2011-12 record: 35-37-10 (80 points)
missed the playoffs
Captain: Dion Phaneuf
The Toronto Maple Leafs were on their way to the playoffs by the end of January. Unfortunately, the season ends in April and when February reared its ugly head, the Maple Leafs reverted to their futile ways, from a losing streak that knocked them into New York Islanders territory to a lifeless 8-0 drubbing by Boston that would see the Bruins sweep that season series. Ron Wilson was a casualty in all of this, and Randy Carlyle took his place. Should the Maple Leafs miss the post-season again, it will be more than just the coach getting fired. Getting there will be a harder climb, particularly when your goaltenders are James Reimer and Ben Scrivens...not exactly a winning combination. On defense, there is the mercurial Dion Phaneuf, solid, if unspectacular Carl Gunnarson, and a bunch of question marks after that. When the most likely call-up from the minors is a guy named Korbinan Holzer, you know your blue line has problems. The top two lines are actually good, but lack a true number one center. The fact that the Leafs are trying new acquisition James Van Riemsdyk at center tells you all you need to know about the team's problems. In the interim, the wings in Phil Kessel, Joffrey Lupul, and Van Riemsdyk (if the center experiment fails) should provide some good offensive numbers.
Prediction: 14th in the East
Band: Iced Earth
Love them or hate them, Iced Earth is constantly in the discussion when it comes to metal bands most everyone is familiar with...and sometimes, it's for reasons other than music. The Maple Leafs are a polarizing team that fans can't turn away from, even if the team is a train wreck waiting to happen.
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