phoenix Coyotes. Back Checking gets your voice on the program as we feature your Tweets and emails from Matt, Mark, Andre and Alan. The Gong Banger wraps the segment with an $850 million Troubling Fact of the Week.

Rigamarole wraps the show with a look why it’s still important to view the Leafs start to the season with a healthy dose of cautious optimism. This is Episode 7.5 of AFITC.

Wrapping the Redline Report, we look at Hockey Canada President Bob Nicholson’s suggestion that the NHL raises the Entry Draft age to 19. Back Checking brings your voice to the program with some great Listener Contributions including an all timer sighting of Jersey Guy. The Gong Banger concludes the segment by ringing in another Troubling Fact of the Week.

To wrap the program, rigamarole this week gives some perspective to the way the Leafs have started the season thus far. This is Episode 7.4 of AFITC.

The Leafs in Trenton, Ontario on a team bonding excursion this week? How much do team bonding trips actually benefit performance? We'll share our thoughts on that as well as spinning you through the Revolving Door with a variety of injury updates.

Don Cherry made headlines again for some controversial comments pertaining to three former NHL enforcers on the season's first edition of Coach's Corner. We'll touch on that to wrap the Redline Report. Back Checking features some noteworthy tidbits from the past week as well as your thoughts and contributions through Twitter and Email. The Gong Banger wraps the segment by ringing in another Troubling Fact of the Week.

Jeremy Roenick said people should stop focusing on Sidney Crosby's absence and start focusing on what is actually happening on the ice. Do you agree? Dave shares his thoughts on the daily updates of Crosby's recovery status at the end of the program in rigamarole. This is Episode 7.3 of AFITC.

Later in the segment, we'll spin you through the Revolving Door and update you on the plethora of Leafs injuries already. Also, another gut wrenching injury as a result of a touch icing. Is it time for a change? And is Brendan Shanahan going overboard and ruining the physicality of the game? Clarke MacArthur and Mike Milbury think so. Those topics wrap the Redline Report.

Back Checking gets your voice on the program as we check in with a variety of Listener Contributions from Twitter and Email. 

Our little discussion on Episode 7.1 about appearances from "Jersey Guy" (random guy who wears sports jerseys in places one wouldn’t think sports jerseys would pass as acceptable attire) drew a lot of response so we want to hear from you. Where are the weirdest places you’ve seen appearances from "Jersey Guy?" Tweet us your responses and we’ll keep mentioning them on the show.

The Troubling Fact of the Week wraps the segment. After that, it's rigamarole where we’ll tell you, flat out, if the Leafs make the playoffs in 2012. Episode 7.2 of AFITC starts now.

Kicking off Season Seven today, we check in first with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Most of the cuts have been made leaving just a handful of battles for spots on the third and fourth lines and the back end of the defense. We’ll tell you who should stay, who should go and how much stake should be put in preseason performances. 

Mike Komesarik has a no movement clause – surprising considering a statement made by Brian Burke at his Leafs introductory press conference. This means Komesarik likely starts the year with the Leafs regardless of if he’s outplayed by one of the youngsters vying for a spot on the blueline. We’ll explore this situation further before spinning through the Revolving Door with some injury updates to wrap Leafs Notes. 

New NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan has been a busy guy handing out six suspensions already. Has the punishment been accurate? We’ll give our thoughts to wrap the Redline Report. Back Checking brings your voice to the show with some great Listener Contributions from email and twitter. 

Closing the show is Rigamarole as we pay tribute to Wade Belak, a former guest on our show, who passed away tragically this summer. This is Episode 7.1 of AFITC.

The categories include Word of the Year, Tweeter of the Year, Email of the Year, Emailer of the Year, Moonlighter of the Year, Irreverent Moment of the Year, Rant of the Year, Whipping Boy of the Year, AFITC Leaf Player of the Year, Rigamarole of the Year and Guest of the Year. Four terrific songs from Season Six come your way as well throughout the course of the Gala.

So sit back, enjoy, and walk the figurative red carpet with us as we honour the best from Season Six of AFITC.

Paul Kariya had some strong words about how the NHL is dealing with concussions when he retired this past week. Will the NHL listen? We’ll give our thoughts on that as well as this year’s Hockey Hall of Fame inductees to wrap the Redline Report. 

Back Checking looks at some bizarre contracts that were recently signed and gets some Listener Contributions onto the program. Later we turn to our closer, the Host of Off The Record on TSN, Michael Landsberg as he shares his thoughts on the Leafs, the Shark’ overhaul, the future of NHL discipline and much more.

Rigamarole will conclude the show, this week answering the biggest question on the minds have all Leaf fans: have they improved enough to snap their six year playoff drought. 

With Season Six in the books, a number of thank yous are in order to the numerous people who have been so generous with their time in helping to make our show better. 

First off, to our outstanding guests. To Will Gunton, Alan Bass, Cassidy Preston, Jeff Brown, Paul Hendrick, Alex Guptill, Brendan Smith, James Duthie, Joe Bowen, John Ondrasik, Lucas Lessio, Matt Cauz, Matt Lashoff, Nick D’Agostino and Michael Landsberg who all appeared this season on the show, thank you all so much!

To everyone who corresponded with us through Email, Facebook or Twitter, thanks for sharing all your thoughts and opinions with us. Inspiring discussion and debate means we’re doing our jobs and there was certainly no shortage of that this year. Getting different perspectives on topics and stories is what we love; we consider ourselves lucky to have been presented with so many outstanding contributions again this year!

Finally, most of all, thanks to our many loyal listeners. Without you, we’re just talking to ourselves. We recognize there are so many sources available for hockey talk and opinion and for you to have included our humble little program in your weekly routine and look forward to each week’s episode; that, honestly, to us, is the biggest honour. Thanks so much for all the outstanding support! We sincerely hope you enjoyed us entertaining and informing you as much as we did putting show together.

Before all that though, another Defining Moment In Leaf History – this week, featuring the Leafs historic 10-0 start in 1993 - comes your way. To wrap the Report, we look at a couple of blockbuster deals from the Flyers and Sharks that overhauled their rosters in one fell swoop. 

Back Checking features three solid Listener Emails from Chris, Alan and Aaron, as well as a variety of tweets. 

Our guest this week, Matt Cauz – the host of Game Day on TSN Radio – wraps the segment with thoughts on the Finals, Leafs, Brad Richards, Ryan Smyth and more. He even tells us how pick a proper wine for dinner. 

And in rigamarole, we explain why Brian Burke might want to pay some attention to a specific Elvis Presley song. It’s Episode 6.40 of AFITC and it’s coming at you now!

We kick off the segment with another Defining Moment in Leafs History, this week featuring an excellent single game performance from Doug Gilmour. Following that, we bring you Leaf Notes with news on Carl Gunnarsson and a big need that Brian Burke needs to fill over the next two weeks. Back Checking touches on the growing speculation of Jaromir Jagr’s return to the NHL and brings some more great Listener Contributions onto the show.

Wrapping the segment, welcome Dallas Stars prospect Alex Guptill back to the program as he gets set to begin his NCAA career with the University of Michigan Wolverines in the fall. Rigamarole wraps the show and pays some well deserved attention to the success of the Boston Bruins. Sit back, enjoy, it’s the Father’s Day edition of AFITC coming at you now! 

Back Checking brings news on how NBC retaining their Olympic broadcast rights could affect NHL participation in the next Olympics. As well, some great Listener Contributions are on the way from Twitter and Email before the Gong Banger ushers in another Troubling Fact of the Week to wrap the segment.

Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Nick D’Agostino co-hosts the show this week with Dave and Jeff. He shares his thoughts on Vancouver Canucks defenseman Chris Tanev who he played against in Junior A hockey just two years ago including whether you should be surprised he’s been able to make the jump to the NHL so quickly. Nick also gives his opinions of the Stanley Cup Finals, former Cornell University teammate and current Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Ben Scrivens and much more.

