from Kirk Makin of the Globe and Mail,

Across the city – and well beyond its borders – fans will converge on the Air Canada Centre, sports bars and living rooms to witness the team attempt to take a 2-1 series lead against the Boston Bruins. Mayor Rob Ford issued a proclamation declaring Monday as "Blue and White Day", encouraging Torontonians to sport the team's colours.

The game will test the mettle of a fan base that is relentlessly faithful, if spiritually battered, from decades of failure.

Having endured an endless loop of disappointment since the Maple Leafs last won the Stanley Cup in 1967, older fans have learned to keep their emotions in check; approaching the game with a mix of excitement and fear.

“I can’t even watch these games,” said Jim McMillan, 53. “We have gotten so used to losing. You just anticipate disaster.”

For a younger, less jaundiced generation of fans, however, there is the thrill of a brand of hockey that outstrips the regular season.

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