The Toronto Sceptres struggled to find offense in a 1-0 overtime loss to the New York Sirens. The team only managed 21 shots, most coming in the third period, while goaltender Raygun Kirk stopped 32 of 33 in a stellar effort to keep the team in the game.

The impact of this OTL is wide-ranging as the Sceptres only have one game remaining in their regular season schedule. In pushing the game to overtime, they denied the Sirens a full three points, elimininating them from the playoff hunt. It was exciting to see the Sirens pull their goalie with less than two minutes left in a tie game because any result less than a regulation win meant their season was over.

For Toronto, the loser point puts the team one point behind the Ottawa Charge who sit in that fourth and final playoff spot. The Charge play Boston today in their second-last game of the season, a regulation win punches their ticket to the playoffs. Anything less than a regulation win and Toronto has the opportunity to leapfrog Ottawa in the standings on the final day of the regular season when the two Ontario rivals face off on Saturday at 2pm.

NEW YORK ELIMINATED FROM PLAYOFF CONTENTION DESPITE OVERTIME WIN IN TORONTO
Highlights and Press Conferences available on Toronto and New York YouTube channels . TORONTO (April 21, 2026) – Allyson Simpson scored the game’s only goal to lead the New York Sirens to a 1-0 overtime win against the Toronto Sceptres in front of a s…
Professional Women's Hockey League

The Toronto Tempo basketball team visited their "roomies", the Sceptres for the game. The Tempo start their inaugural season on May 8th at the Coca Cola Coliseum. I don't remember the last time this 104 year old building held more than two teams in it at once.

This is a highly recommended article about Mike Gillis and how he views how to run a hockey franchise. I learned that he was looking for the Penguins top job in 2021 when Brian Burke was hired and has otherwise waited for job opportunities he's interested in rather than simply having a job.

How Gillis, Sundin would change Maple Leafs’ culture, decision-making
Mike Gillis was chasing culture when he brought Mats Sundin to the Canucks. Now, both figures have been linked to a Maple Leafs front office in flux. Sportsnet’s Luke Fox explains why bringing in the duo would set the tone for a team in need.
Sportsnet.caLuke Fox

The Marlies are in playoff prep as they start their best-of-three first round series against the Rochester Americans today.

John Gruden, ahead of the Marlies’ playoffs, on the growth in Easton Cowan: “You can see he has matured... He’s definitely a confident young man”
After the final practice ahead of the series opener against Rochester, Toronto Marlies head coach John Gruden discussed the team’s playoff preparation, the decision in goal, and the impact of Easton Cowan, Jacob Quillan, Noah Chadwick, Alex Nylander, and Bo Groulx. What did you think of the energy in practice ahead of the playoffs? Gruden: […]
Maple Leafs HotstoveMLHS Staff

Am I wrong or does Gruden and Gillis have the same facial structure? Anyway, this is the lineup the Marlies are going to be going with.

The Marlies are getting their Leafs media attention early with these interviews.

- TSN
Dennis Hildeby performed well during a 20-game look with the Leafs this season. Now the franchise’s top goalie prospect is aiming to prove he can lead a team on a playoff run with the Marlies. “That’s when it matters,” the 24-year-old Swede said. “It’s definitely a good time to step up.”
TSN

"Frozen in Time: The Bill Barilko Story" is a documentary about Bill Barilko that was announced yesterday, 75 years to the day after he scored the Stanley Cup winning goal in 1951.

New doc revives the legend — and mystery — of Leafs’ Bill Barilko
The story of Barilko is one that has been told over time, through the song “Fifty Mission Cap,” by The Tragically Hip in 1993.
CityNews TorontoLucas Casaletto

In the NHL,

The Lightning beat the Habs 3-2 in overtime to tie their series at 1-1.

The Bruins jumped to a four-goal lead and win 4-2 against the Sabres to also now sit 1-1 in their series.

The Utah Mammoth beat the Golden Knights 3-2 to tie their series at 1-1 as well (cheers to my two students who are Mammoth fans).

And I didn't stay up for the Avalanche vs Kings game but last I checked it was going to overtime. Avs were up 1-0 heading into the game. Sorry, I woke up, Nic Roy won it in overtime assisted by Nazem Kadri. Okay goodnight.

Los Angeles Kings - Colorado Avalanche - Apr 21, 2026 | NHL.com
NHL Gamecenter - Los Angeles Kings vs. Colorado Avalanche, Apr 21, 2026 - summary, stats, boxscore, play by play, recap and more.
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Sunny Mehta was introduced by the Devils.

From The Branches