What's that smell?
Here we are, a couple of weeks into the most exciting time of year for NHL fans, and we are still putting up with that stench lingering from the have-nots.
Yes, it's the best of the worst, just to get your stomach turning heading into the second round of the Stanley Cup showdown.
So, grab yourself some air freshener and a can of Lysol and try not to look away:
10. VANCOUVER CANUCKS
We figured it was a coin flip between the Canucks and Oilers to stay off this list and the Oilers get the reprieve. Why? It's been 18 years since their last Stanley Cup, but at least they have one. Well, five, actually, and that is four more than the Canucks. Need another reason? Ask Dave Nonis. He's the guy in the unemployment line.
9. CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS
When your Stanley Cup drought is longer than that of the Leafs, the only question is the strength of the odor. The Hawks get a gimme and a few rungs up the ladder for two reasons named Kane and Toews.
8. PHOENIX COYOTES
See Blackhawks. The Coyotes have done absolutely nothing to get their names removed from this list, but they have a load of young talent about to break out. The dry spell is just about over in the desert.
7. ST. LOUIS BLUES
They made the Stanley Cup final in each of their first three years of existence - and were swept in each - but only because the league dictated that an expansion team would make the final. Sure, the Blues saw the playoffs every year from 1980 to 2004, but it's all about the Cup, baby. And the only cups the Blues are getting close to are laundered after a game.
6. FLORIDA PANTHERS
Since reaching the Stanley Cup in 1996, the Cats have made the playoffs once (1999-00). Mind you in each of the past three seasons, they have cracked the 80-point barrier. At that pace, the Panthers should see the post-season sometime around 2020.
5. ATLANTA THRASHERS
Good God, is there a worse sports city than Atlanta? I mean, the Braves finished atop their division 14 straight years and had ONE World Series to show for it. The Falcons have a quarterback who probably won't get any endorsement deals from Purina and the Hawks are, well, the Hawks. And the Thrashers have never won a playoff game - never mind a series - in their history. Sports fans in Atlanta may want to consider relocating to New York or Boston. No offense.
4. LOS ANGLES KINGS
You could file the Kings in the same drawer as the Hawks and Yotes. But we won't. They show promise for the future, but aren't close to getting there yet. Steve Stamkos or Drew Doughty should help, but until we know for sure, the Kings are pretty darn close to leading this suckathon.
3. COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS
We can slam the Thrashers all we want, but at least they have qualified for the playoffs once. That is more than the Jackets can say.
2. NEW YORK ISLANDERS
The cupboard is getting bare on the Island and the ghost of Mike Milbury lingers. That's pretty much all you need to know.
1. TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS
When the Leafs last had a victory parade, Canada had just replaced the Union Jack with the maple leaf as their national flag, Barbara Streisand was actually popular and the breadbox was ‘in'. Enough said.