CITIES THAT NEVER SWEEP
Toronto’s roll is hard to beat as these burbs know all too well
The sports hype is palpable in The Six right now, with Toronto’s NHL, NBA, MLB and MLS franchises all flourishing. Is there a better metropolis to catch all four leagues in right now? We took an unscientific look at fan satisfaction in the best way we know how, with a score out of five foam fingers: TORONTO
Maple Leafs (29-53): Missed the playoffs. Raptors (56-26): Lost to Cleveland in the Eastern Conference final. Blue Jays (71-55*): Atop the American League East. TFC (12-7-7): First in the Eastern Conference.
Satisfaction index: 4 foam fingers In short: You know it’s the best time in recent memory to be a Toronto sports fan when even Toronto Maple Leafs supporters are feeling optimistic, even after finishing last. If all goes well, the city could win a World Series and an MLS Cup by year’s end.
NEW YORK
Rangers (46-27-9): Lost to Pittsburgh in the first round. Islanders (45-27-10): Lost to Tampa Bay in the second round. Knicks (32-50): Missed the playoffs. Nets (21-61): Missed the playoffs. Yankees (65-61): Fourth in the AL East. Mets (63-63*): Third in the NL East. NYC FC (11-7-8): Second in the Eastern Conference. Satisfaction index: 2 foam fingers In short: Both hockey teams made the playoffs, but the beloved Bronx Bombers haven’t won a World Series since 2009.
PHILADELPHIA
Flyers (41-27-14): Lost to Washington in the first round. 76ers (10-72): Missed the playoffs. Phillies (59-68): Fourth in the NL East. Union (10-9-7): Fourth in the Eastern Conference. Satisfaction index: 1 foam finger In short: There isn’t much to console Philly fans these days. The Union is probably the city’s best chance at a playoff run.
WASHINGTON
Capitals (56-18-8): Lost to Pittsburgh in the second round. Wizards (41-41): Missed the playoffs. Nationals (73-53*): First in the NL East. DC United (6-8-11): Sixth in the Eastern Conference.
Satisfaction index: 2 foam fingers In short: It’s hard to believe the Capitals haven’t won a Stanley Cup in the Alex Ovechkin era. Washingtonians can only hope Bryce Harper and the Nationals bring home the hardware.
BOSTON
Bruins (42-31-9): Missed the playoffs. Celtics (48-34): Lost to Atlanta in the first round.
Red Sox (71-56): Battling Jays atop the American League East.
Revolution (6-11-9): Eighth in the Eastern Conference.
Satisfaction index: 2 foam fingers In short: Winning has been synonymous with New England teams for so long that the current state of affairs, even with the Red Sox in the playoff mix, is considered disappointing. At least they still have Tom Brady (after that four-game suspension) and the Patriots to look forward to.
CHICAGO
Blackhawks (47-26-9): Lost to St. Louis in the first round. Bulls (42-40): Missed the playoffs. Cubs (81-45): First in the NL Central. White Sox (60-65*): Fourth in the AL Central. Fire (5-11-8): Ninth in the Eastern Conference. Satisfaction index: 2 foam fingers In short: The league-leading Cubs all Chicago has going for it right now, but Blackhawks fans are used to a short break between Stanley Cup wins.
DALLAS
Stars (50-23-9): Lost to St. Louis in the second round. Mavericks (42-40): Lost to Oklahoma City in the first round. Rangers (74-53*): First in the AL West. FC Dallas (13-7-6): First in the Western Conference.
Satisfaction index: 5 foam fingers In short: Like Toronto, Dallas has had great success of late and both of the city’s winter sports teams made the post-season. Does it get much better than that? Well, yes, but the trophies could very well come.
DENVER
Avalanche (39-39-4): Missed the playoffs. Nuggets (33-49): Missed the playoffs. Rockies (60-67): Third in the NL West. Rapids (11-3-10): Second in the Western Conference. Satisfaction index: 2 foam fingers In short: The Rapids are a bright spot in an otherwise dismal year after finishing dead last in the West last season.
LOS ANGELES
Kings (48-28-6): Lost to San Jose in the first round. Clippers (53-29): Lost to Portland in the first round. Lakers (17-65): Missed the playoffs. Dodgers (71-55*): First in NL West. Angels (53-73): Last in the AL West. Galaxy (9-4-12): Fourth in the Western Conference. Satisfaction index: 2 foam fingers In short: Fourth place is underperforming for the Galaxy, a perennial MLS powerhouse. The Dodgers better go deep into October. *Through Wednesday