I agree there were many post that were too harsh on sparks, but that doesn't mean he didn't struggle in the net.We can see at training camp when they go up against eachother. He probably does not have as much of a leash as he did last year, but it was like every single thing that went wrong had something to do with Sparks whenever he was in net. Sure, I expected more and he needs to be better, but he also was blamed for a lot of things that had little to nothing to do with him (there were countless defensive mistakes and times where he was left out to dry and he got blamed for not making a save even top NHL goalies would be lucky to make).
I just think the treatment Sparks' received by fans was completely unwarranted. He was unfairly treated as a scapegoat for a lot of overarching problems for the Leafs, and I felt like there should have been at least one guy who gives him the credit he deserves, not just the criticism.
Personally I like to think I was fair in my comments. I have given him praise when he deserves it and never blamed him for every goal he let in. I have been consistent in my critique of him and that I have not seen any difference in his skill level from the tank year to last.
As for KK vs sparks at camp, yes time will tell and I have no idea who, or either will get the backup job.