Perfect Reception
When Mats Sundin made his return last night, in more than one respect, it was a perfect reception. The whole theater of what will happen when Mats returns to Toronto has come and gone and it completely personified what it’s like to be a fan.
The response of the crowd was magical. When Sundin first came onto the ice there was a scattering of boos mixed with cheers. A perfect reaction for a fan base torn apart by Mats’ actions over the past year. It’s easy to ascertain the mixed emotions regarding what has transpired. Many have reacted harshly, others reacted warmly. The response to his first steps on the ice was fitting.
Next came Mats’ first puck possesion. A plethora of boos came hailing down on him. A perfect reaction for a former hero making his first attempt at scoring a goal against his former team in their own building. A few shifts later there was the first stoppage in play. Shortly after, an event so fraught with power and emotion, that it will be etched in my mind forever.
As I lay on the couch fighting a cold, I witnessed what is easily the most emotional moment in my Leaf history. A tribute to the great man that once was our captain. A tribute to the man who carried this Leaf team for 14 years, our all time leader scorer, our all time leading overtime goal scorer, our team leader. As that video graced the scoreboard, a perfect reaction ensued; A standing ovation for perhaps the greatest player to ever wear the Maple Leaf.
Sundin, for my relatively young eyes, has been the greatest Leaf to play for my team. Being born in 1980, I am not able to vividly remember the Sittler or Vaive years. I wasn’t alive for Mahavolich or Armstrong. I remember Gilmour and Clark very well. That 1993 playoff run was fantastic. Back then, Gilmour and Clark were my heroes. While they rank up there as the best Leafs I’ve seen, they aren’t at the top. For me, that position is firmly held by Mats Sundin.
That is why, as I watched my hero stand up and salute a cheering crowd, I got a little choked up myself. Perhaps it was the head cold affecting me as well, but I couldn’t help but feel emotional as I watched that wonderful sight of Sundin as he stood up on the opposition bench and warmly returned the honor to the fans he dearly loves.
A perfect reaction from a great man appreciating a city and a fan base that has given him so much support.
The game became a typical NHL contest after that point. Some nice goals; Blake and Burrows made fantastic tip ins. A few scruff ups, an overtime and a shootout. Like a storyline straight out of a feel good movie, after 5 shooters nothing was solved. It was Mats’ turn.
Just as a typical movie protaganist would do, he scored and won the game for his team against his team. The first star honor was rightly bestowed upon him. As he made what could be his final curtain call at the ACC, Sundin once again took to the ice and received a perfect reception. A long lasting standing ovation which promted him to, as he has done so many times, return the favor by blowing kisses to the crowd and bowing.
A perfect sendoff for a great man who I will sorely miss watching play the game. Mats Sundin, all I can say to you is thank you. Thank you for all those great seasons. Thank you for being man you are and thank you for appreciating us, your fans, much the same way we appreciate you. You are a class act and you will be missed.
Thank you.
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