The Marlies played game two of their series on Sunday afternoon, and it was a very AHL affair – lots of goals and an exchange of dominating offensive zone play with no one the better team for long. The Wolves went first and got a very expected goal very early after a lot of heavy pressure.

And then... well, they didn't keep it up.

This was a gift from Santa, the very serious referee who has totally memorized the rule book. And it would never be a penalty shot in the NHL:

I enjoy immensely the takes that the ref was right, both morally and spiritually as well as by the letter of the rule book, and the commentary is all just a bunch of homers. Which, yes actually, it's meant to be.

But no way that gets you a penalty shot 99 times out of 100. Or ever in the NHL.

Chicago kept coming back and Toronto kept scoring.

Unfortunately Jusso Valimaki got his second goal, and this game went to OT where Cayden Primeau couldn't keep his skate on the post and the Marlies won it.

This game finished at 32 SOG each, and frankly it was hard to say who was better during the game.

I don't know what that goal icon is doing up in the stands.

But that's a pretty clear quality of shooting advantage to the Marlies.

Game 3 is tomorrow night in Toronto.

In that other game yesterday:

Jordan Staal (Conn Smythe winner) passed the Cup to Frederik Andersen to no, not Sebastian Aho, he said no, give it to Taylor Hall first.

Prior to Game 6 (per Natural Stat Trick's model) this series was 16.6 to 17.4 Expected Goals For, Carolina over Vegas in all-situations. So tied.

The goals were 21-18. Which means, nobody in net has been above average. Not until last night.

Brandon Bussi parked the bus across the goal line and let nothing in. I have to say, I felt for Freddie, and we'll find out in time what was up with him, but he brought Carolina to the brink, made it easier for them to get there, and then couldn't play the final games.

Carolina has their Cup. Vegas has their ruthlessness to keep them warm at night. And now the offseason has begun.

The PWHL is continuing with Phase, um, seriously I forget. It's expansion teams signing players to get to 10 total signings, though. There were a few yesterday, they have until 3 pm today to have everyone get to 10, and if not, some kind of draft happens.

Devils gauging interest in goaltender Jacob Markstrom
The New Jersey Devils are in the early stages of shopping one of their goaltenders.
Sportsnet.caSportsnet Staff
Joe Pavelski’s son drafted by OHL’s Rangers amid Maple Leafs interest
Joe Pavelski may have a reason to come to Ontario, whether or not he gets the Toronto Maple Leafs head coaching job.
Sportsnet.caSportsnet Staff

The real story there is that there is a larger interest in US-born players in the OHL. The rearrangement of where people play is not just one-way to the NCAA.

And that's all for now. Eleven days to the draft, and today's draft profile is a fun one!

From The Branches