*Leafs tonight, friends. The Leafs who have not performed as expected up til this point in the season. Before tonight’s game, have a look at Charlie’s thoughts on that last game. Which was very fun. [PHLY]
*About that last game… evidently the league saw no issue with the blatantly dirty hits thrown by Ducks players Tuesday night. Cool. [BSH]
*Related, if Jamie Drysdale and Bobby Brink have to miss any time, these are the six players we think would be best to replace them. [BSH]
*We’ve somehow reached the halfway point of the season which means everyone is in Evaluation Mode, and here’s what we think of their chances to get into the ‘yoffs 41 games in. [BSH]
*Honestly at this point, with where this team stands right now, they kinda got to go for it. [The Athletic]
*These are our biggest surprises and disappointments so far this season. Evaluation Mode baby!! [BSH]
*Anyway it seems like Trevor Zegras is going to sign here long term, and that rules. This dude is so much fun. [BSH]
*Speaking of contracts, was that one they gave Christian Dvorak a good idea? Maybe! Maybe not! [Inquirer]
*If Danny Briere and the Flyers decide they want to try and make some moves at the deadline this year to facilitate a playoff push, they might be better off getting started on that sooner rather than later. [Sportsnet]
*Alright one more piece of WJC content: biggest surprises of the tournament and the kids who played the best overall. Enjoy. [ESPN]
*And finally, Matvei Michkov is teaching Denver Barkey to do the Michigan. Who’s going to hit one first?! [BSH]
