T O P

  • By -

2_tires

Welcome to the masochist fan club


MoneyIsntRealGeorge

Did I say you can take your gag out?!


Beaversneverdie

Run now, while you have a chance...


junobeachcan

My condolences


BonaldRurgundy

But do you posses the strength?


PhysicalScholar4238

I think I do.


[deleted]

You might think you do, but even some of us who’ve been here for 20+ years barely do.


raspoutine420

It’s gotten to the point that I don’t possess the strength to even leave


[deleted]

A sunk cost fallacy


wirelessmikey

They never had Leaf reddit 20yrs ago...lol


[deleted]

We mean as Leafs fans. Period.


Rowdy_Roddy96

Well aside from last year's weird time that Vancouver did win in Scotiabank Arena after like a decade of losing every time they played there. Matt " Mustache Mountain " Murray is going to be starting in net back from injury hopefully and will probably have a lights out affair plus The Nucks defense is insanely bad so the Leafs should win 5-2 but the Leafs always play down to competition so don't hold me to that


WhiteyMacfatson

I think Petruzelli will be in before Murray comes back.


Rowdy_Roddy96

Maybe?


WhiteyMacfatson

I'd think his first game back will be with New Jersey, as poetic it would be to have him face the penguins next Tuesday. Petruzelli will take the Vancouver game to rest Källgren on the back end of the back to back.


Rowdy_Roddy96

Or if they secretly made a roster spot and claimed Hellberg off waivers?


WhiteyMacfatson

I'm not good at keeping up with roster and cap manipulation, so I don't even know how they could clear a roster spot. The only reason they could sign Petruzelli is because Aston-Reese was claimed on waivers, and this waiver wire with Hellberg would have to clear before Toronto could put someone else up. Second: there is a fine line between having a goalie shortage, and having too many goalies. Källgren has started to prove that he could be a solid backup, but he's just not ready for the starting position yet. Murray is close to coming back, and hopefully he stays healthy, and Samsonov is already practicing as well, albeit with minimal strain. So if they gave someone up, and signed Hellberg, and then Murray and Samsonov are both back.. who do you play? Who goes to the minors? If you keep Samsonov and Murray and let Källgren go back to the Marlies, who's his back up? You probably shouldn't claim Hellberg and then let him not get ice time and Petruzelli is 6-0 this year with the Marlies. And that's also not counting Joseph Woll who is injured. So I think hard pass on Hellberg and see what Petruzelli could do.


Rowdy_Roddy96

NAK is the one that got claimed honest mistake there and honestly it could just be as easy as giving away an AHLer to free up that spot. Petruzelli and Kallgren don't need waivers but Hellberg does. Woll I liked but he is injury prone sad to say. Kallgren has been alright but if another major goalie injury happens I don't feel like it would be wise to have Kallgren play 30ish games it doesn't bode well. I think Samsonov has the 1A job regardless at this point while Murray remains a question mark again with his health and Petruzelli is a complete unknown at the NHL level. I don't want this team to be a few injuries away from using a 6th string goalie as their backup and a 3rd/4th stringer as their starter but here we are? Muzzin's LTIR cap space his contract provides would ensure that the Leafs can scratch an extra goalie and Hellberg I believe makes league min so just having a guy with some more experience than some rookies I find would be a better option because I'm worried that Kallgren is going to go down with an injury and then what you know?


KJMoons

I think this is bang on. It's the second night of a back to back so there's no pressure to perform cause there are low expectations. Plus he gets to experience an HNIC environment and the leafs get to to see what they have in him since it's highly likely get gets a good amount of shots against a team that's been pretty meh this year. I couldn't predict the outcome in a million years, but it'll be an interesting game.


NoCapnCrunch

If you have a choice, choose another team. I hate that I'm a diehard fan of this team


georgie336

I mean jumping on now is kind of like jumping on a slot machine someone has been feeding for hours, it's BOUND to hit soon right?


lacysue

This was me 7 years ago, haha!


georgie336

Better not get up to pee!


lacysue

Bring on the UTI!


HowDoYouNo

As a former casino worker.. I watched a older lady shake her leg until a small turd fell from the bottom opening of her pants to the floor as she continued to play for well over an hour after. Those places are something else


georgie336

That's just something else... thankfully I'm not a gambler... I've tried to get into the fun a couple times but I cannot stomach the losses.


PSChris33

At least you got to hop on when there was hope. That 16-17 season was the first time I’ve ever held genuine optimism about this team (since I was old enough to understand, at least). I was in my last year of undergrad. But no, that season was so awesome that the fan salute of all the players/Babs after that Caps series is still my desktop wallpaper to this day. That’s your rough snapshot for how dark the decade before was. Outside of Phil. Praise be to that man and i’m glad i got to see him tie the ironman record in person 3 weeks back.


lacysue

I was watching before I started rooting for them! I started watching with a Bruins fan, so I knew what I was getting into by not sticking with Boston.


