Toronto Maple Leafs: Could Low Expectations Be a Recipe for Success?

So, why are the Leafs playing so surprisingly well?

Perhaps it's because they don't have that perpetual "Stanley Cup or Bust!" weight on their shoulders that previous Leafs teams have had over the last 40+ years.

Leafs fans have finally gotten to a point where they don't dare hope for anything, less they be slapped across the face with another "I told you the Leafs suck!" comment.

So now Leafs fans are quietly watching this year's "rebuilding" team with no real belief that the Leafs have a hope in hell to even make the playoffs, let alone challenge for the cup.

This could possibly be just what this team needs, for two reasons.

No. 1. The young Leafs may be eager to prove that they are better than what the media is ever eager to promote (their lack of talent).

No. 2. Since the expectation is low, then they are allowed to make "growing pains" mistakes.

These are two factors NO Leafs team has had the luxury of in a long time.

If you look at recent cup winners other than Detroit, they were teams from markets where hockey is FAR from being first priority in their sports section/news.

Many Leafs fans that I have spoken with are very excited about this year because the kids in the system are finally being given a solid chance, thus adding significant speed and health to the team.

Let's hope this trend continues and Fletcher and Wilson are left alone by Leafs executives.

Last season I wrote an article about how Paul Maurice was a HUGE part of the Leafs problem. Well with Wilson now in place, I think people are starting to ask themselves the question, "What in God's name DID Paul Maurice DO while he was the Leafs coach?"

I remember Paul Maurice's post game answers like "I just don't know" and "It's a mystery to me."

I think right now that how Antro-Karavski goes, so will the Leafs.

Those two are playing surprising well, I really really really hope it continues.

All I can say right now is "bated breath."

As for Mr. Mitchell, congrats buddy, you're just what this team needs right now, way to go!