Big thanks go out to Nick for devoting an entire evening to the show and doing an absolutely terrific job. Safe to say he’s a better broadcaster than Dave and Jeff are hockey players. 

Checking in as well is our West Coast Correspondent Will Gunton to update us further on the scene from Vancouver.

Defining Moments in Leafs History kick starts the Redline Report again this week before we look at the possibility of Brad Richards signing with the Leafs. 

Wrapping the segment, we shift east to Manitoba and look at the return of the NHL to Winnipeg. In Back Checking, we tell you why regularly picking up hitch hikers might be a good habit to get into; who the new sheriff in town is; get to some Listener Contributions and welcome the Gong Banger back for another Troubling Fact of the Week.

Rigamarole wraps the program with a look at why Bruins’ Head Coach Claude Julien might not be feeling to confident in his defensemen heading into game three. All that and more coming up on Episode 6.37 of AFITC.

Wrapping the segment, we check in with Will Gunton, our newly minted West Coast correspondent, to plug us in with the mood in Vancouver as the Canucks continue their march to the Cup.

Kicking off the Redline Report is another Defining Moment In Leafs History, this week featuring the Leafs comeback from a 3-0 series deficit in 1942. Later, Leafs Notes touches on a report that Ron Wilson won’t get a contract extension…just yet. Later in Back Checking, we turned to the listeners for some great contributions from Twitter and Email. 

To wrap, we welcome top prospect Lucas Lessio of the Oshawa Generals to the program as he heads towards the NHL Entry Draft coming up in June. And finally, rigamarole concludes the show with a look at why the Stanley Cup Finals in recent times have been very good for the NHL. All that and more coming up right here on Episode 6.36 of AFITC.

Kick starting the segment is another Defining Moment in Leafs History, this week looking at the hiring of Pat Quinn.

In Back Checking, we turn to our listeners for some contributions via the twitter and email account. The Atlanta Thrashers appear poised to be on the move to Winnipeg. We’ll address that situation as well before welcoming this week’s guest, Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Matt Lashoff to talk about the end of the Maple Leafs season, the Eastern Conference Finals and about his burgeoning career as a musician with his debut release “Living on Heart.”

Wrapping the program is rigamarole where we’ll look at the big test Detroit Red Wings General Manager Ken Holland suddenly has on his hands. Given his past history though, I’m pretty confident he’s going to pass. This is Episode 6.35 of AFITC.

Make sure you pick up a copy of Matt’s terrific debut release “Living On Heart,” available in the itunes music store or at lashoff.com.

Kicking off the segment is another Defining Moment in Leafs History followed by some news regarding the Leafs ownership. Later is Canadian hockey in crisis mode after a second straight defeat at the World Hockey Champions. Back Checking gets some solid Listener Contributions on the air and the Gong Banger is back with another Troubling Fact of the Week.

Wrapping the program, rigamarole looks at the ultimate determining factor that can bring down great teams. Despite a ten day layoff, the Tampa Bay Lightning showed no signs of rust in a commanding 5-2 defeat of the Boston Bruins in game one which could only mean one thing. Guy Boucher had the WD-40 can working overtime. This is Episode 6.34 of AFITC.

The Green Men in Vancouver, a baffling NHL ultimatum, an update on Team Canada at the World Hockey Championships and another Defining Moment in Leafs History round out the segment. In Back Checking, we look at the Calder, Lady Byng and Selke Trophies and the ongoing Coyotes saga before getting to great some Listener Contributions.

Wrapping the segment, AFITC legend Jeff Brown of the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires stops by to talk on a variety of topics including head shots and why the OHL banning hits to the head has not led to a reduction in the physicality of the play. Rigamarole concludes the show and explains why the Vancouver Canucks might have already played themselves out of Cup contention even if they get past the Nashville Predators. 

The Redline Report kicks off with another Defining Moment In Leafs History as well as an update on Team Canada at the World Hockey Championship. In Back Checking, we’ll give you our picks for the Jack Adams, Hart, Vezina and Norris Trophies and feature some Listener Contributions from Twitter and Email. Wrapping the segment is the Troubling Fact of the Week where we tell you who had the most disappointing season in the NHL this year.

Rigamarole concludes the show with a look at why defeating the Detroit Red Wings and advancing past the second round is so important for the San Jose Sharks. If I'm a taxpayer in Glendale, Arizona or London, England right now, I would be considering asking the government to stop wasting my money. This is Episode 6.32 of AFITC.

Of course, more dirty hits last week but that kind of goes without saying these days. Suspensions, if any, were lenient. Does that mean it’s open season? We’ll discuss that in the Redline Report after starting the segment with another Defining Moment In Leafs History. Later on, Back Checking features some great tweets, a pair of solid emails and a Troubling Fact of the Week.

Finally, rigamarole wraps the program with a look at how the Nashville Predators distanced themselves from the Phoenix Coyotes and Atlanta Thrashers with their series victory over the Anaheim Ducks. It’s Episode 6.31 of AFITC and its coming your way next!

Quick Hits wraps the Redline Report with a look at the two playoff series involving Canadian teams, what needs to happen for the Vancouver Canucks to beat the Chicago Blackhawks and whether the Montreal Canadiens even stand a chance against the Boston Bruins. This week’s Defining Moment in Leaf History looks at the acquisition of a fortune changing netminder…and no we don’t mean James Reimer.

Back Checking get some Listener Contributions via Twitter on the program. Later, NBA commissioner David Stern fines Kobe Bryant $100 000 for a homophobic comment. How does that make NHL fines appear in comparison? To wrap the segment, the voice of the Leafs, Joe Bowen joins us before rigamarole explains what the Vancouver Canucks could have in common with the Ottawa Senators. All that and more coming up on Episode 6.30 of AFITC. 

This week’s Defining Moment In Leafs History looks at Darryl Sittler’s 10 point night. In Back Checking, Listener Email from Jay, Mark, Alan and Aaron comes your way before we welcome back the Host of “Off The Record” on TSN, Michael Landsberg back to the show for his thoughts on Ron Wilson, James Reimer, head shots, supplementary discipline and more.

Rigamarole wraps show with a look at the difference between success and promise and how they fit in defining the Leafs season. Lots coming your way on the Leafs Season Wrap Edition! Episode 6.29 of AFITC starts now!

We’ll take you through the details of those games in the Redline Report after kick starting the segment with another Defining Moment in Leaf History. Quebec City makes it clear they want a team and Eric Belanger of the Phoenix Coyotes says he’d rather go there than Winnipeg. We’ll talk more on that in Quick Hits.

Back Checking points out a major milestone reached by Jarome Iginla this past week and a terrific quote from Duncan Keith of the Chicago Blackhawks. Later we turn to you, the listeners, for some great contributions via Twitter, Facebook and Email. The Gong Banger returns to wrap the segment with another Troubling Fact of the Week.

And finally, rigmarole looks at a team that nobody should want to play in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Spring is just around the corner but you’d never know it here in Etobicoke. It’s snowing…in April…come on. This is Episode 6.28 of AFITC.

Ahead this week on AFITC, the Maple Leafs’ playoff push appears to finally have run out of steam after a loss in Detroit. We’ll take you through the three game road trip to Minnesota, Colorado and finally Detroit to kick start the Redline Report. 

Mike Komesarik’s open ice hit on Mark Olver of the Avalanche, how bad was it? We’ll tell you our thoughts before addressing the suspension handed down to Matt Cooke for his latest transgressions. 

Another Defining Moment In Leaf History is on tap at the beginning of the show, this week looking at Mats Sundin’s 500^th career goal.

Later in Back Checking, we’ll revisit a comment from earlier in the season about Mike Fisher before turning to you for Listener Contributions from Twitter, Facebook and Email. 

Wrapping the segment is long time AFITC contributor Alan Bass, on the show to talk about his first book, “The Great Expansion – the Ultimate Risk That Changed the NHL Forever.”

