From The Branches

Somewhere, in a land that time forgot, there is a place without wi-fi.  In this place, there is a home where there is not high-speed internet.  In this home is me, trying to figure out how exactly I can get this piece written, links collected and then posted,

The feel good vibe we're building here extended all the way down to Tampa Bay last night, and the result?  A Leafs win. Lots to like about the game, but even more to like about the links, so lets get to it.  Oh, and before I go, happy

Ain't that a relief? Say what you will about how he was obtained (actually, I take that back, let's not say) Phil Kessel has been as advertised. There's more to his game than just goals. He backchecks, he hits (I've seen it!

...and looks fantastic in the process.  The little man with the big moustache plays all out every night, and last night was no exception.  The rumour was that there were 19 NHL scouts at the game last night, and chances are #7 was on their radar. What has quickly come

Lost in all the hoopla that is the Leafs 4 win in a non-consecutive row streak, is the fact that Niklas Hagman continues to be awesome. As a card carrying member of the "Hagman for Captain" and "How Awesome is Awesome?" Niklas Hagman booster clubs,

You know Vesa...when we said rally caps...actually - never mind. G'wan yerself, young man. * Oh we of little faith. The super duper soaraway shootout win over the Capitals is reviewed by Rock outta SoCal, Norman James Sports, Kavel's comics, Jared in ten words or less,

Barilkosphere - your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to somehow get from the left of the picture to the right.This task has already proved very difficult for some of the finest minds in the league. And also Ron Wilson. This post will self destruct in ten seconds.

Given the reactions in the post game thread, I'm fairly certain today's FTB will be written for an audience of just a handful of true blue Leafs fans.  I can understand how some people want to jump ship.  All summer long, we fans were being sold

Senor Blurr is out being a good dad at Disneyland so you get an original FTBer taking hold of the reins. Actually, as I write this, and use the powers of scheduled posting, he's trying not to swear in front of Bubba as the LA traffic lives up

There are somethings that can only be said by a Seinfeld episode. * The Zambonic Youth gang take a hot stove/round table approach to the season so far, and come to one conclusion: The Leafs may stink, but boy, they sure do love them all the same. Well, maybe a

That's how this season is starting to feel like for me.  The funny thing about hangovers though.  No matter how bad they are, you invariably find yourself in the same position again at some point. * Bloge Salming's new video says...well, I really have no idea

Two more steps to the left now, Stajan....your suffering will soon be over.... * Surprisingly omitted from the links yesterday (PPP has lost it, clearly) - pray silence for the latest post from Bloge Salming, featuring Leafs having to go out and actually earn some money for once. * Game reviews for

Editor's Note: In the grand tradition of every computer but my laptop being an absolute MFer I have appropriated this dormant account forever. Thanks buddy! Oh yeah, write an FTB. MattBlack told me that he was going to be heading to London to visit his beloved Stamford Bridge

Vesa, listen to the sound of my voice.  Throw away your cares.  Focus only on my voice.  Vesa, you are feeling relaxed.  So relaxed.  A deep calm is coming over you.  Do you feel it Vesa?  Embrace the peace.  Concentrate on that feeling of contentment, let it consume you Vesa.

* If hockey was like indie music, Zambonic Youth would be your purveyor of previews and recapitulated recaps. * Steve wonders about possible Leafs trading partners. * Jared recaps the game against Minnesota, succinctly. * Crash the Crease is making the case for the trading of Nazem Kadri... * Bone's Corner bids adieu

So, that was not very much fun. Losing to the Wild, and looking rather disinterested in the process. That said, Phil Kessel's (first true) goal was a beauty. I am feeling rather melancholic, let's get to the links, but please join me after the jump for

Fox Gallery - The Czech Brothers (via gooblymoo) * Loser Domi describes the day Tie Domi discovers the internet. * In a controversial declaration, that only eyebleaf can make, he believes in Jonas Gustavsson. * You know who else is a fan of Jonas Gustavsson? Nik Lidstrom, that's who. The Battle of

* Down Goes Brown made a pilgrimage to the ACC, and the Leafs won handily. Clearly, he should be at every Leafs game... * MLHS has the rumor mill up and running again. * TSM is fascinated by the media falling all over themselves for Phil Kessel and Jonas Gustavsson, while chiding the

* Ho and indeed ha! Two in two for the mighty Blue and White and mornings suddenly dawn brighter. Last night's action is reviewed by Maple Leaf Hot Stove, Moustache Fever, Toronto Mike, Straight Outta SoCal, Die Hard Blue & White, Truculence Is Everything and The Hockey News. As

It's always hard to be the new guy. I had to leave Boston though, all that black was doing nothing for my complexion. Still, you'd have thought the guys would make more of an effort to make me feel a part of it. They never pass

In case you need some instructions, I present to you the following step by step graphic. Jason Blake's screen saver. (via www.guidofistpump.com) The Leafs play the Hurricanes tonight. The last time we met, Jason Blake was highly motivated to make a fool out of Paul Maurice.

...so what to do, what to do?  This sounds like a job for Super-Poni! SOOUPER MAIN!!!1 (via www.babble.com) * Always looking on the bright side, mf37 dangles a carrot for the Leafs game against Carolina. * Dr. Steve is sensing a method to Ron Wilson's madness.

The Barilkosphere is buzzing with talk of Phil. For the first time since Kessel became a Leaf, everytime his name was mentioned, it was not instantly followed with "for two first round picks and a second." No, when Kessticle came to the fore, it was followed or preceded

Today is that day we dream about all year. The day where Phil Kessel appears from his hibernation, and if he sees his shadow then he'll put chocolate eggs underneath all our Kessel trees, decorated with one single ornament. Or something like that. Phil is lost in the

The bestest Luke Schenn picture on the internets, courtesy of our very own WAC (via i41.tinypic.com) * MLHS wonders: is now the best time to trade Tomas Kaberle? * Kavel Pubina is sending birthday wishes Luke Schenn's way. * TSM is wondering if Brian Burke has begun shopping, and