I was only able to watch the first period of last night's game, but it seems that it could have been much, much worse. Drew Doughty is an incredible player to watch, and the Kings skate so, so well for a big team that the Leafs playing them to a 19-19 tie in shots and nearly a 1-0 loss has to be considered progress.

The Leafs won't play again until tomorrow, but that's a good thing, given that they'll probably need the rest for another late start against Ahaheim. Have to wonder if Reimer is going to see any action over the course of this California trip.

Anyway, I've grouped links into Recaps, Leafs links (mostly about William Nylander), and other links:

Recaps:

Leafs open trip with hard-fought loss in L.A.
The Associated press article and highlights via CBC.

JFTC Recap
Get the fans' perspective.

Game Review: Game #44, Los Angeles Kings 2 vs. Toronto Maple Leafs 0 | Maple Leafs Hotstove

Leafs Links:

Mirtle: Is Leafs prospect William Nylander ready for the next level? - The Globe and Mail
Toronto sends top prospect to the AHL Marlies

William Nylander Assigned to Marlies
Jeffler's take at TLN.

Leafs Mid-Season Report Card
From Dom Lzsugvzhjzsdbvk.

William Nylander recalled by Leafs from Sweden
Story from the CP via CBC.

No Bozak In The All-Star Game?
The ASG sucks.

Down Goes Brown: Weekend wrap: What should the Maple Leafs do now?

Win?

William Nylander is coming to Toronto | Maple Leafs Hotstove

Other hockey links:

How important is shot location in shot quality? - HockeyAnalysis.com

Is this the best backyard hockey rink in Canada?
Pretty sweet. From CBC News.

Game 44 recap: Lightning bullied by Flyers in 7-3 loss - Raw Charge
What seemed like would be a routine start to a brief road trip developed into a disastrous evening.

Simon Gagne won’t return to Bruins this season after father’s death
From Yahoo Sports: The veteran NHL forward announced on Monday that he’s decided not to return to the Boston Bruins and the NHL this season, after losing his father to cancer.

Olli Maatta (Shoulder) Rumored to be Done for Season - PensBurgh
Rehab reportedly hasn't solved his shoulder woes, according to the Trib.

Filip Forsberg of Nashville Predators remains Calder Trophy leader midway through 2014-15 season
Nashville Predators forward Filip Forsberg is the early favorite to win the Calder Trophy for rookie of the year in 2014-15.

Five Questions: Buffalo Sabres general manager Tim Murray on rebuilding process

The Buffalo Sabres are rebuilding and it's hard to find anyone who has embraced the process more than general manager Tim Murray.

From The Branches