From the Branches: William Nylander versus the world

Good morning. Today’s FTB is really just an excuse for me to gush a bit William Nylander. Did you see this ridiculous goal at the World Championships? Yes? Watch it again.

Styrka. Kyla. Vilja. William Nylander visar varför han är värd rubrikerna. #twittpuck #hockeyVM pic.twitter.com/zoR272Pr71
— C More Sport (@cmoresport) May 18, 2017

Anyway, he’s having a time at World Championships right now. As an update: Sweden and Canada both progressed to the semi-finals yesterday and we’re one game closer to a William Nylander vs. Mitch Marner final. The winner automatically* claims second place in this year’s Top 25 Under 25 so obviously the outcome is a big deal for them.

Leafs links

The Marlies paid the price for the Leafs’ success | Pension Plan Puppets

Jeremy Bracco is about to lace up and play for the Memorial Cup | Pension Plan Puppets

Another day, another sick William Nylander goal | Pension Plan Puppets

Salary cap projections: Can the Leafs afford Kevin Shattenkirk? | Pension Plan Puppets

Draft

Draft Cupcakes: Lias Andersson | Mile High Hockey

2017 NHL Draft Profile: Conor Timmins is an under-the-radar puck-moving Defenseman that the Red Wings could trade back for | Winging It In Motown

2017 NHL Entry Draft Prospect Profile: Casey Mittelstadt | Defending Big D

World Championships

Canada 2 : 1 Germany; Russia 3 : 0 Czech Republic

Canada and Russia will meet in the semis (on Saturday) after both teams won their quarter-final games.

Sweden 3 : 1 Switzerland; Finland 2 : 0 USA

Finland upset the USA. They’ll try for another on Saturday against Sweden.

Playoffs

Anaheim @ Nashville, WCF Game 4
This game happened last night. I’m pre-writing this so I have no idea who will win but it looks like the Ducks will pull even.

Opinion: For Game 4, Murray's the best bet | PensBurgh