I’ve never been more convinced that the Toronto Maple Leafs are actually an MTV TV series from 2009.

In back-to-back games, the offence wasn’t there. In back-to-back games, the Leafs scored a single goal. In back-to-back games, a goal was scored that we all thought went in but while the video camera showed otherwise. And in back-to-back games, the Leafs lost.

Recap: Leafs lack a shooting star against the Stars - Pension Plan Puppets
It sure looked like the Leafs were cursed tonight.

Mitch Marner and John Tavares did their best but even they could not escape the affects of TV magic.

So what happens now? The Leafs probably go back to practice, Babs yells and bag skates ‘em, and we cross our fingers hoping they get the results Saturday night against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Easier said then done, but this can’t go on for too much longer.

And if you’ve switched sides and are now on board with signing William Nylander to a long-term deal with an $8.5 million cap-hit or whatever, the insiders say it is now, stop. It’ll work itself out... (runs to give Auston Matthews a senzu bean).

In Case You Missed It

Trouble on the left wing with the Maple Leafs - Pension Plan Puppets
The fabled winger depth on the Leafs is failing to lift the team out of good and to elite-level play, and the weakness is not on the side with the missing William Nylander.

Do you give to Pro Sports Charities like MLSE Foundation? - Pension Plan Puppets
All Canadian NHL teams have charitable foundations associated with them. One organization that rates charities has advised against giving them your money, so I looked into their ranking system.

Prospects update: Flint is a disaster, Ian Scott is the best - Pension Plan Puppets
Fold the team and save these players.

Markham Thunder’s Rattray named to 4 Nations Cup roster - Pension Plan Puppets
Jamie Lee Rattray and Cornell’s Kristin O’Neill will be going as Team Canada injury replacements.

Around the Hockey World

#Milestone

Rangers’ Pavel Buchnevich hasn’t been good enough - Blueshirt Banter
We all know that he’s better than McLeod, but that doesn’t change the fact that Buch is off to a rocky start.

Mikko Rantanen named NHL’s First Star - Mile High Hockey
The Colorado Avalanche star has been the best player in the NHL through the first month of the season.

NHL plans regular season games in Prague, Stockholm - Sportsnet.ca
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said that the NHL is planning to play a season-opening game in Prague and another two games in Stockholm next season.

From The Branches