Yesterday the Marlies won their final game of the regular season, in a match-up where both teams played some sloppy hockey that resulted in a massive amount of shots-on-goal. Garret Sparks faced 47, and turned away 45, leading to a 4-2 win. I'll have a full recap up later this morning.

The Marlies now move on to the Calder Cup Playoffs. They will start on the road in Bridgeport CT, facing the Sound Tigers, who are the New York Islanders' AHL affiliate.

North Division Semifinals
N1-Toronto Marlies vs. A5-Bridgeport Sound Tigers
Game 1 – Sat., Apr. 23 – Toronto at Bridgeport, 7:00
Game 2 – Sun., Apr. 24 – Toronto at Bridgeport, 5:00
Game 3 – Thu., Apr. 28 – Bridgeport at Toronto, 7:30
*Game 4 – Fri., Apr. 29 – Bridgeport at Toronto, 7:30
*Game 5 – Sun., May 1 – Bridgeport at Toronto, 3:00

Yes, despite being a 'division' semifinal, a crossover rule exists for teams in the AHL equivalent of the 'wild card' slot, which has resulted in the Marlies first round opponent being a a team they have not actually played at all this year. It will be an interesting start to the playoffs.

Stanley Cup Playoffs

Speaking of the Islanders, they won in OT yesterday.

Islanders 4 Panthers 3

Nice of them to get the win in front of Honky.

Predators 3 - Ducks 2

This is going to be one dirty series.

Yup.

Red Wings 2 - Detroit 0

The Red Wings finally get organized and get a win.

Watch Henrik Zetterberg's Goal that Survived Two Reviews - Winging It In Motown
The refs initially review for a kicking motion and call it good. Then, Jon Cooper challenged it as well for goalie interference.

Blues 3 - Blackhawks 2

Is there anyone not cheering on the Blues to take this one?

Roar bacon indeed.

The Future - !

TLN Draft Prospect Watch: Jakob Chychrun | TLN
"There isn't a prospect at the top of this year's draft that has been more polarizing over the past season than Jakob Chychrun. The Sarnia Sting defenseman came into the year as the consensus number two prospect in this June's draft and only six months later he is being talked about as potentially the third or even fourth best defensive prospect."

Leafs: Could Alexander Khokhlachev be a fit? | Shanaplan Debate
"Yet another young, unhappy player with a lot of upside that’s looking for a fresh start. Do I do these often or what?"

From The Branches