Yesterday was an emotional roller. The Marlies were eliminated from the Calder Cup Playoffs, but at almost the same time Leafs' draft pick Mitch Marner and the London Knights won the Memorial Cup.

At the end of the Marlies game I said goodbye to Scott and "I guess I'll see you next year." I think it sort of hit us both at that moment that it really was all over. The off-season was upon us.

There is, of course, the Stanley Cup Final (PHIL!), and the draft, and free agency day, but, now it really feels like we are in summer mode.

Marlies

They fought to tie the game right to the last play, but Bears' goalie Justin Peters was too much. Keefe looked quite despondent at the press conference. He really thought they could go further, and he also was more candid than he has been in the past. I will fill out my recap of the game and link it here when done. For now, check out what Scott wrote.

Goaltending the difference in Toronto Marlies' playoff exit - PPP
The Toronto Marlies' third round exit to Justin Peters and the Hershey Bears saw goaltending play a major role.

Memorial Cup

London defeats Rouyn-Noranda 3-2 in OT - PPP
The Knights fulfill their destiny and win the 2016 Memorial Cup tournament.

Mitch Marner wins Memorial Cup MVP - PPP
The Leafs prospect adds another trophy to his collection after an amazing year in junior hockey.

Ivan Provorov named CHL Defenceman of the Year - Broad Street Hockey
There wasn't a better defender in all of junior hockey.

Stanley Cup Final

The Stanley Cup Final starts tonight at 8:00 PM EDT. Phil vs. Reimer('s team).

Why the San Jose Sharks will win the Stanley Cup - The G&M
Mirtle goes all in on the Sharks. I guess he doesn't know the power of the Phil.

NBC Sports Net ratings fail during 2016 NHL Eastern Conference Finals; biased coverage did not help - Raw Charge
A national broadcast is supposed to cater to a wide audience. The 2016 Eastern Conference Finals didn't, and ratings reflected that.

Crosby overcomes major hurdles for 3rd Stanley Cup Final appearance - CBC
There was a time when it was unclear if Sidney Crosby would ever play again, let alone reach another Stanley Cup Final. For more than a year, from January 2011 until March 2012, the effects of a concussion cast doubts over the health and future of the most talented Canadian hockey player.

Other News

An open letter to Steve Simmons - Bloggers Tribune

Could the Leafs take advantage of Jim Benning? - ShanaPlan Debate
Could the Leafs benefit from horrible decisions being made by Canucks' general manager Jim Benning? [Species: A three year old could trade him a lollipop for their first round pick]

Former Sharks voice faces bittersweet moment - San Jose Mercury News
Stanley Cup Final a tricky moment for longtime voice, face of the Sharks franchise.

From The Branches