Rigamarole concludes the show by putting some perspective on the Leafs late season playoff push and points out the biggest lesson that the Leafs need to learn. 

According to San Jose Sharks play by play voice Randy Hahn, Kyle Wellwood does not own a cell phone. I wonder if he’s broken down and bought a TV yet. Episode 6.27 of AFITC starts now!

More head shots this week. We’ll look at two more examples to conclude the Redline Report. Back Checking brings some great contributions from Facebook, Twitter and Email. As well, the Gong Banger is along for a Twitter themed Troubling Fact of the Week.

Rigamarole wraps the show with a further look at the continuing and perhaps, worsening issue of headshots in the NHL. It was St. Patrick's Day on Thursday and US President Barack Obama hosted a St. Patrick's Day event at the White House. Makes sense though, Barack O'Bama is Irish right? This is Episode 6.26 of AFITC.

Back Checking features Listener Contributions from Twitter, Facebook and two great emails from Alan and Aaron. To wrap the segment, the Gong Banger rings in another Troubling Fact of the Week where we look at a contradiction in the advocacy for increased safety in the NHL.

Wrapping the program, rigamarole looks at the Leafs ownership situation and why a passionate, deep pocketed fan type owner like Mark Cuban or Terry Pegula will never own the Leafs. When I buy tickets for concerts, I don’t know about you, but I don’t find the convenience fee very convenient. This is Episode 6.25.

Ahead this week on AFITC, the Toronto Maple Leafs won two of three games this week to remain in the playoff hunt, now just five points out of eighth spot. We’ll take you through games against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Philadelphia Flyers and Chicago Blackhawks to begin the Redline Report. To wrap the segment, Quick Hits focuses on the premature end to Taylor Hall’s season and this week’s Troubling Fact of the Week.

In Back Checking, we bring the voice of the listeners onto the show with contributions from Facebook, Twitter and two great emails from Cathy and Aaron. Wrapping the segment is Leafs TV host Paul Hendrick who sat down with Dave on Friday to offer some insights straight from the Leafs locker room.

Finally, rigamarole concludes the program with a look at the decisions Brian Burke is facing on several key Leafs’ restricted free agents not named Clarke MacArthur. Stick around there’s lots coming your way on Episode 6.24 of AFITC.

Thanks, as always, to Paul Hendrick for coming on the show. It’s always great getting his insight on the program.

Back Checking brings lots of Listener Contributions from Twitter, Facebook and Email on a variety of subjects including concussions, the Leafs goaltending situation and what Brian Burke should be doing at the trade deadline. The Gong Banger happens by at end of the segment to ring in another Troubling Fact of the Week.

Rigamarole wraps the program with a look at whether Brian Burke should fish or cut bait with the Leafs leading scorer Clarke MacArthur. It’s Oscar Night here on Planet Earth. In just six weeks, we’ll find out if the Maple Leafs playoff push is for real or deserves an Oscar in the category of best impersonation of a playoff team. This is Episode 6.23 of AFITC.

We'll take you through three games against the Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres and Ottawa Senators to begin the Redline Report before examining, in depth, the deals that saw the departure of Kris Versteeg and Tomas Kaberle. The Revolving Door follows with injury updates before Quick Hits talks Peter Forsberg and the increase in individual playoff scoring in the last decade.

Back Checking features a multitude of terrific Listener Contributions from Twitter, Facebook and Email. Later, the Junior Hockey Report follows with news on the conclusion of the St. Michael’s Buzzers season and of course, the Gong Banger stops by to ring in the Troubling Fact of the Week discussing concussion protocol to wrap the segment.

Finally, rigmarole wraps the show with a look at why Tomas Kaberle never was in the Leafs future plans at the conclusion of this season. There’s lots coming your way right here on Episode 6.22 of AFITC.

Later in Back Checking, Listener Contributions feature some of your thoughts on the trades made by Brian Burke and Bryan Murray and two great emails from Alan and Aaron on the sudden outbreak of goonery in the NHL. The Junior Hockey Report updates you on two St. Michael’s Buzzers games and the Gong Banger stops by to ring in a goon themed Troubling Fact of the Week.

Rigamarole wraps the show with a look at why the mountain is likely too tall to climb for the Maple Leafs to reach the playoff summit. Alex Rodriguez was caught on camera at the Super Bowl with Cameron Diaz feeding him popcorn. While some said it was a moment of embarrassment, I say for any regular guy, being seen having Cameron Diaz feeding you popcorn would be a major accomplishment. This is Episode 6.21 of AFITC.

Are the Leafs taking the best course of action with the development of Jerry D'Amigo? We'll address his status before spinning through the Revolving Door and wrapping the segment with Quick Hits on Evgeni Malkin and an NHLPA poll that left some dubious results for the Leafs. Back Checking brings Listener Contributions, the Junior Hockey Report and a not-for-the-faint-of-heart Troubling Fact of the Week.

To wrap the program, rigamarole looks at the core of the Maple Leafs and explains why Brian Burke’s rebuild, so far, has been a bitter disappointment. Toronto’s schools were shut down on Wednesday due to snow. For the record, if we had planned to do a show that day, the snow wouldn’t have stopped us. This is Episode 6.20 of AFITC!

Back Checking brings Listener Contributions on a variety of subjects from Twitter, Facebook and Email, the Junior Hockey Report with an update on the one St. Michael’s Buzzers game from the past week and later, the Gong Banger stops by to ring in an All Star themed Troubling Fact of the Week.

To wrap the show, rigamarole looks at why isn’t necessary to feel bad for Phil Kessel after getting picked last in the NHL All Star Game Draft. Zdeno Chara won the hardest shot with a record blast at 105.9. Is that the speed of a shot or the price of gasoline in Ontario? Episode 6.19 of AFITC starts now!

The Revolving Door updates some Leaf injuries before Quick Hits wraps the segment with a look at some expensive comments made by LA Kings GM Dean Lombardi and why this year is turning into the year of the waiver claim.

Back Checking features Listener Contributions from Twitter, Facebook and a great email about Martin Brodeur, news on Peter Forsberg and Ray Emery, the Junior Hockey Report and the return of the Gong Banger with another Troubling Fact of the Week.

Rigamarole wraps the show with a look at the heartwarming reception Saku Koivu received in his return to Montreal on Saturday night.

Back Checking gets lots of good Listener Contributions onto the show from Twitter and Facebook as well as a great email from Aaron Balsillie. The acquisition of Fabian Brunnstrom and the continuing epidemic of head shots in the NHL, two points that Aaron touches on in his email, are also up for discussion in this segment.

Following that, the Junior Hockey Report comes your way with an update on one St. Michael’s Buzzers game from the past week. Finally, the Gong Banger’s off again this week so instead we welcome Matt Reiter of “Matt’s Musings” to the show to talk all things Leaf.

To wrap the program, rigamarole focuses on one of the most painfully stupid things in the NHL. Stick around, lots coming your way on Episode 6.17 of AFITC.

In Back Checking, Canada’s Juniors choked against Russia but is it fair to criticize them as we would a pro team in a similar situation because of their youth and inexperience? We’ll touch on that along with bringing some Listener Contributions onto the show via Email, Twitter and Facebook. The Junior Hockey Report features news on two St. Michael’s Buzzers games from the past week and the Gong Banger stops by to wrap the segment with another Troubling Fact of the Week.

Rigamarole wraps the show with a further look at Team Canada’s collapse at the World Junior Hockey Championships and explains why looking for an excuse just is not necessary. Stick around, lots coming your way on Episode 6.16 of AFITC.

Back Checking features a discussion on the World Junior Hockey Championships and why it might not be all that it’s cracked up to be as well as Listener Contributions from Twitter and Email. Later, the Gong Banger checks in with another Troubling Fact of the Week pertaining to a ringing endorsement of one Maple Leafs’ player from General Manager Brian Burke.

