Alright, everyone. Let's breathe deeply. The Toronto Maple Leafs went into this season a long-shot to make the playoffs, and right now, they sit in a playoff spot. The team may slip into 9th, but things are getting better... slowly. At least, most things are getting better. Let's not talk about our penalty kill.

Our very own birky pointed out a great statistic last night that will hopefully soothe your frayed nerves and tempers:

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Keep calm and carry on. Don't forget your towels. Links after the jump.

Here’s a small Maple Leaf alarm bell
Michael Langlois wonders if it's time for concern.

Marlies Hot & Cold: December 12th-18th
Apparently, the Marlies have dropped three in a row, and Kyle The Reporter has a few notes on individual players.

Leafs’ Colby Armstrong out with concussion
In case you didn't hear about this, Armstrong hid this fact from his coach. Story from Dave Shoalts.

Kings hand Leafs third straight loss
Recap from David Shoalts at the Globe and Mail.

Fenwick Power Rankings
Leafs rank 19th. From Hawerchuk at Behind the Net.

No more Jacques Martin, Milbury Speaks, Lucic Hits Rinaldo
Justin Bourne and Rob Pizzo with their latest podcast.

Bourque gets two games for check from behind on Seabrook
Harrison Mooney at PD with a video clip and a recap of the events.

Montreal Should Always Hire a Bilingual Head Coach
Justin Bourne with a somewhat refreshing point of view.

From The Branches