After Auston Matthews posted a photo of him and Leafs goalie, Jack Campbell, on his Instagram showing that both men are now sporting moustaches (with the emoji for added emphasis!) Sportsnet revealed that Campbell had actually grown his out of solidarity.

“I just thought it would kind of be funny just to get it going a little bit,” said Campbell. “He’s such a great guy and he’s having a great year. I just thought I’d do the muzzy and see how it worked, and he scored the first game with it so I thought ‘I’ll just keep ‘er going.’”
— Auston Matthews’ chase for 50 goals draws Maple Leaf moustache solidarity

So far no one other than Kapanen is on board to join them, though there is allegedly some others who are on their way to being convinced. In the meantime, the moustache of solidarity has already managed to escape the dressing room, with Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield joining in on twitter.

I think the real question here is whether or not anyone can prove that Matthews season isn’t because of his moustache. He’s already well past his previous season high of 40 goals (with fifteen games still to go), is currently leading the race for the Rocket Richard, and has also made huge strides in his defensive play.

Correlation doesn’t always mean causation but it doesn’t always not mean that either.

ICYMI

Still not ready to think about the Leafs playoff odds, much less who they’ll face in the first round? You’d best avert your eyes, because Katya’s taken a look at exactly that:

I’m Telling You the Odds

Check out the newest episode of Back to Excited to hear, among other things, the absolute worst take of the week:

Back to Excited Episode 95: Winning Cures All

Morgan Rielly and Cody Ceci are both nearing their return:

Leafs in Cali practice update: Sandin scratched, Rielly and Ceci coming soon

Elsewhere

Speaking of returning players, Sheldon Keefe says that we can expect to see Ilya Mikheyev back playing Leafs hockey before the end of the season:

Sheldon Keefe: "It is very much looking like Ilya Mikheyev is going to be back this season" | Maple Leafs Hotstove

NHL goalies, including Frederik Andersen, speak out about goalie safety:

Goaltenders are feeling the pain of NHL rule, equipment changes

The Athletic took a poll of Leafs players on topics ranging from individual fashion sense to who the funniest guy on the team is. William Nylander won best dressed, which we can only assume is a direct attack on everything that Annie has ever written:

Maple Leafs player poll: The best and worst dressed,...

And Nick Robertson was on TSN’s Leafs Lunch to talk about scoring 50 (!!) goals so far this season with the Peterborough Petes:

That’s all for now!

Have a great Wednesday everyone! And please, if you decide to also grow a moustache in solidarity (or just draw one on) make sure to post a pic on twitter and tag us @ PPPLeafs. We won’t do anything with them, but we will probably laugh at you, which is a prize in its own way*.

*not at all

From The Branches