Here are the morning papers for Saturday the 21st of February:
- The Ducks started off well in Motown but their game fell apart after the first ten minutes, writes Dan Wood.
- After struggling for a little while, David Krejci has returned to his early season form in Boston. Meanwhile, Cam Neely feels that Patrice Bergeron has turned the corner.
- The Sabres need to improve their penalty killing, writes John Vogl. In injury news, it looks like Henrik Tallinder will return to the Sabres lineup today.
- With Rene Bourque out until approxtimately the end of the regular season and Daymond Langkow listed as day-to-day, it is clear that the Flames have been hit by the injury bug. With so many injuries, the Flames’ reserves are ready to step up. Randy Sportak wonders if the Flames would have an interest in Steve Sullivan? Even though the team is leading the division, Calgary knows there is a lot of room for improvement.
- The Hurricanes got back to winning at home thanks to two third period goals by Joe Corvo. Tim Conboy was up in the NHL when the Albany River Rats bus crashed with many of his former/current teammates on board.
- In Chicago, Cristobal Huet is getting a chance to string a few games in a row because Nikolai Khabibulin is hurt.
- Jose Theodore talked a bit before the game, but didn’t exactly back it up on the ice, as the Avalanche walked into Washington and left with a surprising 4-1 victory. The Avalanche didn’t put too much significance in defeating their former teammate. If Ryan Smyth had his way, he’d stay on the Avalanche through the trade deadline.
- Tom Reed of the Columbus Dispatch has an interesting article about the different personalities of the defense pairing of Jan Hejda and Mike Commodore. Ken Hitchcock admits he was a little bit touched by his team’s excitement over his 500th career NHL coaching victory. Here are the Blue Jackets’ projected lines for tonight’s game.
- With so many injuries to key players, the Stars are a younger team than some believe.
- The Wings handled the Ducks quite easily on Friday night, writes George Sipple. If you didn’t catch it, Chris Osgood has been given a Kovalev-esque vacation. Jimmy Howard will replace Osgood during his ten-day break.
- Peter DeBoer has the utmost of respect for the Bruins, so you can expect his group to be ready to play tonight. The Florida fans are starting to get excited at the possibility of making the playoffs.
- Maybe the Wild players should have their families around more often, writes Brian Stensaas. Apparently Andrew Brunette may suit up today against the Red Wings, even though it was originally thought his lower-body injury may cause him to miss some action.
- “We’re very concerned,” said Habs GM Bob Gainey about the latest accusations against a couple of his players. Here is what some fans think of the current Habs situation. For all the Alexei Kovalev controversy, at the end of the day–it is still a game, opines Red Fisher. Dave Stubbs says the Habs owe George Gillett some more class.
- Under the radar, Radek Bonk is having a bounce-back season for the Predators.
- Scott Clemmensen will almost assuredly lose his starting job next week, but his season has been a great example of perseverance. The Devils are playing as a team, which is one of the main reasons for the team’s success this season.
- Chris Campoli asked out and the Islanders granted his wish in exchange for an important first round selection.
- Steve Zipay looks at possible moves the Rangers can make before the trade deadline. Larry Brooks looks at the best and worst deadline deals the Rangers have made.
- The Ottawa Sun writers provide their take on who won the Islanders/Senators trade. “I’m really excited about the opportunity to go to such a big hockey market,” said Chris Campoli about the trade. Is Chris Neil on his way out of Ottawa? Jason Spezza tells the media to give the Habs a break.
- The Flyers are going to ride a hot Martin Biron as the team comes down the stretch.
- Kurt Sauer looks to have returned from his foot injury too early, but the Coyotes obviously appreciate his willingness to play hurt.
- Dan Bylsma is getting thrown into the fire this weekend with games against Philadelphia and Washington. Coach Bylsma wants to see more production out of defenseman Kris Letang. Look for Miroslav Satan and Ruslan Fedotenko to get more playing opportunity under the Penguins’ new coach.
- Is Jonathan Cheechoo on the verge of turning the corner?
- Don’t ask Andy Murray which team the Blues are playing next.
- Gary Bettman says the Lightning franchise is doing fine financially. Last night wasn’t Tampa’s best effort.
- Mats Sundin’s appearance as a visitor tonight marks a new era for Leafs fans. Sundin defended himself against any claims that he was a traitor. Writer’s note: I don’t get these traitor claims. They are ridiculous. Booing Sundin tonight would be idiotic.
- Ryan Kesler has become a force in Vancouver. Canucks forward Mats Sundin is excited to return to Toronto, no matter the reception he receives.
- “We just didn’t have it. We had nothing. We were horrible,” said Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau after last night’s home loss to Colorado.