Keep an eye on Habs prospects Will Bitten and Hayden Verbeek as they face off in the OHL’s Eastern Conference Finals. [Canadiens]
Paul Byron will miss six months after undergoing shoulder surgery. [EOTP]
No one expected Nicolas Deslauriers to be as much of a contributor as he turned out to be this season. [The Athletic]
With the head coaching position open in Laval, which candidates would be the best fit? [TSN 690]
Michael McCarron is running out of time to find his game and become a permanent member of the Canadiens. [The Athletic]
Brendan Gallagher and other NHLers are participating in a jersey auction and tribute concert benefiting the Humboldt Broncos. [Twitter]/
Around the league and elsewhere
The Winnipeg Jets are convinced they can be the team to go all the way this year. [Sportsnet]
As Artemi Panarin and the Blue Jackets continue to threaten Washington’s chances at moving to the second round, the Blackhawks may be regretting the trade that sent the Breadman to Columbus. [Chicago Sun-Times]
Winnipeg’s Josh Morrissey has been suspended for Game 5, but it’s hard to predict what will be a penalty or a suspension in the playoffs. [Arctic Ice Hockey | Sportsnet]
The Golden Knights became the first team to advance to the second round of the playoffs, and their efficient sweep of the Los Angeles Kings was a lot more than just luck. [Sportsnet]
Al Iafrate is one of many NHL stars who never went to college, but he would encourage young players to consider a degree if they have the opportunity. [Boston Globe]
Phil Kessel has been a welcome addition to the Penguins’ locker room. [Sportsnet (Video)]/