Toronto Woes: What's Wrong With the Leafs?
What a daunting question. I can't help but think perhaps if they used proper spelling of their name they might have a chance. We all know it's "leaves" NOT "Leafs." But the main problem with the Leafs (I shudder whenever I say it) is that...well there are two problems.
One is they think they are better than they really are. They are the cubic zirconias of the NHL. Whenever they get a new goalie, they think it's the second coming. So many previous goalies were unable to lead the team for a drink from the holy grail. They have to realize that one player does not make a team. Until they do. They will forever be a mis-spelt losing team.
The other problem is that ownership really doesn't care if they win a Stanley Cup or not. They don't need to win it. The one thing about Toronto fans is this: they are a loyal lot. The ACC (Air Canada Centre) is mostly sold out for all the Leafs' regularly scheduled games. They generate a lot of revenue on concessions and merchandise. They are in no trouble of folding and being sold to an American city (although I'm sure Gary Bettman would like nothing better).
The only people that care about whether they win a Stanley Cup are the grandchildren of the fans who last saw them win one way back in 1967. Thank God I'm a Montreal fan. It's only been fourteen years for me.
The only thing that the Toronto Maple Leafs have that the Montreal Canadiens don't is a black and white photograph of their last Stanley Cup win.
Perhaps if they changed the periods from twenty minutes to eighteen minutes, Toronto might win a few extra games. It's either that or bringing back Johnny Bower.
