Here are the morning papers for Saturday the 6th of December:
- Here is Eric Duhatschek’s weekly news and notes column.
- The Flames recorded a very important win in the first game of the team’s difficult four-game road trip, writes Scott Cruickshank.
- In Chicago, the Hawks are trying to become the next best team in the Western Conference behind San Jose and Detroit.
- It was some old fashioned 80’s hockey in Los Angeles last night, as the Oilers came out of the Staples Center with a 5-4 shootout win, writes Jim Matheson. Sam Gagner (concussion) didn’t play last night for Edmonton. Meanwhile, Jason Strudwick will now be asked to play some forward, but he doesn’t mind.
- Wild coach Jacques Lemaire thinks the Canucks badger the referees to their advantage, writes John Shipley. The Wild not only lost last night’s game to Vancouver, but they also lost first place in the Northwest Division.
- Even without Martin Brodeur, the Habs know what to expect tonight from the Devils, writes Pat Hickey. Here is Red Fisher’s weekly notebook.
- Shean Donovan has taken on more responsibility under new head coach Craig Hartsburg.
- Two Manitoba Moose call ups, Cory Schneider and Jason Jaffray, helped the Canucks end their four-game losing skid with a 2-1 win at Minnesota on Friday. Last night’s win should give Schneider some confidence.
- Randy Carlyle isn’t afraid to bench Bobby Ryan is he isn’t playing up to the coach’s expectations.
- The Thrashers just keep making mistakes at crucial points in their games and that’s why the team’s record is so poor, writes Mike Knobler.
- The Bruins youngsters are holding their own so far this season, writes Kevin Paul Dupont. The Bruins are hoping to make it a Florida sweep with a win over the Panthers tonight, writes Stephen Harris.
- Ryan Miller wasn’t happy with Lindy Ruff’s criticism of him.
- Peter Laviolette has nothing but good memories of his time in Carolina, writes Javier Serna.
- The Avalanche’s shootout winning streak was ended last night in Dallas. In roster news, the Avs have called up Chris Stewart from the AHL.
- Fredrik Modin seems to be returning to old form in Columbus, writes Aaron Portzline. Scoring chances are great, but Ken Hitchcock wants to see results. Here are the Jackets’ probable lines for tonight’s game against Los Angeles.
- The Stars moved on from the Sean Avery controversy last night with a 2-1 shootout win over Colorado. Here are some interesting comments by Brett Hull about the Avery situation.
- Chris Osgood won’t play tonight for Detroit but he is still Mike Babcock’s go-to guy.
- Rostislav Olesz will be a game-time decision for the Panthers’ game tonight against Boston.
- Both Ryan Jones and Patric Hornqvist have reacted positively to being sent to the AHL. Dan Ellis gets the start in net tonight for Nashville.
- The Devils are expecting Bobby Holik to return to the line-up tonight versus Montreal.
- The Islanders have lost rookie Kyle Okposo for a month with a writes injury, writes Greg Logan.
- Henrik Lundqvist realizes the leadership role he fills.
- It’s Malkin and Crosby versus the Pizza line today in Ottawa.
- Simon Gagne tried to calm Flyers fans fears by telling them that his flu is not as a result of suffering another concussion.
- The Penguins are ready for Jarkko Ruutu’s disturbing ways today, writes Dave Molinari. Penguins winger Tyler Kennedy will be out 4-6 weeks with a knee sprain.
- Jonathan Cheechoo (upper body) is still not ready to return to the Sharks line-up.
- Even though the Blues blew a lead last night at home, coach Andy Murray is only thinking positive. Meantime, Blues center Patrik Berglund was moved back to the team’s number two line for last night’s game.
- Rick Tocchet wants his players to feel good about themselves.
- The Leafs got an early wake-up call on Friday. Off the ice, Larry Tannenbaum has purchased more of MLSE.
For Illegal Curve, I’m Richard Pollock.
