Good Riddance to Ridiculousness
Regardless of which side of the spectacle you find yourself on, there’s one perspective we have in common. This version of the Toronto Maple Leafs was poised to do far better than they fared. There is no good excuse for why they didn’t, either. With that said, they failed as a unit.
To be clear, I’m not happy with Toronto’s conclusion to their 2020-21 campaign. I, too, cheered on all who showed up when it mattered most and expected more out of those who didn’t.
It would have been great if each and every one of them did what their best playoff performers were doing, which would have likely pushed the Maple Leafs further through the postseason. Unfortunately, it didn’t pan out as such.
So be it. We’re fortunate to be fans of a sport, league, and franchise that will still exist for years to come. We can, therefore, be brought right back to embracing every moment deserving of our cheers along the way. If we allow ourselves to actually enjoy the experience, that is.
Let’s not forget that the personnel involved, from management to the players and everyone in between, are paid to care about the results they earn. We, fans, are not. So to take one’s reaction to a point that surpasses that of those who are in it for a paycheque is beyond irrational.
And that’s exactly what too many Maple Leafs fans are guilty of at the moment. Suggesting outrageous solutions beyond their scope of expertise, while acting like that child who won’t stop screaming because they didn’t get their way at the toy store.
While that may seem like a harsh judgement, it’s centred around — and directed towards — those who have begun the offseason attempting to redefine what it means to be a fanatic.
Relax, it’s just a game.
I realize it’s out of my control to determine how others feel during the rollercoaster ride it ends up being when you back the Toronto Maple Leafs. However, let me be sure to not mince my words with what comes next.
If you’re one of those fans claiming you’re committed to finding a new club or you think starting a bonfire with the blue and white proves just how passionate you are, then the rest of us don’t want your alignment with our team anyway.
Don’t even think about coming back when we’re nearing levels of celebration we wouldn’t even be able to fathom with your type of toxicity blocking it from ever become a realized reality.
To the like-minded individuals who share my sentiment, grieving as upset fans should while maintaining optimism given this team’s trajectory, let’s keep that momentum alive.
I’m looking forward to the good times that we know await us. Aren’t you?