Here comes a bye-week and do the Leafs ever need it. The goals that seemed to come so easily before are getting harder and harder to find. I, for one, do not find my belief wavering. But I wonder sometimes how the boys feel. I know that athletes are trained to visualize success and all that. Does that mean they never have doubts?

The answer is they must, because they’re human (even Auston). Of course the challenge of maintaining a high level of performance will wear down even the most well prepared. So what, right. So… a few days off are just what this team needs. Relax and recharge and let the grind carry on without them for a bit.

I believe that this is a good time to for the Leafs to be fighting for results because I believe they will find another level of play in response.

I believe in Auston and Mitch and Wily and Morgan and Naz and Jake and James and Tyler and Patrick and Zach and Freddie, my dear sweet Freddie, and Roman and Leo and Ron and both Connors and Matt and Josh and Dom and Travis and the Goat (and Nikita too).

Rest up boys. It’s time to get serious. Your city needs you.