The Toronto Maple Leafs continue their slog through the end of the season with another game tonight, finishing up a back-to-back with a trip to Buffalo to face the Sabres. After an eventful (this is not a compliment) win against the Dallas Stars last night, the Leafs will try to make it two wins in two nights.

Or, we’ll get to watch the Leafs lose to a team with maybe one NHL-caliber forward line for the second time this month. Who knows.

(It’s March. There’s a foot of snow outside. Daylight Savings time is the devil. I had to drink a lot of wine to get through the Stars game. Auston Matthews is still hurt, and now Freddie Andersen is too. Optimism is hard, okay?)

We’ll have a preview up for the Sabres game later this morning; right now, here are some links to keep you occupied:

ICYMI

Recap: Toronto Maple Leafs steal one from the Dallas Stars 6-5 (SO) - Pension Plan Puppets
JVR hat trick, Marleau heroics, Marner shootout winner... this game had it all.

Women’s Hockey Wednesday: Hilary Knight in CWHL playoffs - Pension Plan Puppets
The American superstar steals the spotlight, but there’s playoff hockey everywhere this weekend!

Marlies add Jesper Lindgren on a tryout contract - Pension Plan Puppets
The Leafs draft pick is back again for another tour of Marlies duty.

Marlies recap: Garret Sparks is the winningest goalie in franchise history after 4-1 victory over Laval - Pension Plan Puppets
As the Marlies say "au revoir" to the ACC, Andreas Johnsson and Calle Rosen say "bonjour!"

Stuff We Didn’t Write

Seattle's NHL expansion bid creates bigger buzz than Vegas
Prospective owners get 10,000 season-ticket deposit in 12 minutes. [Warning for autoplay]

Shoulder injury a source of frustration for Leafs' Auston Matthews - Sportsnet.ca
Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews has dealt with a similar shoulder injury before, and knows the road to recovery ahead could be a long one.

It's hard not to miss Alexander Radulov in a Canadiens uniform - Eyes On The Prize
Ex-Hab picks up an assist in loss to Canadiens but his presence is still missed in Montreal

Canucks draft dilemma: pick the best player available, or fill an organizational need? - Nucks Misconduct
There’s arguments to both sides, although you could argue one side has been more successful for the Canucks.

Let’s All Watch Mitch Marner’s Shootout Goal Again, Just Because

That’s the good stuff. Go Leafs Go.

From The Branches