Through no fault of their own, the Leafs managed to play in one of the most entertaining games of the season. With interest in the Leafs' affairs waning as the season wraps up, and given the precedent set for Tuesday night games against Southeast opponents, who could have predicted that this would be the game that will live on as a legend?

I for one will be disappointed if Disney does not create an inspirational sports movie based on this game. Feel free to discuss the actors you would select to play Luongo, Montoya and Panthers goalie Robb Tallas (the answer for Tallas is Joshua Jackson).

We saw something special.

I'm sorry that the title of this post doesn't make sense. It was a bizarre night. But aside from the magic that was the game, the news around the team just feels more and more bleak.

On to the links...

Leafs Links

Kessel's Phaneuf defense, TSN apology... Only in Leafland--Bruce Arthur

Personally, I love that Phil defended his teammate and ping pong rival.

Phil Kessel, Kyle Dubas speak out on media treatment in Toronto--Maple Leafs Hot Stove

Toronto media takes pride in being more professional than a locker room of children, but takes no responsibility for the narratives they produce that are taken up by the children. I'm running out of things to say that aren't a string of expletives.

Leafs Postgame: Hilarity in Florida-- The Leafs Nation

You can find the Litter Box Cats recap here

TSN apologizes to Elisha Cuthbert, Phaneuf and Lupul--Puck Daddy

In men's hockey, women's sexuality (or in most cases, unfounded speculations about their sexuality) is used as a tool to shame the players. This happens in games between players, in the stands, and on Twitter. In this case, Elisha Cuthbert, who is overall more famous than Dion Phaneuf, was reduced to "Phaneuf's wife" who was "banged" by Lupul. This might cause a fit of yawns, but I'm going to say it anyway: this practice erases the women's personhood, treats them like possessions, and slut-shames women as a group. I stand with Elisha (and Phaneuf and Lupul) on this one.

No problem with Kessel defending Phaneuf--Vintage Leaf Memories

Shanahan hints at extended rebuild--The Leafs Nation

Toronto fans have watched a terrible on-ice product for years and years. I believe that there is patience.

Might be best for the Leafs to trade Bernier--@SteveBurtch

I know this is well-trodden ground for this site, but I always enjoy a Stephen Burtch article.

Around the League

Players in the Real World, Airport Edition--High Heels and High Sticks

That Alex Pietrangelo story is adorable.

Clarkson gets a ten minute misconduct for jumping into scrum. I'm so pleased that I can put this in "around the league" instead of "Leafs links."

From The Branches