And spent the next few months talking themselves into thinking it was a good move.
Obviously you don't win or lose a season at Game 3 of the regular season, but it's got to be deflating that the risk associated with Matt Murray was so quickly realized.
It's not a risk that will go away even after he returns.
For some teams, it's not as big a deal - guys get hurt all the time - but for a team that absolutely has to 100% make waves in the post-season this year, it's a blow.
You can win in the playoffs without franchise goaltending, but you can't win in the playoffs without decent goaltending. That question mark still looms very large, larger now.
Sure. What are fans supposed to do, though, burn their sweaters?
There has been a lot of criticism directed at Kyle Dubas by Maple Leaf fans, and if I were to describe the thoughts of many toward Matt Murray going into this season, even the optimistic ones, I would describe it as trepidation and crossing our fingers. But we get no say in who in the GM signs; we're just along for the ride. I expect there will be consequences if we get bounced in the first round again this year, deservedly so.
To address your other points, I agree with them all (as I often do): it's deflating, yes. Not unexpected, but disappointing.
But I've had a lot of experience with those feelings being a Toronto Maple Leafs fan over the years. Nothing we as fans can really do about it. We're just along for the ride, and the ride isn't much fun if you can't suspend your doubts from time to time and hope for a little luck.
