Great read Colin and being a Hab fan who totally dislikes the Leafs something like this gives me a chance to chime in , I am in awe as to how faithful and protective the Leafs fans are of their team and I do not understand why , they deserve better than to have their hard earned money spent on a team that goes nowhere , doesn't make the playoffs and commits monumental blunder after monumental blunder, and their faithful still continue to be faithful , listen I am a Hab fan so we too are just as crazy for our team as Leafs fans are , the only difference is that we have something to root for , we have not won the cup since 93 but at least we regularly make the playoffs and at have a team to root for in the playoffs , I do not dislike Leaf fans, its the organisation I dislike, and maybe if Leaf fans would get sick and tired of the mediocrity the team may take heed, they never make the playoffs , why spend your hard earned money on them , why support a team that doesn't make the playoffs ... and here's the kicker !!! Many Leaf fans get on forums and chirp at other teams fans and boast that they have the best players and are going to win this and that and they never do , those obnoxious ones I have no sympathy for, but seriously Die Hard Fans nead a team that rewards die hard fans by giving their fans something to cheer about and I just dont see that with the Leafs, and with their monumental contracts to undeserving players that they will be saddled with for the forseeable future I just dont see any changes happening anytime soon and thats why I crow about the Leafs because their fans are huimans just like me and they deserve better

Very good post.

I guess the rebuttal from some would be, players should be able to play in a city with media pressure, they are pros.
- LeafMan

but it's not media pressure, it's media bullpoop. And if you have a choice to make the same money, pay less taxes, and NOT put up with the bullpoop, it's not that hard a choice.

Great read Colin and being a Hab fan who totally dislikes the Leafs something like this gives me a chance to chime in , I am in awe as to how faithful and protective the Leafs fans are of their team and I do not understand why , they deserve better than to have their hard earned money spent on a team that goes nowhere , doesn't make the playoffs and commits monumental blunder after monumental blunder, and their faithful still continue to be faithful , listen I am a Hab fan so we too are just as crazy for our team as Leafs fans are , the only difference is that we have something to root for , we have not won the cup since 93 but at least we regularly make the playoffs and at have a team to root for in the playoffs , I do not dislike Leaf fans, its the organisation I dislike, and maybe if Leaf fans would get sick and tired of the mediocrity the team may take heed, they never make the playoffs , why spend your hard earned money on them , why support a team that doesn't make the playoffs ... and here's the kicker !!! Many Leaf fans get on forums and chirp at other teams fans and boast that they have the best players and are going to win this and that and they never do , those obnoxious ones I have no sympathy for, but seriously Die Hard Fans nead a team that rewards die hard fans by giving their fans something to cheer about and I just dont see that with the Leafs, and with their monumental contracts to undeserving players that they will be saddled with for the forseeable future I just dont see any changes happening anytime soon and thats why I crow about the Leafs because their fans are huimans just like me and they deserve better
- toneez

Please read this out loud to yourself, all in one breath.

I'm a believer of filling an organizational need other then BPA.

If you have the need filled, then go after the BPA.
- LeafMan

Yeah but trying to fill an organ-I-zational need RIGHT NOW doesnt really work with the draft because a lot of times guys take a year or so to contribute. IMO teams should always take the best player available. Even if you have 7 top of the line right wingers or Defenseman or whatever, get another one, and then you can trade from that position of strength.

Great read Colin and being a Hab fan who totally dislikes the Leafs something like this gives me a chance to chime in , I am in awe as to how faithful and protective the Leafs fans are of their team and I do not understand why , they deserve better than to have their hard earned money spent on a team that goes nowhere , doesn't make the playoffs and commits monumental blunder after monumental blunder, and their faithful still continue to be faithful , listen I am a Hab fan so we too are just as crazy for our team as Leafs fans are , the only difference is that we have something to root for , we have not won the cup since 93 but at least we regularly make the playoffs and at have a team to root for in the playoffs , I do not dislike Leaf fans, its the organisation I dislike, and maybe if Leaf fans would get sick and tired of the mediocrity the team may take heed, they never make the playoffs , why spend your hard earned money on them , why support a team that doesn't make the playoffs ... and here's the kicker !!! Many Leaf fans get on forums and chirp at other teams fans and boast that they have the best players and are going to win this and that and they never do , those obnoxious ones I have no sympathy for, but seriously Die Hard Fans nead a team that rewards die hard fans by giving their fans something to cheer about and I just dont see that with the Leafs, and with their monumental contracts to undeserving players that they will be saddled with for the forseeable future I just dont see any changes happening anytime soon and thats why I crow about the Leafs because their fans are huimans just like me and they deserve better
- toneez

Did you read my above post showing how bad the habs have been too? You guys have a bloated level of success, whereas we know we are crap. Again since '93 we have more series wins and final 4 appearances. Not that it's a huge improvement but when you haven't made it in 10 years its pretty telling

Why do you blog about them Colin? Why not just stick to the Flames and forget about the team that bothers you?

