I'm 40 years old and have been reading and following the Toronto media my entire life.
I have never sensed this at all and, if anything, it's I get more indifference from people covering the team. I don't mean indifference, as in they don't care or can't be bothered. I mean in terms of what the team is doing. They still cover the team, talk about what's going on and offer their thoughts. But they aren't emotionally invested one way or another. For them - it is what it is.
Reporters are generally far more neutral than they're given credit for. This is work for them. Whether the Leafs win or lose, are good or suck, they still have to write their stories and cover the team.
For the most part, covering a sports team is a whole lot of monotony for the writers/reporters. Most fans that love their team and cheer for the players don't understand this at all. They would love to be around the team every day, in the locker room, talking to the coach, etc. But, for those who really do it day in and day out, it's work - plain and simple. And it can be boring work. The players don't say much. Game stories are game stories.
It's hard for people to remember, because it's been a decade since the Leafs were even remotely competitive, but it wouldn't be like this if the team was winning and competitive. The stories in the media would be about wins, smart picks ups by the GM, coaching successes, where the team ranks with the other top teams, etc.
The team being lousy, and this being one of the lousiest seasons, has become the story. That's really all there is. And I think that's where the "negative" backlash is coming from.