I love the first round of the playoffs. There's multiple games every night, it's a great excuse to watch better teams than the Leafs (who have usually just been put out of their misery by this point), and none of my predictions have proved to be embarrassing just yet (speaking of which...). While we're waiting another tantalizing game 7 between the Red Wings and the Lightning to close out the first round, let's take a moment to reflect on the playoffs so far. What were your first round highlights? Who were you most sad to see go? What matchups are you most excited about in the next round?

Leafs Links

Please vote in Charlottes Webster's poll for who the Leafs should take in the draft!

Viktor Loov suspended two games for blindside hit [Alternate title: Where is the Loov?] - The Leafs Nation

Former Toronto Maple Leafs great Marcel Pronovost dead at 84 - Toronto Star

Why Babcock is a bad fit for the Maple Leafs - Sportsnet

The case for drafting Mitchell Marner - The Leafs Nation

Around the League

Comparing the Flames and Ducks statistically through the regular season - Matchsticks and Gasoline

Evgeny Kuznetsov's game-winner conjures up memories of NHL 94 video game - The Washington Post

The fine line between success and failure in the Stanley Cup Playoffs - CBS Sports

NHL Player Safety suspends Niklas Kronwall for one game - Winging it in Motown

A fan's rant on the end of the St. Louis Blues season - St. Louis Gametime

Hard to deny New York Islanders injuries had an effect on early playoff exit - Lighthouse Hockey

Eulogy: Remembering the 2014-2015 St. Louis Blues - Puck Daddy

Well done, Eliza Eaton-Stern! I look forward to these eulogies every year.

Blackhawks close to signing KHL star free agent Artemi Panarin - Second City Hockey

The dying art of humanity - Matchsticks and Gasoline

From The Branches