When you see thirteen what do you see?
A shocking film about the coming of age for a young girl? Not likely.
A number renowned for its associations with bad luck? Possibly.
A certain Swedish departed captain? Yes I'm sure you thought of him.
This, for once is not about Mats, not entirely at least.
All around the world 13 has been recognized as a special number:
Christians dislike the number because of the 13 members to sit the last supper, the 13th is considered to be Judas (the betrayer of Jesus).
There are approximately 12.41 lunations per solar year this leaves us with 12 months plus a smaller thirteenth month
Triskaidekaphobia - the fear of the number 13. A real word for a real phobia.
Now you're probably saying, that's interesting but I already knew some of that and don't really care that much, why in God's name have you wasted my time? What does this have to do with the beloved Maple Leafs. Well let me tell you.
The Maple Leafs are a special team and everyone knows it, whether you bleed Blue and White or love to watch the Buds lose. They are so in line with the universe, that it would be folly to believe that they do not share the special number.
You might not know this but the Leafs haven't won the cup in quite some time, it is well documented that the cup has not be sipped since '67. The reason for the drought is not immediately apparent however if one looks closer it becomes clear.
The last cup was the 13th in franchise history.
It might surprise you to know that the Leafs have recognized that they have a problem here and that despite the fact it will not make a difference to the support the receive they owe it to their fans to bring a winner to the city. In taking their first steps towards building a new and better Maple Leafs club ownership first had to send the old players on their way and bring in new ones. They had to bring in a new guy to do that, Brian Burke.
If you didn't know Brian is one of the most public GM's in the league and is something of a media magnet, he's also the 13th non-interim GM in Leafs history. Interesting note: his name starts with two B's which as you know is just the number thirteen squished together.
The exodus of the old had begun before Mr. Burke and continued during his early tenure. The most notable departure involves a certain someone who associates readily with the number 13. Nik Antropov! he put up 13 points after being traded to the New York Rangers... oh, and somebody who wore the jersey #13.
Captain Sundin was the leader and face of the Leafs franchise for years. You guessed it, he was here for 13 years. Mr. Sundin born was fated to be a legend for the Blue and White he was born on, Feb 13, 1971. Mats departure marked the beginning of the new era for Toronto.
That brings us to today, the leafs opponents for their next three games Buffalo, Boston, Buffalo. Those team names all start with 13's squished together, that could be a good omen or bad but the games will definitely be exciting.
GO LEAFS GO!!!
By the way if you've ever wondered why the Toronto team decided to call themselves the Maple Leafs just count the outward facing corners (points) of the logo.
Include the stem.
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