Sportsnet unveils broadcasting team for Stanley Cup Playoffs

According the multiple online reports, Sportsnet has decided on its broadcasting team for the upcoming Stanley Cup Qualifying round and, presumably, the Stanley Cup Playoffs, as well. Oh... and in case you forgot former TSN play-by-play man Chris Cuthbert is now officially a member of the Sportsnet team. As it turns out Cuthbert will make his Sportsnet debut calling Western Conference games in Edmonton while long time Sportsnet broadcaster Jim Hughson will call Eastern Conference games in Toronto.

Check it out:

Sportsnet announces broadcast teams for NHL hub cities:  Edmonton: Chris Cuthbert with Louie DeBrusk, calling the Western Conference qualifying series w/Canadian teams Toronto: Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson, with Canadian teams in Eastern series.

Pretty standard, right? Two of the best in the game, arguably the two VERY best in the game, calling the biggest games of the year. Again... pretty standard and honestly 100% predictable. Well... don't say that to a Toronto Maple Leafs fan...

Leafs fans are going absolutely BALLISTIC online in reaction to Hughson's assignment. It seems that a large portion of Leafs Nation isn't exactly enamoured with Hughson, despite the fact that he has a near 40 year history as one of the NHL's top broadcasters. He has been the lead play-by-play man on Hockey Night in Canada since 2008, taking over for the legendary Bob Cole on the broadcast's Leafs games. 

To be fair though, you can see how and why some Leafs fans may not be satisfied with Hughson's work. After all, he is a Western Canadian guy who resides in White Rock, BC just outside of Vancouver. He got his big break in media working Vancouver Canucks radio broadcasts and, as any Canucks fan will tell you, Hughson's affinity for his hometown team really stands out when broadcasting them. When he calls Leafs games though... well he can be a bit flat. But... let's get real...

The reason why Leafs fans don't like Hughson is because he doesn't "fan boy" out like radio announcer Joe Bowen or the aforementioned legend Bob Cole. The fact is that Hughson is a very accomplished broadcaster who has earned top spot on the game's top broadcast. And besides Cuthbert has a knack for calling big moments in Western Canada...