Toronto Maple Leafs coach Paul Maurice started training camp by promising this season would see the Leafs, not only make the playoffs, but also be a real contender for the cup next spring. Statements like that are not only bold, but also very stupid. For Toronto, a team that has missed the last two playoffs (by small margins, but still), it seems especially dumb. Why would you put that kind of pressure on a team that has been underachieving and now has the benefit of playing the underdog?
I still don't think Toronto is where GM Ferguson wants them to be. Sure, they may reach the post season, but anything past the second round would be an upset. Now, is that statement as bold as Maurice's? I don't think so.
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Don't mean to tinker with a good article but I don't think GM Ferguson is where Toronto wants him to be. But I'll get back to that.
As far as Maurice's comments is concerned, he is certainly not alone with such prophies in Hogtown. Leaf fans are so passionate about the Blue and White to the point where all grip on reality is lost and thus they become delusional. Every October marks the beginning of a new "Cup year" in T.O. and a 40-year championship drought has taught Leaf Nation nothing as they still fill the seats at ACC and, before, at the Gardens (man I miss that place!). Due to this, the Leaf front office has never seen the need to replace an inferior product on the ice which is why I really don't think the Buds are ever underachieving in any facet of the game. They simply stink.
This season's Leaf production is really tough to predict. I see a slight improvement from last year mainly because the goaltending has been boosted with the addition of Toskela. He is not an All-Star but he will prevent Raycroft from starting 80% of the games which he had no business in doing. Defensively, they're gonna give Swede Anton Stralman a good look-see at camp but in my opinion they should utilize another Swede more, namely, Staffan Kronvall as their blue line is already are loaded with decent puck movers. Offensively, Blake adds some spark but in reality the Leaf attack is of the same caliber as last year. OK, so I'll make one prediction: For the first time in many years the Leafs leading point getter will not be #13 but Kyle Wellwood. We'll see how that prophecy goes.
Now back to Mr. Ferguson. Since Leaf fans are all but sure of bringing Lord Stanly's mug back to Toronto every year, John Ferguson has become public enemy numero uno as he has failed to deliver this prize during his tenure. This is why he is not where the rest of the city wants him to be which, in turn, has led to countless Scotty Bowman sightings all over town and the rumor mill keeps spinning. Did I say delusional?
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