Well, there’s no question the Kings have had a horrid year, but if this pans out that would make two GMs that the Kings have gotten fired this season--the other being Doug Armstrong in Dallas.

That’s kind of hilarious, in a mean-spirited sort of way.

Posted by Earl Sleek on 01/11/08 at 03:22 PM ET

The Los Angeles Typhoid Kings. 

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 01/11/08 at 04:03 PM ET

Bob McKenzie, at his blog on TSN.ca has also chimed in on JFJ’s death throes.  Suggesting, in clear and conscise language, that the plight of the Leafs not only rests with JFJ; but some responsibility also should be laid on the “clueless” Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment board of directors.

Amid all the obvious and raging speculation on the future of John Ferguson Jr. with the Toronto Maple Leafs, the truth is it looks as though he has been working on borrowed time for quite some time…

Back in late November, around the time when the Leafs were skidding out of control – punctuated by a horrific 5-1 loss to the Coyotes in Phoenix on Nov. 24 – sources say the folks at MLSE commissioned a detailed evaluation of not only Ferguson’s work as GM, but the work of all 30 GMs in the league…

What was obvious in late November is even more obvious now – the MLSE board is paralyzed to act because it doesn’t know where to turn, how to turn or whom to turn to.

Logic would suggest that is likely to change soon enough, but that is not to be confused with having a well thought out succession plan.

Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Hockey Netherworld on 01/11/08 at 06:44 PM ET

Now Eric Duhatschek (perhaps one of the best hockey writers) at the Globe and Mail offers his insight into the debacle that is Leaf Nation:

So here are the cold hard facts as they relate to the slumping and suddenly ridiculously inept Toronto Maple Leafs as of Friday morning. They have 16 wins, same as the Los Angeles Kings and the Tampa Bay Lightning, tied for the fewest victories in the NHL standings.

. . .right now the best thing the Leafs can do is stay the course and continue to lose games with staggering regularity. If they keep it up, they’ll be in the draft lottery for the first time ever; and perhaps even in a position to select No. 1 for the first time since the Wendel Clark draft in 1985. That didn’t turn out so bad, did it Leaf Nation?

The greatest joy in my hockey world is watching the Wings win.  My next favorite, watching Leaf Nation be in total exasperation over their current debacle!!!

Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Hockey Netherworld on 01/12/08 at 09:55 AM ET