The NHL's darling Maple Leafs have 13 Stanley Cups, the second most in history. However, Toronto has not won a title since 1967, that was also the last time this "great" franchise even reached the Cup Final. Post Sundin the playoffs have been more then an after thought, in the midst of another very disappointing season, I'm glad someone finally took the time to take a shot at this once proud, now irrelevant franchise. The NHL has about doubled its number of teams since their last crown.
Someone needs to tell Toronto, even though he is from the city, unfortunately, Joey Votto plays for Cincinnati.
Kobe Bryant exchanges words with Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce during the 2008 Christmas game.
This is the final part of my Rivalry Index posts. These rivalries are conceived on the NBA's big stage, the Finals. There are only three inter-conference rivalries that I find notable.
If you have missed them here are my first two Rivalry Index posts
Larry Bird and Magic Johnson's rivalry was born on the basketball court, but symbolized so much more. It represented the clash between race, glamor vs. grit and East Coast vs. West Coast.
Los Angles/Minneapolis Lakers v. Boston Celtics- The two greatest franchises in basketball. With the exception of the 90's either the Celtics, Lakers or both have captured a title in each decade of the NBA. Together they account for 33 championships, more than half of the titles that have been won since the league was established in 1947. The rivarly began in during the Russell Era from 1959-1969. The Celtics and Lakers met in the Finals 8 times throughout this era, with Boston winning every match-up. They would not meet again until 1984, when Larry Bird defeated his arch-nemesis Magic Johnson. Magic would get the last laugh however, winning the Final two Lakers-Celtics Finals series of the century.
It would be 21 years before the two franchises met again. In 2008 the new look Celtics lead by the Boston 3-Party (Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett) squared off against the Lakers lead by reigning MVP and consensus best player, Kobe Bryant. The series would end with Boston's 39 point route of the Lakers at the Garden, the worst play-off clinching loss in Finals history. Two years later, Kobe Bryant would exact his revenge on the Celtics. In 2010 Boston and L.A. squared off in what will be regarded as one of the greatest Finals series if not the greatest of all time. The series ended with a thrilling comeback in Game 7 by L.A. at the Staples Center. This season the Lakers and Celtics remain among the leagues elite, and are favored by many to meet for the 13th time in 2011.
On Hiatus
Two of the greatest point guards of all time, Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas lead two of the greatest teams of all time to multiple titles.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Detroit Pistons- The Lakers-Pistons rivalry is almost a David and Goliath story. The Pistons went up against the Lakers on three separate occasions in the Finals (1988, 1989, and 2004) and although the Lakers were favored in each time, the Pistons are ahead 2-1 in Finals match-ups. They split the series in the late 80's with the Lakers taking the first in seven games and the Pistons taking the second match-up with a 4-0 sweep over the Magic-less Lakers. In 2004 the Pistons pulled off perhaps the greatest Finals upset ever. The Kobe-Shaq Lakers had made two major acquisitions in the 2003 off-season, signing Karl Malone and Gary Payton. They were heavily favored over Eastern Champion Detroit. The underdog Pistons would shock the basketball world by rolling over L.A. 4-1, giving Detroit their third title.
Defunct
Wilt Chamberlain fends off two New York defenders in the paint.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. New York Knicks- The Knicks have enjoyed their only two championships with victories over Los Angeles in the early 70's.The teams met 3 times in the early 70's. The Knicks winning the first two match-ups and the Lakers winning the third. Although this rivalry died almost 40 years ago, I put it here for 2 reasons. First, these are the two largest metropolitan areas in the United States and second, in 2011 we could see a rejuvenation of this rivalry. When Carmelo Anthony signs with it the Knicks he will team up with Amare Stoudemire, both players have been prominent foes of Kobe and L.A. This acquisition may also make New York a contender that could challenge Kobe's Lakers in the final years of their dynasty.
This photo Larry Bird and Julius Erving depicts the animosity between the Eastern Conference's greatest rivalry.
