This simple equation is something that Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke and Coach Ron Wilson may have to become familiar with. When we brought back the Sens in 1992 to play in the National League after a nearly 60 year absence, we set our goal from Day 1: the team had to get 22 or more points that year. Why? Because then we would not wear the label ‘Worst NHL Team… Ever’.

That unfortunate label is something that the expansion Capitals own; having scored just 21 points in their inaugural season (1971/72). Those players who were with the Caps that year have had to live with that designation ever since. Now middle aged, they still get asked: “Were you on THAT team?” everywhere they go and they are sick of it. They would certainly like some other team to have that dismal record.

Fortunately, both the Sens and the San Jose Sharks avoided this fate, each getting 24 points that year.

The Leafs are now tied for their worst start ever: just 1 point from their first 7 games. That record over an 82 game season would yield about 12 points, a true horror.

No one can really understand the pressure on Burke and Wilson but if anyone can, it’s the first year Sens players, coaches (Rick Bowness, Alain Vigneault), management and ownership. By putting the goal out there (N > 22) and getting buy-in from everyone, we were focused on achieving that and humans are uniquely capable of visualizing and achieving goals.

The Leafs will get better and the Washington Capitals record is safe I believe but if they need to reach into their bag of tricks, Wilson and Burke might have to resort to simple goal setting to stay out of the all-time basement.

Prof Bruce