Is there trouble with T.O. bubble?
I want the NHL, MLB, etc. to come back. I miss it all (even rolling my eyes and using choice language while watching Martin Marincin try to play defence). But I don't understand some of the logic of the proposed plans.
Toronto as a hub city? Really? Toronto has done a fairly good job of containing the pandemic, the curve is flattening, but it is still a huge city with lots of potential for infection and a second wave. Wouldn't smaller centres (if they had the hotel capacity) be a better bet? — Colin (in sweatpants) The logic of hub cities is sound. The practice of it may not be. The logic is that anyone inside the hub, or the bubble, doesn’t leave it. So there won’t be cross-contamination between the city at large and players/ staff etc. But that’s a big ask for a period as long as four months, which is why the practice of it may not work.
Toronto is on the list for a variety of reasons. The Scotiabank Arena has enough locker rooms to handle the equipment of six teams. The city has enough hotels and practice rinks. Some hotels are so close to the rink, players won’t even have to go outside, with the Delta and Le Germain linked by the PATH. If the NHL games restart this year, I think players will not be in the best condition and prone to more injuries. It would be good judgment to change the rules on checking for the remainder of this season. Applying the same rules that the women play by would limit injuries and make for more exciting hockey. — Peter F. I’m glad you’ve got the players’ backs but I doubt we’ll see any changes to the on-ice rules. Tigers won’t be able to change their spots, or whatever the phrase is ... ;) Just wondering what your thoughts are on the most famous goals of all time. I'm thinking Paul Henderson's goal in 1972 in the Summit Series with Russia (I was there), Sidney Crosby's goal in the 2010 Olympics, and maybe Mario Lemieux's goal on the pass from Wayne Gretzky. I forget exactly when that happened. Also, perhaps the Leaf's most famous goals. I'm thinking Bill Barilko's goal would be up there. — Frank B. I’d put Henderson’s as the most famous, but really it wasn’t the prettiest, was it? Gretzky to Lemieux was a pretty goal, 1987 Canada Cup. Crosby’s golden goal in 2010. There’s a bit of a Bobby Orrflying-in-the-air feel to that Barilko goal, an overtime winner to clinch the 1951 Stanley Cup. But I think I’ll give a nod to the Canadian women’s team, Sochi, 2014. Marie-Philip Poulin’s OT winner. Terrific moment. What are the best shows you've watched during quarantine? — Bill L. I feel like I’ve watched too much TV during quarantine. I found every season of “The Beverley Hillbillies,” so that’s been fun. I’m more addicted to “The Last Dance” than I thought I’d be. “Sunderland ’Til I Die” was terrific, too. I’m not a big footie fan either but the second season, which focuses on the finances, the transfer window and the marketing, was terrific. The devastation of relegation, oh my.