Good morning Toronto Maple Leafs fans!

Saturday night is here, and our old friends from Long Island are coming to town.

After handily beating the Buffalo Sabres at their home away from home last night, the Leafs came back through the snow and wind to prepare for back to back games for the seventh time this season.

The Leafs are 4-2 on second games of a back to back (commonly known as a SeGaBaBa) this season, and only losing them on the road.

Leafs Max out on the Sabres
The Leafs suddenly have a top nine.
PPP LeafsCathy Squires

So welcome Islanders, we have the advantage.

It was a long wait for Matt Murray to get another NHL start, and he did the most could in the situation.

Craig Berube on the Leafs’ 6-3 win over Buffalo: “Our team played really hard in front of [Matt Murray]... They were dialed in for him”
Craig Berube addressed the media after the Maple Leafs’ 6-3 win over the Buffalo Sabres, which improved the team’s record to 21-10-2. On Matt Murray winning in his first start since April 2023: I thought he was solid in the net. I am very happy for him. It was a long road getting back. I […]
Maple Leafs HotstoveMLHS Staff

Speaking of goalies, Charlie Lindgren put in some effort last night.

Hockey players get hurt a lot. That means after they retire, and need to find new health insurance they have a lot of pre-existing conditions.

That can add up to big bills or no coverage. An expense the superstars can manage, but what about the guys on the minors, or who only get a handful of games?

It's best not to talk about this one...

The annual 'Next Gen' game will feature a father-son duo on the radio.

Joe Bowen and son David will call Maple Leafs game vs. Winnipeg Jets
Joe Bowen wasn’t sure if any of his four sons would emulate him as a hockey play-by-play man, but youngest David is on his way.
Toronto SunLance Hornby

ESPN, just learning about hockey now.

What is the NHL Winter Classic? History, winners, more stats
The NHL Winter Classic is an annual hockey game that has taken place since 2008. Learn more about its history, all-time results, and other stats now.
ESPNESPN

The only man who knows the backup goalie of the 19-dicketytwo Renfrew Creamery Kings.

Awful Announcing Podcast: Jeff Marek on Sportsnet, NHL expansion
Former Sportsnet NHL host and current host of The Sheet with Jeff Marek, Jeff Marek, joined Brandon Contes on the “Awful Announcing Podcast.”
Phillip Bupp

It's officially official. St. John's is getting another hockey team.

QMJHL’s Acadie-Bathurst Titan sold, will relocate to St. John’s, N.L., starting next season
The team will play at the Mary Brown’s Centre, which opened in 2001 and can accommodate nearly 6,300 hockey fans.
The Globe and Mail

Finally, it's time for the best Christmas hockey tournament around!

The Spengler Cup!

Canada’s roster revealed for Spengler Cup | TSN
Twenty-six players will wear the Maple Leaf when Canada’s National Men’s Team looks to capture a record 17th championship at the 2024 Spengler Cup, Dec. 26-31 in Davos, Switzerland.
TSNMedia Release

And of course Team Canada's roster is full of former Maple Leafs.

Enjoy your day everyone, and see you in the GDT.

From The Branches