The End

Let`s be honest here, it`s been pretty rough the past couple years for Leaf fans. We haven`t seen the playoffs in at least two, if not more years. We stink it up, then start getting better, and gain a little bit of false hope, only to be dropped back down.

Time To Rebuild

This was a big offseason for the Toronto Maple Leafs. This seasons is what they would like to call the begining of the rebuilding process. They got rid of some name guys, like Tucker, and McCabe (tentatively), and they made some acquisitions. They picked up the kinda guy they need, not as much the skilled guys, but more the guys who can mix it up a little. Guys who can play a little more of a physical role, but still score goals. The acquisition of forward Nicklas Hagman, and Defenseman Jeff Finger will add some depth to both offense and defence for the Leafs. Hagman is a gritty forward who scored closed to twenty goals last season. Jeff Finger is a great stay at home defenseman, who will be a great compliment to all the offense provided by defenseman like Tomas Kaberle. It`ll be great in helping us, making us not so exposed anymore in the back end.

The Real Problem

You see, the big problem with the Maple Leafs organization is that they make too much money. I think the fans need to start sending a message to the franchise that they won`t fill the rink every night for a team that`s not winning. I mean, do you really blame them, they have that brand new, Air Canada Center packed full every night, win or lose. Why would they spend the money to bring new, better players in, if they could just keep the roster they have and make all that money. Fans need to stop going to games, which I understand is a little bit too much to ask of a Leaf fan, but it`s the only way. Boycott the Toronto Maple Leafs if you want to see change.

The Battle Of Ontario

To me, being a diehard Leafs fan, I could easily say this is the best rivalry in hockey. Two big sports markets, two good teams, with great fans. Nothing could be better.

When I think of the Leafs VS. Senators rivarly, there's three things that really stand out in my mind.

Number One: When Alfredsson hit Tucker from behind, I remember it like it was yesterday. I absolutely lost my mind.

Number Two: How bad Patrick Lalime choked in game 7 in the 2004 playoffs. Alfreddson didn't help that at all though, he put the pressure on him when he garunteed victory in that series. Game seven just wasn't his night. He couldnt stop a beach ball if it was shot on him that night.

Number Three: In general, the pure hatred I have built up for Daniel Alfredson. Hate is a very strong word, but it's the only thing that fits how badly I dislike this man. He`s a great hockey player, I completely respect that. I`m just not sure what it is. It might be that dirty smirk that`s always on his face, or maybe when he hit Darcy Tucker from behind. Who knows.

Cujo Back Between the Pipes for the Blue and White

With the recent signing of goaltender Curtis Joseph to a one year $700,000 deal, the Leafs have found the perfect goaltender to replace the failure that was Andrew Raycroft. It’s easy to see that Cujo is ready for his second tenure with the Leafs. It’s a perfect position for him at this point in his career and a smart decision for the Leafs mostly because he’s the kind of veteran player who can help out rookie goaltender Justin Pogge, who should be ready to make his NHL debut sometime soon. Curtis Joseph first signed with Leafs after the 1997/1998 season. He held things down for a while and things were on the up and up, but rumours of a bad relationship with head coach Pat Quinn are possibly the reason for Cujo not resigning with Toronto. After his departure from Toronto, Joseph played for the Wings, the Phoenix Coyotes, as well as most recently with the Calgary Flames. It is easy to see that Cujo will fit in perfectly with Toronto in the 2008/2009 NHL season. He’s the perfect backup goaltender to Vesa Toskala. It’s great to see Cujo back in the blue and white.

Bryan McCabe. Over Played and Over Paid

Bryan McCabe #24 Defense Toronto Maple Leafs

Height: 6-2
Weight: 220
Shoots: Left
Born: Jun 8, 1975 - St. Catharines, Ontario
Draft: 1993 - 2nd round (40th overall) by the New York Islanders

To be honest, I can't say I hate him. Being a more offensive minded defenseman, at one point in my life I could say I modeled my play after Mr. McCabe here. He was excellent. Played defense, but still put pucks in the net. He was living the dream. Everyone loved him, he was making the big bucks, and more importantly earning the big bucks.

That's the problem now, he's getting payed $7.15M a year (a large portion of the payroll), and he's not producing. Even bigger than the problem of having him on the team, is the problem of not being able to get rid of him. With his contract, he also requested a no trade clause, which basically means he can't get traded, even if they want too. Which is something McCabe is sticking too. He won't wave it, all he wants is a buy out, which is way too rich for the Leafs' blood.

Maple Leafs Joke

It was the day after the final game, the Maple Leafs were clearing out their dressing room. McCabe was talking to Tucker and Sundin.

"Hey guys, want to come to a barbeque at my house on saturday?" He asks

"Yeah! Sure, that'd be awesome!" both Tucker and Sundin agree

"Guys, invite Paul (Maurice), see if he'll pick up the beer for me? I'll pay him back." McCabe says.

Sundin and Tucker talk to Paul Maurice, and he agrees.



Saturday rolls along and Paul Maurice just picked up the beer. On his way to McCabe's house he's stopped at a red light, and all he hears is honking and cheering. A bunch of crazed Leaf fans pull up next to him.

"Hey Paul, What's all the beer for?" they ask.

"Oh, that stuff? I got it for McCabe" He says.

Excitedly, the fans answer "Good deal, Good deal!"