In "Maple Leafs bet big on Big Data with analytics partnership," Mirtle explores the Leafs' new partnership with SAS Analytics. Given the buzzword status of "big data," that level of collection might make me nervous if not for the Leafs' newly hired analytics department. Since we can expect the Leafs will be looking for information that actually correlates with winning, maybe something good will come of it. One thing's for sure: this team is a financial powerhouse, and when they want to throw resources behind something, they can do it better than almost any other team in the league.

Links:

Sharks Gameday: John Scott, a God amongst men
Linked for the John Scott images. They're horrifying.

Fighting in Hockey: How I learned to stop worrying and love the enforcer, part 2
A look at whether goon-type enforcers are necessary.

Beware Strangers Bearing Trade Rumor Gifts
Whether it's Eric Staal or Mike Babcock.

Victor Hedman has been elite for two years, you're just finally noticing it
Judging by the reaction to his Olympic snub, I doubt that's the case.

Jake Muzzin, Corsi darling, signs five-year, $20 million extension with Kings
Lombardi, man.

Alfredsson Not Well Enough to Practice
Alfredsson continues to live in Mats Sundin's shadow, this time by drawing out his obvious retirement.

NHL won’t reveal players warned for diving
The league takes the teeth out of its "name and shame" policy.

From The Branches