Here are the national morning papers:
Here are the Eastern Conference morning papers:
Here are the Western Conference morning papers:
- Having lost four straight games, the Blues are hoping to crack out of their slump against the powerhouse Red Wings tonight.
- The Canucks’ top line realizes they will have to pump up their contributions with the injury to Brendan Morrison killing the teams secondary scoring.
- The Ducks continued their strong defensive play last night as they beat the Avalanche 2-1 in overtime thanks to Schneider’s glove-side goal 2:29 into the extra frame. Since Neidermayer’s return on Sunday, the Ducks have only allowed 2 goals in 3 games.
- After winning 6 in a row on the road, the Flames are looking to improve upon their 7-7-4 home record when they host the Stars tomorrow night. Despite their win streak, the Flames are still in fourth in the crowded Northeast Division. As well, Mike Keenan has rediscovered his passion for coaching with Calgary being his 8th coaching job in the NHL
- The Blackhawks did not let up after jumping ahead 3-0 in the first period as they beat the Predators 5-2. This was only their 2nd win in 8 games in December.
- Without the services of Ryan Smith and Jordan Leopold and despite only registering 12 shots on goal, the Avs still managed to walk away with a point from last night’s overtime loss to the Ducks. The Ducks completely dominated in all aspects of the game but Peter Budaj was sensational stopping 36 of 38 shots.
- Blue Jacket’s forward, Dave Vyborny, is anxious to return to the lineup on Friday after missing the last 8 games with a groin injury.
- Mike Ribiero, who is on pace for a career high 42 goals and 87 points, is looking to help the Stars beat the Canucks tonight in Vancouver.
- The Red Wings had goals from six different players last night against the Kings with Kronwall chipping in a career-high 4 assists as the NHL’s best team beat the NHL’s worst 6-2.
- Since arriving in Minnesota 2 year’s ago, Brian Rolston has been a catalyst for the team’s success. As Rolston is beginning to heat up expect the Wild to follow suit writes Minnesota Tribune’s Kent Youngblood.
- The Pred’s inability to score has found them losers of 5 in a row and sitting 14th place in the Western conference. After last night’s lack lustre 5-2 loss to the Blackhawks, Pred’s captain, Jason Arnott, led a players-only meeting to try to find a way to turn the season around.
- The Coyotes recent success can be attributed to the “VHS Line”, featuring Vrbata, Hanzel and Sjostrom, writes Jim Gintonio of the Arizona Republic.
- The Sharks play host to the suddenly resurgent Coyotes tonight. The Sharks have won all 4 meetings with the Coyotes this season.
For Illegal Curve, I’m Richard Pollock. (Illegal Curve’s Adam Gutkin contributed the Western Conference papers this morning.)