After 78 hours of no power for yours truly,

from Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun,

- This is crazy: Since the new year began, Brent Burns has 12 goals and 23 assists in San Jose. That’s 35 points in 31 games for the defenceman Burns. That three more points than Connor McDavid has scored in that time, seven more than Crosby. The surprise in this group: Buffalo’s Jack Eichel, who we too easily bypass, has 33 points in his past 32 games, and has been outpacing Matthews and Patrik Laine in that time ... How do I decide between McDavid and Norris favourite Burns for the Hart Trophy?

- The notion that the NHL would conduct its expansion draft and protected lists in secret is beyond moronic.

- Don Fehr said he doesn’t have opinions when it comes to hockey matters. He said his opinions come from the NHL players he represents as head of the union. So why has Fehr been so quiet about NHL participation at the Olympics in South Korea. His players undoubtedly want to go. What’s he waiting for to speak on behalf of his troops?

- Barely a word from the know-it-all Doug Cifu since his Florida Panthers have gone into their recent tailspin.

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