1. The Avalanche’s decisive victory over Toronto tells you two things: A. Colorado is much stronger; B. Leafs never will win a Cup with this goaltending. Nor with John Tavares either; but you knew that already.
2. Likewise, no matter what Connor McDavid will do in the playoffs; he can’t play goal. Neither can Stuart Skinner. (No Cup for the Oilers Again.)
3. Good News for Bruins foes: Cam Neely and Don Sweeney have kept their jobs.
4. Totally Unbelievable Truth. This will be Buffalo’s 14th straight non-playoff year.
5. At the rate the Sabres pick their coaches, figure next year’s guy behind the Buff bench will be Gerard Gallant.
6. Sheldon Keefe had better grab those controls; the Devils tailspin is giving the Garden State the heebie-jeebies.
7. Considering the total hardships that the Islanders have endured from October through now, it’s amazing that the team is above the .500 mark.
8. Toughest NHL call. Potential Adams (Best Coach) Award could wind up in Washington, Dallas, Winnipeg, both Floridas, Colorado and, yeah, even Columbus.
9. The Maven is betting that old pal Anthony Beauvillier will find himself in Washington.
10. If you think Boy Genius G.M. Kyle Dubas knows what he’s doing in Pittsburgh, lemme know ’cause I sure don’t.
11. Kudos to Islanders defenseman Mike Reilly who’s back on skates after heart surgery.
12. If Chris Kreider is a Ranger next September then the cow really will jump over the moon. Chris Drury couldn’t trade him, so might as well play him.
13. Brooding Rangers fans should stick this on the fridge: The door still is wide open for them to not only move into the playoffs but to catch and pass New Jersey for third spot in the Metro.
14. Defending Champ Florida has been a tough team to play against. Now – with Brad Marchand – OY VAY!
15. Alas, J.T. Miller can’t make the Rangers winners all by himself.
