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| Self explanatory. |
Before I begin, I'm well aware that this week's column could be one that brings me hate mail. That being said, I felt it's time to actually sit and discuss 'Leafs Nation.' What's that? Forty-five years (and counting) without the Stanley Cup, you say? Well as you can see, I'm not their biggest fan. My hockey loyalties lie elsewhere. While there are six other Canadian NHL teams, wherever I've been, I seem to encounter a score of Leafs fans for every non-Leaf fan.
What baffles me is the fact that despite such a pathetic record – including seven years without playoff hockey – the team still continues to be one of the NHL's most valuable teams. I took Perspectives on Hockey as my Gen Ed during my first year, and that's where my eyes were opened. I will attribute most of my hockey knowledge to that class and NHL 2002, not frozen ponds and rubber pucks, which sadly don't exist in tropical India.
I've heard many stories on what went wrong for the Leafs during this past year. Some fans say goaltending, and it turns out that post 2005, James Reimer had the best save percentage with .912. Other fans say the lack of a franchise player, someone of the status of say Nick Lidstrom or Steve Yzerman for Detroit. Obviously, every team wants to have a franchise player on the roster so really this is no reason for the Leafs to be struggling if you ask me. Sometimes all it takes is luck and good scouting.
The reason I've come across most often is Brian Burke. Now, I know I'm in no position to comment on his performance as general manager, although it does seem that Leafs fans have given up hope in their GM. I've even come across a thread called "Official Brian Burke Thread; Let Your Anger Out" on the official Leafs website, something I've never ever seen on any pro teams website. I even remember a Don Cherry blast when he cried the Leafs were the only team to not have a player from Ontario on the roster last season (unless you count London's Nazem Kadri's cup of coffee with the team). It got me thinking, why (arguably) does Ontario's biggest hockey team not have an Ontarian on the roster? I'm sure Burke has his reasons and I'm not one to dabble in his affairs.
The streak will end, I know it. Manchester City from the English Premier League ended their 35- year run without a trophy in 2011 and followed that up with their first league title in 44 years the following season; if they can do it, so can the Maple Leafs. Until then, let's all laugh at them.
Originally Written for the Interrobang: http://www.fsu.ca/interrobang_article.php?storyID=8864§ionID=4&issueID=212
Image Credit: http://pisarek.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2006/04/Leafjersey.JPG
Video Credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLdTKNXpCqs
when the most valuable team in your league is not the winningest you know your business model is very good and everyone else's is plain bad.
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