Eastern Conference
Active
"It's just God disguised as Michael Jordan." -Larry Bird
Boston Celtics v. Chicago Bulls- Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics were responsible for knocking off a young Jordan and Chicago before the Pistons assumed that role in the late '80's. In 1986, Michael Jordan scored a play-off record 63 points in an overtime loss to the 67 win Celtics. The Celtics would sweep the Bulls in back-to-back seasons and the rivalry would fall due to the decline of the Celtics. However in 2009 it was renewed in what some will call the greatest first round play-off series of all time (averaged 1 overtime per game). With the Bulls among the East elite, the Rose-Rondo comparisons and the bad blood between Garnett and Noah this rivalry is stronger than ever.
In 2008 LeBron nearly carried Cleveland past the eventual champion Celtics, but came up short in Game 7 at the Garden.
Boston Celtics v. LeBron James- LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers began a fierce rivalry 2008 EC Semi-Finals with the eventual Champion Boston winning in 7 then upsetting them in the second round of 2010. This rivalry has moved (along with LeBron's talents), to South Beach with Boston having the 2-0 series lead.
Cleveland takes their landmark LeBron Witness banner down after the decision.
Cleveland v. LeBron James- I honestly believe that this is the greatest collective display of animosity toward one player that sports on all levels will ever see.
Dwight Howard finally has real competition in the Southeast division.
Orlando Magic v. Miami Heat- This intrastate rivalry is at it's peak now. These two Orange State power houses will battle each season for Southeast division and maybe even in EC Finals to come.
Alonzo Mourning and Larry Johnson throw down at the end of a '98 play-off game.
New York Knicks v. Miami Heat- This rivalry seemed to have a relatively short shelf-life. During the late 90's these two teams were lead by two of the top centers in the league. The Heat lead by Alonzo Mourning and Knicks lead by Patrick Ewing would first meet in the '97 EC Semifinals. The Heat winning in 7 for the right to be a sacrificial lamb to the basketball God that is Michael Jordan. They would meet the following three seasons. The Knicks winning each series, including 2000 when the 8th seeded Knicks knocked-off the no. 1 Heat en route to a Finals appearance. A year ago, I would have put this in the defunct category, but The Decision has given it new life. With Melo coming in 2012 (a rival of LeBron's) they could be dueling for the EC Championship next season. The central figure of the rivalry, Pat Riley who coached both teams in during the 90's, remains in Miami's front and might return to the helm. I believe this has the potential to be one of the greatest rivalries of our time.
On Hiatus
Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain is one of sports most storied player rivalries.
Boston Celtics v. Philadelphia 76ers - The Sixers-Celtics probably the second greatest rivalry in NBA history. They have met 18 times in the play-offs, the Celtics leading 11-7. This is a unique rivalry because it began with a different franchise. From'59-'62 the Philly Warriors and the Celtics threw down in the play-offs, then the Warriors moved to San Francisco, where they faced Boston in the 1964 Finals, the Celtics winning that series. The central focus of the rivalry were Wilt Chamberlain, and Bill Russell (without question, the two best players of that era). The early 1980's and the arrival of Bird gave this rivalry a whole new life. These two teams me tin the 1980, '81, '82 and '85 EC Finals, they split the series 2-2. The rivalry was revived in 2002 with a 5 game first round series (back then, the first round was 5 games, not 7) Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker defeating Allen Iverson and the defending EC Champs. Even though Bird and Dr. J are long gone and Allen Iverson decided to take his talents to the Middle-East, theres too much bad blood between these two franchises for this rivalry to be totally defunct.
Larry Bird and Bill Laimbeer have had several physical altercations.
Boston Celtics v. Detroit Pistons- Isiah Thomas and the "bad-boy" Pistons were the Bird-era Celtics most formidable opponent in the East. After the Celtics won a 6 game semifinal in 1985, and a 7 game EC Final in 1987, the Pistons won the the next three series in '88 '89 and '91. The Pistons antagonized the Celtics with personalties like Dennis Rodman and All-NBA Asshole Bill Lambeir, who was ejected along with Bird in game 3 for fighting, game in which the Pistons would cruise to victory. Bird would get revenge two games later in Boston with his famous interception of an Isiah Thomas inbound and assist to Dennis Johnson to take a 1 point lead and win the game. The rivalry was renewed in the 2000's when the Celtics rolled past the Pistons 4-1 in the 2002 Semifinals and beat them in 6 in the 2008 EC Championship. Since the Pistons blew up their roster in 2009 it hasn't been much of a rivalry but two great franchises like these are bound to meet in the play-offs again.
