Why Isn't Scotiabank Arena Expanding For Maple Leafs Playoff Games? – Hockey Writers –
There was a lot of offense going around after the Toronto Maple Leafs' Game 3 loss at home to the Boston Bruins, going back 2-1 in the series. The team made critical mistakes, struggled with possession, were exploited by loose pucks and failed to create enough offense, especially on the power play.
However, one common gripe coming out of Leafs Nation was the impact (or lack thereof) of the home crowd at Scotiabank Arena. Joe Bowen, the spokesman for the Leafs, called the sellout crowd “very disappointing.” Breakfast Television, a popular local breakfast show, even aired a full segment on it.
Now that this is a hot topic in local circles, maybe the answer is as simple as encouraging those who came to Saturday's Game 4 to get to the court early and talk loudly, just as Toronto Raptors fans were urged to do by team announcer Jack. Armstrong in the midst of their run to win the 2019 NBA title. However, the long-term problems of the Maple Leafs' on-field experience run much deeper than a single playoff game or series.
The Client Will Not Change
Despite Bowen's complaints, the Game 3 crowd still ranks as the loudest this season. They cheered as Auston Matthews left the ice at the end of warmups. They roared as the team walked out onto the ice before the puck-drop. They exploded when Matthew Knies opened the scoring in the second period and when Ryan Reaves scored more goals in the third. However, by the time the dust settled, most of the fans had gone back to sitting and watching in silence.
As anyone who has watched a Maple Leafs game can attest, this is the norm and will continue as long as Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment caters to its wealthiest clientele. From luxury suites to platinum seats that remain empty during each period and fans rarely wearing jerseys, super-rich fans, for better or worse, largely control the atmosphere at any game night. This is only emphasized in the postseason, as ticket prices increase significantly.
Look around and you'll see plenty of evidence of the true love of Maple Leafs fans, from the TV ratings to Maple Leafs Square to the proliferation of supporters in other ranks. While those signs aren't as obvious to the SBA, they were still there Wednesday night — just not as consistently as they should have been.
In-Game Action Still Needs Work
The hand-wringing over the Maple Leafs' on-field experience seems to wax and wane at various times, but it's never really improved. Sure, Hall & Oates' “You Make My Dreams Happen” is no longer the official theme song, but the club didn't settle on a consistent choice after Kid Cudi's “Pursuit of Happiness” was pulled amid controversy. Aside from the goal song, little has been done to improve the experience save for a few halftime contests that a few people bother with.
On Wednesday, it was much the same. There weren't many playoff-specific differences other than a few lines to Maple Leafs Square on the big screen and the presence of rally towels on every seat. The rally towels, a staple of Toronto home games, have always been a problem. As good a sight as you get watching nearly 20,000 fans wave their towels in unison, they basically inhibit the fans' abilities to clap and make noise.
No, you shouldn't need to be told to find time to play, but it's also true that the in-game experience never does enough to inspire sound and improve mood.
You May Love It Again
Leafs fans have a lot to enjoy
Let's face it – the fans in attendance for Game 3 weren't given much reason to be excited for much of the game. The Knies got the home team on the board first, but the Bruins recorded the next two goals and few scoring chances otherwise. When Tyler Bertuzzi finally tied things up midway through the third, it was 28 seconds before Brad Marche put Boston back in front (and for good).
This is not to excuse the fans who enjoy seeing their team reach the postseason each year behind the greatest scorer of the modern era. But the silence that filled the arena Wednesday was less focused on indifference and more connected to the kind of anxiety that comes with waiting for the 57-year Stanley Cup, the annual postseason struggles and an all-too-familiar opponent. And despite those odds, the hosts were ready to explode during Game 3 but weren't given that chance entirely.
For now, this 'Scotiabank Arena is too quiet' talking point will be washed away when William Nylander's next health update drops and certainly if Game 4 produces a victory for Toronto. However, it will continue to be a reality for the Maple Leafs, who are 3-8 at home in the playoffs over the past three years. While identifying a problem may be easy, finding solutions is another matter entirely.
