I was not a serious fan before the lockout. Sure, I watched some games and I always watched Sports Centre, but I did not watch all the games. I would cheer when the Leafs made the playoffs, but I was never close to the team.
After the lockout, I somehow became a HUGE fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs. From the 05/06 season on, I became a follower of the Toronto Maple Leafs. I don't really know why I did, but I did. I watched almost every game from 2005 to now. I think I have missed less then ten games. I remember being pissed off at how slow Jason Allison was. I remember seeing Ian White as a rookie and being angry at all of his turnovers, then becoming a fan of his as he became a solid player for us.
Brian Burke and the current version of the Toronto Maple Leafs have somehow ruined the joy I had in watching the Leafs play hockey. This team never made the playoffs from 2005 to now, but before this season I actually liked watching the team. I looked forward to each game. I cheered them on and I enjoyed watching my team play, even if they lost. This season has been different. From the New Year on, I have been reluctant to watch my favourite team play. Why is that?
This team has been horrible. Despite one run in December, this version of the Toronto Maple Leafs has been terrible. They cannot kill penalties, they cannot play on the powerplay, and they are as bad in net as they were last year.
Why should I watch this team? Can someone give me a good reason other then "OMG THE LEFS ROK!"?
