If I'm available to watch a Leafs game, I always tune in. This is even true for preseason games, and has been the case for as long as I can remember. I have always thoroughly enjoyed watching my hockey team, regardless of quality. This has always been the case, until now.
I tuned in the other day and watched Tyler Bozak score an early goal. I instinctively cheered, and then realized it was better if we didn't win. That's no way to watch a game.
Since I want my team to lose, and don't wish to root for the opposition, it's best I stop watching for a while. I'm going to take a break until I can cheer for Leafs wins again.
We've been pretty bad for a while now, so how is this the first time I've chosen to stop watching? As I ponder this question, a few reasons bounce around my head.
- We typically don't nosedive this hard, this early. In the past, there always seemed to be a chance we'd go on a run and finish 8th in the conference. There was always a sliver of hope.
- We actually own our own first round pick. There's finally a good incentive to tank. This is completely different from the year Boston owned our fist round pick and chose Tyler Seguin second overall.
- I'm getting old and am awfully busy. If it ain't fun viewin', I've got better things to do.
I'll still be reading about my team and hoping for more trades, but for the very first time in my life, the Leafs game won't be appointment viewing for me. It's no fun rooting for losses.
