Yes, it’s that time of year again Torontonians. It’s the time of year where everybody gives up their allegiance and starts rooting for teams that don’t don the blue and white. It’s the time of year when all that hope has finally given out and one of the NHL’s “marquee†teams has bitten the dust in the run for the Cup.
Yes, the Toronto Maple Leafs have officially been eliminated from the playoffs.
I know, it came a lot later than it has in the past few seasons, but in that way it’s sort of like Easter: It’ll happen sometime in the spring, but you’re never quite sure when.
So who will fans root for now? Will they take on another Canadian team in a show patriotic pride? Well the Canucks were the best team in the regular season, but we know about their playoff track record.
Will they take on *gasp*the Montreal Canadiens? The Leafs rivals since before time? Of course not, right? I mean, would you really want to see
They sure can’t root for the Boston Bruins. Remember, the further they go in the playoffs, the worse the Leafs first-round pick is this coming draft. Shocking, I know, the Leafs will actually pick in the first round this year! Crazy, right?
There’s always some good Western conference teams to root for. But how much do you know about a team that routinely plays at 10 p.m. and the Leafs only meet once or twice a year?
So, Maple Leafs fans, the choice is yours. Pick a new squad, strap in and get ready for a ride to the Stanley Cup. Or, you could just do what your heroes do and book some mid-April tee times. If the weather ever gets better that is.
Also, I don’t mean to rub it in about not being in the playoffs for seven years now. Remember, at the beginning of the season, I actually predicted the Leafs would make it! Shows what I know.
Follow me on Twitter @danbilicki
If it’s not the Leafs, then it has to be the Vancouver Canucks. Hopefully they don’t make like the Capitals and choke in the first round