Why do you blog about them Colin? Why not just stick to the Flames and forget about the team that bothers you?
- Popcorn Kid

no one in calgary cares about the Flames in the summer...

Why do you blog about them Colin? Why not just stick to the Flames and forget about the team that bothers you?
- Popcorn Kid

I watched an interview this morning from Bolland where he went on to say how the Leafs were the biggest thing in hockey, and it got me to thinking - if this is the case, and many accept it as such, why is it then that the most financially successful and "beloved" team in the NHL can't seem to get it right?

As a fan, like you, it stands to reason that we should question a team that is placed before you. It appears that mediocrity at best, is what the organization has been able to produce and yet we as fans continue to express the same sentiments every passing season - Well there's always next year.

As someone who writes, plays, and watches a lot of hockey, the notion that the Leafs are the Center of the hockey universe has bothered me. While I certainly understand that the NHL is strictly a form of entertainment, fans behind the Leafs support the heck out of their team and are not often rewarded.

Now, it's apparent that with 30 NHL teams not every team can be "the best" every year...but this particular organization displays similar trends every so often that doesn't provide confidence in their fan-base for their future....correct me if I'm wrong.

Again, the blog (as I offered) was meant to be a discussion toward the team being considered as the "center of the hockey universe" than it was to be a bashing of said team. People have different reasons for which they chose to follow a team. Some fans jump from team to team and show no loyalty while others stick to one team for their lives, regardless of their success rates.

And that's where I had hoped the conversation would go.

I think we Leaf fans may be addicted to chaos? I agree the team just continues to repeat mistakes. I have been a fan since about 1970...I grew up in Boston..in the Bobby Orr era and became a Leaf fan at an extrememly young age. It is somehow in my blood not to turn on them.. Year after year. Suffering after suffering (as a hockey fan that is)..Would be easy to be a Bruin fan like everyone else in my town, state etc.. But just cant jump ship. Get hope from time to time something will change. Defend bad players, bad trades, bad contracts.. also criticize the same players, trades, contracts..Again maybe it boils down to be being addicted to chaos and a losing franchise.. But still 365 days a year I like to read about them and will always cheer them on. Now this repsonse probably makes no sense to you or most.. Maybe what Bolland and others is talking about is that fan base. Look on this site. It seems the Leafs blogs attract the most visits and responses than any of the other teams bloggers. The franchise attracts a lot of attention..mostly negative but bottom line is people are always talking about them

We are very passionate about "our Leafs".

I'm sure anyone whose in a long term relationship knows we say and do stupid things when there is passion.

I watched an interview this morning from Bolland where he went on to say how the Leafs were the biggest thing in hockey, and it got me to thinking - if this is the case, and many accept it as such, why is it then that the most financially successful and "beloved" team in the NHL can't seem to get it right?

As a fan, like you, it stands to reason that we should question a team that is placed before you. It appears that mediocrity at best, is what the organization has been able to produce and yet we as fans continue to express the same sentiments every passing season - Well there's always next year.

As someone who writes, plays, and watches a lot of hockey, the notion that the Leafs are the Center of the hockey universe has bothered me. While I certainly understand that the NHL is strictly a form of entertainment, fans behind the Leafs support the heck out of their team and are not often rewarded.

Now, it's apparent that with 30 NHL teams not every team can be "the best" every year...but this particular organization displays similar trends every so often that doesn't provide confidence in their fan-base for their future....correct me if I'm wrong.

Again, the blog (as I offered) was meant to be a discussion toward the team being considered as the "center of the hockey universe" than it was to be a bashing of said team. People have different reasons for which they chose to follow a team. Some fans jump from team to team and show no loyalty while others stick to one team for their lives, regardless of their success rates.

