NHL Morning Papers (Holiday Monday Edition): Bryan Murray considers becoming a buyer, Gretzky praises Hemsky and Michel Therrien is looking for work

Here are the morning papers for Monday the 16th of February:

• The Ducks were thoroughly embarassed by the Thrashers on Sunday evening, writes Dan Wood.
• Ilya Kovalchuk proved why he’s Atlanta’s most valuable player by a longshot last night in Anaheim, writes Mike Knobler.
• Patrice Bergeron seems to finally be returning to old form for the Bruins, explains Fluto Shinzawa.  Steve Conroy reiterates that sentiment.
• “They outworked us in every aspect of the game,” said Sabres captain Craig Rivet after last night’s 3-0 loss to Carolina.  Writer’s note: Give this team a break.  It has been a highly emotional week for the community of Buffalo and the players are only human.
• The Flames should thank Miikka Kiprusoff for earning five of six points on the team’s recent road trip, opines Steve Macfarlane.  Can Kiprusoff break the single season NHL win record?
• Speaking of workhorses, Cam Ward plays the role of Kiprusoff for the Hurricanes and he did the job quite well on Sunday.
• The Hawks believe their recent road trip has brought the team together.
• The Avalanche extended its record to 3-0 over the Red Wings this season with a 6-5 shootout victory at Joe Louis Arena.  The scouts are on the lookout for much of the Avalanche’s talent.  Did you know Cody McLeod already has 12 goals this season?  In injury news, Adam Foote returned to the lineup on Sunday.
• In what I am sure is annoying news once again for Fredrik Modin, the big Swede is injured for the Blue Jackets.  Manny Malhotra finally got back on the scoresheet in the team’s game against Carolina over the weekend.  Here are the Blue Jackets’ projected lines for tonight’s tilt versus Dallas.
• Mark Fistric said he learned a lot from playing in the AHL for Manitoba and he hopes to use that positive experience moving forward.
• The Wings scored five times but Chris Osgood wasn’t at his best, as the Avs came into Detroit and defeated the Wings 6-5 in a shootout.  Don’t think that Osgood will lose his confidence.  Darren Helm is making a strong impression on the Wings coaching staff since being recalled from Grand Rapids.
• Without exact word on Dennis Grebeshkov’s injury status, the Oilers are going to fill that whole from within for now.  Meanwhile, Dwayne Roloson better not expect to get some rest anytime soon.
• The Panthers had chances against the Capitals but some guy named Ovechkin took the game over, writes George Richards.  In other Panthers news, Nathan Horton is becoming more comfortable playing center.
• The Wild has four days to think about its blown 3-0 lead at home over the weekend to Ottawa.  The Wild lost a W in the standings and a day off in real life, as the team was punished for its poor performance.
• Carey Price realized how much of an effect he can have on some kids’ lives last night in Vancouver, writes Dave Stubbs.  Price didn’t start last night, Jaroslav Halak did and the Habs lost again, as Vancouver defeated them 4-2 at GM Place.
• With the Predators working hard to make the playoffs, Shea Weber and Ryan Suter are seeing increased ice time.
• The Devils defeated the visiting Sharks on Sunday in a high-scoring 6-5 victory at the Prudential Center.  The Devils have one goal this season, and that is winning the Stanley Cup.
• After the team’s poor performance against Philadelphia, Islanders coach Scott Gordon put his team through a difficult practice.
• The Rangers were dominated at MSG by the rival Flyers on Sunday afternoon on national television.  Larry Brooks was not impressed with New York’s performance.  Mark Herrmann doesn’t think Tom Renney should be fired.
• If his team keeps playing well, Ottawa GM Bryan Murray has no problem turning into a buyer.  Here is a preview of the Senators versus the Predators tonight.
• Claude Giroux is making a name for himself in Philadelphia.  The Flyers took it to New York on Sunday, and Giroux was a big part of that.  In the process, Mike Richards set an NHL record.
• Wayne Gretzky heaps praise on Ales Hemsky.
• Michel Therrien has been replaced in Pittsburgh by Dan Bylsma.  This move wasn’t expected by Therrien’s players.
• The Sharks ended a poor road trip in New Jersey yesterday with a loss.  Claude Lemieux took the time yesterday to recount his time(s) with the Devils.
• Want to go to a Tampa Bay Lightning game? The team just gives away tickets.  The Lighning have decided to start a father/mentor road trip.
• Here are the results from the Leafs’ skills contest.  Who needs David Letterman? Tomas Kaberle is assembling his own top 10 list.
• The Canucks have their groove back again, writes Brad Zeimer.  The Canucks didn’t take one penalty last night.
• The Capitals rode Alexander Ovechkin to a 4-2 intra-division victory on Sunday, writes Corey Masisak.