Falling leaves and falling Leafs - Why the Canucks-Maple Leafs rivalry is my favourite
by nucksandpucks on Oct 23, 2009 8:00 AM PDT
202 comments
Ah, Fall in Canada. That glorious season when hockey starts and the leaves turn a bright shade of red before they fall to the ground. Or, this year, that glorious season when hockey starts, and the Leafs turn a bright shade of red from embarrassment as they fall to the depths of the NHL standings.
What better time for a tilt between the Vancouver Canucks and the Toronto Maple Leafs?
On Saturday the Canucks take on the Leafs, my favourite opposition team in the NHL. Why is Toronto my favourite opponent, you ask? Surely Calgary, Colorado and Chicago are bigger rivalries. And Washington, Detroit, Pittsburgh, and most other teams in the league are more exciting. Even amongst Canadian teams, Toronto has to be on the low end of rivalry/entertainment appeal for Vancouver fans.
However, the Maple Leafs have a particularly important place in my history of Canucks fandom. Apologies in advance if this post is overly me-centric-I hope that it gives you a sense of the importance that fan identity can have to an individual and the ways in which hockey can provide comfort and familiarity despite huge growth and change in other areas of life.
On Saturday night my living room, like countless ones throughout Toronto, will be filled with hockey fans tuning into Hockey Night in Canada. However, unlike many of those gatherings, this one will be considerably partisan and rivalry-fuelled. For, as a Canucks fan living in enemy territory, I love nothing more than getting together with a group of friends, most of whom are Leafs fans, and watching the Canucks dismantle Toronto. Throw in a couple other BC ex-pats and you've got yourself three hours of hockey-watching, trash-talking, beer-drinking mayhem.
My passion for the Canucks-Leafs rivalry runs deeper than this annual or (thanks to the recent schedule changes) biannual event. When I was about four years old I attended my first Canucks game, going to the Pacific Coliseum with my parents and two siblings (this was the only I ever went to with my entire family - in the late-80s you could actually pick up a Canucks ticket for $9.99 at Safeway, making it a not-unreasonable family outing). Unfortunately the game was a victory for the bad guys, with Alan Bester picking up the shutout and the Canucks rocking their worst-ever jerseys: the home yellow jersey with the skate logo. When my brother picked up Don Cherry's first Rock'Em Sock'Em Hockey video at the end of the year, I was devastated to see that the game had been immortalized in a number of Bester highlights that made the video package. I think most fans' first live NHL game is a formative experience, and mine was coloured blue and white by the opposition that evening.
I had a chance to renew my Leafs hate with a vengeance in 1994 when, in a geographically awkward twist of fate, Toronto and Vancouver met in the Western Conference Finals. The series had plenty of off-ice animosity, as a Vancouver and a Toronto journalist engaged in a vicious series of debates that ran in newspapers in both cities. The war of words had little to do with hockey and lots to do with uniformed stereotypes, but it fanned the flames of the on-ice rivalry just that little bit more-particularly when Rosie Dimanno called Vancouver "a blonde bimbo" of a city. The Canucks, of course, went on to win the series and face the Rangers in the Stanley Cup Final. The Leafs thus have the distinction of being a part of both one of the most iconic images and most beloved play-by-play calls in Canucks history.
In the summer of 1994 I visited Toronto for the first time on a three-day vacation with my parents. I distinctly remember proudly wearing my Canucks jersey all over the city. I am nearly certain that I wore it the whole time I was in the city. I wore it to the Hockey Hall of Fame (see picture, ignore purple shorts). I wore it to a nice restaurant at which the waiters wore tuxedos. I even wore it to church. I anticipated hostility and trash-talking from Torontonians, but received surprisingly little-perhaps because I was 10, or perhaps because I had the ultimate trump card based on the fact that the Canucks series Western Conference Final victory was just a few months in the rear-view window.
The real fun started when I moved to Toronto for university in 2001. Building upon my now-well-established enjoyment of the Canucks-Leafs rivalry, I took great pleasure in antagonizing Leafs fans and rallying behind the Canucks. Distance and isolation made me an even bigger fan, in part because I felt that I had to assert my Canucks fan-ness (I still do, and am currently wearing a Canucks hat as I write this on UofT campus) and in part because I had to work for it so much more. I had to stay up until 1 AM to listen to the end of the game online. I worked until about 1130 PM on Saturday nights, so if the Canucks were on Hockey Night In Canada I would tape the game, wait for it to be over, and then watch the game in its entirety. Media coverage of the Canucks was limited to nonexistent, so I prized every mention of the Canucks I could find in the Toronto Star. Sadly there was no Nucks Misconduct in which I could find an online Canucks community.
In many ways the Canucks were my way of maintaining a link to my home city, which I had permanently left. My parents and siblings moved different places, so I did not even have a family base in Vancouver. And so the Canucks became not just a comfort, but an expression of my identity and a way of maintaining my ties to the city that I called home, but in which I did not live. By defining myself in opposition to Toronto Maple Leafs fans, I also felt that I was asserting my difference from them, my Vancouver-ness. While the Canucks had been a huge part of my life for a decade-and-a-half, this was the time in my life when the team's importance to me was cemented even further and inextricably bound up in my sense of who I am as a person.
I do not mean to bad-mouth Toronto. It is a great hockey city, and some of my best friends are Leafs fans. I actually have a lot of sympathy for the Leafs, as I feel like their post-1967 history is very similar to that of the Canucks: long periods of hapless mediocrity punctuated by brief moments of glory and hope. If the Leafs ever win a Cup I would not begrudge it and I would celebrate the accomplishment (unlike, say, if the Flames won, in which case I would probably smash up my living room). However, when the Canucks play the Leafs, Toronto becomes the team I absolutely love to hate.
I started the tradition of Leafs-baiting in my first year of university. About a week before the Canucks played the Leafs I postered my residence building with anti-Leafs material, and urged people to come watch the game and cheer on their team. The unfortunate part about trash-talking about pro sports is that you have little to no ability to influence the outcome. I put my faith in the Canucks and, unfortunately they let me down that first game. But I had a blast bantering and drinking with other hockey fans, and a tradition was born. Even when I moved back to Vancouver for a year I still managed to rile up some of my friends through a blog that I started, and made "Leafs Bashing Week" a full week of mocking the Maple Leafs in the build-up to the Canucks-Leafs game. Fortunately my friends still talk to me.