And that's where I had hoped the conversation would go.
- Colin_Dambrauskas

Colin,

I am a Leafs fan. Have been my entire life of 47 years. Love them, loathe them, get frustrated by them, curse them, forgive them, and embrace them, often all in the same week. I'm a fan, that's what fans do. I have never proclaimed that they are the centre of the hockey universe, never said they are the be all and end all (except when it comes to cheering for my team, but not in general), and understand that they have highs and lows. That they have the largest fan base is a good thing. It was said the Leafs could sell tickets so that fans could watch them brush their teeth. Maybe they could.

But the thing is, and where I have my issue is, the fact that fans are blamed at perpetuating the myths you are describing, and this constant lecture by the media that fans are the problem and that they are the reason the Leafs are not as successful as the size of their fan base or financial success would justify. Every fan believes their team is a big deal. Every fan thinks their team is just a player or two, or a lucky bounce, or something small, away from achieving the next level. Leafs fans are no different from any other fans in that regard. I do agree with is that Leafs fans are rabid, loud, and unapologetic in both supporting and decimating their team. Most other fans don't like it, that's fair, but you put a post on this site, or others, about any other team and you get modest comments and reads. You post about the Leafs, and it becomes the hottest post on the site. Should Leafs fans apologize for following their team? I don't think so.

It is my belief, and my observation, that most of the so-called centre of the hockey universe comments come from the media, who continue to perpetuate these myths whenever possible in order to get ratings and consternation from non-Leafs fans. It is not Leafs fans, nor do I believe it is players or even the organization that perpetuate it, but the media. You watch TSN or Sportsnet for example, when they talk about a player who played a 1000 games in other team's uniforms, if they played one game as a Leaf they are described as "former Leaf" so and so. With the media concentration in Toronto, coupled with the largest fan base in hockey, and the most financially successful team in the league, it is inevitable that the Leafs will attract attention, from fans and trolls alike. But the proclamation as the center of the hockey universe is not self-imposed, rather it was a moniker hung on both the team and its fans by the media. I'm a Leafs fan, I support the team, I criticize them when they screw up, and that's my prerogative. If you are bothered by the center of the hockey universe comments, criticize those who truly impose and exploit it to their own benefit, the media.

That's my two cents for what it's worth.

no one in calgary cares about the Flames in the summer...
- drexel

Ya... I bet you know everyone in Calgary.

Colin,

I am a Leafs fan. Have been my entire life of 47 years. Love them, loathe them, get frustrated by them, curse them, forgive them, and embrace them, often all in the same week. I'm a fan, that's what fans do. I have never proclaimed that they are the centre of the hockey universe, never said they are the be all and end all (except when it comes to cheering for my team, but not in general), and understand that they have highs and lows. That they have the largest fan base is a good thing. It was said the Leafs could sell tickets so that fans could watch them brush their teeth. Maybe they could.

But the thing is, and where I have my issue is, the fact that fans are blamed at perpetuating the myths you are describing, and this constant lecture by the media that fans are the problem and that they are the reason the Leafs are not as successful as the size of their fan base or financial success would justify. Every fan believes their team is a big deal. Every fan thinks their team is just a player or two, or a lucky bounce, or something small, away from achieving the next level. Leafs fans are no different from any other fans in that regard. I do agree with is that Leafs fans are rabid, loud, and unapologetic in both supporting and decimating their team. Most other fans don't like it, that's fair, but you put a post on this site, or others, about any other team and you get modest comments and reads. You post about the Leafs, and it becomes the hottest post on the site. Should Leafs fans apologize for following their team? I don't think so.

It is my belief, and my observation, that most of the so-called centre of the hockey universe comments come from the media, who continue to perpetuate these myths whenever possible in order to get ratings and consternation from non-Leafs fans. It is not Leafs fans, nor do I believe it is players or even the organization that perpetuate it, but the media. You watch TSN or Sportsnet for example, when they talk about a player who played a 1000 games in other team's uniforms, if they played one game as a Leaf they are described as "former Leaf" so and so. With the media concentration in Toronto, coupled with the largest fan base in hockey, and the most financially successful team in the league, it is inevitable that the Leafs will attract attention, from fans and trolls alike. But the proclamation as the center of the hockey universe is not self-imposed, rather it was a moniker hung on both the team and its fans by the media. I'm a Leafs fan, I support the team, I criticize them when they screw up, and that's my prerogative. If you are bothered by the center of the hockey universe comments, criticize those who truly impose and exploit it to their own benefit, the media.

