Last night, the Leafs played the Panthers. Let's check in with PPP's humble recapper, El Seldo, to see how that game went!

Oh. Oh, that's not a good sign. Maybe Mike Babcock has a better take?

Oh dear.

Let's move on, shall we? That was yesterday. Today is full of promise. Have some links for your Wednesday morning:

In Case You Missed It

Toronto Maple Leafs prospect report: Brooks has Dunn it, Bracco gets 5, Korostelev is back - Pension Plan Puppets
Plus NCAA playoffs advance more prospects.

Maple Leafs need to get three to win - Pension Plan Puppets
Or so I keep saying, anyway.

Toronto Maple Leafs game recap: They lost. Don’t bother reading any farther. - Pension Plan Puppets
MAYBE DON’T SPEND ALL DAY FISHING BEFORE THE GAME, HUH?

Toronto Maple Leafs

What do Leafs' struggles against good teams mean for their playoff chances?
The final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference currently belongs to the Toronto Maple Leafs. They hold that berth by a single point, and if they can cling to that toehold for 15 more games they’ll be heading to the playoffs for only the second time in the last dozen years.

Around the NHL

Victor Hedman’s overtime goal lifts Lightning over Senators - The Globe and Mail
The Senators are extra useless today.

Islanders 3, Hurricanes 2 (OT): The Ho-Sang strikes back - Lighthouse Hockey
The Isles use a pair of quick goals to resurrect the game before Ho-Sang sets up Tavares for the winner

Penguins Land College Free Agent Zach Aston-Reese - PensBurgh
The latest in a growing line of college free agents joins the Penguins, plus Pat McGrath meets his fate.

Marc-Edouard Vlasic: "I want to play my whole career in San Jose" - Fear The Fin
Elliotte Friedman has the goods on Pickles in 30 Thoughts

Ten-game winning streak has Calgary Flames playing with purpose - The Globe and Mail
The mood among hockey fans in Calgary has completely changed in team’s heartening surge up the standings.

Ex-Leafs goalie James Reimer finds respect in Florida | Toronto Star
Reimer has found a home, as well as a team and a coach that love him.

And a great CWHL article, early on Women's Hockey Wednesday:

CWHL: Clarkson Cup Victory for Les Canadiennes Comes at a Turning Point for Women's Hockey
2017 is shaping up to be the biggest year yet for the ongoing paradox of women's hockey.

From The Branches