Sad Saturday

The hockey world is a sadder place this morning following the news yesterday that Pat Burns lost his lengthy battle with cancer.  It was not a surprise, but Burns' death is a shock, nonetheless.

I suppose the news hit me hard on a number of levels.  He was 58, I'm 57 - we are both ex-cops who love hockey.  But selfishly, it was because of what he did as the coach of the Maple Leafs in the 90's.

The press reports all say Pat won a Stanley Cup with the Devils and coached the Bruins, but for long-suffering Leafs fans, Burns provided us with a two-year thrill ride in the midst of nearly a half-century of mediocrity.

I'll never forget the '93 cup run that, had Kerry Fraser had his eyes open, would likely have led to a Toronto - Montreal Stanley Cup final., rather than a King's - Habs meeting.  

The following season, the Leafs again made it to the Western Conference final, losing to Vancouver.

Burns is unique, in that he coach both the Canadiens and Maple Leafs.  It is a travesty that he was not inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame prior to his passing.  He is deserving of a place in the Hall alongside the great coaches of the game.

It seems fitting that Pat passed away the day before the two teams renew their rivalry tonight at the Bell Center.  I've got the DVR set and will be watching as soon as we get home from this afternoon's game.

Read Joe Warmington's column in today's Toronto Sun for tributes from former Leafs players.  

His death has fans of both teams mourning the loss and remembering the good times.

A Saturday night tilt between the Leafs and Habs has never been a place where hockey fans can find common ground.

But that will change tonight. It’s like it was written in a script.

Some things are bigger than a single game and Burns’ death will be on the minds of all fans at the Bell Centre tonight and watching on Hockey Night in Canada.

Rest in Peace, Patrick Burns.