We’re a week into the hockey season, folks, and what a week it has been! It’s been exciting, it’s been nerve-wracking, it’s been strange, but it’s been hockey! There’s lots to look at this week, especially with our Leafs boys and their families. Let’s dive in.
Leafs Lads (and Ladies)
New dad Zach Hyman is having himself a season, with 10 SOG in the most recent Leafs game alone. That new dad strength is really pushing him, eh? Check out these adorable Hymen men:
I’m fine. This is fine. Zach Hyman is a dad and I’m fine.
Narrator: she was not fine. pic.twitter.com/F0iFQbvbRN
— robo fem mer (@MerOutLoud) January 14, 2021
Zach is enjoying being a dad, and definitely credits his new arrival with some of his on-ice success:
New dad Hyman: "It’s hard to describe. It’s the best feeling in the world. I feel re-energized playing for not just myself, my family, but I have a little one now, so it’s awesome. It’s always the best going home and seeing him after a game." #Leafs
— Terry Koshan (@koshtorontosun) January 19, 2021
Meanwhile, captain John Tavares is also dominating on the ice, after the arrival of baby #2:
Congratulations JT, Aryne & Jacer – welcome to leafs nation baby Axton! 💙💙💙 pic.twitter.com/1UuFme0tIt
— mitch marney (@marnylandersen) January 19, 2021
Congratulations to the Tavares family, indeed!
The Leafs have started the season well, even though it’s early yet. But for the time being, we’re liking the look of this:
I love this song pic.twitter.com/M5ShmYg9pT
— robo fem mer (@MerOutLoud) January 19, 2021
While things are definitely looking mostly sunny for the Leafs, there’s a bit of a dark cloud casting a shadow, as Mike Babcock “broke his silence” on the infamous Mitch Marner issue, among other things.
Mike Babcock breaks his silence. My interview with the former Toronto Maple Leafs head coach:https://t.co/iAP801tMyB
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) January 19, 2021
This is a topic that requires a more in-depth look, so check back here on Friday for that piece, by yours truly.
Around the League
Let’s take a quick gander at what else has been happening around the league this week.
Looks like former Bruin and new Blue Torey Krug has moved into former Blue and new Knight Alex Pietrangelo’s old house:
Torey Krug has moved into Alex Pietrangelo's house. The question remains if the defenseman can assume Pietrangelo's do-it-all role for the Blues. https://t.co/wynbZfCWo3
— NHL.com (@NHLdotcom) January 19, 2021
Speaking of the Bruins, they aren’t doing so hot. Figures that the season they don’t play the Leafs is when they start to fall apart.
Elsewhere, COVID continues to impact the schedule:
Hearing the Carolina-Nashville game tonight is postponed. Covid situation with the Hurricanes.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) January 19, 2021
Pierre-Luc Dubois rumours continue to swirl:
Pierre-Luc Dubois first destination choice is @CanadiensMTL The @BlueJacketsNHL ask is now focused around Nick Suzuki / plus. Romanov has been deemed untouchable. Would you do it if your Marc Bergevin? @Line_Movement
— Nick Kypreos (@RealKyper) January 14, 2021
And best friends Zach Werenski and Dylan Larkin dropped the gloves. We wonder what the post-game phone call was like:
interesting in the world of “no soap operas, just hockey” that this fight is exponentially more interesting if you know the complex interpersonal narratives feeding into it https://t.co/Wu9p49GwYy
— momo (@mlrich4) January 18, 2021
Finally, the King himself left the hospital following heart surgery.
Left the hospital yesterday. 🙌🏻
I’ve spend a lot of days away from my kids over the last 5-8 years because of hockey. The last 9 days felt way different..
It literally warmed my heart pulling up to the driveway. pic.twitter.com/jlxU8I8BQh— Henrik Lundqvist (@hlundqvist35) January 15, 2021
Sending love and healing wishes to Henrik Lundqvist.
NWHL Bubble Begins
Don’t forget to tune in starting Saturday, as the NWHL bubble season in Lake Placid begins. Tune in to TLN tomorrow for a season preview, with insider info from Digit Murphy herself.
Enjoy the games, friends. Stay safe!