2024-25 Toronto Maple Leafs General Discussion

[ZBBM]

I agree that all would like better results in the playoffs but watching 82 boring games during the year would make many lose interest. Hockey is entertainment, that's all it is and I have zero interest in watching a boring team. And while I would enjoy the Leafs winning the cup, overall, I couldn't care less. My name isn't going on the trophy and I'm not getting paid millions to play so it really wouldn't affect my life in the least except for a few bragging moments that "my team" won.

I would love to see them win a Cup but otherwise I agree with this. Too many of the games this season were unwatchable. This is totally the fault of the league. They REALLY needs a new commissioner. Talk about way past the best-by date.

 

[cabber24]

There's very few people on this planet that can do what Mitch Marner does.

If you ever make it to a game, watching his warmup is my favourite part about going. His skating and hands are unbelievable. The kids adore him for being small and skilled. If he goes, the spectacle will be missed.

I want to win, but reallocating Marner's cap hit does not necessarily mean we will get better. I think a lot of us are so jaded by this franchise that we're willing to see what's on the other side just to see.

 

[AtomicMapleLeaf2]

I'm on team bring it back with tweaks, this was the most viable SCF team since what 2003? And they brought it back with tweaks.

 

[mr grieves]

Wanting it all and what you eventually settle for are two different things. We are all assuming that Mitch Marner is not going to settle. He will. He'll give up on some of his asks. As we all do when we negotiate a new job.

To be honest, I'm not sure why we assume he's asking for it all.

I don't know why you think it's an assumption. I think it's observable that he wants all those things.

Because his last contract and reported next one make him one of the highest paid players in the league, we can see he wants to maximize his earnings; because he very obviously wants to win and is upset when things don't go that way, we can see he wants to win; and because he clearly doesn't let criticism from the media, fans, or coaches roll off his back, we can see he wants to maximize the esteem in which he's held or minimize the noise that comes with being a highly paid star in a hockey-mad market on a team that doesn't go deep in the playoffs.

 

[Guilt Trip]

I would love to see them win a Cup but otherwise I agree with this. Too many of the games this season were unwatchable. This is totally the fault of the league. They REALLY needs a new commissioner. Talk about way past the best-by date.

Only league that punishes talent.

 

[Bender]

Fans are born in the playoff drives. Do you know how many are in this because of 1993 or the early 2000s beating up on Ottawa? People care about the regular season the way people care about the first 3 quarters of a basketball game: only when they're already invested.

It's not like the team is losing Matthews and Nylander and Knies at the same time. Marner does not have a monopoly on the Maple Leafs' razzle dazzle per 60. In any case, a one-timer off a zorro pass through the slot counts the same as a 4th liner crashing the net to shovel in a rebound.

I'm here because of 92/93 and the Sundin years, especially 2002.

Speaking of boring hockey, I don't think anyone who was a Devis fan during the Brodeur/trap era is complaining about their Cups. I'd rather endure a boring team that can legitimately win than a fun team that can't get past the first or second round.

 

[ZBBM]

I'm here because of 92/93 and the Sundin years, especially 2002.

Speaking of boring hockey, I don't think anyone who was a Devis fan during the Brodeur/trap era is complaining about their Cups. I'd rather endure a boring team that can legitimately win than a fun team that can't get past the first or second round.

Hmmm I dunno. I seem to remember their Cup parades consisted of circling the arena in the parking lot.

 

[IJustLurkHere]

The team I keep reminiscing about lately is 1999.

I never really thought they were going to win it all, but they were such a pleasant surprise that every win along the way to the Conference Finals was a bonus. Compare that to this year where every win just felt like a relief.

I also have a soft spot for the '86 playoff run. Little IJLH really believed (and hey, they lost to St Louis in 7, who lost to Calgary in 7... Who lost to Patrick Roy...).