Sure, the Maple Leafs are barely entitled to passing grades most nights, but off the ice they certainly know their math.
The Maple Leafs — majority-owned by the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan — remain the most valuable NHL franchise, worth $470 million, according to Forbes Magazine’s annual ranking.
That’s up from $448 million in 2008 and $413 million in 2007.
Oh, to be a retired teacher.
Completing the top 10:
New York Rangers $416 million; Montreal Canadiens $339 million: Detroit Red Wings $337 million; Philadelphia Flyers $273 million; Boston Bruins $271 million; Chicago Blackhawks $258 million; Dallas Stars $246 million; Vancouver Canucks $239 million; and New Jersey Devils $223 million.
The Leafs are more valuable than the bottom three teams combined: Phoenix Coyotes $138 million; Atlanta Thrashers $143 million; and New York Islanders $149 million.
Sliding Sid
With fellow centre Evgeni Malkin nursing a shoulder strain, opponents have been able to put the lid on Sid the Kid.
Sidney Crosby has gone five games without a point and the Pittsburgh Penguins have lost three games in a row.
Malkin has missed six games, and during his absence the power play has gone zero-for-23.
Obviously, defences can focus more on Crosby, now.
But Crosby told the Penguins website that he usually thrives under the pressure of having to elevate his game to make up for adversity elsewhere on the team.
“I don’t think it’s more pressure in a bad way,” he said. “I usually get more out of myself because of that.
“You can react to it one way where you’re squeezing the stick and trying to do everything yourself. That’s not the case (with me).”
That’s brave talk, Sid, but c’mon, you’re not supposed to squeeze the Charmin, either.
Get off the pot, get a grip, try doing everything yourself for a few shifts, because whatever it is you’re doing now isn’t working.
For crying in a sink, you’re only three points ahead of Alex Goligoski in team scoring, man! And he’s a defenceman!
Condiment conduct
With the Cincinnati Bengals playing Sunday at Heinz Field, receiver Chad Ochocinco intended to send some mustard to the Pittsburgh Steelers as a prank in advance of the game.
The scheme was nixed by Bengals coach Marvin Lewi ... he just didn’t relish the idea.
Abreast of golf
A Japanese lingerie maker has produced a brassiere for women seeking to golf on the go.
The bra can be removed and unfurled into a five-foot-long putting mat, the Daily Telegraph reports.
No word on whether it comes with a regulation cup size.
gary.loewen@sunmedia.ca
