The Maple Leafs did the Devils a favour last night and allowed them to clinch their playoff spot.

New Jersey Devils are going to the playoffs after beating the Maple Leafs 2-1

The Leafs last game is Saturday night against the Canadiens. The playoff schedule has not yet been published as the last spots are still not clinched, notably in the Western Conference. Whoever gets in, the playoffs are expected to start on Wednesday April 11.

ICYMI
Here’s what we wrote about on Thursday.

Much ado about Andreas Johnsson on the Maple Leafs - Katya
Where should Andreas Johnsson spend the playoffs?

Three Marlies took very different paths to make the AHL All-Star Team - Me
An NHL veteran, a Leafs goalie-in-waiting, and a hot-shot new guy are the three Marlies who made this season’s AHL All-Star teams.

Other News

The Panthers saw both the Flyers and Devils win last night, but they won too and kept their playoff hope alive. They now face elimination on Saturday if the Flyers win their game. If the Flyers don’t, the Panther have to win both Saturday night, and their snowstorm makeup game against the Bruins on Sunday.

In other game news last night, this is like something you would see in my basement.

Johnsson adds to Toronto’s impressive forward depth - Yost @ TSN
Qualitatively, it appears as though Johnsson’s attributes are translating well to the NHL level.

Nylander doubles down on development - Die By The Blade
Alex Nylander has shown improvement from last season and is being rewarded with a late season call up.

Should The Devils’ One-Man Machine Be The NHL MVP? - FiveThirtyEight
Taylor Hall has 42 more points than the second-highest scorer for New Jersey.

The Stars should have played McKenna - Defending Big D
Despite going on an eight-game losing streak that took them out of the playoffs, the Stars never tried putting Mike McKenna in net. That was a mistake.

Our first look at Lias Andersson in the NHL - Blueshirt Banter
Seventh overall draft pick Lias Andersson is skating under the big lights in the NHL.

Bowman, Quenneville will return for 2018-19 season - Second City Hockey
Chicago team president John McDonough confirmed the news Thursday.

LOLHABS

From The Branches