The Toronto Maple Leafs are playing their last game before the Christmas break tonight against the New York Rangers. The last time they played each other it was a ridiculously high-scoring, back-and-forth, entertaining slug fest; the Leafs won 8-5.

The big question for the Leafs will be whether or not Matthews will play. He admitted to having some concussion-like symptoms after colliding with Rielly in his last game, but says he’s feeling great. The Leafs might not be willing to push the matter though, especially when you consider how hot some of their other young stars have finally started playing.

Mitchell Marner has 13 shots and 5 points in his last two games, and had good possession games too. William Nylander has had 5 shots and a couple of points as well, including some games at center. It’d be nice to see the old gang get back together with Hyman, Matthews and Nylander though.

ONTO THE LINKS!

How is Mike Babcock filling the Z-shaped hole on defence? | by Katya

Toronto Marlies add goalie Drew Fielding to the roster on a PTO | by Katya

Team Canada brings Thunder and Furies to the Olympics | by Nafio

Four former Toronto Maple Leafs named to Canada’s Spengler Cup roster | by Elseldo

Toronto Maple Leafs at the World Junior Championships: Game times, how to watch, groupings | by Elseldo

AROUND THE NHL

James Mirtle at The Athletic with an argument for using Gardiner and Rielly as a pairing more often. I mean it makes their defense REALLY top-heavy, but it would be ridiculously fun eh?

Also by the Athletic, a few of their hockey writers write what their Team Canada men’s roster would be if NHLers were going to the upcoming Olympics. Even if you can’t access the article, it’s a fun exercise so let us know what you would do in the comments. For shits and giggles, here’s mine...

Marchand - Crosby - Bergeron

Hall - McDavid - MacKinnon

Benn - Tavares - Seguin

Giroux - Scheifele - Stamkos

Extra F: Schenn

Keith - Doughty

Muzzin - Pietrangelo

Rielly - Letang

Extra D: Subban

Price, Holtby, Murray

Have a great pre-Christmas weekend everyone!

GO LEAFS GO!

How much Christmas shopping do you have left to do this weekend?

I’ve been done for weeks because I am some sort of non-procrastinating weirdo12
I only have to pick up a few small things and write some cards13
I got a couple of big things already but still have a lot to do2
Christmas is THIS Monday?? FUCK SHIT CRAP HONEY WHERE ARE MY KEYS I GOTTA GET TO THE MALL!16
I did all my shopping online already but nothing has arrived yet and I’m stalking my mailman like Predator10
From The Branches