Monday Morning NHL Papers (Western Conference): Miikka Kiprusoff’s return to old form, Scott Howson isn’t looking to make a trade and George Parros is still the mustache man

Central Division

• “We’ve proven we can win on the road again this year,” said Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews after a very successful road trip.  Even with a successful road trip, the Hawks cannot rest considering the team is only four points ahead of Nashville in the standings.  The Hawks need to start to realize that teams will start measuring themselves against them.
• The Blue Jackets may be slumping but GM Scott Howson isn’t looking to make a trade.  When asked if he would consider pulling Steve Mason prior to the shootout beginning, Ken Hitchcock answered, “no chance.”  Here are the Blue Jackets’ expected lines for tonight’s battle with the Blues.
• Drew Miller has started to get more comfortable during his time in Detroit.  With so many injuries, many Red Wings youngsters are getting some great experience.
• Did you know Jason Arnott has recorded at least 20 goals for ten seasons in a row?
• In St. Louis, John Davidson had no issue with David Checketts stating his opinion on the struggling Blues and his expectations for the team.

Northwest Division

• Miikka Kiprusoff has been that good for the Flames this season, but don’t try asking him why.
• Mike Chambers of the Denver Post has a feature on David Carle, the brother of Matt Carle whose career ended early because of a heart condition.  Sticking in Colorado, or maybe not, the Avalanche are about to embark on a five-game road trip.
• The Oilers have been awful this season but at least Gilbert Brule is showing some real potential.  Devan Dubnyk comments on his first shot at NHL action on Saturday.
• The Wild isn’t the most talented bunch in the NHL, but coach Todd Richards has been very happy with the team’s compete-level.
• The Canucks beat the lowly Oilers on Saturday and then lost to the high-flying Sharks on Sunday, once again placing them somewhere in the middle of the pack–just where they have been all season.

Pacific Division

• The Ducks were certainly unhappy with last night’s result against Phoenix, as the team didn’t come out ready to play.  Tanya Lyon of the OC Register has a video feature on the mustache man, George Parros.  Meanwhile, Ryan Getzlaf was disappointed with the Grey Cup result.
• The Stars don’t have good face-off numbers overall, but apparently they do win face-offs when they are in the offensive zone.
• The Coyotes won last night with Peter Mueller and Ed Jovanovski both of whom had undisclosed injuries.
• The Sharks were victorious last night on the backs of their depth forwards, explains David Pollak.  If Sharks fans are wondering how Christian Ehrhoff is doing, he is doing quite well in Vancouver.

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