Christian Backman

Here are the morning papers for Monday the 8th of December: The Ducks got some nice production from their fourth line, as they defeated the visiting Blue Jackets 5-3 on Sunday night. Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe tells us that Manny Fernandez has returned to old form in Boston this season. Cam Neely says he hasn't ever seen a deeper group of forwards in Boston uniforms. The Sabres have to get back to producing offense like they have the past two seasons, writes John Vogl. Miikka Kiprusoff helped the Flames weather the storm in the first period and eventually came away with a 3-0 shutout of the Rangers at MSG. Warren Peters made his NHL debut last night for Calgary and then was promptly returned to the AHL. The Rangers fans took time to mock Dion Phaneuf during last night's game. The Hurricanes came away with a big victory on Sunday versus the division rival Capitals, writes Luke Decock. Michael Leighton was terrific last night, turning aside Alex Ovechkin on a penalty shot and preserving the team's 2-1 lead. The Blackhawks came out like a house on fire and absolutely dominated the Coyotes in a 7-1 home victory at the United Center. Colorado started a three-game homestand on Sunday and came away with a comeback 5-4 shootout victory. The way Daniel Tjarnqvist is playing for the Avalanche, the fans have to be wondering how this guy was a healthy scratch for the first 19 games of the season. Did you know the Avs allow the third lowest shots against in the NHL per game? "We've got some regrouping to do now," said Blue Jackets coach Ken Hitchcock after last night's 5-3 loss to Anaheim. Both Christian Backman and Jakub Voracek were both healthy scratches last night. With all the team's injuries and the suspension to Sean Avery, the Stars have brought Tom Wandell in from Sweden to help them up front. Sure they have a lot of stars in their line-up, but the Wings have been getting terrific production from Mikael Samuelsson and Jiri Hudler. Since Dustin Penner was called out in the media by coach Craig MacTavish, he has eights points in eight games. Speaking of MacTavish, he is being patient with Erik Cole and is just making sure he is in a position to help the team. With their solid road play, the Oilers have given themselves an opportunity to pump up their record with some solid home play in the next few weeks. George Richards of the Miami Herald says there is talk that Jacques Martin is looking to make a trade to add some offense to the Panthers line-up. Michael Russo has the story of an interesting agent controversy in Minnesota. Former Canadiens forward Claude Lemieux is serious about his comeback attempt. The Predators have been on defensive lockdown lately and it has been paying off, writes John Glennon. If you didn't know, Scott Clemmensen has been terrific in place of Martin Brodeur. Blake Comeau sure didn't impress Scott Gordon in training camp, so now is his chance to prove he belongs on the Islanders and can become a productive forward. With a 3-0 home loss to Calgary yesterday, it is clear that the Rangers continue to have trouble scoring goals. Larry Brooks says the team's power play is an embarassment. The Senators plan on making another push for Mats Sundin this week, writes Chris Stevenson. Meanwhile, Jason Spezza has answered his coach's requests and the entire team is reaping the benefits. Are Ken Hitchcock and the Blue Jackets trying to get Randy Jones from Philadephia? Sure the Penguins have Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin but they could really use some offensive production from their wingers. It is difficult for the Penguins' AHL call-ups to prove themselves offensively when they line up in checking roles in the NHL, writes Dave Molinari. Lightning netminder Mike Smith says he may try to quiet down and just focus on his own play in the next few weeks. Leafs defenseman Mike Van Ryn is looking to return from injury as early as this Friday. Also in injury news, the Leafs will be without Luke Schenn for two weeks but are hoping for Jonas Frogren to return next week. Canucks rookie netminder Cory Schneider experienced first-hand what a nightmare Colorado can be for a Vancouver netminder. Kevin Bieksa realizes he was very lucky to be only a little sore after getting hit from behind last night. After yesterday's loss to Carolina, the Capitals only lead the Southeast Division by four points. For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

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