Well I have been putting this one off for a while. Depressed a bit. The end of this season is shaping up just like last year. It does look like the Leafs will miss the playoffs by more than 1 point though… which in a sad twist is actually a good thing.

This late push and respectable record over the last month is only ruining the Leafs chances at getting a good draft pick. As fans, we all like seeing our boys win, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. But… there is still something in the back of my head whispering “screwed again.” Too little to get into the playoffs, and too much for a draft pick.

When will the mediocrity with this franchise end? This will mark the first time in franchise history that the Toronto Maple Leafs have missed the playoffs three years in a row. I guess there is a first for everything.

Regardless of the bad position the team has put themselves, there are always positives of some kind to be found. Some of the young kids have received far more ice time over the last while than they have in the past. Steen, Stajan, Stalman, and Tlusty all received more responsibility, and they responded with results. Stajan showed he could shoulder great responsibility and is quickly becoming one of the leaders on this hockey club.

With years gone by with the Leafs trading and giving up on young prospects, its a good sign that these guys have answered the bell. And that’s pretty much the only good thing going right now.