July 12, 2007 @ 08:58
The NHL schedule was released yesterday and this is the first time under the new format that the Canadian "flaw" is exposed.
The Leafs will play no games against Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver this year.
The way the schedule is designed, you play your division rivals eight times each, conference rivals four times each, and then you play ten games against the West - one game each against two divisions.
It just so happens that the division the Leafs don't play against this year is the Northwest.
It's amazing how the NHL will bend over backwards for American teams. Do whatever it takes to make sure they get all they need to stay afloat, but meanwhile Canadian teams are taken for granted.
The Leafs, Montreal and Ottawa should have the other three Canadians teams on their schedule every year. It's a no brainer.
This is Canada and the game is hockey and there's nothing better than watching two Canadian teams against each other - and its important to the fans, especially Western Canadian fans who love to have the Leafs and Habs visit.
But therein lies the answer and the problem. When it comes to Canadians fans the NHL doesn't give us much thought. We're there, and we'll always be there. We don't need any maintenance so no provisions are made.
That's precisely why a Canadians billionaire sits on the sidelines right now willing to strengthen the league with a boat full of money.
This winter while you're settling in to watch the Leafs play Columbus, or Nashville or Boston for the eighth time, remember those games could have easily been changed for Vancouver, Edmonton or Calgary making the season more interesting for Canadian fans.
They could have. But the NHL doesn't care.
Category: Sports
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