Could this be the year that the Toronto Maple Leafs finally win the Stanley Cup?
That’s one of many questions surrounding the Toronto Maple Leafs this upcoming season, as they get ready to start the year against the Montreal Canadiens on January 13.
This season has a weird vibe and it hasn’t even started yet. Typically, I would have already marked the calendar for a few games that I was planning on attending, but now, every game will be watched from my living room. The beer and nachos are much cheaper in my apartment, but I’d much rather be sitting in the nosebleeds barely able to see the puck for a few games this year.
It’s unsure whether or not we’ll have the opportunity to see a game in person. That’s probably a bigger question mark than any other surrounding the actual team this year. Regardless, it’s just great to have hockey back, with or without fans.
The atmosphere isn’t the same, but we’ve already experienced 10 months of this, so we’re used to it. The cardboard cutouts in the stands or the pumped-in crowd noise are two things that broadcasts have used to make it seem more realistic. Although it helps, it’s not the same as real crowds.
There will be no Eggo Waffles thrown on the ice, or even jerseys for that matter. Instead, every broadcast will be the same, despite the outcome. It’s a weird world we’re living in and although I can’t wait to attend a game in person again, like I mentioned before, I’m happy the NHL is back up and running.
The Leafs are the favorite to win their division, but will it actually happen? That’s why they play the games, so who knows what the future holds? Either way, here are five of the biggest questions surrounding the Toronto Maple Leafs ahead of the 2020-21 regular season.