Defunct:
Michael Jordan's dunk on Ewing after beating a double team is widely regarded as the greatest dunk of all time. Chicago Bulls vs. New York Knicks- During the Jordan Era the Bulls and Knicks would meet six times in the play-offs. Ewings Knicks may have put up a fight, but they were never able to take down Jordan's Bulls. They were able to take advantage of Jordan's hiatus and took down the Bulls in a 7-game EC Semifinal, but that victory is usually credited to the worst foul call in NBA history. The foul was on Scottie Pippen and gave Hue Hollins two free throws allowing the Knicks pull ahead by one and win the game. As we all know, Jordan will ultimately return and the Bulls would roll over the Knicks in the '96 EC Finals adding Patrick Ewing to the long list of legends His Airness would not allow a ring.
Reggie Miller taunts Madison Square Garden after burying the Knicks.
Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks- Despite Jordan's dominance over NY during the 1990's, it was Reggie Miller who earned the nickname "The Knick Killer." After he would torch them, Miller would often taunt unofficial Knick mascot Spike Lee (which is awesome). Miller's signature performance was scoring 8 points in the final 16.4 seconds in Game 1 of the '95 EC Semifinals to win 107-105, and eventually win the series. The Knicks and Pacers were perennial play-off teams during the 90's and although each team went through one another en route to a Finals appearance at least once, neither team won a title.
One of baseballs majestic legends received some unfortunate news, Harmon Killebrew has been diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Killebrew, 74, was a member of Cooperstown's class of 1984. He spent 22 MLB seasons with the Kansas City Royals, Washington Senators and the Minnesota Twins, he downs a Twin's cap on his Hall of Fame plaque. During his remarkable and often underrated career Harmon Killebrew clipped a mediocre .256 but blasted 573 home runs along with 1,584 career RBI. Arguably the greatest Twin ever, Killebrew earned 13 All-Star selections, the 1969 AL MVP, and led the Twin franchise to its first World Series appearance since the organization was still in DC and the Senators reached the Fall Classic in 1933. His team fell to the Dodgers in his first and only World Series, however, Killebrew remained an adviser to the organization even after his playing days helping to bring in the next Twins hero, Kirby Puckett who captained Minnesota to 2 championships, 1987 and 1991.
When asked about his disease, the warrior in Killebrew came out, "I have begun preparing for what is perhaps the most difficult battle of my life." He understands the seriousness of this diagnosis yet remains in good spirits and confident, "while my condition is very serious, I have confidence in my doctors and the medical staff, and I anticipate a full recovery."
Detroit Red Wings goaltender Chris Osgood picked up his 400th career victory after an overtime win over his arch rival, the Colorado Avalanche. He is now the 10th goalie in NHL history to reach this milestone. Chris Osgood just went from knocking on the door to the Hall of Fame to kicking it down with full force! The Red Wing great now holds an overall career record of 400 - 216 - 95, a 905 save percentage (.916 in playoffs), a 2.49 GAA (2.09 in playoffs), and what should have been a Vezina trophy from 1995 (39-6-5, .911, 2.16) over 17 seasons with Detroit, St. Louis, and the New York Islanders. On top of all his success individually Ozzy has been apart of 5 teams, all with Detroit, to reach the Stanley Cup Finals and 3 to hoist sports oldest trophy (2 as a starter). He may not be in the class of Hasek, Roy (did beat his ass though), and Brodeur, however, Chris Osgood based on the criteria absolutely belongs in the hockey Hall of Fame. It wasn't always pretty but he more often then not got the job done and usually with the Hockeytown pressure to do so.
Due to all the attention surrounding record sports steaks over the past few weeks I figured it was time for BDL to put together a list of the best individual and team streaks of all time. Every one of these streaks is very impressive to say the least and certainly hold its place in time. I am only including streaks set either by a team, franchise, or player, streaks accomplished in individual sports have not been made apart of this list. I mostly eliminated the individual sport streaks such as Byron Nelson's 11 consecutive PGA Tour victories to cut this down. I also figured the team sports make the most sense since this blog covers NFL, NBA, MLB, and the NHL with some college sprinkled in. These are in no particular order. The point of this post is to not rank these great streak just simply to reflect and place the proper perspective on them.
