Celebrating Excellence

One day, I will tell my unborn children about the legend that is Harry Leroy Halladay III. They will learn how Doc dominated baseball's toughest division, throwing complete game after complete game, while forever protecting the honour of his teammates.

Thanks to a ball aimed at the bulbous David Ortiz, with Boston having clinched a playoff spot, and the Toronto Blue Jays once again playing out the stretch, the legend of Doc grew to larger than life proportions on a chilly autumn night in September. No matter the standings, and no matter the score, Roy Halladay will let no one, especially not Jonathan Papelbon, take advantage of his team.

The incredible irony of it all: it went down in what might have been Halladay's final start as a Toronto Blue Jay. Poetic, no? Doc could have been ejected, but it certainly didn't matter to him.

If it was goodbye, Doc ended the Toronto chapter of his career the only way he possibly could have: with a complete game shutout in Fenway Park. And that's how I'll remember him. As the man who brought the Evil Empires to their knees.

We all thought we couldn't possibly respect, adore, and appreciate Roy Halladay any more than we already did. We were wrong.

I’ve said my piece about Mats Sundin. Over and over and over and over again. I also said goodbye, back in February.

So it was with less of a heavy heart than expected that I learned that Sundin had officially hung up his skates for good.

First: relief. There will be no repeat of last year’s “will he or won’t he?” fiasco.

Second: rage. The garbage spewn about on Twitter after Sundin’s announcement is not worth linking to. It only reaffirms the fact that there are a legion of so-called Leafs fans whom I want absolutely nothing to do with. If you chose the day Sundin officially left the game as yet another day to bash him, you’ll never fully grasp what he accomplished as a Toronto Maple Leaf. (Read: You're an idiot.)

Finally: adulation. I felt, and still feel, the urge to scale Toronto’s highest building and yell at the top of my lungs: “Mats Sundin: Greatest Maple Leaf of All-Time!!!!1” I'm thinking my balcony will be suffice.

Many great men – Wendel Clark and Doug Gilmour in particular – have worn the “C” in Toronto. Sundin was better than both of them, and he will always be my captain.

Thanks for the memories, Mats.

Mats Sundin: The Return...

The game on his stick, Mats Sundin did what he's done so many times in a blue and white jersey on Air Canada Centre ice: he sealed the deal. This time, wearing green as well, he did it to the Toronto Maple Leafs, instead of for them. And it was beautiful.

I doubt I could have written a better script: A beautiful standing ovation in Sundin's honour. Sixty-five minutes of entertaining hockey. A 2-2 game. A shootout equal at one. And Sundin, the yet to be replaced former Leafs captain, with the final word.

Backhand. Shelf. Stick side. Money.

A triumphant, and fitting, return. The game-winning goal. A first-star selection. And I was there. It was perfect.

Let's talk about that epic first period ovation. Leafs fans showed their class, and gave it up for their captain. I'm not sure I've ever heard the ACC any louder. The game waited. Chants of "Sundin! Sundin!" broke out. Mats got emotional. There may or may not have been some dust in my eye, causing severe discomfort to the point of tears. All of a sudden, my overpriced purple seats were worth every penny. It was magical.

Throughout the game, I hollered in support whenever Mats touched the puck. Some made the wrong decision to boo #13, but my fears of being severely let down by the Toronto faithful thankfully did not come to pass. Sundin was well received, as he should have been, and both Canucks and Leafs fans were cheering when he put the puck in the net to end the game.

Of course, there were the token douchebag Sundin haters. I happened to run into two of them after the game. The clowns, one of them with Xs through Sundin's name and number on his jersey, were yelling "Mats has the clap! Mats has the clap!," and talking smack to anyone in a Sundin jersey, myself included. As you can tell, really classy individuals.

Long story short, I: may or may not have engaged them in some intellectual conversation hurled some obscenities their way, am impressed by the promptness of security folk at the ACC, take the Mats-hating of others, especially drunk morons, way too seriously. For I am eyebleaf, "Lord of the Idiots."

While it was Sundin's night, I can't write about being in attendance without mentioning Vesa Toskala. He was fantastic. Went save-for-save with Bobby Luongo, the best goalie in the world, and looked good doing so. Way to not slut it up while I was in the building, Vesa.

Back to business. You know, I have memories of Sundin in a Quebec Nordiques uniform, so many years ago. I don't, however, remember him scoring against the Maple Leafs, although I'm pretty sure he did. After last night, I'll never forget.

About a year ago, we never got to properly say thanks, or say goodbye. Last night, we got to do both.

Thanks for everything, Mats. Including one more magical night. While you'll forever remain a Maple Leaf to me, you're now officially a Vancouver Canuck. Go and get that Cup.

Welcome home, Mats...

*The following is generously cross-posted over at the one and only Pension Plan Puppets, where the debate over Mats Sundin threatens to tear us, Leafs Nation, apart...

