Good morning! I hope everyone who stayed up late to watch last night's game had a good sleep, because tonight's game starts EVEN LATER! We'll have a preview of The Leafs @ Kings up later today.

Leafs 4, Ducks 0, Bernier Shuts The Door - Pension Plan Puppets
Bernier was fantastic again, turning aside 39 shots to seal the victory against a very physical Anaheim club.

Yesterday we also found out Leo Komarov will represent The Leafs at the NHL All-Star Game. Congratulations Uncle Leo!

Leo Komarov to represent Maple Leafs at 2016 NHL All-Star Game - Pension Plan Puppets
Hello! Uncle Leo is off to the All-Star Game in Nashville.

Also please visit our page in remembrance of the greatest day in recent Leafs memory.

In Memoriam - Pension Plan Puppets
Randy Carlyle was fired a year ago today.

Yesterday's Big Trades

Nashville Traded Seth Jones to Columbus for Ryan Johansen, straight up.

David Poile Press Conference (Video) - On the Forecheck
David Poile looks like a guy who is mighty happy, relieved, and doesn't want to show any glowing emotions because he feels a little bad he had to trade Seth Jones. But Ryan Johansen has to feel like the white whale he's been chasing for over a decade.

Ryan Johansen Conference Call - On the Forecheck
Audio recording of Johansen speaking to the media.

Statistically Speaking: Jones-Johansen blockbuster - Article - TSN
Statistically Speaking breaks down an old-fashioned hockey trade that saw Johansen and Seth Jones trade places.

Philly traded Luke Schenn and Vincent Lecavalier to Los Angeles, retaining half their salaries, and received a third round pick and a prospect.

It is still unclear if Luke Schenn and Vincent Lecavalier will start in tonight's game vs. The Leafs. I am hoping we get a brand new jvrschenn.gif.

Kings trade Weal and a pick to Philly for Lecavalier and Schenn - Jewels From The Crown
They also sent a 3rd round pick to Philly in the deal.

Why the Schenn and Lecavalier trade is a win for the Flyers - Broad Street Hockey
Vincent Lecavalier is no longer a Flyer. Luke Schenn is no longer a Flyer. Let's break down the implications of the trade.

Duhatschek: Flurry of NHL trades separate contenders from pretenders - The Globe and Mail
Blue Jackets unload disgruntled centre Ryan Johansen on day of trades that shows several teams see themselves in Stanley Cup contention.

And there is always a bridesmaid who doesn't catch the bouquet of flowers.

Nugent-Hopkins comparables: a tale of two Ryans - The Copper & Blue
In the wake of the Seth Jones trade bituman asks the machines of the Corsiverse: "Who's comparable to Ryan Nugent-Hopkins?" "How close are Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Ryan Johansen?" The answer is 91.43%

Everyone wants Drouin!

Red Wings Rumors: Stamkos and Drouin to Detroit? - Winging It In Motown
File this under "very bold": Ken Campbell thinks Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Drouin will be traded to the Red Wings

As trade winds blow heavy in the NHL, talk of Drouin to Montreal comes out - Raw Charge
As trade winds blow strong on Wednesday night, talk of Montreal lusting after Drouin comes out in the press.

Droolin' over Drouin - Blue Seat Blogs
The New York Rangers are interested in trading for Jonathan Drouin, but a deal is unlikely.

Many questions, few answers in Drouin drama - Article - TSN
Is Jonathan Drouin healthy? How long will Drouin be in Syracuse? What is Jonathan Drouin’s game plan here? Bobo answers these questions and more.

Last Night's Games

A much-needed win for the Canadiens - Eyes On The Prize
On the second night of a back-to-back the Habs tried to get back on track against New Jersey.

Artemi Panarin leads Chicago to 3-1 win - Second City Hockey
Chicago sweeps back-to-back against Pittsburgh for fifth straight victory.

Avalanche Defeat Blues In Overtime - Mile High Hockey
Colorado pours it on late, tying up the game, and finally winning a 3-on-3 overtime in exciting fashion.

Canucks push aside the Canes 3-2 - Nucks Misconduct
Bo Horvat has the first 2 goal game of his career to carry the Nucks past Carolina.

Other News

Murray's Tough Question: Are the Ducks a Contender? - Anaheim Calling
Murray is facing salary cap trouble that could impact the make-up of the team for years to come. His decisions this year will have lasting consequences for the Anaheim franchise.

Shayne Gostisbehere breaks headset, Flyers refuse to pay bill - Broad Street Hockey
Ghost with the smooth recovery, though.

Capitals Sign Mike Richards to 1-Year Prorated Deal - Japers' Rink
Brian MacLellan hands out a contract to Mike Richards, hours after the League reinstates him.

Zach Sill Suspended Two Games - Japers' Rink
NHL Player Safety Handed Down a 2 Game Suspension to Zach Sill for his hit on Adam McQuaid.

NHL All Star Game Jersey Retrospective - Matchsticks and Gasoline
With the newest set of NHL All Star Game uniforms being released, here's one writers opinion of the good and bad over the years.

2017 World Juniors: Who Is Going to Toronto? - SB Nation College Hockey
A look at potential candidates for the 2017 US World Juniors team

10 Justin Schultz stats that will blow your mind - The Copper & Blue
bituman digs-around the Corsiverse leaving no rock unturned to uncover some delicious Justin Schultz stats for you to share around the Keurig.

From The Branches