By no means was last night’s game a masterpiece.

Toronto Maple Leafs win in overtime, defeat Chicago 3-2

There were a pile of turnovers, poor decision-making and a better-looking top unit power play set up with the same production. In fact, it’s far from a hot take to say the Leafs lose that game without Jack Campbell.

However, I have a feeling. It’s a weird feeling. A feeling that I can’t shake.

After that Nylander overtime goal, I looked at the player’s faces. The excitement. The happiness. The energy. And then I hear Auston Matthews woo-ing at a fan in the stands who took the opportunity to flip them off.

The Leafs won the game. The other needed that win. It was arguably the best they’ve played all season, and the Toronto Maple Leafs took it from them despite being down 2-0 after the first.

Perhaps this is a moment. Maybe this and that “WOO” will send the Leafs down a new path. And that’s why I’m fascinated to see what happens Saturday against the Detroit Red Wings.

Justice

Kyle Beach is a hero. Seeing him be open and honest about his experience was heartbreaking and difficult yet important and powerful. That organization and those who were involved cannot get away with it.

Around the Hockey World

Sidney Crosby ramps up to “full capacity” with practice participation - PensBurgh
The Pens’ captain is still officially day-to-day for tomorrow night’s game but....the tea leaves are looking good

Wild cancel practice, call up replacements after players test positive for COVID - Hockey Wilderness
No word yet on which players are affected ahead of their Seattle matchup

So...the Detroit Red Wings

From The Branches