Many of our radio and tv personalities seem to think it’s because visiting team players are more excited to play in Toronto, but I don’t buy that as the main reason. Maybe it’s a small contributor here and there, but not a major factor, IMO.
I feel like it has more to do with a small sample size, missing Auston more at home, where he can’t be matched up by the visiting coach, and then the rest might have to do with pressure. They’re great as underdogs but perhaps they’re holding their sticks too tight when most of the rest of the world expects them to win. It can add a split second of doubt and overthinking on any given shift. Maybe on the road, especially against good teams, it’s more of a nothing-to-lose attitude because nobody expects them to win, and that’s when they shine.
So maybe once/if they get into a groove and the sample size increases, some of that home pressure will subside. Then, once Auston gets back and if (*sigh*) Willy comes back, all opposing teams will be doing their banking online, because nobody is going to want to visit the Bank.
Look the **** out NHL.