Senior Writer, @TheAthletic.com. Covering the NHL since 2004. Leaf Report podcast & Red Light newsletter. Kamloops kid in Toronto 🇨🇦https://bsky.app/profile/mirtle.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/mirtle.bsky.social/post/3mlvk7aighk22Out of the NHL’s top 19 goalies in terms of average annual value, only one has started a game in the second round. On the rise of the tandem goalie, and how big a factor it has been in these playoffs https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7280082/2026/05/15/nhl-playoffs-starting-goalie-tandem/?unlocked_article_code=1.ilA.-0KT.LhAeQXf68Ozt&smid=ta-android-shar15 May 2026 14:29 +0000at://did:plc:zqtlnaxamaebqex7lbbarn43/app.bsky.feed.post/3mlvk7aighk22https://bsky.app/profile/mirtle.bsky.social/post/3mlvv42tcs222Today's NHL newsletter. Free to read https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7281939/2026/05/15/nhl-mitch-marner-goal-pwhl-ot-winner15 May 2026 17:44 +0000at://did:plc:zqtlnaxamaebqex7lbbarn43/app.bsky.feed.post/3mlvv42tcs222https://bsky.app/profile/mirtle.bsky.social/post/3mlvk7aighk22Out of the NHL’s top 19 goalies in terms of average annual value, only one has started a game in the second round. On the rise of the tandem goalie, and how big a factor it has been in these playoffs https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7280082/2026/05/15/nhl-playoffs-starting-goalie-tandem/?unlocked_article_code=1.ilA.-0KT.LhAeQXf68Ozt&smid=ta-android-shar15 May 2026 14:29 +0000at://did:plc:zqtlnaxamaebqex7lbbarn43/app.bsky.feed.post/3mlvk7aighk22https://bsky.app/profile/mirtle.bsky.social/post/3mlsrsw4i3s2eFiring the coach was the correct (and in many ways easy) call for the Leafs. Now comes the much harder part - fix the roster with under seven weeks until July 1 https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7276830/2026/05/14/maple-leafs-craig-berube-fired-john-chayka/?unlocked_article_code=1.iVA.K_Ax.-wYHigTWJaAZ&smid=ta-android-share14 May 2026 12:07 +0000at://did:plc:zqtlnaxamaebqex7lbbarn43/app.bsky.feed.post/3mlsrsw4i3s2ehttps://bsky.app/profile/mirtle.bsky.social/post/3mlsrsw4i3s2eFiring the coach was the correct (and in many ways easy) call for the Leafs. Now comes the much harder part - fix the roster with under seven weeks until July 1 https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7276830/2026/05/14/maple-leafs-craig-berube-fired-john-chayka/?unlocked_article_code=1.iVA.K_Ax.-wYHigTWJaAZ&smid=ta-android-share14 May 2026 12:07 +0000at://did:plc:zqtlnaxamaebqex7lbbarn43/app.bsky.feed.post/3mlsrsw4i3s2ehttps://bsky.app/profile/mirtle.bsky.social/post/3mlr6vaokmc2jNew podcast is up pod.fo/e/414f08 https://pod.fo/e/414f0813 May 2026 20:56 +0000at://did:plc:zqtlnaxamaebqex7lbbarn43/app.bsky.feed.post/3mlr6vaokmc2jhttps://bsky.app/profile/mirtle.bsky.social/post/3mlqfuonxzk2jThe Leafs have fired coach Craig Berube.13 May 2026 13:28 +0000at://did:plc:zqtlnaxamaebqex7lbbarn43/app.bsky.feed.post/3mlqfuonxzk2jhttps://bsky.app/profile/mirtle.bsky.social/post/3mleel3ay3c2gHow the Hurricanes and Avalanche can make NHL playoff history. Today's newsletter (sign up today) https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7263463/2026/05/08/hurricanes-avalanche-nhl-playoffs-record-streak/?unlocked_article_code=1.g1A.8TUx.zcu4me5HDcKd&smid=ta-android-shar08 May 2026 18:33 +0000at://did:plc:zqtlnaxamaebqex7lbbarn43/app.bsky.feed.post/3mleel3ay3c2ghttps://bsky.app/profile/mirtle.bsky.social/post/3mlconon3hs2eHurricanes about to become just the 10th team in modern NHL history to start the playoffs 7-0. It's only happened twice since 1994.08 May 2026 02:28 +0000at://did:plc:zqtlnaxamaebqex7lbbarn43/app.bsky.feed.post/3mlconon3hs2ehttps://bsky.app/profile/mirtle.bsky.social/post/3ml7wxyggys2jICYMI: @scottcwheeler.bsky.social with some really great insight on how the Leafs should approach having the top pick and the different options available pod.fo/e/40f5f9 https://pod.fo/e/40f5f907 May 2026 00:19 +0000at://did:plc:zqtlnaxamaebqex7lbbarn43/app.bsky.feed.post/3ml7wxyggys2jhttps://bsky.app/profile/mirtle.bsky.social/post/3ml7bvcb2xs2jNew podcast: On Gavin