Hockey fans around the world can't help but poke fun at the Toronto Maple Leafs' 59-year Stanley Cup drought. Even Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney couldn't help himself.
Throughout the past decades, the Toronto Maple Leafs have received plenty of shtick for having the longest Stanley Cup drought in the NHL. The Original Six franchise hasn't won a Cup since 1967. That's 59 years ago.
Even Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney can't help but make a playful jab at the Maple Leafs' inability to be successful in the playoffs for nearly six decades.
In Ottawa on Thursday, Carney announced Canada's $4.7-billion investment in building and maintaining 313 VIA Rail passenger cars domestically, as opposed to in USA. He was talking about the history of VIA Rail in Canada, and the joke was practically set up for him.
"Our rail cars, on our long-distance and remote routes, are more than 70 years old," Carney said. "They were built when the NHL had six teams. Goalies wouldn't wear masks. The Leafs would win the Cup. That's a long time ago. Things are changing, even for the Leafs."
Those attending the event were heard laughing at Carney's playful comments about the Maple Leafs' lack of Stanley Cup success.
Speaking of post-season success, last season was the first time Toronto missed the playoffs since their nine-year streak beginning in 2016-17. Unless the Maple Leafs somehow drastically improve over the course of one season, that Cup drought will be extended to the 60-year mark.
Not only are the Maple Leafs among the top 10 longest championship droughts across North America's four major sports, but they also haven't seen a Stanley Cup final since their triumph in 1967.
The closest Toronto has ever been since then was in the 2001-02 season, when they advanced to the conference final, losing in six games to the Carolina Hurricanes.
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