UCONN Women 90 Consecutive Wins
I know this is the new team record and of course it would be outrageous to do this list leaving it off but i just see all the others as more remarkable. In no way am I trying to take anything away from this amazing streak though. If anyone questions that check Alex Wiederspiel and my all decade listwe made about a year ago, UCONN women are at the top. During this streak this group of gals decimated their opponents leaving them each with talk of moral wins for even competing. The Huskie's only won by single digits twice and this win streak span almost 3 seasons. This was done in a sport that has been dominated by about 8 teams over the last 20 or so years, however, getting up every day knowing you are far and away the best, are going to win, and then actually pick up the victory is outstanding. This current record setting steak almost happened in the early 2000's when Geno's squad won 70 consecutive games until finally losing in 2003.
Streak MVP: Maya Moore & Geno Auriemma
Johnny Unitas 47 Consecutive Games With A Touchdown Pass
The original gold standard for the quarterback position may have had all of his records broke several times over at this point, all except 1. Mr. Unitas still holds the mark for most consecutive games with a touchdown pass, 47. Johnny Unitas accomplished 40,000 yards in an era when 25,000 got you into the Hall of Fame. Everyone knows about his yards, the NFL title games, and his Super Bowl 3 loss and Super Bowl 5 victory yet no one seems to discuss this record all that often, they should. Only Favre and Marino ever put together streaks of over 30 or more. Yes, you need the receiver to catch the ball and yes only recording 1 TD pass every week would exactly get you a fantasy championship these days but still this is still the standard and if nothing else for that it is note worthy.
Los Angeles Lakers 33 Game Win Streak
The old school Lakers won 33 games in a row during their 1971-1972 championship season. This star studded team had that "it" factor from the start and for arguably one of the top 5 best franchises in sports history this is a record that is still brought up from time to time during Laker games. This team faced and beat formidable foes all season including defeating Willis Reed and the New York Knicks one season before he made a name for himself coming back from injury to lead the Knicks to their last title. This Laker team finally allowed Jerry "the Logo" West to capture his first and only NBA championship out of 9 total finals trips. Basketball legends Wilt Chamberlain joined West to form this once almost unbeatable big 3 Elgin Baylor. Laker great and Hall of Fame head coach Pat Riley was also along for the ride adding a ring as a player to his 5 as the floor general (5 of his 6 total rings as a player or coach are with the Lakers).
Streak MVP: Jerry West, 25.8 PPG (Gail Goodrich led team with 25.9) & 9.7 APG
Florida State Finishes In Top 5 For 14 Straight Years
Bobby Bowden put this once all girls on the map and then some. This was mostly due to his run with FSU through the 90's to early 2000's. During this time the Seminole's competed in a college football era that saw the likes Florida, Nebraska, Michigan, Tennessee, and Miami (Fl) just to name a few put together NFL talent consistently. Despite that FSU found someway champion or not to remain a top 5 team. Bowden and the boys picked up two National Titles over the course of this streak, 93 and 99. Dag gummit they were damn good!
Streak MVP: Bobby Bowden, players come and players go but the coach remained
Atlanta Braves 14 Consecutive Division Titles
The baseball team of the 90's goes to the Yankee's due to their dynasty towards the second half. However, the most consistent team in that period did not play in New York or even the American League. The Braves were still recovering from the post Aaron era when the 1990's came around yet were quietly putting together a buzz-saw of a squad. It began with a trio of aces, Glavine, Smoltz, and Avery, and ended with one of those 3 becoming a Hall of Famer due to his work as a closer. From 1990 to 2004 the Atlanta Braves won 14 division titles, 5 NL Pennants (91, 92, 95, 96, 99), and 1 World Series (95). This streak was accomplished due to great players such as the 3 I mentioned, along with Chipper Jones, Andruw Jones, Greg Maddux, and Fred McGriff just to name a few and was led by an even greater manger, Bobby Cox. The only year the Braves did not reach the post-season over this run, 1994, the strike year.
