Well, it’s just a little over 24 hours past the final gasp for the Canucks, as they [sob] lost to San Jose, and with the second consecutive loss to the Sharks, now have playoff hopes filled with decent tee-off times. I am filled with questions. What players will stay and go? Will Crawford keep his job? If not, who could be the next head coach?
Well, this post is not dedicated to such issues. In fact, this is my last gasp as a Canucks fan this year, as the season draws to a close after this weekend. And I have one last dying desire this season.
THAT THE TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS ALSO MISS THE PLAYOFFS
Maybe I’m a bitter, little man, but let’s examine my point of view, shall we? As a Montrealer exhiled to Toronto for FAR TOO MANY YEARS, I grew up with a love of hockey, a great respect for les glorieux club de hockey Canadiens de Montreal, and with it, severe nausea or worse in respect to the Leafs. For years, the Habs did well, the Leafs sucked, I was happy, my family was happy, Leaf fans jumped on the bandwagon of whatever team was successful. Things were in balance.
Enter Gary Bettman. Fucktard, as I like to call him, shifted the balance of power in the NHL. Tradition meant nothing anymore. It all became about marketing, which, surprise surprise, coincided with a massive Fox Sports contract with the NHL, benefiting a great many American clubs, and thusly screwed 5 of the 6 Canadian clubs.
The one exception? The Leafs. Why? I have speculation. Toronto is the only city 99.44% of America actually knows exists north of the border.
Chaos ensues. Montreal and Vancouver miss the playoffs, Toronto makes them consistantly. Canadian teams near bankruptcy.
Needless to say, things have righted themselves somewhat. There is a more even playing field financially, which means that there is more skill than money involved in building a team. Four Canadian teams are going to the postseason for sure.
Just the Leafs won’t die. 4 points out, 2 games left, they just keep hanging on. Thankfully, they have the Senators to deal with Saturday night. Go Sens Go. Put Old Yeller out of it’s misery.
In my dying words for the season, I feel Captain Ahab’s dying word’s appropriate (from Moby Dick, obviously):
Towards thee I roll, thou all-destroying but unconquering whale; to the last I grapple with thee; from hell’s heart I stab at thee; for hate’s sake I spit my last breath at thee.
That is all.
