There may not be a dry eye in the house following Saturday’s pre-game ceremony honouring former Leafs captain, Mats Sundin. Other than coach Ron Wilson, of course.
The ceremony honouring the past will bring back memories, some of them even good. But for the current group of Toronto players that will be on the bench watching a tribute to a player they barely knew, the real business takes place when the puck is dropped to start the game with the Canadiens.
The Leafs have had a fine run since the All-Star break, back-to-back road losses to the Winnipeg Jets and Philadelphia Flyers in their most recent two not withstanding. But one of the biggest reasons they are right in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race is because they have been able to studiously avoid lengthy losing streaks. In fact, they’ve lost three in a row in regulation just once this season.
The struggling Habs may not be the stiffest foe this season, but under the bright Hockey Night In Canada lights, all bets are off. A strong bounceback effort by the Leafs to finish off a four-game week is far more important than whatever emotions are associated with their old captain.
What did Sundin win other than a lot of rich contracts. All this maudlin nonsense about honoring him in a ceremony is nuts. The guy was well paid to do what he did which amounted to a mediocre finish in the standings for his team.And every time the Leafs hold one of these ceremonies they go into the tank. These huys are all millionaires or will be. They probably wouldn’t giveyou the time of day in the street.