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NHL Morning Papers

Friday Morning NHL Papers (Western Conference): Ken Hitchcock losing patience in Columbus, Latendresse succeeding with less pressure, and Nabokov calls out teammate

This morning in the Western Conference, reaction to Hawks’ signings, how the Blues distribute ice-time, the Oilers finally get a win, Roberto Luongo impresses and much more after the jump.

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Central Division

Northwest Division

  • With the three Hawks signing long-term yesterday, Darryl Sutter can relate to the pressures that come along with such decisions.  Miikka Kiprusoff did his part last night but his teammates only posted one goal, as the Flames lost to Phoenix.  (Writer’s note: I will have a Morning Papers Take on last night’s crowd later on this morning.)
  • The Avalanche ran into the Crosby train last night and without Craig Anderson, it was too difficult a task.  Speaking of Anderson, he is listed as day-to-day with a neck injury.
  • Daryl Katz has hired AEG to advise the Oilers ownership group on their proposed downtown project, writes Dave Staples.  Patrick O’Sullivan scored two goals last night, as the Oilers felt great about themselves after going into Detroit and gaining two points in the standings.  Weird for Oilers fans to see, but the team actually caught some breaks.
  • Away from the pressure of playing for his home province’s team, Guillaume Latendresse looks confident in Minnesota, writes Rachel Blount.
  • The showdown with Brodeur may have been the night before, but Roberto Luongo shut the door on Philadelphia in front of Steve Yzerman on Thursday.  It appears Alain Vigneault’s wishes for good play on the road is coming true.

Pacific Division

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