Weekly Takes - Monday, December 2nd Edition

Weekly Takes - Monday, December 2nd Edition

1. My three stars from the Leafs win over Tampa Bay on Saturday...

1. John Tavares

2. Matthew Knies

3. Chris Tanev

A dominant game from the Leafs top players, who have been humming for a long, long time now.

This is the best stretch of hockey the Leafs have played in the Matthews ers.

2. Here is what my Team Canada lineup would be, ahead of Hockey Canada announcing its roster on Wednesday.

Forwards…

Alexis Lafreniere - Connor McDavid - Nathan MacKinnon

Brad Marchand - Sidney Crosby - Sam Reinhart

Tavares - Brayden Point - Mitch Marner

Brandon Hagel - Anthony Cerelli - Mark Stone

Extras: Travis Konnecy and Connor Bedard

Just missing: Zach Hyman, Carter Verghaeghe, Wyatt Johnston, Nick Suzuki, Mark Scheifele, Robert Thomas, Seth Jarvis, and Matthew Barzal

Defence…

Devon Toews - Cale Makar

Mackenzie Weegar - Noah Dobson

Shea Theodore - Alex Pietrangelo

Extras: Josh Morrisey and Tanev

Just Missing: Dougie Hamilton, Evan Bouchard, and Brent Burns

Goalies…

Jordan Binnington

Aidn Hill

Extra: Logan Thompson

Just Missed: Sam Montembeault

3. As always, Hockey Canada left off lots of talent ahead of their World Junior Selection Camp, but the reality is -- this year more than most -- there is not enough talent to go around.

I would have had Tij Iglina, Beckett Sennecke, Carter Yamemchuk, and Zayne Parekh on my team, but I had them slotted in at 4C, 4RW, 2RD, and 3RD.

Hockey Canada believes they can fill those roles with players better suited for different situations.

4. The Dodgers should be applauded for their signing of Blake Snell, as they continue to be the envy of all of baseball.

But Snell should take heat for signing with the Dodgers. Yes, he was a free agent and earned the right to sign wherever, but having the right to do something does not mean it cannot come with criticism.

He is soft for signing with the Dodgers. Flat out.

5. The Bears had no choice but to fire Matt Eberflus after Thursday’s debacle, as what happened at the end of Bears-Lions may be the worst thing I have ever seen on a football field.

But this should have happened in the offseason, to allow Caleb Williams to come into the league with a new head coach who he can grow with together.

Now, it’s going to be three coaches in two years. How not to set your franchise quarterback up for success, 101.

6. I don’t know what to make of Kansas City.

Should we assume that their string of close wins will continue, given their elite quarterback-head coach duo?

Or should we be concerned that they cannot blow any teams out, unlike other contenders?

I still lean towards the former, but the reality is, they are just not impressive right now.

7. Here is what the Steelers win showed on Sunday: They can win a game in any fashion.

They have not had that in a long, long time. Everyone knows they can win close, ugly games. But with Russell Wilson at quarterback, they can beat any team, any way.

8. The Ravens have to cut Justin Tucker, which is a wild statement to write, but it is the only logical statement to write.

He has cost them two of their last three games. If he was any other kicker, he would be long gone.

The Ravens need to thank him for all of his amazing memories and then move on.

9. Ryan Day is obviously done at Ohio State, barring them somehow making the playoffs and winning a National Title.

And not just because they lost to Michigan, who are the worst version of themselves that they will be for the next half-decade. (Though this would be more than enough reason to fire him immediately.)

He is done at Ohio State because his players reaction to Michigan planting a flag on their logo is the most embarrassing thing I have seen.

Your players, who are way better than their opponent, had 60 minutes to fight on the field. And they wait until after the game is done when their feelings are hurt?

The culture in Ohio State is dead.

10. John Herdman’s fall from grace is not deserved, as I truly believe he is a scapegoat and being made an example out of.

I am disgusted with the powers at Soccer Canada, who have refused to have his back or anyone else’s back throughout the scandal. Have some pride.

But maybe this is a blessing for Toronto FC, who can hopefully have a totally clean slate in 2025, with a new head coach and hopefully at least two new designated players.

But that is only going to matter if they can nail the next hire. Do not go for the “culture hire.” That failed with Herdman and Bob Bradley. Go and hire the best coach from a taticial perspective and the wins will follow.