Mitch Marner is the shootout hero for the Leafs in last night’s game. Arvind has your recap here. Auston Matthews is now up to 28 points in 34 games.

The Leafs don’t have much time to celebrate. They are heading up to play against the Bolts tonight. The Bolts are also on the end of a back-to-back after defeating the Habs last night in OT.

Leafs @ Bolts game preview is here.

Team Canada is confident but not cocky at world juniors - G&M
Two solid victories for Canada have helped restore confidence to a team that made an early exit in 2016.

Other News

“Centennial Classic” evokes memories of playing on rivers and ponds as a kid - Vintage Leaf Memories
“Like thousands of other kids in different parts of  the country, we would (as needed) shovel the snow to clear off enough  space for a good-sized rink—and a good game of hockey.”

Dzierkals getting early taste of life at ACC - Sportsnet
“I was back home [in Latvia] and I didn’t even know I was going to get  drafted and when I heard my name — I was watching it online — everyone  was happy. Everyone was congratulating me. Friends, family, it was a big  thing.”

Panarin agrees to 2-year, $12 million extension - Second City Hockey
The 25-year-old Russian winger is staying in Chicago.

From The Branches