Can Ron Wilson Tame the Toronto Maple Leafs' Infamous Delusions of Grandeur?

Anyone who is a Leafs fan knows that over the last few years we have seen streaks before.

So many times the Leafs have gotten a taste of success, only to turn around, get cocky, and start thinking they are all All-Stars. Consequently, they abandon coaching systems and play for themselves individually.

This means that Ron Wilson will soon face one of the biggest tests of this young season—KEEPING IT REAL.

The young Leafs will need to be reinforced with the message that the success they are enjoying is not due to them being a bunch of Crosbys or Ovechkins. I think I also need to clarify that it's not just the young players who may have a propensity to do this.

One just needs to look at Brian McCabe's last two years in the league to see that veterans can be just as guilty, if not more. The key offenders to watch for might be Jason Blake, Matt Stajan, Grabovski, Antropov, Ponikarovski, and Steen.

Wait for the next lame-duck team to show up against the Leafs, because that is usually when this syndrome rears its ugliness.

If the Leafs manage to sail through the next six games and still be competitive, if they don't fall apart due to losing touch with reality in regards to individual talent levels, then Leafs fans should have something very significant to smile about.

Time and time again over the last five years or more, we have seen Leafs teams choke on their impatience and ego. I truly hope this one doesn't. My biggest worry is about the players that are still around who have been part of past ego-distorted squads.

So far, so good, Ron. I'm rooting for you, as I'm sure thousands of other Leafs fans are too.

Crossing my fingers and watching in anticipation.