He's back. As a visitor. As a Vancouver Canuck. As the opposition. As the enemy. But he's back. Home. Where he grew up. Where he became a man. And I can't help but welcome him with open arms.

Look at that smile. You miss him, don't you? It's OK to say that you do. I do, too. It's only natural.

To be honest with you, it's tough to write this post. I'm not sure I truly believed I'd ever see Sundin on the ice at the Air Canada Centre in anything but a Leafs uniform. But, here he is.

Oddly enough, it's The Hangar's 10th anniversary tonight. Remember, it was Sundin who carried the torch - the "Memories and Dreams" - through the streets of Toronto, over to Bay and Front. He wasn't able to lead us to the "dream," but he sure left behind classic "memories."

Those memories are the reason why I'll be on my feet in applause, at the Air Canada Centre in attendance, when Sundin takes to the ice tonight. Logo on the front of his jersey be damned. After all he did wearing the blue and white, it's my turn to say thanks to the name on the back of his sweater.

There are those who cannot forgive Sundin for the way his tenure in Toronto ended. It remains an issue that sharply divides what is normally one tight-knit family of Toronto Maple Leafs supporters.

To those who say that Sundin lied about not wanting to be a rental player, and lied about wanting to respect the "journey" that is a full NHL season, I say no, he didn't lie. Not to me, at least.

Things changed. Situations changed. Yes, I am on the same page as Damien Cox on this issue. It pains me, but it is what it is.

In my heart, I believe that Sundin was set to retire back in August. He had all but hung up his skates for good. I truly believe that if Sundin knew in June that he was coming back for another season, he would have signed a deal with the Montreal Canadiens before July 1st, thereby ensuring that the Leafs at least received some compensation for his rights.

Sundin's decision to not join an attack as potent as the Habs' was a sure-fire sign to me that he thought he'd left the game behind.

While it may be hard to believe when looking at the standings today, I think most of us would have to agree that Montreal looked more like a Stanley Cup contender than Vancouver over the summer.

And, contrary to what some of the Sundin haters continue to ridiculously trumpet, in my eyes Sundin is, always has been, and forever will be, about winning. Mats led the Leafs. He bled for the Leafs. He cried for the Leafs. He carried the Leafs. He was the Leafs. He didn't want to leave, and he didn't have to. He didn't owe it to any of us to do so.

"I was put in a position I didn't want to be in. For me personally, I felt that we still had a chance to make the playoffs (last year). As captain of the team, (I believed) jumping the ship wasn't the right thing to do."

That's the guy, the one who spoke those words, you're going to boo? Seriously? Let me guess, you'd probably boo the captain of the Titanic, for going down with his sinking ship (I think he had a no-trade clause, too).

Don't do it. Don't let an unfortunate ending cloud your judgment. Things end. And they usually end badly. That's why they end. That's life. I ask that you don't forget what Sundin meant to you, to your city, and to your - to our - team. He always played with tremendous passion, desire, motivation, humility, and, above all else, respect. Isn't that all we could have asked for? I believe it's only right that, tonight, we show him that same respect.

Let bygones be bygones. Do the right thing: applaud Mats Sundin. Lord knows he deserves it. For once, ask not what Mats Sundin can do for you - ask what you can do for Mats Sundin.

Mats Sundin Montage...

If I learned anything at all from Team America World Police it's that, sometimes, "we're going to need a montage. Oh it takes a montage..."

February 21st

The return of Mats Sundin. It's official: I'll be there, in the stands, in my #13 jersey, and on my feet in appreciation of the man, the legend.

What? No, I don't get tired of writing about Mats. But thanks for asking.

Tickets went on sale Saturday morning for next month's big game. Of course, attempts to score seats through Ticket-fucking-master were futile. I got up early for nothing.

But I've managed, thanks to one of the seven wonders of the internet, to find a pair of purples for $280. A ridiculous price, I know. But one I must pay.

I was there in Edmonton back in 2003, row one behind the glass, when Sundin scored the 1000th point of his career. I was in attendance at the ACC in October 2007, when Mats became the highest-scoring Toronto Maple Leaf, ever. And I'll be there when Mats returns. Much like the picture above, I will welcome him home with open arms.

$280? Mats is worth every penny.

Much Ado About Mats

Much has been made in regards to Mats Sundin's comments about his hockey future. Will he stay? Will he go? Will he hang up the skates? No one, not even Sundin apparently, knows.

Sundin and his agent met with GM Cliff Fletcher last night and the situation today remains as clear as mud. Unfortunately, it looks like this situation is going to drag on for another few weeks until Sundin figures his shit out.

Am I a little peeved at his request for more time? Absolutely. The Leafs have been off since the second week of bloody April. Mats has had plenty of time to think about his future. Is he entitled to as much time as he needs? Yes, he most certainly is. Does his request for more time mean he'll hit the free agent market? I don't know, and I'm fucking done with all these questions I'm answering myself.

