NHL

TORONTO – The minor-league Toronto Marlies used to boast the slogan that “Every game is a try-out.” Right now it’s reality for the Maple Leafs.

WINNIPEG – Dustin Byfuglien could once again show why he’s worth his weight in gold for the Winnipeg Jets.

Eric Desjardins is certainly grateful for his time with the Montreal Canadiens, a stretch that included winning the Stanley Cup in 1993.

OTTAWA – Prior to his first NHL start, Andrew Hammond said his parents were too nervous to come to the game. Hammond looked anything but between the posts.

EDMONTON – Not knowing what he was doing didn’t seem to be a detriment to Martin Marincin.

CALGARY – Minnesota defenceman Matt Dumba did a little of everything for the Wild on Wednesday— and his coach took notice.

Tom Watt still has a video tape of the “Miracle On Ice,” with his own voice as part of the soundtrack. One of Canada’s coaches during the 1980 Winter Olympics, Watt worked the television broadcast of the legendary game between the United States and Soviet Union after his team didn’t reach the medal round.

Canada didn’t pull off any miracles at the 1980 Olympics. While the United States beat the Soviet Union in the “Miracle On Ice,” Canada finished failed to reach the medal round and finished sixth.

TORONTO – Points in the standings are no longer motivation for the Toronto Maple Leafs, yet there remains plenty for the players to prove.

MONTREAL – The Florida Panthers looked like they were beaten when they fell behind 2-0 in the second period while being badly outshot by the Montreal Canadiens.

TORONTO – It’s been a while since defenceman Tyler Myers and winger Drew Stafford were last in the playoff chase.

NEWARK, N.J. – The New Jersey Devils got more than a win against the Vancouver Canucks. They’re getting dinner, too.

RALEIGH, N.C. – The Staal brothers helped the Carolina Hurricanes keep up their unlikely dominance of the Toronto Maple Leafs.