The Marlies opened their final against the Wolves with Ben Danford's first goal as a graduate of junior hockey:

Acceptable Treliving (@brigstew.bsky.social)
BEN DANFORD FIRST PROFESSIONAL GOAL IS A BEAUTIFUL SNIPE TO TIE IT UP
Bluesky SocialAcceptable Treliving

You have to click through to see it, but you should just do that.

All tied up in the third, Vinni Lettieri, the absolute MVP of the Marlies playoffs with a beauty:

Lettieri added an ENG to seal the win.

Next game is Sunday at 4 pm ET.

The PWHL completed their Phase, er, I think it's 12 now. And the Sceptres protected two new players, plus the automatic protection for the just-signed Kali Flanagan.

PWHL COMPLETES PHASE 3 OF 2026 EXPANSION PLAYER DISTRIBUTION PROCESS WITH PROTECTIONS AND SIGNINGS
NEW YORK AND TORONTO (June 12, 2026) — The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) has completed Phase 3 of the Expansion Player Distribution Process with today’s signing deadline of 3 p.m. ET and protection list deadline of 5 p.m. ET. During Phase 3…
Professional Women's Hockey League

The next phase starts on Sunday at noon and is two days of expansion team signings. Prepare to lose more players!

And speaking of Sunday, Game 6 of the SCF is that night at 8 pm.

Sakic backs Avalanche coach Bednar, plans to run it back again with core led by MacKinnon
The Colorado Avalanche president of hockey operations plans to run it back next season behind a group that includes Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar and captain Gabriel Landeskog.
TSNThe Canadian Press
Kraken hire ex-Canucks exec Patrik Allvin as assistant GM
Sportsnet.caSportsnet Staff
Friday Four: Which players could be buyout candidates?
The buyout window after the Stanley Cup Final offers teams a chance to increase roster flexibility — but at a notable cost. Sportsnet’s Michael Amato examines four buyout candidates.
Sportsnet.caMichael Amato

Have a great weekend, everyone.

From The Branches