It must be spring...

because the Leafs are out! I refer, of course, to the sad-sack Toronto Maple Leafs. If, as seems likely, the Florida Panthers make it into the NHL playoffs, and Toronto doesn't -- now a mathematical certainty -- Toronto will establish a new NHL record for the number of seasons finishing out of the playoffs.

As a diehard Montréal Canadiens fan, Walt shouldn't be quite so vociferous in mocking the Buds. In spite of the encouragement of Walt and his missus (pictured), les Glorieux are also out of the playoff picture. In fact, they're in the Eastern Conference basement, although if the Leafs lose two or three more and the Canadiens get a couple of points, that could change.

But for Montréal, not being around for the post-season is an anomaly. Call it an 82-game fluke. With major changes in the offing this summer -- starting with a new GM, let's hope -- Walt confidently predicts that in 2012-13 les Canadiens seront là! Lifetime pct .984.