The Toronto Maple Leafs play the New York Islanders tonight. Despite a rough start, the Isles are surging, now just three points back of the Leafs with as many games played. On our side, with 32 games left to play, the Leafs are just one point back of the Boston Bruins for third in the Atlantic division, with five games in hand. Beating the Bruins 6-5 in regulation last game certainly helped them in the standings, though it did not help those of us with high blood pressure.

The Leafs also two points back of the Philadelphia Flyers for the last Wild Card spot with three games in hand! (Sorry Annie...)

There was also some sort of television spectacle last night, of historical proportions. It was undoubtedly the most exciting thing on last night. I was glued to my TV, following the drama with incredible ups and downs, and in the end I just sat back in utter astonishment when the results of tomorrow’s weather forecast call for it to break above freezing! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Onto the links!

Jake Gardiner: The Maple Leafs’ unconventional gap control artist by our own Steve Wheeler, but over at The Athletic (not paywalled).

European report: Break time again? by Katya, looking at how the likes of Grundstrom and Korshkov are faring over in Europe.

Lou Lamoriello on Alexey Marchenko, Frank Corrado, and the trade deadline by Maple Leaf Hot Stove, for those who want to know what Lou thinks of the latest waiver pick up.

MARLIES EDGE CRUNCH IN LENGTHY SPECIAL TEAMS DRILL by Jeffler, has some handy gif highlights.

PPP Fanpost - Leafs Top 25 Under 25: January Ranking by Kevin Papetti, from last week but if you haven’t seen it and love lists and arguing about prospects this should be your jam!

Why Can’t We Be Friends?

Now let’s see another Leafs win! BUDS ALL DAY!

z

From The Branches