> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Friday FTB: Canadian teams struggling with the pressure - URL: https://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/friday-ftb-canadian-teams-struggling-with-the-pressure/ - Published: 2026-04-24T10:00:35.000Z - Updated: 2026-04-24T10:00:34.000Z - Description: Not so easy now, is it? - Author: Hardev - Tags: From The Branches 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 \[…\]![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)Maple Leafs HotstoveMark Rackham![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/34/01/3401a938-f468-4c02-a227-9bc4cc09bad4/content/images/thumbnail/55224844873_14e0413601_k.jpg)](https://mapleleafshotstove.com/2026/04/23/artur-akhtyamov-notches-first-career-playoff-shutout-toronto-marlies-dominate-rochester-in-game-1/?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) 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 LeafsBefore 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.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)Sportsnet.caLuke Fox![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/34/01/3401a938-f468-4c02-a227-9bc4cc09bad4/content/images/thumbnail/Untitled-design-2-2.jpg)](https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/one-quick-thought-on-all-33-toronto-maple-leafs/?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) Mark Carney is also surprised everything has to be about the Leafs. [Ottawa mayor’s joke about the Leafs catches PM by surpriseDuring 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.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)CityNews Toronto![](https://cf-images.us-east-1.prod.boltdns.net/v1/static/593482582001/d49af22d-75f4-45ad-96b4-ab1011f9ed58/d93c8d49-ce9d-4ede-93e7-d06536a25c65/1920x1080/match/image.jpg)](https://toronto.citynews.ca/video/2026/04/23/ottawa-mayors-joke-about-the-leafs-catches-pm-by-surprise/?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) 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![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)Sportsnet.caSportsnet Staff![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/34/01/3401a938-f468-4c02-a227-9bc4cc09bad4/content/images/thumbnail/Sanderson.jpg)](https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/senators-jake-sanderson-exits-game-3-vs-hurricanes-with-apparent-injury/?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) 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 springThe Senators will receive the No. 32 overall selection in June’s draft![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)Yahoo News CanadaBruce Garrioch![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/34/01/3401a938-f468-4c02-a227-9bc4cc09bad4/content/images/thumbnail/137c305c3d969a44cb3482f977df71f8)](https://ca.news.yahoo.com/nhl-commissioner-gary-bettman-says-002058114.html?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) 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.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)TSNThe Canadian Press![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/34/01/3401a938-f468-4c02-a227-9bc4cc09bad4/content/images/thumbnail/VNEBW6ZXD247DNX2BOB2K2M2X4.jpg)](https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/article/mcdavid-labouring-to-start-nhl-playoffs-hes-putting-a-lot-of-pressure-on-himself/?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) 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![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)Sportsnet.caSportsnet Staff![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/34/01/3401a938-f468-4c02-a227-9bc4cc09bad4/content/images/thumbnail/Lyon.jpg)](https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/sabres-make-goaltending-switch-for-game-3-vs-bruins/?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) 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.