Illegal Curve Hockey

NHL Morning Papers (Eastern Conference) Friday Edition: Unlucky Sergei Kostitsyn, A Complete Game From the Rangers, and a Goaltendeing Controversy in Washington

Tarik El-Bashir updates readers on the injury status of Sergei Fedorov and Brendan Morrison, and Bruce Boudreau names Brent Johnson as his starting goaltender for tomorrow’s game

Another slow start was too much for the Leafs to overcome. They also lost Nik Antropov and John Mitchell to injury. The blame for Toronto’s struggles can be traced to poor defensive play.
Tom Renney is calling for Lightning goalie Mike Smith to be suspended for his role in a third-period altercation. Though they lost 5-2, Coach Brian Lawton was impressed with his team’s play.
It was an uncomfortable victory for the Penguins last night, writes Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. On the injury front, Sidney Crosby is questionable for the Pens’ next game after sitting out practice.
The Flyers did not get enough shots on goal last night and their forechecking was non-existent writes Sam Carchidi. Ed Moran feels that the Flyers need more than Brendan Shanahan.
Larry Brooks writes that the Rangers played a complete game last night. In off-the-ice news, the Rangers may be seeking a compensatory 2009 draft pick as as a result of the death of Alexei Cherapanov.
After blowing another third period lead, Islanders Coach Scott Gordon called his squad “a different team in the third period.”
Martin Brodeur underwent successful surgery yesterday. Kevin Weekes will be seeing a majority of the starts
The Panthers came out flat again last night in their loss to the Kings. Bryan McCabe made his return to the Florida line-up.
Carolina defenseman Joe Corvo acknowledges that last night’s 3-2 last minute loss will come back to haunt the ‘Canes.
Tim Connolly is expected to play tonight. Lindy Ruff is not sure who he will take out of the line-up as all four lines are playing well.
The Bruins were able to maintain their momentum with a 5-2 victory over the Leafs last night, writes RIch Thompson of the Boston Herald. Blake Wheeler notched his first career hat trick.
The Senators won last night because they played a strong game offensively and defensively. Martin Gerber will get the start against his old club tonight.
Owner George Gillett denies a report stating that the Habs are for sale. Sergei Kostitsyn blames his slow start on bad luck.