tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28305337.post1972481399793058015..comments2024-02-14T19:53:01.950-08:00Comments on Toronto Maple Leafs Legends: Nikolai BorschevskyJoe Pelletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01906327400250923397noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28305337.post-8617592569925457212017-07-09T11:00:57.854-07:002017-07-09T11:00:57.854-07:00I probably watched all of Borschevsky's games ...I probably watched all of Borschevsky's games as a Leaf, and a few in person. He was great to watch. When he was on the ice, just like with Gretzky, I ignored everything else and watched him. He was either going to make something happen, or get killed trying. Great skills. Great hustle. At a time when players started caring more about negotiating their salaries than trying to earn their millions, Nikolai played like a guy determined to EARN his salary.<br /><br />Arguably, Nikolai might have been the most talented offensive player the Leafs had in the 80-90's. Sadly, because of the injuries, that damn labour dispute...and just playing for the Leafs...he never got to shine. He took a POUNDING every game and kept coming back for more. But because he was on the Leafs, they didn't appreciate, or protect, him the way they should have. No big surprise there.<br /><br />If he was 15 years older, the "too small for the NHL" forward would've found himself in the WHA. He'd probably be playing on a line with a Dave Semenko to protect him and he'd be a Top 5 point scorer every season. He might even be called "The Russian Gretzky" (he-he).<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28305337.post-22249759965221275402011-04-06T08:45:02.354-07:002011-04-06T08:45:02.354-07:00Unbelievable.Unbelievable.Ashhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09255689918922724345noreply@blogger.com