The Toronto Marlies were eliminated from the Calder Cup Playoffs last night. It was a tough battle, with a common narrative through all seven games: both teams won only on home ice. Unfortunately for the Marlies, the Syracuse Crunch had the home ice advantage, and they won Game 7 of the series.

The Crunch move on to face the Providence Bruins, who eliminated the Hershey Bears last night, also in a Game 7.

We’ll have more on the Marlies today. Here are some recaps in the interim.

Road woes sink Toronto Marlies again - MLHS
The Marlies struggled to find any semblance of their best form on the road during these playoffs, and that was the case again tonight despite Toronto holding the lead for 16 minutes of Game 7.

Crunch score five unanswered goals to send the Marlies packing - Raw Charge
The Syracuse Crunch is moving onto the Eastern Conference Finals!

Meanwhile the Peguins were absolutely humiliated last night in a 5-1 thrashing by the Senators. This really is the darkest timeline. Here’s a video that is a summary of the Penguins game last night.

Ottawa Senators dismantle Pittsburgh Penguins in 5-1 victory - Silver Seven
It was an utterly dominant game for Ottawa.

Other News

Ville Leino on Calle Rosen: "Probably the best skater I've played with" - MLHS
Ville Leino joined Leafs Lunch on Wednesday afternoon to discuss former teammate and now-Maple Leaf Calle Rosen.

The Canadiens should consider signing defender Sebastian Aho - Eyes On The Prize
No, not the Finnish Aho that is currently playing in Carolina. This Aho is a mobile defender who is making a major impact in the SHL.

LA Shouldn’t Need to Break the Bank on Tyler Toffoli’s Extension - Jewels From The Crown
Even if Toffoli’s injury-plagued 2016-17 doesn’t affect his asking price, the market should keep his deal within reason.

Former Habs owner John David Molson had a passion for hockey - The Globe and Mail
Under him, the Montreal Canadiens won five Stanley Cups, and he helped drive the NHL’s first expansion to 12 teams.

Report: China's HC Kunlun Red Star to ice a CWHL team in 2017-18 - The Ice Garden
HC Kunlun Red Star announced the development of a professional women's team at a press conference in Beijing, with CWHL commissioner Brenda Andress in attendance.

From The Branches