So, as I anticipate the latest installment of my favourite NHL match-up, I am reminded of the huge role that the Maple Leafs have played in my growth as a Canucks fan and, as a result of the large place occupied by the 'Nucks in my life, as a person. Wherever you are watching this weekend, I hope that you will savour the game and know that, for a number of fans, a victory in this game is just a little sweeter than all the rest. If you've had a similar experience with other rivalries or just plain hate another team, feel free to share in the comments.
And, this Saturday in particular, GO CANUCKS GO!!!
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I couldn’t agree more. I’m making the trip up from Seattle on Saturday morning for this game, I can’t wait. When I was a kid it was fun to see the Nucks take care of Douggie Gilmour (a player I’ve always had much respect for, big ups DG) in the playoffs. Anyway, I’ve always loved this rivalry. Go Nucks.
by trotski on Oct 22, 2009 11:03 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
As another Canuck fan who moved from Vancouver to Waterloo, Ontario, I definitely can relate and it was a pleasure reading your article. I still remember being at the library streaming the game against Toronto last season where Sundin buries the shootout winner with a killer backhand. I wanted to scream and laugh so badly, but unfortunately I was at the library, so that wasn’t much of an option. Of course, the standard Leafs-bashing ensued the day after, which is always a pleasant experience. I always take note of when the Canucks play the Leafs every season =)
Definitely looking forward to go to the sports bar this Saturday with a couple of friends from Vancouver (maybe invite a Leafs fan, if we’re nice enough) and watching the game against Toronto amongst all the Leafs fans that will certainly be there (I’d hope).
by intheloo on Oct 22, 2009 11:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
long time reader, first timer commenter so.. hi :)
but yeah, i remember moving to toronto the year the lockout ended, and watching the canucks game on a small tv in my residence at university. it was one of those moments where, after such a long layoff, and getting my dose finally. One moment really stuck in my mind was the day, of the same year, i wore my canucks jersey, and walked to union station and through union station to the go bus to go to waterloo to meet up with my friends for thanksgiving. i felt that was one of the most scariest walks i’ve ever taken. people waiting for the toronto game to start outside the acc and around union station were pointing, yelling CANUCKS FANNNN. it was the first time in my life that i actually feared for my life.
Periodically i invite my friends over to watch the canucks vs leafs game, and the first year, was the year the canucks shelled toronto 6-1… by then, i actually started feeling pity for my friends, then i thought, what the heck…. and rubbed it in their faces. :)
Its going to be a good game :) lets hope the canucks play hard and earn the victory just so i can see more dejected faces as the leafs continue their losing streak :P
by j_tam on Oct 23, 2009 12:03 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
One of my (if not my all time) favourite hockey memories is cheering for the Canucks when I was posted to Petewawa, Ontario with the army. As the only guy in the room with a Canucks jersey on (I joined an eastern unit for some reason) seeing Mats Sundin score the shootout winner versus Toronto in Toronto was absolutely epic.
by sfont on Oct 23, 2009 12:03 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Awesome
And how long did your bragging rights last around the base?
by nucksandpucks on Oct 23, 2009 6:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh buddy.. That monday was glorious. Ripped everyone left right and center for weeks.
by sfont on Oct 23, 2009 3:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Unfortunately, my story is a treachery of sorts. I grew up in BC loving the Leafs because of my father. He got me into hockey night in Canada in 1977 and of course, they showed a lot of Leafs games. So, my first faves were Sittler, McDonald, Williams, Salming and Palmateer.
I always followed both teams religiously and when the 1994 playoffs rolled around, I felt the sting of defeat as Greg Adams buried the Leafs in OT in Game 5.
Yeah, I was the guy wearing the Gilmour Leafs jersey in Canucks territory up here in northern BC. I have no shame of that. It is just how it came to be when I was a kid. I never hated the Canucks though, and I hopped on the wagon to the largest extent about 3 years ago, as I started writing about them.
I still watch a lot of Leafs games now, and I really can never hate them. That being said, I find myself a lot less torn when the Canucks play the Leafs now. I love it when they play and it’s always my favorite game(s) of the year as well.
Even though I’m a Canucklehead, I am still blown away by the greatness of Gilmour, Sundin (shh) and Salming. That will never change.
by Sean Zandberg on Oct 23, 2009 1:20 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I grew up in BC loving the Leafs
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
by Chemmy on Oct 23, 2009 10:55 AM PDT up reply actions 5 recs
Personally, as a life-long Leafs fan who wouldn’t dream of switching to another team, I love the rivalries between us and the Habs, the Sens maybe, definitely Detroit and Boston as well. The one between us and the Canucks? I believe it only exists on one side. ;)
"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09
by kidkawartha on Oct 23, 2009 2:21 AM PDT reply actions 4 recs
Agreed
There is definitely an anti-Toronto sentiment amongst Canadian fans, but I didn’t want to go there because it’s a much different issue from what I was trying to get at.
I guess I was trying to show why this “rivalry” means a lot to me, and what that says about the larger issue of identity as a fan. I wasn’t trying to imply that it was a huge match-up for all fans on both sides. Even most Canucks fans will take much more satisfaction from whooping Calgary, Chicago or Edmonton than Toronto or Montreal.
by nucksandpucks on Oct 23, 2009 6:02 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The one between us and the Canucks? I believe it only exists on one side. ;)
Well for the most part I think that is true isn’t it? There are too many mainstream media guys (CBC and TSN) that stroke the mighty you-know-what of the Leafs every year. It gets annoying.
by Sean Zandberg on Oct 23, 2009 2:43 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
And when the Leafs start losing… you hear Pierre Mcguire ramble on for days about how they need more out of Luke Schenn, and Damien Cox talk about 1967. I’m sure that’s not stroking the ego of the Leafs (or all of Leafs Nation)
Space Weed Says Now Endorsed by Tyler Bozak
"DO NOT get stuck behind Kyle Wellwood in the buffet line. This isn't really etiquette, but it will prevent you from starving to death"- Down Goes Brown on Etiquette for Jason Spezza's wedding
by Space Weed on Oct 23, 2009 3:32 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think kidkawartha is right. I can’t speak for the Canadian angle, but on the face of it, it feels similar to when the Rangers play other American teams. A lot of teams use them as a measuring stick (whether they are playing well or not) because they’re the big dog on the block, historically and from a media and marketing sense. And NY’ers are transplanted everywhere, similar to Leafs fans so they could play in Omaha and you’ll get some blueshirts showing up. You can’t have rivalries with everyone, so one-sided rivalries are inevitable. Doesn’t detract from them either but there are several ways to define and harbor the angst for a rivalry.
