NHL Morning Papers (Thursday Edition): Lafleur chimes in on Kovalev, Lamoriello looking to add defenseman and Ville Koistinen wants out of Nashville

Here are the morning papers for Thursday the 19th of February:

• The Ducks lost to the Kings on Wednesday and now begin a six-game road trip that could decide whether they make the playoffs or not.  The Ducks may look a lot different when they return home, writes Mark Whicker.
• The Thrashers have been scoring at an impressive pace, but they are aware that team defense will be the key to an extended winning streak.
• Patrice Bergeron really feels like he is returning to his old form, explains Kevin Paul Dupont.  There are many encouraging signs surrounding the Bruins these days.
• Thomas Vanek’s return from a fractured jaw may take longer than originally expected.  Daniel Paille’s game has sure changed from last season and even earlier this season, writes Mike Harrington.
• Steve Macfarlane thinks the referees always have their eyes on Todd Bertuzzi.  Jim Vandermeer is closing in on a return to the Flames lineup.  Even with an eight-point lead in the Northwest Division, the Flames are not taking anything for granted.  The Flames are aware they have to take some of the burden off Miikka Kiprusoff.
• The Hurricanes have an offer out to fans that will freeze season ticket prices for the next three seasons.  Writer’s note: Good on them.
• With Patrick Sharp out of the lineup for the next couple weeks, the Blackhawks other goal-scorers need to pick up the slack.
• The Blue Jackets almost blew the lead last night but held on to register an important victory over the Blues 4-3.  With a win in last night’s game, Steve Mason is now focused on starting in front of his friends and family in Toronto.
• With Brad Richards out of the linuep, the Stars can’t put any more of the burden on Marty Turco, writes Tim Cowlishaw.  Mike Heika doesn’t think the Stars will try and replace Brad Richards by bringing in another forward.  Don’t expect the Stars to use injuries as an excuse.
• Johan Franzen made quite an impressive return to the Wings lineup on Wednesday with two goals against the Predators.  The Red Wings’ tremendous power play accounted for five of the team’s six goals.
• Steve Tambellini is readying for his first trade deadline as Oilers GM, writes Terry Jones.  J.F. Jacques may get in the lineup tonight for the Oilers.  Jim Matheson answers readers’ questions for the Edmonton Journal.
• Peter DeBoer wants Stephen Weiss to play a more selfish game.
• After last night’s win over the rival Ducks, the Kings continue to believe the playoffs are within close reach, writes Rich Hammond.
• The Wild has a difficult three-game stretch coming up with three of the top four Western Conference teams on the schedule.  With 27 games left on the schedule, the Wild cannot let up.
• Yvon Cournoyer thinks the entire Habs team needed a wakeup call not just Alexei Kovalev.  Meanwhile, another Habs legend Guy Lafleur says if he were Alex Kovalev he wouldn’t return to the team.
• The Predators got a dose of the powerful Red Wings last night and it wasn’t pretty, writes John Glennon.  Meanwhile, Ville Koistinen wants out of Nashville.
• If Lou Lamoriello can’t get Chris Pronger or Scott Niedermayer at the deadline, it looks like he’ll go after Derek Morris or Ed Jovanovski.
• The Islanders lost last night at MSG but they battled hard the entire way, writes Greg Logan.
• What would have happened if the Rangers had signed Mark Streit and not Wade Redden?  Last night was an important win for the Rangers, but it was just one win, writes Larry Brooks.
• It appears that Daniel Alfredsson’s status is in doubt for tonight’s game versus Vancouver.
• The Flyers finally get back into game action tonight after four days off.  The Flyers have a lot of players who will be in the running to be named to Team Canada 2010 for the Olympics in Vancouver.
• Apparently someone wants to buy the Coyotes.  On the ice, the Coyotes need to demonstrate some more confidence.
• Dan Bylsma has had a lot to teach the Penguins team in a short time, and the players understand that, writes Shelly Anderson.  Would the Penguins consider acquiring Alexei Kovalev?  If Dan Rooney owned the Penguins maybe Michel Therrien would still be coaching.
• One of the reasons for the Sharks success this season has been the play of the team’s second line.
• Steven Stamkos has seen his confidence grow in Tampa Bay.
• With the Blue Jackets coming to town, Leafs netminder Justin Pogge appreciates just how good Steve Mason is.  In the minors, Jiri Tlusty had a five-goal game for the Marlies.  The Mats Sundin return to Toronto is just around the corner after Columbus leaves town.  By the way, Ron Wilson likes Ken Hitchcock.
• Alex Burrows has made a big impact on the Canucks this season.
• Another night and another hilight reel goal by Alexander Ovechkin, as the Capitals defeated the Habs 4-3 in a shootout.