The Maple Leafs are in Philadelphia tonight. In honour of their presence the Flyers will retire the number 88, notable for its use by Leafs legend Eric Lindros. I have heard rumours a digital hologram of Kate Smith will sing “Maple Leaf Forever”! It’s about time he got recognized for his contribution to the blue and white.

Dominic Moore in an endless tryout for Maple Leafs - Sportsnet
"Every game is a tryout."

ICYMI

Women’s Hockey Wednesday: Jessica Platt has something to say - nafio
Plus U18 wrap-up, NWHL vs USA and plenty of CWHL news

The NHL Flips Off Its Fans Again - Fulemin
He’s real tired of this. And so are we all.

Capitals have their outfit picked out for the fake pond game vs the Leafs - Katya
One special jersey for the final outdoor game of the season has been revealed.

Other News

Last night was the 60th anniversary of Willie O’Ree’s first NHL game.

The Bruins honoured him well.

Bowman says he thinks Crawford has post-concussion syndrome - Second City Hockey
The Corey Crawford saga takes another turn.

Acquisition of top draft picks essential to Rangers’ contention - Blueshirt Banter
"The Rangers are ready to re-stock. Now comes the next question: How far will they go? My sense is they are honest about who they are. They’re not interested in the "dreaded middle."

A statistical breakdown of Couturier’s breakout season - Broad Street Hockey
Sea Couturier is having an all-star season.

Death by a 1000 Chia’s, Part II - The Copper & Blue
"The only way Chia’s plan was going to work was if everyone simply got better. This doesn’t happen in the NHL."

How can the Hurricanes replace Sebastian Aho? - Canes Country
[Species: by trading for the other Sebastian Aho!]

Some NHL teams hide injury information, but it might be hurting players - The Washington Post
“Hiding the injury is also confusing to their audience, which includes youth hockey players and parents. Every properly managed concussion in a professional game is an educational opportunity, and by hiding the diagnosis, the NHL is promoting confusion around concussion signs in NHL players.”

The Sabres’ high price for Kane may be asking too much - SBNation
The Sabres’ high-risk, high-reward ask for Evandern Kane is likely too lofty for the NHL market.

Rene Rancourt to retire at the end of the season - Stanley Cup of Chowder
[Species: /fist pump]

I hope you all enjoyed this FTB. Brigstew and dozens of hard working staff at PPP Dark Matter Production and Kitten Ranching Spółka Akcyjna worked very hard on it.

Several survived.

From The Branches