First Anniversary

Down Goes Brown lists the highlights of Brian Burke's first year as General Manager:

November 29, 2008 - While outlining his strategy at his first press conference as general manager, Burke delivers his infamous quote about "proper levels of pugnacity, testosterone, truculence and belligerence". Confused Leaf fans rush to their dictionaries, and are disappointed to discover that every one of those words means "terrible goaltending".

One year in and I think it is safe to say that nobody expected that the Leafs would go in this direction. This year is a total write-off -- and thanks to the way the draft picks have been pissed away fallen, there isn't much prospect of starting the rebuild in earnest next year, either.

It is a shame, too. Despite all the glee we take in watching the troubles of the Leafs, I really think the NHL would be a better league if the Leafs were any good. I have long said I would rather the Senators beat the Leafs 3 games to 2 over a full season rather than this kick-the-puppy thing the Leafs have going now.

After this many years, I'm starting to feel sorry for the puppy.