They? As in Leafs or teams as a whole?
If they win (the Leafs)... they have exceeded expectations (and it has helped, i agree it could be perceived this way). If they lose, they have met expectations of the regular season.
Based on the regular season, the leafs are not a favorite. This team beat teams it shouldnt have and lost to teams it shouldn't have. We are not the Bruins or the Blues... we could surprise but we are a middle of the pack bunch that isnt expected to win. We are the definition of a team that could win or could lose... we have the talent to win the cup, more so than columbus, and islanders. But we also have uncertainty... we arent expected to win as much as teams like Boston, Washington and St.louis.