The Leafs

The D has decided to post his thoughts on this season's incarnation of the Maple Leafs. Beyond predicting that they will win the Stanley Cup this spring, and break numerous NHL records, here are some thoughts.

The D took advantage of the DML's corporate Leaf tickets last night, and had some very interesting thoughts come to mind as to the differences between this year's team and previous.

First off - for the first time that the D can remember, there seems to be an air of self-mocking around the Air Canada Centre. The newest feature in the scoreboard cam bits, that are done in every arena is called something like "Spot The Suit". The camera operator proceeds to zero in on bored looking corporate types wearing ties in the Platinum section.

Second - the new motto around the ACC - "Spirit Is Everything". If this is not an acknowledgment of how much of a joke the on-ice product has become, it sure is close. MLSE has now decided to basically give out points for participation.

The D can never remember Leaf management poking such fun at itself before.

Third - there is no bonafide superstar on this Leafs team. This team is filled with guys who could probably walk down the street in any other NHL city and not be recognized. Quick - name me all 3 defensive pairings for the Leafs...


The D can remember going to games at Maple Leaf Gardens as a boy, with one of the most vivid memories of that place (besides the smoke filled hallways and Buffalo Bills-style trough urinals) is the inherent distaste that true Leaf fans had for their team. In the 80s the fans knew that their team was garbage, and loudly vocalized that at the games. The D feels that he learned how to be properly critical of a hockey game from witnessing those horrible Leaf teams. The atmosphere at last night's game felt more like those early Leaf experiences than it ever has recently.

The point the D is trying to make is that this year's team is bad. Ownership knows it, management knows it, and the fans know it.

PS - thanks alot John Ferguson Jr for leaving us with Jason Blake and his ridiculous contract. The only thing you were ever qualified to GM was your local McDonald's.