THANKS! IT'S BEEN A GREAT RIDE
As a Leaf fan and one who has covered the team for various
internet publications like this one for some time, it is articles
like this that I have only dreamed of writing. No matter what
happens in the playoffs, this season has been a complete success.
Over the course of the season, reports have been written too
numerous times to count, waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Waiting for the extended losing streak, waiting for all
the good that happened up to a certain point to be forgotten by
some negativity. It really never happened.
In years past, postseason wrap-up discussed what went wrong, who
disappointed, who did not perform up to expectation, would the
coach survive the off-season, who should be dealt, what is needed
in the long off-season? Not this time. This has been a terrific
season for the Leafs, one that no one predicted. Here are some
of the gems from the various publications - with all do apologies
to those who wrote them:
1. Leafs Leave Lot To Be Desired- headline from the Toronto Team
report from the Hockey News' Ultimate Fantasy Guide. P. 44
2. There's little to suggest they'll score more - oops they went
from 194 goals last season, 4th to last in the league to 268,
number one in the league - same source.
3. The opposition and arena may be the features that most
separate this year's Leafs from last year's team. The Hockey
News Yearbook p. 122
4. Predicted standings for the Northeast division (first to
last): Buffalo, Boston, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto: oops
5. Projected Point Leaders: 1.Sundin - 72, Berezin - 31, Thomas
30. Actual finish: Sundin - 31g 52a and 83 points; Berezin - (in
76 games) 37g 22a and 59p; - Thomas 28g 45a 73 points.
Not one of the Toronto dailies would be willing to publish any of
their own predictions this week. This past Sunday, not one
article offered congratulations, never did they give anyone a pat
on the back. Instead the articles were all about how they were
going to struggle in the playoffs or how which team would
be less likely to sweep the Leafs in the first round.
The entire team should be given a huge thank you.
Every time those small little fires were expected to grow into
big "four alarmers" they were handled well and efficiently.
The Schneider episode was expected to be a major problem, the
deal a total disaster. Instead the trade worked out very well,
thank you. One thing that was predicted correctly was that the
Potvin affair would linger on, and so it did. However as critics
lambasted management for diddling, blowing deal after deal, in
the end, holding out was well worth the wait. As rumors ran
rampant about who fans could hope to get in return for the
goaltender, pundits claimed that people should not expect
anything more than 2nd or 3rd line players and maybe a draft pick
or two. Instead, club Maple Leaf landed a player with such a big
upside that even Al Strachan, the ultimate Maple Leaf nay sayer
had to give his approval. Something big Al has not done in
years, if ever at all.
45 wins, 97 points, 6-2-2 in their last 10 games, second only to
Boston's 7-3-0 in their division is quite impressive. The Leafs
head into the playoffs with nothing to lose. There were no
expectations going into the season, and they are getting the same
treatment entering the playoffs. For the most part the team is
healthy. Berezin was banged up pretty good in the last game
against Montreal, Korolev is expected back as well. It is
doubtful that McCauley will be able to return for the first
round, and as is customary in the playoffs, injuries are not
updated by teams still in contention.
It seems quite odd to say it, but their could be small piece of
fate on their side too. If ever there was a time to play the
Philadelphia Flyers in the playoffs, this is it. Lindros
is not playing. Recchi has been cleared to play but it is
unknown just how effective he will be. While the Flyers will not
be a pushover, to play the monstrous Flyers without their number
one giant has to be worth something.
People must also remember what the pundits said about Curtis
Joseph when he was signed. Those who questioned the move
suggested that the Leafs would have no need for CUJO, in that he
plays his best hockey in the playoffs and all he would be doing
in the spring in Toronto is playing golf. Well, CUJO who has had
been terrific all season will get a shot to display his playoff
heroics that Leaf fans remember from that classic series earlier
in the decade when he was part of the St. Louis Blues.
Regardless of what happens in the playoffs, it says here 98-99
was a great one in Toronto for the first time in a long time.
The future will hopefully only get better. Go get 'em, boys.
