Morning Papers

Eastern Conference

• Is Atlanta in danger of losing an NHL team for the second time?
• With Carolina’s ugly loss to the Blue Jackets last night they are now five points out of the final playoff spot.
• The Florida Panthers’ key to success?  Be the hunter not the hunted.
• Although the Lightning were thoroughly dominated last night, at least they were a part of history.
• Congratulations to The Caps’ Mike Green, who set an NHL record for defensemen by scoring in his eighth straight game.
• The Sens recovered from what was possibly the worst period under new head coach Cory Clouston to stun the Wild in Minnesota.
• Jason Blake continued his strong play last night as the Maple Leafs thumped the Penguins 6-2.
• After their ugly win on Friday in Colorado, the Habs take a 9 game winless streak against the Canucks into Sunday’s tilt at GM Place.
• One would think the first place team in the Eastern Conference would be upset losing to a team out of the playoffs, but the Bruins are thankful for their point last against the Preds last night.
• Craig Rivet is fitting in nicely as the Sabres’ captain.
• The Islanders suffered through a series of bad bounces as they lost their fifth game in a row.
• Pittsburgh unraveled during the final forty minutes of last night’s game against the Leafs.
• The Rangers are tired of losing tight games.  Their goal: more scoring.
• Flyers goalie Martin Biron took a step forward yesterday in Philadelphia’s win over the Islanders.
• Martin Brodeur is about 7-10 days away from returning to the Devils.

Western Conference

• According to coach Mike Babcock, Ville Leino and Darren Helm have proven they belong on the Red Wings’ roster.
• Another game, another strong performance from Steve Mason, another win for the Blue Jackets.
• After 23 days away from the United Center, the Hawks returned home in style, with a 6-2 win over the Stars.
• Near a playoff spot, the Blues are not sure whether they will be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline.
• David Legwand provided the offense for Nashville as they downed the Bruins 3-2 in a shootout last night.
• The Flames tied their season high with seven goals last night en route to a 7-5 win over the Coyotes.
• Looking ahead to the Canucks’ game against the Canadiens, Roberto Luongo is 2-1-0 in his last three starts against the Habs with a GAA of 0.67.
• Finally some good news for the Avalanche: Adam Foote will play today and Paul Stastny may be back next week.
• Oilers forward Sam Gagner dusted off his right hook and then tried a shootout move he hadn’t used since the pre-season.
• After two Ottawa shorthanded goals and a blown 3-0 lead, is it any wonder Jacques Lemaire had a meltdown at the post-game press conference?
• It will be a battle of first place teams in Newark today, as the Sharks battle the Devils.
• Despite gaining a point yesterday, the Kings should have won.
• Anaheim rookie Andre Ebbett doesn’t understand why Dion Phaneuf was not suspended for his elbow two nights ago.
• Dallas was embarrassed by a speedy Blackhawks team, losing 6-2 in what should have been a close game.
• Peter Mueller is back, but the Coyotes keep finding ways to lose, dropping last night’s contest 7-5 to the Flames.