Here are the morning papers for Wednesday the 8th of October:
· The CBC has lots to debut when the network begins broadcasting another season of NHL games on October 11.
· Todd Bertuzzi still doesn’t understand some of the poor treatment Markus Naslund received during his final few years in Vancouver.
· Bertuzzi is getting a second chance In Calgary, writes Vicki Hall of the Calgary Herald. Dion Phaneuf just doesn’t know how to slow down, writes Randy Sportak. Here are some predictions from the Calgary Sun staff.
· The Blackhawks demoted Cam Barker on Tuesday after the youngster had a strong start to training camp.
· Terry Frei profiles Adam Foote in this morning’s Denver Post. Meanwhile, Brian Willsie was one of the final cuts for the Avalanche but that doesn’t mean he won’t get a chance to contribute sometime down the line.
· The Oilers are going retro this season with their “new” third jerseys, writes Jim Matheson. It wasn’t for their poor play; rather it was really just a numbers game for coach Craig MacTavish as he demoted Gilbert Brule, Theo Peckham and Taylor Chorney on Tuesday. Terry Jones of the Edmonton Sun thinks the Oilers are talented enough this season to genuinely be excited about their chances. New Oiler Erik Cole likes the pressure of playing in a hockey market.
· There is no goalie controversy just yet in Ottawa, writes Ken Warren. Newcomer Jarkko Ruutu is better than Bryan Murray initially thought. The team’s defense isn’t as offensive as it once was, but Bryan Murray believes the group is very solid defensively.
· The Habs just want to make sure they head into the season healthy and ready to go, writes Dave Stubbs.
· Don’t expect the captaincy to significantly change the way Scott Niedermayer carries himself on and off the ice, writes Dan Arritt of the L.A. Times. If you didn’t remember, Chris Pronger had assumed the captaincy last season when Niedermayer was wavering on a comeback decision.
· Peter Schaeffer told Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli that he pretty much expected to be waived. Schaeffer was expendable for the Bruins because Blake Wheeler was that impressive in training camp.
· The Wild has more than one leader and will continue the organizational trend of a rotating captaincy. Shoddy economy or not, the Wild continues to sell tickets.
· The Sabres will name a captain today but there is no word as to whether it will be for the entire season or part of a monthly rotation.
· The Scott Walker injury is more significant for the Hurricanes than some outsiders may think, writes Javier Serna.
· It looks like Alex Picard and Marc Methot have made the Blue Jackets starting roster. Meantime, Michael Peca feels healthier this season and that has resulted in him playing a more confident game. Michael Arace with a hilarious article on Ken Hitchcock lingo for the upcoming season.
· Tom Hicks has big expectations for the Stars this season, writes Mike Heika.
· The Wings placed Aaron Downey on waivers yesterday and there are rumors they be trade Kyle Quincey.
· The Panthers have an enhanced chemistry in the dressing room over last season, writes Steve Gorten. In roster news, the Panthers have waived Cory Murphy.
· The Kings finally signed Patrick O’Sullivan on Tuesday and Rich Hammond of the L.A. Daily News has the details.
· Few people think the Predators will earn one of the top eight spots in the Western Conference this season, writes John Glennon.
· Rick DiPietro didn’t have an ideal exhibition season but he will be ready when the games matter.
· Mark Lelinwalla allows the former GAG line to compare themselves to the Rangers’ top line of Naslund-Gomez-Drury. Meanwhile, the Rangers need to make a move with one of their forwards up front, writes Larry Brooks.
· The Flyers lost to the Philadelphia Phantoms in the final game ever at the Spectrum. Flyers defenseman Ryan Parent requires shoulder surgery and will be out of the line-up for 12-14 weeks.
· The Coyotes finalized their roster last night, writes Jim Gintonio.
· The Penguins are making sure they improve their power play for their North American home opener. Teams that travel overseas to start the season generally don’t play well in the first ten games back home.
· Sharks GM Doug Wilson and coach Todd McLellan both think Kyle McLaren can still play in the NHL, he just got lost in a numbers game in San Jose.
· The Blues love David Backes’ game and want to ensure he focuses on what he does well because the rest will come with it. Mike Weaver has made the Blues as the team’s seventh defenseman.
· Vesa Toskala is expecting a better season than 2007/08, partially because he doesn’t think the team can make any more mistakes than it did last season. The Leafs coaches and GM are finally getting it right, writes Dave Perkins.
· Was the Lightning’s European adventure as good for team building as it was made out to be or was it too long?
· Michael Nylander seems rejuvenated this pre-season. The Captials’ successful 2007/08 season has led the team to a big hike in season ticket sales.
For Illegal Curve, I’m Richard Pollock.
