Last night, with the chance to advance, the Capitals beat Montréal four games to one. You can be proud of how hard you fought while losing when no one expected you to win. You usually only get to do that once.

Washington and Carolina play in round two, the result most people expected.

Florida, in the same position over Tampa, also won the series four games to one. They're waiting for the Leafs to finish this interminable contest with Ottawa.

The late start was Blues-Jets in a series tied at two-all. After a win, the Jets now lead 3-2.

The Ottawa Charge lost last night to Minnesota, which gives the Toronto Sceptres at least second place and home-ice advantage in the playoffs. The three final games are this Saturday and will decide who comes fifth and doesn't make the playoffs and the order of the top four teams.

In other news, and news-ish things:

Seems like people do want to know the odds:

PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S HOCKEY LEAGUE EXPANDS TO SEATTLE
Team will debut in 2025-26 season, playing home games at Climate Pledge ArenaNEW YORK AND TORONTO (April 30, 2025) – The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) today announced its expansion to Seattle, Washington, with the new team set to begin play…
Professional Women's Hockey League
IIHF - Reschny gives Canada OT win
Absolute thriller between Canada and Czechia in Texas
IIHF International Ice Hockey Federation

Today's important event is the game tonight with a now confirmed 7 pm start. Also on tap is Vegas trying to close out the Wild as they are up 3-2. The Stars lead the Avs 3-2 and the Oilers lead the Kings 3-2.

The preview will be out later today.

In prospect news, Cowan had another point for London and they swept Kitchener to advance to the OHL finals, likely in a rematch of last year against Oshawa. Danford and the Generals are up 3-0 in their series and play tonight at home with a chance to punch their ticket.

#Leafs prospect Easton Cowan with a powerplay assist in London's 4-2 win. They swept their semi final series and advance to the OHL finals. Cowan leads the team in points with 27 points in 12 games. He leads the OHL in playoff points per game.

— Bastard Treliving (@brigstew.bsky.social) 2025-05-01T01:51:03.724Z

Noah Chadwick and Lethbridge got swept by Medicine Hat and are eliminated from the playoffs. Chadwick finishes a pretty stellar junior career, and the next we'll see him (in hockey games that matter) will likely be with the Marlies next year.

Sticking in the WHL, Nathan Mayes had a point in Spokane's win to give them a 3-0 series lead over Portland. They play again tonight with a chance to sweep their series and advance to the WHL finals to face Medicine Hat.

#Leafs prospect Nathan Mayes a primary assist in Spokane's 8-5 win, giving them a commanding 3-0 series lead. They play again Thursday night with a chance to advance to the WHL finals against Medicine Hat. Mayes has 11 points in 14 playoff games.

— Bastard Treliving (@brigstew.bsky.social) 2025-05-01T04:42:28.178Z
From The Branches