Today the Toronto Maple Leafs will fly out to Los Angeles and prepare themselves for a later bedtime, salty sea air, and maybe a quick trip to that new Guardians of the Galaxy ride at Disney’s California Adventure.

It’s time for the annual California road trip. It’s not always an easy one, for the players or even us fans - those 10PM game starts really makes you feel for those fans out in the Maritimes and in Newfoundland. Let’s see how the Leafs have done in the recent past.

2017-18: L 3-2 vs San Jose, W 3-1 vs Anaheim, L 5-3 vs LA
2016-17: L 3-1 vs SJ, L 3-2 (SO) vs LA, L 5-2 vs Anaheim
2015-16: W 4-0 vs Anaheim, L 2-1 vs LA, L 7-0 vs SJ
2014-15: L 2-0 vs LA, L 4-0 vs Anaheim, L 3-1 vs Sharks
2013-14: W 3-1 vs Anaheim, L 6-2 vs SJ, W 3-2 vs LA

The Maple Leafs haven’t won all three games out west in the past six seasons, can they do it this year? Game one is tomorrow night in LA, let’s hope we at the very least go 2/3.

Here’s your morning links:

Leafs Notebook: Kasperi Kapanen’s next contract, Power Play Adjustments, Willy Watch - MLHS

The Mike Babcock Effect: Revisited - Centre of Leafs Nation

Toronto Maple Leafs William Nylander Saga Nearing End - Last Word on Sports

16 active NHL players who are locks for the Hockey Hall of Fame - Sportsnet

Enjoy your day everyone!

From The Branches