ICYMI

European prospect report: Week eleven and it’s not all Grundström this time

Nikita Korostelev intent to prove naysayers wrong, earn an NHL contract

The Leaf: Blueprint, episode 4

Leafs

Will Babcock Be The Coach He Needs To Be? | Editor in Leaf
"Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock has been an average coach through the first quarter of the season and, if we’re handing out grades, he’d be at the bottom of the pile for marks."

Unlike last year, Leafs head west feeling good about themselves | Toronto Sun
"The Leafs have just six road points so far but are much more stable in core, sticking close to the wildcard playoff pack after one of its most complete games of the season."

Maple Leafs at the Quarter Mark | THW
8-3 at home!

Sparks suspended by Maple Leafs for Facebook behavior | Puck Daddy
Anybody else wondering how he explained the group name to Lou? “Um, it’s Goalie Gear Sluts United.” “...Son, that’s not a nice word.” “I mean, it’s saying we really, really love goalie gear.” “...Garret.”

Mahovlich's Maple Leafs jersey sent home to Timmins | Toronto Sun
“On Sunday, more than 70 years after he and his dad first walked into that rink, Mahovlich’s No. 27 banner from the Air Canada Centre and that of Timmins-born Leafs legend Bill Barilko’s No. 5 came home.”

Hockey

Firing Gallant isn't going to help the Florida Panthers | ESPN
The old guard isn't too happy about this.

Leighton records 1st win since 2010 as Canes top Panthers | CSN
"Jeff Skinner had a goal and an assist for Carolina, and Florida fired coach Grrard Gallant after the game."

NHL awards at quarter mark: Price charging to another MVP | USA Today
USA Today does NOT pick Matthews for Calder, or Laine.

Anthony Stolarz to make hockey history as first NJ-born NHL goalie | Jersey 1015
JvR and TvR have a home goalie! [eyes.gif - Species]

Why the big secret with NHL expansion draft picks? | Larry Brooks
"The expansion draft itself will be conducted behind closed doors on June 20, the results of which won’t be announced until the following day. That leaves 24 hours for every selected player’s name to be leaked in haphazard fashion."

Dead fish frozen into Japanese ice rink | BBC
Gross

After idleness from NHL and CFL, Governor-General moves on concussions| G&M
"David Johnston will hold a one-day forum titled “We Can Do Better” at Rideau Hall to address rising public concern over the long-lasting effects of sport concussions."

2017 NHL Entry Draft Profile: Don’t Sleep on Nick Suzuki | Bloggers' Tribune
Do birthdays matter in the draft?

From The Branches