Although the Leafs on the ice were a close-knit and talented team led by captain Darryl Sittler, the off-ice escapades of owner Harold Ballard unfortunately continued. Late in the 1978-79 season Roger Neilson was actually fired as head coach by Ballard. There was outrage throughout the players, media, and general public. Ballard then relented partly because he couldn't find a replacement. Ballard wanted Neilson to enter the next game with a paper bag over his head (to be "the mystery coach") but Neilson refused and coached the next game as if nothing had happened. The Maple Leafs had hit a wall even under Neilson. The team once again finished 3rd in the Adams Division and 5th in the Prince of Wales Conference. After defeating the Atlanta Flames in the Preliminary Round of the playoffs, the Leafs were swept by the defending Stanley Cup Champions, Montreal Canadiens, in the Quarterfinal Round.
After the 1978-79 season, Roger Neilson was again fired and this time Ballard dismissed general manager Jim Gregory as well in a surprising but ill-advised move. Gregory had built a very competitive team despite the meddling of his owner but could not get the Leafs into the Cup finals. During the Gregory era the Leafs qualified for the playoffs eight out of ten years but only advanced beyond the Quarterfinals once.
No comments:
Post a Comment