Those who read this tiny corner of the interweb, and those who know me well, know that I'm a staunch supporter of Mats Sundin. Always have been. Always will be. Sundin is, as the kids say, my dawg. I support him until the end. He's made a lasting impression on my soul. While I haven't been able to convince the woman to name our unborn son "Mats" - she's, umm, not too fond of the idea - I'm pretty sure we'll be able to reach a compromise: the middle name. Something Mats Vaswani. I like it already. It just rolls off the tongue.

Anyway, come September Sundin may no longer be a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs. After refusing to waive his no-trade clause and leave the city back in March, Sundin left the door open to signing with another team come July 1st, when asked by the media about his immediate future. He said the odds were "50/50" in returning to Toronto. Sundin is, clearly, a genius. No shit they're fifty-fifty! He's either back, or he's not. His insight is remarkable.

His comments, of course, set some Leafs fans off. Why? I'm not sure. What they were expecting him to say - 100%? That it as an absolute certainty he'll be back in the blue and white? Yeah, that would work real well for him in contract negotiations.

Sundin's comments didn't irk me. In fact, I thought they made a lot of sense. Seriously, can you blame him for keeping the door open to other options? Are the Leafs really the most attractive team for a 37-year-old aging superstar? I certainly don't think so. Sundin has, of course, made it publicly known that his dream is to retire a Maple Leaf. It will definitely be interesting to see if he's a man of his word. I most certainly believe he is.

Do his comments have anything to do with him not waiving his no-trade clause a couple of months ago? No, frankly, they don't. Sundin refused to waive his no-trade clause because he didn't want to be a rental player. The two issues are separate. If he signs a contract with, say, the Detroit Red Wings, problem solved. He's not a rental player, he'll be with the Wings all year (to go through the "process"), he'll have a chance to win the Stanley Cup, and he'll get to do it on his terms. What's there to be mad about?

It's my belief, and I've made it well known, that Sundin owes the Leafs, and us the fans, nothing. His contract with Toronto expired and as most smart people would do, he's likely going to hit the open market and see what type of offers come his way. As much as you and I love the Maple Leafs, we'd do the same. He'd be an idiot not to, really. Yes, Sundin's made a lot of money and lives a lofty lifestyle thanks to the Toronto Maple Leafs, but he owes the team nothing. He doesn't owe them any players in return, or any draft picks in return, or a home team discount on a new contract. Sundin needs only to look after himself, and that's what I'm sure he's going to do. How can I be mad at him for that?

Personally, I want him to come back. As if I actually had to tell you that. There's no better Maple Leaf - ever - and Sundin is the perfect man to drive this bus back to some modicum of respectability.

However, expectations in Toronto are going to be low next season, and probably the season after that. Pretty damn low. Unless Cliff Fletcher, or whoever the next GM of this team is, is able to pull off some David Blaine type shit, the Leafs are going to stink for a while. It's the nature of the business. It's clear the Leafs don't represent the best opportunity to win for Sundin right now. While I think it's crazy to think that Sundin doesn't care about winning, I think that at the end of the day it'll be hard for him to put another jersey over his shoulders. I tend to believe that Sundin cares about that Leafs logo, just like you and I do, and he'll come back to lead the next generation of Toronto Maple Leafs. But he's still got to keep his options open, and really that's all he's doing.

Will I be mad at, and/or hate, Sundin if he chooses to continue his career with the hated Montreal Canadiens, or Ottawa Senators, or some other franchise? While those are both nightmarish situations, the Ottawa one more so than Montreal, I don't think I'd have it in me to hate him. Both those teams offer Sundin a better opportunity right now than we do and I wouldn't be able to hate Mats for choosing to put himself first. It's something he never did in Toronto - he's been the consummate professional - and, well, maybe it's time he did.

Mats is a leader. He won the Mark Messier leadership award because when the situation was at its worst, Sundin didn't bail. He didn't pull the chute. He stuck around. He chose to try and be a part of the solution instead of taking the easy way out and abandoning ship. He is the ultimate Captain. He went down with the ship. That's leadership, folks, and that's why I want him to stick around.

I think it is a complete and utter travesty that Sundin is getting ripped on and lambasted simply for keeping his options open. This has nothing to do with the no-trade clause and his refusal to waive it! Sundin's never mentioned any teams, yet media speculation has tied both the Red Wings and les Canadiens to him already.

It must also be remembered that Sundin never made any demands during his multi-year tenure in Toronto. He never asked for the huge contracts. He never asked for super talent around him. By utilizing his no-trade clause, he used a stipulation in his contract that was negotiated on in good faith by both parties. Sundin never held this organization hostage, so why isn't he being given the same respect? It saddens me. It truly does.

I think it's an exercise in futility to rip Sundin about his future and whether to question if he'll be back. The more important question is how much Sundin is worth. If Sundin does hit the free agency market July 1st, the Leafs will be one of a number of teams to send him an offer. While the idea of trading his rights before July 1st has been thrown around, I just don't see it happening. Come on guys, this is the Leafs we're talking about here.

