While there isn’t an NHL team in Wisconsin that we can all cheer on, there are consistently former Badgers who are sinking deep into the game. NHL Playoffs for us to support. Now that the Toronto Maple Leafs finished their historic first-round collapse (lmao to the Leafs with a 3-1 lead) Montreal Canadiens, let’s see who still has connections in Wisconsin!

• Speaking of the Habs, they called up rookie sensation Cole Caufield in the starting lineup after splitting the first two games of the series. Montreal lost the next two and ended up in a series hole 3-1, but Caufield went on to get the winning assist in Game 5 and two games later? The Leafs had come all the way back to win the series and embarrass their old rivals.

Toronto will look to continue their Cinderella run throughout the tournament when they face the Winnipeg Jets, which swept away the top-ranked Oilers in the first round.

• the Boston Bruins worked on Washington Capitals over five games in the first round thanks, in part, to the work of two former Badgers: Trent Frederic and Craig Smith. Well, to be more precise … a former Badger, because Frédéric has not yet played in the playoffs, but he is still part of the team!

Smith, however, put the Bruins in earnest in their first-round streak by scoring the game-winning double-overtime game in Game 3. Boston plays. New York Islanders in the second round and this series is currently tied at one.

• Defending Stanley Cup champion Ryan McDonagh is enjoying another productive playoff series for the Tampa bay lightning. In their first round streak win over the Florida PanthersMcDonagh has recorded four assists and sits over eight in the playoffs. He’s second to the Lightning in ice time so far and Tampa Bay took a 1-0 second-round lead against the Carolina Hurricanes.
• Speaking of the Canes, defenseman Jake Gardiner appeared in a playoff game for Carolina, recording 9:07 of ice time and, uh, no other stats.
• Luke Kunin (Nashville Predators), Ryan Suter (Wild minnesota), Justin Schultz (Washington Capitals) and Kyle Turris (Edmonton Oilers) all saw their teams get knocked out in the first round.