Michael Traikos

Conn Smythe Bets: Leafs' Auston Matthews among favourites

Is it too early for Conn Smythe Trophy odds?

TRAIKOS: Leafs need to rely on talent — not truculence — if they are going to beat the Lightning

Somewhere along the way, the Toronto Maple Leafs forgot who they are and what got them here. What made them so dangerous. So successful. FOR YOUR CONN-SIDERATION

TRAIKOS: It's a weird time to be a No. 2 goalie in the NHL — and even weirder to be a No. 3

After their backup goalie gave up five goals on 13 shots and their third-stringer allowed a couple of more goals in a 7-2 loss to the Colorado Avalanche, a poll was circulating on Twitter on Tuesday night asking whether the Nashville Predators’ chances of winning Game 1 would have improved had they instead played with six skaters.

TRAIKOS: Expect a big bounce-back game from Tampa Bay Lightning's Andrei Vasilevskiy

It was just before Tampa Bay Lightning stepped on to the ice for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup playoffs, when Sportsnet cameras showed an amped-up Andrei Vasilevskiy going through his rather strange routine of rushing towards his teammates and staring each of them straight in the eyes.

TRAIKOS: Lightning coach says team gifted Maple Leafs a 'freebie' in Game 1 loss

'I'm not so sure the Maple Leafs had to play very well to beat us tonight,' said Cooper

TRAIKOS: Even at his advanced age, Steven Stamkos continues to take his game to new heights

TORONTO — Steven Stamkos has played in the NHL for 14 years. During that time, he’s won two Stanley Cups and appeared in close to 100 playoff games. But it wasn’t until Sunday night that the Tampa Bay Lightning captain got to experience a perk of the job that has eluded him during what has surely been a Hall of Fame-worthy career.

TRAIKOS: Stanley Cup first-round series capsules. Get ready for more upsets!

TRAIKOS: Lightning coach embraces the hype that comes with playing the Maple Leafs

Jon Cooper looked around and smiled.

TRAIKOS: 10 burning questions heading into the post-season

Will the Maple Leafs get out of the first round? Will the Oilers reach the second round? Are the Flames Canada’s best bet to winning the Stanley Cup? And what’s the deal with Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin and all those goalies who keep hurting hurt?