Editor In Leaf
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Toronto Maple Leafs: In Babcock We Trust

By Wilbert Timmermans

CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 24: Head coach Mike Babcock of the Toronto Maple Leafs looks on during the 2017 NHL Draft at United Center on June 24, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 24: Head coach Mike Babcock of the Toronto Maple Leafs looks on during the 2017 NHL Draft at United Center on June 24, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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The Toronto Maple Leafs registered another loss against the Colorado Avalanche, the eighth loss in eleven games, is it time to get our pitchforks and torches?

Hell no! Everyone, just relax and drink some decaf for a couple of days and settle down.  We should still have great faith in our coach, Mike Babcock. Undoubtedly one of the greatest coaches in sports. To confirm it, the Toronto Maple Leafs coach has received an  induction for the Order of Hockey in Canada.

Don’t misinterpret me though, I did not wake up as mister sunshine after the last game or the last couple of game for that matter. But let’s just say I’m a positive guy.

No better time to be a leaf fan, right?

It’s a great time being a Leafs fan. There, I’ve said it. Right now, there is just a lot to be excited about, though it seems some will never feel this way. Reading twitter during the Leafs games baffles me. How can people actually ask for Babcock to be fired? Or to trade one of our budding stars for an overpriced defenseman? Editor Mike Stephens wrote it before, franchise defenseman (usually) don’t get traded, so thinking trading either Matthews, Nylander or Marner will land one in is outrageous.

How long was it ago a Leafs fan was able to say they have drafted four potential cornerstones for the team in a row? Sure, the latest addition Timothy Liljegren is still a long way from becoming just that, but the potential is clearly there and he was an absolute steal with the 17th overall pick in the 2017 NHL draft.

More from Editor In Leaf

The Toronto Maple Leafs are still in a playoff spot and are still not out of the race for the second place in the Atlantic. The difference between Boston and the Toronto Maple Leafs now is momentum. And just as the tide can shift during a game, it can during the season.

Mike Babcock

Lately, some of Mike Babcock’s decisions are being criticized. The demotion of William Nylander and Mitch Marner (twice) to the fourth line, being one of them. Nylander wasn’t playing badly when he got demoted, just unlucky.

Mike Babcock really raised eyebrows when he inserted Polak into the Leafs line-up, especially when favoring him over the likes of Connor Carrick and Travis Dermott. Personally, I feel it is hard to change the mind of Mike Babcock when he has made up his mind on something. Babcock always talks about the accountability veteran presence brings on the ice.

Steady as she goes

Nevertheless, my confidence in Mike Babcock remains. But alas, like in every sport, fans will be forgiving as long as the results are there. And since the team has been playing some lesser hockey lately, along with some disappointing results, criticism has risen. And sadly, credit is hard to be earned, but easily burned.

Next: The Leafs Biggest Need Isn't Defense...

Let’s not forget how many players have reached untapped potential under the wing of Mike Babcock. Players such as Zach Hyman and Nazem Kadri. I have faith in his philosophy and think there is no reason for concern just yet.

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