Bye weeks are still a thing in the NHL, and the Maple Leafs’ starts tomorrow. First, they have to make it past the Ottawa Senators. The Senators were blown out by the Blackhawks last night in an 8-2 loss. You can bet they are looking for a comeback tonight.

Babcock Transcript: “We're way quicker than we've been playing” - MLHS
" I don’t think we’ve played as good as we can in the last while. We can play better."

ICYMI

Maple Leafs 2017 Q2 report: half good, half bad, all fun - Katya
The season is approximately half over, so it’s time to examine the Leafs record to date.

Leafs prospect Mattinen traded to the Hamilton Bulldogs - elseldo
The Flint Firebrids acquired the defender early in the season from the London Knights

Furies need Team USA defender Megan Bozek - Nafio & Annie
The CWHL’s Toronto franchise could use some help and the USWNT defender might be the answer.

Other News

The Oilers lost again last night in a very Oilers way. Jujhar Khaira cost them a goal because his skate was about one centimetre off the ice.

Their record is now 18-23-3. Is McDavid really ready to handle this mess?

Paul Maurice to Sharks players: Quit whining - The Mercury
Comments recently made public by some Sharks players that mentioned Winnipeg as the worst city in the NHL to play in drew a sharp response from Jets coach Paul Maurice.

Hamilton roller derby player on crutches owes hundreds after city tows truck, citing obscure bylaw - CBC
She broke her leg practicing for roller derby. Now a Hamilton bylaw from 1959, not ever posted anywhere in the city, has cost her $850.

Realigning the divisions based on Seattle expansion team - ESPN
[Species: Here's the first of one million opinions about this.]

From The Branches