Yesterday was debunk the myths day for the Maple Leafs as they had their first practice since opening with a back-to-back.

Myth one: Kirill Marchenko is a RW and OMG the Leafs are playing him on his offside.

Why left-wing assignment is welcome return for Maple Leafs’ Marchenko
Much has been made of Marchenko slotting in on the left side of the top line, in the spot formerly held by Matthew Knies, despite playing primarily as a right winger during his time in Columbus. But the shift to the left is, in fact, a return to Marchenko’s natural position, rather than an experiment.
Sportsnet.caSonny Sachdeva

He said he played LW in Russia, and this is common for player to play opposite their handedness. The article above outlines some of the ways it makes the offensive game better.

Myth two: Sergei Bobrovsky is mean and the Leafs culture is so bad, so very bad.

This one got wild with a Montreal Gazette columnist, who is getting confused about the line between fandom and covering a team, RTing a clickbaiter.

Need a cheap apartment? You can live rent free in this guy's head.

Myth three: Gavin McKenna skipped morning skate because of swagger (or swag, as I'm hearing people put it if they don't actually know what words mean).

Gazette Guy: cover the Habs. The rest of you all: "I see what you did and it is, of course, morally wrong" is not a personality. Watch some hockey and relax.

Marchenko wasting no time ‘getting comfortable’ with Maple Leafs | NHL.com
Forward feeling at home on line with Matthews, Roslovic following trade from Blue Jackets
NHL logoMike Zeisberger

If you missed it yesterday the PWHL has announced their schedule and playoff format.

PWHL ANNOUNCES 2026-27 REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE
Season Four of the PWHL to feature 180 games with Eastern and Western Conference alignment; New playoff format for eight teams chasing Walter Cup titleNational Broadcast schedule highlights CBC/Radio-Canada, Prime Video, Sportsnet, TSN and RDS live cov…
Professional Women's Hockey League

They have conferences now, and the Sceptres will be in the Eastern Conference. Eight teams make the playoffs. Opening day is December 5.

Maple Leafs GM John Chayka talks data, goaltending, McKenna
Sportsnet.caSportsnet Staff
“Probably the easiest thing you could do is flip Nylander and Sissons” -- Anthony Petrielli talks the Maple Leafs’ middle-six forward mix on SN590
Anthony Petrielli joined Sportsnet 590 to discuss Easton Cowan’s strong start, potential tweaks to the Leafs’ forward lines, the early chemistry between Auston Matthews and Kirill Marchenko, and the situation on the blue line. Petrielli on Easton Cowan’s strong start to the season: I’m not surprised at all. Everyone would be forgiven for not watching […]
Maple Leafs HotstoveMLHS Staff

I vote no on that clever scheme, in case anyone was wondering.

And the Marlies played their opener last night and did not win. It's a long way to the defence of the cup win, though. Many things can happen.

Have a great day and the preview will be out later this afternoon.

From The Branches