The 'noise' isn't the problem

The 'noise' isn't the issue in Leafs land.

It's been a while since I've blogged here but I'd like to take some time to respond to this ridiculous notion that the market/fans in Toronto are a big reason for the failures of the Leafs over the past decade.

That's utterly ridiculous.

There are idiot sports fans everywhere who do stupid things - so singling out a handful of these people who throw jerseys on the ice or beer is not what the millions of the rest of us stand for.

You don't think there are idiot fans in New York when it comes to the Yankees or Boston with the Red Sox? How about Barcelona or Real Madrid when it comes to soccer?

The difference here is those teams have won championships over the past 50 years.

Do I condone throwing a jersey on the ice or beer? Absolutely not. It's disrespectful. I get it. However, I do understand it.

Leafs fans are sick of this garbage. We got sold a bill of goods for almost a decade by a management that was too stubborn to realize this group lacked certain intangibles.

A lack of accountability by the players and their inability to rise up in big spots for years has caused a ton of friction between fans and the team itself.

So I'm really not surprised that some fans reacted in a negative fashion when the team folded like a cheap suit in a Game 7 of the second round.

There is pressure with any team in pro sports - and yes, in bigger markets, there's that much more pressure. However, this narrative that you just can't win in Toronto because of the 'noise' - whether it be the fans and media - is truly a crock.

And not only is the hockey world dunking on you, but what's even worse is the team that beat you is now trolling you. The quotes over the past few days from the Panthers truly make me want to vomit. From Maurice's patronizing comments about how close both teams were was truly laughable, to Marchand and Tkachuk chiming in as well with their two cents on the Leafs - it's all an act.

If I were the Panthers, I'd want the Leafs to stay relatively the same roster-wise too. That way, they can kick their ass once again in a Game 7 a year from now.

Enough with the 'noise' complaints and build a winner because this fan base deserves it.