Editing Expectations

I’ve been a Leafs fans since I can remember. My father was a Leafs fan, his father was a Leafs fan.. I would say it’s in my blood, but the appropriate term to use would be that I drank the blue Kool-aide. 

Leafs haters are familiar with this one. 

One thing that being a life long Leafs fan has taught me, is to manage my expectations. I’ve learned how except things for what they are, and never too get to high- or too low for that matter- about anything.

This is really important as a Leafs fan. We had some good teams in the 90’s and again at the turn of the millennium, but for the most part, it’s been a tough trek through the trenches. 

You can’t put too much into a good prospect who shows some flash in a game or a nice  little four-game win streak. It takes more than that to build a successful team. You need to have consistency, be flexible in your game plan and have the depth to go the long haul.  Don’t be surprised either when everything comes crashing down because it will happen more often than not.

I’m not being pessimistic here either.  I have hope. I always believe that the Leafs can win on any given night, and I cheer for them the same game in and game. I’m just practical and know a bad hockey team when I see one.

The Leafs are now 3-0-1, or seven out of a possible eight points, so I’m pretty happy. Phil Kessel appears to be playing like the player we all thought we were getting for two first-round draft picks, and the the goaltending issue seems to have been resolved with Reimer between the pipes. 

It’s hard not to get excited right now. The defence is playing well, and the top six finally seems to be creating scoring chances on a regular basis, AND putting the pucks in the net.

The point is, is that there is reason for optimism. This is dangerous territory for Leafs fan, as it is easy to see that we are a better team; yet better than the rest of the east? I think not. 

I will hesitate to say the Leafs will make the playoffs, for they are the entire reason I’ve learned to manage my expectations. But I can still hope!