What's Sundin worth to you? How much should the Leafs be willing to pay him to keep him in Toronto? He made $5.5 million last season and it was one of his best in the past decade. He is what he is, and that's a point-a-game player on a team with very little offensive talent. It could easily be argued that he's in line for a raise, but I don't think that's fiscally responsible for the Leafs if they want to turn this ship around. The Leafs can't ice a more competitive team, a fucking playoff team, if they're paying Sundin upwards of $6 or $7 million dollars. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not asking for Sundin to give Toronto a home-town discount. Remember, he owes us nothing. What I'm saying is that if he's not comfortable in coming back for around the same money he made last year, it may in fact then be time to turn the page on the Sundin era. Unless the Leafs can find a way to open up some cap space (see ya, Bryan McCabe!), and unless the team wants to be better and make the playoffs, Sundin can't be tying up a substantial portion of the salary cap. Like my man Mos Def said, "it's all mathematics."

It's clear that due to the fact that Sundin is off the idea (huge!) of being a rental player, any contract will have to include another no-trade clause. I know, it's the last thing the Leafs should be handing out, but I think Sundin will refuse to sign anywhere unless he gets one. Here's what I suggest: Fletch and co. offer Mats a one-year deal, with a no-trade clause, for $5.75 million. Nothing more, nothing less, and leave it on the table come July 1st. If Sundin gets $6 million from the Habs and chooses to take a drive east on the 401, I wish him nothing but the best and thank him for his tremendous service. He will live on in my heart, as a Maple Leaf, forever. No hard feelings.

With the Stanley Cup finals soon to wrap (Wings in 6), the real drama is just getting started. I look forward to a summer of defending Sundin. Anything less would be uncivilized.

And while I can wax philosophical on Mats all day long, and how he's never, ever wrong, certain happenings always seem to put things in perspective. Rest in peace, Luc Bourdon...

I Ain't Mad At Cha

After refusing to waive his no-trade clause, Mats Sundin remains, for better or for worse, a Toronto Maple Leaf. Amidst intense speculation, the Captain couldn't abandon ship. To quote the late, great Tupac Shakur, "Shit, I'm wit cha, I ain't mad at cha. Got nuttin but love for ya, do your thing boy."

Only a couple of days ago I wrote on this very blog that loyalty in pro sports is a myth, and that it simply does not exist. Mats Sundin proved me wrong. He showed that an athlete, in today's day and age, can be loyal to a franchise, and to his teammates.

There are those who will chastize and rail on Sundin for refusing to leave town at management's request. How these people can do that is beyond me. Mats did nothing wrong. He did what he felt was right in his heart and, man, it just makes me feel all warm inside.

For Sundin, it was a no-win situation. If he accepted a trade out of town, there would have been those who would have been labelled him a quitter and a selfish hockey player. By choosing to stay in Toronto, those same douche bags are calling him selfish and disloyal to the franchise that made him a star. I've heard that if Mats "really" loved the Leafs, he would have left. Yeah. Okay.

In the end, Sundin exercised a negotiated clause in his contract, and had every right to do so. Deal with it. You don't have to support his decision. I can even understand, to an extent, why people are upset with Sundin. But I believe that after his 14 years of service in the blue and white, to a man we should all respect his decision.

I truly believed in my heart Sundin was a goner by today's trade deadline (speaking of the deadline, Ross McKeon over at Yahoo! Sports is reporting that the Dallas Stars have acquired Brad Richards and the Montreal Canadiens have landed Marian "I completely disappear in the playoffs" Hossa). While I felt moving Sundin was in the best interests of the organization, I can't say I'm surprised or disappointed that Sundin chose to remain a Maple Leaf. Hell, it's what he's been saying all along. Mats said from day one that he wanted to remain in Toronto and regardless of how bleak the situation was (and still might get) around these parts, his decision wasn't going to change.

Sundin is, clearly, a man of his word, and a man of principles. He doesn't believe in being a rental player. His heart wasn't set on going to a new team and, potentially, winning hockey's holy grail as a late-season addition in an unfamiliar dressing room. His decision to stay in Toronto and rough it out is extremely honourable and classy.

It would have been easy for Mats to leave. He could have agreed to get as far away as possible from the train-wreck known as the Toronto Maple Leafs, and I would have understood. He could have agreed to go and play for a true contender. He could have agreed to go and join a team where he could have played with the quality of players he has not had the opportunity to play with in recent years in Toronto (read: good players). But Mats Sundin doesn't roll like that, and I'm proud of him. He didn't jump at the opportunity to leave town for greener pastures. Far from it. By all accounts, it was an agonizing decision, and Sundin couldn't get himself to leave.

He's like the captain of the Titanic. Or the dude's playing in the band on board. Pass him the violin. He's going down with the ship.

