On the first day of school, everyone smiled on cue.
The pencils were sharp. The hair neatly styled for the appropriate photographs. The new clothing evident. The enthusiasm overwhelming.
This is how it began in Leafsland on the first day of training camp. A fresh start. A new beginning. The whole league undefeated.
There were no confrontations on Thursday. No screaming at Phil Kessel. No Steve Spott apologies. No headlines to explain. No sound bytes to file away for the season-ending show. All quiet on the Western Etobicoke front.
Hell, Mike Babcock even talked glowingly about getting to coach Jake Gardiner.