Here are the morning papers for Friday the 2nd of January:
- Ducks defenseman Kent Huskins will be out of the lineup for 2-3 weeks with a foot injury.
- Thrashers defenseman Garnet Exelby doesn’t think the NHLPA will exercise its option to re-open the CBA after the season.
- When he’s not playing, Manny Fernandez is doing his best to observe the tendencies of other teams. The Bruins are making sure that every Boston sports team is dominant these days. Meanwhile, Milan Lucic seems to be returning to old form for the Bruins.
- Can you believe that Rod Brind’Amour is -26 so far this season?
- The Blackhawks got off to a great start, but the Wings spoiled the party by coming back and scoring five consecutive goals. The Classic exceeded many people’s expectations. This game was really a coming out party (or coming back party) for hockey in Chicago.
- Terry Frei has an interesting feature on John-Michael Liles.
- Since Derick Brassard went down for the season, the Jackets have become a more Hitchcock-like defensive squad. Steve Mason has been ridiculously good lately. Here are the Jackets’ projected lines for tonight’s game.
- The Stars sure had a nice bounce back month in December, writes Mike Heika.
- The wind was more important than many people realized yesterday at Wrigley Field. The Red Wings turned it on in the second period yesterday afternoon and took over the game. Here are the hero and the goat from Thursday’s game. The Wings had a terrific time playing at Wrigley.
- Jassen Cullimore is being a trooper and playing through pain in his left hand. The Panthers fans love David Booth.
- Marian Gaborik may have season-ending hip surgery. Derek Boogard punches so hard that he can break parts of a helmet to pieces.
- Dave Stubbs of the Montreal Gazette tells Habs fans about all the roster changes for tonight’s game versus New Jersey. In injury news, the Habs have lost Alex Tanguay for six weeks with a shoulder injury. (Hat tip: To reader Bryan for these tips yesterday)
- The Predators lost once again on Thursday because they just cannot score. Jordin Tootoo made sure to hold Alexandre Burrows accountable for the hit he laid the last time these two teams met.
- Even if other teams are interested in trading for Scott Clemmensen, it is most likely the Devils won’t trade him.
- Mike Comrie feels healthy and is back to his scoring ways, writes Arthur Staple.
- The Rangers haven’t been playing much the past week, so they actually don’t mind having long practices. Meanwhile, Lauri Korpokoski continues to improve for New York.
- Brian Lee says Wednesday’s Canada/US WJHC game was one of the best he’s ever seen. The Senators are currently in Ottawa, even though they are in the midst of an eight-game road trip.
- The Flyers get to play against hometown boy Bobby Ryan tonight when they visit Anaheim. The Flyers are trying to host an outdoor game.
- The Coyotes host the Islanders tonight and Jim Gintonio has a quick preview.
- Moral victories only count for so much, so the Penguins have to get it in gear soon. Even Boston didn’t think they’d be this good this season. The Penguins need leadership from more than just Sidney Crosby, says Michel Therrien.
- Roman Polak has really impressed the Blues brass with his play this season. If the Blues want to turn the season around, they need to stop giving up important late-game goals.
- After sustaining a hit from Alexander Ovechkin, Jamie Heward suffered what appeared to be a serious concussion last night. Mike Smith played poorly against the Capitals and the Lightning lost 7-4.
- The Leafs appeared to be sleepwalking through yesterday’s 4-1 loss at home to Buffalo. Is it time for Cujo to call it quits? Ron Wilson was considering changes after last night’s games.
- New Canucks netminder Jason LaBarbera was the story in Nashville on Thursday. Playing for the Canucks is a dream come true for LaBarbera
- If the Capitals don’t make a long playoff run, it will be a disappointment, writes Mike Wise. The Capitals looked good last night in defeating the Lightning 7-4. Alexander Ovechkin was rattled after his hit sent Jamie Heward off the ice on a stretcher.
For Illegal Curve, I’m Richard Pollock.
