NHL Morning Papers (Saturday Edition)

Here are the morning papers for Saturday the 27th of September:

• After a frustrating 2007/08 season, Blues forward Lee Stempniak is looking to rebound this season and return to his form of two years ago.
• Capitals forward David Steckel wants to increase his offensive output this season, writes Corey Masisak.
• Vinny Prospal is happy to serve as a tour-guide in his native homeland, writes Pavel Barta.  Here is Prospal’s diary of the trip.
• The Ducks traded Mathieu Schneider yesterday but Brian Burke says they aren’t done yet.
• On the other side, the Thrashers are ecstatic to welcome Mathieu Schneider to the fold.
• Youngster Oscar Moller has impressed the Kings brass thus far in training camp.
• Erik Reitz is trying to crack the Wild’s blueline, but he sure didn’t help himself with his play last night.  After reading this article, you will realize that Josh Harding is a mask junkie.
• Are Patric Hornqvist and Ryan Jones going to make the jump right to the NHL?
• Expect Jamie Langenbrunner to be in more fights than he was in last season, writes Mark Everson.
• On the Island, Trent Hunter has found himself playing alongside Fran Nielsen and Jeff Tambellini.
• The Rangers have sent Petr Nedved packing.  Meanwhile, Chris Drury has been moved to the team’s first line alongside Scott Gomez.  Brandon Dubinsky has forced his way into a top-six role.
• Dan Boyle scored a goal in his first game with the Sharks.
• As the days go by, it becomes clear to Ron Wilson that he has to change the mentality of his team.
• Aside from his obvious desire to have won the Cup, Marc-Andre Fleury wouldn’t have changed anything about the experience of last year’s playoffs.  After reading this, you will realize why hockey is just a game to Ruslan Fedotenko.
• After long playoffs droughts, both Shane Doan and Olli Jokinen are determined to take their team to the playoffs this season.
• Simon Gagne will finally be able to move on after his return to NHL action today.
• Coach Peter DeBoer has been impressed with the play of both Keith Ballard and Nick Boynton.  Anthony Stewart’s conditioning is far better than it has ever been for the Panthers and Jacques Martin has taken notice.  George Richards of the Miami Herald details the battle for the final spots on the Panthers’ back-end.
• Derek Meech has been good and bad at Wings training camp so far.  Here is a recap of last night’s game.
• The Stars are expecting to make more cuts tonight.
• The Blue Jackets were happy with the play of their top two lines last night against the Predators.  The forwards were good, but Ken Hitchcock was extremely impressed with the play of defenseman Fedor Tyutin.
• With his contract situation behind him, John-Michael Liles is hoping for big things this season.  In injury news, Milan Hejduk’s back is hurting but it isn’t thought to be serious.
• Putting on an NHL jersey is thrill for everyone but it would be extra special for Tim Kennedy to put on the Sabres colors.
• Hurricanes prospect Drayson Bowman feels like he can play in the NHL and does not want to go back to junior.
• Blake Wheeler has stood out at Bruins camp with his play on the ice.  The Bruins’ lines weren’t meshing well so Claude Julien made a few changes last night.
• The Flames fans loved what they saw from big Todd Bertuzzi last night.  Here is a report card for each player who suited up for last night’s game.
• Keith Carney is trying his best to make the Blackhawks’ defense.
• Tyler Spurgeon was getting high praise from coach MacTavish for his conditioning levels.  Sure he has a great record in shootouts, but Mathieu Garon would prefer to avoid them if he can.
• Montreal completely dominated the Senators last night, and were victorious 5-0.
• Looks like Jesse Winchester has earned his spot on the Senators’ top line.
• The next two games will be make-or-break for the Canucks’ bubble players, writes Jim Jamieson.  If Mats Sundin comes back to the NHL, it will be on a one-year deal.

For Illegal Curve, I’m Richard Pollock.