Wild @ Leafs - Mar. 23rd, 7:30pm - TSN4, TSN 1050

[Highlander]

I actually think that if a true rebuild is happening with a coach like Babcock then the effort level will be there. If we are lucky enough to get McDavid or Eischel then folks are going to watch to see what they bring.
A bunch of talented young guys trying their guts out will bring people back. As mentioned in another post, the Leafs lost me at Chirstmas time.  I havent watched a minute of a game since then. But I will watch them next season.

 

[Peter D.]

This has been said a bunch of times. We stomached what, 9 of 10 seasons out of the playoffs all while the team was trying to be good?

Oh, don't get me wrong.  I completely understand that.

I just imagine the impatience of fans, as well as the media, who will put down everything on the rebuild.  Three years from now, it'll be why Rielly isn't a 50-point d-man.  Why Nylander isn't scoring 30 goals.  Why Strome/Marner hasn't put up 70 points yet.  Will question Bernier (provided he's still around) as a #1 goalie as to why he hasn't been able to steal those extra 5 to 10 wins.  Then it'll be the "sky-is-falling" mentality questioning whether a rebuild was the right decision. 

Leaf fans are some of the most bi-polar in all of sport, and a rebuild will truly test their wherewithal.  Not to say it won't be stomached.  I just don't know if it will go over as swimmingly as being suggested.  Heaven forbid the rebuild goes the way of the Oilers. 

 

[Kin]

Leaf fans are some of the most bi-polar in all of sport

Not really. Leafs fans are fairly routinely derided for their blind loyalty and patience.

 

[TML fan]

Is the attendance figure in question paid attendance or is it a turnstile count?

It's usually paid attendance.

Usually as in that's what other teams usually announce or as in that's what the Leafs tend to announce?

That's usually what all teams announce.

 

[WhatIfGodWasALeaf]

https://twitter.com/MapleLeafs/status/580082899791134720

They tried to have a ticket sale.

It is a little shocking.

Damn you Kessel you fat b@st@rd!!!

 

[Chris]

This has been said a bunch of times. We stomached what, 9 of 10 seasons out of the playoffs all while the team was trying to be good?

Oh, don't get me wrong.  I completely understand that.

I just imagine the impatience of fans, as well as the media, who will put down everything on the rebuild.  Three years from now, it'll be why Rielly isn't a 50-point d-man.  Why Nylander isn't scoring 30 goals.  Why Strome/Marner hasn't put up 70 points yet.  Will question Bernier (provided he's still around) as a #1 goalie as to why he hasn't been able to steal those extra 5 to 10 wins.  Then it'll be the "sky-is-falling" mentality questioning whether a rebuild was the right decision. 

Leaf fans are some of the most bi-polar in all of sport, and a rebuild will truly test their wherewithal.  Not to say it won't be stomached.  I just don't know if it will go over as swimmingly as being suggested.  Heaven forbid the rebuild goes the way of the Oilers.

I grew up in the NYC metropolitan area and I can tell you that the exact same stuff goes on there (remember, the Rangers were at 50+ years without a Cup at one point). I think it's pretty typical of big-market sports, especially for the "original six" type locations (and even more for those who haven't won a championship in 40+ years).

 

[Leaflifer]

Leaf fans are some of the most bi-polar in all of sport

Not really. Leafs fans are fairly routinely derided for their blind loyalty and patience.

Canuck fans are much more fickle. If this were happening in Vancouver, no one would give a rats a$$. When the team is rolling, the jerseys come out and folks pretend to be hardcore.

 

[freer]

Leaf fans are some of the most bi-polar in all of sport

Not really. Leafs fans are fairly routinely derided for their blind loyalty and patience.

Canuck fans are much more fickle. If this were happening in Vancouver, no one would give a rats a$$. When the team is rolling, the jerseys come out and folks pretend to be hardcore.

I lived in BC for 20 + years. I found their fans awful. I mean they made it to the finals and they set the city on fire.