Illegal Curve Hockey

Categories: NHL Morning Papers

NHL Morning Papers (Monday Edition): Avalanche keeping Matt Duchene, Vincent Lecavalier reunited with Martin St. Louis, Dany Heatley playing on the second power play unit for the Sharks, and should the Leafs sign Brendan Shanahan?

The Ducks made a point of adding offensive depth this off-season but it has yet to pay off, writes Curtis Zupke.
The Atlanta Thrashers honored their fallen teammates–Daniel Snyder–in Elmira, Ontario on Sunday.
The Bruins traded Chuck Kobasew to the Minnesota Wild on Sunday, writes Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe.
“These guys have got to understand they’re not going to win if they don’t work hard, it’s just not going to happen,” said former Bruins superstar Cam Neely.
Lindy Ruff isn’t happy that opposing team’s players are running Ryan Miller in his crease.
In Calgary, David Moss appears to be improving from whatever injury it is that he has.
With such a light schedule, the Flames are partaking in a second training camp under Brent Sutter.
Cristobal Huet may be getting booed at the United Center, but his teammates support him.

Cristobal Huet's teammates still support the struggling netminder. (Picture courtesy of chicagobreakingnews.com)

Matt Duchene has clearly done enough good things to stay up with the big club, writes Adrian Dater.
Heading into the season, many thought the Avs would rely mainly on Paul Stastny, but the American center has yet to get going and the team is still winning.
Derek Dorsett is relishing the extra ice-time in Columbus right now.
Meanwhile, Mike Commodore is healthy now, he just needs to get his conditioning back up to normal levels.
In Dallas, Krys Barch is out to prove he can bring more to the table than just his fists.
Chris Chelios doesn’t even play for the Red Wings, yet he’s still the team’s player rep for the NHLPA.
Chris McCoskey of the Detroit News thinks the Wings have to start being more mentally sharp if the team wants to get out of its early season funk.
Ales Hemsky won’t play for the Oilers tonight when the team takes on the Canucks.
Patrick O’Sullivan only has one goal on the season, but at least he is getting scoring chances.
The exact same thing can be said for Oilers center Shawn Horcoff.

Shawn Horcoff knows he can be better. (Picture courtesy of tsn.ca)

The Panthers have yet to announce a starting goalie for Wednesday’s game against Buffalo. Well, it appears that uncertainty only lasted so long, as Scott Clemmensen has been announced starter for Wednesday’s game.
Kings coach Terry Murray wants more offense from his supporting cast.
Chuck Kobasew’s acquisition means Pierre-Marc Bouchard is going to be out of the Wild’s lineup for a while.
The Habs are hoping that Marc-Andre Bergeron can help the team’s struggling power play.
Jacques Lemaire has been experimenting with Travis Zajac off the top line in New Jersey.
Even though the Islanders are winless, GM Garth Snow still sees positive signs.
Sure the Ranges are rolling, but coach John Tortorella would love to see better play from off-season acquisition Chris Higgins.
Staying on Broadway, coach Tortorella wants his team to improve on its puck-posession over the past two games.
In big Rangers news, Michael Del Zotto is being kept up by the big club instead of being returned to junior hockey.

Michael Del Zotto will be staying on Broadway. (Picture courtesy of Game On)

So far this season, the Senators have the second best penalty killing percentage in hockey.
Frank Seravalli doesn’t understand why the NHL awards teams for losing games.
Dave Tippett’s team may be playing well in Phoenix, but he is still harping on his players for a number of reasons.
The Blues come to Pittsburgh tomorrow night and former Blue Jay McKee is certainly looking forward to it.
Speaking of McKee, he has developed some good chemistry with Alex Goligoski.
Both Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal took maintenance days on Sunday.
Sharks forward Jed Ortmeyer makes his return to Madison Square Garden tonight.
How will Dany Heatley react to being on the second power play unit in San Jose?
David Perron is still looking for his first point in St. Louis.
In injury news, Barret Jackman won’t play for the Blues on Tuesday in Pittsburgh.
In Tampa Bay, Vincent Lecavalier has been reunited with long-time linemate Martin St. Louis in an effort to get the struggling center out of his rut.
Damien Cox of the Toronto Star thinks the Leafs should sign Brendan Shanahan. (Writer’s note: Why? Shanahan was a great scorer in his day but he can’t keep up anymore.)
Meantime, no trade is imminent, according to GM Brian Burke.
If the Leafs are going to come out of this funk, it is going to be on the road, writes Rob Longley.
Kyle Wellwood has struggled with the flu in the early going and is hoping that turns around tonight.