Glenn Healy spent some time at the end of the third blaming the lost game on Morgan Rielly's helmet. What happened? In the words of Buddha Hat, "He lost it in the corner, made a change then no stoppages until the goal. He can’t come on the ice without a helmet so they grabbed Corrado's and Leivo offered his, but Rielly didn’t bite."

And Species pointed this out: "Someone, not sure who, suggested he just get on the ice without helmet and deal with the consequences later. Isn’t that an instant bench minor?"

Buddha Hat elaborated on the rule: "If I interpret the rule correctly, Rielly could have come back on the ice with no lid at which point the referee is required to issue a warning. If he returned a second time he would receive a minor penalty."

Scrambles, in the GDT, had this wisdom: "Nonono. The odds of a goal resulting from Marincin instead of Rielly over one shift do not justify the risks of going out there with an ill-fitting helmet."

Sportsnet: It is what it is.

Leafs fall to Bruins on late goal by Marchand, 3-2 | PPP

Kapanen goes to his knees to pass to Soshnikov | PPPorn
Sploosh.

Women's World Juniors: Medal round | PPP
"The medal round for the WWJ U18 tournament was held on Friday in St. Catherines. The US came from behind to beat Canada for the gold, while Sweden took home the bronze."

Recaps

Trotz about new forward Mike Richards:

Vinny scores first goal vs. Ottawa

Filipovic on the Habs:

Canadiens vs Blues Top Six Minutes: Canadiens gave the Blues everything they had | HEOTP

Avalanche Lose on Late Goal To Blue Jackets | MHH

Quick Thoughts: Blue Jackets 2, Avalanche 1 | JacketsCannon

Sabres vs. Capitals Recap: The Rochester Sabres take down NHL giants | DBDB

Capitals Silenced in Saturday Night Showdown | JR
"Tonight was Braden Holtby's first regulation loss after logging a point in 22 previous contests. The Capitals suffered only their eighth regulation loss of the year. We will be OK."

Other Stuff

Kopitar: "It's not going to change my mindset" | LA Kings Insider

Anze Kopitar has 'great feeling' with new contract finalized | PD

Bryan Bickell Hits Waivers Again | THW

The Rangers Looming RFA Situation Is Quickly Coming To A Head | BSB

NHL Picks: Capitals will continue one of best starts in NHL history | CBS Sports
"With a 33-7-3 record through their first 43 games, they have what is by far the best record in the NHL (their 69 points are five more than any other team in the NHL, and 12 more than any other team in the Eastern Conference). It is not only the best start in the NHL this season, it is one of the best starts in league history."

NHL Award Watch: Panthers' Roberto Luongo is NHL's first half MVP | CBS Sports

From The Branches