Rigamarole concludes the show with a look at the NHL’s Winter Classic on New Year’s Day from Heinz Field and suggests an idea that might make the whole event just that much better. Leaf fans exhale and rejoice; your team has not lost yet this year. This is Episode 6.15 of AFITC.

Back Checking brings Listener Contributions from Twitter and Email, a brief edition of the Junior Hockey Report with news on one St. Michael’s Buzzers game and another edition of the Troubling Fact of the Week.

Finally rigamarole looks at the importance of the game against the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday night and why excuses are no longer an option at this point for the Toronto Maple Leafs. The new year is almost here; will this be the year for more cheers? We can only hope. This is Episode 6.14 of AFITC.

To wrap the Redline Report, Quick Hits features news on Chris Pronger and a new Executive Director for the NHLPA. Back Checking brings Listener Contributions onto the show from Twitter and Email. As well, the Junior Hockey Report follows with news on two St. Michael’s Buzzers games. Concluding the segment, we welcome York University Lions forward Cassidy Preston for a fireside chat.

Rigamarole brings an end to the show as usual, this week taking a look at the position the Leafs find themselves in after thirty two games and what the future is likely to hold for this season. Hop into your favorite rocking chair and grab a glass of Christmas cheer, the Christmas Edition of AFITC is here.

Later, Jonas Gustavsson has been showing noticeable displeasure after allowing goals by smashing his stick against the goal post. Is this a bad thing? We’ll discuss that as well as taking a spin through the Revolving Door and touching on an incident involving Matt Carkner of the Ottawa Senators.

Back Checking brings Listener Email, the Junior Hockey Report and the return of the Gong Banger in the Troubling Fact of the Week.

To wrap the show, rigamarole explains why Clarke MacArthur is very similar to Domenic Moore and why the fact that he’s leading the Leafs in scoring isn’t a good thing. Stick around, there’s magic coming your way on Episode 6.12 of AFITC.

Back Checking features some great Listener Contributions from the past week from the Twitter and Email accounts. The Junior Hockey Report follows with updates on two St. Michael’s Buzzers losses from the past week. To wrap the segment, we welcome back to the program platinum award winning artist John Ondrasik of Five For Fighting to talk about the growth of hockey in California in recent times, the resurgence of the Los Angeles Kings and much more.

To wrap the show, rigamarole examines how much worse things need to get before the Toronto Maple Leafs make major changes. Stick around, there’s lots coming your way on Episode 6.11 of AFITC.

An ambitious edition of Back Checking comes your way next with some great Listener Contributions via Twitter and Email followed by the Junior Hockey Report with news on four St. Michael’s Buzzers game from the past week. To wrap the segment, we welcome back the Host of the NHL on TSN James Duthie for his much anticipated return to AFITC.

Finally in rigamarole, we wrap the program with a look at whether the Leafs are in a better position now than they were two years ago when Brian Burke took over as President and General Manager. Stick around, lots coming your way when Episode 6.10 of AFITC begins now.

Back Checking turns to the listeners as we feature more great tweets and three solid emails from Richard, Alan and Aaron. The Junior Hockey Report covers the lone St. Michael’s Buzzers game from the past week. As well, we’ll play you back a brief interview with Team Canada East silver medalist Jesse Beamish where he recalls his experience at the World Junior A Challenge. The Gong Banger stops by as well to ring in another Troubling Fact of the Week.

And finally in rigamarole, we wrap the show on a somber note with a look at the impact that the late Pat Burns had on hockey in Toronto. All that coming your way on Episode 6.9 of AFITC.

Back Checking gets the listeners involved when we feature some great contributions received this week through Twitter and Email, one of which, dare we say, is an “Email of the Year Candidate.” The Junior Hockey Report follows with news on the St. Michael’s Buzzers and Team Canada East at the World Junior A Challenge. To wrap the segment, the Gong Banger is back for another Troubling Fact of the Week.

Wrapping the show, we turn to rigamarole and discuss whether or not Nazem Kadri’s call up was the most intelligent course of action for Brian Burke to take in order to get the Leafs out of their protracted slide. All that and more coming up on Episode 6.8 of AFITC.

Back Checking brings some fine Listener Contributions to the program from Twitter and Email. The Junior Hockey Report brings you up to date on a pair of St. Michael’s Buzzers games from the past week. Later the Gong Banger stops by to ring in another Troubling Fact of the Week, this week focusing on the success of a former Maple Leaf.

Finally, rigamarole examines two things that have become very clear about the Toronto Maple Leafs through the first thirteen games of the regular season. We just turned the clocks back an hour here in Ontario as daylight savings time came to an end, think the Leafs might want to turn them back a month? This is Episode 6.7 of AFITC.

Quick Hits wraps the Redline Report with a discussion on cheerleaders. Should Canadian NHL teams have them and would their presence be enough to get you out to a game if you otherwise wouldn’t be going. Back Checking gets the voice of the listeners onto the program with some good contributions via twitter and two solid emails from Nathan and Alan. The Junior Hockey Report follows with news on two St. Michael’s Buzzers games and tells you who from the Buzzers will represent Team Canada East at the World Junior A Challenge.

The Gong Banger is along to ring in another Troubling Fact of the Week at the end of Back Checking. Rigamarole wraps the show as always and takes a shot at boring hockey, something I think we’ve been seeing way too much of lately. Where have all the personalities and characters gone? By the way for those scoring at home, if the playoffs started today, the Leafs would be golfing. Episode 6.6 of AFITC starts now.

Back Checking gets your voice on the show with numerous contributions via Twitter and three great emails from Stuart, Alan and Aaron. The Junior Hockey Report follows with a look back at three St. Michael’s Buzzers games from the past week. To wrap the segment the Gong Banger returns with another edition of the Troubling Fact of the Week.

Rigamarole wraps the program with a look at why all is not lost for the Maple Leafs despite three straight losses and what needs to happen in order to get back on track. All that and more coming your way when Episode 6.5 of AFITC begins now.

Later in Quick Hits, inappropriate gestures equal hits from behind, at least in the amount of games the two crimes earn for punishment. Is that right? We opine on that before getting to news on Kirk Maltby and Joe Thornton.

In Back Checking, we bring your voice onto the program by sharing some contributions from the Twitter account and email. The Junior Hockey Report follows with news on the one St. Michael’s Buzzers game from the past week. To wrap the segment, we welcome back to the program Detroit Red Wings prospect Brendan Smith.

Rigamarole wraps the proceedings with a look at some of the key reasons for the success of the Toronto Maple Leafs in the early going this regular season. For context on how long it’s been since the Maple Leafs started a season 4-0, the last time it happened, Jeff and I were seven years old. This is Episode 6.4 of AFITC.

To wrap the segment in Quick Hits, we look at the confusing situation of Panthers’ prospect Erik Gudbranson. Good enough to make the team out of camp but so why is he back in the OHL? News on a contract extension for Zdeno Chara and the newly appointed captain of the Vancouver Canucks follows as well in Quick Hits. Back Checking features a healthy dose of listener contributions via twitter and emails from Cathy, Andre, Alan and Aaron. In the Junior Hockey Report, we hear from St. Michael’s Buzzers George Grammenopoulos, Mark Cooper, Dan Ciampini and Coach Rich Ricci as we update the results of three Buzzers games from the past week.

The Gong Banger punches in at the end of the segment with another Troubling Fact of the Week. To wrap the show, rigamarole turns the NHL’s standings from a year ago upside down. It’s early in the season, the Leafs are rolling and now so too are we on Episode 6.3 of AFITC!

Later, Quick Hits looks at the retirement of Darcy Tucker and whether teams should be on the hook for buyout money if bought out players sign with another team; the Montreal Canadiens Captaincy situation and what makes a former player a good television analyst.

Back Checking checks in with some feedback from the Twitter account. Following that, the Junior Hockey Report brings you up to date on two more St. Michael’s Buzzers games and announces two Buzzers that will attend the Team Canada East World Junior A Challenge Evaluation Camp. Of course, the Gong Banger stops by at the end of the segment with another Troubling Fact of the Week.

