In this week's Sports Illustrated, there's an article on the Toronto Maple Leafs and why they are so hated, written by Michael Farber. Is there anywhere I can read this article online?
By the way, Storm's gimmick includes 1.) telling the audience to shut up, and 2.) occasionally making everyone stand for the Canadian national anthem. You know they don't know what to do with a wrestler when he's making fans stand for a national anthem. It's like waving a white flag and saying, "This guy has no personality -- we give up."
I can summarize what it *probably* says for you...
Toronto in general is somewhat despised by a lot of the rest of the country (mainly the west). This is due to a conceived notion that we Torontonians have an air of superiority about us. Another contributing factor is that because the city and it's surrounding area has such an immensely huge population in comparison to anywhere else in Canada, we receive more attention and money from the federal government.
In terms of hockey, the Maple Leafs are one of the richest teams in the league, while the Flames and Oilers are routinely rumoured to be moving south. Many other Canadian teams are used to seeing their marquee players move onto greener pastures in the US because they simply can't afford to pay them. The Maple Leafs do not have this problem. Many Canadians probably believe that the Maple Leafs have bought their team, which is partly true I suppose, but their success in recent years has only made this point that much more sore.
Hockey Night in Canada broadcasts are also a sticking point for many Leaf-haters. Harry Neale and Bob Cole, the main announcers for the nationallly broadcast program, have been accused of being biased towards the Maple Leafs. The Leafs are also featured on HNIC almost every saturday, which may stir up some resentment towards them, and their fans.
Then there are Montreal fans, who are only jealous that the Leafs have had some playoff success the last few years, while the Habs have squandered in mediocrity.
Scabby covers it pretty well...Toronto is a hated city nationwide.
I'd like to read the article as well. But it turns out the author is from Montreal and is in tight with les Canadiens, so it's not like he's free of bias.
The article sure has had talk radio up in arms around here today.
Scabby forgot to mention the phenomenal amount of whining and diving the Leafs did last year in the playoffs. The complaining started from the top, Ol' Stogie Breath himself, Pat Quinn, and seemed to permeate the lineup. Domi, Corson and noted cheapshot artist Darcy Tucker were, of course, the leaders in this category.
I've never particularly liked the Leafs,but then I didn't dislike them too deeply either. After last spring, though, I have no use for them at all (save the always classy Mats Sundin)
I do agree with the other points made by Scabby, especially the preferential treatment that the Leafs get from HNIC. Bob Cole, master of the verbal blowjob, would have you think that the Leafs' former goalie Cujo was a shoe-in for the Hall of Fame (he's not) and that Mats Sundin was the greatest player since Gretzky, rather than the guaranteed point a game guy he actually is. While home team announcers are necessarily biased, Cole is not only broadcasting to the entire country, but regularly goes way over the line into pure hyperbole(in a manner reminiscent of Tony Schiavone)
"Emotional feedback on timeless wavelengths, bearing a gift beyond price- almost free" -- Rush
As a diehard Leafs fan, I honestly don't really see where a lot of the hate comes from. It's more anti-Toronto than anti-Leafs, if you ask me.
For all of you Canadian hockey fans that do hate the Leafs, comfort yourselves with this.
Montreal= 7 Cups (that I can remember) since 1967 Calgary= Stanley Cup in 1989 Edmonton= 5 Cups in the 1980's Ottawa= Not a great playoff record, but hey: only been in the league ten years, and at least they're in the playoffs every year Vancouver= Finalists in 1994
Toronto= JACKSHIT since 1967, other than several trips to the final four
I was born in a manger, like that other guy. You know, he wore a hat?
There is a poll on Faceoff.com which asks the question what is the most hated team in the NHL. The last time I looked Toronto held a commanding lead at 40%. The Rangers and Flyers come second and third, with less than half of the votes the leafs received.
