The Maple Leafs have three games left. Tonight they host the Blue Jackets at the ACC at 7:00PM. We will have a preview up after noon. If you haven't been to a game yet this season, and still feel like going at least to see the kids play, this is almost certainly the night to grab some really cheap tickets.

Elsewhere in the league last night: the Lightning clinched a playoff spot and Achariya is still up partying. The Bruins lost to the Hurricanes in a shootout, leaving a three way tie for 91 points, and a last minute fight for the bottom two playoff slots in the Eastern Conference. As of now, the Red Wings and Flyers are winning on tie breakers because Boston only has two games left, while the Wings have three, and the Flyers four.

In a fun quirk of the schedule, the Wings play the Flyers tonight, and then the Bruins tomorrow. The Leafs also play the Flyers tomorrow and could be spoilers. Fun times in the East!

GIFS!

James Reimer got another shutout. Is still adorable.

OWWW.

Hey! You're not allowed to do that! Only JvR is allowed to do that!

Other News

Changes At Rogers Sportsnet NHL Toronto Sports Media Blog
[Species] Here's a short blurb on the big change yesterday at Rogers, with some good comments and discussion about why it happened and what is next.

MLSE sets target price for Raptors’ on-jersey ads - Article - TSN
What will the Leafs bring in?

Avenue of Champions is nearing the end of the road - G&M
For the neighbours on 118th Avenue – especially the restaurants that basked in past Edmonton hockey glories – it’s more than the end of an era. Many wonder what will become of the street itself

2016 Frozen Four: 3 reasons Quinnipiac wins national championship - SB Nation College Hockey
3 reasons Quinnipiac will win the 2016 NCAA Championship at the Frozen Four at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla.

World U18 Championships: USA Hockey Announces Roster - SB Nation College Hockey
This US team will look for their seventh gold medal in the last eight U18 tournaments

Benn Making Strong Case For Hart Trophy - Defending Big D
The Dallas Stars captain is the most complete option of the obvious candidates for the NHL's most valuable player.

John Scott played what will probably be his last NHL game. There's lots of fawning, weepy stories out there about the poor "All-Star". I am linking to none of them. I don't forget what an ass he has been his whole career. Even in college he was violent garbage. Go away and don't come back.

From The Branches