NHL Morning Papers (Wednesday Edition): Lots of blame to go around in Toronto, Patrick Marleau hasn’t let loss of “C” affect him and will Theoren Fleury push to have charges pressed against Graham James?

Posted by Richard Pollock in NHL Morning Papers on October 14, 2009 — 1 Comment

After crashing into the boards on Sunday, luckily Todd Marchant will be okay to play in the Ducks’ next game.
In Atlanta, here is an interview with netminder Ondrej Pavelec.
Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe says the Bruins’ heads need fixing in Boston.
“I really think the road will help us,” said Bruins winger Mark Recchi, as his team gets ready to head out of town.
The Sabres generated 37 shots against the Red Wings and steamrolled the defending Western Conference champions in the process, writes John Vogl.
While the Sabres were victorious, Thomas Vanek was suffered an upper-body injury which will keep him out for weeks, not days.
The Flames cannot hold a lead, writes Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun.
“At least our mindset was right coming into the game,” said Brent Sutter after his team’s 2-1 loss in Columbus.
George Johnson of the Calgary Herald discusses whether Theoren Fleury will push to have charges pressed against Graham James?

What's next for Theoren Fleury? (Picture courtesy of cbc.ca)

Sure the Hurricanes want revenge for last season’s playoff loss to Pittsburgh, but they also realize it is just one game.
Both Erik Cole and Joni Pitkanen will not be in the lineup when the Hurricanes face the Penguins.
Tonight marks Nikolai Khabibulin’s return to Chicago, writes Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune.
The Avalanche may have their doubters, but the team outplayed the Leafs in every aspect of the game last night, writes Adrian Dater.
In the Avalanche’s game, John-Michael Liles hurt his shoulder, and Dater thinks it could be serious.
The Blue Jackets actually scored four times last night, but only two goals counted and the team still beat Calgary, explains Aaron Portzline.
The addition for Anton Stralman has really helped the Blue Jackets’ power play.
The Stars want rookie Jamie Benn to stop deferring to his linemates and, instead, shoot the puck more.
The Wings did not look good in yesterday’s loss to the Sabres, writes George Sipple.
The Red Wings have been outskated and outhustled in four of their five games, opines Chris McCoskey.
Oilers forward Marc Pouliot will be out of the lineup for eight to ten weeks after undergoing hernia surgery.
In more injury news, Steve Staios is battling a concussion.
The top two lines in Florida have been a complete disappointment so far, writes George Richards of the Miami Herald.
Scott Clemmensen may make his Florida Panthers debut on Friday night.
In the L.A. Times, Kings color guy Jim Fox provides his take on the Kings’ season thus far.
In Minnesota, Todd Richards has decided to change his defense pairings moving forward, reports Michael Russo.
Mike Cammalleri tells the Montreal media not to read into every line change made by coach Jacques Martin.
Meanwhile, here is the latest from the Georges Laraque commercial controversy.

Georges Laraque apologized for partaking in a commercial for an alcholic beverage. (Picture courtesy of cyberpresse)

Predators coach Barry Trotz explains what goes into his starting goaltender decisions.
In injury news, J.P. Dumont will not play tonight versus Dallas.
Jacques Lemaire has some interesting comments about playing for Scotty Bowman.
On the other hand, Scotty Bowman had some nice things to say about Lemaire the player.
Meantime, Patrik Elias is closing in on a return to the lineup.
The Rangers have been rolling, but they’d love to get Chris Higgins going too.
John Tortorella’s system maximizes Wade Redden’s skills, explains Larry Brooks.

Wade Redden's play has been much improved over last season. (Picture courtesy of globesports.com)

Eric Karlsson may be heading to the AHL when Filip Kuba returns to the lineup.
The Senators have to improve on the power play.
John Stevens is hoping that some sailboating will bring his group of players closer together.
Dave “The Hammer” Schultz is heading into the Flyers’ Hall-of-Fame.
Similar to the end of last season, Chris Kunitz is in a scoring slump.
With Marc-Andre Fleury and Cam Ward facing off, could you say these are the two best Canadian goalies playing today?
Patrick Marleau lost the “C” before the season began, but his play has only been terrific so far.
Andy Murray seems a little bit worried about all the expectations surrounding his team this season.
Youngster James Wright continues to quietly fit in with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Lightning is sitting atop the division and one reason for that success has been the maturation of Steven Stamkos.
“We’ve got to relax and do a complete reset,” said Leafs coach Ron Wilson after the team’s sixth loss in a row.
The entire team is currently underperforming, writes Lance Hornby.
Jeff Blair wonders who deserves the blame in Leafland?
With two significant injuries, do the Canucks suddenly have a depth issue?
In Washington, the Capitals need to start playing better in the third period.

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