Leaf fans???

[nutman]

I have always been a Leaf fan, and always will be one, but it really frutstrated me how the team was operating the past 10 years or so.  It was frustrating hearing the media and other Leaf fans 'prop up' a new player, or how the direction the team was taking was going to be beneficial to the organization, or how ownership was running the team.  It was absolutely embarrassing at times (a funny one was someone in the organization mentioning how Raycroft tied a team record for wins in a season...just because he set a record did not hide the fact he sucked).  The team played with no heart, effort or intensity so I understand why Leaf fans would be ticked off with the team and how the team would be targets of other fans especially when Leafs Nation could form its own country on a world-wide scale.

Now that the team is winning and the effort, intensity and heart are there, I am noticing a huge difference in Leaf fan, but we need to get our swagger back.  There will always be Leaf haters out there, we just have to remind those fans who is near the top of the standings and if they want to, they can start cheering for the Leafs. 

Agreed ...Swagger that is what we need because we this is a new era, an era of winning, something we all need to learn to do. Lets be proud of our team and stop looking for fault. remember we are a top five team (#1 right now) and we will only get better.

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

I have always been a Leaf fan, and always will be one, but it really frutstrated me how the team was operating the past 10 years or so.  It was frustrating hearing the media and other Leaf fans 'prop up' a new player, or how the direction the team was taking was going to be beneficial to the organization, or how ownership was running the team.  It was absolutely embarrassing at times (a funny one was someone in the organization mentioning how Raycroft tied a team record for wins in a season...just because he set a record did not hide the fact he sucked).  The team played with no heart, effort or intensity so I understand why Leaf fans would be ticked off with the team and how the team would be targets of other fans especially when Leafs Nation could form its own country on a world-wide scale.

Now that the team is winning and the effort, intensity and heart are there, I am noticing a huge difference in Leaf fan, but we need to get our swagger back.  There will always be Leaf haters out there, we just have to remind those fans who is near the top of the standings and if they want to, they can start cheering for the Leafs. 

Agreed ...Swagger that is what we need because we this is a new era, an era of winning, something we all need to learn to do. Lets be proud of our team and stop looking for fault. remember we are a top five team (#1 right now) and we will only get better.

How will we "only get better" from #1?

 

[nutman]

I have always been a Leaf fan, and always will be one, but it really frutstrated me how the team was operating the past 10 years or so.  It was frustrating hearing the media and other Leaf fans 'prop up' a new player, or how the direction the team was taking was going to be beneficial to the organization, or how ownership was running the team.  It was absolutely embarrassing at times (a funny one was someone in the organization mentioning how Raycroft tied a team record for wins in a season...just because he set a record did not hide the fact he sucked).  The team played with no heart, effort or intensity so I understand why Leaf fans would be ticked off with the team and how the team would be targets of other fans especially when Leafs Nation could form its own country on a world-wide scale.

Now that the team is winning and the effort, intensity and heart are there, I am noticing a huge difference in Leaf fan, but we need to get our swagger back.  There will always be Leaf haters out there, we just have to remind those fans who is near the top of the standings and if they want to, they can start cheering for the Leafs. 

Agreed ...Swagger that is what we need because we this is a new era, an era of winning, something we all need to learn to do. Lets be proud of our team and stop looking for fault. remember we are a top five team (#1 right now) and we will only get better.

How will we "only get better" from #1?

Well that's easy...#1 with a cup in our hands. But I think you know what I meant, but you just wanted to be a you know....

 

[Optimus Reimer]

I have always been a Leaf fan, and always will be one, but it really frutstrated me how the team was operating the past 10 years or so.  It was frustrating hearing the media and other Leaf fans 'prop up' a new player, or how the direction the team was taking was going to be beneficial to the organization, or how ownership was running the team.  It was absolutely embarrassing at times (a funny one was someone in the organization mentioning how Raycroft tied a team record for wins in a season...just because he set a record did not hide the fact he sucked).  The team played with no heart, effort or intensity so I understand why Leaf fans would be ticked off with the team and how the team would be targets of other fans especially when Leafs Nation could form its own country on a world-wide scale.

