Illegal Curve Hockey

NHL Morning Papers (Thursday Edition): The NHL season starts tonight!!!

Here are 2009/10 season predictions from the Globe & Mail writers. (Writer’s note: Illegal Curve’s predictions debut later this morning.)
The Ducks reloaded on offense over the summer and Tanya Lyon of the OC Register has a video with some great interviews on the moves made.
It appears that Ilya Kovalchuk is not likely to sign a contract extension before the season begins.
The Bruins have some unfinished business this season, writes Kevin Paul Dupont.
The Boston Herald breaks down the Bruins by position.
It looks like David Krejci is a go for tonight’s season opener.
Impressive rookie Tyler Myers has made the Sabres’ opening night roster, reports Mike Harrington.
“For me, Vancouver is our main rival now,” said Flames center Craig Conroy.
“With Brent, his understanding of the game is quite a bit better and he’s going to have our team playing much more together,” said Robyn Regehr about Brent Sutter as compared to Mike Keenan.
David Moss talks about having the opportunity of playing on the team’s number one line.
It appears Cory Sarich will not be able to play against the Canucks tonight.
The Walker family is happy that Scott’s wife Julie is okay and now they can just focus on living their life, writes Luke Decock.
Cam Ward’s new mega-contract takes him into some seriously elite company, writes Chip Alexander.
This season is all about making a Cup run if you are the Chicago Blackhawks, writes Chris Kuc.
The Avalanche is going to start the season by giving Joe Sakic the retirement ceremony he deserves.
Just because the Blue Jackets have more talent than in past years, it doesn’t mean that Ken Hitchcock will change his coaching style.

Ken Hitchcock won't stray away from his defensive coaching style, even with more talent on his roster. (Picture courtesy of the Globe & Mail)

R.J. Umberger is willing to play any role on the Blue Jackets to help the team win.
The Stars organization was very excited to play the first ever all Texas contest, as the team played against its new Texas Stars affiliate.
Henrik Zetterberg’s groin appeared just fine yesterday in his team’s game against Farjestad.
Zetterberg won’t have to worry about being overplayed this season, writes Chris McCosky.
Some analysts think that father time is going to catch up to Detroit this season.
Patrick O’Sullivan feels a lot more comfortable in Edmonton now, as opposed to immediately after the trade deadline.
The Oilers are trying to ensure that their penalty kill is not as horrible as it was last season.
In roster news, Liam Reddox cleared waivers and is going to report to the AHL.
In other news, Ales Hemsky expects to be ready for the team’s season opener on Saturday.
Steve Gorten tells us which areas the Panthers excel and which areas the Panthers are weak.
It looks like David Booth has become the face of the Florida franchise.
The Kings season will boil down to goaltending, writes Rich Hammond.
Todd Richards likes what Kyle Brodziak brings to the table, writes Michael Russo.
Here are Russo’s predictions for the 2009/10 NHL season.
For once in Montreal Canadiens history, the team is beginning the season without a captain.
Does the Habs’ success depend on whether Carey Price has a breakout season?
Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette has a terrific profile of Brian Gionta.

Brian Gionta could be one of the keys to the Habs' season in 2009/10. (Picture courtesy of yahoo.com)

Sergei Kostitsyn certainly doesn’t look like he’s long for Montreal.
Even after Pekka Rinne had a terrific 2008/09 season, the Predators have yet to name a starting netminder.
In other roster news, the Predators have demoted Cody Franson to the AHL.
Mark Everson of the NY Post provides readers with a list of who made and didn’t make the Devils roster.
You could argue the success of the Rangers this season depends on Marian Gaborik’s health and production.
The Rangers also have big expectations for newcomer Chris Higgins.
It has been a long time coming, so Matt Carkner is very excited to open the season in the NHL.
The Senators have more offensive options than they did the past couple years, writes Ken Warren.
Here is an interview with Senators GM Bryan Murray.
The Senators youngsters won’t take anything for granted playing for Cory Clouston.
Chris Pronger’s effect on the Flyers has already been felt, explains Frank Seravelli.

The Chris Pronger effect. (Picture courtesy of yahoo.com)

Big time prospect James Van Riemsdyk will begin the season with the Flyers.
Stephen Brunt recaps the Coyotes saga with a sketeptical view of the future.
“Glendale is extremely pleased that the court has denied the bid that would have moved the team,” said the city of Glendale.
Robert Lang should be a nice addition to a young Coyotes club.
Some of the Coyotes games will be shown on tape delay this season.
Bill Guerin still loves playing the game, especially in Pittsburgh, so why would he hang up the skates?
Meanwhile, Pascal Dupuis has been promoted to the team’s number “two” line.
Meantime, the Penguins are excited to have added Chris Bourque to the organization.
Mark Purdy says the 2009/10 season will be a fascinating one for the San Jose Sharks.
Here are five questions on Sharks fans’ minds.
After missing an entire season, Erik Johnson is very excited to finally get back to playing.
The Blues continue to stress playing a physical game, writes Jeremy Rutherford.
Here are five key issues for St. Louis this season.
In Tampa Bay, Vincent Lecavalier has impressed coach Rick Tocchet.
Dave Shoalts of the Globe & Mail gives Mats Sundin a fitting goodbye.
Here is what it will take for the Leafs to win this season.
For the second consecutive season, the Maple Leafs open the regular season without a captain.
Michael Traikos of the National Post has five questions for the Maple Leafs.
Mike Gillis is certainly not happy about his players being mentioned in a rumor for Victor Hedman.
Coach Alain Vigneault thinks the Canucks are legitimate Stanley Cup contenders this season.
Tony Gallagher predicts that the Canucks will win the Northwest Division.
Meanwhile, Henrik Sedin has been named an assitant captain in Vancouver.
Capitals owner Ted Leonsis hopes the Capitals are starting a dynasty.