NHL Morning Papers (Sunday Edition): Cliff Fletcher hasn’t inquired about Ilya Kovalchuk, Devils insist Brodeur’s injury is just a bruise and Marty Turco loses his cool

Here are the morning papers for Sunday the 2nd of November:

• Let’s just say Larry Brooks was not impressed with the Rangers’ performance last night at the ACC.  Brooks also gives his take on hits to the head in the NHL today.  “We deserved what we got tonight,” said Rangers coach Tom Renney after his team allowed five third period goals against.
• Kevin Paul Dupont gives his take on the Bruins so far this season.  The Bruins stuck together on Saturday and defeated the visiting Stars 5-1 at the TD Banknorth Garden.
• The Habs pulled off an amazing comeback on Long Island yesterday.  Meanwhile, Mark Streit knew his opportunity to play big defensive minutes wasn’t going to be in Montreal, writes Pat Hickey.
• Erik Cole came back to Carolina and played a terrific game, which was one of the reasons his team slid out of town with a 3-1 road victory, writes Chip Alexander.
• Last night was thrilling for Oakville native John Mitchell as he led the Leafs on a crazy third period comeback over the conference leading Rangers.  Damien Cox asks what’s going on with the Leafs?  Meanwhile, Cliff Fletcher denied that he has had talks with Don Waddell about trading for Ilya Kovalchuck.
• Forget the Devils’ win last night, the team is really only concerned about Martin Brodeur’s elbow injury.  Apparently the injury is just a bruise.
• The Wild lost Brent Burns prior to last night’s game with an “upper-body” injury but they still went into Phoenix and left with two points.  Here is Michael Russo’s Sunday Insider.
• The Flames won one for Michael Cammalleri last night but the former King wouldn’t reveal just how much last night’s win was worth in the dressing room.  Nobody is talking about Miikka Kiprusoff’s struggles now are they?
• Jeff Carter is that good both offensively and defensively, explains Sam Carchidi.
• Some players didn’t come to play for the Capitals last night and coach Bruce Boudreau wasn’t shy about naming names.  Corey Masisak compares the talents of Alexander Semin and Tomas Vanek in this morning’s Washington Times.
• The Senators probably deserved the win in Tampa Bay yesterday, writes Bruce Garrioch.  Your usual Sunday rumors from Garrioch.
• Wayne Gretzky was not happy with his team’s play on the winning goal against last night, writes Jim Gintonio.
• The Blackhawks finally recorded their first road win of the season last night in Columbus, writes Chris Kuc.
• “It’s embarrassing. That’s the only word I can tell,” said Ilya Kovalchuk about the Thrashers’ play last night.
• Tim Connolly played his first game of the season for the Sabres last night.
• Cristobal Huet came into Columbus and stole a victory for his Blackhawks, writes Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch.  The Jackets need to improve on the power play.  Winning is everything for Blue Jackets fans after so many years of losing.
• The Lightning got another great performance from netminder Mike Smith on Saturday, as he led them to a 3-2 shootout victory.  (Writer’s note: When did Cowboys coach Wade Phillips start playing for the Senators?)  Barry Melrose promised to cut the ice-time of his top stars coming into the season and he has done just that.  Meanwhile, Barry Melrose’ job is not in danger already.
• The Islanders blew a 4-1 third period lead against the Habs and ended up losing 5-4.  In injury news, Rick DiPietro will be out 4-6 weeks after undergoing knee surgery.
• The Penguins broke out in St. Louis on Saturday and scored six goals to defeat the Blues.  In other news, Rob Scuderi and Hal Gill have been named alternate captains for the month of November.  Sidney Crosby may have an injured hip but he wasn’t taking Saturday night off.
• Marty Turco basically went off after Saturday’s loss at Boston about how his team has to start communicating with each other.
• Ethan Moreau proved why he’s captain of the Oilers yesterday afternoon in Carolina.  Erik Cole was certainly beloved in Carolina, writes Robert Tychkowski.
• Martin Erat was the star last night versus the Panthers at home, writes Jessica Bliss.
• Rookie Jamie McGinn plans on staying up with the Sharks for the rest of the season, writes David Pollak.
• Sure the Red Wings have a good record, but they could be playing a lot better, writes Helene St. James.  The team especially needs to improve its defensive play, says Dave Dye.
• Last night’s loss to the Flames will serve as a learning experience for the young Kings, says coach Terry Murray.
• The Panthers lost in a shootout on Saturday, but coach Peter DeBoer was pleased with his team’s play.  Netminder Tomas Vokoun didn’t play last night in his former NHL arena.
• The Avalanche will try and start a new winning streak against arguably the best team in the NHL tonight from San Jose.

For Illegal Curve, I’m Richard Pollock.