The Toronto Maple Leafs Deserve High Praise for a Successful Season

Apr 18, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Ian Cole (28) goes to check Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitchell Marner (16) during the first period of game one of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 18, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Ian Cole (28) goes to check Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitchell Marner (16) during the first period of game one of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
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The Toronto Maple Leafs may have lost to the Panthers in round two, but this season was a major success regardless.

First of all, The Toronto Maple Leafs finished fourth overall in the NHL standings, just two points out of second overall.

They did it while their best player played most of the year with an injury that prevented him from repeating his MVP season from the year before.

They did it despite changing a third of their roster at the trade deadline and using four goalies.

They were fun to watch and cheer for every night. They never quit, they did their best, and they gave their all.  These are things to respect.

Sure, you wish they had a better result, but you should take what you can get and not refuse to enjoy anything that isn’t perfect.

The Leafs season wasn’t perfect, but it was great.  It was fun, exciting, and entertaining.

In my opinion, there isn’t a single player who doesn’t deserve at least some praise.  I think the way they lost is respectable as hell – they were down 3-0 but they never quit, and if not for some very dubious officiating, and some insane goaltending, they likely would have come back.

This team is fun to watch and they never quit.  Sure, you always want to improve and get better, but if they could enter the next season without changing a single player, coach, or manager, I’d be 100% happy with that.