In Toronto, a surplus of amateur hockey teams has led to a thriving marketplace for that most sought-after of necessities: someone willing to play goalie.
In the span of a three-game road trip, the Vancouver Canucks went from being National Hockey League playoff hopefuls to a thoroughly-beaten team as near to last place as a playoff spot in the Western Conference.
David Pastrnak had a hat trick to extend his point streak to 12 games and Jake DeBrusk added two goals, including the go-ahead score in the third period, to help the Boston Bruins hold off the Winnipeg Jets 5-4 on Thursday night.
Anthony Beauvillier scored his first NHL hat trick and had an assist to help the New York Islanders to a 7-5 win against the New York Rangers at Barclays Center on Thursday.
Claude Giroux scored 1:59 into overtime and the Philadelphia Flyers scored three straight goals in the rain to beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-3 on a soggy Saturday night at Lincoln Financial Field.
NEW YORK -- The New York Islanders scored three goals in the opening 4:43, and Thomas Greiss made 38 saves in a 5-1 win against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Barclays Center on Sunday.
After 96 days atop the North Division, a clinched playoff spot was never in doubt for these Maple Leafs. The time to scrutinize will come in mid-May. For now, it's okay to simply enjoy the history Toronto's "living legends" are scripting during this ride.