Hockey! Sometimes it's Good And Fun, sometimes Justin Williams stomps on your heart right in front of you. Mercifully, the Maple Leafs didn't make us stay up too late to watch the Capitals take a 3-2 series lead--if you want more details, read JP Nikota's recap here. We've got until Sunday to rest, rehydrate, and emotionally prepare ourselves for the scream-fest that will be Game 6 in Toronto.

Babs has the right idea.

There was only one other game on the schedule last night, Game 5 between the Senators and Bruins. The Bruins staved off elimination in 2nd overtime, on a goal by Sean Kuraly, his second of the game.

The Bruins live to fight another day.

ICYMI

Maple Leafs - Capitals series has been brought to you by Claus Andersen - Pension Plan Puppets
Claus Andersen, a photographer for Getty images, is bringing the Leafs first round playoff series to life, one still frame at a time.

Maple Leafs are getting points from all over the lineup - Pension Plan Puppets
Balance is what this team has been about all season. It’s continuing into the playoffs.

Are the Pegulas the new Harold Ballard? - Pension Plan Puppets
Cheapskate, overly involved owners who are meddling in Hockey Operations? Sounds familiar.

Maple Leafs News

Matthews proving he's the Leafs' most complete player - Article - TSN

Maple Leafs and Capitals hoping for more from Andersen and Holtby - Sportsnet.ca
To borrow an indelible phrase from Randy Carlyle — the only head coach free and clear to Round 2 — the goaltending in the dead-even Washington Capitals–Toronto Maple Leafs series has been just OK.

‘We want to be that team’: Could Mark Scheifele’s young Winnipeg Jets be the next Toronto Maple Leafs? | National Post
Scheifele, one of the NHL's elite centres as of this season, headlines a talented core group in Winnipeg that has yet to reach its full potential

Toronto Marlies drop playoff opener vs Albany Devils - Toronto Star

News Around the League

Blackhawks' stunning exit a dramatic mandate for change - Chicago Tribune

[Editor's Note: lol]

Victor Hedman named Norris Trophy finalist with Brent Burns and Erik Karlsson - Raw Charge
I broke down a few stats to see who might win.

Down Goes Brown: Grab bag: Double Trouble

From The Branches