Friday FTB: Canadian teams struggling with the pressure

The Toronto Marlies have a chance to eliminate the Rochester Americans today in their short best-of-three first round series.

Artur Akhtyamov notches first career playoff shutout, Toronto Marlies dominate Rochester in Game 1

“In a best-of-three, we know we can’t afford a bad start, especially against a team that transitions like they do and gets after it. Any mistake that you make, they will be quick to transition. We did a really good job of managing that, establishing some forechecking time, and making them defend. That started right […]

Maple Leafs HotstoveMark Rackham

Call it inception because I have thoughts on these thoughts and I might try to articulate them in an article.

One quick thought on all 33 Toronto Maple Leafs

Before the realities of trade and free agency (and retirement?) kick in, Luke Fox runs down the roster and offers a parting thought on all 33 members of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Sportsnet.caLuke Fox

Mark Carney is also surprised everything has to be about the Leafs.

Ottawa mayor’s joke about the Leafs catches PM by surprise

During an announcement on housing alongside Prime Minister Mark Carney, Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutfcliffe took a moment to wish the Senators luck on Game 3 of the playoff series before making a joke about the Toronto Maple Leafs.

CityNews Toronto

The Senators are down 3-0 in their first round series against the Carolina Hurricanes after a 2-1 loss.

They've also lost Jake Sanderson now.

Senators’ Jake Sanderson exits Game 3 vs. Hurricanes with apparent injury

Sportsnet.caSportsnet Staff

However, they're getting a first round pick because Gary Bettman feels like it.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman says he felt it was appropriate to give Senators a first-round pick this spring

The Senators will receive the No. 32 overall selection in June’s draft

Yahoo News CanadaBruce Garrioch

Connor McDavid is showing the effects of the pressure he's under. He had primary points on 37% of the team's goals this season.

McDavid labouring to start NHL playoffs: ‘He’s putting a lot of pressure on himself’

Connor McDavid, the league’s regular-season points leader, was held off the scoresheet a second straight game Wednesday at Rogers Place. He had four shots and went minus-2 in a 6-4 loss to the Anaheim Ducks.

TSNThe Canadian Press

The Buffalo Sabres made a goaltending switch from Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to Alex Lyon. Hopefully a name with fewer K's, more L's gives them the win.

Sabres make goaltending switch for Game 3 vs. Bruins

Sportsnet.caSportsnet Staff

And update, it did, they beat the Bruins 3-1 in Game 3 and are now up 2-1 in their series.

The late game was the Avs vs the Kings. Nic Roy got a primary assist on Gabriel Landeskog's goal in the first period. In case you missed it, the Avs are icing a Landeskog-Kadri-Roy third line just because they can.