Stephen A. Smith uses Cowboys comparison to torch the Maple Leafs

ESPN doesn't begin its broadcast partnership with the NHL until next season, but the network is already off to an incredibly hot start on the hockey front.

After the Toronto Maple Leafs were knocked out of the playoffs at the hands of the Montreal Canadiens by losing three consecutive games after going up 3-1 in the first-round series, sports personality and endless fountain of takes Stephen A. Smith had a comparison to make.

This powerful takedown is hard to argue against. Both the Dallas Cowboys and the Leafs are their respective league’s most valuable franchises, but have suffered decades of disappointment. Toronto has not won a playoff series since 2004, and after winning Super Bowl XXX in 1995, Dallas has only appeared in the postseason 10 times.

But then again, the Cowboys have five championships since the Leafs last lifted the Stanley Cup.

Known for his incredible on-air personality and making even the dullest story a must-watch segment, Smith has crept his way into talking about hockey ever since the NHL’s deal with ESPN was finalized. It all started out with an entertaining full-length rant about the Edmonton Oilers getting swept by the Winnipeg Jets, surrounding the disappointing performance from stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

If next season’s broadcast features more of this, there is no doubt that it will be a hit. There’s plenty of bad teams to talk about.

More from Yahoo Sports