After a first period that was very reminiscent of 2011-12, the Leafs turned on the offence and James Reimer was... well, not awful.

After a bad goal against and a questionable second goal against Reimer shut things down. Well, actually, allowing a goal on a Sidney Crosby breakaway is tough to criticize, so let's say that he allowed was 1/2 a poor goal against. Maybe even just a 1/4. The rest of the team also seemed to get better as the game went along and wound up overcoming a 1-0 deficit with help from James van Riemsdyk who had two goals and three points on the evening.

The Leafs went 1-for-8 on the PP with Tyler Bozak burying one late in the game to put it away late in the third. Nazem Kadri also had an assist on a Clarke MacArthur goal, where Brooks Orpik wiped out his own goalie.

The bad news is that Joffrey Lupul got hit with a Dion Phaneuf slap shot that broke his arm. I didn't like the Leafs' chances of making the playoffs at the beginning of the season, and this certainly doesn't help. The Buds are going to need all the help they can get to out-score their defensive woes, and in that regard Lupul's loss is significant. 6-8 weeks of recovery time is a rather huge part of an already abbreviated season.

Read on for more links:

NHL goal scoring dominated by wrist shots, Star analysis shows
Huh. Cool. From Kevin McGran.

Steve Downie lost for season with ACL tear; how will Avalanche adjust?
Eh, they'll just use one of their other first lines. From Wyshynski.

Watch Colton Orr’s marathon brawl, busting up Deryk Engelland’s eye
Wait, how did Orr's game change? Seems it hasn't. From Greg Wyshynski at PD.

Joffrey Lupul won’t let his past injuries define his career
Hopefully he won't let his current injury to so, either... From Kyle Cicerella.

Player TOI usage charts
David Johnson has some interesting charts for you.

Van Riemsdyk comes up big as Leafs beat Penguins
YEAH HE DOES. Recap from James Mirtle.

Grantland: The NHL players nobody hates, and why we should hate them
The latest from Down Goes Brown.

Backhand Shelf Podcast
Schenn has his hearing, kicking in pucks, and more.

Systems Analyst: The Blackhawks 3-on-0, and why turnovers at the blue are less than ideal
If you just thought 'duh', join the club. From JB at BHS.

Could the PK Subban contract situation end in a trade?
Oh, please. Oh, please. From JB at BHS.

Game in 10: Game #3, Leafs 5 at Penguins 2
Matt Mistele from MLHS offers his thoughts.

From The Branches