Monday Morning NHL Papers (Eastern Conference): Peter Laviolette is not calling for a trade, Andrei Markov expected to return this week and the Battle of Ontario matters again

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Atlantic Division

• Martin Brodeur is on the cusp of tying Patrick Roy’s games played record for goaltenders.  In really good news, the Devils hope to have Paul Martin back in the lineup by Christmas.
• Islanders coach Scott Gordon wants former first round pick Josh Bailey to start shooting the puck more often.
• Brandon Dubinsky will decide if he can return to the Rangers lineup after today’s morning skate.
• Peter Laviolette doesn’t want to see a trade, he just wants to see his players start to dig in.  “We have to stop looking at other people and hold yourself accountable and prepare for hockey games,” said Flyers captain Mike Richards.  At least the team is getting excited about the Winter Classic.
• Some of the Penguins are admittedly surprised by the Flyers’ struggles.  The Penguins are taking notice of the Steeelers’ struggles–as they know success is not guaranteed.

Northeast Division

• One of the reasons for the Bruins’ resurgence has been the team’s improved penalty kill, which coincided with the acquisition of Daniel Paille.  Milan Lucic could be back on the ice this week.
• After struggling in one-goal games for the past two seasons and just missing out on the playoffs both seasons, the Sabres are finally winning those games, writes John Vogl.
• Andrei Markov probably won’t return tonight but may return Wednesday or Thursday of this week.  Martin Brodeur plays against the Habs this week, and the childhood fan of the club would probably like nothing better than to set the shutout record against Montreal.
• Don Brennan is happy to report that both the Senators and Leafs are playing pretty well, so that means the Battle of Ontario is relevant again.  Compare this start to last season’s start and the Senators are having a very good season.
• Ron Wilson admits that he probably should have made Luke Schenn a healthy scratch earlier than he did.  “Hopefully, it makes me stronger,” said Schenn.  The Leafs are making headway, as the team is taking on Ron Wilson’s personality of paying attention to detail and working hard.

Southeast Division

• Colby Armstrong has continued to work hard in Atlanta and now the bounces are going his way.
• The Hurricanes have placed Michael Leighton on re-entry waivers.
• If both Shawn Matthias and Michal Repik can make a statement, they will stay up with the big club in Florida.
• Same story as usual out of Tampa, as the Lightning couldn’t score last night against Chicago.  At least Victor Hedman is beginning to become more comfortable joining the rush.
• By loaning Michael Nylander to the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL, the Capitals have created some cap room.  Nylander just didn’t click with coach Bruce Boudreau.

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