The Wolves struck first last night, with a goal 28 seconds in, but then the Marlies took over outshooting the Wolves 21-5 in the first.

The duelling free agent centre prospects struck back, first Jacob Quillan and then Luke Haymes.

After one it was 2-1.

Ryan Tverberg made it 3-1, busting the attempt by the Wolves to come back in the second.

The Wolves got one back, and again it's Jusso Valimaki creating the play. He is alleged to be on his way to the SHL, but he is so, so close to being an NHL defender.

The Wolves then got two back, this time their other notable player Justin Robidas, who has seven goals in the playoffs.

Overtime did not go the Marlies way, although Alex Nylander had a decent chance to finish it, the Wolves live to fight another day.

Tonight's game is at 7 pm.

Several PWHL teams signed their own players yesterday, Toronto did not.

Today at noon the open signing period begins where all teams can sign free agents whose rights aren't held by someone else or their own expiring players.

Canadians drop the gloves after... no wait. Wrong sport, sorry.

Okay, now that I've made the obvious joke, I'll atone for the soccer fans with this gorgeous photo:

This is the kind of trade we're getting when we want thrills and chills:

Sigh. What could have been.

More potential trades:

Other things I saw on podcasts (Seravalli) Jordan Kyrou yes, Robert Thomas no on potential Blues move. And more of the same (Dreger with Ferraro) on the Leafs demanding all the things for Matt Knies.

And...

The expectation is the formal announcement of his hiring will be early next week.

And finally in further media literacy discussion...

A ha ha ha ha. Piss off with that cheap Leafs mention.

From The Branches