From the Branches: Leafs hockey is back!

The Leafs are in Columbus tonight to play their first game since last Saturday, and the first of a back-to-back road trip. In fact the Leafs next home game isn't until Monday October 26. Why would MLSE arrange for so few home games in October? They were confident the Blue Jays would kick ass, and kick their ass at the box office.

Teams are now three to four games into the season and some fun SSS trends are emerging.

Speaking of tonight's matchup, 2013 Vezina trophy winner Sergei Bobrovsky has let in 18 goals in the Jackets first four games, rocking a SV% of 0.830. It will be interesting to see if he starts tonight.

The LOLOILERS had their home opener last night and lost. Again. That's four losses to start the season. How long until McDavid starts being blamed by the media? How long until Hall, his roommate, is blamed for passing on his poor attitude and bad work ethic (did I just start a rumour)?

How about that Jaromir Jagr? 4 goals and 2 assists in 4 games at 43 years old! He's leading the Panthers in points. Guess which Panther has yet to get a single point.

The Ducks trail the league with only 1 goal so far this season. ONE! It was scored by 5'10 Sami Vatanen, assist by Mike Santorelli.

On the flip side, only 1 goal has been scored on the Sharks. Martin Jones has stopped 77 of 78 shots against.

What a wacky start to the season.

Last Night's Games

New York Islanders 4, Nashville Predators 3: Thomas Greiss will stop you now. - Lighthouse Hockey
Kulemin scored a sweet goal! The Islanders also earned the first ever rejected coach's challenge.

Game 4 Afterwords: Nesterov Should Be Suspended, but Don't Forget that Kari Was Amazing - Defending Big D
The game in Tampa got ugly with Curtis McKenzie injured when boarded by Nesterov in what looked like a revenge hit.

Penguins vs. Senators Recap: It's a win! - PensBurgh
The Pittsburgh Penguins get their first win of the season, defeating the Ottawa Senators 2-0. Not such a slow start after all, eh Phil?

Capitals vs. Blackhawks Recap: Top Line Dirty Dances, Caps Win 4-1 - Japers' Rink
The Hawks are looking shaky with three losses and two wins.

Recap: Jagr's two goals help Panthers beat Sabres 3-2 - Die By The Blade
The old man showed the young guns a few tricks, and the Sabres fell in Sunrise.

Other News

Maple Leafs know they owe a debt to Phil Kessel as first meeting looms - The Globe and Mail
Though he may be gone, the presence of Toronto’s former sniper is felt as players spend five days of practice working up to Saturday’s matchup with their old friend in Pittsburgh

The World Turned Upside Down - The Cannon
It's panic time in Columbus.

Carey Price knocks down Chris Kreider, then stares him down - Eyes On The Prize
This GIF is an instant classic.