Naturally, I'm pleased with the outcome of the Toronto Marlies game. The Marlies have moved to 3-1 in their series, and the fact that Ben Scrivens had a shutout is the cherry on top. Check out the Game In Six here. There are several recaps of this game available for your perusal today, but I'll feature Jeff Veillette's version from Marlies HQ above the jump:

Tonight’s game was a crucial one, to say the least. Win it, and the Marlies have three swings at locking up the series and advancing to the Calder Cup finals. Lose it, however, and it suddenly becomes a best of three. This was a game of huge importance, and one that they’d have to carry on without Nazem Kadri or Mike Zigomanis. In their place came Colton Orr and Josh Engel, meaning a different dynamic was to come of the team tonight. The shots were few, but the effort was there, and the Marlies walked away victorious, one game closer to a finals berth.

The New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils series is probably a more divisive issue amongst Leafs fans, but I count myself among those cheering for ol' Martin Brodeur and the team that underachieved for two full seasons. It's never been clear to me why this group couldn't be among the league's elite teams with all the talent they have, and I guess I'm not as smitten with Henrik Lundqvist as others are. Go underdogs! Check out In Lou We Trust for a good recap.

If I'm not mistaken, if the Devils make it to the Cup Finals, this will be the first time in 30 years that a team seeded 6th or lower in their conference will win it all. Of course, the 1-2-3 rule is partly to blame for the Devils coming in 6th.

Jump for more.

Leafs Links:

2012 Calder Cup: Colborne Finally Scores but More to the Story
He hadn't scored in 31 games! Joe Colborne, you were due. Story from Kyle Cicerella.

NHL Entry Draft 2012: Should the Leafs Trade Up to #1?
Darren K at Blue Chip Prospects says 'yes'.

Scrivens makes 30 saves, Marlies blank Barons to close in on AHL final
WOOOOOO! This recap from the CP via the Globe & Mail.

How a boring hockey game is like a colonoscopy
It can be difficult resisting the use of the word "butthurt" when discussing this article by Danny Gray at The Leafs Nation. Ok, so this one's not technically Leafs-related, but you can see the relevance.

They don’t have to be Leafs—but what players do you have a good old-fashioned "rooting interest" in?
Michael Langlois admits to cheering for individual players on other teams. I guess that's forgivable.

The Justin Schultz Sweepstakes - The Favourites
Where does Wisconson star defenseman Justin Schultz end up signing? Jeff at Angus Certified has a few thoughts.

Other Links:

Trendspotting
The latest offering from Tyler Dellow is another good piece.

Very High Dreams: Making the NHL from Non-Elite Hockey Countries
Ellen Etchingham's latest work stems from an interesting anecdote about Anze Kopitar.

Backhand Shelf Podcast
The latest from Pizzo and Bourne.

You Live And Die By The Shot Block
Dirty Dangle loves a blocked shot.

Gretzky talks horse racing, hockey and about divided loyalties
So what is Wayne Gretzky thinking these days? Eric Duhatschek has his side.

CBC to air alternate commentary for women during Stanley Cup finals
This is an interesting move by the CBC. Is this patronizing or pandering? Both? Article from Michael Oliveira with the CP at the Globe.

Devils squander three goal lead but score late in third to take Game 5
This recap is from Roy MacGregor at the Globe.

Wednesday’s Three Stars: Devils fourth line steps up; Watch Prust dive
Harrison Mooney has a video clip for you at Puck Daddy.

From The Branches