DEADLINE BREAKDOWN

Experts figured Maria Hossa was headed to Montreal. He ended up in Pittsburgh instead in one of several major trade deadline maneuvers in the NHL Tuesday.

Here is a look at what went down, first with the franchises…

Dallas Stars co-GM Brett Hull had to make a big splash.

The Colorado Avalanche wooed Peter Forsberg back into the NHL, convincing him to make another comeback from chronic ankle and foot problems. San Jose added all-star defenseman Brian Campbell…

With Colorado getting Peter Forsberg — just as Paul Stastny and Joe Sakic return — the Western Conference pictured changed. This is NOT good news for the Blues, since the Avs are in that fight for a playoff spot.

The…

HOCKEY

The final quarter of the NHL promises hugely entertaining playoff races on both sides of the league.

But the Western Conference is especially frantic. The Kings are rebuilding, again, and the young Oilers are beset by serious injuries. The…

The Blues are trying to clarify their defensive situation for the rest of this season – and for years to come.

Naming Eric Brewer captain was a big step in that direction. Andy Murray’s proclamation reaffirmed Brewer’s status as a…

We are into the second half of the season, so it’s time for some more former NHL stars to stage their comebacks.

Peter Forsberg is feeling better these days after suffering earlier foot/ankle setbacks. If he can regain his skating…