Former Leafs making most of L.A. opportunity
Two former Maple Leafs prospects — Carl Grundstrom and Brandon Leipsic — are getting a long look in Los Angeles. Grundstrom, acquired mid-season for defenceman Jake Muzzin, has two goals in two games. Leipsic, who has been on a bit of a journey since the Leafs lost him in the Vegas expansion draft, has six goals and 21 assists in 58 games. “I’ve been given a nice opportunity since I came here,” Leipsic said. “I feel like I’ve carved out a bit of a niche for myself in the league and I’m just trying to finish these (13) games strong and (make) a good impression. Hopefully, I’ll be a part of the future here. I’d love to be here again.” WILL HE STICK? The Sabres called up Alexander Nylander, William’s brother, when Jack Eichel was suspended for two games. Alexander, a former eighth overall pick in 2016, has been slow to develop but expressed hope he’ll stick with the Sabres the rest of the season. “I’m just going to play my best and obviously I hope to be here for longer,” Nylander said after joining the Sabres for practice Monday at KeyBank Centre. “I’m just trying to play my best and work hard every single day I’m here.” The forward has played just seven NHL games over the last two seasons, recording one goal and one assist. PENGUINS HAPPY: Two midseason pickups by Penguins GM Jim Rutherford — Jared McCann and Nick Bjugstad from Florida — are clicking. McCann has eight goals in 19 games, including a pair of shorthanded markers. Bjugstad has five goals in that same span and has bolstered the second power-play unit. Together, they’ve made quite an impression on their coach.
“They’re two real good players,” Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said. “They’ve embraced the roles that we’ve put them in. When guys bring a certain level of enthusiasm and they embrace the challenge, that, for me, is where it starts, with that attitude of wanting to make a difference and wanting to help this team win games.”
CLARKSON CUP: It will be Montreal vs. Calgary for the Clarkson Cup on March 24 after both teams were pushed to the limit over the weekend. Montreal goalie Emerance Maschmey- er posted two shutouts in the semifinals — including a 5-0 decision Sunday — to eliminate the defending champion Markham Thunder two games to one. The Inferno ousted the Toronto Furies with a 4-1 win on the strength of two goals from Brianna Decker.
AVANGARD ADVANCE: The KHL moves to its second round this week with Avangard Omsk, featuring former Leafs defenceman Cody Franson and former Flames coach Bob Hartley, the team to watch. Avangard ousted the Gagarin Cup defending champion Ak Bars in four straight games. Two Moscowbased teams, CSKA and HC Dynamo, also meet in the second round. It’s just the third time the two Moscow teams have faced each other in the KHL playoffs. Dynamo won the previous two series.