"Emotional feedback on timeless wavelengths, bearing a gift beyond price- almost free" -- Rush
"I hate the Leafs cause of what they did to Peca." ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amen, my brother. That was a dirty hit through and through and I was amazed that the league didn't do anything to Tucker for that.
I used to be completely indifferent about the Leafs up until the playoffs two seasons ago, when I really stood up and take notice of how much of a goon squad they've become. It wouldn't be so bad if they had any positive attributes in their play whatsoever.
Tucker's hit was within the rules of the NHL. It may have been low, but if you've got a problem with it, take it up with Colin Campbell or Mike Murphy and see about changing the rules of the league.
I'm of two minds about that hit...yeah, it was legal, especially in the playoffs. It's certainly something that would be called this year with the new enforcement of the rules, though.
But it did seem like Tucker was deliberately going after Peca's knees...and now, it's really tough watching Peca struggle to come back-has a talented player had his career prematurely ended? I hope not.
December 6-Leafs on the Island. Should be worth watching!
The last time I looked Toronto held a commanding lead at 40%. The Rangers and Flyers come second and third, with less than half of the votes the leafs received.
I can't say I'm particularly shocked with the poll, though from a personal standpoint, Philly and Ottawa would be WAY out in front.
Philadelphia is a dirty team. Bobby Clarke seems DETERMINED to one way or another build another dynasty of tough guys. I am shocked he hasn't worked harder to land Zdano Chara who's BIG AND TOUGH! They don't seem to care about playing solid defense and worry about defending their zone so much as intimidating the opponents and crashing the net.
Toronto deserves some of their rep, but I can't hate them.... They've knocked Ottawa out of the playoffs too many times for me to say anything negative about 'em.
Originally posted by cfgbThe last time I looked Toronto held a commanding lead at 40%. The Rangers and Flyers come second and third, with less than half of the votes the leafs received.
I can't say I'm particularly shocked with the poll, though from a personal standpoint, Philly and Ottawa would be WAY out in front.
Philadelphia is a dirty team. Bobby Clarke seems DETERMINED to one way or another build another dynasty of tough guys. I am shocked he hasn't worked harder to land Zdano Chara who's BIG AND TOUGH! They don't seem to care about playing solid defense and worry about defending their zone so much as intimidating the opponents and crashing the net.
Toronto deserves some of their rep, but I can't hate them.... They've knocked Ottawa out of the playoffs too many times for me to say anything negative about 'em.
You are a trader......
You are not a true Ottawaian Citizen.
Bah!
How much wood can a wood chuck chuck, if a wood chuck could chuck wood?
I cheer for a hockey team who while having had their problems making the playoffs in the past (like Ottawa), once having made it there actually did something with themselves (unlike Ottawa)!
I cheer for a hockey team who while having had their problems making the playoffs in the past (like Ottawa), once having made it there actually did something with themselves (unlike Ottawa)!
Traitor...trader Trade Her....bah whatever.
Chris...you are off my Christmas list!
Darryl...
How much wood can a wood chuck chuck, if a wood chuck could chuck wood?
Originally posted by The GoonI'm of two minds about that hit...yeah, it was legal, especially in the playoffs. It's certainly something that would be called this year with the new enforcement of the rules, though.
But it did seem like Tucker was deliberately going after Peca's knees...and now, it's really tough watching Peca struggle to come back-has a talented player had his career prematurely ended? I hope not.
December 6-Leafs on the Island. Should be worth watching!
Maybe I have to take another look at the hit, but I remember it looking a little too low to me. But let's face it. The man made no attempt to even hide the fact that it was deliberate. It was as blatant as Domi's high elbow on Niedermayer the previous year.
As for Peca struggling...well, he did come back early (wasn't supposed to be back til the 6th, coincidentally enough, but had to be brought back due to the Isles' return to the land of suckitude, I'm sad to say). He's a tough guy, he should be back to form before long.
Anxiously waiting for the sixth. Lets just hope the orange jerseys stay in the locker room that night.
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