Finally, rigamarole takes a look back at three pleasant surprises from the Maple Leafs preseason. Three pleasant surprises were nice to see, let’s hope there’s more where that came from once the regular season begins. This is Episode 6.2 of AFITC.

Later in the segment, a spin through the Revolving Door updates the statuses on a pair of injured Leafs before Quick Hits winds down the Redline Report with a look at whether goaltending salaries in the NHL are completely out of whack, whether Carey Price got whacked in the head one too many times during the off season and whether Lou Lamoriello will want to give himself a whack down the road for the absurdly high price paid for Ilya Kovalchuk.

New segment Back Checking continues the show by bringing the word of our listeners to the forefront with some great Listener Email and contributions from the Twitter account. Should Nazem Kadri make the Leafs out of training camp? We’ll share our opinion and via Twitter, you certainly shared yours! The Junior Hockey Report follows as we bring you up to date on the St. Michael’s Buzzers regular season campaign thus far before the Gong Banger makes his triumphant return with the season’s first Troubling Fact of the Week.

Rigamarole will wrap the proceedings with a look at Nazem Kadri’s performance in training camp and when carrying yourself with a swagger turns from confidence to entitlement. For those unsure, that’s not a good thing. We never do that on the show, we’re just kind of unreal. No big deal or anything. This is the Season Six premiere of AFITC!

So sit back, enjoy, and pour yourself a martini; the red carpet has been rolled out for the best of Season Five of AFITC!

Season Six of the program will begin on September 26th, 2010. Be sure to continue sending us emails throughout the summer time at afootinthecrease@gmail.com and following us on Twitter @AFITC. Become an AFITC Insider as well at A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook.

On The Bubble is dripping with quality on this episode. Firstly, we welcome back Pittsburgh Penguins prospect and current Cornell University Big Red defenseman Nick D’Agostino to the program. Listener Contributions follow with a great group of Tweets and Emails received in the last week. To wrap the segment, we turn to our closer for the third year in a row, the host of “Off The Record” on TSN, Michael Landsberg who gives his thoughts on free agency, Darryl Sutter, the Toronto Maple Leafs and much more.

To wind down the final episode of Season Five, rigamarole takes a further look at how two of the Maple Leafs new additions will fit into their line up next season. If there was ever a sign that enough was enough with the hockey talk for the summer, the five straight days over 38 degree Celsius weather in Toronto might just have been it. This is the Season Finale of AFITC!

Having reached the conclusion of Season Five, we must thank the many people who have helped us out this season and been so generous with their time in helping to make our show better. To Fred Cassiani, Jeff Brown, Bob McKenzie, Paul Hendrick, Jesse Beamish, Dan Ciampini, Alex Guptill, Julian Melchiori, Steve Beyers, Andy Frost, Nick D’Agostino and Michael Landsberg, thank you all so much!

Thanks to everyone who took time to send us an email, post in the AFITC Insiders Group or tweet with us on Twitter throughout the season. Hearing perspectives on stories from a variety of listeners every week gives our show so many more interesting dynamics that simply hearing Dave and Jeff. Your contributions add interest to the show and inspire further discussion on topics we have covered which certainly improves the program. Thank you all so much.

To all those who were content to just download the show each week and listen; thank you to all of you. Knowing so many people rely on, expect and look forward to each week’s episode makes it very easy to put in the work to make it happen. Thanks to all of you for the incredible support you give to our program!

Become an AFITC Insider by joining on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. A Foot In The Crease is now on Twitter as @AFITC. Follow our show for hockey news and updates on the show itself.

On The Bubble features an array of Listener Contributions from Twitter, the Insiders Group and Emails from Steve and Aaron. Alex Guptill, who appeared on Episode 5.38 of the program, was drafted 77th overall by the Dallas Stars. We’ll hear a conversation he had with Dave moments after getting the news to kick start the segment. To wrap On The Bubble, the Gong Banger returns after a five week vacation with the Troubling Fact of the Week.

Rigamarole concludes the show with a look at why it might be a good thing that Tomas Kaberle remains a Toronto Maple Leaf, at least for the time being. What a week it was here in Toronto and no, for once, it had nothing to do with hockey. This is Episode 5.41 of AFITC.

Become an AFITC Insider by joining on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. A Foot In The Crease is now on Twitter as @AFITC. Follow our show for hockey news and updates on the show itself.

As well, to kick off the segment, we`ll discuss the appointment of Dion Phaneuf as captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs in a splashy ceremony last Monday. In On The Bubble, we feature Listener Contributions from the twitter account on a variety topics at the beginning of the segment. To wrap, we play you back part two of Maple Leafs’ public address announcer Andy Frost’s interview.

Rigamarole concludes the show as always with a look at the problems facing the Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks and why it might not take much for another team to pry some key ingredients away. Sit back and enjoy, it’s the Father’s Day edition; Episode 5.40 of AFITC starts now.

Become an AFITC Insider by joining on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. A Foot In The Crease is now on Twitter as @AFITC. Follow our show for hockey news and updates on the show itself.

To wrap the Redline Report, we welcome long time friend of the podcast Andy Frost back to the show to share his thoughts on the top stories going on right now in the world of the Toronto Maple Leafs. On The Bubble brings Listener Contributions from Twitter and Email along with our final interview in our series of prospect appearances as Steven Beyers, the one hundred and ninety ninth ranked skater among North American skaters for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft joins us on the show.

And finally, rigamarole concludes the show with a look at the positively stupid comments of Adam Burish in a post game interview soon after winning the Stanley Cup.

Special thanks to Andy Frost and Steven Beyers for joining us this week on the program. Don’t miss “Quick Hits” with Andy Frost on next week’s show!

Become an AFITC Insider by joining on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. A Foot In The Crease is now on Twitter as @AFITC. Follow our show for hockey news and updates on the show itself.

In On The Bubble, Listener Contributions from Twitter and the Insiders Group are at hand. The Gong Banger is on hiatus once again this week to make room for this week’s guest, Alex Guptill, the 99th ranked skater among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

And finally, rigamarole wraps the show with a look at what needs to happen for the Chicago Blackhawks to regain control of the Stanley Cup Finals. This is Episode 5.38 of AFITC.

Big thanks to Alex Guptill for joining us this week on the program!

Become an AFITC Insider by joining on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. A Foot In The Crease is now on Twitter as @AFITC. Follow our show for hockey news and updates on the show itself.

Brendan Smith, one of our first player guests on the program back in season two, signed a three year deal with the Detroit Red Wings this past week. In On The Bubble, we’ll play back part of a conversation he had with Dave shortly after signing the deal. Of course Listener Contributions follow from Email and Twitter. To conclude, in our continuing series of prospect interviews, we welcome Newmarket Hurricanes defenseman Julian Melchiori to the program.

And finally, rigamarole wraps the show with a look at the potential ratings boondoggle the Stanley Cup Finals could be for the NHL. Finally, after a five day layoff, the Finals are underway and now, so too are we right here on Episode 5.37 of AFITC.

Big thanks to Julian Melchiori for joining us on the program this week!

Become an AFITC Insider by joining on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. A Foot In The Crease is now on Twitter as @AFITC. Follow our show for hockey news and updates on the show itself.

On The Bubble highlights some great Listener Contributions from the past week via Twitter, Email and the Insiders Group. Was the IIHF wrong to criticize Sidney Crosby for taking a pass at the Worlds? We’ll discuss it here. To wrap the segment, St. Michael’s Buzzers Captain Dan Ciampini makes a guest appearance discussing his breakout season and much more.

Rigamarole wraps the show with a look at why a potential Stanley Cup Finals between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Philadelphia Flyers is bad news for Leaf fans. Stick around, there’s lots coming your way on Episode 5.36 of AFITC.

Special thanks to Dan Ciampini for joining us on this week’s program!