Sundin is hockey's anti-Vince Carter, and hockey's anti-Jason Kidd. In other words, he isn't an ego-maniac who only cares about himself. Sundin is, of course, looking out for himself by not waiving his no-trade clause. He's earned that right. But for those of us who have had the pleasure of watching him over the years, we know how much he values his teammates. They are his family. He'll never throw them under the bus. One of his main motivations in rejecting a trade out of town was that he couldn't leave his teammates and join another team. That says all you need to know about Mats Sundin right there.

Would Sundin agreeing to a deal have helped out the franchise? Absolutely, although I'm convinced Sundin wasn't going to command as high a price as people were expecting. The market, after last year's craziness involving guys like Forsberg, Tkachuk, and Ryan Smyth, is much more subdued this season. But it isn't Sundin's job to fix the terrible mis-management that has plagued the Maple Leafs for so many years. A friend of mine, Ryan, said it best: the Leafs made their own bed, and now they've got to sleep in it. Sundin is the only player on the team deserving of a no-trade clause, and it is the other no-trade clause contracts handed out to the likes of McCabe, Tucker, Kubina and Kaberle that have handcuffed the Leafs not only this season, but also in the years to come.

Sundin is my boy. He's been my boy for years, and will be my boy until it's all said and done. He is, in my mind, the greatest Maple Leaf ever. A sense of calm has come over me now that I know he will remain in the blue and white, and with the "C" on his chest. Too many Maple Leafs captains before Sundin, many of them great ones, have been shipped out of town without a proper and respectful salute: Dave Keon, Darryl Sittler, Rick Vaive, Wendel Clark, and Doug Gilmour. Mats Sundin has always maintained that he wants to retire a Maple Leaf and we should all respect his one wish. We owe him that much, don't we?

Sundin is, of course, a free agent at seasons end and there has been speculation that the Leafs, to spite the fact that Mats has refused to waive his no-trade clause, will not offer to bring him back for another season. Sundin has also hinted that he may retire. I still think Mats has at least three solid years of hockey left in him, and if the Leafs even entertain the thought of not offering him a contract, well, shame on them. The Maple Leafs are already pretty much a laughing stock and I think they would be stapled to the cross if they pulled a stunt like that. At the same time, I can't put it past the Toronto Maple Leafs. They are the epitome of lunacy.

Mats Sundin, a Toronto Maple Leaf for life. The best ever. At the end of the day, Mats simply couldn't put another jersey over his shoulders, and how can I be mad at him for that? I can't. No way.

LEAFS 5 SENATORS 0

With Sundin-gate finally behind them, and their Captain still driving the bus, how would the Maple Leafs respond on the road against the hated Ottawa Senators last night? By spanking them 5-0, that's how! Yeah, I totally saw that one coming.

Of course, Sundin opened the scoring for Toronto, after a ridiculous feed from Kaberle on the power play. It was fitting that Mats got the Leafs on the board first. Yesterday was the first day of the rest of Sundin's life as member of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Sundin's goal set the tone. The Senators, who are looking extremely vulnerable heading down the stretch, were dominated by the Buds, in their own building no less. After all the severe beatings Ottawa has shoved down Toronto's throat the past few seasons, last night was, well, freakin' sweet. I've said it before - no matter how bad things are going or going to get, beating teams like Ottawa and Montreal is still extremely gratifying.

There was something in the air last night, though, that's for sure. The Leafs were buoyed by their Captain's decision to stay on board, even as the ship slowly takes on more and more water. The team played with heart and determination that has been sorely lacking all year. In the first period both Carlo Colaiacovo and Bryan McCabe gave up their bodies to block shots, setting the tone for what was one of Toronto's better efforts all year.

Darcy Tucker chipped in with two goals and an assist and continues to make me wonder where the Leafs would be in the standings had he shown up all season.

Vesa Toskala was his usual brilliant self, although he owes Kaberle a dinner at Mendy's after Kabby saved the day, and the shutout, by robbing Mike Fisher, who had an open net to shoot at, late in the game. Kaberle's goaltending exploits did not go unnoticed and the next time Toskala is injured, Kaberle will be strapping on the pads. After that one save last night it's obvious he's a better goalie than Andrew Raycrap, the forgotten man.

It's also pretty amazing to see what happens when the Leafs actually score on their power plays, and kill off their penalties. Really makes a difference, eh? Who knew?

There is a large group of fans out there who surely weren't too happy with yesterday's results. Why, you ask? Because they want the Leafs to lose. They want the Leafs to finish as low as possible in the standings in order to secure a higher draft pick, and maybe even the top pick overall. Me, I can't do that. I can't cheer for my boys to lose. It's not in me. And knowing the Leafs' track record in the draft, well, if we do manage to get the top pick (Steve Stamkos, please!) we'll manage to screw it up somehow. It's what we do best.

