Here are the Northwest Division morning papers:
- The Flames are hoping to see Jarome Iginla crack the 50 goal mark, writes Jean Lefebvre. Even though he’s always carrying the load, at least Iginla is once again getting scoring help from Kristian Huselius.
- The Canucks got their revenge on the Coyotes last night with an important 3-1 victory at GM Place. Canucks defenseman Mattias Ohlund told reporters yesterday that he doesn’t remember ever seeing an injury-filled season like this one has been.
- Dwayne Roloson has the respect and confidence of his coaches and teammates, writes Joanne Ireland. Roloson’s recent performances have led the Oilers still believe they have a shot at the playoffs.
- The Avalanche were not unhappy with the way they played on Monday night in Minnesota, they just did not get many breaks. In roster news, the Avs have sent young defenseman Kyle Cumisky down to Lake Erie of the AHL.
- The Wild’s victory over Colorado last night had a playoff-type atmosphere, writes Michael Russo of the Star Tribune. The Wild is thankful for the play of Niklas Backstrom the past two games.
Here are the Pacific Division morning papers:
- Bobby Ryan will find himself on one of the Ducks’ top two lines when Anaheim faces off against the Stars on Wednesday.
- The Kings’ nominee for the Masterton Trophy does not even play for Los Angeles anymore.
- The Stars need to put together a strong finish to the season if they want to have any chance winning the Pacific Division. The Stars’ nominee for the Masterton Trophy is long-time defenseman Sergei Zubov.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News has a cool article about Brian Campbell and his spin-o-rama.
**The Coyotes did not have a beat writer at last night’s game in Vancouver**
Here are the Central Division morning papers:
- New Red Wings defenseman Brad Stuart has added a physical element to the blue line, writes Helene St. James. Meantime, the Wings have been very encouraged by the recent play of Johan Franzen.
- John Glennon of the Tennessean tells us that the Predators are expected to reach the attendance threshold necessary to qualify for the NHL’s revenue sharing plan.
- The Blackhawks are starting to realize their playoff chances are slim to none, writes Chris Kuc. Off the ice, Blackhawks fans will be getting great news about their television coverage.
- Due to some past battles, the Blue Jackets are expecting a heated contest with the Flames tonight, writes Aaron Portzline. Here are the Blue Jackets’ probable lines for tonight’s game.
- As Jeremy Rutherford explains, the Blues are trying to understand what has went wrong lately.
For Illegal Curve, I’m Richard Pollock.
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