With less than 80 hours to the trade deadline the action is starting to heat up. Some of the most rumoured names have now been traded, or are suspected to be moving shortly. While this was happening, The Leafs defeated the Hurricanes last night at The ACC. It was their first win since February 13 @ The Canucks. P.A. Parenteau scored a goal, further upping his sweet sweet trade value. At the same time two Leafs were confirmed shut down for the rest of the season.

Hold on to your butts, folks. It's going to get crazy this weekend.

Recap: Leafs 3, Canes 1 - PPP
A rather listless effort from the Canes is capitalized on by a very young Leafs team.

Maple Leafs 3, Hurricanes 1 - Canes Country
After winning ugly Tuesday night, the Canes lose ugly in Toronto

Goal of the night goes to Boyes with this sharp eyed snap of the puck

Leafs News

Report: James van Riemsdyk done for the season with injury - PPP
Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos reports that James van Riemsdyk has had a setback in his rehab and will not return for the rest of this season. This likely means there is now no chance he will be traded, at least until after the Stanley Cup Final.

Report: Joffrey Lupul done for the season too - PPP
Fresh off learning James van Riemsdyk's season is over, we now learn that Joffrey Lupul is also done for the season after having surgery.

Andreas Johnson picks up two goals, 100th SHL point, in 4-1 Frolunda win - PPP
The Toronto Maple Leafs seventh round pick moved into fourth in SHL scoring with the two-goal night (afternoon).

Leafs as Actual Leaves - PPP
ICYMI: here's the number one analysis of The Leaves this season.

Trades and Deadline News

Ladd trade shows Blackhawks' win-now strategy in action - Second City Hockey
The price was steep, but the Blackhawks took a necessary step toward winning another Stanley Cup while their window is still open

Every important 2016 NHL trade rumor in one place - SBNation.com
We're days from the trade deadline, but catch up on all the latest NHL trade rumors here.

Blackhawks have 'serious interest' in Radim Vrbata, Dan Hamhuis - Second City Hockey
Add a couple more names to the Hawks' rumor mill.

The Flyers are reportedly 'pushing hard' for Jonathan Drouin - Broad Street Hockey
The former third overall pick is in the midst of a falling out with the Tampa Bay Lightning, and the Flyers are reportedly interested. But is the price too high?

Is there any chance the Flyers will move Nick Schultz? - Broad Street Hockey
If the Flyers initiate a massive sell-off at the trade deadline, could veteran defenseman Nick Schultz be among those shipped out?

Could the Ottawa Senators Swap Patrick Wiercioch for the Dallas Stars' Valeri Nichushkin? - Silver Seven
These two players have been mentioned in their respective cities' trade rumours. Could they be swapped for each other?

CWHL Awards and News

Natalie Spooner, Laura Fortino among CWHL Awards Nominees - PPP
Three Thunder players and one Fury have been nominated for CWHL Awards. Here are the official PPP predictions for who will win.

Les Canadiennes lead CWHL Award Nominees - Eyes On The Prize
Montreal, led by MVP candidate Marie-Philip Poulin, lead all teams with five nominees.

Lovell nominated for Rookie of the Year honors - Matchsticks and Gasoline
Calgary Inferno forward Elana Lovell has been nominated for the CWHL's Rookie of the Year Award, as announced by the league Thursday afternoon.

2016 Clarkson Cup Playoffs: Looking back at the season series between Montreal and Toronto - Eyes On The Prize
Before the teams get set for their best of three series that starts on Friday, we take a look back at the season series.

Last Night's Games

A must see from every angle in slow-motion

The Star's defence is pantsed here.

An OT goal with only seconds left.

I forgot our old friend Mississauga Matt was still in the game

SB Nation Game Recaps

Survival Mode: Kings defeat Oilers 2-1 - Jewels From The Crown
Before this game vs Edmonton began, my biggest concern was that the Kings would make this win more interesting than they should have. Once again, I was right in my analysis.

Josh Bailey scores with 17 seconds left - Lighthouse Hockey
A surprisingly physical, tight and scoring chance-heavy contest saw the Islanders beat the Flames 2-1 on Josh Bailey's overtime winner.

Predators 3, Blackhawks 1: Rinne Fantastic, Jarnkrok Wins It - On the Forecheck
The Preds break an 8 game losing streak in the United Center. I'M SO HAPPY.

Lundqvist, Rangers Edge Blues 2-1 In St. Louis - Blueshirt Banter
The Rangers didn't play the greatest of games tonight, but thanks largely in part to Henrik Lundqvist, they defeated the Blues 2-1.

ReCat: Dogs Bit By Barkov - Litter Box Cats
Aleksander Barkov didn't disappoint in his first game back from injury in over two weeks, dropping two goals on the visiting Coyotes.

Highlight Recap, Game #62: Devils at Jackets - The Cannon
Nick Foligno leads the way as Jackets thrash Devils 6-1.

Miracle Neuvirth save bails out Flyers - Broad Street Hockey
An unbelievable save by Michal Neuvirth with two seconds left was the difference, as the Flyers escaped with a 3-2 victory in their first of a six-game homestand.

Stars Overcome Three-Goal Deficit, Lose by Three-Goal Deficit - Defending Big D
The Stars came back from a 3-0 deficit! The Stars gave up three goals in a period, twice. This game was unsettling in every way. There are 20 more of these games left.

Other News

Sporting Madness: Why The Input Club's attempt to control longform won't work

Jeff Petry to have surgery, done for the season - Eyes On The Prize
The Canadiens just can't buy any luck in the injury department these days, as now Jeff Petry is officially shelved for the rest of the year.

Oilers Hall, Eberle know dream of hoisting Cup with Nugent-Hopkins is dead
"I could be gone, it could be Jordan, it could be Nuge. I don’t know what’s going to happen, but the fact of the matter is that nobody, aside from Connor (McDavid), has played well enough to solidify a spot on this team, and everyone realizes that."

Bryan Little is out for the Season with a Fractured Vertebra - Arctic Ice Hockey
Bryan Little is out with a scary injury and Matt Halischuk replaces him.

How We Play Hockey in America - The Players' Tribune
I don’t know about the newer rinks, but anyone who grew up playing in the ’80s and ’90s was hit with that infamous smell as soon as they walked in the building. Blue rubber flooring mixed with concession stand hot dogs mixed with smelly hockey equipment.

TGIF!

Bundle up this morning. It's not that cold, but the wind is really strong.

From The Branches