As I sit on the couch watching the Packers - Giants game on Sunday afternoon it's 0-0 between Washington and Carolina. A Capitals win knocks Toronto down to 9th place and since I've been a Leafs fan for a long time I'm pretty sure you're reading this tomorrow morning while I'm asleep on the West Coast saying "what the fuck Toronto?".

There are some things that bug me, for sure, the Kessel-Lupul duo has been the benefit of some puck luck and their recent three game power outage has shown us how ugly it can get without them lighting the lamp constantly. Jonas Gustavsson's past two starts are something I hope he forgets despite his recent run of incredible play.

That said there are some good things for the Leafs.

Despite his poor overall SV% James Reimer's even strength SV% is the same as it was last year. I think we can expect that to even out as the season moves on. The narrative will be that Reimer takes back his net and leads the Leafs on another second half charge.

We all know Brian Burke is going to make a move. Our concerns about the Leafs' Fenwick percentage isn't something that's likely to have slipped by Burke, he's been a speaker at the Sloan Sports Conference: he's aware of advanced metrics for the Leafs. He's not done improving this team.

Toronto very well might sit in 9th this week but they're still in the hunt. Isn't that what we all hoped for?

JAKE GARDINER SENT TO THE MARLIES

Jonathan Willis compares how Wilson deploys Keith Aulie and Jake Gardiner and points out one reason why Gardiner is the one going down.

ASKED AND ANSWERED: WEEKEND WITH BURKIE

Brian Burke and his PR intern are hard at work collaborating with PPP on tweetbags.

Defending Byzantium

A devastating destruction of Gare Joyce's attention-grabbing cover story about the demise of the Habs' empire for Sportsnet's magazine.

Don Cherry's comment on the Leaf coaches: where do you stand?

I wouldn't mind knowing what Wilson did to Cherry to earn the sobriquet 'Napoleon' and unending enmity.

Versteeg sounds off on Leafs

Long story short: fuck that guy.

Is Joffrey Lupul's Current Play Sustainable?

As long as he keeps on Kessel's good side.

Garry Valk: Luke Schenn Has Asked To Be Traded

Check out this (upside down) video. I'm banking on it being absolute bullshit but it sure is a weird tidbit to drop.

Who Are You?

An interesting fanpost by somny

What's The Problem With The Leafs' PK? (Part 1)

In case you missed it.

CRACKS IN THE DRAFTING?

Taking a look at the Oilers' recent drafts

Skepticism I

Missed this the first time around but it's hilarious that Damien Cox doesn't understand simple fractions.

Wherein I'm sure I'll get slapped around in the comments

Tyler Dellow discusses the nature of NHL ownership and it's implication for competition and fans. Also, a fucking Leafs dig.

2011-12 NHL Records B2B Nights

The Leafs do not do well on the latter half. No kidding.

PK Subban and Michael Del Zotto

Did PK spit on Del Zotto? Hard to see his eyes through his visor. Could just be spitting on the ice.

The 2011-2012 Edmonton Oilers Drinking Game

WARNING: You will die if you try this.

Don't Expect the Anaheim Ducks to Overhaul Their Roster at the Trade Deadline

5-0-1 in their last six is putting the Ducks well on their way to climbing out of the lottery. Dummies.

LeafsTV, MLSE: Take the Fans Behind the Scenes of the Toronto Maple Leafs

Hopefully these dreams will come true with the official confirmation that the Leafs are in the Winter Classic.

How a punk band stepped up to rescue financially struggling hockey team

These guys love their sports.

Blow Oilers up some more

Oh hey! One of the Edmonton MSM has finally realised that Steve Tambellini stinks.

Ricky Gervais' Best Jokes From The Golden Globes

Sure wasn't as good as last year.

From The Branches