You know what was crazy last night? The Marlies vs. IceCaps game was crazy. With a final score in OT of 9-8, the game winning goal was a Stamkos-esque wrister by William Nylander from the very Stamkos left circle. Do you guys really need an aging cap-crushing superstar with Bill Nye hiding in the AHL?

The other eight goals were by TJ Brennan, Mark Arcobello (who is playing like he wants to quickly return to the NHL), Nikita Soshnikov, Zach Hyman, Mark "Please send me up!" Arcobello again, two in a row by Josh Leivo, and finally Sam Carrick in OT. Here is the box score for those interested in marveling at the plethora of points. The only Marlies who didn't find the score sheet were Rich Clune, Brendan Leipsic, and Justin Holl (who?). The big story is that Nylander had a four point night.

The other big story, nicely outlined in this piece by Jeffler, discusses the fact that the goaltending sucked. Antoine Bibeau was left in the crease for all of the eight goals against, and was not looking good in his return to the AHL. You can watch highlights of the game via their shitty "my camera was inherited from dad in the 60s but you must pay for the privilege of watching anyway" video over here.

Last night also marked an interesting moment for the Leafs system.

And if you haven't seen the amazing save by Solar Bears goaltender "Robbery" Madore, you should.

Leafs News

Nylander briefly takes AHL scoring lead as Marlies and IceCaps combine for 17 goals | Jeffler

Madore robs on 2-on-0 | PPP

Madore steals win for Solar Bears | Don Money

Maple Leafs 4, Canucks 2 - You're Doing Tanking Wrong, Guys | PPP

Oh and my pal Sean Tierney posted this chart from last night's Leafs game:

Reborn Reimer transforming Maple Leafs’ goalie situation | Sportsnet

Canucks' Miller 'confused' by video-review calls in loss to Maple Leafs | NHL

Leafs’ Hunwick being rewarded for stabilizing presence | Toronto Sun

Other hockey news

NHL needs to get tougher on blind-side hits | NY Post
"So the hockey week in which thousands of words were spent arguing the merits of increasing the size of nets ended with absolute silence about the insanity of NHL rules that codify blind-side hits on players immediately after they release the puck on a shot, and therefore are defenseless to ward off a check." -- Good point.

Emotional NHL tributes to Paris victims, with puck Eiffel Tower (Video) | Puck Daddy
'The Montreal Canadiens held a moment of silence before their game against the Colorado Avalanche, and then played "La Marseillaise," the French national anthem, while the French flag was projected waving on the ice.'

Stars' Roussel moved by playing of French anthem | NHL

Three wild moments in the NHL: Jets-Predators fill penalty box | Sportsnet

NHL debate grows on boosting scoring | My pal Joe from Tampa

Game Recaps by Species

All but four teams were playing last night, and at one point 11 games were on simultaneously!

The most bonkers game was in Nashville where the Predators destroyed the Jets 7-0. A line brawl broke out and the refs got pissed enough to just throw their hands in the air and literally put everyone in the box.

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I think they just wanted to see how many people could actually fit in there.

Meanwhile in Dallas they were playing horse: under the stick, off the skate, off the glove, nothing but net.

And in LA, Jordan Eberle stopped to give a dancing lesson.

Lesson learned for the Blues: always keep your van Riemsdyks tied up.

The ref handed out a penalty in Columbus that I often give to JvR.

A day late, a dollar short. - The Copper & Blue
The Oilers found themselves trying to erase yet another first period deficit, and they almost did. Almost.

Benn, Seguin and Klingberg Defeat [insert any opponent here] in OT - Defending Big D
I left them a comment about that headline.

Blackhawks vs. Blues final score 2015: Hawks fight their way to 4-2 win - Second City Hockey
A rough and tumble battle between divisional foes resulted in a Blackhawks 4-2 win.

Predators 7, Jets 0: Preds Punish Awful Jets - On the Forecheck
The Preds demolished the Jets, who need to think real hard about what they did wrong.

Quick Thoughts: Blue Jackets 5, Coyotes 2 - The Cannon
The youngsters delivered a night to remember as the Blue Jackets earned their first win at Nationwide.

Flyers vs. Hurricanes Recap: SUCK IT ERIC T. - Broad Street Hockey
Rookie defenseman Gostisbehere's sensational in season debut as Flyers pull off dramatic comeback.

Schneider Gets First Shutout of the Season, Devils Win 4-0 - All About The Jersey
Corey Schneider: Set it, and forget it!

Panthers shock Lightning with late goal, win 5-4 in shootout - Litter Box Cats
Pirri led the Panthers with a penalty shot goal and a successful shootout attempt in shutting down the Bolts.

From The Branches