Monday Morning NHL Papers (Western Conference): Q & A with Scott Howson, Blues lit into by Larry Pleau over weekend and Todd Bertuzzi has been good find for Wings

Central Division

• The Blackhawks kept the Red Wings to a measly 20 shots on net, as the Hawks recorded their third shutout in four games with a 3-0 defeat of their Central Division rivals.  The Hawks also won 64% of the face-offs last night.  Cam Barker was a late scratch for last night’s contest.
• With the Jackets struggling, here is an interesting Q & A with GM Scott Howson.  The Blue Jackets no longer have a number one netminder.  Here are the Jackets’ probable lines tonight.
• Todd Bertuzzi had his flaws in Calgary last season, but lately he has been a savior in Detroit.  The Wings were shutout by Chicago last night and the fact is, the team is having trouble scoring.  At least Marian Hossa didn’t do any damage against the Wings.
• John Glennon of the Tennessean writes about the surprise offensive play of off-season acquisition Marcel Goc.  The Predators are no longer playing on the perimeter, explains Barry Trotz.
• The Blues got off to a good start to their three-game road trip last night in Vancouver, recaps Josh Cooper.  Larry Pleau lit into the Blues after Friday night’s game.

Northwest Division

• Is Brent Sutter regretting his positive statements about his club about two weeks ago?  The Western Conference is so stacked that the playoffs basically start today.
• Some will hit the sun during the Olympic break but Avalance center Matt Hendricks will hit the ice–for ice fishing.
• The Blues are in town tonight, so the Oilers have to finally beat a team on the second leg of a back-to-back situation.  Pat Quinn is trying to figure out how he can make his team more consistent.
• Here is the injury situation for the Wild tonight versus Colorado.
• Ben Kuzma wonders why the Canucks were turning the puck over and playing defense so casually last night.  Some consider last night’s loss a significant set back after Friday’s win over Washington.  Glen Hanlon is back in town for the Canucks and is back working for the team.

Pacific Division

• Kyle Chipchura is finding a home in Anaheim, as the big center knows his role and has fit in well in Orange County.
• If the Stars are to make any noise this season, the team’s top line is going to be a big reason why.
• The Coyotes will be looking to make a push up the standings with six of their next seven games at home.
• Douglas Murray is a big boy and not only that, but he’s a big boy that likes to hit, writes David Pollak.

If you are looking for a holiday gift and want to support IllegalCurve, take a look at our touques that can be purchased for only $9.99 plus shipping.  Also, if you want to add IllegalCurve on Twitter, click here.