Patrick King

The Montreal Canadiens appear to have found a sleeper with the diminutive Gabriel Dumont. The third-year forward is one of many streaking Voltigeurs players as the defending champs put their best foot forward prior to the commencement of the playoffs.

Western Hockey League

Hot team: Everett Silvertips

The Silvertips are keeping a close gap on the Tri-City Americans for the top spot in the Western Conference and U.S. Division. Everett trails Tri-City by four points with seven games remaining in each team's schedule. The Silvertips gathered five of a possible six points last week and are unbeaten in regulation in their last eight games. This race could come down to the wire.

Hot player: Michael Stickland, Swift Current Broncos

The overage forward is making his final season a memorable one. Stickland scored twice and assisted on five more for seven points in two games with a plus-4 rating. The Broncos won both games with their sniper on his hot streak, which could go a long way in making the playoffs. Swift Current has a narrow five-point lead over Prince Albert for the eighth and final playoff spot.

Cold team: Prince George Cougars

A heavy, five-game schedule did little to slow the bleeding for the struggling Cougars last week as Prince George saw its losing streak hit nine straight games. The team's last win came over the Kamloops Blazers on Feb. 10. The Cougars' 25 points remains a CHL-low this season.

Cold player: Craig McCallum, Prince Albert Raiders

The Raiders' offensive duo of McCallum and Brandon Herrod are slumping at the wrong time. McCallum was held off the score-sheet in each of his team's three games and was a minus-4, while Herrod scored once in three games. Prince Albert's playoff hopes will fall on the shoulders of their struggling scorers in their final seven games.

Game of the week: Saskatoon Blades vs. Brandon Wheat Kings, Wednesday

The Memorial Cup-host Wheat Kings hold their fate in their hands. Brandon is a point behind both Saskatoon and Calgary for the top spot in the Eastern Conference standings. The three team race is one of the most interesting in recent years and this game will be huge in determining the final standings. Brandon will be even tougher to beat after seeing the return of injured defenceman Travis Hamonic last week. Saskatoon has been receiving solid goaltending from Adam Morrison of late. This game will provide fans with an early glimpse of the playoffs with a winner-take-all mentality.

Québec Major Junior Hockey League

Hot team: Drummondville Voltigeurs

The defending league champions are catching fire at the right time. Drummondville reeled off another four wins in five nights to extend its winning-streak to 11. The Voltigeurs have potential to contend for another title with goaltender Jake Allen on top of his game. Meanwhile, Chris DiDomenico is also producing in his return to the lineup.

Hot player: Gabriel Dumont, Drummondville Voltigeurs

The Montreal Canadiens' fifth-round pick last summer scored five times and added four assists for nine points in four games with a plus-8 rating. He scored the game-winner over the P.E.I. Rocket on Wednesday. Dumont's teammate, Allen, could have also received the hot player nod after posting back-to-back shutouts.

Cold team: Halifax Mooseheads

The post-season hopes were dashed for the Mooseheads after struggling down the stretch in February. Halifax lost its last eight games, obtaining just a single point from an overtime loss to Acadie-Bathurst on Wednesday. The Mooseheads are the first team eliminated from the playoffs in their league, and will not participate in the post-season for the second-consecutive year.

Cold player: Adrien Lemay, Lewiston MAINEiacs

The MAINEiacs' starting goaltender was unable to provide his team with the dependable goaltending as the team searches to obtain the league's final playoff spot. Lemay allowed 16 goals on 85 shots through three games for a .812 save percentage. His struggles are noticeable given that his team provided him the offensive support. Lemay did, however, win his final start over Québec on Saturday.

Game of the week: Drummondville Voltigeurs vs. Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, Friday

The red-hot Voltigeurs will make the trip north to Rouyn-Noranda for what should be a heated game. Drummondville is asserting itself as a league powerhouse once again while Rouyn-Noranda also has its hopes pinned on another run. The Huskies remain without suspended forward Patrice Cormier, after the league decided to uphold his season and playoff-long suspension. Rouyn-Noranda is still a force without its star and could help prove its legitimacy with a win over the defending champs.

Ontario Hockey League

Hot team: Barrie Colts

The Colts took another step towards realizing their goal of finishing first in the league standings and obtaining home ice throughout the playoffs. Barrie defeated London, Oshawa and Niagara last week to bring its winning streak to six games. The Colts are five points up on defending champion Windsor for first in the league standings with two games in hand and the tie-breaker.

Hot player: Mike Cazzola, Erie Otters

The sophomore forward continued adding to his breakout season. Cazzola scored five goals and four assists for nine points in three games with a plus-4 rating. More importantly, he helped lead his team to two wins in three games and within a hair of a playoff berth. Thanks in part to Cazzola the Otters will be back in the post-season.

Cold team: Peterborough Petes

Injuries have derailed the Petes down the stretch as the team is struggling to find the win column. Peterborough lost all three games last week and is now winless in its last nine contests. The Petes need to gather some points in the final two weeks of the season as their inclusion in the playoffs is in question with 54 points.

Cold player: Michael Zador, Oshawa Generals

Zador picked the wrong time for a slump. The Generals' starting goaltender was beat on 19-of-92 shots for a .793 save percentage in three losses. Oshawa won one of its last 10 games and is in serious jeopardy of missing the playoffs. The Generals are two points back of the final playoff spot with six games remaining and will need Zador to realize his potential to find their way back in the post-season.

Game of the week: Sudbury Wolves vs. Niagara IceDogs, Saturday

The playoff push will come to the forefront when the IceDogs host the Wolves. Neither team is particularly hot of late and head into the week tied for the seventh playoff spot in the Eastern Conference standings with 51 points. The IceDogs should have the edge in goal as Mark Visentin gives his team an opportunity to win on most nights. Sudbury has not received the same dependable goaltending, nor have they received much offensively from some of its star players. This game should help prove which team is hungriest in the second-last week of the season.