The Greatest Canadian NHL Franchise: Part Two of Six - Playoff Appearances

ASR by Scribe Written on August 19, 2008
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Son-of-a Canuck!  

Okay, this Leaf fan is admittedly a little perturbed at Montreal’s early lead in the race to see who the greatest Canadian NHL franchise is. 

As some of you may recall, Montreal jumped out to a dominant first-round victory with an impressive 30 percent score in the Stanley Cup category of analysis.

I hate ‘em.

For those of you who missed it, you can check out the article, or just take my word that the first round rankings looked something like this:

1.       Montreal – with a score of 6.24

2.       Edmonton – with a score of 3.70

3.       Toronto – with a score of 2.82

4.       Calgary – with a score of 0.74

5.       Ottawa – with a score of 0.00

6.       Vancouver – with a score of 0.00

There was some excellent feedback to the piece, I must say.  I was especially interested in those comments that referenced suggestions that I design a formula to take mathematical account for the impact of league expansion on Cup chances.

Touché.

Counterpoint: As the league has continued to grow, winning a Cup has not gotten easier per se.  Expansion has watered down talent to where a good team can dominate a mediocre league as opposed to a great team fighting to compete among other great teams.

In a sea of mediocrity, sometimes motivation and passion can overcome skill.

Just ask the 2006 Oilers.

If I should have accounted for anything, it would have been the inclusion of some equation that factors in the difficulties of establishing a dynasty-style championship run in the salary cap era.  Well that, and maybe Ottawa’s 23-point season.

I just thought I’d throw that one out there.  Come on, ten wins all year?  That must

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written on August 19, 2008 Opinion

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