The NHL trades are coming fast and furious in the days leading up to the March 2 deadline, with some surprising moves as teams look for an edge. There's a lot of talent still available and plenty of holes to fill for Stanley Cup contenders.

Some teams have multiple issues due to injury or ineffective play, while other clubs are contemplating staying the course. It's been a wild week already and promises to be fantastic as the deadline hour approaches.

Here are eight NHL teams with a lot to win or lose at the deadline.

Boston Bruins: Playoffs or Bust

What Do They Have to Win? The Boston Bruins won the Stanley Cup in 2011 and remain a strong contender despite advancing age. The clock is ticking on several important players, including captain Zdeno Chara, who turns 38 in March.

What Do They Have to Lose? The Bruins are struggling to make the playoffs, and there is an increasing level of concern. Boston president Cam Neely expressed frustration in the middle of February in a conversation with Kevin Paul Dupont of The Boston Globe. If the club doesn't make the playoffs, a coaching or front office change is possible.

What Have They Done so Far This Deadline? Boston has been inactive so far, but there are plenty of rumors. The club hasn't replaced Jarome Iginla, who left via free agency last summer, plus it has all kinds of injury issues—notably David Krejci's recent trouble. Allan Muir of Sports Illustrated writes Krejci could be out up to six weeks with a knee injury.

Chicago Blackhawks: Stumbling to Stanley?

What Do They Have to Win? The Chicago Blackhawks are a strong contender for the Stanley Cup. Injuries are impeding their roster readiness for the playoffs, specifically recent issues for Patrick Kane and Johnny Oduya. Kane is out 12 weeks, according to NHL.com, and Oduya's difficulties are described as upper body, also via NHL.com.

What Do They Have to Lose? This is the last time this group of 'Hawks will play together, as the giant contracts of Kane and Jonathan Toews kick in next season. These veterans have enjoyed tremendous success together, and going out early may tarnish the legacy. They haven't played well for stretches this season and are only 4-3-3 in their last 10 games.

What Have They Done so Far This Deadline? NHL.com correspondent Corey Long reported on the Blackhawks' acquisition of Kimmo Timonen from the Philadelphia Flyers, and it sounds like Chicago is still in the marketplace for more. 

Los Angeles Kings: All or Nothing?

What Do They Have to Win? The Los Angeles Kings are the defending Stanley Cup champions with a chance to be the first repeat winners this century. The Kings and the Chicago Blackhawks are vying for most dominant team of the decade, and a win this season would help Los Angeles' cause. 

What Do They Have to Lose? The Kings are in real danger of missing the playoffs, and that's a major item. It is rare for a team to win the championship and miss the postseason in the following year. 

What Have They Done so Far This Deadline? Los Angeles pulled the trigger in a big way by acquiring defenseman Andrej Sekera from the Carolina Hurricanes. This NHL.com article explains the deal and gives general manager Dean Lombardi's thought process behind it. More deals may come for the Kings as we near the deadline.

Montreal Canadiens: Return to Glory Near?

What Do They Have to Win? The Montreal Canadiens enjoyed a strong run last spring and excited their fans in a big way. The pressure to go even deeper this year will be immense in Montreal when the playoffs start this year.

What Do They Have to Lose? Montreal has improved under coach Michel Therrien each season. The team can't afford to take a backward step as it builds toward the first Stanley Cup since 1993.

What Have They Done so Far This Deadline? Montreal acquired winger Devante Smith-Pelly from the Anaheim Ducks in an effort to add size to its skill lines. There's plenty of time left to add more pieces; the Canadiens may address the defense by the deadline. 

New York Rangers: Back to Stanley

What Do They Have to Win? The New York Rangers made it all the way to the Stanley Cup Final last spring and are looking for a return trip.

What Do They Have to Lose? The Rangers have some aging veterans—like Martin St. Louis and Henrik Lundqvist—and their window to win could be closing. Part of the issue includes two valuable free agents this summer, St. Louis and Mats Zuccarello.

What Have They Done so Far This Deadline? The Rangers haven't been active so far this deadline, but that may change soon. As Steve Zipay reports for Newsday, it looks like the team is shopping Zuccarello as the deadline approaches.

Pittsburgh Penguins: Loading Up for a Deep Run

What Do They Have to Win? The Pittsburgh Penguins have enjoyed employing two of the best players in the game for a decade yet have only one Stanley Cup to show for it. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin should have delivered another championship by now based on their elite-level talent.

What Do They Have to Lose? The club tweaked several areas in the offseason in hopes of a deep run into the playoffs. New GM Jim Rutherford has invested a lot in an attempt to give the veteran cluster of the team a push. If the Penguins can't succeed in the playoffs, more drastic measures may be necessary this summer.

What Have They Done so Far This Deadline? Pittsburgh has been the most active contender this year, with trades for David Perron, Maxim Lapierre and Daniel Winnik already in the books. There's still time for more additions, and it looks like the Penguins are going for it.

San Jose Sharks: They're Going the Wrong Way

What Do They Have to Win? The San Jose Sharks are in a period of transition, and making the playoffs is a big deal this year. It's clear that a changing of the guard is taking place, but there's too much talent on the roster to miss the postseason.

What Do They Have to Lose? There's a chance we see a major shake-up if San Jose misses the playoffs this spring. Coach Todd McLellan and more veterans could go, leaving the Sharks with a stripped-down and youthful roster for 2015-16.

What Have They Done so Far This Deadline? San Jose has been quiet so far, but things are heating up. GM Doug Wilson has been hard to read since last year's playoff heartbreak, and we're unlikely to know what he's thinking until he makes a move.

St. Louis Blues: Is This the Year?

What Do They Have to Win? The St. Louis Blues need to win a playoff round or two this spring. They haven't made the Stanley Cup Final since 1970. The club has lost in Round 1 in each season under Ken Hitchcock.

What Do They Have to Lose? A quick exit could mean changes on the St. Louis roster and possibly a coaching change. A regular-season monster doesn't mean much when there are few playoff games year after year.

What Have They Done so Far This Deadline? The Blues have made only two small moves, acquiring Marcel Goc and Adam Cracknell. We will likely see significant activity before the trade deadline.