Ron Wilson’s tenure in Toronto has been a bumpy one to say the least. Still yet to make the playoffs, and disliked by both the media and fans, Wilson has held on by the skin of his teeth via the loyal support of GM Brian Burke.
Until now.
Everyone knows about the losing streak – and like in any pro sport- losing is only tolerated for so long. What’s amazing is the fact that Wilson’s losing record in Toronto has gone unpunished for so long.
It’s hard to think of any other team in sports that’s held on to their head coach for four whole seasons without giving him the axe. In fact, the last coach who lasted this long with no playoff success was Wayne Gretzky with the Phoenix Coyotes, and he owned the team.
Barry Trotz lasted 5 seasons without making the playoffs with Nashville, but that was an expansion team. In fact, you have to go back all the way to the 40’s to find the last coach that lasted this long without making the playoffs. Frank Boucher did it with the Rangers from 42-47. Needless to say, coaching changes have become a different animal since then.
If Ron Wilson finishes the season, he has joined elite company indeed.
This mark of futility means to things. Wilson has either overstayed his welcome, or he’s a good coach on one of the worst teams in NHL history.
Are the Leafs right now one of the worst teams in history? It’s hard to agree with that, they’ve had one top 5 pick (Tyler Seguin) since Wilson was here and we all know where he went. They have a decent roster, with flaws, but decent.
The situation really has you looking upwards. Oh, there’s Brain Burke’s press box.
But someone has to take the fall. And MLSE won’t jeopardize their reputation further by taking out Burke.
Don’t worry Leafs fans, if Gustavsson and Reimer can keep it up. You might finally get your own top 5 pick after all.
Until now.
Everyone knows about the losing streak – and like in any pro sport- losing is only tolerated for so long. What’s amazing is the fact that Wilson’s losing record in Toronto has gone unpunished for so long.
It’s hard to think of any other team in sports that’s held on to their head coach for four whole seasons without giving him the axe. In fact, the last coach who lasted this long with no playoff success was Wayne Gretzky with the Phoenix Coyotes, and he owned the team.
Barry Trotz lasted 5 seasons without making the playoffs with Nashville, but that was an expansion team. In fact, you have to go back all the way to the 40’s to find the last coach that lasted this long without making the playoffs. Frank Boucher did it with the Rangers from 42-47. Needless to say, coaching changes have become a different animal since then.
If Ron Wilson finishes the season, he has joined elite company indeed.
This mark of futility means to things. Wilson has either overstayed his welcome, or he’s a good coach on one of the worst teams in NHL history.
Are the Leafs right now one of the worst teams in history? It’s hard to agree with that, they’ve had one top 5 pick (Tyler Seguin) since Wilson was here and we all know where he went. They have a decent roster, with flaws, but decent.
The situation really has you looking upwards. Oh, there’s Brain Burke’s press box.
But someone has to take the fall. And MLSE won’t jeopardize their reputation further by taking out Burke.
Don’t worry Leafs fans, if Gustavsson and Reimer can keep it up. You might finally get your own top 5 pick after all.
