> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Wednesday FTB: the playoff picture narrows - URL: https://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/wednesday-ftb-the-playoff-picture-narrows/ - Published: 2025-04-09T10:00:56.000Z - Updated: 2025-04-09T10:01:00.000Z - Description: We take a trip around the league and check in on the stretch run. - Author: Hardev - Tags: From The Branches The NHL hosted 10 consequential games last night that caused several teams to be formally eliminated from the playoffs and one to clinch a playoff spot. And at the top of the Atlantic, there's two points each between the Leafs, Lightning, and Panthers. So the Leafs lost to the Panthers, headlined by a high number of dangerous turnovers (16) and a very low shot share (33%). Apparently the Leafs could only muster four high danger shots in this game, compared to their season average of 11\. [Recap: Florida bests Leafs in a close gameClose in score, not, you know, any other way.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/34/01/3401a938-f468-4c02-a227-9bc4cc09bad4/content/images/icon/PPP-Goalie-Logo_RGB-168.png)PPP LeafsCathy Squires![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/34/01/3401a938-f468-4c02-a227-9bc4cc09bad4/content/images/thumbnail/photo-1530743373890-f3c506b0b5b1)](https://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/recap-leafs-panthers-not-good-bob) The Canadiens won their sixth game in a row, knocking out the Pittsburgh Penguins and Buffalo Sabres from the playoffs officially. They have moved up to 87 points, bringing them closer to the Senators with 90 points, and farther away from the four teams with 79 points (NYR, DET, NYI, and CBJ). [Montembeault stops 35, Canadiens top Red Wings for 6th win in row | NHL.comSuzuki, Anderson, Gallagher each has 2 points for Montreal, which gains in East wild-card race![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/34/01/3401a938-f468-4c02-a227-9bc4cc09bad4/content/images/icon/favicon-apple-touch-icon-58.png)NHL logoSean Farrell![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/34/01/3401a938-f468-4c02-a227-9bc4cc09bad4/content/images/thumbnail/zlmbkm1s6konakdly39t.jpg)](https://www.nhl.com/news/detroit-red-wings-montreal-canadiens-game-recap-april-8?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) The Ottawa Senators booked their ticket to the playoffs for the first time since 2017 despite a loss to the Blue Jackets, because once again the Habs beat the Red Wings. [Senators clinch first playoff spot since 2017 after Red Wings lose![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)Sportsnet.caAssociated Press![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/34/01/3401a938-f468-4c02-a227-9bc4cc09bad4/content/images/thumbnail/sens-1.jpg)](https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/senators-clinch-first-playoff-spot-since-2017-after-red-wings-lose/?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) The Canucks had a fun game against the Stars to keep their playoff hopes hanging by a thread. They need to win their last four games and hope Minnesota lose out to sneak in. [Canucks score 3 in final minute of 3rd, rally for OT win against Stars | NHL.comSherwood wins it with 1:16 left after Suter’s 2nd goal ties it for Vancouver, which avoids elimination![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/34/01/3401a938-f468-4c02-a227-9bc4cc09bad4/content/images/icon/favicon-apple-touch-icon-59.png)NHL logoTaylor Baird![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/34/01/3401a938-f468-4c02-a227-9bc4cc09bad4/content/images/thumbnail/wj3kcxh33m2ocqriaxxs.jpg)](https://www.nhl.com/news/vancouver-canucks-dallas-stars-game-recap-april-8?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) The Utahs continued the theme of hanging by a thread in the West with a 7-1 win over the eliminated Seattle Kraken. They also need to win out and get a lot of help to make the playoffs in their first season in their new home. Yup, it stings don't it. > Fraser Minten has his first goal with the [@NHLBruins](https://twitter.com/NHLBruins?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)! 🐻 > > 📺: [@Sportsnet](https://twitter.com/Sportsnet?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) or stream on Sportsnet+ ➡️ [https://t.co/4KjbdjVctF](https://t.co/4KjbdjVctF?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) [pic.twitter.com/lhowYNHjDB](https://t.co/lhowYNHjDB?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) > > — NHL (@NHL) [April 9, 2025](https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1909776979701670034?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) Hoping for a happy and healthy life for Chaz Lucius. Maybe seeing you in hockey in another capacity? > On behalf of Chaz Lucius and his family. > > We would like to congratulate Chaz and his family on all his career accomplishments and wish him all the best in his next chapter. [pic.twitter.com/nVCapIbRh9](https://t.co/nVCapIbRh9?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) > > — Newport Sports (@TheHockeyAgency) [April 8, 2025](https://twitter.com/TheHockeyAgency/status/1909727959377649853?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) Roses are red. Violets are blue. Another disrespecting the sport suspension for Brendan Lemieux. > Former NHL player Brendan Lemieux has been suspended 4 games in the Swiss League playoffs for punching a linesman. 🫢 > > (🎥 via [@ScoutingTheRefs](https://twitter.com/ScoutingTheRefs?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)) [pic.twitter.com/G6IoX2Uscn](https://t.co/G6IoX2Uscn?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) > > — BarDown (@BarDown) [April 8, 2025](https://twitter.com/BarDown/status/1909723740511846453?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) The Hurricanes signed a guy from the KHL. > Per source, Alexander Nikishin will sign a contract with with the [@Canes](https://twitter.com/Canes?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com). The Hurricanes want to see the player join the team this season, but he is under contract with the SKA until June 1, 2025\. Currently, the American club is negotiating with the SKA and his agents. [#RaiseUp](https://twitter.com/hashtag/RaiseUp?src=hash&ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) > > — Daria Tuboltseva (@DariaTuboltseva) [April 8, 2025](https://twitter.com/DariaTuboltseva/status/1909610160680550665?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) And the Habs signed their prospect from the KHL. [Three-year, entry-level contract for Ivan Demidov | Montréal CanadiensThe 19-year-old forward produced 49 points in 65 games in the KHL this season![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/34/01/3401a938-f468-4c02-a227-9bc4cc09bad4/content/images/icon/favicon-apple-touch-icon-60.png)Montréal Canadiens logoMontreal Canadiens PR![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/34/01/3401a938-f468-4c02-a227-9bc4cc09bad4/content/images/thumbnail/rsekwvnysdr128lw3lcs.jpg)](https://www.nhl.com/canadiens/news/three-year-entry-level-contract-for-ivan-demidov?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) Alexander Plesovskikh scored two points as his team advanced to the second round of the playoffs in their junior league. > #Leafs prospect Alexander Plesovskikh with a goal and a primary assist in today's 4-0 win to clinch their playoff series. They advance to the next playoff round against the fifth seed, JHC Dynamo St Petersburg. Plesovskikh is up to 3 goals and 4 points in 4 playoff games so far. > > — [Bastard Treliving (@brigstew.bsky.social)](https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:h6xjndnh6l6sdkll3m4dhwqz?ref%5Fsrc=embed&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) [2025-04-08T19:03:28.193Z](https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:h6xjndnh6l6sdkll3m4dhwqz/post/3lmd632ffk22y?ref%5Fsrc=embed&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) Miroslav Holinka's Edmonton Oil Kings lost game 7 of their first round series against the Prince Albert Raiders. He might head to the Marlies on an ATO for however long their season goes on for. Holinka is 19 and has another year in the WHL before going pro.