Last night's first playoff match between the Canadiens and Senators set the tone for as dramatic an implosion as we could possibly wish for, short of a meteor. There was slashing. There was diving. There was an own-goal on Carey Price. There was a coach calling for blood, and a possible fine for that coach's behavior. What more could we wish for? The rest of the games were simply hockey.

Leafs:

Byron Froese, the catalyst behind Toronto’s top-scoring line | Kylethereporter

Gauthier dominant in QMJHL playoffs | PPP

Verhaeghe helps flip the switch: IceDogs defeat Generals 7-3 | PPP

Everblades, Solar Bears take rivalry to new level | Pro Hockey News

Coach’s Corner: Maple Leafs firings had to happen | Sportsnet

Shanahan’s right—no more excuses for Leafs | Sportsnet

What lies ahead | Mapleleafs.nhl.com

Playoffs:

Canada ready to end its Stanley Cup drought | Sportsnet

Nelson leads Islanders past Capitals in Game 1 | NHL

Andrei Markov scores own goal on Carey Price | HEOTP

P.K. Subban ejected in Game 1 | ESPN

Dave Cameron threatens Habs players with injury if Subban isn't suspended | HEOTP

Intent to Injure? | SSS

Habs down Sens 4-3 in Controversy-Filled Game 1 | SSS

Flynn, Canadiens take Game 1 from Senators | Sportsnet

Stone attempts to drink from wrong side of bottle | NHL video

Nashville Predators 3, Chicago Blackhawks 4 (OT): Duncan Keith Wins It In Overtime | OTF

Blackhawks rally, edge Predators in double overtime | NHL

Chicago flips switch to steal Game 1 in double OT | SCH

Kris Russell scores game-winner for Flames with 30 seconds left | NM

The Great Return: Flames vs. Canucks Game One Recap | M&G

Flames stun Canucks on Russell's last-minute goal | NHL

Ranking all 16 playoff teams by their goalies | ESPN Insider

The Best of the Playoff Hashtags | The Hockey Writers

From The Branches