Should non-playoff bound NHL teams tank their season? Thu, March 13, 2008
There is a better opportunity for the Leafs and Oilers to get a draft lottery pick than there is for them to somehow qualify fo the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Sitting on the outside looking in, with teams above them still to pass to even have a glimmer of hope at clinching a playoff spot, Canada's two teams not already in the top eight might be better off tanking the end of their seasons.
This begs the question: Should NHL teams in the bottom half of their conference try to lose their final games to ensure a better draft position this summer? What would be the repercussions from the fans, management or NHL on this matter? Have your say in our forum.
YOU SAID
12 Comments
One thing you can say for the Leafs coach, and players is that no matter how much heat they have received from the Toronto media, their fans, and probably upper management as well, they have not bowed to the pressure and tanked games. In my opinion this displays a level of class that all other teams in this NHL and the hooting and jeering fans of other, less storied franchises (Habs fans excepted) would do well to emulate. Nothing could have been easier than to go on a losing streak that would have guaranteed a top 5 pick. However there is still pride and courage in their dressing room and they will finish this season with their heads held high.
That's why I've been a Leafs fan since there were only two kinds of fans in this country. You'll see us when the Leafs or Habs are in your town, playing your team. You can't beg, borrow, steal, or buy that kind of history and support. We're not stupid, just incredibly loyal (the kind of fans your franchise wishes they had). Go Leafs! ... The fruit that takes longest to ripen always tastes sweetest!
Festus, 2008-03-15 01:14:05
What a ridiculous question to pose. No team would ever "tank it" for a better draft position. It simply does not happen.
What is with the Buffalo Sabres photo accompanying this topic? I think a Maples Leafs photo would be more appropriate, since the ONLY talk of "tanking" this season has surrounded them.
The Toronto media (of which this site is a big part) isn't great at hiding their biases.
Dave in NS, 2008-03-13 15:02:14
Should non-playoff bound NHL teams tank their season?
That's why I've been a Leafs fan since there were only two kinds of fans in this country. You'll see us when the Leafs or Habs are in your town, playing your team. You can't beg, borrow, steal, or buy that kind of history and support. We're not stupid, just incredibly loyal (the kind of fans your franchise wishes they had). Go Leafs! ... The fruit that takes longest to ripen always tastes sweetest!
Festus, 2008-03-15 01:14:05
What is with the Buffalo Sabres photo accompanying this topic? I think a Maples Leafs photo would be more appropriate, since the ONLY talk of "tanking" this season has surrounded them.
The Toronto media (of which this site is a big part) isn't great at hiding their biases.
Dave in NS, 2008-03-13 15:02:14