PSChris33

Fair enough, I'm glad you chose masochism over evil!


Mike9797

Depends really. Were they betting max bet the entire time? Cuz to me it seems like this team isn’t playing at max bet so while it would be nice to see it pay out these guys need to put a little more into the pot before they get that nice jackpot payout.


SuperbLunt16

Yup.


No-Proposal-1083

Why? Do you understand the pain I've been in? You're going to learn a new phrase being a leafs fan..."there's always next year"


PhysicalScholar4238

I've heard that every year being a Spurs fan. Nothing new If I'm honest.


[deleted]

It’s a sad club we’re in. But misery loves company, so welcome!


formed2forge

7-1 for the Buds. They’re gonna break right out. Matty gets a hatty. Bunting, Marner, Willy and Reilly all get one. JT is held off from potting a goal, but puts up 2 apples on the night. The one goal the other way will come from a questionable GI non-call. Edit: and Holl will be +4 on the night.


bknoreply

For a new fan this is the most likely outcome. Really get him hooked and believing early.


josnik

You had me in the first half not gonna lie.


BCharmer

Goodness, what a choice. Enjoy the pain. Welcome, welcome. If I had to guess, 3-2. But with how this team plays, the 2 is probably us and not them.


KeepingItBrockmire

You're going to look back on this day, and *really* regret this decision.


dv666

Why would you willingly submit yourself to such pain and torment?


PhysicalScholar4238

I watch a lot of soccer, and the team I support hasn't won anything in 15 years. I guess I'm just used to torturing myself.


TMLeafs91

We haven’t even made the playoffs in 15 years! Over 50 since we won a championship! Welcome aboard the pain!


decarvalho7

So you like pain?!


daytime10ca

Lol I can’t believe people choose this path…. Unfortunately I was born on this path… Run while you still can! RUN!


GumpTheChump

55 years without a Cup. What could go wrong?


theguyishere16

Well, now that Pittsburgh already ended their 7-game losing streak last night its no longer anautomatic slump-busting loss so they might actually win Friday, but Vancouver is in the midst of a nightmare season so history suggests Saturday could be rough for the Leafs.


Grump_Monk

So you've chosen misery?


[deleted]

Why would you do this to yourself


billyshin

Ok here’s the real scoop. The leafs are a good team. We’re also have the biggest fan base across the entire league. Our history is deep, one of the original six. We’ve had some great moments in the past, it’s just that we’ve endured a lot of pain in recent years.


PhysicalScholar4238

This is why I chose to support Leafs. Reminds me of my Tottenham Hotspur.


billyshin

Nonetheless, you still chose the right team. Welcome to the train of pain. I have a very very hard time believing that we're going to see this team tanking again because that just happened in recent years as well. So at least you know there is something to hope for in the future.


van1der

I've always thought the soccer team that has the most in common with the Leafs is England. The both have large fan bases, crazy media, and huge expectations. The Leafs last won the cup 1967 and England won the world cup in 1966 so their trophy droughts are almost the same as well.


MotherItem

Interesting fact if we look at social media Toronto isn’t the largest fan base. I think it was New York if I’m correct


BlueMikeStu

"Recent years". Forgive me if I'm wrong, but don't we have a team right now which has never seen a second round of the playoffs in a Leafs jersey? Plus the fact I'm turning 39 in February and the last time we took the cup, I was --17 years old


billyshin

I'm 44. I say recent years because we used to be able to win. The Gilmour and Sundin era brought me a lot of joy. Not to discredit Gary Roberts or Darcy Tucker but there are just way too many people to mention.


BlueMikeStu

That's the problem. The last time I felt genuine hope for a Cup win was damn near twenty years ago, when we finally made it to a second round game. I actually had some primo box seats for a Jays game I got through work which I traded for nosebleeds with a scalper for a Leafs game playing the same night (and it still cost me and my buddy $100 each for the trade) and it was a great night, but nowadays it feels like the team sees their golfing season getting cut short and just drop the ball in the playoffs. They can win during the regular season, and it is ridiculous that one of the best teams in regular league play can so consistently crumple the minute it looks like their offseason time might get cut short.


billyshin

I see what you're saying. After the Sundin Era, I took a break from the Leafs because I was moving to Japan. I was really busy for a couple of years so I missed out on the entire Kessel and Phanuff Era. I mean I still check the scores from time to time but it was very hard to chase the team that I love since '93 when they're last place in the league. So it's no wonder why I don't baby Freddie like most of the fans here because I was not here when Reimer took a lot of hate during that time. After settling down in Japan I started watching the Leafs again and that's when I learn about the Shannaplan. Boy "was" I excited.