Streak MVP: John Smoltz, the only player who was on every single one of these Braves teams (1992 NLCS MVP & 1996 NL Cy Young during streak)
Boston Celtic's 8 Consecutive NBA Titles
In the 1960's there is no debate, the team of the decade in every sport was the Boston Celtic's. As was once perfectly said when you OWN a decade there is no argument. Only the baseball Yankee's of the 50's even could even be in a conversation for dominance like this. Over a 10 year period Red Auerbach's teams won 8 straight championships from 1959 to 1966. This was done with pretty much the same core. Bill Walton led the charge and about the time Bob Cousy was on his way out John Havliceck was on his way in. Many believe if it were not for MJ spending 2 seasons in minor league baseball his 90's Bulls would have matched this mark. Unfortunately he did and we are still left with Boston as the gold standard in terms of a sports dynasty. Hakeem Olajuwon should send Jordan a thank you card every year.
Streak MVP: Bill Russell
Oklahoma Football's 47 Game Win Streak
The Sooner's are one of the elite college football programs ever. Despite great teams under Barry Switzer in the 70's and 80's and consistent contenders under Stoops in the 2000's the best Oklahoma era came in the 1950's. From 1953 to 1957 Oklahoma was invincible. During those 5 seasons the Sooner's did not lose and accumulated a grand total 47 consecutive victories. Oddly enough Oklahoma only played in two bowl games during this streak due to it taking place in the golden age of college football and in a watered down conference. Never the less, this streak is most likely to never be broken or even touched.
"The U" won 34 straight from 2000 - 2002 but were still 13 shy.
Ty Cobb 23 Consecutive Seasons of Hitting At least .300
I want to make this clear for anyone out there who says "oh .300 is nothing the batting champion hits .330+ every year" you are an absolute idiot. I could make a very descent argument this may in fact be the best streak of all. I will not do that, but instead appreciate it regardless. After a very poor .240 clip his rookie year Cobb hit no worse then .316 during this steak and that was his sophomore season. During these 23 campaigns Cobb blasted 11 straight seasons hitting over .369 and put together 3 .400 average seasons, including back to back in 1911 and 1912. His career high took place in 1911 when .420 was placed in his final stat line. Cobb finished his career with a .366 average and 4,189 hits (2nd to Rose) thanks to one of the most consistent careers in sports history. If Ichiro did not spend almost a decade in Japan he probably would be the only chance to match this mark.
Orel Hershiser's 591/3 Inning Scoreless Streak
That is almost 62 games without allowing a run, yes almost 62 games without allowing a run. I just keep looking at it in awe to be honest. Years later we look back at 1988 as the year of Curt Gibson's World Series home run, the Dodger's last title, and the start to the McGwire, Canseco, and LaRussa led Athletic's AL pennant three peat, however, it also held arguable the best streak for a pitcher ever. If Hershiser was a Hall of Famer this remarkable streak would get much more publicity, either way it was amazing. In a sport that numbers matter so much due to it being a one on one battle in the midst of a team game Orel dominated more then anyone has ever dominated before.
Wayne Gretzky's 51 Game Point Streak
The Great one is unquestionably the best hockey player to ever lace up skates. He holds every single record and actually has more assists then some legends even have total points. Gretzky was great at every single aspect of the game. He could pass, has insane vision, a wicked shot, could out skate every single person on the ice, and was even more of a student of his craft then Peyton Manning and Kobe Bryant are theirs. During his prime you could not stop him, you could only hope to contain him and honestly that was up in the air. In the 83-84 season Gretzky was in the midst of his prime and for a guy who once scored 92 goals may have had his best overall season ever. Not only did he register a point in an unprecedented 51 consecutive games, he finished the year with 153 overall points. To fully comprehend how high of a point total that is, all you need to know, Sidney Crosby's career best to this point is 120. The Oilers may have won the post Gretzky cup battle 1-0 but in the 1980's Gretzky owned Canada, Gretzky owned the United States, and Gretzky owned the hockey world. There may be many next ones but there will never be another great one. Name another guy who was as much the face of his sport while playing in such a small market?! Please no one say LBJ in Cleveland, the cursed city is no where near as the much the abyss as Edmonton.