Now that the team is winning and the effort, intensity and heart are there, I am noticing a huge difference in Leaf fan, but we need to get our swagger back.  There will always be Leaf haters out there, we just have to remind those fans who is near the top of the standings and if they want to, they can start cheering for the Leafs. 

Agreed ...Swagger that is what we need because we this is a new era, an era of winning, something we all need to learn to do. Lets be proud of our team and stop looking for fault. remember we are a top five team (#1 right now) and we will only get better.

How will we "only get better" from #1?

Get outshot 100-4 but win 4-0? 

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

I have always been a Leaf fan, and always will be one, but it really frutstrated me how the team was operating the past 10 years or so.  It was frustrating hearing the media and other Leaf fans 'prop up' a new player, or how the direction the team was taking was going to be beneficial to the organization, or how ownership was running the team.  It was absolutely embarrassing at times (a funny one was someone in the organization mentioning how Raycroft tied a team record for wins in a season...just because he set a record did not hide the fact he sucked).  The team played with no heart, effort or intensity so I understand why Leaf fans would be ticked off with the team and how the team would be targets of other fans especially when Leafs Nation could form its own country on a world-wide scale.

Now that the team is winning and the effort, intensity and heart are there, I am noticing a huge difference in Leaf fan, but we need to get our swagger back.  There will always be Leaf haters out there, we just have to remind those fans who is near the top of the standings and if they want to, they can start cheering for the Leafs. 

Agreed ...Swagger that is what we need because we this is a new era, an era of winning, something we all need to learn to do. Lets be proud of our team and stop looking for fault. remember we are a top five team (#1 right now) and we will only get better.

How will we "only get better" from #1?

Well that's easy...#1 with a cup in our hands. But I think you know what I meant, but you just wanted to be a you know....

100% honestly did not.

 

[Keonist]

I saw them win the cup as an 11 year old.  I saw Ballard tear the team apart in the late 70's when Sittler/MacDonald were the core of a team that might have won the cup, if Ballard hadn't been on his massive, senile ego-trip.  I saw that referee who shall remain nameless steal Canada's chance to go ballistic over a Habs/Leafs Stanley Cup final.  Now, today, finally I am seeing the glimmerings of a team that can challenge those moments of past glory and I thank Brian Burke for it (some credit to Mr. Nonis' summer work which was huge.)

If you profess to be a Leaf fan and you aren't excited by this team, you just haven't lived long enough.

 

[Redleaf]

I saw them win the cup as an 11 year old.  I saw Ballard tear the team apart in the late 70's when Sittler/MacDonald were the core of a team that might have won the cup, if Ballard hadn't been on his massive, senile ego-trip.  I saw that referee who shall remain nameless steal Canada's chance to go ballistic over a Habs/Leafs Stanley Cup final.  Now, today, finally I am seeing the glimmerings of a team that can challenge those moments of past glory and I thank Brian Burke for it (some credit to Mr. Nonis' summer work which was huge.)

If you profess to be a Leaf fan and you aren't excited by this team, you just haven't lived long enough.

Agreed. This team is finally giving us something to get excited about. But, the big question still remains: Are they currently a legitimate cup contender, or does Nonis need to further bolster this roster? Personally, I think they're close, but probably still need to tweak it a bit more. A solid stay-at-home defenceman should be priority number one. I don't see anyone currently in the organization with enough skill to properly fill that role and provide enough of an impact to the defense core. I don't know who is, or will become available to them, but that's the position I'd be looking to upgrade in a large way, if possible.

 

[Stickytape]

I saw them win the cup as an 11 year old.  I saw Ballard tear the team apart in the late 70's when Sittler/MacDonald were the core of a team that might have won the cup, if Ballard hadn't been on his massive, senile ego-trip.  I saw that referee who shall remain nameless steal Canada's chance to go ballistic over a Habs/Leafs Stanley Cup final.  Now, today, finally I am seeing the glimmerings of a team that can challenge those moments of past glory and I thank Brian Burke for it (some credit to Mr. Nonis' summer work which was huge.)

