The second round is winding down—there was only one game last night, and there are only two on the schedule tonight. Yesterday, the Avalanche beat the Stars 4-1 and lived to fight another day; they’ll play Game 7 on Friday. Naz is still in it, folks.

As for today’s games, after saving their own asses in OT on Tuesday night, the Flyers will try to emulate the Avs and push the Islanders to a Game 7, and across the country in Edmonton, the Canucks will attempt the same in their game against the Golden Knights.  Please join me in holding Sean Couturier, especially his general lower body region, in your hearts and minds before the game tonight.

Today’s Games

Philadelphia Flyers at New York Islanders, Game 6 (Islanders lead 3-2)
7pm ET, NBCSN, CBC, SN, TVAS

Vegas Golden Knights at Vancouver Canucks, Game 6 (Golden Knights lead 3-2)
9:45pm ET, NBCSN, CBC, SN, TVAS

ICYMI

Maple Leafs European Prospect Report: Pre-season update - Pension Plan Puppets
Our year of strangely staggered seasons is about to begin.

Stuff We Didn’t Write

Examining the fallout from the Jake Allen trade - Eyes On The Prize
There’s much more to this trade than just getting Carey Price some rest.

Three options for the Flyers if Sean Couturier is out of the lineup for Game 6 - Broad Street Hockey
We hopefully won’t have to resort to this.

Mirtle: Can the Leafs even afford Alex Pietrangelo – or another big money D-man? – The Athletic
The odds Pietrangelo tests the market appear to be rising. Should the Leafs be part of the potential bidding war?

Penguins Name Todd Reirden and Mike Vellucci Assistant Coaches
The Pittsburgh Penguins have named Todd Reirden and Mike Vellucci assistant coaches, and signed goaltending coach Mike Buckley to a two-year contract extension.

Maple Leafs should trade Frederik Andersen
Frederik Andersen is the best goalie the Leafs have had in decades, but given the status of his contract and the global economy, it might be time to explore a trade.

PWHPA publishes statement on racial injustice - The Ice Garden
On Wednesday afternoon, the PWHPA posted a statement to their social accounts condemning police brutality and outlining the organization’s next steps towards creating a more welcoming environment for players and staff of color

4 Questions After Boeser, Demko Help Keep Vancouver Canucks Season Alive - Nucks Misconduct
Are those upset thoughts creeping into your conscious?

Bill Zito becomes 1st-time NHL GM with Panthers, replacing Dale Tallon | CBC Sports
Bill Zito was announced Tuesday as the new Panthers general manager, coming to Florida after seven years in the front office of the Columbus Blue Jackets. He takes over in Florida for Dale Tallon.

JONES: NHL playoffs a grind, but not grating on Sportsnet broadcast crew | Edmonton Sun
Not so suddenly, it’s September.

From The Branches