Raptors’ win vs. Hornets proved Precious Achiuwa is the biggest X-factor

Raptors’ win vs. Hornets proved Precious Achiuwa is the biggest X-factor

The Toronto Raptors are getting prepared to make one last earnest charge at a postseason spot with this roster, as key names like Precious Achiuwa haven’t always been available due to injuries. With one of the easiest remaining schedules in the second half, they had a golden opportunity to start hot against the Charlotte Hornets. […]
Raptors’ win vs. Hornets proved Precious Achiuwa is the biggest X-factor – Raptors Rapture – Raptors Rapture – A Toronto Raptors Fan Site – News, Blogs, Opinion and More

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Author: Mike Luciano / Raptors HQ

What you need to know about Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Mac Hollowell

What you need to know about Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Mac Hollowell

Who doesn’t love NHL debuts?
We’re getting one with Mac Hollowell, who’s expected to man Toronto’s third line against New Jersey later tonight. With Morgan Rielly and Jake Muzzin out long-term, and no clear timeline for T.J. Brodie, the Leafs called up Hollowell and Victor Mete from the Marlies, with Hollowell skating with Jordie Benn on the third pairing during Tuesday’s practice.
It’s a long time coming for the 24-year-old, who made his AHL debut with the Toronto Marlies during the 2019 playoffs, with many of his defensive partners earning call-ups ever since.
Hollowell didn’t take any shortcuts to the NHL. He was drafted in the 12th round in 2014 by Kyle Dubas and was taken by the Leafs four years later as an overager. He played a fifth year with the Greyhounds before turning pro in 2019, where he helped fill a role on Toronto’s blueline during the playoffs. Hollowell then split the year between the AHL and ECHL, with him proving he was too good to be spending time with Newfoundland.
Hollowell was waived prior to the start of the season, but he’s been precious to the Marlies ever since. …

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Author: Steven Ellis / The Leafs Nation

Otto Porter Jr. needs to be more aggressive to lead Raptors bench

Otto Porter Jr. needs to be more aggressive to lead Raptors bench

The Toronto Raptors were getting some standout performances from their bench early in the season, but their effectiveness has since waned. Even a solid veteran like Otto Porter Jr. making his return can’t get Toronto any higher than 26th in bench points per game. Largely, Porter has been a success. The former Golden State Warriors […]
Otto Porter Jr. needs to be more aggressive to lead Raptors bench – Raptors Rapture – Raptors Rapture – A Toronto Raptors Fan Site – News, Blogs, Opinion and More

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Author: Mike Luciano / Raptors HQ

Karlsson as an option, trades before firings, and who is on the block: Rumours

Karlsson as an option, trades before firings, and who is on the block: Rumours

Nothing is better for getting people back to talking rumours than completely tanking what should have been a positive road trip experience. Normally the west coast equals a few easy wins, some fun Instagram pictures, and Leafs fans complaining about late start times. This time we were just treated to the start time complaints.
In the spirit of finding the answer to the Leafs’ problems through trades, let’s dive into what is out there:
Erik Karlsson is available
Last week TSN ran an Insider Trading segment basically saying that anyone not named Tomas Hertl was fair game on the Sharks. A friend of the site, @KeithWhipp, is strongly lobbying for Timo Meier as the player the Leafs should be focusing on with the Sharks. I tend to agree with him on this. As for what has been put in digital print by Toronto Media, they are a bit more focused on the blueline and Erik Karlsson’s name is the one that came up from Kevin McGran:
The Sharks, I’m told, are already in selling mode, which brings us to Erik Karlsson. He looks like his old self and looks as if he’s auditioning for a trade. He’s a right-handed puck-moving defenceman who may be trending back to elite status. He’s only 32 with five years remaining on a cap hit of $11.5 million (U.S.). Say that in an ironic way and make a joke about how that cap hit would fit right in with the Leafs. That said, if the Sharks could retain half … and take someone ba …

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Author: Jon Steitzer / The Leafs Nation

BJN Radio – Ep. 119: Dealing with heartbreak

What a strange movie that was.

After getting dominated in Game 1 of the wild-card series by Luis Castillo, the Blue Jays appeared to be running away with Game 2 as they tagged Robbie Ray and had an 8-1 lead in the sixth inning. But things went totally sideways after that, as the Mariners pulled off an epic rally to win the game 10-9 and take the series in a sweep.
We took a look back at the meltdown, where things went wrong, and why there’s no single person to put the blame on. We then looked ahead to the off-season and whether the front office will be prepared to make a big move over the winter.
You can listen to the episode here…
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Author: Cam Lewis / Blue Jays Nation