For a team that currently sits 4th overall in the NHL standings, the sheer degree of anxiety and vitriol routinely directed at the backup goaltender is abnormally high.
No other Leaf garners this type of reaction. Players like Ron Hainsey and Nikita Zaitsev are given their fair share of internet flack, without a doubt, but any discussions regarding either player are typically underlined by a mutual agreement that both are unsuited for their respective roles.
There is no debate when it comes to Hainsey and Zaitsev. Only hand wringing over illogical usage.
Garret Sparks, on the other hand, divides the fanbase.