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# From the Branches: Only two more sleeps to the Christmas break
- URL: https://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/wednesday-maple-leafs-ftb-nhl-roadtrip-central-division-jvr-still-sexy/
- Published: 2016-12-21T12:01:07.000Z
- Updated: 2016-12-21T12:01:07.000Z
- Description: The Maple Leafs will squeeze in two games in the two days before Santa
- Author: Species
- Tags: From The Branches, #chorus, #Import 2023-04-05 11:43

The Maple Leafs are making a last minute swing through the mid-west before heading back home for Christmas. Tomorrow they will play the Avalanche, who had a disastrous outing last night. The score was only 2-0, but the game was totally lopsided with the Avs making only 18 SOG, letting the Wild jump up to an 8 game win streak.

There was also this:

Make sure you check out [Clube asking Kappy 20 questions here. William Nylander makes a cameo](https://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/watch-rich-clune-asks-kasperi-kapanen-20-questions-and-we-learn-a-lot/)!

### A bad night for goalies

[Tuuka Rask was pulled after letting in 3 goals on 13 shots](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mp6n6XoiJek&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com). The third goal was by Kulemin. My favourite part of this video is how he still has zero emotional reaction to scoring beyond his standard Kulemin face.

[Jonathan Bernier’s face took a big hit from Brendan Gallagher’s ass](https://www.youtube.com/user/SPORTSNETCANADA/videos?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com), which I imagine stank horribly because he’s a Hab.

Roberto Luongo had a stick [pass through his mask and hit him in the nose](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgz2RgwtysE&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com).

Poor Scott Darling suffered the indignity of being [scored on by the SNES two times in only 10 seconds](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P%5Fv0VKXorZs&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com).

Jimmy Howard was helped of the ice from the Detroit net, seemingly in great pain, after [a collision with the Bolts Erik Condra](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpaCuugfG8k&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com).

[Then Ben Bishop was also injured in that same game, falling awkwardly while making a save](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrjZNhXevZE&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com). No word yet on how serious it may be but it comes at a bad time for the Bolts who, unbelievably, are now out of a playoff spot, even the Wild Card spots.

\[Well, actually: Bishop was hurt first off a shot from Red Wing Nick Jensen. At some point after that, Nick Jensen plowed into Jimmy Howard and took him out of the game. Basically it was a [two-goalie night for Jensen](http://www.rawcharge.com/2016/12/20/14034718/lightning-goaltender-ben-bishop-injured-in-game-against-red-wings?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com). — Acha\]

In fact, they are only four points ahead of the Leafs, and the Leafs have two games in hand! That rule about “25% of the way through the season is a great predictor of the post-season” may go out the window this time.

Finally, the Penguins [humiliated Rangers backup Antti Rantaa](http://www.blueshirtbanter.com/2016/12/20/14035268/penguins-exploit-rangers-in-7-2-rout?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) by scoring on him 7 times. One of them was a great PP goal by PHIL!

### Other News

[Why Can’t The Leafs Close Out Games - Editor in Leaf](http://editorinleaf.com/2016/12/20/toronto-maple-leafs-close-games/?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)  
The standings do not reflect the way the Maple Leafs are playing. A rebuilding side with such an abundance of youthful attacking exuberance, has been thwarted in recent fixtures.

[Sabres send Alexander Nylander to play for Team Sweden at the World Juniors - Die by the Blade](http://www.diebytheblade.com/2016/12/20/14032948/sabres-send-alexander-nylander-to-play-for-team-sweden-at-the-world-juniors?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)  
The Nylander with the [better abs](https://www.instagram.com/p/BJqa00kj73J/?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) is off to play with Tre Kronor.

[Bolts draftee Mathieu Joseph to play for Canada - Color of Hockey](https://colorofhockey.com/2016/12/20/tampa-bay-draftee-mathieu-joseph-to-play-for-canada-at-2017-junior-championshp/?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)  
Joseph, 19, will represent Canada for the first time at any level internationally.

[Let’s Go Shopping! - Fear the Fin](http://www.fearthefin.com/2016/12/20/14021232/shopping-ideas?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)  
Gift ideas for everybody on your shopping list