They saw first hand the results of sporadic play that was no doubt the effect of playing three games in four nights. Rebounds that routinely die in Joseph's equipment instead found their way on to Calgary sticks. Now, there's little profit in being harsh on either Joseph or his teammates. Surely, the Leafs netminder is allowed two bad periods. Human beings get tired.
Seasons are long.
But the Leafs were bailed out by Joseph in Pittsburgh on Wednesday. All that will really stick is the chilly memory, of what life was like for the Leafs of old, when the world was young and the goalies were all-too human.