Here are the national morning papers:
- Eric Duhatschek and his answerman routine return to examine the NHL post-deadline.
- Brian Milner has an interesting article on the effect that trade deadline day has on the marketing strategy of NHL teams.
- According to William Houston, TSN was the big winner in the trade deadline day television war.
- Bruce Arthur of the National Post thinks a Senators return to the finals is a long-shot.
- If anyone can get the Senators back on track, it is Bryan Murray, writes Kevin Allen of USA Today.
Here are the Eastern Conference morning papers:
- Bill Tiller of the Atlanta Journal Constitution is wondering why the Thrashers didn’t address their defensive problems in the Marian Hossa deal.
- Claude Julien wants the Bruins to focus on the entire Penguins team tonight, not just the Marian Hossa and Evgeni Malkin combination. Even with his name floating around in rumors, Bruins winger Phil Kessel didn’t sweat the deadline.
- Steve Bernier stole the show last night in his Buffalo debut, leading the Sabres to an 8-4 victory over the Predators. J.P. Dumont made his first appearance in Buffalo last night since being let go by the club in 2006.
- Tuomo Ruutu immediately made an impact with his new club, and has the injury to show for his efforts, writes Luke Decock of the News Observer. Another pick-up by the Canes that has worked out well has been the under the radar pick-up of Sergei Samsonov.
- The Rangers have insulted Henrik Lundqvist with some familiar faces, writes Brett Cyrgalis. “The way we’ve played lately, I’m not surprised the organization didn’t make any (big) moves,” said Jaromir Jagr about the Rangers’ relatively quiet trade deadline day.
- Vinny Prospal will line-up alongside Daniel Briere for his debut tonight with the Flyers.
- Marian Hossa has been placed on a line with Jordan Staal and Ryan Malone for tonight’s game versus the Bruins. “It’s not strictly money, but to tell you the truth, right now, I’m not even thinking about it,” said Hossa regarding his current contract situation.
- The Capitals introduced Cristobal Huet and Sergei Fedorov to the Washington media yesterday.
- The Panthers blew yet another late-game lead last night and fell 4-3 to the Maple Leafs in a shootout, writes Steve Gorten. Off the ice, newest Panthers forward Chad Kilger has asked the team for a leave of absence.
- Jaroslav Halak has been called up by the Habs to replace Cristobal Huet on the roster, however, he has his sights on more than playing backup minutes. In Washington, Olaf Kolzig is wondering why the Capitals now have three netminders.
- If he was going to be traded, Bryce Salvador was at least happy that he was traded to the Devils, writes Colin Stephenson.
- Bill Guerin throws out the biggest cliche in the book by telling reporters that the Islanders power play needs to more simple.
- Don Brennan gives readers the back-story behind the John Paddock firing. In reality, the Senators just stopped playing for a good man.
- The Lightning may have lost to the Wild last night, but the organization is definitely excited about their newest goaltender, writes Erik Erlendsson.
- Dave Feschuk of the Toronto Star doesn’t understand why Cliff Fletcher didn’t play more hardball with the Leafs players that refused to waive their no-trade clauses. Say what you want about Mats Sundin but he has certainly not quit on the Leafs’ season, writes Mike Zeisberger.
Here are the Western Conference morning papers:
- The Ducks believe you need defensive depth to make a long playoff run and that is the main reason for the acquisition of Marc-Andre Bergeron from the Islanders.
- Flames forward Kristian Huselius continues to work through his goal-scoring drought, writes Jean Lefebvre. Off the ice, Bruce Dowbiggen thinks Darryl Sutter should have paid the price for Olli Jokinen.
- The Blackhawks recorded a big victory at home last night over Phoenix, but it did not come without a price as winger Martin Havlat appeared to have re-injured his shoulder.
- Thanks especially to Joe Sakic, The Avalanche completed their road trip with a triumphant victory over the Canucks last night.
- The Jackets admitted it was difficult to play a game after losing seeing a couple of important teammates traded away.
- It looks like Brad Richards will begin his Dallas career on a line with Ante Miettinen and Niklas Hagman.
- The Wings are looking forward to icing a healthy defense that includes newcomer Brad Stuart, writes Helene St. James
- Joanne Ireland tells readers that Mathieu Garon is just a flat-out good goaltender. On the injury front, it looks like Joni Pitkanen will play through his ankle injury tonight.
- Now that the deadline has passed, the Kings veterans can relax, writes Dan Arritt
- Wild fans can relax, for today at least, as their team ended their four-game losing streak last night over the Lightning. Jim Souhan calls out Doug Risebrough’s acquisition of Chris Simon.
- Chris Mason says the Predators got what they deserved last night in their 8-4 loss at Buffalo.
- Brian Campbell already proved his worth last night with a terrific performance in the Sharks’ 4-2 victory at Columbus. Meanwhile, newest Shark Brian Boucher is content to back-up Evgeni Nabokov.
- Jeremy Rutherford profiles David Perron in this morning’s St. Louis Dispatch.
- Joe Sakic may be a B.C. boy, but he wasn’t Vancouver’s favorite son last night as he stole a victory right out from under the Canucks.
For Illegal Curve, I’m Richard Pollock.
Email any thoughts, ideas or suggestions to illegalcurve@gmail.com