In addition to wanting to see Sundin leave, there are those out there (Cliff Fletcher included) who want the Leafs to trade McCabe, Kubina, Kaberle and Tucker. Well, it ain't happening, because they've all refused to waive their no-trade clauses. Deep down, I'm glad they did. It's kind of sick, but I don't want any of them to leave. Especially McCabe. Say what you want about him, but the Leafs are a much better team when he's in the lineup. Since he returned to action on February 7th, after missing seven weeks with broken bones in his hand, the Leafs have won six of their last nine games. I'm tired of McCabe being the scapegoat.

Basically, I'm willing to give all these guys a mulligan this year. Don't trade em, Cliff. They're all under contract for next year so lets giv'er another shot next season. I know it's not exactly the smartest idea around, but, well, I love these guys, and for some really stupid reason, believe in them.

With Sundin's decision to stay in Toronto, coupled with last night's beautiful win, I'm hoping the Leafs go on a run. For Mats. They've got to make the playoffs for Sundin. To prove to all the douche bags out there that he made the right decision. That his faith in his teammates was justified. Oh, it would be the stuff of legends and lore.

With 18 games remaining on the schedule - that's 36 points for you math whizzes out there (don't worry, I used my calculator) - the Leafs can finish the season with, potentially, 99 points. To do that, they have to win all of their final 18 games. Yes, I am delusional. Realistically, and this is where it all goes to hell, the Leafs need to win at least 15 of their last 18 games. That would give them an additional 30 points and a total of 93, and likely sneak them into the second season. The odds of that last scenario happening? Not bloody likely. But I'm a dreamer, and if Mats Sundin has taught me anything, it's that dreams can come true (no, not the dream of winning the Stanley Cup, but the dream of Mats retiring as a Maple Leaf).

The Leafs, going into trade deadline day today, sit six points, and four teams, out of the final playoff spot. It's going to take a miracle. So put on your rally caps, my friends. Do it for Sundin because after his decision to stay, and the heroics of last night, a miracle is exactly what we are about to witness.

Happy Birthday Mats!

Dear Mats Sundin,

Happy 37th birthday, big fella! Old? Hardly! You've still got the goods, my man.

I just wanted to take a moment to wish you all the best on this very special day. Hopefully after you blow out the candles, you can take to the ice and blow out the Buffalo Sabres. And let me take this opportunity to pass along my sympathies to you for having to spend your birthday in Buffalo. That is just awful.

It's tough not to wax nostalgic on a day like today, especially when your future in Toronto remains so cloudy. Will you stay? Will you go? If you go, will you come back? Tough questions. In a couple of weeks we'll have the answers, but I just want you to know that no matter what decision you make, I, and most other appreciative Maple Leafs fans out there, will support you. We owe you that much.

You came to Toronto a boy and I have watched you age gracefully into a man. It has been a pleasure. You've been my favourite player since I was 13 years old. Thirteen - the day of your birth, the number on your back, and the day of my birth, in September, and the number I've worn, as well. Coincidence? I think not.

You are like a fine wine - you get better with age. And now, today, when I look at you, I still see one hell of a hockey player, with a lot of gas left in the tank. More importantly, I see a leader of men. You inspire your teammates and your fans. You want to complete the "journey" and go through the trenches with your comrades in order to win a Stanley Cup. You don't want to win it as a rental player, on a team new in a new city, because it's just not the same. That's what makes you so special, Mats.

Your birthday present on this special day? With the return of Alex Ponikarovsky, you're getting a healthy Maple Leafs team. Well, Mark Bell is still on the injured list, but let's be honest, other than getting beat up he wasn't doing much when he was in the lineup.

Cheers, Mats. Here's to you. And another 37 years. You're my man, for life.

Your homeboy,

eyebleaf

"Keep Sundin" - Cox Bloc

Ever since joining the blogosphere about 15 months ago, I've become a reader of many different blogs. There's a ton of good ones out there. And even some great ones. When it comes to the Toronto Maple Leafs, two blogs I regularly visit are Pension Plan Puppets and Cox Bloc. Both are beauties, and both I suggest you visit.

I just finished reading the latest entry by Godd Till on Cox Bloc entitled "Keep Sundin" and, well, you've got to read it. Required reading it is (Yoda!) for any and every Toronto Maple Leafs fan out there. Trust me.

I love to write. I actually think I can put a pretty mean sentence together. But sometimes, someone writes something, and it's just sheer beauty. A masterpiece. That's what Till has just done, and there's nothing I could possibly add to "Keep Sundin." There's no way I could change it, because it has sent a flood of emotions and memories through my body.

Mats Sundin came to Toronto a young, taut, Swedish boy. With full and lustrous blond hair. I must admit that his blue eyes stole my heart the day he was traded here, and I've been, as those who know me best me would attest to, a staunch Sundin supporter since day one. Mats had me at hello. It was 1994; fourteen years ago. Hard to believe.

"Keep Sundin" has brought back all the Sundin memories, both bad and good. The incredible goals. The overtime goals. The playoff goals. His 500th goal. The playoff, overtime goals. The smiles. The frustration. The anger. The day he got the "C" on his shoulder. His 917th point as a Maple Leaf. The playoff victories. The playoff defeats. The tears. The pucks to the face. The emotion. His 1000th point.