If you profess to be a Leaf fan and you aren't excited by this team, you just haven't lived long enough.

I have so much respect for veteran fans like you. ^__^ Cheers, mate.

I grew up idolizing Clark, though I played defense in little league and so Brad Marsh was my hero for a while; loved the way he'd put his helmetless head in front of any shot he could without fear, and I modeled my play style on that. 

I was barely into double digits for the Gilmour era, and those were the years that I was most excited about the team, and felt they could do anything.  I felt pretty good during the Sundin era, too.  And I'm starting to feel that way, as well.

There are a few things that still itch in the back of my mind - getting outshot, the fact that they Leafs have yet to dress their whole, intended lineup without injuries or suspensions - but I'm still feeling more pumped about this team than I have in almost two decades.  Whatever the outcome, though, I'm having a total blast.

 

[Stronger Than All]

If we need the swagger back it's time to drown out the 'Leafs Suck' chants in Vancouver tomorrow.  I know Leafs fans will represent, but Canucks fans just resort to chanting 'Leafs Suck' and I'm sick of it.  A win in Vancouver would be great!

GO LEAFS GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[nutman]

A win in van will make the western road trip a sweep, now that would put the swagger back in a few fans steps.

 

[Keonist]

I saw them win the cup as an 11 year old.  I saw Ballard tear the team apart in the late 70's when Sittler/MacDonald were the core of a team that might have won the cup, if Ballard hadn't been on his massive, senile ego-trip.  I saw that referee who shall remain nameless steal Canada's chance to go ballistic over a Habs/Leafs Stanley Cup final.  Now, today, finally I am seeing the glimmerings of a team that can challenge those moments of past glory and I thank Brian Burke for it (some credit to Mr. Nonis' summer work which was huge.)

If you profess to be a Leaf fan and you aren't excited by this team, you just haven't lived long enough.

I have so much respect for veteran fans like you. ^__^ Cheers, mate.

I grew up idolizing Clark, though I played defense in little league and so Brad Marsh was my hero for a while; loved the way he'd put his helmetless head in front of any shot he could without fear, and I modeled my play style on that. 

I was barely into double digits for the Gilmour era, and those were the years that I was most excited about the team, and felt they could do anything.  I felt pretty good during the Sundin era, too.  And I'm starting to feel that way, as well.

There are a few things that still itch in the back of my mind - getting outshot, the fact that they Leafs have yet to dress their whole, intended lineup without injuries or suspensions - but I'm still feeling more pumped about this team than I have in almost two decades.  Whatever the outcome, though, I'm having a total blast.

+'T'weren't nothin' Sticktape.  I have enjoyed (almost) every minute of being a Leaf fan.

 

[Redleaf]

A win in van will make the western road trip a sweep, now that would put the swagger back in a few fans steps.

A win tonight would add another feather to the cap, but really, the 'swagger' should have already returned with wins over Anaheim and Pittsburgh, etc., not to mention standing atop the eastern conference. Beating up the Canucks would be sweet, but a loss wouldn't make much of a difference to me providing they keep putting up more W's than L's the rest of the way.

 

[nutman]

A win in van will make the western road trip a sweep, now that would put the swagger back in a few fans steps.

A win tonight would add another feather to the cap, but really, the 'swagger' should have already returned with wins over Anaheim and Pittsburgh, etc., not to mention standing atop the eastern conference. Beating up the Canucks would be sweet, but a loss wouldn't make much of a difference to me providing they keep putting up more W's than L's the rest of the way.

So so true. Just meant for the ones out there that have not excepted that we are one of the best.

 

[LittleHockeyFan]

I saw them win the cup as an 11 year old.  I saw Ballard tear the team apart in the late 70's when Sittler/MacDonald were the core of a team that might have won the cup, if Ballard hadn't been on his massive, senile ego-trip.  I saw that referee who shall remain nameless steal Canada's chance to go ballistic over a Habs/Leafs Stanley Cup final.  Now, today, finally I am seeing the glimmerings of a team that can challenge those moments of past glory and I thank Brian Burke for it (some credit to Mr. Nonis' summer work which was huge.)

