Good mourning Toronto Maple Leafs fans!

See, I spelled it the other way because of the day it is.

It's Halloween, the day we toss all of our rules out the window and go door to door taking candy from strangers. I myself am 800 years old, and am no longer trick or treating age, and my kids are moody teens who are too cool for this kind of thing, also I have to work tonight so really it's just Tuesday for me. Apologies to the children of the neighbourhood because full size candy bat house is closed this year.

What is a little scary this year is how late the Leafs game is tonight. An 8PM start at home for the Leafs isn't very common, especially in Scotiabank Arena, but it's an ESPN game and a national game in the US means we need it to be at least 5PM on the west coast, where our visitors are from. It's the Los Angeles Kings everyone!

And since it's Halloween, we can only ask for the Kings to wear one jersey tonight. That's right. We want the Burger King

Ah, mid-90s NHL third jerseys. What a rollercoaster you were. Speaking of, want to hear a scary story?

The REAL Story Behind The Los Angeles Kings’ Infamous “Burger King Jersey”
It was January 27th, 1996.15 years ago this week.The Los Angeles Kings were coming off an 8-2 drubbing by the hands of the Hartford Whalers and headed into this game against the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim with a 16-22-11 overall record.The Kings would go on to finish that season 23rd out of 26 NHL…
InsiderThe Royal Half

I know I'm terrified. What else is in the news to keep us on our toes?

The 2024 NHL Draft is coming, and the kids being drafted were born AFTER Sidney Crosby's rookie season!

2024 NHL Draft Watch: Early OHL Breakouts
After more than 10 games in the OHL season so far, there are a few players who have emerged thanks to big breakouts in their performance compared to their pre-season hype.
PPP LeafsBrian S

The Toronto Marlies have signed a former New York Islanders first round pick.

It was a rough night on the ice last night.

First Florida loses Ekman-Larsson, and then Sam Bennett..

Can't say I'm too sad about Bennett....

That's our Nylander! His job is Hockey. And he's good at it.

Mark Masters: Nonchalant William Nylander downplays shot at Toronto Maple Leafs history | TSN
After recording a point in all eight games so far in 2023-24, William Nylander can stand alone and shatter the Maple Leafs record for the longest scoring streak to start a season if he gets on the scoresheet Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Kings, Mark Masters writes.
TSNMark Masters

The one piece of equipment I constantly lose and forget. I have 3 in my bag now to make sure I have one.

NHL, AHL players starting to use neck guards in wake of Adam Johnson tragedy
Professional hockey players and teams appear to be embracing change after former Penguins forward Adam Johnson was killed during an EIHL game last weekend.
Yahoo SportsKyle Cantlon

Oh no, not the Flames, that's so sad.

NHL Best and Worst: Jack Hughes is rising, the Flames are crumbling, Cale Makar rules
The Devils are riding Hughes’ heater, the Flames stink, Makar remains ridiculous and “The Michigan” gets another nifty remix in this week’s Best and Worst.
Yahoo SportsJori Negin-Shecter

If you're out east, the Newfoundland Growlers are 4-2 this season and hosting the Worcester Railers this weekend for a three game set. This Sunday is Mary Browns night, so get your tickets, see a game, and have some chicken!

Enjoy your day everyone, spooky or not, and see you at 8!

From The Branches