Become an AFITC Insider by joining on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. A Foot In The Crease is now on Twitter as @AFITC. Follow our show for hockey news and updates on the show itself.

In On The Bubble, we turn to some great Listener Contributions from the Twitter, Email and the Insiders Group. The Gong Banger stops by later in the segment to ring in another Troubling Fact of the Week before giving way to this week’s guest: St. Michael’s Buzzers Assistant Captain Jesse Beamish, the 159th ranked player among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting heading into the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

And finally, rigamarole looks at two astonishing results from the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Where would the Habs be if they didn't have PK Subban for Hal Gill and Andre Markov and the Flyers if Michael couldn’t take over Leighton game 5?

Big thanks to Jesse Beamish for joining us this week on the program. All the best at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft Jesse!

Become an AFITC Insider by joining on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. A Foot In The Crease is now on Twitter as @AFITC. Follow our show for hockey news and updates on the show itself.

Later, Quick Hits looks at the progress of Team Canada at the World Hockey Championships and the nominees for two more NHL Awards. Should countries be allowed to use players born in other countries but have changed citizenships on their teams? The Italian team is using nine Canadian born players. A good debate on the topic ensued.

In On The Bubble, we turn the show over to you and focus on Listener Contributions from Twitter, Email and the Insiders Group. Wrapping the segment, the Gong Banger returns from a week’s hiatus with another Troubling Fact of the Week.

Shockingly, down three games to one in their series against the Chicago Blackhawks, rigamarole takes a look at why the Vancouver Canucks are facing some real problems in the future. It’s the Mother’s Day Edition so today we say to all the mothers out there something we just don’t say enough. Simply, thank you. This is Episode 5.34 of AFITC.

Become an AFITC Insider by joining on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. A Foot In The Crease is now on Twitter as @AFITC. Follow our show for hockey news and updates on the show itself.

Quick Hits wraps the Redline Report with news on the coaching situations in New Jersey and Buffalo along with the nominees for the Masterton, Adams, NHL Foundation and Hart Trophies. In On The Bubble, we feature Listener Contributions from Twitter, email and the Insiders Group.

Leafs TV Host Paul Hendrick is our guest this week as he helps us take a look back at the Maple Leafs season that was. Rigamarole wraps the show with a look at why Montreal Canadiens fans should be pleased with their team regardless of their result in round two against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Stick around, lots coming your way right here on Episode 5.33 of AFITC.

Big thanks go out to Paul Hendrick for taking some time to join us on this week’s program!

Become an AFITC Insider by joining on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. A Foot In The Crease is now on Twitter as @AFITC. Follow our show for hockey news and updates on the show itself.

It’s playoff talk after that followed by Quick Hits with news on Daniel Alfredsson as well as the nominees for the Calder, Selke, Vezina and Lady Bing Trophies. In On The Bubble, we feature Listener Contributions from the Twitter account, the Insiders Group and Email. To wrap the segment, the legend himself, the Gong Banger stops by to ring in the Troubling Fact of the Week.

Finally, rigamarole wraps the show with a look at where some order has been restored after a confusing start to the first round.

Become an AFITC Insider by joining on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. A Foot In The Crease is now on Twitter as @AFITC. Follow our show for hockey news and updates on the show itself.

Quick Hits wrap the Redline Report with news on firings in Atlanta and Tampa Bay, the end of an era in the Dallas Stars’ net and some rather strong feelings from Edmonton Oilers’ Head Coach Pat Quinn. On The Bubble brings Listener Contributions from Twitter and Email, the Junior Hockey Report that wraps our coverage of the Buckland Cup Championship and an appearance from the Gong Banger in a head scratching edition of the Troubling Fact of the Week.

Remarkable parity through the early part of the first round of the playoffs. We’ll tell you just how close it has been in the segment that we call rigamarole. Stick around. All that and more coming your way when Episode 5.31 of AFITC begins now!

Become an AFITC Insider by joining on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. A Foot In The Crease is now on Twitter as @AFITC. Follow our show for hockey news and updates on the show itself.

On The Bubble brings a few brief Listener Contributions along with the Junior Hockey Report in which we’ll update the progress of the Buckland Cup Championship between the Newmarket Hurricanes and the Oakville Blades. The Gong Banger wraps the segment with another edition of the Troubling Fact of the Week.

Finally rigamarole brings an end to the program with a look at the play of the enigmatic Christian Hanson. No Leaf again for the next six months but really, isn’t everybody used to this feeling by now? This is Episode 5.30 of AFITC.

Dave's "Round One Playoff Picks" available in the AFITC Insiders Group. Check them out and give us your opinions!

Become an AFITC Insider by joining on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. A Foot In The Crease is now on Twitter as @AFITC. Follow our show for hockey news and updates on the show itself.

The Revolving Door follows with news on the injury situations of Phil Kessel and Mike Van Ryn. Quick Hits wraps the Redline Report with news on two signings and two suspensions from around the NHL. On The Bubble features some solid Listener Contributions via Twitter and Email before the Junior Hockey Report updates the progress of the CCHL Champion Newmarket Hurricanes on their quest for the Buckland Cup.

You can follow The CCHL on Twitter for regular updates on the progress of the Buckland Cup Championship.

As usual, the Gong Banger stops by with the Troubling Fact of the Week at the end of On The Bubble. Rigamarole wraps the show with a look at why it is time for the Leafs to say goodbye to Tomas Kaberle.

Become an AFITC Insider by joining on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. A Foot In The Crease is now on Twitter as @AFITC. Follow our show for hockey news and updates on the show itself.

On The Bubble brings Listener Contributions from Twitter and Email, an update on the progress of the CCHL Final between the Newmarket Hurricanes and Bowmanville Eagles and an appearance from the Gong Banger in another edition of the Troubling Fact of the Week.

To wrap, we look at two players who have had a big hand the Leafs’ solid March and why their strong play might not be all good news at this point. Stick around, lots to come right here on Episode 5.28 of AFITC.

Become an AFITC Insider by joining on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. A Foot In The Crease is now on Twitter as @AFITC. Follow our show for hockey news and updates on the show itself.

Quick Hits wraps the Redline Report with news on some more ugly incidents from the past week around the NHL along with a key injury and a note worthy contract signing. On The Bubble will offer up some more Listener Contributions from Twitter and Email and the Gong Banger stops by at the end of the segment with another edition of the Troubling Fact of the Week.

To wrap the show, rigamarole takes a look at whether this season’s late surge should be viewed any differently than the past four seasons and how we might be able to tell what it means. All that and lots more right ahead here on Episode 5.27 of AFITC.

Become an AFITC Insider by joining on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. A Foot In The Crease is now on Twitter as @AFITC. Follow our show for hockey news and updates on the show itself.

Later we spin through the Revolving Door to update the injury situation before concluding with Quick Hits featuring new legislation to cut down on head shots and the return of Chris Chelios to the NHL. On The Bubble brings more Listener Contributions from Twitter and Email as well as the return of the Gong Banger with the Troubling Fact of the Week.

To wrap the show, we take a further look at the Leafs disturbing trend to finally figure things out in the month of March and the suddenly red hot Lee Stempniak in the segment we call rigamarole. It was daylight savings time in the Eastern Time zone on Saturday night where the clocks jumped an hour ahead. If you forgot, I guess our show is over then. Thanks for listening. This is Episode 5.26 of AFITC.

Become an AFITC Insider by joining on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. A Foot In The Crease is now on Twitter as @AFITC. Follow our show for hockey news and updates on the show itself.

Quick Hits concludes the Redline Report with news on some contract signings, suspensions and other notable trades from around the league. Those were hard to find! In On The Bubble, Listener Contributions come your way from Twitter and Email. It’s a week off for the Gong Banger this week as we make room for Michael Landsberg, the Host of Off the Record on TSN and the Host of Whistler Olympic Daytime on CTV.