I will never forget the night of April 28, 2001, in New Jersey during the playoffs years ago, when the Leafs rallied from a 5-2 deficit they were facing in the third period. Sundin led the way with three points in the final frame, and Toronto tied the game up on a last minute goal from Stumpy Thomas. The emotion on the captain's face was incredibly inspiring. The Leafs would, in heartbreaking fashion, go on to lose the game in overtime.

I will also never forget the look on Sundin's face when the Leafs were defeated in April of 2000, once again in New Jersey, after a performance in an elimination game in which they only managed six shots on goal. Three in the first period, two in the second, and - unfathomably - only one in the third. Bob Cole's words that night will forever haunt me. Every now and then my brother, for no apparent reason, still repeats them: "Six.....shots."

Cox Bloc has kept it about as real as possible with "Keep Sundin." I couldn't do Sundin, and his legacy, any more justice than Till has. Watching Sundin over the years has been a pleasure, and if he doesn't want to leave, why the hell should we trade him? The title, my friends, of the entry says it all: Keep Sundin.

Before I read the post, I was all for trading Mats - my captain, my favourite player, my heart and freakin' soul. The plan was to then cheer for the team he was traded to, and hope he would win a ring as a rental. Thank you, Cox Bloc, for having changed my mind. I don't know what the hell I was thinking.

Sundin for life.

If you haven't already, go and read the damn thing!

A Night to Remember...

Last night in Toronto, Mats Sundin scored his 390th goal and 917th point as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs, making him the franchise's all-time leading scorer. And I was there.

After the laugher of a hockey game the Maple Leafs played on Tuesday night - it's a stretch to even call it a game since the Leafs didn't bother showing up - I was looking extra-forward to last night's visit from the New York Islanders. Yes, those same Islanders who stole the eighth and final playoff spot from under our fingers on the last day of the regular season last year (no, I haven't forgotten). More importantly, I was interested in seeing how the Leafs would respond after the severe poundage they received on Tuesday. Only four games into the season, and it was gut check time. You don't lose 7-1 on home ice and not come back in a nasty mood for your next game. Little did I know I was going to be witness to Toronto Maple Leafs history.

Actually, little did I know I was even going to be at the game. A colleague of mine offered me a pair of Air Canada Club tickets at 5:00pm. She couldn't make it, and she was asking me to come off the bench and pinch hit. I was getting the proverbial tap on the shoulder. I was the chosen one. Who was I to let her down? It was simply an offer I couldn't afford to refuse. Especially since she was offering the tickets for FREE ninety nine. Free Leafs tickets, are you kidding me? I'm there. All day, everyday. Unfortunately, I didn't wear my Leafs jersey to work (I wonder how that would go over?), so I didn't have it. I'm now thinking about carrying it with me permanently in my bag, just for emergency situations like these. Anyways, the seats were tremendous, thank you Susanna Kelley. I owe you, big time, trust me.

I was looking forward to my first live glimpse at Leafs goalie Vesa Toskola. More importantly, I was looking forward to starting the "Ve-sa!! Ve-sa!!" chant. As I got to the arena I received a text message from my brother, whom I blessed with the second ticket. He was on his way downtown to join me, and was the bearer of some terrible news: Andrew Raycroft was getting the start in goal.

Talk about a swift kick to the nuts.

Raycroft makes me nervous. Every time the opposition has the puck I'm afraid they're going to, well, score. He is the human sieve after all. But not even Raycroft could ruin this night, my friends.

The Leafs came out flying and were up 2-1 after a spirited first period. Darcy Tucker assisted on both goals for Toronto and was finally on the board after a rough start to his season.

Then, seven minutes and 15 seconds into the second period, it happened. Tomas Kaberle scored a beautiful goal, patiently out-waiting Islanders goalie Wade Dubielewicz (Dubie!!) to make it 3-1 Toronto. The assists went to Jason Blake and Mats Sundin. For Sundin, it was his 917th point as a Toronto Maple Leaf, moving him past the legendary Darryl Sittler into first place all-time in Leafs scoring history.

In the excitement of seeing how the Leafs would respond after Tuesday's loss, and in the disappointment of hearing that Raycroft was playing, I forgot that Sundin, my heart and soul, was on the verge of the historic record. He had tied Sittler with an assist on Tuesday night. Now, the record was his. It was only fitting that I was there in the building to share it with my main man Mats.

