The Maple Leafs have clinched, and you all know what that means—watching hockey with a sense of terror that someone, at some point, will do something to Auston Matthews, and I’ll be forced to get in my car, swim the width of Lake Ontario, and eat their soul. Still, last night they beat the Canucks, 4-1, which is better than not beating the Canucks, in the grand scheme of things.

Otherwise, there’s not much excitement to be had. These pictures of a 1928 Maple Leafs training camp are a great diversion, if anyone’s ever wanted to watch Ace Bailey high-knee kick like he’s trying out for the Rockettes. Honestly, I think we should add the “build a human pyramid” trial back in to Maple Leafs training camps. It will help weed out the players without a sense of joy and lightness in their heart.

ICYMI

Now that the Maple Leafs have clinched, is there any point to the rest of the regular season? - Pension Plan Puppets
There’s a few playoff races left, and some lingering Leafs fan fears.

Toronto Maple Leafs take it easy, beat the Vancouver Canucks 4-1 - Pension Plan Puppets
A great night for Sandin and Liljegren as they fight for a spot on defense for the playoffs.

Zach Bogosian out four weeks with a shoulder injury - Pension Plan Puppets
The injuries continue

Stuff We Didn’t Write

Down Goes Brown: The Athletic Hockey Show: What to root for, what we'd like to see from TNT, an idea for new draft picks and more

Yost: Jesse Puljujarvi showing signs of growth in bounce-back season with Edmonton Oilers - TSN.ca

AHL cancels Calder Cup Playoffs - Stanley Cup of Chowder
The P-B’s will instead compete for division dominance instead

Riley Nash skates for first time since trade from Columbus Blue Jackets - TSN.ca

Chicago Blackhawks team news: Fans permitted inside the United Center on May 7; reports, updates - Second City Hockey
The Blackhawks and Bulls will end their seasons in front of fans.

Carter Hart to miss remainder of Philadelphia Flyers season with MCL sprain - Broad Street Hockey
Carter Hart’s 2020-21 season is ending sooner than expected.

Ryan Miller announces he’ll retire after this season - Die By The Blade
Ryan Miller is hanging up his pads at the age of 40

Juuse Saros has made a case for winning the Vezina Trophy - On the Forecheck
The Preds’ goaltender is earning league-wide kudos. So where does he rank among the other Vezina front-runners?

The Canadiens could beat the Leafs in the playoffs - Eyes On The Prize
Even after a 4-1 loss, there are some signs that they have a chance.

Why the Rangers are rebuilding better than the Devils - Blue Seat Blogs
The Rangers are rebuilding better than the Devils, and quite honestly it isn't even close at the moment. Elite depth trumps all in a rebuild.

Saugeen Shores Winterhawks to recreate 1928 Maple Leaf Port Elgin training camp | The Shoreline Beacon
Did I include this entirely for the 1928-era Leafs gear? You betcha. I love the socks.

From The Branches