Here are the morning papers for Tuesday the 3rd of February:
- In what was a somewhat wild and physical game, the Ducks did a good job of maintaining their composure, writes Dan Wood.
- Chris Thorburn has been placed on a line with Rich Peverley and Ilya Kovalchuk. BY the way, the Thrashers activated Garnet Exelby from injured reserve.
- Manny Fernandez is ready to get back in the lineup for the Bruins. Peter Chiarelli is not feeling any pressure to make a trade.
- The Sabres just didn’t generate enough shots on net last night in Anaheim, writes John Vogl. Talk about a young defense, the Sabres played three rookie defensemen on Monday.
- The Flames just have trouble beating the Avalanche for some reason. Randy Sportak gives his grades out for Monday’s game. The game put an end to Calgary’s modest four-game winning streak. If the Flames start next season in Finland, there won’t be any complaints from Darryl Sutter.
- Cam Ward has no problem with playing a lot of games in Carolina. Do backup goalies even exist for the Hurricanes?
- The Blackhawks want to be the dominant team that the Chicago Bulls once were. The Blackhawks management have big dreams for the organization. As a good start, the team is once again popular in the Chicago area.
- The Avalanche were a desperate team at home last night and they played like one, writes Adrian Dater. Marek Svatos tallied twice on Monday and is hoping this is the start of him breaking out of his slump. It has sure been a tough season on the ice for Tyler Arnason.
- With the team in the midst of the playoff race, the Blue Jackets are exhibiting some new found confidence. Perhaps the return of Rostislav Klesla tonight will provide the Jackets with an even bigger boost. Here are the Jackets’ projected lines for tonight’s game.
- With so many games at home this month, the Stars are hoping to capitalize on this upcoming stretch.
- It wasn’t the team’s top game on Monday, but the Wings will take the win anyhow, writes Helene St. James. Kris Draper was honored to play in his 1000th career NHL game. In injury news, the Wings are expecting Henrik Zetterberg back for Wednesday’s game versus Phoenix.
- The Oilers have revenge on their minds with the Blackhawks next up on the schedule. Terry Jones thinks Ales Hemsky needs someone to play with.
- If the Panthers want to make the playoffs, they have to beat teams below them in the standings.
- The Kings were not happy with Denis Gauthier’s five-game suspension.
- Pierre-Marc Bouchard has been playing a lot better as of late, so for a team that has been lacking offense, he is an important part of the team’s success moving forward. Meantime, James Sheppard has been given more freedom by coach Lemaire.
- The Predators claim they will make money this season.
- What’s old is old again in New Jersey, writes Mark Everson.
- Scott Gordon has not named a number one netminder on the Island.
- It is Adam Graves night tonight at MSG. Graves is sure deserving of this Rangers tribute, writes Larry Brooks.
- Yesterday’s firing was Bryan Murray’s last chance at change for the Senators. Bryan Murray said he had to make a change. The team’s new coach thinks his squad can improve quite quickly.
- The Flyers have sent Luca Sbisa back to the CHL.
- The Coyotes are hoping Steven Reinprecht will return to the lineup this weekend.
- Mark Eaton appears to be regaining his old form in Pittsburgh. Tyler Kennedy’s suspension for one game, just opens the door for someone else. There is no precise return date, but Sergei Gonchar is close to returning to the Penguins lineup.
- The hulking Alexei Semenov is carving out a nice career down in San Jose.
- Manny Legace blamed himself for the Blues’ loss at Detroit on Monday.
- The Lightning signed another netminder on Monday.
- Jason Blake has been on a terrific roll this season as compared to last, writes Paul Hunter. Luke Schenn sure doesn’t hit like a 19 year old kid.
- There is trouble on the ice and off the ice in Vancouver, as defenseman Shane O’Brien is not a happy camper. This looks like Mattias Ohlund’s last season as a member of the Canucks.
- Bruce Boudreau wants the Capitals to cutdown on the team’s high penalty total. Chris Clark is expected to be out of the lineup for the remainder of the season with a wrist injury.
**The Montreal Gazette is still not updated, so there are no Habs articles in the morning papers**