Fresh Links: Cool Cats

The Panthers are on the prowl in Boston tonight. Tune in at 7:00PM on NESN.

• The Bruins are looking to expand their point streak to 18 games tonight. Litterbox Cats
• Among four notable points contributing to Boston’s surge is a strong performance by the Bruins’ netminding tandem. Boston.com
• Marcus Johansson remained in the hospital until Wednesday night, and is due for re-evaluation in a week. Peter Cehlarik will be tapped to step in for him. Providence Journal
• In unsettling news for a player with concussion history, David Backes is volunteering to take on an enforcer’s role as a way to contribute more. TSN
• Someone needs to say it- although we can appreciate the sentiment, does anyone actually advocate David Backes taking that risk? The Hockey News
• Brad Marchand is on a troll, and his latest chirping target is The Mayor of Walpole. Hizzoner is having none of it. NBC Sports
• “Behind the B” covers the close of the recent Western road trip. New Bruin Charlie Coyle joins the team in Las Vegas, and trade deadline brings another addition. Enjoy chirps and a (warning!) closeup of Noel “Fishbowl” Acciari’s injury. (Video, 21:46) Bruins NHL
• As they approach the AHL playoffs, here’s a recap of the Providence Bruins’ week, and a look ahead to this weekend’s action. Providence Bruins

NHL Standings:

• The Bruins rose to 2nd in the NHL overall, NHL and remain in second place both in the Eastern Conference NHL as well as the Atlantic Division, with one game in hand over and ahead of the Maple Leafs by two points. NHL The Wild Card slots are occupied by the Penguins and the Canadiens. NHL (Note- links are NOT static)

Elsewhere around the rink:

• In news of former Bruins: The Penguins have been grateful to have Zach Trotman as Kris Letang and Brian Dumoulin are both out with injuries. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
• Thanks, Canucks, for battling back against Toronto in the third and then winning in overtime. Pension Plan Puppets
• In things that make you go hmmmm... Jimmy Murphy has got a point regarding Leafs fans and the late Ted Lindsay’s legacy. @MurphysLaw74
• This power ranking focuses on one point of cheer for each team. ESPN
• Players using marijuana is neither new nor unusual as laws and opinions are evolving. The NHL may be the bellwether for pro leagues the future. ESPN
• Compare all the NHL teams’ all-time winning percentage rankings. Number one may raise your eyebrows. Caveat- sample size! HockeyBuzz
• Hooray for the Humboldt Broncos- they’re in the playoffs! Sportsnet