Stano’s Daily: World Championships & NHL Playoffs

The World Championships started Friday and three of the four Los Angeles Kings representatives at the tournament played for their countries.

Cal Petersen was the only Kings representative there that didn't see game action, backing up Casey DeSmith. DeSmith was voted player of the game according to USAHockey's Twitter account. If DeSmith keeps up that play, it's hard to see Petersen's getting much ice time.

T.J. Tynan is the other Kings player on Team USA and he finished with no points in USA's 4-1 win over Finland. Tynan was centering former Kings Mikey Eyssimont and Conor Garland.

Carl Grundstrom picked up no points in Sweden's hard-fought 1-0 victory over Sweden.

Martin Chomiak scored his first goal for the Men's National Team, firing a one-timer past Czechia goalie Stanislav Skorvanek in a 3-2 loss. Slovakia was then blown out by Switzerland 7-0 in their second game.

Around the NHL:

The Toronto Maple Leafs awaited return to the second round ended with another disappointment, dropping Game Five to the Florida Panthers in overtime.

Sergei Bobrovsky put on a stellar 50-save performance to clinch the series for Florida.

Every year the Leafs' season ends in disappointment we hear the same stories about breaking up the core four or the front office, but this year feels different.

John Tavares, Auston Mathews and Mitch Marner combined for just three goals in Round Two. It would be unfair to pin the blame solely on those players, but you can't disappear in the postseason when you're making up a significant portion of your team's cap.

The Vegas Golden Knights jumped to a 3-2 series lead over the Edmonton Oilers on Friday, with a strong 3-point night from Jack Eichel leading the way.

Vegas can end the series in Edmonton on Sunday, potentially sending the dynamic duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl home early.

National Hockey Now:

SanJoseHockeyNow: The Columbus Blue Jackets have made it clear they're drafting a center at number three. How does that change the draft for the San Jose Sharks?

FloridaHockeyNow: The Eastern Conference Finals matchup is set and FloridaHockeyNow has you covered with a preview of that series.

NewYorkIslandersHockeyNow: The New York Islanders rode Ilya Sorokin hard this season and he delivered. Earning him a Vezina nomination.