I hope everyone enjoyed the few days off from Leafs games, but it’s time to get back to it. The Maple Leafs have headed south as minus 10 degree weather settles in over Southern Ontario, and play their first game back against the Arizona Coyotes.

There’s still not a lot going on news wise, but here are some stories to tide you over.

Vintage Leaf Memories - Michael Langlois: The gentleman Leaf
I’m always happy to share some old-time memories about the Leafs and the players who helped to build the team’s legacy.

Bower was certainly was of those individuals.

Why Mikhail Sergachev will/won’t win the Calder Trophy - Raw Charge
With such a deep rookie class, winning the Calder Trophy as the top rookie is going to be a tall order for Sergachev.

Zac Rinaldo earns six-game suspension for punch to Samuel Girard - Mile High Hockey
The NHL Department of Player Safety announced on Wednesday evening that Arizona Coyotes forward Zac Rinaldo, who earned a match penalty on Saturday night for his punch to Avalanche defenseman...

NHL Rumors: Kris Letang, John Tavares, and Anthony Duclair - Last Word on Hockey
Taking a look at the latest NHL rumors, including the possibility of Kris Letang being traded and the future of John Tavares with the New York Islanders.

Down Goes Brown: The NHL's best and worst of 2017
The year is over, so now seems like a good time to hand out some awards for the past 12 months of NHL action.

A Losing Mindset - Die By The Blade
The Sabres continue to struggle stringing wins together, which is nothing new in Buffalo.

Yesterday in World Juniors action Canada beat Slovakia 6-0 to stay on top of group A and Switzerland beat Belarus 3-2, all beat guaranteeing the Belorussian’s a spot in the relegation round.

Watching the Atlantic Division the Bruins beat the Senators 5-1, The Devils beat the Red Wings 3-1, The Islanders beat the Sabres in OT 3-2, and the Hurricanes beat the Canadiens 3-1. Boston jumps the Leafs to second in the division, but even in third the Leafs have a nine point lead over 4th place Montreal. I hope everyone is ready for a 2013 rematch.

Enjoy the ay everyone!

From The Branches