05:34 PM ET  02.05 | I'm back folks after a three day hiatus due to a nasty bout with the stomach flu. I got a lot of hockey and baseball news to pass along. Let's start with the hockey. My Leafs lost 4-1 to the Carolina Hurricanes last night in a rather strange game with a few odd things happening. Referee, Marc Joanette got hit in the mouth by the puck, shot by Leaf's captain, Dion Phaneuf who was making a clearing attempt. The other thing that happened in this game was the Leaf's tying goal being disallowed after video review. They said the puck was kicked in. I caught some of the Colorado/Dallas game. The Stars won 2-1. Speaking of Colorado, they have claimed Aaron Palushaj off waivers. I have quite a bit of news involving the Columbus Blue Jackets. They have activated Matt Calvert and sent Jonathan Audy-Machessault back to the American Hockey League. They have placed Adrian Aucoin on the Injured Reserved (IR) and recalled Cody Goloubef from the AHL. Columbus has placed Nikita Nikitin on the IR. and recalled Nick Holden from Springfield, (AHL). Detroit's Brandon Smith will be out two to four weeks with a sprained shoulder. Minnesota have acquired Mike Rupp from the New York Rangers for Darroll Powe and Nick Palmieri. Now to baseball. The Oakland Athletics have acquired Jed Lowrie, Fernando Rodriguez from Houston for Chris Carter, Brad Peacock, and Max Stassi. Former National League Cy Young winner, Brandon Webb has decided to retire from baseball. Cleveland has signed Omir Santos to a Minor League contract. Detroit have signed Max Scherzer to a one-year, $6.725 contract.