LEAFS THROW HURRICANES OFF COURSE

Pierre-Alexandre Parenteau had a goal and an assist as the Toronto Maple Leafs put a dent in the Carolina Hurricanes’ playoff hopes, scoring a 3-1 win at the Air Canada Centre on Thursday evening. Suffering just their seventh loss in regulation since the start of January, Carolina remains two points back of Pittsburgh (while playing three more games) for the final wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference. Brad Boyes and Josh Leivo also scored for Toronto (21-28-10), while John-Michael Liles recorded the only goal for Carolina (28-24-10). Jonathan Bernier made 28 saves for the Leafs, winning for the first time since Jan. 6. It was just the fifth victory in the past 21 games for the Leafs, currently the worst team in the Eastern Conference with 52 points.