Jeff Mackie

A co-worker had just lost her husband and was in a dark place. She waiting at an airport gate when a stranger, sensing her despair, struck up a conversation. He asked if he could pray with her. Before they parted, she realized that man was @BlueJays great Tony Fernandez.

@Sid_Seixeiro God damn, those were the days.

1993 World Series. Bottom of the 9th inning. The late Rickey Henderson’s leading off and calls for time on the first pitch from Mitch Williams, who fell off the mound trying to stop. Mitch was shook. He never recovered. Eleven minutes later the Jays won their 2nd championship.

@Ken_Campbell27 A 6-6 right D who finished top 7 in Norris voting 3 of the last 5 years didn't even make the rights holders snubbed team. For Canada it's their best + pretty good players who we think can fill a role. I guess it gives them the best chance to win.

@jeffmackie It is not.

Now that the rosters for the 4 Nations NHL/NHLPA Invitational have been announced, I'm not sure how I'll fill my days without the daily roster projections that have been filling my timeline for the past year.

@Hebsyman Oh man, I was 13 in the summer of 89 and that's when I fell in love with Sportsline. "And he takes it right in the fesnarus!"

Who remembers staying up until 11:30 p.m. to get your sports fix? From a Tuesday in July of 1989, here are the kooky, krazy, nutty, madcap, zany Hebsy Awards. Narrated by me. Background vocals and guffaws by Jim Tatti. Video courtesy of The Global Television Network. Enjoy!

@JeffVeillette There might be a world where they get bigger and meaner, say all the right things, but goaltending is still iffy, key guys get hurt, they score less and miss the playoffs by a point.

@sunhornby Really enjoyed this trip down memory lane, Lance.

Had some fun with this, recalling the diverse personalities of the many Leaf coaches I’ve covered through five decades: torontosun.com/sports/hockey/…

@MadJack54 I like to think I'm an impartial student of the craft...Jack you are an excellent broadcaster. I put you right up with NHL announcers and I hope the decison-makers are taking notice. You are good enough to be at the next level, IMO.

There’s not enough room for all the thanks I have. The most challenging season for me personally and professionally turned out to be the best one. From top down, no other group I’d rather cover this year. To the listeners, you’re the best 🫶 #GensNation, thank you ❤️💙

@SamAMcKee I thought they showed a lot of resolve in OT. Truthfully I wasn't expecting much push back.

The Oshawa Generals just had the type of loss that regardless of where the players go in their careers they’ll always be haunted by it. 6-2 lead in the 3rd to 7-6 L in double OT. Brutal sport,

@Ken_Campbell27 Recent history suggests coaches who win a Cup learn and adapt and win on their way up. Cassidy, Cooper, Bednar, Trotz, Sullivan. Winning the Cup is an accension. Pete DeBoer may well be that coach this year. Or maybe Paul Maurice.

Don't really get all the hype surrounding Craig Berube, to be honest.

@JeffVeillette Jeff, do you think trust and credibility with his players would be an issue?

The Beach situation should make him an automatic no-go. If you're okay with it, the distraction it would carry should still be a no-go. If you're still okay with it, the fact that he's 65, hasn't coached in three years and hasn't won a playoff series in nine, well...

@SheldonKeefe I know the end result isn't what you wanted, but you did a great job. All the best to you and your family ❤️

Thank you, Leafs Nation 💙✌️

@davehodge20 The "instant analysis" I'm getting is that Keefe was fired due a lack of playoff success. What fabulous insight.

Sheldon Keefe (“excellent”) has been “relieved of his duties”. NO, he has been FIRED. “We need a new voice”. NO, the Leafs need a new COACH. A “search” will be conducted. NO, a search isn’t needed. Candidates are obvious. YES, press releases bug me.

@Ken_Campbell27 @brockmcgillis33 I was waiting for Chris Cuthbert to refer to him as "the former New Liskeard Cub."

@brockmcgillis33 Northern Ontario guy.

@racheldoerrie Do you think they'll just fire the coach, call it a new direction, then give Marner a Matthews-like contract. It seems like a distinct possibility.

I don’t know how you watch this as a management group and don’t make a major change to the lineup. It’s been 8 seasons. They’ve had their chances with multiple coaches. At some point, it’s the core.

@sunhornby Lance, I'm having 1988 ice being littered flashbacks. You?

Leafs certainly heard the noise that time as they leave the ice after how that period wrapped.

@b0undless I haven't shed tears since this morning. Can't wait!

I just finished a tribute to Bob Cole that airs on CBC today around 5:50pm ET, and will be up online too.

@koshtorontosun Fourth line has one job: don't get scored on.

Keefe: "We're preparing for Willie to play at this point." On keeping Robertson in, scratching Dewar: "I need Nick to be himself. There’s a reason why he's remaining in. We think he can provide us offence ... Not an easy decision, because Dewar has done a tremendous job." #Leafs

@mikecommito Kirkland Lake native Daren Puppa

Final instalment of favourite Leaf who played for another team. With Toronto taking on Tampa Bay for the last game of the regular season, who is your favourite Bud who also played for the Lightning? I’ll start:

@BrandonMaki_ It should be noted we are seeing a master class in leadership from Andre Tourigny.

@chrishofley @BrandonMaki_ You are absolutely correct. Sometimes it's better to just keep quiet. This is one of them.

@BrandonMaki_ The crazy business of pro sports is one thing. Cheering for a tough moment for the team and the fans that have dedicated themselves to it is something else. A lot of fans, not to mention the players and their families, are in a tough spot that doesn’t need to be celebrated.