Trouble in Toronto
Why are the Leafs still struggling to become a contender……
As a Leafs fan, I have struggles through numerous disappointing seasons. Except for some good years in the early 90’s (93′ mainly) and early 2000’s there has been little in my life time to get really excited about. despite this I still love the Leafs, the history and the fans…
This is what drives my question….
The ACC is packed every night despite the standings, and there still is and always will be a 10 year wait on the Season Ticket list. This is what many people use as an explination as to why the leafs have not gotten better or won a cup in 40+ years. The pressure is there but the money still rolls in……
I understand this point, and all I can do, is shake my head. I compare the Leafs to the Yankees in baseball – not the same level of success but simply the market is crazy for its team, the fan base is exceptional, their pockets are deep, and fans either love of hate them….
This is where the similarities end.. the one thing with the Yankees that differs from the Leafs is the expectation to win and not once but every night and every year. Both the Leafs and Yankees are steeped in tradition and in both cases management has a strong selling product. In NY despite revenue or attendance, if you don’t win then changes will be made as a team will be fielded that will win.
Don’t get me wrong I hate the Yankees, and I know they always are trying to buy a title, but what I do admire is the drive by upper management to constantly win and not just make the playoffs but win the Series. That is the only true success for the Yankees.
So a team like the Leafs that is just as financially set and has as much history as the Yankees, the only glitch I see is management, and not just the GM, but the entire office. Huge changes are needed in Toronto, and until these changes occur we will not see a cup in TO. The current group does not know how to win. The blame can not be placed on the players or the coaches, they are attempting to work with what they have been given, the blame rests on upper management and their inability to manage the team……
In any other city the Leafs would have won a cup in the last 40 years, simply because management would have been forced to make changes …… Some times its not the best to be in a huge hockey market….
Just my 2 cents..
B