Flashback: Back in 2003 I was on a business trip in Alberta with my brother. We had coincided the trip with the Maple Leafs schedule, who were visiting the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames. It was March of 2003 and Sundin was on the verge of 1000 career points, a significant milestone, as he would become the first Swedish-born player to accomplish the feat. I think he was stuck on point number 999 for six or seven games, until he broke the record in Edmonton, where my brother and I had tickets in the first row behind the glass next to the Edmonton goal. Sundin scored point number 1000 right in front of me on a backhand off a scramble in front of the net. It was fascinating. He had a huge grin on his face and his teammates all hopped over the bench and came right in front of us to congratulate their captain. As Sundin skated back to the bench with the puck in his hand, I swear he looked me right in the eye. He knew his biggest fan was in the building. It was magical.

Back to last night: As the puck was dropped at centre ice after Kaberle's goal, Maple Leafs announcer Andy Frost announced that Sundin had just broken the record, and the crowd went crazy. Everyone was on their feet, and chants of "Sun-din!! Sun-din!!" broke out. It was louder than loud, and Sundin was getting his due. Finally, after what seemed like ten minutes, there was a stoppage in play and a tv timeout, and the scoreboard showed a smiling Sundin on the bench. Once again, the crowd went nuts. Suddenly, the Star Wars theme song broke out on the speakers and a montage of Sundin highlights began to play on the video scoreboard. Everyone was on their feet clapping for Sundin as they watched the greatest moments of his 13-year career with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The goals, the hugs, the smiles, the overtime winners...it was magnificent. I had tears in my eyes. You couldn't slap the smile off my face. I could have stood and clapped in appreciation forever.

Thirteen years have gone by in a flash. Sundin arrived in Toronto in 1994 a young Swedish boy with a charming smile and a full head of hair. He's now a man and while the charming smile is still there, the hair is not, and who, really, can blame him? His job - captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs - is not an easy one.

I've been a staunch supporter of Mats Sundin since the day he arrived in Toronto and while people still argue that he is not a great captain, or a good leader, or the best Maple Leaf of all time, it was sweet justice watching him get point 917. Say what you want about the man, his numbers speak for themselves. He was more than deserving of the ovation he got last night, believe me. It was simply extraordinary.

After the Leafs went up 3-1, the rest of the game really didn't matter anymore, to be honest with you. I just sat in my seat with a beer in my hand and a perma-grin on my face. Nothing could bring me down.

Until public-address speaker Andy Frost, five minutes into the third period with the Leafs leading 6-1, announced an official scoring change - that Sundin in fact had NOT registered an assist on the Kaberle goal in the second period. He was still tied with Sittler.

Talk about another kick to the nuts. This time with a steel-toe boot.

The crowd boo'd and hissed their disappointment. I was shocked. Shagrinned. Distraught. How could it be? I was in the building. I was there for Mats. I was there to witness history and watch him become the greatest player ever to wear the blue and white. I couldn't believe it, and I think my brother couldn't believe how big a deal I was making of the whole situation. Deep down I wanted him to slap me and tell me to pull myself together. It just wasn't right. Who cares if Sundin didn't touch the puck? Just give him the assist! It was heart-breaking.

I was praying Sundin would somehow, someway get his name on the score-sheet in the last 15 minutes of the game. I felt it was meant to be. The tickets fell in my lap two hours before game-time and Sundin wasn't going to let me leave with breaking the record.

My prayers were answered. Five minutes after the scoring change announcement, Sundin came down the left wing and sent a pass towards the goal. It hit the skate of New York defenceman Brendan Witt and went straight into the net. There it was, baby. Goal number 390, to break Sittler's record of 389, and point number 917, to break Sittler's record of 916. Two bird's, one puck. Thank you, Brendan Witt. This time, there was no doubt. Sundin had just broken the record, and no one was going to change it. Once again, the crowd was on their feet. I led the charge. I was practically up in the rafters. Alex Steen handed Sundin the monumental puck and Sundin's teammates also stood on the bench and banged their sticks against the boards in honour of their tremendous leader and face of the franchise. It was another staggering standing ovation and Sundin raised his right arm in appreciation to the crowd.

Sundin is one of the classiest athletes to ever play in Toronto, and he proved it again last night, clapping to the crowd as they cheered him on. It's been a tremendous ride for Sundin here in this city, full of ups and downs, but last night proved that he has been appreciated. I've never been part of an ovation like that, and it's something I'll always remember for the rest of my days.

After the game, which the Leafs won 8-1, the organization made sure they recognized Sundin's accomplishment as well. He was named - in a classy move - the game's third, second and first star and came out onto the ice alone for another rousing ovation.

How can I complain? Three beautiful ovations for one hell of a hockey player, and the hockey love of my life. The scoreboard read "Go Mats Go" and I don't think you can put it any better than that.

I can't put it any other way - I was meant to be there last night. Sundin was to have broken this record last year, both the goal scoring record and the total points record. But he waited. He only scored one goal in the final 20 games of last season. He waited for me.

In the dressing room after the game, the selfless Sundin once again showered his teammates and fans with praise.

"My respect has grown every year as a player for this city, the Toronto Maple Leafs and the fans," said Sundin. "Hopefully, it's grown the same for me as a player."

Oh, it has Mats, it most certainly has. Thank you...