The Leafs are still not in the playoffs, but the Conference Finals start today. Let's see who wins the right to hang a meaningless banner in their rafters!

The World Championship Semi-Finals are today. Canada plays the Czech Republic at 9:15AM(EST) and Russia plays the United States at 1:15PM(EST)

From the front page

Eastern Conference Final recap: Hoglund's heroes! Leafs win game 1 - Pension Plan Puppets

2015 NHL Draft: A diamond in the rough, Mathew Barzal profile and scouting report - Pension Plan Puppets

Why I Wish The Caps Had Won - Pension Plan Puppets

Maple Leafs Links

Leafs expected to hire Hofford out of London | The LeafsNation

McKenzie: Babcock Sweepstakes a Three Team Race Between Toronto, Buffalo, and Detroit | The LeafsNation

TLN Roundtable - Who's Your GM of Choice? | The LeafsNation

Dakota Joshua is a Clark Cup Champion | The LeafsNation

Other Stuff

NYC roller hockey players pay tribute to a minority trailblazer | TheColorOfHockey

2015 NHL Playoffs: Tampa Bay Lightning faithful: Looking for a sign? - Raw Charge

Emma Nichols, 11-year-old U.K. goalie sensation, dazzles pro team (Video) | Puck Daddy - Yahoo Sports

Ice Level: No longer a team in transition - Eyes On The Prize

Does the Coyotes' survival hinge on an arena deal battle? - Five For Howling

Updated to add: Tales of a First Round Nothing podcast - Surviving Michel Therrien

See ya.

From The Branches