Cal Ripken's 2,632 Consecutive Games
Cal Ripken was in no way as good as Lou Gehrig, if you don't believe me just ask Cal, he has said this many times. However, he is certainly deserving of the title "the iron man." Cal broke into the bigs in 1981 and after winning his first and only World Series two years later he began a career that was legendary. He revolutionized the short stop position from a small defensive wizard to that a power clean up guy could play. Cal finished his career with 3,184 hits, 431 home runs, 1,695 RBI, 19 All-Star bids, 2 AL MVP's (83, 91), 2 All-Star Game MVP's (91, 01), and that damn streak. Not only did he not miss a start for 16 years, he did so at a very high level (granted the later years that's questionable). He broke Lou's record one year after baseball's strike prevented a World Series from being played for the first time since World War II, he saved his sport and brought the fans back to the American past time.
UCLA Men's Basketball 88 Game Win Streak
No, they don't have the longest streak in sports history anymore but they still may have the best. The Wizard of Westwood earned 10 National Titles throughout his illustrious career as one of the most revered head coaches in any sport. John Wooden's best teams were in the early 70's when he led the Bruins to 3 straight titles and 88 consecutive victories from January 23, 1971 until January 19, 1974, almost 3 full calendar years. Only once has a team gone undefeated all the way through the season and tournament since, Knight's 76 Hoosier's. Due to the continually increasing number of games and teams this is one of those untouchable records for sure.
Steak MVP: Bill Walton
Brett Favre's 297 Consecutive Regular-Season Starts (321 including playoffs)
Putting all the drama and jokes aside for a moment, this guy had one hell of a career (that hopefully is finally over) and it is slowly becoming time to fully appreciate it. Of course he will always be known for holding every single quarterback record possible, both positive and negative, but his steak is perhaps the most impressive of all. A guy who's name was once famously mispronounced on draft day will now go down as one of the top 10 QB's of all time. If you refuse to remember the yards, touchdowns, MVP's, wins, Super Bowls (won Super Bowl XXXI), and even interceptions, please remember the streak. Yes, he may have had no business starting this year or the last few games in 2008, however, 99.9% of his career he did more then earn his spot on the field. He overcame an addiction to both alcohol and pills, having the head coach who drafted him joke about him never playing, the death of his father, some self caused drama, and many injuries to just find a way to start. As someone who has lost his father, I will never forget Favre's performance on MNF in 2003 a day after his dad died, it was truly inspirational. I am man enough to admit I teared up a bit watching that game with my beloved dads death still fresh in my mind as well. No quarterback will ever sniff this streak. In my eyes it even surpasses Rikpen's due to how violent of a game football truly is, just think two of his Hall of Fame colleagues suffered career ending concussions (Aikman, Young) while Favre was in the midst of his prime and the early years of his precious streak.
Joe Dimaggio's 56 Game Hit Streak
Last but certainly not least the Yankee Clipper added another reason 1941 is baseballs most hallowed season (Ted Williams hit .402). Like many of his peers Dimaggio's career was shortened due to serving in World War II, before his hiatus he made his presence felt. He only played 13 seasons yet still hit 361 home runs, picked up 1,537 RBI, and won 9 rings while hitting .325. It took 37 years for anyone to tough this streak, Pete Rose set the NL record with 44 games in 1978. The second longest streak is Wee Willie Keeler's 45 in a row in the late 1890's. These days every other year someone squeaks out a 25+ streak but to think at that point you are only half way to Joe. The best part of this streak is the part my grandfather reminds me of daily, after it was snapped Joe then put together a separate 14 game streak. He was one 0 for 4 away from setting a 70 game streak! The 56 game streak was actually not even Joltin Joe's personal best, he recorded a 61 game hit streak while a teen in the Pacific Coast League.
Streaks like these are what make sports and sports history so great. These streaks are not only immortalized forever in their respective Hall of Fames, they live forever in the minds of fans everywhere. No matter how much you dislike a team or player, when a streak in this class is accomplished all you can do is respect it. God speed to any athlete hoping to match or break any of these sensational streaks.
