Wayne Simmonds means everything

Photo by Derek Leung/Getty ImagesLet me take you back to 1997, the first time I truly comprehended the game of hockey in the NHL.

The Detroit Red Wings had one of the most dominating runs in history to capture a Stanley Cup beating the St. Louis Blues, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, and Colorado Avalanche, culminating in a sweep of the Philadelphia Flyers. I remember wondering if the Leafs would ever be able to attain that glory (and 23 years later, nothing has changed), but it was the first time I truly began to watch.

The next season, like every Leafs fan, I walked in with the hope of a playoff appearance. Unfortunately, the first two games did nothing for that sense of hope. Their first game…