I just want to say for the record, we in Toronto/ GTA/ "Leafland" / whatever, can get just as annoyed with the Toronto media as you folks.
They win at a roughly 50% rate, and it's all "Why the Leafs are going to the playoffs", "Sidney Crosby says Leafs are a Playoff team", "Reimer and Scrivens are the Real Deal.".... They lose three in a row (one in shootout), and suddenly its all "Struggling Leafs" this and "Problematic goaltending" that. With Getzlaf scooped back up by Anaheim, the whole Corey Perry thing is added to the mix (He's not coming to Toronto, guys. Give it a rest). And while a week ago they were curious about whether Lupul would be back anytime soon, the question then was just "Where will he fit in. Where does JVR go?", now its "GOOD GOD WHEN IS HE COMING BACK WE NEED HELP." Same deal with Gardiner.
I've remained cautiously optimistic that the Leafs will squeak into the playoffs at 7th or 8th in the East, that's honestly the best I can expect from them this season. I've been telling people to stop acting like they are so much better this year because last year they had a good start too, people just forget. And now, three in a row, people are acting like the sky is falling.
I will say, it may very well be my fault. I haven't seen nor listened to the last three games because of this business trip. If I were watching or listening, they'd probably be doing better. It is punishment, is what it is. Like when I got pickle juice on my Team Canada Jersey last year.
Sorry HCGLNS.
Also, I can't upload a screencap right now because the hotel wifi is I guess not that good(?) but Toronto Star's headline refers to a "Jim Gardiner"... That is the Star though. There are worse Toronto Newspapers (the Sun), but there are really not worse Toronto Sports sections.