Toronto Maple Leafs – Diaries of a 17th Place Team

How can a legion of fans known as “Leaf Nation” be so disillusioned as to think they have a shot at not only making the playoffs, but being successful once there?

I’m all for the “never say die” attitude, however, where is the line between allegiance and stupidity?

Should a team outright throw a game? NO. But would this be a good time to throw in a guy like Justin Pogge to gain some experience in goal, absolutely. We’ve all seen what a little experience last year did for Carey Price in Montreal, he’s now potentially on his way to be a World Class goaltender. Should Leaf fans not want the same?

With such a rich draft pool this year, regardless of where the Leafs fall (outside of the playoffs of course), they’re guaranteed a decent pick in the first round. However, finishing in the bottom six would guarantee them A CHANCE at all but guaranteed first overall pick Steven Stamkos. What could be better?

The problem – THE LEAFS KEEP WINNING!

Before the trade deadline, cries of “Trade _____” (fill in any half decent player on the roster) were the consensus. “Throw the season” was often spoken by fans on local talk radio stations.

Then suddenly, without warning, it stopped.

Slowly but surely the Leafs began winning. Winning “must win” games against Philly and continuing through to a big win last night against provincial rivals, the Ottawa Senators.

Can you fault the players for wanting to win? They’ve been taking so much criticism and personal attacks, how can you now want to prove your worth. Could their be a better time?

I want to say my biggest gripe is with the fans. The supposed “Leaf Nation”. So willing to give it all up when they felt there was no hope for the playoffs this year. In my opinion, they still don’t have much of a shot at the last playoff spot with only 6 games left and 4 points between them and Philly (not to mention Boston, Washington, Buffalo and Florida in the mix as well).

However the fans have now changed their tune as they not only believe the team has a shot – they expect it!

Shame on the media most of all though. No one fuels this fire more than the radio show hosts and “highlight jockeys” (trademark!). When I hear phrases like “ONLY four points back”, I want to rip out my eye balls. “ONLY four points back” assumes that all the other teams that are in the mix will ALL lose their games from now until the end of the season. Further more, it assumes the Leafs will even win 2 of 6 games – and that’s just to tie!

False hope is a bitch! Leaf fans are going to be very disappointed when their career 17th place team does it again. Lose in October, lose until the all star break. Lose some more until the trade deadline. Then win! But don’t win all your games, just enough to get RIGHT THERE, just enough to give fans a taste.

But isn’t that what they want though? Just a taste…