Hey Andrew,

My name is Derek, I am the Maple Leafs community leader, and I just wanted to introduce myself.

Aside from posting post game analysis of every Leafs game (which I clearly can't do now unfortunately) I also post breaking news, as well as Maple Leafs Notes column, I usually write daily, or every other.

Here is a link to my latest Maple Leafs Notes:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/18623-Maple-Leafs-Notes-Leafs-Lead-Brunnstrom-Race-Draft-on-Tap

I gave you a shout out, the Brunnstrom article. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

Funny how it seems that some opinions personify their holders then...
As for my 'jealousy', I'm in London, Ontario, which means I'm just as close to Detroit as I am to Toronto in a relative sense, so the Red Wings are 'where I am'. I just have no interest in following them for the simple reason that there was absolutely zero thought put into building the team. The pieces were bought or just happened into (like Zetterberg and Datsyuk, I'm sorry but 7th and 6th round respectively was not "strategy" considering their talent, it was a fortunate accident). Also, they are not a superb team, they are a strong team in a weak division (like UNC in the ACC), playing 24 games a year against Columbus, Chicago and St. Louis is a great way to ensure first in the division and pad your stats, what's hilarious is they were only .500 in their own division this year!
As far as your assertion that the Cup pretty much belongs to Detroit and it will be a Wing receiving the Conn Smythe, how about you keep in mind that they have only won 3 playoff series since their Cup win in 01/02 and that they've been put out in the first round twice, the second round once and the third round once, all by teams with superb chemistry that didn't rely on aging star power.
My advice, put the silver polish away, actually WATCH a game or 2 and watch some teams like Minnesota, Dallas and Montreal for a lesson in competent team building and chemistry. If all you do is write fluff pieces on accolades that should be showered on the Red Wings, it doesn't make you a hockey writer, it makes you a Wings writer, and outside of Detroit, there really is not much of a market for those.

Opinions are like a**holes, everyone's got one and some are larger than others. Oh, you didn't offend me at all. I think you're jealous because the Red Wings are not where you are. Where are you anyway.

Nope, but I hear it's somethin'!
Don't hate bro. If you're going to put out the standard hometown boosting piece, you can't get mad when someone disagrees with your viewpoint.
As for my understanding of hockey, I'll have a chuckle about it next time I'm on the ice.
I'm gonna leave you with a piece of advice a coach gave me:
"A true sports fan is one who's able to boost a team that's not in the same area code as he is."

Do you even watch Hockey or understand it at all?

Hey Andrew,

I just wanted to let you know that Bleacher Report has launched out of beta with an updated look and feel and some great new features. Check out the "Game On" link in the header to find out more.

Next week we'll be launching the site to the world with some public announcements—and it'd be great to get a contribution from you between now and Tuesday to make Bleacher Report's launch a success.

Let me know if you need any help with ideas or have questions. Have a great weekend Andrew!

Zander

hey Andrew you can reach me at thecaptain@captainfanatic.com...I will be in touch...much thanks!!

best,

L.A. Vacek
I will have some info on www.tosports.ca

Hey Andrew..enjoying your writing...My name is Captain FANatic and I'm from Toronto
I'm publishing a sports rag for the GTA, T.O. Sports Magazine, a free monthly, looking to
see if you'd be interested in contributing!
visit me at captainfanatic.com and read my sports comic book too!

Though you and I seem to have two very different opinions, I really like your writing style. Very good points and arguements. Great job man.