It is what is it. After the Habs season MLSE showed what mattered most to them. They played the first two games the right way, like they were willing to sacrfice, win or lose. It's gone now, the old, soft play has returned.
When you recycle the same core over eight season in the Cap Era with half of your cap swallowed up by five players and win one single playoff round, you are saying "we are happy with selling jerseys, flash and a couple of playoff home games a year, the dumb fans will be back anyways"
Everyone but management and ownership demanded changes for years now. I wouldn't even be surprised if perhaps Dubas wanted to make those core changes but was shut down.
The only positive spin I can put on this season was that for me personally I only watched half a season for the first time in over 40 years so I am at least slowly learning lol.
How much changes when in game three the Leafs gave up the 3-2 goal quickly after they tied it. They win that game and it all feels differently tonight heading in.
This core always disappears come playoffs so I knew the focus had to be on 2-1 and 3-2 wins. It doesn't appear they can even muster that.