From The Branches

Nice work kid, way to think it through

In June 2012, the Leafs noted that a top six bottom six model is no longer good enough for the NHL. In December 2013, the Leafs are really committed to a model that's no longer good enough for the NHL.

The holiday season didn't get off to the best start but your day can get kicked off right with these links

December Death begins tonight with a game against San Jose. Hold on to your hats, ladies and gentlemen.

Leafs Links The Curious Case of Nifty Mittens Kadri My favorite part is the inconsistent minutes. Marlies Win 3-2 Over Rochester At least one Toronto team is winning. A Bad Month, or Something Worse? Obviously something worse. This Leafs team is more flawed than a diamond bought at Walmart. LFR7

The Leafs come off the first half of a back-to-back with an overtime loss against the worst team in the league, and December doesn't get much better.

There is only one link about last night's game.

Today's links cover the best t-shirt ever made, tonnes on the Sportsnet-NHL deal, and Bo Jackson.

Last night's Leafs enacted their interpretation of the word 'defecation', but CBC's new broadcasting deal is the biggest hockey news of the day.

It was a quiet Sunday for hockey news, but that will change as the Leafs get geared up to face Columbus tonight.

Ah, weekend hockey talk!

A bit to gnaw on after last night's loss.

The Leafs face off against the Predators tonight, and with Kadri back into the lineup, are starting to look whole again. Coverage starts at 7 PM EST. Leafs fans should expect to see Reimer in the pipes, but I have no idea who the Preds' starting goalie is, except

21 games. 27 points. Need to bank those points. Recaps Leafs Nation MLHS Links Who Might Represent the Leafs in the Sochi Olympics Kessel, JVR, Bozak, Orr, McLaren..... This Can't be Right Oh yes it can be. Everything You Know is Wrong DGB says you guys are stupid.

A bevy of good links for you today.

Leafs Links Leafs Acquire Peter Holland Kids got some good AHL numbers. Ben Scrivens Succeeding in LA? And how. Assessing the Maple Leafs, 20 Games In.... VLM gives a grade. Ranking the Goalie Goals I like Theordore's for being backhand.

Some weekend links, as the Leafs set up for the second half of their back-to-back against Buffalo. Vintage Leaf Memories - Michael Langlois: We knew Buffalo would be ready, eh? VLM recaps last night's game. Tapped In: Anaheim Ducks' Nick Bonino has championship pedigree - Tapped In

Brendan Shanahan called things about right.

The Leafs are likely to be down another center when they face Buffalo on Friday.

In Elliott Friedman's latest 30 Thoughts, number 23 is about Bobby Ryan and the new style he's playing in Ottawa. Also included in this insight into Randy Carlyle's coaching systems: Senators head coach Paul MacLean wants his forwards to engage opponents who go to

Plenty of tidbits for your consideration this morning.

...And nor should you.

A reading from the Book of Wendel. 17:1 In the beginning Wendel created the heaven and the earth. 17:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of Wendel moved upon the face of the waters.

The Leafs signed a center, but it's hard to see how he'll resolve the team's issues at center.

Leafs Links DGB on the Hockee Night Podcast They're our buds. Give a listen. When They Were Kids Seriously, were there any NHLers who didn't play at The Brick tournament in PeeWees? Can Size Get You an NHLer? Not really. Maple Leafs Prospect Update Find out