Last night several things of interest happened:

The LA Kings beat the Oilers to hold onto the second wild card in the west. This was LA's last home game and an emotional game for Anze Kopitar.

Nashville beat the Wild, however, to maintain their one point deficit.

St. Louis beat Chicago, so that helps with The Quest for the Pick starring Liam Helmsworth coming up on Prime Video.

Seattle beat Calgary to give up their spot to the Leafs.

And San Jose did something in the wee small hours that might matter to either issue.

So that means the LA pick is still a second rounder for now, and the race for fifth last is still really tight but the Leafs are holding it. All they can do is not win the final two games.

The Panthers' first has been traded for Seth Jones, but is top-10 protected, so they were under a lot less pressure to lose. Thanks to Bill Zito for doing better conditions on picks.

In other news, Miroslav Holinka has joined the Marlies, and they play in Syracuse today. They've clinched, but it would be awesome if they got into third place and avoided the play-in.

They have playoff tickets up for sale if you are interested.

Speaking of, the Sceptres lost a game they should have won (they got goalied) and they are in a tough fight to take that last playoff spot back from Ottawa. They don't play again until Wednesday.

‘Everything he touches turns to gold’: Panthers praise rising management star Mehta
Florida assistant general manager and head of analytics Sunny Mehta is a hot commodity in the NHL these days and the Panthers understand why.
TSNMark Masters

Denver won the Frozen Four, and the rumours about coach David Carle will start up again.

The Senators clinched a playoff spot yesterday with a win over the Islanders. The only open spot in the east is now the third spot in the Metro. The Flyers 7-1 win over the Jets might help them keep it.

The HNIC Headlines feature has some bits on various executive searches. As of now the Leafs, who are not in a rush, are looking at one main hire. This isn't news, but it seems to be taking a long time to get through to people. They might change their minds, but everything reported says one head of hockey operations is the goal, not a President and a GM.

However, Elliotte Friedman also said several people other than Sunny Mehta will be sought for interview from Florida. That seems to imply either the other Florida AGMs or staff at other positions below the main person are to be hired.

This fits with the various reports that the new head may be tasked with some sweeping changes in various departments.

From The Branches