Yesterday, the Winnipeg Jets canceled their practice because of a potential exposure to COVID-19. According to Chris Johnston, the Jets’ Tucker Poolman was added to the NHL’s COVID protocol list, which probably explains what’s going on here.

As of this morning, we don’t know whether the Jets will go on to play the Maple Leafs on Monday as scheduled.

The Maple Leafs also beat the Senators last night, 3-2. Nick Robertson was playing in his first regular season NHL game, but after a nasty hit along the boards, he didn’t return to the ice after first intermission.

In cheerier firsts, Joe Thornton got his first goal as a Leaf!

Auston Matthews also scored his first of the season, an absolute rocket off a nice pass from Mitch Marner:

Meanwhile, Tim Stützle scored his first NHL goal, in what would be the coolest goal of most guys’ careers. I know he’s the enemy and all, but this was pretty damn nifty:

We won. I’m capable of being gracious this morning.

ICYMI

Maple Leafs prospect Nick Robertson leaves his regular season debut - Pension Plan Puppets
“Knee” is all we know.

When the clock strikes 5:00, a new day begins - Pension Plan Puppets
Why does 5 p.m. suddenly matter to us?

Stuff We Didn’t Write

Kasperi Kapanen nearing closer to joining Penguins, unclear when he may join the lineup - PensBurgh
The Penguins forward had his last COVID-19 test as part of the protocol after traveling internationally.

Sean Couturier injury: Flyers center to miss at least two weeks - Broad Street Hockey
The bad news is the Flyers will be without their best player for a while. The good news is today you learned what "Costochondrial" means!

NHL fines Jared McCann for elbowing - PensBurgh
The Pens’ forward is lighter in the wallet after throwing a bad hit on an opponent

Skoda to withdraw sponsorship if Belarus hosts hockey worlds | The Star
PRAGUE, Czech Republic - Czech carmaker Skoda has warned that it will withdraw its sponsorship of the ice hockey world championship if Belarus remains...

Is Pierre-Luc Dubois in Montreal a realistic dream? - Eyes On The Prize
A homegrown talent wants to come to Montreal. Do the Canadiens have the right cards to pull it off?

Why is Philadelphia Flyers forward Jake Voracek so mad? - Broad Street Hockey
The quote heard around the world. Multiple times.

Johnson and Byram set to join the Avalanche - Mile High Hockey
Both Erik Johnson and Bowen Byram are set to end their league mandated quarentine

AHL's financial situation growing dire because of COVID-19
If you’re on a two-way contract, were cut by an NHL team and assigned to an NHL taxi squad, you hit the jackpot.

From The Branches