Rigamarole wraps the show with a look at NHL participation in future Olympic Games and why hockey fans shouldn’t worry about missing the chance to see the best players in Sochi, Russia in 2014. How the hell did we last for two hundred shows without driving each other insane? Who knows, this could be the day. This is Episode 5.25 of AFITC.

Become an AFITC Insider by joining on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. A Foot In The Crease is now on Twitter as @AFITC. Follow our show for hockey news and updates on the show itself.

Quick Hits will touch on a few NHL notes as we gear back up for the restart of the NHL schedule next week. On The Bubble features some tremendous Listener Contributions from both email and the twitter account and another Olympic themed Troubling Fact of the Week.

In rigamarole, we take one last retrospective look at all that was great about the last two weeks of Olympic competition in Vancouver. It became known as the slogan of the Olympics, of sportsmanship, of courage, of accomplishment, of passion. One last time, I believe, I believe, I believe. This is Episode 5.24 of AFITC.

Become an AFITC Insider by joining on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. A Foot In The Crease is now on Twitter as @AFITC. Follow our show for hockey news and updates on the show itself.

In On The Bubble, Listener Contributions come your way with some great Tweets and Emails. The Junior Hockey Report follows with news on the playoff run for the St. Michael’s Buzzers and later, the Gong Banger stops by to ring in an Olympic edition of the Troubling Fact of the Week.

To wrap the program, rigamarole explains that there are no longer just six countries capable of winning medals at the men’s Olympic Hockey Tournament. It just doesn’t feel like the Olympics without a Brian Williams time check so in that case we’re recording live at 2pm EST, that’s 11am Pacific and 3:30pm in Newfoundland. This is Episode 5.23 of AFITC.

Become an AFITC Insider by joining on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. A Foot In The Crease is now on Twitter as @AFITC. Follow our show for hockey news and updates on the show itself.

In On The Bubble, Listener Contributions come your way with some great Tweets and Emails. The Junior Hockey Report follows with news on the playoff run for the St. Michael’s Buzzers and later, the Gong Banger stops by to ring in an Olympic edition of the Troubling Fact of the Week.

To wrap the program, rigamarole explains that there are no longer just six countries capable of winning medals at the men’s Olympic Hockey Tournament. It just doesn’t feel like the Olympics without a Brian Williams time check so in that case we’re recording live at 2pm EST, that’s 11am Pacific and 3:30pm in Newfoundland. This is Episode 5.23 of AFITC.

Become an AFITC Insider by joining on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. A Foot In The Crease is now on Twitter as @AFITC. Follow our show for hockey news and updates on the show itself.

On The Bubble brings Listener Contributions from Twitter and Email, the Junior Hockey Report which discusses the progress of the St. Michael’s Buzzers in the first round of the Central Canadian Hockey League playoffs and an Olympic edition of the Troubling Fact of the Week.

Finally, we conclude the show with rigamarole and take a look at what faces Team Canada’s men’s Olympic hockey team. I’m going to be sad when the Olympics are over, I might never hear the word consortium again. This is Episode 5.22 of AFITC.

Become an AFITC Insider by joining on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. A Foot In The Crease is now on Twitter as @AFITC. Follow our show for hockey news and updates on the show itself.

We finish with Quick Hits featuring news on Mike Cammalleri, the blockbuster Ilya Kovalchuk trade and a minor transaction between the Wings and Flyers. On The Bubble brings contributions from Listener Email and the Twitter account along with another edition of the Junior Hockey Report with news on the last three St. Michael’s Buzzers regular season games and of course the Gong Banger in the Troubling Fact of the Week.

Finally to wrap the show, rigamarole takes a look at the recently improved play of Luke Schenn. The Olympics begin in less than a week, I’m feeling very Olympic today, how ‘bout you? This is Episode 5.21 of AFITC.

Become an AFITC Insider by joining on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. A Foot In The Crease is now on Twitter as @AFITC. Follow our show for hockey news and updates on the show itself.

Injury updates on a pair of players follow in the Revolving Door. Quick Hits features news on Anaheim Ducks netminder Jonas Hiller. On The Bubble brings some good Tweets for the Twitter account, the Junior Hockey Report and another Troubling Fact of the Week with more drama in Montreal.

Rigamarole wraps the show with a look at the Maple Leafs’ proficiency in a very dubious area of their game.

Become an AFITC Insider by joining on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. A Foot In The Crease is now on Twitter as @AFITC. Follow our show for hockey news and updates on the show itself.

In two separate transactions, the Maple Leafs brought in four new players while saying goodbye to six players from the current roster. In one trade, goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere was acquired from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Vesa Toskala and Jason Blake. In a second trade, defenseman Dion Phaneuf, forward Fredrik Sjostrom and prospect defenseman Keith Aulie were acquired from the Calgary Flames in exchange for Matt Stajan, Ian White, Niklas Hagman and Jamal Mayers.

As a podcast, our medium’s strength is not in the breaking of the news – major news networks obviously hold an edge on us in that department – but in the accuracy of the information we present and the strength of our opinions once all of the chips have fallen into place. Having planned to record the show at 11am on Sunday morning, it would have been counterproductive to proceed while so much was still uncertain.

As a result, we will record Episode 5.20 late on Monday night for release on Tuesday morning with full details on both transactions as well as our opinions on who won the respective deals, what drove them and where it leaves the Maple Leafs going forward. Until then, we welcome and encourage your opinions on these two blockbuster deals!

Become an AFITC Insider by joining on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. A Foot In The Crease is now on Twitter as @AFITC. Follow our show for hockey news and updates on the show itself.

Quick Hits featuring Mike Peca, Georges Laraque, Eric Staal and Alex Ovechkin. On The Bubble delivers Listener Email, a brief addition of the Junior Hockey Report and a video clue for the Troubling Fact of the Week.

Rigamarole wraps the show with a look at the potential for not one but two active trading days this year and the chips that the Maple Leafs have to play with. All that and more right on Episode 5.19 of AFITC.

Become an AFITC Insider by joining on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. A Foot In The Crease is now on Twitter as @AFITC. Follow our show for hockey news and updates on the show itself.

Quick Hits takes a look at a big loss for the surging Anaheim Ducks and what could turn out to be a loss for Team Finland, along with a staggering night of netminding in a game last week between the New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils. On the Bubble brings more Listener Contributions, the Junior Hockey Report and an absolutely staggering Troubling Fact of the Week.

Rigamarole wraps the show as we weigh in on the Alex Burrows Stephan Auger saga that broke early last week. With still much uncertainty as to what was actually said in that infamous conversation between Burrows and Auger during the pregame skate, it would be nice for them to finally clear the air. They must have missed that day in grade one when you learned it’s not nice to keep secrets from the rest of the class. This is Episode 5.18 of AFITC.

Become an AFITC Insider by joining on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. A Foot In The Crease is now on Twitter as @AFITC. Follow our show for hockey news and updates on the show itself.]]> Mon, 18 Jan 2010 06:48:00 +0000 52:32 afootinthecrease@gmail.com (Jeff Hume, Dave McCarthy)noJeff Hume, Dave McCarthyWeekly hockey and NHL talk from Toronto.http://afootinthecrease.com/episode-5-18http://traffic.libsyn.com/afootinthecrease/Episode_5.18_-_January_17th_2010.mp3 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/afitc/~3/LWgjF5hjXzo/episode-5-17 This week on AFITC, another dismal week for the Toronto Maple Leafs sees them lose three of four games and fall back out of legitimate contention for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. We’ll guide you through games against the Florida Panthers, Philadelphia Flyers, Buffalo Sabres and Pittsburgh Penguins to start the Redline Report. Later, an injury update follows with news on Mikhail Grabovski and Wayne Primeau in the Revolving Door.

Quick Hits wraps the Redline Report with news on Boyd Deveraux, Nazem Kadri and Dan Carcillo. On The Bubble continues the show with Listener Contributions from Twitter and Email, the Junior Hockey Report with news on a pair of St. Michael’s Buzzers games and an appearance from the Gong Banger in the Troubling Fact of the Week.