That's my two cents for what it's worth.
- rebel

Beauty.

Ya... I bet you know everyone in Calgary.
- IggyOnly

Kill him!

Colin,

I am a Leafs fan. Have been my entire life of 47 years. Love them, loathe them, get frustrated by them, curse them, forgive them, and embrace them, often all in the same week. I'm a fan, that's what fans do. I have never proclaimed that they are the centre of the hockey universe, never said they are the be all and end all (except when it comes to cheering for my team, but not in general), and understand that they have highs and lows. That they have the largest fan base is a good thing. It was said the Leafs could sell tickets so that fans could watch them brush their teeth. Maybe they could.

But the thing is, and where I have my issue is, the fact that fans are blamed at perpetuating the myths you are describing, and this constant lecture by the media that fans are the problem and that they are the reason the Leafs are not as successful as the size of their fan base or financial success would justify. Every fan believes their team is a big deal. Every fan thinks their team is just a player or two, or a lucky bounce, or something small, away from achieving the next level. Leafs fans are no different from any other fans in that regard. I do agree with is that Leafs fans are rabid, loud, and unapologetic in both supporting and decimating their team. Most other fans don't like it, that's fair, but you put a post on this site, or others, about any other team and you get modest comments and reads. You post about the Leafs, and it becomes the hottest post on the site. Should Leafs fans apologize for following their team? I don't think so.

It is my belief, and my observation, that most of the so-called centre of the hockey universe comments come from the media, who continue to perpetuate these myths whenever possible in order to get ratings and consternation from non-Leafs fans. It is not Leafs fans, nor do I believe it is players or even the organization that perpetuate it, but the media. You watch TSN or Sportsnet for example, when they talk about a player who played a 1000 games in other team's uniforms, if they played one game as a Leaf they are described as "former Leaf" so and so. With the media concentration in Toronto, coupled with the largest fan base in hockey, and the most financially successful team in the league, it is inevitable that the Leafs will attract attention, from fans and trolls alike. But the proclamation as the center of the hockey universe is not self-imposed, rather it was a moniker hung on both the team and its fans by the media. I'm a Leafs fan, I support the team, I criticize them when they screw up, and that's my prerogative. If you are bothered by the center of the hockey universe comments, criticize those who truly impose and exploit it to their own benefit, the media.

That's my two cents for what it's worth.
- rebel

... everyone hates the leafs but loves talking about em... GO LEAFS GO!!!

He's a Leafs fan...



(frank)ing hell the victim mentality you guys are going to is pathetic.

Hi Colin.

He's a Leafs fan...



(frank)ing hell the victim mentality you guys are going to is pathetic.
- AdamFrench

What the (frank)?

He's a Leafs fan...



(frank)ing hell the victim mentality you guys are going to is pathetic.
- AdamFrench

derka der

If this thread is a troll fest or becomes a place for insults it will be locked.

Sorry Colin, don't want it to get out of hand.
- LeafMan

Best shut er down!!

... everyone hates the leafs but loves talking about em... GO LEAFS GO!!!
- kiddels2

Such a strong word... I would say oversaturated... tired of hearing about them... along those lines

Ya... I bet you know everyone in Calgary.
- IggyOnly

at least 99%

Yeah but trying to fill an organ-I-zational need RIGHT NOW doesnt really work with the draft because a lot of times guys take a year or so to contribute. IMO teams should always take the best player available. Even if you have 7 top of the line right wingers or Defenseman or whatever, get another one, and then you can trade from that position of strength.
- BlazinMike

Would that not make negotiating a weakness ? If a team knows you have a glut in one position than you will get less back as the other team knows you need to unload 1-2 players from that position. having too many at one position is only useful if injuries/playoffs happen and the latter is not a huge factor for us.

... everyone hates the leafs but loves talking about em... GO LEAFS GO!!!
- kiddels2

Exactly. Probably all closet Leafs fans! lol

He's a Leafs fan...



(frank)ing hell the victim mentality you guys are going to is pathetic.
- AdamFrench

No victim mentality, just a statement that Leafs fans stick with their team through thick and thin, but we do not put ourselves ahead of any other team's fans. That crap emminates from others, yet it is convenient and easy to say that Leafs fans are the ones perpetuating that crap.

Ah well, at least we still have a team to complain about right??