BOSTON (Mar. 28) -- As the Maple Leafs' playoff hopes went down the toilet for a third consecutive spring, there was perhaps an omen of better times ahead 100 or so feet above the TD Banknorth Garden ice. Watching the Leafs/Bruins game last night, and trying unsuccessfully to remain anonymous, was none other than Brian Burke -- general manager of the defending Stanley Cup-champion Anaheim Ducks. Burke's presence in the Garden media gallery was nothing to stop the presses over, as he flies here twice a month to be with his two children from a previous marriage, both of whom attend school in the Boston area. But, the curious might wonder why he chose to attend the hockey game -- with so many wonderful entertainment options in this city, and given that the Ducks will not have to play either Toronto or Boston until next season.
If asked, I'm certain that Brian would have a ready-made answer. It is no longer practical to speculate with Burke about his future, as he has repeatedly declared his allegiance to the Anaheim franchise, and to the Orange County region of southern California. To ask why a contract extension beyond next season with Ducks' ownership has not yet been announced -- Burke claims it's a mere formality -- would likely prompt a heavy sigh, and a pained explanation that time is not a factor. Even if Burke were to exchange hugs and kisses with Henry and Susan Samueli in a formal press gathering, the cynics among us would still expect Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment to determine, early this summer, his interest in gaining full written autonomy over the Leafs' hockey operation. That's if MLSE truly intends to start at the top in its quest to land the NHL's biggest fish.
If Burke was indeed looking at his hockey future in last night's game, he probably didn't notice anything wildly unforseen. For the second consecutive spring, the Maple Leafs rode a late-season hot streak into the penultimate phase of the schedule, only to fall apart at crunch time. Last year, it was consecutive blowouts at Long Island and Manhattan in the final week of the campaign; this year, back-to-back spankings by a terribly undermanned Bruins' outfit with a week-and-a-half to go. As such, the franchise misses the playoffs three years running for the first time under its moniker of Maple Leafs. The last time -- eight decades ago -- the club was known as the St. Patricks in the first year of its three-season swoon. And, you thought this team wasn't good enough to set records.
Now -- for the 40th season and 41st consecutive year -- work begins to take yet another run at Lord Stanley's goblet. Colour television was still in its infancy and man had not yet walked on the moon the last time the Blue & White appeared in the championship round. No Leaf fan can be blamed if he honestly feels that man will walk on Mars before the Leafs make their next appearance. But, the demands of the Toronto hockey market -- though not reflected in admiration, acceptance, or financial debility -- will remain feverish in the realm of analysis and perusal from fans and media.
A new GM, with powers not previously granted by the current ownership structure, should be in place for the opening of the annual free agent frenzy on July 1, and eternal hopes will re-kindle among the NHL's most loyal and patient followers -- whose future leader may well have been watching the club's latest demise, in person.
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