Wednesday news: Hanson all smiles after first NHL goal

Leafs rookie Christian Hanson, signed last week out of the University of Notre Dame, scored his first NHL goal in Toronto’s 4-1 win over New Jersey on Tuesday. Goalie Martin Gerber played spectacularly in the victory, making 47 saves – which represented a career high.

The Leafs return home to face Buffalo in their second-last game of the season (7:30pm, TSN, AM 640). Brad May will suit up for his 1000th career game.

Around the NHL, the Habs lost a chance to lock up a playoff berth, falling to the Rangers. The good news for Montreal is that Florida lost to Philadelphia. In the much-anticipated Northwest Division showdown, Vancouver rode the coattails of Roberto Luongo to defeat Calgary 4-1.

In OHL playoff action, Brampton fell in overtime to Mississauga as the best-of-seven series is now tied 2-2. Meanwhile the London Knights became the first team to advance to the conference semi-finals.

Here are the headlines of stories relating to the Leafs and the Marlies in the news this morning:

Leafs Game Day

• Devilishly good Toronto Sun
• Gerber tops in all Martin affair Toronto Star
• Hanson happy to score goal, even if not on a slap shot AP
• Leafs’ Hanson scores first NHL goal on boyhood hero National Post
• Wilson glad to have Parise Toronto Sun
• Wilson impressed by Devils’ Parise Toronto Star
• Hagman glad to be back Toronto Sun
• Minor Hockey Moments: Luke Schenn Faceoff.com

Marlies News

• Marlies Weekly (PDF) TorontoMarlies.com

NHL and Hockey News

• Canucks ride Luongo to victory over Flames the Northwest Vancouver Sun
• Rangers strengthen playoff chances at Canadiens’ expense Montreal Gazette
• Senators win ninth straight at home AP
• Pens, Flyers in playoffs AP
• Habs bidders lining up Toronto Sun
• Kings crush Oilers’ post-season hopes Edmonton Journal
• Finns look to surprise strong Canadians CP
• Majors make it a series Toronto Sun
• Knights march on AP
• Babcock right man to lead Team Canada Toronto Star
• Hockey Canada’s Allan Morris devoted his life to the sport TOronto Star
• If the Stanley Cup playoffs started today NHL.com
• Tuesday’s scores NHL.com