It’s almost time for the playoffs! No, not the NHL ones that are months away, it’s the OHL playoffs coming next week!

I’m very excited for this year, because my Niagara IceDogs are looking to be taking on an old playoff foe in the Oshawa Generals. This is the 11th season since the IceDogs came to Niagara and every year they’ve made the playoffs. In the first 10 seasons they played the Generals 5 times, and have won two of those series. Back in the Jack Gatecliff arena, the Generals series were the loudest, rowdiest series I’ve ever seen on and off the ice.

In other, less important teams, The Soo Greyhounds are dominating the season and clinched first overall way back earlier in the season. This is their year, with the Erie Otters and London Knights both rebuilding, no one in the west should stand in their way. You can find out when the Leafs kids in the league are playing later this morning when the prospect report drops.

It’s almost the best time of the year. Here’s your news.

Maple Leafs Edition: Charge To The Playoffs - Centre of Leafs Nation
Well Leafs Nation what a crazy journey we have been on with the NHL deadline now behind us and the final charge to the second straight playoff appearance in the Babcock & Matthews era.

What’s in an “MVP” anyways? - PensBurgh
How does Evgeni Malkin stack up against other top contenders in the MVP race?

April Madness: How the NHL Playoffs Would Look Like with NCAA Format - On the Forecheck
Thankfully, you have us at On The Forecheck here to tell you.

Nikolay Goldobin as a Healthy Scratch is Hot Garbage - Nucks Misconduct
Jussi Jokinen is in? Over Goldobin? What unearthly paradox are we living in?

One Week to Go: 2018 OHL Playoff Picture - Last Word on Hockey
With just one week left in the regular season, we let you know what to watch for as the 2018 OHL Playoff Picture comes into focus.

One Week To Go: 2018 QMJHL Playoff Picture - Last Word on Hockey
With just one week left in the regular season, we let you know what to watch for as the 2018 OHL Playoff Picture comes into focus.

600 for Alex Ovechkin - Japers' Rink
Does it get old celebrating milestone after milestone? Hell, no.

If the New Jersey Devils Miss Playoffs, Should John Hynes Stay as Head Coach? - All About The Jersey
Now in a real fight for their playoff lives, the New Jersey Devils could end up on the outside looking in by April 8.

Are the Flyers relying too much on their veteran talent at the expense of their young players? - Broad Street Hockey
Hakstol believes his veteran depth players are reliable ... but are they?

Five questions for the Rangers rebuild - Blue Seat Blogs :: Blue Seat Blogs
Who is going to coach the kids?

From The Branches