Anthony Stolarz returns to the crease for the Maple Leafs as they face the Ottawa Senators in Game 2 of their playoff series. After a successful Game 1 where Toronto triumphed 6-2, Stolarz made crucial saves against key players like Brady Tkachuk and Shane Pinto. His recent performance, with a .950 save percentage and a 1.40 GAA during the regular season, shows he’s ready for the pressure of the playoffs.

The Leafs' lineup sees Pontus Holmberg moving to the second line with John Tavares and William Nylander, taking the spot of Max Domi, while Senators coach Travis Green contemplates lineup changes with players like Ridly Greig available. Toronto looks to maintain their momentum as they head into this crucial matchup.

Troy Stecher, a seasoned defenseman, embarks on another journey to capture the elusive Stanley Cup with the Edmonton Oilers. After narrowly missing out last season, the Oilers are poised to face the Los Angeles Kings in the playoffs. Stecher is among several former University of North Dakota players aiming for playoff glory, including a trio with the Ottawa Senators: Shane Pinto, Jake Sanderson, and Tyler Kleven. Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes, featuring Tyson Jost and Jackson Blake, also enter the fray against New Jersey. Brock Nelson, freshly traded to the Colorado Avalanche, will battle the Dallas Stars, adding to the competitive landscape of the playoffs.

Shane Pinto delivered a stellar performance with two goals, leading the Ottawa Senators to a 5-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens, thereby preventing the latter from securing a playoff spot. Ridly Greig contributed with a goal and an assist, while Drake Batherson and Dylan Cozens also found the net for Ottawa, who secured their playoff berth earlier in the week. Linus Ullmark was impressive in goal with 20 saves, while Michael Amadio added two assists. Montreal was unable to capitalize on their momentum, having entered the game on a six-game winning streak. The Senators jumped out to an early lead, scoring twice within the first five minutes, and maintained their dominance throughout the match, limiting Montreal to just four shots in the third period.

Shane Pinto's two goals propelled the Ottawa Senators to a decisive 5-2 victory against the Montreal Canadiens on Friday, halting the latter's playoff clinching opportunity. With this win, Ottawa secured its own playoff berth earlier in the week and now boasts a strong 43-30-6 record.

Ridly Greig contributed with a goal and an assist, while Drake Batherson and Dylan Cozens also added to Ottawa's tally. Linus Ullmark was instrumental in net with 20 saves, ensuring the Senators maintained a firm grip on the game despite Montreal's pressure. The Canadiens, who needed to win in regulation to officially secure a playoff spot, had their hopes dashed and now face a critical three-game finish to the season.

With the NCAA men's hockey transfer portal open for one week, a total of 191 players joined, showcasing a typical influx that peaks on the first day. While the numbers have begun to taper off, significant changes are evident in the caliber of talent entering compared to previous years. Coaches highlight a noticeable decline in standout players, potentially due to the expiration of the COVID-19 free season and aggressive NHL signings of promising prospects.

Teams like the University of North Dakota (UND) are in need of reinforcements, with many forwards having departed, including top draft picks and players who signed with NHL clubs. As the transfer window progresses, coaches must navigate a thinner talent pool while still aiming to fill roster gaps. This year's portal is predominantly populated by players facing cuts, making it imperative for teams to carefully evaluate their options.