Rare Event That Hasn't Happened Since 1967 Gives Maple Leafs Hope for Deep Cup Run

Fans have been clamoring for a Stanley Cup win for the Toronto Maple Leafs for the better part of half a century. 1967 was when the team last won it all, and his historic year is memorialized throughout Canadian culture and folklore, even if it still leaves a sting to current fans.

They've been close before, but even then it's been over 30 years since the team last made the Conference Finals.

But there's something different about the team this season, and whether it's the new roster, new coach, or just something in the air; Toronto has a good shot at making a deep run, and thanks to some new information; it just might be reality.

It will be the first time since that infamous year of '67 that the Boston Bruins and Detroit Red Wings will not be making the playoffs, setting the course for the Maple Leafs to prevail as the Original Six champions.

During that 1966-67 season, the Bruins finished last with a 17-43-10 record, meanwhile Detroit didn't finish much better, only ahead of Boston with a 27-39-4 record.

Toronto meanwhile finished third with a 32-27-11 record but prevailed over the first place Blackhawks (with league MVP Stan Mikita in tow) in the semis before besting their most bitter rivals, the Montreal Canadiens.

If Toronto can sneak past the Panthers, and are able to best teams like Tampa Bay or Washington, then they will be set up nicely to make a run to the Finals.

It's been 58 years since the Maple Leafs last hoisted Lord Stanley's Cup. If there is such thing as a curse, or a jinx; it may just be ended this season.