Good morning Toronto Maple Leafs fans!

Okay, I'm not trying to get ahead of myself but Carolina BBQ is so good to hard not to look forward to some.

So, here we are. The evening of game seven of the second round. Only the second time these Leafs have made it to round two since 2017.

This is the farthest the Maple Leafs have ever gone in the salary cap era.

The farthest they have gone in the playoffs since 2002.

23 years since. An entire generation of Maple Leafs fans have never seen the Leafs play 14 playoff games in one post-season.

If they do what we all want and win tonight, they will have off against the same team they last played in the Conference Final.

Just like old times.

So, relax, enjoy the day, then let's all spend three stressful, agonizing hours together.

And hopefully, we get to do it eight more times after.

Hopefully we also get to see Sam Bennett attack his own goalie again.

Yesterday was the anniversary of Craig Berube being named Maple Leafs coach.

Craig Berube on the Leafs’ progress since he was hired one year ago today: “The leadership group has grown... Our team has great buy-in... That is why it works”
On a travel day on Saturday, head coach Craig Berube discussed Matthew Knies’ status, the emotions of a Game 7, how the team refocused after a tough Game 5, and the one-year anniversary of his hiring as the Leafs’ head coach. What can you tell us about Matthew Knies, how he is feeling today, and […]
Maple Leafs HotstoveMLHS Staff

Did the Leafs figure out Florida in game six?

The Ottawa Charge weren't heavy favourites to win the league this year, but they have the chance to bring Ottawa it's first professional hockey championship since 1927.

Ottawa Charge salvaged its PWHL season when it was divided
With part of the roster at the world championships overseas, remaining players put in the hard work that is now paying off in the playoffs.
Ottawa CitizenDon Brennan

The PWHL Championship will begin Tuesday evening between the Ottawa Charge against the Minnesota Frost.

Out east the Memorial Cup host Rimouski Oceanic are down 3-2 in the QMJHL finals against the Moncton Wildcats.

QMJHL playoffs: Rimouski Oceanic beat Moncton Wildcats to stay alive in championship final | TSN
They’ll have to wait until at least Monday to crown a playoff champion in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League.
TSNThe Canadian Press

Both teams have their spot in the Memorial Cup locked in, but both would love to double dip with two championships in one season.

The Medicine Hat Tigers will represent the WHL after winning that title last night.

Medicine Hat Tigers win 2025 WHL Championship Series presented by Nutrien - Western Hockey League
For the first time since 2007 and the sixth time in franchise history, the Medicine Hat Tigers are WHL Champions.
Western Hockey LeagueTaylor Rocca

And as we all know Easton Cowan and the London Knights will represent the OHL in the tournament.

Maple Leafs prospect Cowan sets Knights franchise record in playoff win
Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan made London Knights history in spectacular fashion on Monday.
Sportsnet.caSportsnet Staff

The 2025 Memorial Cup will open the round robin on Friday, May 23rd with host Rimouski playing Medicine Hat.

Finally, we all wish the best going forward for the Scheifele family, as Marks father passed away Friday night.

Upon hearing the news, Dallas Stars fans launched a charity drive in his honour.

No one knew what would happen with game six last night, but Mark played and scored the first goal of the game.

Dallas won the game and face Edmonton in the Western Conference Final. One more team in the final four to be decided.

Enjoy your day everyone!

As much as you can.

From The Branches