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Fresh Links: Hello, Toronto

The Bruins have selected their first round opponent

By Giesse
Florida Panthers v Boston Bruins
David Backes unveils his new goal celly for the playoffs
Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

Well, thanks heaps, Frank Vatrano! The Bruins have made their selection, and the Maple Leafs will be their first round opponent.

  • Nevermind. Here’s the lowdown on the matchup and schedule for the first round. We’ll see you all Thursday night at 7:00 PM. MassLive
  • This assessment includes a brief refresher of each of this season’s games between the Bruins and the Maple Leafs. CBS Boston
  • At least Frank Vatrano had himself a night, with a goal and assist for his new team. Providence Journal
  • No Bruin was injured in the loss, which was nice. The final five games of the season did not resemble the dynamic Bruins we came to know and love. Boston Globe
  • A surprising season lifted expectations for a Bruins team that far surpassed early projections. Boston Herald
  • Even so, Boston looked tired last night, and opponents are successfully pushing Brad Marchand around. WEEI
  • Ryan Donato has now slotted in at center in his brief tenure in the NHL. He attributes his success at the faceoff dot to skills honed at Harvard. NCAA
  • In news of the walking wounded, Sean Kurlay joined Rick Nash skating, and both project to be ready for action. Riley Nash is progressing. Patriot Ledger
  • From behind enemy lines, the report is that the Leafs are ready and able, if their goaltending is top notch. The Star
  • Here’s another, more neutral take on the matchup. Frederic Anderson will be heavily relied upon, and Brad Marchand will be key to the Bruins’ success, for good or bad. Sportsnet
  • Andrew Ference spoke about the differences between Bruce Cassidy’s Bruins and the 2010-11 team. Bonus- several Bruins hit career highs this season. Boston Herald
  • Meanwhile, in Providence, the Phantoms laid a quota of goals on the PBruins yesterday. Providence Journal Thank goodness they had already clinched a playoff berth agianst the Sound Tigers on Saurday. Providence Journal Friday night marked Jack Studnicka’s auspicious debut in his team’s victory over the WolfPack. Rinkside Rhode Island

Elsewhere around the rink:

  • A Toronto Sun reporter disparaged Marc Savard’s pursuit of a media career by glossing his post-concussion exit from hockey as simply that he “basically disappeared”. Get a load of Steve Simmons’ hot taek. @MSavvy91
  • So THIS is why the Bruins let the Panthers win last night- very clever! Tampa Bay Times
  • Adieu, Rene Rancourt, enjoy your retirement. the Bruins gave him a right proper sendoff. BarDown
  • Wayne Simmonds has some singular memories about the smell of hockey, and how he proved his third-grade teacher wrong. Players Tribune
  • Take it as a good sign that Sportsnet has assigned Jim Hughson to call the Bruins/Maple Leafs series. Remember him from 2011? Sportsnet
  • Niagara Falls paid tribute to the Humboldt Broncos in a spectacular way. Godspeed, boys. Reddit