John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
1. There’s only one way the Maple Leafs can erase the stench left by last night’s disgraceful 6-1 home loss and that is to win tomorrow night in Florida.
2. A second round exit – after leading Florida two games to none – won’t cost Craig Berube his job but you have to wonder how long Brendan Shanahan can last in his Ivory Tower overlooking Lake Ontario.
3. Barring some miraculous event, by next fall, failable Mitch Marner will be as far away from Toronto as Madison Square Garden. Or UBS Arena in Elmont.
4. Everyone seems to have forgotten that Buffalo’s latest non-playoff season still could cost Lindy Ruff his job.
5. If we knew then what we know now, Kris Knoblauch would be Rangers coach today and not Mike Sullivan.
6. Of all the new coach hirings, Rick Tocchett to Philadelphia makes the most sense – but only for sentimental reasons.
7. For those who like to bet, the Oilers were listed at 11-1 to win The Stanley Cup by The Hockey News Yearbook. Florida is 13-1 and Dallas — best of all — at 8-1.
8. A Playoff team and player made for each other: Florida and Brad Marchand.
9. Okay, okay, The Maven is just wondering but I get the feeling that Barry Trotz would rather be coaching Nashville than general managing.
10. Right now Jacob Slavin is the most underrated outstanding defenseman in the playoffs! And that’s why no one should underestimate the Canes!