from Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun,

- Since January 1, Brad Marchand has scored 52 points. Connor McDavid has 58. Boston is battling for the top of the Eastern Conference. Edmonton is nowhere near the playoffs. Hard not to have Marchand somewhere on your five-man Hart Trophy ballot, with all his warts, ahead of McDavid.

- U.S. Olympic team member Ryan Donato has three goals since joining the Boston Bruins. Henrik Sedin has three goals in 77 games with the Vancouver Canucks.

- Rumblings are if the Calgary Flames part ways with team president, Brian Burke, which is possible, there’s a job at USA Hockey likely waiting for Burke.

more notes...