Happy Friday!

The Maple Leafs host the Boston Bruins tonight in the first half of a home-and-home series. Anton Khudobin is “likely” to start in net for the Bruins, which would make Tuukka Rask the favourite to start in Boston on Saturday.

The question on everyone’s mind is: Will Auston Matthews play? Mike Babcock doesn’t know when Matthews will be ready to return, and Patrick Marleau will shift over to centre once again if Matthews misses tonight’s action. Meanwhile on Boston’s side, both Brad Marchand and Noel Acciari will be game time decisions.

Today’s Links:

In Case You Missed It

Leafs vs. Wild Recap: Frederik the Great- Acting the Fulemin

The Leafs managed to pull off a 4-2 victory despite missing Auston Matthews, but their performance was far from dominant. If you missed the game, the final thoughts at the end of the article will bring you up to date.

Shooting lots and shooting smart: How are the Maple Leafs doing?- Katya Knappe

This article takes a look at just about everything: including individual expected goals and shooting data for every Leafs player. I would definitely recommend reading this article if you have not already done so.

Maple Leafs by the numbers: 54-50- ElSeldo

Jake Gardiner is an obvious standout, but make sure to vote in the polls to help decide who is the best Leaf of all time to wear each number.

From the Branches

Make It So And Call Up Pickard- Jon Steitzer, The Leafs Nation

The Leafs play back-to-back games starting tonight, and a backup goalie is likely to play tomorrow. Curtis McElhinney has struggled in two starts thus far, while both of the Marlies goalies are thriving. If a call-up were to happen, Calvin Pickard brings plenty of NHL experience to the table, while Sparks has been dominant in eight AHL games this season. I am ready to make a switch, but I expect the Leafs to keep the status quo for now.

Former teammates remember Roy Halladay as a great player and an even better person- Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic

Roy Halladay was a pitching ace, an intense competitor and a ruthlessly good man- Bruce Arthur, Toronto Star

I will always remember Halladay for his incredible work ethic, commitment to improvement, and dominance on the mound. He made Toronto a better place both on and off the field.

Marlies lose battle for top of the East against Penguins- Jeff Veillette, Faceoff Circle

The Marlies lost to the Wikes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on Wednesday, and Jeff provides a detailed breakdown. Timothy Liljegren did not play in this one, and I am hoping to see him back in action sooner rather than later.

Enjoy your day.

From The Branches