from David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail,

There is one group that has yet to take a share of the blame in the breast-beating over the Toronto Maple Leafs’ recent struggles – us.

Us would be the media and fans, at least those who projected a long run in the NHL playoffs for a group that has yet to win even one postseason series. Somehow, in the wake of a seven-game loss last year to the Boston Bruins (who likely will be the first-round opponent once again in a few weeks), the addition of John Tavares and the emergence of players such as Morgan Rielly and Mitch Marner as elite NHLers, the expectations for this team got out of whack.

Why else would there be so much sound and fury as the Leafs stumbled through March with a 5-4-2 record despite the fact they were missing two of their best defencemen?

Leafs head coach Mike Babcock wanted no part of that discussion. He wisely chose not to question the expectations of the people who buy tickets. As far as the media goes, he doesn’t really care, which is as it should be.

“Well, I think the expectations of the fans are perfect,” Babcock said after Leafs practice on Sunday. “I don’t know [about the media].

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