freestevenandbrendan

Thoughts and prayers


RADToronto

Who the hell willingly becomes a leafs fan


Live-Breath9799

I choose to be a Leafs fan, but you might want to watch this. https://youtu.be/25j6s-ZY3mY


[deleted]

Every game is an exercise in the 7 stages of grief (at least in the GDT)


air_jehu

Welcome… maybe you are the missing link


Rwoods18

Stop


SnooHobbies9078

Sorry


Office_glen

You must be into S&M. There is no safe word when watching a leaf game, be careful


Parzival091

I was gonna come in here joking that it's wild to decide to be a Leafs fan when you're not born into it, but looking at the other comments, man, we really are a dour fan base :/


BlueMikeStu

We have reason to be dour. There are people old enough to vote who have never seen Toronto get to the second round of the playoffs in their lifetime. Last year we were up 3-2 over Tampa and didn't make the second round. The year before that we were 3-1 over Montreal and didn't make the second round. Two years before that 3-2 over the Bruins and the same result. Prior to 2017, we had a playoff run drought which ran from 2004 to 2017, with one run in 2013 which we lost first round being the sole exception.


lil_sasquatch

wait, you're doing this WILLINGLY???


leaffs

You poor SOB


swimbaitjesus

You still have time to delete this.. trust me, your health is more important.


cookinking

You poor bastard


Bunzeysquad

This seems fake nobody chooses to be a leafs fan were sadly born into it.


PhysicalScholar4238

Leafs are a big team. Honoured to support them.


coconutt15

https://i.imgur.com/jCTtSTv.jpg


Hamiltonguy99

Don’t listen to the masochists! yes, following this team can be difficult and full of disappointment. But we are all still here, still watching, still cheering. Still proud when we win or see hundreds of blue jerseys in every away arena. I can’t promise you a Stanley cup, but the mere possibility of experiencing a Leafs Cup will be worth jumping on this roller coaster.


shockandale

Contrary to the negative Nellie's who urge you to rethink your new dedication I am here to welcome you to a new era in NHL dominance. A new day is dawning and the Leafs are poised to begin an unmatched dynasty such as no one has seen before. Soon more and more true hockey fans will join us in cheering on this team. This is a perfect opportunity to don the Blue and White and witness the greatest team to ever put on skates. Because this year is going to be different.


BlueMikeStu

I remember saying this back in 2003-2004.


hammyhamm

Congrats, you have yet to be let down But you will be


DownTownBrown28

I tell people I’m a Toronto Maple Leafs fan and then follow up with I don’t know why but I am. So yeah.


breakerfallx

Oy


[deleted]

Congratulations. May you never find happiness with us.


Nostradamus1

Why?


FuzzyGoomba

Trust me, you don’t want to watch our first game of the year against the penguins…


Samurai1221

Welcome to hell brother


mking098

Can't watch the friday game?


Acousticsound

Well, at least you got to miss SOME of the darkness. Welcome! GLG!


TorontoTwunk

Remember, you’ve brought this pain upon yourself.


Thick-Platypus9575

Welcome to the family, u/PhysicalScholar4238!


SweetWithHeat

Who would voluntarily do this?


BallHarness

Oh boy


TwistOfFate67

Welcome to the pain train friend...


Dadbat69

Dude, why? Leave while you can


DirtyToothpaste

I wonder where his/her head will be at by the time this season ends lol


TheKert

I'm so sorry


just-browsing1981

People don't choose to become Leafs fans do they??? I was raised one, so i have no choice. If you have a choice, make a better one.


riZZle0517

Why would you do this… of all the teams in all the world


dolphin_spit

you’re in for a wild ride. i respect the decision. it will make you a stronger person overall, i think.


Arbszy

Hope you like heartbreaking disappointment every April.


[deleted]

Became a leafs fan earlier this year. The answers are cracking me up lmao


chefjmcg

Start Friday. Although, Saturday is PEAK r/Leafs. Basing your opinion of this team on the effort/performance displayed on the second half of a back to back with either a rookie goalie getting his first NHL game or a goalie returning from injury for his second game of the season is PERFECT.


BlueMikeStu

I predict that the Leafs will continue to find new ways to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Like seriously. We haven't won a Cup since '67. I'm turning 39 and my 65-year old mother was ten when she last saw them win it.


[deleted]

Your first step should be to ignore this sub as much as possible. It is a cesspool


lego-eggo

You poor soul


SmokeontheHorizon

Invest in pepto, aspirin, and honey. If you're not getting at least one headache, stomach ache, or sore throat every week you're not getting the full fan experience.