As always, rigamarole wraps the program, this week taking a look at the likely fate of the 2009-2010 season for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Stick around, lots to come here on Episode 5.17 of AFITC.

Become an AFITC Insider by joining on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. A Foot In The Crease is now on Twitter as @AFITC. Follow our show for hockey news and updates on the show itself.

A spin through the Revolving Door updates the status of a newly injured Leaf and Quick Hits features news from the Winter Classic and Team Canada’s Olympic roster. On The Bubble bring the Junior Hockey Report with news on the St. Michael’s Buzzers and Team Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championships. As usual the Gong Banger wraps with a Troubling Fact of the Week.

Rigamarole brings up the rear with a final look at the Winter Classic from Fenway Park in Boston. It’s the first show of 2010. Here’s too many more! Happy New Year everyone! Episode 5.16 starts now!

Become an AFITC Insider by joining on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. A Foot In The Crease is now on Twitter as @AFITC. Follow our show for hockey news and updates on the show itself.

Quick Hits follows with news on Mike Fisher, Martin Brodeur, Alex Semin and some surprising omissions from the Russian Olympic hockey team. On The Bubble features Listener Email, the Junior Hockey Report and the Gong Banger in the Troubling Fact of the Week.

To wrap the decade, rigamarole takes a look at some of the best and worst from the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2009. All that and more coming up right ahead here on Episode 5.15 of AFITC.

Become an AFITC Insider by joining on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. A Foot In The Crease is now on Twitter as @AFITC. Follow our show for hockey news and updates on the show itself.]]> Sun, 27 Dec 2009 23:42:00 +0000 55:49 afootinthecrease@gmail.com (Jeff Hume, Dave McCarthy)noJeff Hume, Dave McCarthyWeekly hockey and NHL talk from Toronto.http://afootinthecrease.com/episode-5-15http://traffic.libsyn.com/afootinthecrease/Episode_5.15_-_December_27th_2009.mp3 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/afitc/~3/kRUOUruyp3Q/episode-5-14-the-christmas-edition Ahead this week on the Christmas Edition, Jonas Gustavsson – The Grinch – stole Christmas from the Boston Bruins in his return to the lineup but two earlier losses left the Maple Leafs with only a five hundred record on the week. Concluding the Redline Report is a pair of Quick Hits on Sidney Crosby and Jason Spezza.

On The Bubble features lots of Listener Contributions from Twitter and Email. The Junior Hockey Report takes a look back at a pair of St. Michael’s Buzzers games before we conclude with a flaming hot Troubling Fact of the Week.

Rigamarole looks back at the Maple Leafs’ season thus far, how they got to where they are and what needs to happen for them to make the playoffs. Sit back; roast those chestnuts on the Minnesota Wild’s open fire. This is the Christmas Edition of AFITC.

Become an AFITC Insider by joining on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. A Foot In The Crease is now on Twitter as @AFITC. Follow our show for hockey news and updates on the show itself.]]> Sun, 20 Dec 2009 23:44:00 +0000 1:06:34 afootinthecrease@gmail.com (Jeff Hume, Dave McCarthy)noJeff Hume, Dave McCarthyWeekly hockey and NHL talk from Toronto.http://afootinthecrease.com/episode-5-14-the-christmas-editionhttp://traffic.libsyn.com/afootinthecrease/Episode_5.14_-_The_Christmas_Edition.mp3 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/afitc/~3/-GZGXTx2QBI/episode-5-13 Coming up this week on AFITC, three wins in four games for the Maple Leafs this week has them sitting right back in the thick of the playoff hunt, only four points back of eighth place Montreal. We’ll take you through the four games against the Thrashers, Islanders, Bruins and Capitals to begin the Redline Report. An injury update will follow in the Revolving Door before we wrap the Report with a Quick Hit regarding Brendan Witt, and by saying quick hit, we’ve never meant this more literally.

On The Bubble follows with some listener contributions from Twitter and email. The Junior Hockey Report takes you through an update of two St. Michael’s Buzzers games from the past week and announces the second annual “Battle of Ontario.” The Gong Banger wraps the segment as he usually does with a Troubling Fact of the Week.

And in rigamarole, we take a look at why the Maple Leafs fortunes have dramatically improved since the beginning of December. All that and more ahead on Episode 5.13 of AFITC.

Become an AFITC Insider by joining on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. A Foot In The Crease is now on Twitter as @AFITC. Follow our show for hockey news and updates on the show itself.]]> Sun, 13 Dec 2009 22:01:00 +0000 59:18 afootinthecrease@gmail.com (Jeff Hume, Dave McCarthy)noJeff Hume, Dave McCarthyWeekly hockey and NHL talk from Toronto.http://afootinthecrease.com/episode-5-13http://traffic.libsyn.com/afootinthecrease/Episode_5.13_-_December_13th_2009.mp3 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/afitc/~3/p1LzS8cOFy8/episode-5-12 Ahead this week on AFITC, the Maple Leafs bookended two solid efforts in the middle of the week with two rather poor efforts at the start and the finish. We’ll take you through the four games to begin the Redline Report. A minor Leaf transaction was consummated, we’ll tell you who’s out and who’s in before getting you to update on the injury situation in the Revolving Door.

Quick Hits wraps the Redline Report with news on a coaching change in Philadelphia and a suspension for Alex the Great. On The Bubble brings Listener Email from Michael and Aaron, an ambitious edition of the Junior Hockey Report and a very, very troubling Troubling Fact of the Week.

Finally to wrap the show, rigamarole takes a look at how the Maple Leafs have become masters of excelling when the pressure is off. Stayed tuned, lots right ahead here on Episode 5.12 of AFITC.

Become an AFITC Insider by joining on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. A Foot In The Crease is now on Twitter as @AFITC. Follow our show for hockey news and updates on the show itself.

Quick Hits will wrap the Redline Report with news of a key injury for the Edmonton Oilers. In On The Bubble, we bring you a Tweet from the Twitter account, the Junior Hockey Report with updates on two St. Michael’s Buzzers games from the past week and of course, another Troubling Fact of the Week.

And finally rigamarole wraps the show with a look at why the Maple Leafs play has improved of late. All that and more ahead on Episode 5.11 of AFITC.

Become an AFITC Insider by joining on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. A Foot In The Crease is now on Twitter as @AFITC. Follow our show for hockey news and updates on the show itself.

Gary Roberts think the Leafs aren’t fit. We’ll tell you why before concluding the Redline Report with a Quick Hit on Brendan Shanahan. On The Bubble brings Listener Email from Brian, Mark, Michael and Dave followed by the Junior Hockey Report and an appearance from the Gong Banger in the Troubling Fact of the Week.

Wrapping On The Bubble is this week’s guest, NHL on TSN Insider Bob McKenzie as we discuss his new book “Hockey Dad – True Confessions of a (Crazy?) Hockey Parent.” As always, rigamarole concludes the program as we wonder why it has taken Brian Burke so long to shake up the comfort level of an underachieving team. It’s all right ahead right here on Episode 5.10 of AFITC.

Big thanks go out to Bob McKenzie for coming back on the program and discussing his new book. It is always a pleasure having Bob on the show!

Become an AFITC Insider by joining on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. A Foot In The Crease is now on Twitter as @AFITC. Follow our show for hockey news and updates on the show itself.

Quick Hits wraps the program with news regarding a potential NHL destination for Chris Chelios and some news out of the General Managers meetings that took place last week. On the Bubble features Listener Email, the Junior Hockey Report and the return of the Gong Banger with the Troubling Fact of the Week.

Finally to wrap the show, we look at why the next three weeks of action present a fork in the road for sophomore defenseman Luke Schenn. Stick around, it’s all ahead right here on Episode 5.9 of AFITC.

Become an AFITC Insider by joining on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. A Foot In The Crease is now on Twitter as @AFITC. Follow our show for hockey news and updates on the show itself.