Big news:

Maple Leafs hire John Chayka and Mats Sundin
This really is a whole new era because the new boss is nothing like the old boss.
PPP LeafsCathy Squires

And now the other things:

Remember, when presented with something you don't like, think up a conspiracy theory to account for it. Someone is definitely out to get you.

The Maple Leafs media availability is set for 1 pm today, and when that happens we'll try to post the video links for you, but these things are always free streams on TSN and Sportsnet.

Meanwhile there seems to be consternation about the lack of answers before the media availability where they will, um, answer questions:

I have to tell ya, I'm getting more than a tad sick of the faux political style commentary of contrariness aimed at sports teams. The Maple Leafs, for real, do not have to tell you their plans, plot, schemes, ideas or hopes, dreams, fears and anxieties. They're a hockey team people, not the government. You aren't the NYT, not even you Athletic reporters.

Besides everyone is just going to make up ever increasingly weird things about that master of Machiavellian plotting Tie Domi, so forget answers, make up your own.

While the whole Leafs news was coming down, the Marlies were playing game 3 of their series with Laval, and they stormed out to a four goal lead in the first period and held to a 6-2 win to go up two games to one in their best-of-five series.

Later, the Canadiens faced Tampa in game 7 of their series, the last first-round game to be played. Montréal won that one 2-1 and is heading to the second round against Buffalo.

How's that go? There is no deserve in hockey.

The first round is now over, the second round is under way and it will last no later than Victoria day.

That's all for now, see you at 1 pm.

From The Branches