 I got through this entire hockey season without once offering my opinion on the Leafs. It wasn't easy, but I did it. Now that it's over, here's my assessment...
This photo says it all. The Toronto Maple Leafs is the ultimate "Boys Club". On the left, Ron Wilson - a coach whose only talents seem to be insulting the media and maintaining a losing record. On the right, Brian Burke - feared, respected...and completely over-billed. Brian Burke does two things I don't like: He bestows honours before they're earned...(Pheneauf as captain - when he's really much better at marketing "Red Bull"); and he hangs in with losers far too long. (Ron Wilson, Vesa Toskala, Mats Sundin - that lazy, selfish...so-and-so.)
I was angry when the Leafs fired Paul Maurice. He was a great coach here, but he had a lousy team. Since leaving Toronto, he's consistently taken Carolina to the play-offs. What's Ron Wilson done...?
The problem with the Toronto Maple Leafs is deep. It involves hunger. There isn't any. Brian Burke is comfy. He has another 2 years in his god-like GM's contract. Ron Wilson isn't concerned either. His pal "Burkie" has already said "Ronnie" is staying behind the bench. And Wilson makes it clear to anyone with a mic that he's made plenty of money and he really couldn't care any less if he was let go from Toronto. (I'm sure there are thousands who feel the same!)
The problem with the Leafs is, there's no incentive to WIN. The ACC is always full. TML is the most profitable hockey franchise there is. Yes, the old boy's club is alive and well in Toronto. They're fat, they're happy, and worst of all...they're staying.
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Buddies in Bad Times