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on Oct 23, 2009 4:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don’t think anyone’s using the Leafs as a measuring stick these days ;)
by nucksandpucks on Oct 23, 2009 6:05 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You wouldn’t be able to tell by how obsessed opposition fans are with the Leafs. Or hell, the opposition media. Jason Blotchford (sp?) and the Province are hilarious.
Yankee Canuck has a point. Sometimes it seems that some fans are more anti-Leafs than pro-their own team.
Hopefully Burke can ge the team back to the point where the obsession is warranted.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Oct 23, 2009 6:40 AM PDT up reply actions 4 recs
Ah yes, the CBC and their pro-Leafs bias. That must be why every HNIC Leafs game is called by Jim (GGGRRRRRREEEAAAAAAT SAVE LUONGO) Hughson and Craig (I will not report to the Maple Leafs) Simpson.
by Godd Till on Oct 23, 2009 7:19 AM PDT up reply actions 4 recs
We won’t hold Cox against you if you don’t hold Gallagher against us.
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on Oct 23, 2009 7:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gallagher is 1000X more entertaining on air than in print. It’s that voice! Barry McDonald’s Gallagher impression always slays me.
In case you haven’t guessed, I’m a Leafs fan currently living in Vancouver (who will be at the game Sat.)
Great post, BTW.
by Godd Till on Oct 23, 2009 7:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gallagher is 1000X more entertaining on air than in print.
Oh yeah, definitely. He’s got the face for radio too.
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on Oct 23, 2009 8:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I also love Taylor’s immitation of Marv Albert (bsktbl), “And that was a gorrrjusss move.”
by Bobby Canuck on Oct 23, 2009 10:25 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
can we hold Pratt against you?
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 23, 2009 5:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry guys…I call shenanigans on that bullshit. Leaf fans like to say its “one sided” and act all high and mighty, ( in a fun way of course guys!). I usually watch the game with a Leafs fan or two.
Guess who are coming ahrd and fast with the comments about the opposing team.
Thats right, all those Leaf fans that “don’t care”.
Canada on Canada games are always more exciting as Nucks says.
Living in Vancouver with a ton of Leaf expatriates, I assure you they do care.
Though that Leaf fan Sean is right though, for the most part…a lot is media induced by COTU broadcasters as well. But there are plenty of Leaf fans “on the streets” that care of the rivalry with the Canucks.
I just have to mention 1994 to shut em up too…some of the creative ones use that for the “never won anything” retort. But reminding them of Greg Adams usually shuts em up for a while!
vancitydan
by vancitydan on Oct 23, 2009 9:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That’s funny, we use 1994 for exactly the opposite. And to say that in your experience all of the Vancouver-based Leaf fans hate the Canucks, well, that isn’t exactly grounds for saying this is a real rivalry. It’s kind of like hating salmonella when you visit a third world country. As soon as you leave, it fades into memory.
Trust me, Leaf fans outside of navel-gazing central could care less about the Canucks.
"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09
by kidkawartha on Oct 23, 2009 9:38 AM PDT up reply actions 3 recs
IT’s living here that makes ex-pat Leaf fans hate the Canucks. That’s it. Before I moved here, I didn’t care about the Canucks at all.
We ain’t burning jerseys or destroying cars on the front page of the paper when y’all come to the 416, trust me.
by Godd Till on Oct 23, 2009 9:51 AM PDT up reply actions 5 recs
yea its true…. the only time we notice vancouver is when they call us up to remind us of how much we hate each other. Our reply is usually “Who is this again?”
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Oct 23, 2009 12:30 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
am I going to get charged with tampering for this…?
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Oct 23, 2009 12:31 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Funny…I usually call up T.O friends in late Jan/early Feb, when its 14 hear and -14 there…but thats just me!
vancitydan
by vancitydan on Oct 23, 2009 1:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
WEATHER BURNS!
Yeah, I call my friends in Vancouver when it’s sunny here in the summer and it’s raining in Vancouver. I need a lot of long distance minutes.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Oct 23, 2009 1:16 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I love ya, Trips, but this was the wrong summer for that argument.
by Godd Till on Oct 23, 2009 1:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
careful, they might claim you are tampering with their weather
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 23, 2009 1:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
that means we can play hockey outside in the winter. i love outdoor hockey
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Oct 23, 2009 1:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also
That’s the only photo I’ve ever seen that has the Stanley Cup and someone wearing a Canucks jersey in the same shot. An incredible rarity, a must for any West Coast collector.
by Godd Till on Oct 23, 2009 7:20 AM PDT reply actions 7 recs
Ouch!
Ba-zing! Haha, that was a good one actually.
But hey, least it’s a colour photo – did that technology even exist last time the Leafs won a Cup?
by nucksandpucks on Oct 23, 2009 10:38 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Color photography was invented in the 1860s, just so you’re aware.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
by Chemmy on Oct 23, 2009 10:57 AM PDT up reply actions 4 recs
Touché, Professor Chemmy. I was not aware it had been invented that early, but was definitely aware of its invention prior to the last Leafs Cup win. Apologies for the intentional historical inaccuracy.
I still get a kick from friends who were born 15-20 years after the Leafs last won and who argue that, therefore, the Canucks suck more than the since the Canucks joined the league. However, if a Leafs fan gets antagonistic about it I at least have plenty of post-1967 ammunition with which to debate him…
by nucksandpucks on Oct 23, 2009 11:24 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Oct 23, 2009 12:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks in advance
for our first win this season.
Go Leafs Go.
A Toronto sports blog, where unabashed homerism is alive and well...
by eyebleaf on Oct 23, 2009 7:55 AM PDT reply actions 2 recs
And you were so nice when Sundin was here!
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on Oct 23, 2009 8:04 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
this is why I love you. Never change.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 23, 2009 5:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i think yankee said it best last year:
“Misery likes company and I welcome our Toronto dark horses. Who cares who wins tonight; in fact, what would be better is if both teams join forces, call up Calgary and challenge them to a death match. In a cage. Surrounded by fire. With dogs that breath bees.”
and yes, yankee, i just quoted your old site.
http://canuckpuckbunny.blogspot.com
GO CANUCKS GO!
by missy on Oct 23, 2009 8:27 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Is it the leafs people hate, or the leafs fans? They’re like Canada’s version of Yankees fans…they’ve attained a level of douchebaggery that is almost legendary in many peoples’ minds. You don’t see this kind of ire levelled at Montreal. They have their share of haters too but without nearly as much animosity. No, it’s sanctimonious leaf fans that all the rest of Canada hates. Leafs fans. I’ve seen NHL games in four Canadian cities that aren’t Toronto (Edmonton, Calgary, Ottawa and of course Vancouver). Of all the live games I’ve seen (and it’s alot…i’ve had season tickets to the Oilers in the Gretzky era and the Canucks [sadly in the years they sucked the hardest]), I’ve seen very few leafs games. But in most every game i’ve ever been to, there’s been a loudmouth drunk trailer park/surrey looking douchebottle picking fights in the stands, in the beer lines, in the bathroom, and pretty much always they’re wearing a white jersey with a blue leaf on it.
Now, obviously not all leafs fans are like this, but my observation has been thus. If you leafs fans could cull out the small brained assmonkeys that go to games their team isn’t even playing at and act like idiots, and if you could somehow convince Cherry and McLean to maybe support some other Canadian teams a bit, you probably wouldn’t face as much prejudice in the Canadian hockey world. Just saying.
One redeeming thing that all Leafs fans will always have though: at least they don’t cheer for Calgary.
by GAHHHHH! on Oct 23, 2009 9:48 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Now, obviously not all leafs fans are like this, but my observation has been thus. If you leafs fans could cull out the small brained assmonkeys that go to games their team isn’t even playing at and act like idiots, and if you could somehow convince Cherry and McLean to maybe support some other Canadian teams a bit, you probably wouldn’t face as much prejudice in the Canadian hockey world. Just saying.
Wow. Yeah, you could basically write that about any fanbase. I’ve been to games in a lot of away rinks and Leaf fans are usually being defensive because people don’t let them watch games in peace. I’ve never seen the kind of baiting that Leafs fans get towards other fans at the ACC.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Oct 23, 2009 11:21 AM PDT up reply actions 3 recs
Give the people what they want, and what modern Leaf fans want – as indicated by what they support; actions speak louder than words, after all – is a cheaply -run ,consistently bad team micro-managed by its board of directors.
That’s all changing under Burke, you say? Well, we’ll see. Leafers better hope the existing young talent pans out, every last player, cuz the cupboard is now bare for a long time to come.
by casual on Oct 23, 2009 10:30 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Cheaply run?
oooooooooook.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Oct 23, 2009 11:21 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
As long as Leaf fans pay to lose, the losing will continue.
Here’s an idea: Boycott their beer and bring your own instead until the team has a winning record. Betcha it’d work.
by casual on Oct 23, 2009 11:38 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m a gigantic Leaf fan who has never been to a game at the ACC. There are literally millions of other people like me.
It’s not the average die-hard sucking back sushi in the platinums.
by Godd Till on Oct 23, 2009 11:52 AM PDT up reply actions 4 recs
Again: As long as Leaf fans pay to lose, the losing will continue.
I’m not blaming you or anyone else in particular, but as long as MLSE makes a fortune by icing a loser they will continue to do so. They won’t stop until they are made to stop by the fans reducing their fiscal support in some way or another.
They are who they are.
by casual on Oct 23, 2009 12:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
This argument is ridiculous. If Leafs ownership were content to lose, would they have fired JFJ? Gone after Burke so hard? Traded for Kessel? etc etc.
Why spend to the cap? They could say that we’re building w youth and save 20M a year.
The playoff revenues available to a Leaf team that is a perennial contender are enormous and much valued by the corporate jackholes that control Canada’s Team.
by Godd Till on Oct 23, 2009 12:12 PM PDT up reply actions 3 recs
can you remind me when Vancouver has won? What the hell are you guys paying for? Is it to watch Luongo not live up to his contract?
Leaf tickets sales barley account for 30% of the leafs revenue… its not the fans
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Oct 23, 2009 12:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is that Damien Cox working your hands on your keyboard?
I’d continue this conversation but it would be like talking to a coffee table.
/Barney Frank’d
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Oct 23, 2009 12:48 PM PDT up reply actions 3 recs
Vancouver- where the completely debunked hockey theory becomes the zombie lie that just will never die.
"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09
by kidkawartha on Oct 23, 2009 1:08 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Actually
This comment is so bad I think it should be flagged to hold up as an example to to avoid for the rest of the Canucks fans here
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Oct 23, 2009 1:21 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Didn't mean to turn this into a Toronto/Vancouver hate fest...
… but I guess that was probably gonna happen in the next day or two anyway!
I meant this more as a piece about being how another team and its fans can actually shape you own fan experience with your own team. I have lived in both Vancity and TO, and love both cities. And I think there are valid criticisms of fan and media behaviour on both sides. It’s when it stops being fun trash talk and turns into bitter or angry douche-baggery that it sucks (as GAHHHH! pointed out).
by nucksandpucks on Oct 23, 2009 10:44 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
‘hate’ is a bit of a strong word tho. Before I had to actually work at 6:30 in the AM I used to watch Nuck games all the time on the double header.
The Leafs ‘hate’ the Canucks like the Leafs ‘hate’ the Minnesota Wild.
When we play against them they are at the forefront of our minds as an obstacle that needs to be overcome. Other than that, we don’t spend a lot of time thinking about them.
It’s not arrogance(although it is generally mistaken for that) it is the fact that we focus on one opponent at a time and hope our team gets better. We don’t worry too much about what other teams are doing because the focus of our fandom is on our team (hopefully) getting better.
Also, the title of your post is misleading… here is a dose of Leaf Fan ‘Glass is half full’ for you… The Leafs are at the bottom so we have no place to fall to!
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 23, 2009 1:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe not to YOU, but for the majority, I know the Leafs fans I know care a LOT more about a game with us than the Wild.
But I am sure that is just that “mistaken arrogance” showing up again huh?
;-)
vancitydan
by vancitydan on Oct 23, 2009 1:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
we just dont play each other enough to truley build a rivalry
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Oct 23, 2009 1:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
2 points is 2 points.
the only thing that I am happy about is I get to watch it at 7PM EST cause I have to work Sunday morning and don’t function very well on 3 hours sleep.
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 23, 2009 1:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with this. I felt the same way with the Chicago game, I got to pack it in before midnight for a change.
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on Oct 23, 2009 1:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed, but only because I’m in the EST time zone. When I was in Vancouver I hated 4pm starts, just doesn’t feel right to me. Least in Canada we avoid the US TV problem of effing 2pm EST games. That is just brutal.
by nucksandpucks on Oct 23, 2009 1:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe it’s me (and also since I am moving out west shortly) but the idea of early game starts makes me very happy. It’s exhausting waiting for hockey to start at 10:00 or, in the case of games in LA, 10:30…
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on Oct 23, 2009 1:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah…thank fucking CBC for that. People here will be getting back from work and listening to the game on the car radio the 1st period…Fuckers!
vancitydan
by vancitydan on Oct 23, 2009 1:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
demographics dude, what can you do?
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 23, 2009 1:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Demographics suck
Personally, I’d prefer they make it the late game but money talks right?
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Oct 23, 2009 1:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
yah, but then we would have had to watch MTL or SNES first…
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 23, 2009 1:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
At least we’d get a little pick me up before our game
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Oct 23, 2009 1:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
who works on a Saturday?
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 23, 2009 5:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I love both cities as well, having grown up in TO and now living in Van City. But the vehement hatred of Canucks fans for the Leafs has me completely mystified and it’s never fun trash talk for me anymore.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 23, 2009 5:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, and my comeback to the whole “Vancouver hasn’t won anything” comment is to point out that Toronto hasn’t played in a Final since before the Canucks existed as an NHL team. That usually shuts ’em up.
Pretty sure if the Canucks had been on Original 6 team we would’ve won at least a couple Cups.
by nucksandpucks on Oct 23, 2009 10:46 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
1967 works as well…..
http://canuckpuckbunny.blogspot.com
GO CANUCKS GO!
by missy on Oct 23, 2009 10:47 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
19-never
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
by Chemmy on Oct 23, 2009 10:58 AM PDT up reply actions 4 recs
What year was 19-never?
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Oct 23, 2009 11:22 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
well, Boston, Chicago and the Rangers thought the same thing. Nobody could pry the cup from Montreal or Toronto.
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Oct 23, 2009 12:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i’ll say it now: saturday is going to be fun
http://canuckpuckbunny.blogspot.com
GO CANUCKS GO!
by missy on Oct 23, 2009 10:47 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I should have pointed out in my post that my girlfriend is a not douche-y leafs fan… ooo the fun we’re gonna have on Saturday… :D
by GAHHHHH! on Oct 23, 2009 10:48 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
My buddy got us tickets to the game here in January. As a peacekeeping effort, I suggested that every time the Leafs score he buys us a round and vice versa for me when the Canucks score. Figure it’s a good way to soften the blow of a loss and maintain a friendly atmosphere. Least if you’re team gets whupped you get some free drinks out of it.
by nucksandpucks on Oct 23, 2009 11:18 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder if she can make the same clain…
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Oct 23, 2009 11:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Claim even
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Oct 23, 2009 11:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hah…guess you’ll never know for sure. But nice one.
by GAHHHHH! on Oct 23, 2009 12:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I do remember a game a few years back where the Leafs were ahead a bit…the crowd full of Leafs jerseys…getting uppitedy…then the Canucks scored a couple times to take the lead…(one they wouldn’t give back)
can’t remember the year, but I do remember the Canucks fans serenading their friends with " ’Sixty Seeevvvenn….clap.clap.clapclapclap"…and so on.
And at least the Canucks have been to a couple Finals since we came into the league…how have those Leafs done in the same time!?
All in good fun guys….all in good fun
vancitydan
by vancitydan on Oct 23, 2009 11:54 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Better than you. Check the won-loss records sometime.
15 straight losing seasons, 15 uniform changes, 0 HOFers, 0 Cups… 1967 from Habs fans is one thing, from Vancouver it’s laughable.
by Godd Till on Oct 23, 2009 12:08 PM PDT up reply actions 4 recs
"All in good fun"
Agreed. Good-natured heckling and trash-talking is one of the things that makes hockey fun!
by nucksandpucks on Oct 23, 2009 12:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
indeed
the fact that we can have “good natured heckling and trash talking” proves that there is no hatred between the fan bases. If you guys were ottawa or Montreal fans this would have gotten real ugly by now
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Oct 23, 2009 12:40 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Actually Farry…it would have followed a tired old series of almost rote responses back and forth. The Leafs /Habs rivalry is really only intense when both teams are good. Though it is heating up now…maybe because the habs just rebuilt and the Leafs are rebuilding again.
The Canucks/ Flames rivalry is far more intense
vancitydan
by vancitydan on Oct 23, 2009 1:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
you are entitled to your wrong opinion
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 23, 2009 1:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Than the Leafs/Habs rivalry? You’re kidding, right? Please tell me you’re kidding.
"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09
by kidkawartha on Oct 23, 2009 1:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Its tired and a little sad…two once proud franchises with guys on both sides yelling that “were #8!!!”
Kind of funny to the rest of us that you guys still do it. I would think the Ottawa rivalry is more fresh anyhow…
When is the last time the Habs and Leafs played a game that meant anything more than 8th place?
Was it in a year with a "19"in front?
vancitydan
by vancitydan on Oct 23, 2009 1:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
every game means more than 8th place. Its Toronto vs Montreal, Quebec vs Ontario, French vs English. The roots go deep, deeper than Kyle wellwoods stomach
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Oct 23, 2009 1:16 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Talk about lame rote responses. Keep mentioning 1967, it is such a current and trendy thing to do.
Original, too
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 23, 2009 1:16 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Hoboy
Should a team with no rivals be insulting actual heated rivalries?
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Oct 23, 2009 1:17 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Thats heated? OK…sure…whatever…seems a little blase and old to me, but you are a fan of the Leafs, so I will take you at your word.
Yeah…I get the reasons bud…been watching hockey long enough to remember watching when their were just those few teams.
But from a guy that has watched the team since their inception ( I was 7)…they have a rival in the Flames that is long term and intense.
The Battle of Alberta? I lived in the Interior, and have MANY friends from Alberta and family there as well. Flames fans hate the canucks far more than the Oilers.
Edmonton thinks Calgary is their rival, but Flames fans would say the Canucks…both teams have knocked each other out of the playoffs enough. Maybe when the Oil get better it will reignite, but the Canucks/Flames rivalry will endure too.
Because those guys hate us and we hate them…go ahead and ask them.
vancitydan
by vancitydan on Oct 23, 2009 1:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Battle of Alberta? I lived in the Interior, and have MANY friends from Alberta and family there as well. Flames fans hate the canucks far more than the Oilers.
If that’s even true (which I don’t believe is widespread) then I can understand that rivalry growing out of two teams’ fighting for the Oilers’ table scraps.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Oct 23, 2009 1:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah…OK
Like the Oilers have been even a power for years.
Leaf fans are funny…living too far in the past. But in the recent game? Naaah…“we’re rebuilding now”
Maybe the rivalry is intense because the two teams just don’t like each other…all the talk from the players for both teams sure leads to that belief.
vancitydan
by vancitydan on Oct 23, 2009 1:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
last time i checked, rivalry is about history.
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 23, 2009 1:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
chicago seems to be building a good rivalry with the nucks now
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Oct 23, 2009 1:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
You might have missed the point of that comment. I’ve said that the Flames-Canucks’ rivalry is probably heated over the past couple of seasons because they’ve been the class of the Northwest but if you’re trying to say historically then it’s probably from the time during the 80s when they were battling for the Oilers’ table scraps.
Although, I still don’t believe that the average flames fan would consider the Canucks their rivals.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Oct 23, 2009 1:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
its like a sens fans trying to claim that toronto considers them their main rival
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Oct 23, 2009 1:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
both teams need to win a playoff series for there to be a rivalry.
Also, we don’t care about Ottawa… and they hate that even more than they hate the leafs
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 23, 2009 1:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
when was the last time the leafs rebuilt?
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Oct 23, 2009 1:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If your not first your last. A finals appearance means nothing.
13 cups – 0 cups.
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Oct 23, 2009 12:38 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Congratulations on losing in the finals twice. Did you raise any banners?
Of course you did because franchises with no history of winning will raise any banner to the rafters.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Oct 23, 2009 12:49 PM PDT up reply actions 4 recs
i think they have one of wellwoods hotdog eating contest banners up there
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Oct 23, 2009 1:03 PM PDT up reply actions 3 recs
Spoken by the fans of a team that ...
…hasn’t won since any of them were born…on the thread of a team that wasn’t even around then.
No I am not kidding Kid. Watch some friggen games. The Flames/Canucks games are usually some of the best hockey to watch
vancitydan
by vancitydan on Oct 23, 2009 1:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I watch a lot of West coast games, and trust me, you’ll need another 50 years or so to be comparable. It’s been going on for almost a century. I’m not saying those games aren’t intense, but the notion of comparable rivalry just isn’t it.
"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09
by kidkawartha on Oct 23, 2009 1:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Spoken by the fan of a team that has never won anything.
Say what you want about grasping on to the past but when your team has:
- 0 Stanley Cups
- 0 Hall of Famers
- 0 Rivals
- And holds on to 2 losses in the Final
It makes us look a lot better.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Oct 23, 2009 1:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
and 100 uniform changes, where is the tradition?
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Oct 23, 2009 1:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
and cam neely
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Oct 23, 2009 1:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was gonna double check that one..but thanks
by Sean Zandberg on Oct 23, 2009 1:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
im pretty sure the nucks drafted neely… i know they traded him to the bruins for pcuks and water bottles…
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Oct 23, 2009 1:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
And Bure SHOULD be in the HOF
vancitydan
by vancitydan on Oct 23, 2009 1:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i agree, so should Gilmour
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Oct 23, 2009 1:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m in for some of that
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 23, 2009 1:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agree
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Oct 23, 2009 1:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
We don’t speak of that neely fellow around these here parts!
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on Oct 23, 2009 1:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
hey dont feel bad, the leafs missed out on Orr and Gretzky
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Oct 23, 2009 1:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
they were pretty good, right?
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 23, 2009 1:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
not sure, i only follow the leafs
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Oct 23, 2009 1:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
that is classic!
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 23, 2009 1:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Canucks missed out on getting Gretzky too. Fucker went to St. Lou
by Sean Zandberg on Oct 23, 2009 1:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
For 30 seconds. Even Blues fans try to ignore that.
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on Oct 23, 2009 1:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Added bonus…cost us our first rounder the year Sakic was drafted…
vancitydan
by vancitydan on Oct 23, 2009 1:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
been there, done that.
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Oct 23, 2009 1:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Like I have said a few times: the post-1970 history of these two teams is remarkably similar. Missed opportunities, long stretches of mediocrity, and a few moments of awesomeness (too few for each, but awesome nonetheless)
by nucksandpucks on Oct 23, 2009 1:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can you spread the word?
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Oct 23, 2009 1:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yup
Though not sure what defines the rival component, even the Flames players now have gone on record that they have more of a rivalry (ok hate) with Vancouver than they do with Edmonton. I doubt that surpasses the BoA angle, but Calgary would get my vote for at least one rival.
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on Oct 23, 2009 1:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can think of another rival for the nucks, Brian Burke
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Oct 23, 2009 1:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Come on guys
This discussion should have reminded us that “Canucks vs Logic” remains the most bitterly contested rivalry going..
by Godd Till on Oct 23, 2009 1:24 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
In short bursts, the Canucks have had rivalries but even on the length of EDM-CGY they have none.
Try this actually: Ask Oilers or Flames fans who their rivals are.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Oct 23, 2009 1:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right. I haven’t had to ask, I’ve seen posts to that effect. But I think most of the time it just comes down to hating the players we’ve employed (particularly from when Burke was the GM). Certainly nothing on a legacy level like Edm/Cal.
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on Oct 23, 2009 1:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
they had
that 7 up for the fans last year….
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 23, 2009 5:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Awwww, you had to go and bring that up didn’t you?! Bit of a sore spot for, like, 100% of Canucks fans.
by nucksandpucks on Oct 23, 2009 6:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
'franchises with no history of winning will raise any banner to the rafters'
Case in point, that “LINDEN 16” one.
Couldn’t resist!
by Godd Till on Oct 23, 2009 1:11 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Holy #$@^!!! Breaking news!
There was a break-in at GM Place today and the entire contents of the Canucks trophy room were stolen. Police are looking for a man with a blue and green red black and yellow red blue and white blue and green carpet.
by Godd Till on Oct 23, 2009 1:23 PM PDT reply actions 5 recs
Oh, you can bet that’s a rec’n
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Oct 23, 2009 1:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
doubley rec’d
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Oct 23, 2009 1:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ripping off Toronto Star readers’ jokes about the Leafs in order to demonstrate the Leafs’ superiority to the Canucks? That’s a new one to me.
by nucksandpucks on Oct 23, 2009 1:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Normally the Star is too busy ripping on the Leafs… when they come up with a good one about another franchise it needs to get its play
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 23, 2009 1:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
we have more of a rivalry with our own media and the haters in the city than we do with the nucks
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Oct 23, 2009 1:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Now that is TRUE! Like a mother eating her young that media pack you have there
vancitydan
by vancitydan on Oct 23, 2009 1:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
its so fucked up, every day is a new battle
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Oct 23, 2009 1:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder how much this would be different had the Leafs not moved out of the Western Conference. Maybe a little.
I hate to be the not-so-funny guy here, but nothing tops the Leafs-Habs rivalry. It is a big part of what defines our country’s history and past time. The hate between those 2 is bigger than a Canucks-Flames rivalry because it’s been going on for so damned long.
by Sean Zandberg on Oct 23, 2009 1:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
thank you. the nhl would not be the nhl without the leafs and the habs
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Oct 23, 2009 1:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can’t ignore the roots…bloody roots
by Sean Zandberg on Oct 23, 2009 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
headbangs
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Oct 23, 2009 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can’t ignore the roiots…bloody roiots
fixed… and it’s not about 1994
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 23, 2009 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
you should have saw all of us in Montreal for the draft, wearing our Leafs Jerseys.
Gawd that was fun!
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 23, 2009 1:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
make sure you show up for the 3rd round of the draft this year, dont bother showing up for the first 2
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Oct 23, 2009 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The american who has seen interesting yankees/red sox clashes from jersey placement at the wrong time has to ask: what is the typical reaction when that happens?
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on Oct 23, 2009 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
dirty looks, swearing in French, and references to 1967… I answered them with smile… Chemmy answered them with inflammatory barbs and call- outs
to each his own.
Also, due to the fact I went to the washroom when MTL picked, I was the only one in the hall when John Tavares came up to the 3rd level with his entourage… got to shake his and congratulate him.
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 23, 2009 1:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
wash your hands first?
Maybe that explains how he got sick in the preseason!
vancitydan
by vancitydan on Oct 23, 2009 1:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
long incubation period… He did lovingly gaze at my Leafs jersey for a second, tho.
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 23, 2009 1:51 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
heh, good timing.
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on Oct 23, 2009 1:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
niiiiice
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Oct 23, 2009 1:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
When I told that to Chemmy later on at the draft, he said
(Paraphrasing)
“You didn’t push him down the stairs? He doesn’t play for us!”
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 23, 2009 1:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
More playoff matchups between the two for sure.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Oct 23, 2009 1:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
hahaha
99% of those jokes are so old. if you think that any are original you’re mistaken.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Oct 23, 2009 1:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah true. Some of them are classics (and can be applied to any team)
by nucksandpucks on Oct 23, 2009 1:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know guys…and I agree too…the Leafs/Habs is like Yankees/ Sox…was just having some fun with you above.
But I do still think it is better when both teams are playing for something than just “getting in the playoffs”…a strong Leaf team is good for a strong NHL…more money in anyhow!
vancitydan
by vancitydan on Oct 23, 2009 1:48 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
no kidding. if it were up to me the leafs and habs would be the best 2 teams in the east battling out for a chance to face either calgary or edmonton in the final
:)
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Oct 23, 2009 1:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
bazing!
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 23, 2009 1:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
alright im leaving work now, been a productive day of wellwood jokes.
good luck saturday
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Oct 23, 2009 1:55 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
bye… and I’m off to meet my wife for supper on her break.
I assume some road trips during the periods tomorrow?
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 23, 2009 1:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Glad all the “cool” kids are over here instead of knawing at the bones of a Welly is Fat thread…
vancitydan
by vancitydan on Oct 23, 2009 1:56 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
things like that are just a welcome distraction to the reality of our current run of suckage
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Oct 23, 2009 1:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
To tell you the truth…Bozak and those other kids look like they could be good.
Is the “Schenn” actually going to be benched though!
vancitydan
by vancitydan on Oct 23, 2009 2:04 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Could be. Not the worst idea. As smooth as he looked last year, he’s not even 20 yet, there will be some growing pains.
With the Kessel deal, I’m just thankful we have him, Bozak, Kadri, and the Monster to build with.
by Godd Till on Oct 23, 2009 2:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Leafs/Habs vs. Nucks/Flames
Didn’t know where to put this, so I figured I’d start a new thread. Agreed that Leafs/Habs is a great, historic rivalry – and the defining rivalry in the NHL history. And I’m glad to hear that Leafs fans still think so, instead of focusing solely on the Battle of Ontario (which is great, but not in the same league).
But the Vancouver/Calgary rivalry is real and very intense. Each of these teams has beaten the other twice in the playoffs, and then gone on to the Stanley Cup Finals. When you walk off the plane in Calgary there are ads for the city with pictures of the Flames playing, not the Oilers, but the Canucks. And when you go to the Saddledome, the fans delight in watching clips of the Flames beating, not the Oilers, but the Canucks. Seriously, a hugely disproportionate amount of the video clips shown in Flames games features the Canucks, and fans go ballistic for it. And this is not necessarily even while the Canucks are playing.
Not saying it compares to Leafs/Canadiens, because we don’t have the same history. But we do have at least 2 decades of intense rivalry and deep-seeded hatred for each-other, so it is not at all fair for Easterners to simply dismiss it as a rivalry. Go to a Flames/Canuck game in either city and see if you still feel that way.
by nucksandpucks on Oct 23, 2009 2:04 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Thank you for saying more astutely what I was trying to say to the guys above.
Well done Nucks…kudos!