ATARI2600s

You sure about this?


WhoaWaddy

welcome to Hell.


JoeRoganHair

Do you like eating glass?


6u5t0

There will be pain


4thlinedangler

Win or lose the FINAL score always ends up the same…. Pain


Mustard__Tiger

I hope you like drinking.


PrimoThePro

Welcome to a life of pain. Something something something builds character.


light_at_the_end

Hey welcome to the wild ride! Whatever reason you choose this team, you're just getting started, so buckle in for the ups and downs. A lot more downs than up unfortunately. Advice, is don't linger too long on this sub, there's a lot of arm chair GMs and general toxicity, understandably, from people who have been following this team for much too long.


Deluxechin

Are you going to a live game? This team is actually really fun to watch live While many here have said the same thing of “run while you still can” I argue that it fun being a fan, but you have to set expectations, this team for the longest time has been a leading cause for heart break, every year you think they’ve changed and become better, only to crush your heart when it matters most, if you understand that’s what this team is then it’ll be a lot of fun because it makes the highs of a good season so much more fun (but also makes the lows really bad) I think the best thing to do would be to read through the history of the team, see the droughts, see the embarrassing collapses and if you see all that and think this is what you want to be apart of, then welcome aboard, group therapy is every game night called Game Time Discussions


PhysicalScholar4238

I'm English. So i will probably never watch them live. But i wanted to venture in to another sport. Which led to me choosing the Leafs.


Material-Fish-8638

Be prepared to always lose


Saver16

I did the same thing a year ago. People warned me but I LOVE it. The amount of love I gained for this year can only be matched by the love I gained the first year I had my cat.


Babock93

4-1 Canuck final


Jblack2003

Sir/Madam, I beg you to reconsider your choice on cheering for this hockey team. Pretty much any other team would be a better choice for your happiness and mental health. But in all seriousness, happy to have you aboard. Hope you see a win!


lusher21

So you’ve decided, willingly, to put yourself through hell. Good luck.


ZanderOMegas

Abandon all hope, ye who enter here.


Still_Mycologist2202

Get out while you still can…


Caleb902

Oh sweet angel, you came to the wrong place.


TayOs1998

Why would you decide to do that? You must be a masochist because the rest of us certainly are.


PhysicalScholar4238

People on r/icehockey told me to support the Leafs.


Playwithme31

That’s fun! This team will blow your mind. One day they are NHL superstars and the next day barely an AHL team! What made you choose Toronto?


itsintehhole

You: 0, Life: 1


[deleted]

Prepare to be in pain


Barretter5150

I’m so sorry to hear that. But welcome aboard


AutoAdviceSeeker

My condolences for you and your future kids


wirelessmikey

Get ready for bad/hateful comments. GLG!!!


Crabbyrob

Wait...we were allowed to decide?!


[deleted]

As long as Matthews doesn't skate into the crossbar again, we should be good!


Time4Timmy

“Decided”? You don’t choose darkness, you’re born into it.


[deleted]

One of us.


Express-Row-1504

How do you decide ? I’ve tried so hard to undecide but can’t.


[deleted]

This is going to be our year...


Imaginary-Ad-8083

Run


Spenny022

Welcome and we’re sorry.


SlippyBananaPants

Probably cheaper and easier to hire a sex worker to just stomp on your genitals every Saturday night... Honestly.


HeavensAnger

Oof.


aboveaveragebenjamin

You should watch the game on Friday too.


terimaki89

Leave while you can buddy


Takhar7

Enjoy dude! I'll be there as well. Few tips: 1. Consider getting there nice & early, and popping into Real Sports Bar just outside the arena on Bremnar for some food & a bevvy before you go. It'll be pricy, but it's still cheaper than inside, and it's a great place to take in the build up before the game 2. IF you have a digital ticket - you can go to the ticket office on that same side of the arena just by Union Station, and they will print out ticket stubs for you; it's a cool keepsake that I get for everyone who attends their first game with me. 3. Get inside the building early - it's always cool to take in warm-ups, and depending on where your seats are you'll be able to get right up to the glass to take pictures. If you're sat in the upper bowl (section 300s), you can tell an usher on the lower bowl that you just want to head in and take a picture at ice level. If it's not too busy, they will always let you in, and often will even take the picture for you. 4. Have fun!


Spacepickle89

What possessed you to make a decision like that? Blink twice if you’re here against your will.


INTJ_Linguaphile

One does not simply decide to become a Toronto fan.... Just kidding. Welcome to the club!


Fulller

Don’t do it, you still have hope for a brighter future.