National Hockey

TORONTO — One by one, the Maple Leafs sat down in front of their laptops, iPads and smart phones to face the music — from a distance via video conferencing, of course — following another season that started with big dreams and ended with a resounding

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Penguins had a specific vision last summer when they examined the rubble of a first-round sweep at the hands of the New York Islanders.

Massage therapists working on a conveyor belt of sore groins, hips and backs was the aftermath of the NHL's marathon between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Tampa Bay Lightning.

Bryan Little is unsure if or when he'll play in the NHL again. The longest-serving player on the current edition of the Winnipeg Jets awaits confirmation that a season-ending head injury won't pose further risk to him.

Brian Boucher had a feeling by the second overtime that this game was going a while longer, and he knew from personal experience.

Columbus Blue Jackets (33-22-15, sixth in the Metropolitan Division during the regular season) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (43-21-6, second in the Atlantic Division during the regular season) Toronto; Thursday, 3 p.m.

Chicago Blackhawks (32-30-8, seventh in the Central Division during the regular season) vs. Vegas Golden Knights (39-24-8, first in the Pacific Division during the regular season) Edmonton, Alberta; Thursday, 5:30 p.m.

Carolina Hurricanes (38-25-5, fourth in the Metropolitan Division during the regular season) vs. Boston Bruins (44-14-12, first in the Atlantic Division during the regular season) Toronto; Wednesday, 11 a.m.

Calgary Flames (36-27-7, fourth in the Pacific Division during the regular season) vs. Dallas Stars (37-24-8, third in the Central Division during the regular season) Edmonton, Alberta; Thursday, 10:30 p.m.

After a season of splitting goaltending duties to keep them rested for the playoffs, Bruce Cassidy knew several months off had cut into that well-planned advantage for the Boston Bruins.