Could this be the year that the Toronto Maple Leafs finally end their 54-year drought and win the Stanley Cup?
If you’re reading this, there’s a 95 percent chance you’re a Toronto Maple Leafs fan. And it’s more than likely that you’ve been a fan your entire life. Whether that’s 15 years, or 85 years, this team has messed with your emotions in one way or another.
Since it’s playoff time, those emotions begin to get heightened. Being the favorite to win is something we’re not used to. In fact, it sometimes feels better to be the underdog so it doesn’t hurt as much, if we actually lose.
Toronto is a huge favorite to beat Montreal in round one, and it makes sense why. They won the season series and are the superior team. They have more depth, better defensive structure, better coach and arguably a better goalie, this year.
If Carey Price stands on his head, it’s possible that he steals a game or two, but winning four of seven games seems unimaginable. As you’re reading this, you’re probably saying to yourself, “DON’T SAY THAT! YOU’RE GOING TO JINX THEM!”
Too many Toronto Maple Leafs fans believe in jinxes, which is understandable. Whether they have a 3-2 series lead or a 4-1 lead in the third period, this team has disappointed us too many times to have real faith that they’re going to win.
Although it’s the same jersey, it’s not the same team. As much as people like to think that the past matters in sports, it doesn’t. What happened in 2013 has no reflection on what will happen this playoffs and for future playoff series’.
Buckle up, Leafs fans. This year’s playoffs should finally last longer than an all-inclusive vacation.
Here are a few bold predictions for the 2021 playoffs.