If you profess to be a Leaf fan and you aren't excited by this team, you just haven't lived long enough.

x2 I remember all those times. But that referee does have a name. It's a common swear word in the LHF household: Fr@$#r. As in what the fr@$#r are you doing!?

Team's good this year

 

[LittleHockeyFan]

I'm (really) old school Leaf fan too. My parents came to this country in the 50s and didn't speak English. Dad learned it from work (the bad words) and from watching hockey. My earliest memories are watching HNIC with him on Saturday nights. Parents tell me I knew the Leafs lineup at age 2 or 3 "Bathgate!" "Stanley!" "Broda!" "Sawchuk!" (our favourite).. I don't remember those Stanley Cups at all, but I do remember the 67 one??Dave Keon was a neighbour of ours. I used to walk their dog (beautiful black Lab named Midnight). All the other kids would ring their doorbell to bug him for an autograph; me, I wanted the dog's leash

As a teenager, my two best friends and I would do the two hour trek downtown via bus and subway to watch the Leafs practice Saturday morning. We'd collect autographs and pictures and hear funny stories from the players. Or witness it first hand: little 2 year old Ryan Sittler is standing with Lanny McDonald as Darryl Sittler signs one autograph after another. "I'll just be another minute, Ry" the poor little guy was getting so impatient, and finally McDonald picked him up and little Ryan yells out "I wanna go with Uncle Lanny!!!!" so they left.

Hockey has always been part of the fabric of my life. Sittler will always be my favourite (sorry Joffrey). The Leafs have always been the family sports team.

Remind me some day to tell the King Clancy story.

 

[nutman]

I'm (really) old school Leaf fan too. My parents came to this country in the 50s and didn't speak English. Dad learned it from work (the bad words) and from watching hockey. My earliest memories are watching HNIC with him on Saturday nights. Parents tell me I knew the Leafs lineup at age 2 or 3 "Bathgate!" "Stanley!" "Broda!" "Sawchuk!" (our favourite).. I don't remember those Stanley Cups at all, but I do remember the 67 one??Dave Keon was a neighbour of ours. I used to walk their dog (beautiful black Lab named Midnight). All the other kids would ring their doorbell to bug him for an autograph; me, I wanted the dog's leash

As a teenager, my two best friends and I would do the two hour trek downtown via bus and subway to watch the Leafs practice Saturday morning. We'd collect autographs and pictures and hear funny stories from the players. Or witness it first hand: little 2 year old Ryan Sittler is standing with Lanny McDonald as Darryl Sittler signs one autograph after another. "I'll just be another minute, Ry" the poor little guy was getting so impatient, and finally McDonald picked him up and little Ryan yells out "I wanna go with Uncle Lanny!!!!" so they left.

Hockey has always been part of the fabric of my life. Sittler will always be my favourite (sorry Joffrey). The Leafs have always been the family sports team.

Remind me some day to tell the King Clancy story.

Ahhhh... The good old days, those are the reasons Hockey is Canada's game. I was a bit to young to enjoy the 67 cup, but I do know one thing, I'll make up for it this season or next. I think were that close.

 

[Mot the Barber]

Gilmour years were fun, lots of characters.  Sundin years were good too. 

Since then it's been a tough go.  But this year with their sudden firepower and good goaltending, they're taking care of business.

Still they have to make a massive push for the cup, it's the only way to earn forgiveness from the decades of suffering inflicted on Leafs fans.  Excuses just don't cut it anymore.

 

[nutman]

So what is with the press.... all I seem to see is them picking apart our wins and crying about our every error. when are they going to just admit were winning, were good, and were on top. who cares if we are getting out shot when we are winning. why can they not find the good. grrrr they piss me off. I cant wait to see what they print when we win tonight. its as if they just prey on our losses.