Back in September, PPP Trans-Phasic Weapon Systems and Kitten Ranching GmbH had a podcast on which our intelligent and highly hockey-knowledgeable staff made predictions about the upcoming season.

Based on what we had seen watching players like William Nylander in the SHL and AHL, seeing Auston Matthews at the World Cup, and reports from our OHL guru Elseldo about Mitch Marner, PPP declared there was a non-zero probability the Leafs would make the playoffs.

It’s true, folks. We were the only blog to say this.

And you know who won last night? The Leafs won last night! The rookies set off fireworks for the teams final game ever at Joe Louis arena, including William Nylander who was named rookie of the month! Unexpectedly, Selke Nominee Zach Hyman did not score a goal, even with a great opportunity to do so. Fulemin has the game recap here.

You know who else won last night? The Marlies! They are now alone at the top of the AHL North Division. It appears they have not yet mathematically clinched a playoff spot. They are 10 points up on the Utica Comets, who are fifth in the division, and have seven games remaining. It could wind up happening for the Marlies at next Friday’s game, which is coincidentally against the Comets.

You know who didn’t win? Team Canada. They were bested by Finland 4-3. Nafio has your recap of that game here.

Five players to watch during the 2017 IIHF Women’s World Championship - TIG
With the 2017 IIHF Women’s World Champion underway, five players can play vital roles in their team's success.

Other News

There was a scary moment last night in Philadelphia.

BSH has more here. Neuvirth was conscious leaving the ice. He reportedly was not feeling well before the game, but pressed on as flyers goalie Steve Mason already pulled out of the game because he was sick too.

There was also a dumb moment later because the NHL hates fun. The Flyers tried to get their emergency backup goalie in to the game with 25 seconds left on the clock, but the officials wouldn’t allow it because it violated some kind of rule that really wasn’t relevant to this situation.

Hobey Baker finalists announced - SNBCH
The three finalists are Union senior forward Mike Vecchione,  Northeastern senior forward Zach Aston-Reese, and Denver senior defenseman Will Butcher.

Shawn Thornton Calling Out Alexei Emelin's Goonery Is Hilarious - VICE
Panthers forward Shawn Thornton—who has amassed, literally, 10 times  more penalty minutes than points in his NHL career—is not happy with  Alexei Emelin's gritty of play, apparently.

Media Roundtable Topic: The ethics of newsworthiness - TSM Blog
David Shoalts (Globe), Sean Fitz-Gerald (Athletic), Steve McAllister (former editor of GlobeSports & YahooSports), and David Naylor (TSN) talk about the media and what is really a ‘newsworthy’ event.

Nathan MacKinnon retires from hockey to pursue acting career - MHH
The former No. 1 overall pick is swapping out his skates for screenplays.

Joel Quenneville to shave mustache for playoff run - SCC
“Everyone knows how to coach against mustached Joel, but clean-shaven Joel?”

From The Branches