I just noticed I'm wearing my navy blue Toronto Maple Leafs tee shirt today. I haven't worn it all summer, but I subconsciously threw it on this morning. It's happening again, as it does every year at this time, and I don't think there's any way to stop it.
It's truly unfair. It's like leading lambs to the slaughter. I'm excitedly reading quotes from Paul Maurice as to how we're not only going to make the playoffs this year, but we're going to contend for a Stanley Cup, and for a brief moment I believe him. I'm looking forward to hearing how things go during blue and white mock games and I can't wait to watch an actual preseason game on Tuesday. My team is back, it's a clean slate, and anything can happen, right?
It's too late for me, but there's still hope for my five year old son. I sometimes wonder if I should do him a favour and tell him to root for a team like Detroit, New Jersey or, God forbid, Ottawa. It would be the greatest act of love, saving him from decades of heartbreak. When I'm on my death bed, he'll look into my eyes and thank me, I'm certain.
Nah... the kid already digs the Leafers, and this is our year. Vesa Toskala, lead us to the promised land!
