Here are the morning papers for Sunday the 28th of September:
- Wih the team headed to Europe, Larry Brooks of the NY Post is concerned that the Rangers only have three regulars on their roster who had above-average training camps. If you don’t believe Brooks, Michael Obernauer off the NY Daily News also says the Rangers haven’t been any good. At this point in time, Tom Renney may be willing to try just about anything when it comes to lines and defensive pairings.
- New Sharks coach Todd McLellan took responsibility last night for his team not being ready for its pre-season game versus Vancouver.
- The Blues almost doubled the Stars in shots last night, but still lost 4-3. After his bizarre golf cart incident put him out for the season, Blues defenseman Erik Johnson is frustrated that people don’t believe the details of how his injury occurred.
- The Capitals have continued the momentum they generated the last half of the 2007/08 season, writes George Solomon. Meanwhile, youngster Jeff Schultz has a spot secured on the Capitals’ defense and is looking to make his mark.
- Barry Melrose wants to ensure that his team does not take the exhibition games against the European club teams too easily. Vincent Lecavalier is going to get into his first exhibition game today and is hoping his shoulder holds up. Here is the second entry from Vaclav Prospal about visiting his home country with the Lightning.
- Justin Pogge still has room to improve, but Ron Wilson recognizes his talent, writes Paul Hunter. Meantime, Wilson is ready to bench people who take stupid penalties.
- Bryan McCabe is happy to be starting fresh in South Florida. The Panthers got quite the welcome on Prince Edward Island, writes Jason Simmonds.
- Brian Stensaas of the Minneapolis Star Tribune tells readers that the Wild took notice of Antti Miettinen last season when they played Dallas. In roster news, Jacques Lemaire wants to see Marian Gaborik get back on the ice sooner rather than later.
- When the Predators play the Blue Jackets it is always intense, even if it is just pre-season, writes John Glennon.
- It is safe to say the Blue Jackets iced their “B” team last night versus Nashville. Tom Reed of the Columbus Dispatch has an interesting article about R.J. Umberger and the example he sets for players at Ohio State University, his alma matter.
- Jon Sim has impressed at Islanders camp and is pressing for time on the first line.
- Petr Vrana has had a terrific camp for the Devils and is pushing for action amongst the team’s regular four forward lines.
- Sidney Crosby can drink in all U.S. States now. Here are five stories to watch for with the Penguins this season. With so many new faces in town and a couple important injuries, the Penguins are hoping that their trip to Sweden brings the team closer together.
- Coach Wayne Gretzky says Viktor Tikhonov looks like he’s already ready to play in NHL. Adam Keefe is trying to fight his way into the Coyotes’ line-up–literally.
- Sam Carchidi reviews the closing of the Spectrum and the ceremony that went with it. Simon Gagne got the monkey off his back last night.
- The Ducks defeated the Coyotes 3-1 in exhibition action last night.
- Blake Wheeler has his sights set on making the Bruins, writes Kevin Paul Dupont. Dupont also has an interesting piece about concussions. In injury news, Manny Fernandez is hurt again.
- After a frustrating season, Maxim Afinogenov is back on the top line.
- Hurricanes coach Peter Laviolette wants to get all his players back in the line-up to see what his team really looks like.
- Marty Turco made the big save at the right time and the Stars were victorious 4-3 in exhibition action over the Blues.
- The Flames’ third jerseys are almost ready to go, but there haven’t been any leaks, writes Steve MacFarlane.
- Patrick Kane has been moved back to right wing after a brief stint at center.
- Brian Willsie is happy to be out of Los Angeles and in Colorado.
- Kyle Brodziak is not going to let hard work get in the way of his dreams and aspirations, writes Derek Van Diest.
- Here is a Habs preview from the Montreal Gazette.
- Apparently Nick Foligno now has a goal song, writes Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun.
For Ilegal Curve, I’m Richard Pollock.