Friday Morning NHL Papers (Eastern Conference): John Tortorella returns to Tampa Bay, Leafs getting calls on Niklas Hagman and the story of Rod Langway’s relationship with his daughter

Atlantic Division

• An unamed scout called Andy Greene the most improved defenseman in the NHL.  Rob Niedermayer had a full practice on Thursday but won’t play this afternoon against Boston.
• The Islanders have to stop giving the puck away, writes Katie Strang.
• Former Lightning coach John Tortorella returns to Tampa Bay today for the first time since becoming coach of the Rangers.  Tortorella loved his time in Tampa but didn’t want to answer too many questions about it yesterday.  In injury news, the Rangers will be without Wade Redden for 5-7 days with a right arm/shoulder issue.
• Danny Syvret understands the nature of the business, as he was placed on waivers yesterday.  Ray Emery will start today for the Flyers. James Van Riemsdyk has some good buddies that support him.
• Locker room favorite Brent Johnson starts today for the Penguins.  Jay McKee is recovering well from injury but won’t play today.  Also, both Tyler Kennedy and Kris Letang won’t play today.

Northeast Division

• Dennis Wideman didn’t care that he was going on no sleep, he wanted to follow through on a great Bruins tradition.  The Bruins seemed to have finally turned the corner, explains Stephen Harris.
• The fans may be panicking, but Sabres GM Darcy Regier is still confident in his squad, even through this mini-slump.  Lindy Ruff claims he wasn’t shocked by Danny Briere’s hit on Scott Hannan.
• Great news out of Montreal, as Andrei Markov is back on skates and hopes to return in January.
• With last night’s win, the Senators lead the Northeast Division.  Jason Spezza was in fine form last night and was even wearing the “A.”  Once again, Brian Elliot was solid.
• Jeff Blair of the Globe & Mail discusses Brian Burke’s one year anniversary in Toronto.  In trade rumors, the Leafs are getting some serious offers for Niklas Hagman. The Leafs are getting better on the penalty kill, even if it is ever so slowly.

Southeast Division

• John Tortorella hasn’t changed much, if at all, writes Damian Cristodero.   He may seem like a hard ass, but Tortorella actually has a heart of gold.  Another former Lightning member returns today and that’s Vinny Propsal.
• Alexander Ovechkin will not be suspended for his hit against Buffalo.  Here is the story of the day from Mark Giannatto of the Washington Post about Rod Langway and his estranged daughter.