Good morning Toronto Maple Leafs fans and people who enjoy black and white photos of families.

It’s December 19th, and we have just two Maple Leafs games left before the NHL takes its Christmas break. No games from December 23rd to the 26th. The Scotiabank Arena will be busy on Boxing Day however, as the Toronto Marlies take over the big rink for a day. The Belleville Senators will be the opponent and the game starts at 3PM.

On the Maple Leafs schedule, we have them hosting the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday night at 7PM, and then the Philadelphia Flyers come to town on Thursday for the new traditional matinee game, at 2PM.

This will be the Maple Leafs second game against the Lightning this year - they lost 4-3 in overtime back on December 3rd.

Leafs in overtime needs an overhaul

The Flyers should be an easier time, as the Leafs defeated them 5-2 on November 2nd,

Maple Leafs come home, win with a Tavares hat trick

In other Leafs news...

Conor Timmins is superceding expectations on the Maple Leafs. He missed a lot of time before coming to Toronto, and we weren’t expecting the play he’s given us so far.

Conor Timmins sticks on Leafs blue line after year lost in the desert

The Maple Leafs do well against the best, which, frustratingly we know because it’s the same when they play the worst.

Maple Leafs' Record Against NHL Top-10 Teams? Outstanding

Seriously, why all of a sudden is Nylander’s contract a problem when he’s playing at his best? There were a bunch of silly articles about this the past couple of weeks.

William Nylander’s contract is a problem for later, not now, for the Toronto Maple Leafs

In other news....

Logan Thompson was playing for Brock University two seasons ago and now he’s the Vegas Golden Knights starter. It’s a great story.

Wiebe's World: After long road to NHL, Logan Thompson proving doubters wrong

I’ve long been an Alex Pietrangelo fan, and all the best to his family.

Golden Knights' Alex Pietrangelo details daughter's horrific illness

Finally, it’s not hockey related, but you just love seeing a team like the Patriots lose in incredible ways.

LOL

Have a  great day!

From The Branches