Now, that's more like it

The last time the Toronto Maple Leafs were in town, I was taken by surprise at just how cordial the team seemed toward hounds. Last Friday, though, before the Leafs lost in overtime to the Lightning, a few key members were back in true form.

Though they signed for some people, Toronto's Bryan McCabe and Jason Blake couldn't help but be snotty toward those wanting autographs.

For instance:

McCabe, as he walked toward a gaggle of hounds: "Don't you people have anything better to do than bother us?"

Blake, less than 10 seconds after putting his cell phone up to an ear: "Can't you see I'm on the phone."

Granted, these folks must get hounded in every city they visit. It comes with playing for one of the NHL's storied franchises. But, to be snotty toward people? Well, that's bush league.

If they don't want to sign, then they should just say no. Nothing more. Nothing less.

Thankfully, most of their teammates, including such respected players as Mats Sundin and Tomas Kaberle, understand the obligation (I added another 18 autographs to the collection) or the value of being civil. It's too bad, I suppose, that some of their teammates don't understand these simple concepts.

Cards, shown above, are:
Top row: Kris Newbury, Andrew Raycroft and Alexander Steen;
Bottom row: Anton Stralman, Kyle Wellwood and Jeremy Williams.

The pucks, shown below, were signed by Jiri Tlusty.