The Toronto Maple Leafs and the Boston Bruins: A Never-Ending Story of Playoff Heartbreak (Mostly for Leafs Fans)
Ah, the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Boston Bruins. A rivalry as historic as it is hilarious...for everyone except Leafs fans. We're talking about a match-up that's older than your grandpa's favourite sweater vest, a saga that would make Shakespeare weep with its dramatic twists (and mostly Leafs losses). So, how many times have the poor Leafs fallen to the mighty B's in the playoffs? Buckle up, because this one's a doozy.
It's Not Looking Good for the Blue and White
Here's the not-so-fun fact: The Boston Bruins have the upper hand in their playoff battles with the Leafs. They've triumphed a whopping nine times out of 17 series. Ouch.
But wait, it gets better (or worse, depending on your allegiance). Since the NHL expanded in 1967, the Bruins have swept the Leafs in every single playoff meeting. That's seven series, seven losses for Toronto. You could say it's become a bit of a tradition, like turkey on Thanksgiving...except way less delicious for Leafs fans.
There have been some close calls, mind you. The Leafs even managed to win a seven-game series back in 1959. Yes, you read that right, 1959. The year Elvis was drafted, the Berlin Wall was still under construction, and disco music wasn't even a twinkle in John Travolta's eye.
A Beacon of Hope (Maybe?)
Okay, okay, Leafs fans, don't despair entirely. The 2023-2024 season saw a valiant effort from the blue and white. They even took the Bruins to a nail-biting Game 7, only to fall short in overtime. Hey, a moral victory, right? (Right?)
Fun Facts (Because We All Need a Laugh)
- The Leafs' playoff struggles against the Bruins have become such a meme that there's a saying: "The only thing predictable about the Leafs in the playoffs is that they'll lose to Boston."
- Some speculate that the ghosts of Bobby Orr's slapshots still haunt the Scotiabank Arena ice during Bruins playoff games.
- There's an unconfirmed rumor that somewhere deep within the TD Garden, there's a trophy specifically for "Most Playoff Series Wins Over the Toronto Maple Leafs."
Leafs Fans: How Do You Deal?
We feel you. Here are some coping mechanisms for enduring this historic heartbreak:
- Distraction is key. Focus on other sports teams, hobbies, or that ever-growing pile of laundry.
- Embrace the self-deprecating humor. Sometimes laughter is the best medicine (or at least a decent painkiller).
- Channel your inner historian. Relive the glory days of 1959...just don't get too attached to the memories.
- Hope springs eternal. Maybe, just maybe, next year will be the year the curse is broken.
Leafs Playoffs FAQ: How to Survive the Inevitable
Q: How to avoid getting stressed about the Leafs in the playoffs?
A: Denial is a powerful tool.
Q: How to celebrate a Leafs playoff win?
A: Stock up on celebratory supplies beforehand, because practice makes perfect.
Q: How to cope with another Leafs playoff loss?
A: Ice cream and existential questions are a classic combo.
Q: How to convince your friends the Leafs will win the Stanley Cup this year?
A: Selective memory and a good sales pitch might do the trick.
Q: How to find a support group for Leafs fans?
A: Look around you, they're probably all your friends and family.
