As Leafs fans, we know all about blowing leads late at crucial times. 2013 vs. Boston, all the other times against Boston, Game 3 against Columbus. We know the feeling of watching the clock tick and just wanting the game to just end.

Unfortunately, under the rules, there has never been a chance to cut the game off early. Sometimes the games go late, providing false hope or prolonging the pain, but the result must come.

As a Leafs fan, I hate blown leads. I’ve had to live with it happening to my team for as long as I can remember. Every year, I hope the changes made to the roster can break the cycle and change the course of history.

This season, with Wayne Simmonds, TJ Brodie, and Joe Thornton, that the team can keep it together, shut down the third period, and not finish the game with a five-alarm blaze. Please, no five-alarm blazes.

But until the season starts, I’m a pretty big fan of blown leads. Flyers and Penguins fans know what I’m talking about.

Question for the comments section: What is your all-time favourite blown lead?

Various Hockey Branches

NHL dot com posted their offseason report on the Maple Leafs. Big reveal: the Leafs are bad at defense.

Maple Leafs sign Thornton, Simmonds to add grit, experience

Sportsnet published an interview with DJ Cale Granton, music man for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Q&A: How Maple Leafs DJ Cale Granton spun his way to a dream job

The New York Islanders signed Ryan Pulock to a two-year, $5 million AAV contract, avoiding arbitration. The Islanders now have about $3.9 million to sign Mat Barzal.

Ryan Pulock, Islanders reach two-year deal, avoid arbitration

Anthony DeAngelo deleted his Twitter account after a tirade that was ignited when Donald Trump lost Wisconsin and Michigan.

From The Branches