With three games left to play through this upcoming Saturday, and no way they can change their playoff position, the Leafs now just need to get to the playoffs in one piece. After that they can worry about keeping guys sharp, practiced and prepared for either the Boston Bruins or Tampa Bay Lightning — the two potential teams they’ll face in the first round.

The Leafs have missed Auston Matthews due to injury a few times already this season, as well as a number of defensemen from injury or illness. Travis Dermott wound up being pulled from the Jets game after blocking a shot — probably more for precautionary measures than because it was a serious injury, but still.

Time to wrap all the players in bubblewrap for the rest of the season, Lou. It’s like a reverse-Loubar.

Back to Excited Hockey Podcast: Episode 18 - Smorgasbord | by Fulemin and Arvind

Marlies Weekend Recap: Toronto sweeps Manitoba on the road | by Hardev

Orlando Solar Bears: late-season update | by Katya

Carl Grundström and Yegor Korshkov are both on their national teams: Could they play each other? | by Katya

Around The NHL

Seems like Tampa and Boston might also be thinking of bubblewrapping all their players after this weekend...

Meanwhile, the Flyera beat the Bruins in OT and the Lightning lost in regulation to the Preds, keeping the Bruins two points ahead of Tampa for the division lead with a game in hand. That’s great and all, but it’s even better when you see some of the goals the Flyera scored in the victory featuring Travis Konecny (in before “LEAFS LOST THE TRADE!”) and Claude Giroux:

Have a great Monday everyone!