Ignoring the call

How do you figure?

We're coming off one of the most disappointing weeks of the Maple Leafs season. A period in which just one win was collected from games that really meant something, both in the standings and sentimentally. What bothers me, not to mention decreases my faith in the Leafs' capabilities, is their inability to rise to the challenge presented by rival clubs.

Two Fridays ago they failed to push the slumping Sabres into the abyss.  A few days later they blew a two goal lead losing to a Senators team which to that point many still believed the Leafs were better than. Two rivals, two division foes, two losses. Compounding the problem, the Buds staggered  through Saturday's contest with the Canadiens costing them a win against a group just begging to be put out of its misery. The Leafs didn't have it in them. No killer instinct. No instinct to rise to the occasion.

It's quite possible these young, slowly emerging Leafs are going through a simple slump. Perhaps a stumble before some sort of furious storm up the charts? It would be cool and thrilling, but based on history, recent and not so, it appears ineptitude is rearing it's ugly redundant head. Confusingly, it's mistimed trouble. Remember, January is traditionally when the Leafs "gear up" for one of those strong yet futile finishes. What's happening this time, the Leafs are failing to deliver in the face of true 'need to win' pressure. And face it, even with the schedule's end months down the road, delivering is essential for teams with postseason aspirations. From the perspective of a legitimate playoff contender, the kinds of listless, result-less performances the Leafs have recently put up just don't make sense. So the sense has to be that Leafs just aren't there in terms of capability.

With talent on the farm, there is finally some hope. And yes, that hope might eventually produce. As for now, I'm not holding out much. These Leafs haven't proven I should do otherwise.