McKenna, the Maple Leafs and all the options pod.fo/e/40f5f9 https://pod.fo/e/40f5f906 May 2026 18:02 +0000at://did:plc:zqtlnaxamaebqex7lbbarn43/app.bsky.feed.post/3ml7bvcb2xs2jhttps://bsky.app/profile/mirtle.bsky.social/post/3ml6ogfacxc22How much better can Gavin McKenna make the Maple Leafs right away? https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7256840/2026/05/06/gavin-mckenna-ivar-stenberg-maple-leafs-nhl-draft/?unlocked_article_code=1.gVA._Bnt.nK2s2lI3mJFS&smid=ta-android-share06 May 2026 12:13 +0000at://did:plc:zqtlnaxamaebqex7lbbarn43/app.bsky.feed.post/3ml6ogfacxc22https://bsky.app/profile/mirtle.bsky.social/post/3ml6ogfacxc22How much better can Gavin McKenna make the Maple Leafs right away? https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7256840/2026/05/06/gavin-mckenna-ivar-stenberg-maple-leafs-nhl-draft/?unlocked_article_code=1.gVA._Bnt.nK2s2lI3mJFS&smid=ta-android-share06 May 2026 12:13 +0000at://did:plc:zqtlnaxamaebqex7lbbarn43/app.bsky.feed.post/3ml6ogfacxc22https://bsky.app/profile/mirtle.bsky.social/post/3ml46kishic2yColumn: John Chayka has a divisive reputation. Can he and the Maple Leafs overcome it? https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7253939/2026/05/05/john-chayka-maple-leafs-perception/?unlocked_article_code=1.gFA.o3tc.UJDj69tQm1qK&smid=ta-android-shar05 May 2026 12:24 +0000at://did:plc:zqtlnaxamaebqex7lbbarn43/app.bsky.feed.post/3ml46kishic2yhttps://bsky.app/profile/mirtle.bsky.social/post/3ml4i4rzgqs2nNew Leafs podcast is up. Thanks for listening pod.fo/e/40e436 https://pod.fo/e/40e43605 May 2026 15:15 +0000at://did:plc:zqtlnaxamaebqex7lbbarn43/app.bsky.feed.post/3ml4i4rzgqs2nhttps://bsky.app/profile/mirtle.bsky.social/post/3ml46kishic2yColumn: John Chayka has a divisive reputation. Can he and the Maple Leafs overcome it? https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7253939/2026/05/05/john-chayka-maple-leafs-perception/?unlocked_article_code=1.gFA.o3tc.UJDj69tQm1qK&smid=ta-android-shar05 May 2026 12:24 +0000at://did:plc:zqtlnaxamaebqex7lbbarn43/app.bsky.feed.post/3ml46kishic2yhttps://bsky.app/profile/mirtle.bsky.social/post/3mkznbrgqwc2xFour of the NHL's youngest teams are still playing for the Stanley Cup. On how this shift happened, and where it might be leading for a league suddenly in transition https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7251518/2026/05/04/nhl-stanley-cup-playoffs-teams-canadiens/?unlocked_article_code=1.f1A.Dzcf.9Xk-hVhzlzR_&smid=ta-android-share04 May 2026 12:10 +0000at://did:plc:zqtlnaxamaebqex7lbbarn43/app.bsky.feed.post/3mkznbrgqwc2xhttps://bsky.app/profile/mirtle.bsky.social/post/3mkznbrgqwc2xFour of the NHL's youngest teams are still playing for the Stanley Cup. On how this shift happened, and where it might be leading for a league suddenly in transition https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7251518/2026/05/04/nhl-stanley-cup-playoffs-teams-canadiens/?unlocked_article_code=1.f1A.Dzcf.9Xk-hVhzlzR_&smid=ta-android-share04 May 2026 12:10 +0000at://did:plc:zqtlnaxamaebqex7lbbarn43/app.bsky.feed.post/3mkznbrgqwc2xhttps://bsky.app/profile/mirtle.bsky.social/post/3mkuynpc7622jRebuild or retool? Debating which path the Toronto Maple Leafs should take https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7246112/2026/05/02/maple-leafs-rebuild-retool-offseason/?unlocked_article_code=1.fVA.m0nb.TmYgVpYSjaYs&smid=ta-android-share02 May 2026 15:50 +0000at://did:plc:zqtlnaxamaebqex7lbbarn43/app.bsky.feed.post/3mkuynpc7622jhttps://bsky.app/profile/mirtle.bsky.social/post/3mksicog7dk2iToday's NHL newsletter @TheAthleticNHL with a look around the playoffs. Round 1 could end tonight; Round 2 begins tomorrow https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7246268/2026/05/01/nhl-playoffs-stanley-cup-sabres-canadiens-ducks/01 May 2026 15:52 +0000at://did:plc:zqtlnaxamaebqex7lbbarn43/app.bsky.feed.post/3mksicog7dk2ihttps://bsky.app/profile/mirtle.bsky.social/post/3mkq3r5ocuk2uNew podcast is up pod.fo/e/40ac6f https://pod.fo/e/40ac6f30 Apr 2026 17:02 +0000at://did:plc:zqtlnaxamaebqex7lbbarn43/app.bsky.feed.post/3mkq3r5ocuk2uhttps://bsky.app/profile/mirtle.bsky.social/post/3mkpxxw6r4k2eFree to read: The latest on the Maple Leafs front office search https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7241256/2026/04/29/maple-leafs-gm-search-president/?unlocked_article_code=1.elA.f-N1.U-slUdfUAZ_O&smid=ta-android-share30 Apr 2026 15:54 +0000at://did:plc:zqtlnaxamaebqex7lbbarn43/app.bsky.feed.post/3mkpxxw6r4k2ehttps://bsky.app/profile/mirtle.bsky.social/post/3mkn3d56cd22rRod Brind'Amour wants more video review. Many NHL fans want less. My attempt at a compromise solution here that works for all. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7239118/2026/04/29/nhl-playoffs-video-review-brindamour-officiating/?unlocked_article_code=1.elA.6Onq.Fyf8VwZfOkJ3&smid=ta-android-share29 Apr 2026 12:16 +0000at://did:plc:zqtlnaxamaebqex7lbbarn43/app.bsky.feed.post/3mkn3d56cd22rhttps://bsky.app/profile/mirtle.bsky.social/post/3mkn3d56cd22rRod Brind'Amour wants more video review. Many NHL fans want less. My attempt at a compromise solution here that works for all. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7239118/2026/04/29/nhl-playoffs-video-review-brindamour-officiating/?unlocked_article_code=1.elA.6Onq.Fyf8VwZfOkJ3&smid=ta-android-share29 Apr 2026 12:16 +0000at://did:plc:zqtlnaxamaebqex7lbbarn43/app.bsky.feed.post/3mkn3d56cd22rhttps://bsky.app/profile/mirtle.bsky.social/post/3mki4cypouc2mOn the Ridly Greig sucker punch, an incoming suspension, and the NHL's retribution cycle on display https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7233492/2026/04/27/nhl-playoffs-fights-ridly-greig-sucker-punch/?unlocked_article_code=1.eFA.r3Ny.mYYKgVmgwLWr&smid=ta-android-share27 Apr 2026 12:51 +0000at://did:plc:zqtlnaxamaebqex7lbbarn43/app.bsky.feed.post/3mki4cypouc2mhttps://bsky.app/profile/mirtle.bsky.social/post/3mkb2doa5e22tNHL playoffs elimination watch: Senators, Kings, Penguins staring down first-round sweeps https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7225630/2026/04/24/nhl-playoffs-eliminations-sweeps-schedule-red-light/?unlocked_article_code=1.dVA.bhiQ.7VMKZw09SUDv&smid=ta-android-share24 Apr 2026 17:27 +0000at://did:plc:zqtlnaxamaebqex7lbbarn43/app.bsky.feed.post/3mkb2doa5e22thttps://bsky.app/profile/mirtle.bsky.social/post/3mjrqlcbbp22fOn the NHL’s controversial playoff format, where eight of the nine best teams all face one another in Round 1 https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7205685/2026/04/18/nhl-stanley-cup-playoff-format-teams-explained/?unlocked_article_code=1.b1A.JyL0.rAEYO9da3TTA&smid=ta-android-share18 Apr 2026 15:22 +0000at://did:plc:zqtlnaxamaebqex7lbbarn43/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjrqlcbbp22fhttps://bsky.app/profile/mirtle.bsky.social/post/3mjpf53g2vk2dIf the Leafs had one fewer point this season, they would have finished third last in the NHL and guarateed keeping a top five pick through the lottery. The way they handled the end of the season was not great. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7195553/2026/04/14/maple-leafs-nhl-season-tank-draft/?unlocked_article_code=1.a1A.7Vz3.ly30UNs-MHeC&smid=ta-android-share17 Apr 2026 16:52 +0000at://did:plc:zqtlnaxamaebqex7lbbarn43/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjpf53g2vk2dhttps://bsky.app/profile/mirtle.bsky.social/post/3mjpdgd3dcc2fNHL playoff matchups and schedules are set. Here’s your cheat sheet https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7205088/2026/04/17/2026-nhl-playoffs-schedule-matchups-odds-red-light/?unlocked_article_code=1.blA.nrI0.TL6uW9UdB8OI&smid=ta-android-share17 Apr 2026 16:21 +0000at://did:plc:zqtlnaxamaebqex7lbbarn43/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjpdgd3dcc2fhttps://bsky.app/profile/mirtle.bsky.social/post/3mjnpibrncc26On the New Jersey Devils hiring Sunny Mehta as general manager https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7203674/2026/04/16/new-jersey-devils-sunny-mehta-general-manager/?unlocked_article_code=1.blA.SCDI.unrfz6BEn0nw&smid=ta-android-share17 Apr 2026 00:52 +0000at://did:plc:zqtlnaxamaebqex7lbbarn43/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjnpibrncc26