After a horrid stretch of hockey and falling to fifth in the Atlantic division, the Toronto Maple Leafs have drawn criticism from fans and media alike. But the team that is currently disappointing Leafs Nation isn't exactly what it was meant to be.
Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Dave Nonis made his presence felt early into the start of the NHL's free agency period, inking winger David Clarkson to a seven-year deal worth $36.75 million, and re-signing centre Tyler Bozak to a five-year extension.
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Here we go: they can't afford to go 8 straight seasons without the postseason. Some think it's a lock the Maple Leafs will extend their streak as the NHL team with the longest playoff drought but, well, they are wrong. They will get there.
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It hasn't been considered by anyone else, and if presented to Bob McKenzie or Pierre LeBrun or Doug McLean they'd call it a greater work of fiction than 'Slapshot'. Nick Kypreos might even get mad: "Are you kidding me?" he might bellow. "Not a chance!"
They are in a slump, no doubt, and given that the first three-quarters of this season suggested to fans that the long playoff drought might be over, their recent run of poor play is all the more disappointing. For fans, yes, and the Leafs themselves.
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The Toronto Maple Leafs were mostly quiet after 40 minutes but a big third period led by red-hot Phil Kessel ignited a 4-3 shootout victory over the reincarnated Winnipeg Jets.
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The wheels didn't quite fall off but the nuts and bolts came loose as the Toronto Maple Leafs barely hung on for a 6-5 win over the Ottawa Senators.
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While most people are coming to terms with adjusting to fall weather and going back to school, there are many who are excited that hockey is back – yes that’s right – the NHL preseason kicked off on Monday.
One of the themes of the Toronto Maple Leafs season has been the team's battle with inconsistencies. Prior to the rise of James Reimer the Leafs battled with inconsistent performances in goal from J.S Giguere (11-10-3) and Jonas Gustavsson (6-13-2).
