From the dawn of time we came; moving silently down through the centuries, living many secret lives, struggling to reach the time of the All Star Game; when the few who remain will battle to the last. No one has ever known we were among you... until now.

Auston Matthews from the Arizona Desert, known as the Papi, one of a number of immortal warriors who can only be killed by decapitation. After initial training by another highly skilled immortal hockey player, Sean Connery, Matthews lives on for several centuries, eventually settling in Toronto. In 2017, he falls in love with a teammate named Connor and, after sharing the ancient dance of his people, finds out that he must face his biggest enemy: Sidney Crosby. He wishes to beat Matthews and to obtain "the Prize"— a short reprieve from the doubter and haters in hockey media who question whether or not he’s the best hockey player in the world.

Auston Matthews has his assignment for the All-Star skills competition: beat Sidney Crosby

THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE!

The NHL 100 Greatest Players have been announced

I didn’t know this list was for the CHL - the Chicago Hockey League.

Okay, having all three of the current Blackhawks over the likes of Thornton or even Malkin is pretty bad, but I think I speak for everyone but especially scrambles when I say it is an OUTRAGE that they left Jordan Staal off this list!

What if the 2017 NHL All Star Game was North America vs The World

Bettman: oh man that gives me a great idea! We should have a World Cup with a team of North American players!

The Video Room: What individual skills make Auston Matthews an NHL all-star?

This is from a couple of days ago, but I only saw it tonight. It’s a really neat breakdown of isolated skills that Matthews has when it comes to shooting, skating, and stick-handling. Really great stuff, and from what I can tell this shouldn’t be behind the Athletic’s paywall.

2016-17 Toronto Marlies: Midseason Review & Player Grades

A nice little look and recap of the various Marlies players, with ratings/grades if you like that sort of thing.

Why now isn’t the time for the Maple Leafs to accelerate the process

Our Overlord, Steve Wheeler, copied his brother’s homework and published an article on The Athletic. I believe this one is behind the paywall, unfortunately. Better subscribe!

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From The BranchesNHL All Star Game