The Leafs played Boston last night for the 8th time in the last 15 days. That is not really the case, but it sure feels like it. It was really their 4th game against the Bruins in their last 9 games. I don't understand what these schedule makers are trying to do. In my opinion this doesn't create rivalries, which is one the reason the NHL is giving. It's decreasing my desire to watch these games. I'm sick of watching Toronto play Boston. But if you love watching Toronto play Boston, don't worry, the Leafs are in Boston next Thursday. That's 5 times in 13 games. Give me a break.

The idea of seeing Boston 20 times a year; Detroit, Chicago and Vancouver only once, and no games with Edmonton and Calgary, was a brilliant idea by the NHL. Forget the rivalries that have been around decades or for Canadian bragging rights. Why would anyone want to see the Leafs battle the Red Wings? They've never slugged it out with them before, or had exciting games in the regular season or playoffs. Bring me the same teams every other night. Now that is exciting.

So let's say we agree with the NHL's position that each team should play 62 divisional games; that this will create better rivalries, produce exciting divisional races and good hockey. Then why in the world would the Leafs only be schedule to play 1 divisional team in their final 7 games of the season? The NHL stresses divisional competition, but the 'brilliant' schedule makers don't have them playing against each other down the stretch. The final 5-10 games of the season are very important to divisional seeding, this is when division teams should be playing each other the most. Playing each team 3 times in final 12 games (depending on the size of the division) would create a lot excitement. It would give teams the opportunity to overtake someone by actually beating them, not by beating Florida Panthers or Washington Capitals.