Maple Leafs Unable to Sell Out Arena for Latest Home Game: Trouble in Toronto?

The Toronto Maple Leafs managed to stop a 2 game losing streak, which were both losses against the divisional foe Detroit Red Wings, with a 7-4 win over the Nashville Predators on Tuesday.

But the game at Scotiabank Arena, which has some of the highest ticket prices in all of the National Hockey League, was not sold out. Even though 18,124 tickets were sold, there were still hundreds available by the time the puck dropped at center ice against Nashville.

There were also other notable games in the NHL that night that failed to draw a 100% sold out figure, including that of the New York Rangers, the Washington Capitals and the Calgary Flames.

The Maple Leafs had a 13 year sellout streak at the venue dating back to 2002 that was snapped in 2015 against the Minnesota Wild.

Maple Leafs fans have long bemoaned the exorbitant prices that they must pay in order to catch their hockey heroes live in person.

For example, the cheapest ticket for one fan to see Toronto's home opener against the divisional foe Montreal Canadiens was US $214.95, and that was a standing-room only ticket.

Former Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner's highly anticipated return with the Vegas Golden Knights will cost a single fan US $270 at the least, also just for standing room.

The Maple Leafs have been criticized for their overly corporate atmosphere at home games, and understandably, it's because regular fans can't afford to go.