Have never been in the Saddledome, but saw a regular and a preseason game with the Flames over the years…and even the preseason game was intense. Guys whacking each other at Game 70 pace…
vancitydan
by vancitydan on Oct 23, 2009 2:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not overly trying to discredit the Canucks/Flames rivalry-war, because it’s a beauty. I hate the Flames more than any other team. Most if not all of my Canuck friends feel the same way. No, it’s not the historical equivalent of the Leafs-Habs, but I’ll take it!
by Sean Zandberg on Oct 23, 2009 2:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
holy crap!
it got crazy on here during my classes!!
http://canuckpuckbunny.blogspot.com
GO CANUCKS GO!
by missy on Oct 23, 2009 3:16 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Leafs fans should show up more often. Hell, look at all the colors from the flagging and rec’s! It looks like effing Xmas on here :)
I think we should be using the Rec option more often.
by Sean Zandberg on Oct 23, 2009 3:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can you explain the flagging and rec stuff to me? I was wondering what the hell was going on with the comments. Looks like the Facebook “Like” feature
by nucksandpucks on Oct 23, 2009 4:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right
When you click “actions” under any comment, you should see a few options (since I’m a site manager I think I see more). But Flag is if something is dramatically inappropriate and you want Sean and I to act on it.
Rec is more fun, like when you love and want to highlight what someone else said, you click rec and it’ll change “0 recs” to “1 rec”. We have NM set to highlight a comment after two recs, so the green comments you see in this thread are the ones the PPP folks rec’d more than twice.
Basically, we should all use rec more. It’s a way of delivering praise for a comment well said or something funny, etc.
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on Oct 23, 2009 4:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
drop by PPP
whenever you want, we’ll show you what a community can grow to be on here.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 23, 2009 5:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Having all the PPP folks rec each other’s posts was amusing. Quite the incest-fest.
I've seen enough to know that I've seen too much.
by Smoboy41 on Oct 24, 2009 9:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
My best Leafs/Nucks moment
I got to experience a Vancouver/Toronto game last year when the leafs were in town. I have never heard a noisier more annoying group of people in my life. They were yelling at us Canucks fans at GM Place. It took pretty much every piece of willpower to not lay into them full bore but I refrained…… and then it happened………. Kyle Wellwood scored the opening goal of the game. The 2-3 minutes that followed that goal are probably a few of the greatest minutes of my life. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard in my life, I also don’t think I have heard a group of people quiet down so quickly. Absolutely amazing, and I hope they can get back to.500 with a win this Saturday.
P.S. Toronto can rot in hell for forcing me to go to a hockey game at 4 in the afternoon.
by HockeyFan on Oct 23, 2009 3:57 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
P.S. Toronto can rot in hell for forcing me to go to a hockey game at 4 in the afternoon.
Amen to that!
by Sean Zandberg on Oct 23, 2009 3:59 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
stop having your games so goddamned late then!
Refusing To Bow To Your Standards Since 2006
by JaredFromLondon on Oct 23, 2009 6:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
stop living in the WRONG time zone! haha
by Sean Zandberg on Oct 23, 2009 7:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
if im in the wrong time zone then why are you guys the ones forced to go to games at 4 in the afternoon?
ha!
Refusing To Bow To Your Standards Since 2006
by JaredFromLondon on Oct 23, 2009 7:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Some people work on Saturdays, plus we need not bow down to the bullshit CBC Leafs schedule
by Sean Zandberg on Oct 24, 2009 1:30 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, we are used to weird start times, being a West coast team…but at home?
Fuck that.
Ohhhh…errr…Amen…yeah…Ooops.
vancitydan
by vancitydan on Oct 23, 2009 4:49 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I have nothing against the Leafs or their fans. If the Leafs won the Stanley cup those fans’d be in heaven and, well, why not, they sure deserve it.
But I have nothing but contempt for their ownership over the years who do as much as it takes to occasionally make the playoffs and no more than that. Apparently that’s what they see as sufficient to keep the fans paying and history proves them right; Leaf fans have been so loyal over the year that their own team takes them for granted.
MLSE only respects the bottom line. When the day comes that they have to build a winner to increase their profits (as most teams do) then T.O. will get a winner. Till then, they’ll be off and on and forever hovering on the playoff bubble.
Be nice to see another S. Ontario franchise, too, which in itself would force the Leafs to improve in order not to lose more fans to it.
by casual on Oct 23, 2009 6:02 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Oh, and as for tomorrow’s game … I hope Gustavson plays cuz I’ve never had the chance to see him and I’m curious. What’s his style? Anything to look for?
by casual on Oct 23, 2009 6:06 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
he’s a big butterfly goalie. But Wilson said MacDonald will be starting, so I doubt we’ll see him.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Oct 23, 2009 6:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, you don’t want to see Gustavsson. Not tomorrow night anyway. He’s about Lou’s height but looks even bigger. Awesome goalie.
by Sean Zandberg on Oct 23, 2009 6:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Too bad. Well, we can always watch Wellwood (and Raycroft?) against their old team and see if there’s a spark. I’ve never seen MacDonald either, so I guess I’ll watch and see what he’s got.
by casual on Oct 23, 2009 6:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
No word on Raycroft starting tomorrow. Hmm. What makes more sense..starting him tomorrow or Sunday? I’m torn.
by Sean Zandberg on Oct 23, 2009 7:19 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
It’d be nice if Raycroft started tomorrow, cuz I’d certainly rather see lou in against the oilers…but whatever. Schneider’s in for Edmonton, that should be exciting.
Regarding Van > Calgary vs Edmonton > Calgary (yes i used greater than signs on purpose both times…) I grew up in central Alberta in the 80’s…and that was a serious rivalry. In Red Deer they used to put a line of tape down the middle of the bar for Edmonton/Calgary games…one side was all orange sad faces cuz they were losing, the other all blue smiling faces cuz gretzky just scored from kurri and messier (usually). I go back now, and it just isn’t intense at all…fans of both teams get more riled up for vancouver games. Of course (in my friends’ cases) that could have something to do with me poking them about their teams.
by GAHHHHH! on Oct 23, 2009 8:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
gretzky just scored from kurri and messier (usually) …sorry meant from kurri and andersen.
by GAHHHHH! on Oct 23, 2009 8:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wish the Canucks had a website/blog kinda like the one I have for the Leafs:
http://vintageleafs.blogspot.com/
It’d be a lot smaller, but one helluva lot more colorful.
by somny on Oct 24, 2009 4:50 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Heh, that is a cool blog. And you’re right, it would be a lot smaller. Chock full of Smyl, Tiger and Linden. And, oh what the hell, Odjick.
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on Oct 24, 2009 6:13 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Q:
Which team holds the record for most consecutive years without making it to the Stanley Cup finals?
Bonus Question: How many years?
by yoata on Oct 24, 2009 7:13 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
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