"Even as the Leafs are eyeing up a major retool this summer and not even involved in the postseason, fans of the Canadiens are still making it all about their hatred of Toronto. Two fans were seen heading to the game -- their playoff game -- with "Leafs Suck" written on their sweaters and No. 67."
"While, yeah, custom jersey nameplates and numbers have been a trend forever; and if it is to do with the actual team your team is facing, then it can make sense as a gimmick. But you are a Canadiens fan, heading to Game 3 of the second round against the Buffalo Sabres. Toronto is not involved. Buffalo and Montreal are. It's the Sabres against the Canadiens."
"It just becomes somewhat pathetic. You are experiencing the highs of being a hockey fan. Having a team in the second round of the playoffs and could easily punch your ticket to the Eastern Conference Final. It wouldn't even be that shocking for the Canadiens to end up in the Stanley Cup Final. That's what the sport is all about -- these couple of months of being a fan."
"But instead, they're making it all about the Leafs. Who, in case anyone hasn't checked the standings, they had the fifth-worst record in the NHL and while it is great for us that they won the Draft Lottery, could very well be out of the playoffs again next year and for the forseeable future. Meanwhile Montreal has possibly the brightest future in the league with several goo"
Canadiens fans are showing Toronto-focused hostility during the playoffs despite Toronto not playing. Two fans were seen heading to a Canadiens playoff game wearing “Leafs Suck” on their sweaters and No. 67. The behavior is framed as unnecessary because the matchup is between Montreal and the Buffalo Sabres. The piece contrasts the excitement of playoff hockey and the opportunity for Montreal to advance deep with the idea that fans should focus on their own team’s games. It also notes Toronto’s poor recent performance and suggests Montreal has a stronger outlook, making the fixation on Toronto seem out of place.
Read at Editor In Leaf
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