I finished writing my slightly tongue-in-cheek musings on the Solar Bears at 2 AM, so I think I'm going to go back to bed after I post this. Sounds like the Leafs game last night was an intense one, from the looks of JP's recap!

Leafs News

Mike Babcock, underwear model | PPP

Recap: Caps 3, Leafs 2 (SO) | PPP

Solar Bears in the mist: Growing pains | PPP

Bracco thriving with Kitchener Rangers after leaving Boston College | PPP

Maple Leafs’ Winnik injured vs. Capitals, will not return | Sportsnet

Nylander scores in shootout to lift Marlies over Comets 5-4 | CP24
Looks like Sparks is seeking some consistency after pitching a shut-out in his last game. Today's the second day of a back-to-back, does Solar Bears Rob Madore get the nod?

Speaking of Garret Sparks, he had a few things to say last night on twitter about making bigger nets. He thinks the onus is on the player to play smarter:

Last Night's Other Games

It was a busy night with 11 games, 4 of which were shut outs, two of which were 1-0.

The Sabres vs. Canucks game brought us what may be the highlight reel goal so far this season. With the game tied and 30 seconds left in the third period Tyler Ennis undresses both Sedins, carries the puck from centre ice down to the corner, passes it to the front of the net where it's then passed back to a wide open Rasmus Ristolainen who shoots it past ex-Sabres goalie Ryan Miller with 17 seconds left. Ristolainen then does the famous Fleury/Yakupov celly and Rick Jeanneret goes crazy.

The young Flames kids lit up LOLMAF at home last night with their families in attendance. Kessel did get one goal, but Crosby left the game with zero points once again. At least he can get players sticks back to them really fast.

Malkin's ass must be really really hard.

Everyone was fighting in the Sharks/Ducks game, and one of them might lead to a suspension

The Ducks won 1-0, sorry Tommy.

Sabres vs. Canucks recap: Ristolainen scores game-winner in final 20 seconds - Die By The Blade
The Sabres top defenceman scored twice off lasers from the point, leading Buffalo to victory over its expansion brothers.

Flames Burn Penguins In 5-2 Win
Sean Monahan, Johnny Gaudreau, and Sam Bennett HAVE ARRIVED.

Quick Bite: Sharks shutout by Ducks - Fear The Fin
Sharks can't get one past Khudobin and lose to the Ducks 1-0

Dubnyk, Wild ground Lightning 1-0 - Hockey Wilderness
[Species: A+ pun there!]

Hurricanes 3, Senators 2 - OT - Canes Country
Jeff Skinner ties it up late and Jordan Staal wins it in overtime.

Michal Neuvirth is the sun: Flyers 3, Jets 0 - Broad Street Hockey
After wandering in the cold darkness, there may be a light at the end of the tunnel. That light looks eerily like Björk.

Panthers @ Kings Recap: Turning Them Catatonic - Jewels From The Crown
The Kings lost their last game despite winning the possession battle. This one looked to be a repeat early on. Were the Kings able to take over?

Raanta's 39 Saves Fuels Rangers Fifth Straight Win - Blueshirt Banter
The Rangers won their fifth straight game in a row this evening, after defeating the Coyotes by a score of 4-1.

Other Hockey News

Ovechkin ties Fedorov for goals by Russian player | NHL

The NHL’s Confusing Goalie Interference Rule Axes Alex Ovechkin’s Record-Breaking Goal | RMNB

East Longmeadow native scores first NHL goal in Bruins loss | WWLP

Ten memorable fights between NHL stars in the modern era | Sportsnet

Report: Bernie Nicholls accuses NHL alumni head of 'screwing over' former players | Fox Sports

Hockey HOFer Angela Ruggiero always wanted to elevate game | Detroit Free Press
Lovely interview from an inspirational woman.

From The Branches