Here are the national morning papers:
- All teams that are looking to trade some of their star players got a big boost yesterday with the announcement by Peter Forsberg that he won’t return to the NHL this season, writes Dave Shoalts.
- Mark Spector of the National Post points out that no-trade clauses are hindering GMs abilities to complete trades. Spector also has some information about players that are available and teams that are looking to trade in Naples.
- Kevin Allen of USA Today says that Mats Sundin is the biggest fish available now that Forsberg isn’t coming back.
Here are the Eastern Conference morning papers:
- Apparently the price for Mats Sundin is extraordinarily high, writes Bruce Garrioch. Damien Cox has the GMs’ perspective on what might happen in the next week prior to the trade deadline. Meanwhile, Paul Hunter of the Toronto Star has a feature on Leafs netminder Vesa Toskala.
- Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune opines that goaltending is the new glamour position in the NHL.
- Senators fans are taking their anger out on head coach John Paddock for the team’s free-fall in the standings, writes Don Brennan. Ray Emery will start in net for the Sens tonight, marking the first time John Paddock has strayed away from his win and you’re in policy.
- The Islanders pulled off a great comeback yesterday as they defeated the Sharks 3-2 on Long Island. Coach Ted Nolan missed the first period of Monday afternoon’s game to comfort his son on the shocking death of his OHL teammate Mickey Renaud. (Writer’s note: Good for Nolan for having his priorities straight.)
- After Monday’s 5-1 victory over the Hurricanes, the Devils joined Ottawa and Montreal atop the Eastern Conference standings. Last night marked the first time the Brookbank brothers were able to play against each other in the NHL.
- The Habs are one of only two teams to have not lost at least four straight games this season, writes Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette. Even with the recent play of Carey Price, Hickey doesn’t think the Habs should consider dealing Cristobal Huet.
- The Panthers will be without center Stephen Weiss for the next two weeks, writes Steve Gorten.
- Craig Custance of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution thinks the Thrashers should pursue Tomas Kaberle.
- The Hurricanes were dominated yesterday by the Devils, writes Luke Decock. The Canes have recalled Joe Jensen from the AHL to replace the injured Rod Brind’Amour.
- The Rangers may have a lot of firepower on their roster, but Tom Renney is not straying away his defensive roots. Brandon Dubinsky has Jaromir Jagr’s back, writes John Dellapina.
- After reading Sam Donnellon’s column in the Philadelphia Daily News, you’ll realize that the pressure is on Flyers coach John Stevens. On the trading front, Flyers GM Paul Holmgren is willing to make a deal that makes sense for his team.
- The Capitals were impressed with the play of rookie Sami Lepisto in his NHL debut the other night, writes Tarik El-Bashir.
- The Penguins have been getting offensive contributions from unlikely sources, writes Dave Molinari. However, for all the other contributions the team has been getting, the Pens would be nowhere without Evgeni Malkin.
- Lindy Ruff was happy with the Thomas Vanek’s comment that he guarantees the Sabres will make the playoffs.
- Coach Claude Julien understands that there is a balancing act between making the playoffs and developing his young players, write Steve Conroy. On the injury front, Bruins defenseman Andrew Alberts is starting to make progress in his concussion rehabilitation.
Here are the Western Conference morning papers:
- Ducks forward Ryan Carter has been a revelation for the team, and he can thank Ducks assistant GM David McNab for the opportunity, writes Mark Whicker.
- The Blue Jackets are really excited to embark on their three-game Eastern Canada road trip, writes Aaron Portzline. Here are the Jackets’ probable lines for tonight’s contest.
- The Red Wings ended their losing streak last night, but lost Nicklas Lidstrom in the process, writes Helene St. James. Apparently Wings defenseman Kyle Quincy has quite eventful sleeps.
- Phoenix continued to give the Kings trouble last night as they defeated L.A. 4-0.
- With Peter Forsberg sitting out, the Wild can shift their focus to acquiring other centermen, writes Michael Russo.
- Taking a page from the New York Rangers, the Predators have begun to salute their fans after games. Here are some notes about the Predators/Oilers going into tonight’s contest.
- The Sharks blew yet another third period lead yesterday on Long Island, writes David Pollak. The Sharks have placed Patrick Marleau on injured reserve.
- Blues GM John Davidson thinks all this talk about restricting “rental” players from returning to their old team is ridiculous.
- The Flames had the game of hockey put into perspective yesterday with the passing of their recent draft pick Mickey Renaud.
- It’s true, Jonathan Toews is that good, writes Chris Kuc.
- The Wings/Avs rivalry got some spice added to it yesterday as Tony Granato and Mike Babcock got into a verbal war on the bench.
- The Oilers need better production out of Ales Hemsky and Dustin Penner according to coach Craig MacTavish. In injury news, the Oilers should get Joni Pitkanen back in their line-up tonight.
- Last night’s 4-0 victory at L.A. marked Wayne Gretzky’s 100th coaching victory of his career.
- Roberto Luongo has been asked to take the flaps off his pads and he is not happy about it.
For Illegal Curve, I’m Richard Pollock
Email any thoughts, ideas or suggestions to illegalcurve@gmail.com
