from Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun,

- There are times when Maple Leafs players must appreciate the faith Mike Babcock has in them.

Because a whole lot of NHL coaches — past and present — would not have been so steadfast in keeping lines together through this latest Leaf malaise....

You can congratulate Babcock for his consistency or criticize him for his unwillingness to change. Either way, something has to give with the Leafs.

- Quick advice for John Tavares, the pending free agent: Talk to Marcel Dionne. Ask him how he felt about never playing for a Stanley Cup contender or never getting close to a ring. And if after that, he wants to remain with the wonky Islanders, shake his hand and wish him well.

- Add Doug Armstrong’s name to the list of those having trouble getting over the fact that the NHL is not participating in the Winter Olympics next month. Armstrong is a longtime Team Canada executive. He knows why the NHL isn’t going: Still, he hates the fact they are not.

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