This thread has been slowing down lately so it's time stir up the controversy...
Lots of Heart while I respect and agree with all of what you've said, I think it ignores the fact that Canada is not dominating hockey like it once was - and that's what's scaring most canadian hockey fans. It isn't our game anymore, for the longest time it was only us vs the russians. Now the NHL makeup is only 53% Canadian, 10 years ago it was 75%.
The expectation level has dropped, plain and simple. When the juniors dominated gold 5 years in a row anything less than first place was unsatisfactory, now just getting a medal is considered an accomplishment.
Hockey is one of the only notable characteristics associated with Canadiana and when our teams go south with just a wimper, it makes me mad that so little ppl in this country care about it.
Ex Greek you said something about Ottawa not winning more than their division? If you're ever at the hockey hall of fame, check the engravings on the cup and you'll see ottawa is on it 5 times
[This message has been edited by Lil_G (edited July 06, 2001).]