Last night's World Cup of Hockey game was, in short, no exhibition. In fact, right about when America scored their second goal, I turned it off in favor of watching Ant Man -- which was an extremely entertaining movie. While Jonathan Toews was gleefully taking up the opportunity to throw down with Ryan Kesler (thank you on behalf of the world, Toews), I watched Evangeline Lily help defeat the forces of Hydra. Coincidence? Hmm.

Leafs News

Toronto Maple Leafs: How Did The Young Gun Leafs Play? | Editor in Leaf
"Team North America, featuring Toronto Maple Leafs defender Morgan Rielly and forward Auston Matthews, dominated their first pre-tournament game, downing the veteran-led Team Europe 4-0."

Who Has The NHL’s Best Farm System? | THW
"Since the Toronto Maple Leafs fully committed to a rebuild last summer with new GM Lou Lamoriello, they’ve been making headlines for their ability to quickly stockpile an impressive collection of talented youngsters."

Brendan Shanahan, Chris Osgood, Mike Modano inducted into Michigan Sports Hall of Fame | Kuklas' Korner
"It's been a long time since we were on the ice here together," Shanahan said. "We were able to accomplish our goals - and I guess when that happens, you get to come back 15-20 years later, when you're an old man, and see some old friends and celebrate some of the things you've done in the past."

Babcock challenged with task of scratching elite NHL stars | Sportsnet
"With three games before the tournament and as many as seven during it, Team Canada will likely cycle through a few different scratches over the next few weeks. Some players might be sitting for the first time in their lives."

World Cup

Braden Holtby pays tribute to Tragically Hip with World Cup mask | Puck Daddy
"For the World Cup of Hockey Washington Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby believed it was important to pay tribute to the Tragically Hip and their lead singer Gord Downie."

NHL players not worried about getting hurt at World Cup of Hockey | The Star
"Stars feel it’s worth risk despite a few missing rest of season after injuries suffered at Sochi Olympics."

World Cup injuries a concern to Blackhawks, other NHL teams | Chicago Tribune
"It definitely brings it to mind when it starts to affect you and your team during the season," Hawks/Team Canada center Jonathan Toews said before the USA's 4-2 victory in a spirited contest. "You really don't want your teammates from other countries to get hurt because you want them to be at their best when it's time to start in Chicago."

Price allows 3, U.S. takes pre-tournament game against Canada | CBC
Canadian Claude Giroux leaves game with injury

Team USA finds formula for success | WCH
"Can you just imagine they got to play tomorrow?" Team Canada coach Mike Babcock said.

Kesler ejected for boarding in USA, Canada exhibition (Video) | Puck Daddy
Good.

Other Stuffs

Two generations face off: AHL vs NHL | HEOTP
Some interesting history.

Patrick Roy looking forward to a winter without hockey | CBC
"I never really travelled, other than hockey-wise," Roy said Thursday at the Centre Videotron. "I'm certainly planning to do some trips.

NHL HIRES ECHL OFFICIALS LAMBERT, MACDOUGALL, DAISY AND NAGY | ECHL
Started from the bottom...

Kaepernick anthem protests spark controversy in NHL | RT
One outspoken opponent of Tortorella's words is ESPN pundit Stephen A. Smith, who called them "un-American" and called for Tortorella to be stripped of his duties.

'NHL 17' Review: Speed, Impact And Minor Penalties | Forbes
In most instances, I came away pleased, but like every game, there’s positives and negatives. Here’s my breakdown of the strengths and weaknesses of NHL 17.

From The Branches